Misha

Thanks Ian and Roger for your comments and for checkin’ in! An update from yesterday’s bench time. Finished spraying the interior of the body shell with the dull aluminium finish on the door panels, the upholstery panels are not installed yet, just positioned. The cockpit also received the same aluminium finish and is ready to be further detailed. The parts are also just mocked up awaiting installation and wiring. The exterior in now ready for its colour to be applied. Planning on white stripes with a pearl finish on top of am overall LP 46 Pure Metallic Red. The first spoon has the red over top of white primer, going to shoot a second one over top of LP 48 Sparkling Silver to see the change. Cheers Misha

Spent time masking the interior for the semi-gloss black LP 5 and the rear panel with the trunk surround. Next step will have the door panels painted with aluminium and upholstery panels installed. Also finished painting the tires with Rubber Black LP 65 and finished detail painting the wheels by hand painting and washes. Might add valve stems to complete the picture. I’m using the kit’s plastic tires which allowed me to gently sand the sidewalls with 3000 paper to faintly reveal the raised lettering. Mocked up the engine cradle one more time to check for fit and adjustment, again so far, 😊 so good! Final task of the day was to begin masking the frame to apply the aluminium finish to the floor panels. It is quite tedious as there is increased detail added to the kit’s plain floor panel. It’s neat to see this project come together. Please do add comments and hints, and as always, thanks for checkin in. Cheers Misha

Thanks for checkin in JC & Steve 👋 This kit was originally issued in the late sixties, shortly after AMT’s 66 Barracuda rear engined Hemi in their Funny Car series that included the altered wheelbase Comet and Olds. While the Hemi Under Glass kit has seen numerous releases, the CheZOOOM was only re-released recently for the first time. I had purchased a glue bomb with extra parts for $1.35 many years ago and it has sat in the stash ever since. The reissue got me started on what is a basic kit just begging for detail, in addition to a Chev 427! Yet the fit of the unaltered Barracuda chassis under the Corvair body does require modifications for it to fit even for the casual builder. The chassis pan requires shortening to fit, in fact the front spoiler on my build is the cut off from the rear. The other modification not mentioned in the instructions requires the firewall to be trimmed on the upper sides to properly fit within the side glass. Overall this kit is a bare canvas and a welcome addition from the past with its original boxtop art though in a larger sized box. Getting back to the bench, Cheers Misha

Keeping an eye on this one Luke… Cheers Misha

That’s really coming along Rob! Like your switch to the blue as well. I often attempt to build more or less from the box, yet rarely have I pulled it off 😉. I’ll be following along on this one. Cheers Misha

Have spent my workbench time split between it and the spray booth getting more assembly and paint on parts. Concentrated on the engine cradle getting it into shape by mocking up larger pieces. The rear axle is installed now awaiting brake lines, and the major engine components, except for the exhaust, have also been assembled. The next step will be wiring and fuel and water lines. The chassis received its coat of semi gloss black LP 5 which will be masked off on the frame while the rest gets a dull aluminium finish (should I spray gloss black over the LP 5 before the metal finish?). After that some detail painting and further assembly of the smaller components onto the chassis. I’m quite happy with how the Chevy transplant is fitting in, mainly thanks to many mock ups with PVA glue to check measurements and clearances. The body is now getting its interior sprayed, first with a sand colour to represent the fiberglass underside of the nose and the rear deck lid which is visible thru the aluminium frame that gives the piece its strength. Then remainder will be done in LP5 with aluminium door sides to complement the frame interior. Once all of that is accomplished I’ll move onto the exterior which will prove to be an interesting challenge! As always, thanks for checking in, all comments and hints are appreciated, Cheers Misha

Been working on getting all the parts into primer and some initial painting, both airbrush and hand painting details. The body has its first coat showing further putty is required to eliminate the gas door flap on the front fender. Started on getting some of the fuel lines installed on the blower assembly and planning how to route the various hydraulic, fuel, and brake lines installed on the chassis. Recently bought a P/E bending jig so now I’m making my own brackets out of soda can aluminium. Fitted new engine mounts on the front of the engine cradle for the BBC, and mocked up the exhausts to make sure it all fits; it’s all a tight fit yet so far so good (didn’t get a photo of it in the cradle). Worked on the sprung wheelie bar arrangement, adding hardware for bracing the two springs, detailing the attachment brackets, and opening up the space between the tire and shackle with fine root canal files (ask your dentist). Moving onto getting the initial paint on the body to portray an updated scheme of the box art. The stripes will be pearl white on a candy red body with side panels done in red metalflake with the kit decals. Thanks for checkin’ in, Cheers Misha NOTE TO MODERATORS please move this thread to WIP Drags

Thanks Phil for the great link to all the photos! Especially useful are the interior shots. Great resource for us that can’t afford the real one yet are able to build a scaled down version. Plus it doesn’t take up as much space 😉 Cheers Misha

Thanks Craig for digging up the article, great descriptions of the construction. I’ve added it to my archive on the Surf Rod. It was one of my earliest kits I built when it was first released and a favourite ever since. Thinking of build another one using a blower instead as I agree it looks better. Cheers Misha

Thanks Ray for your coverage of the BJ event! In past years I have always gotten a weeks pass to the show and found that arriving early at eight I was able to get decent photos as the crowds didn’t arrive for an hour and a half (plus parking was close to the main gate). With the Covid we have spent three winters here on Vancouver Island, sure do miss the AZ action, both 1:1 and modelling events. Is there still a good turnout on Saturdays at the Show ‘n’ Shine at Indian Bend Road? Cheers from up North, Misha

Hi Wayne, yes indeed it is the snapper kit of the 57. Quite like this kit and by swapping out the modern Halibrand style wheels (saving them for a future project) with the R/M 67 Vette Coupe rims I was able to stay with the story of the original owner’s 1969 rebuild with the vinyl top, new paint and suspension upgrade with front discs and the Vette rims. Here is the WIP thread… While it is stalled on the workbench, there is still some work to complete on the interior and chrome trim all around, which I’m hesitant to attempt because of the issues with the current BMF. Hope to have it Under Glass shortly. By the way the 67 Coupe is about to be rereleased. Cheers Misha

Neat thread idea Ryan. Currently on my workbench as WIPs are the Corvair Funny Car, the 63 Vette, and the 57 Bel Air. Especially with builds that require a certain amount of scratchbuilding, mocking up with a PVA type of glue for ease of disassembly is a must to ensure proper a proper fit. Switching to a BBC from the kit Hemi in the Corvair required of lot of testing and fitting that would not have been possible without mocking up the assembly a few times. Cheers Misha

That’s the sketch Bill, here is the link to the auction site… https://entertainment.ha.com/itm/movie-tv-memorabilia/original-art/george-barris-surf-woody-design-sketch-a-classic-barris-design-the-surf-woody-was-a-worldwide-sensation-when-it-made-i-total-1/a/688-31238.s# It was sold back in 2008, not sure of the winning bid. Seems like the illustration is missing from my original posting. Hope this helps Craig.

That’s a great finish Aaron! Beautiful job of such an iconic racer and driven by Mario, what a combo. Imagine this one will take up a bit of space in the cabinet! Cheers Misha

CanonBall 2022 - Year of the Builder - 1953 Hi fellow CannonBallers! After careful consideration of possible candidates from 1953 I have chosen the Ford 2 door hardtop as my choice for this year’s run. The Ford Motor Company was celebrating its golden anniversary with a young Henry Ford II at the helm after a struggle with the patriarch and founder, his father. Planning for the celebration began in 1950 with a variety of promotional projects to highlight the marque’s return after war time production. The previous year debuted a totally redesigned passenger car line which in 1953 would receive minor changes in grills, side trim and for hardtops and sedans a one piece backlight replacing the three piece rear window. All Ford brand cars and trucks would feature a 50th Anniversary 1903-1953 horn button. A number of concept vehicles such as the X-100 and the Lincoln XL-100 were built for the car show circuit and a Ford ragtop would pace that year’s Indy 500. A new generation of F-Series trucks would feature roomier cabs with increased visibility and improved suspensions and handling. The Ford Rotunda reopened to visitors that summer as part of the celebrations. 1953 would also mark the end of the venerable flat-head engine, being replaced the following year with a modern overhead valve train model. Ford horn button celebrating the 50th Anniversary I will be using a combination of the original Lindbergh kit from 1997 and the recent AMT Coke reissue of the same kit. In examining the AMT body I found it to be rather soft in detail and displaying flash with a poorer quality of plastic compared to the original Lindbergh pressing. Certain parts from the AMT kit will be used, such as the body trim which will be dechromed to blend in with the body sides. 1953 Ford Jubilee single sided neon porcelain dealership sign 63”x145”x10” To be auctioned at the Scottsdale Barrett-Jackson sale, lot #9491 While the CannonBall is a dash across America, my plan is to build the hardtop according to my taste for a comfortable road car that, as an ole fart I can enjoy the road trip from NYC to LA. Not planning to set any record, yet wanting to be a part of the excitement. Cheers Misha

Been busy past while with the airbrush, getting parts into primer and paint. Also been planning out a lot of the details to add to the engine compartment and interior. Scratch built the water pump, dual oil filters and a switch box for the battery jumper cables. The chassis construction is close to complete, then finally, primer and paint. I’ll be starting on the body next, getting it ready for primer. Above photo shows the axle with the brackets to attach it to the engine cradle so the axle isn’t just floating. Here we see the underside of the engine cover, dash with locating holes for switches, the injector scoop, rear engine plate with the in/out box, and the parachute pack that will be further detailed with the release cable fitting to be added. Scratch built the switch box for the battery cables that will run to the booster plate at the rear of the chassis. Below is the dual oil filter assembly Here we see the moon tank being mocked up in preparation for routing fuel lines and the water tank still to be painted in polished aluminum. Last shot shows the scratch built water pump that will be located on the firewall to circulate the coolant through the engine and tank. Progress remains slow, mainly due to health issues which hopefully will clear up soon. As Betty Davies said “ Getting old ain’t for sissies”. Cheers Misha whoops, forgot about the following…

Wow Cale, that is truly impressive work! Looking forward to seeing the Toyota develop. Cheers Misha

I too would like to see Fujimi continue their rerelease program having picked up a number of their recent Porsche reissues to great delight. Having the Morgan come out with enhanced parts would be great, as well as the KarmanGhia! Cheers Misha

My choices, apart from reissues, would be contemporary vehicles such as Tesla, especially the rear folding gull wing doors, the hotter Caddy models, a detailed Vette with some varying models in one kit. Though not a big fan of the new trucks, it would be neat to have an EV detailed chassis to kit bash with earlier gas trucks. Who knows, it may attract younger modellers. I recently gave my grand-nephew the snap Raptor for his B-Day after showing him my workbench and spray booth…. I think I may have hooked him! Cheers Misha

That is really slick! Another reason for me to add soldering to my skill inventory, as I have been rather skittish to try it. Yet I’m seeing more and more uses for it, perhaps I’m not an ole dog yet…😉 Cheers Misha

Congrats Kurt on combining the various elements to produce a truly stealthy competitor for the cross country dash. Bravo! Cheers Misha

That’s really coming along nicely Phil, always been a fan of Rancheros and El Caminos. Your fabrication is looking bang on and is very informative in creating a much desired model. I had originally misses your post and now I be following along closely. Cheers and Happy New Year! Misha

Hey Dan! You don’t know what you’re missing, but don’t worry, I just mailed you a big box of it… 😉 Enjoy! Misha

Yup, we’ve got snow in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island! In past years we’ve been betting a dusting of snow, yet the last couple of years there’s been more and it’s been staying longer. This year the West Coast has been having record low temps, though not as bad as the Canadian Prairies where it reached down to near 50 degrees Celsius! Usually wait for nature to melt away the white stuff, today getting ready to go shovel for the third time… Happy New Year to all! Cheers Misha

A long standing tradition for the past sixty-one years has been to receive a much anticipated model kit! Still stands true this Christmas with the unwrapping of the Ken Miles Ford GT… pretty happy gearhead! Merry Christmas to All, Cheers Misha