gasser59

Great build Brett. I like this one alot. One thing, if I may add my $.02, it could use is the chrome scrolled piece on the body panel behind the side windows. Even if you have to use Bare Metal, I think it would add a bit of interest to that area. Again, great build, its your concept, do it how you want.

Haven't posted in a while so here's what I've been up to. I've always wanted to build a Fiat bodied altered and figured there was no time like the present. I've been at this awhile so there's a bit done at this point. Used the Wild Willie chassis with the Double Dragster body. Started with an old beat-up Revell Parts Pack body but it was too far gone to spend my time with it. I wanted to get to building. Scratch built the front axle from aluminum tubing and, as with all of my builds, the steering has to function. Here's a couple of pictures showing where I'm at. Still not sure about the rear wheel/tire combo. For the front, I have bicycle spoked wheels on order. A shot of the front axle. Still working on the scratch built radius rods. One batwing is done. Another angle. The body will flip up like a funny car and still working out the front nose piece, whether it will also flip up or just be mounted with pins. Thanks for following along and comments welcomed.

Sweet build. I like this one very much.

Loving this build and all of your fabrication skills. This is really making me want to get to that 1/16 scale Fiat body I have. Thanks for the inspiration but I gotta finish my 1/25th scale Fiat first. Oh, one other comment. Try to get ahold of some printing plates. They work great for forming sheet metal and cuts easily with a good scissors. Great stuff Chris. Keep on scratchin'

Lovin' this build. Its so far from anything I've ever seen, its creepy. Just how many watches have been dismantled for this build? Keep it going.

I was admiring this Willys PU at DSL a cuple of weeks back so I can't wait to see what you've done with this 'small scale' build. Do you have a thread set-up for this one? BTW - the pix of the twin are missing or something 'cause they're not showing up.

Thx Felix. The brick work actually is HO scale block that came on a sheet that is approximately 4" tall and was over 12" long. You have to remember, this was over 20 years ago that I did the walls. I know that I spray painted them with rattle can Brick Red and the spitted rattle can a darker shade of red in a flat. In some areas, I scraped away the mortor joints with the backside of a #11 blade to expose the white plastic. The tools are from a number of different sources. Some of them are white metal, others are plastic from the Fujimi garage set.

What a great day this was; from beginning to end. I met a lot of great builders, saw a ton of great builds and ended the day with a great BBQ. Just perfect. Let's do it again.

All great info. I've built up a set of headers with solder and found it to be fairly easy to do. I used the solid solder made for metal work at one of the large home centers. Radio Shack only carries the resin type. For a collector, I used the appropriate diameter section an old extendable radio antenna. I cut it with a tubing cutter (shown above) which rounds the cut end down and when filed on the inside with a round file a bit in four opposing directions, fit right over the solder ends perfectly. I like the antenna for several reasons; one - its already chromed and two - its the right scale thickness. I was really dreading building up some headers with solder and found its easier than I had thought.

I just went through this entire build thread and have to say all of my plastic just doesn't look right anymore. You've convinced me that building in metal is the way to go. I'm in awe of all of your work and inspired by your talent. You da man!!!

You're off to a great start. All its gonna take now is time. I'll be following along with this one. Thanks for all the photos.

Looks like there's plenty there to work with. What are your plans for this build?

It will be a shame to cover all of this up with a body. Hopefully the doors and hood will be openable. Can't wait to see more especially the truck bed, whatever you have in mind I'm sure it will be stellar.

Thanks guys. David - sorry I didn't get to meet up with you and have a chat. As for the category winner, his dio was appr. 2.5' by 4' and depicted a speed shop with four bays, a store, an office and restrooms along with outside area where hot rods were being worked on. It was very nicely done and situated in a plexi case. It was a big project and it took two fells to pack it out of the show. It had at least eight vehicles in it. Too big for me plus I'd have no place to store something like that.

Thanks for all of the positive feedback and comments guys. Its really appreciated. Just got home from a long day of viewing models and swapping stories and build ideas from DSC. I'm pleased to report that this dio took second place in the dio category. Also, my '57 Chevy stock car took first place honors in the Replica category. Plus, I picked up a few kits and a couple beaters for one of my next builds. In addition, I met some really inspiring local builders. Lots of photos to go through. It was a very, very good day.

Thanks David. I just glued the front bumper on and that's the last piece to add. In reviewing the couple of pix I just took, I can't believe the amount of dust around here. Here's one for now. More after the weekend. As always comments welcome.

Mere words cannot begin to express the realism shown on this amazing build. Every post and the bar goes up five notches. I'm on my second five gallon bucket of drool and you've not gotten to the body or truck bed yet. I'm gonna need more buckets. Lots more buckets.

Im finally back to work on the stock car. Made solder headers that I'm happy with. This is the second set as there is a bit of a learning curve. Engine is now glued in and finally assembly of body to chassis can now take place. deadline is this Saturday for the Desert Scale Classic. Thanks for the kick in the pants for using solder. I'll be doing this again.

Another great looking build Chris. Really clean, to the point and not overly done. I trust you'll be bringing this one to DSC this weekend as well?

This build is gorgeous and the paint is fantastic. Glad you'll be bringing it to DSC this weekend because I'm gonna be studying it thoroughly. Looking forward to meeting you Chris.

Man oh man, I love this build. Great job on all of the details.

Got a bunch more time on the Joe's Garage diorama. Added new ceiling lights, enclosed the office with lettering on the windows, a Renzor overhead gas heater, and a bunch of other stuff. At this point I could call it complete but still want to add a few more things. I was also able to fix the non-functioning trouble light. Here's a few new pictures. As always, comments welcome.

I have to agree. Very nice builds. Lovin' the '55's paint job but the others are cool too.

On Saturday, April 16th, 2011, Cactus Car Modelers will be presenting a Model Car Contest and Swap Meet. There will be 27 classes with first through third awards and six master awards. Raffle prizes, kids' Make & Take, project and display tables. This event is for automotive models and displays only. This annual event is being held at the Postal Workers Social Hall at 3720 W. Greenway Rd., Phoenix, AZ. Hope to see all of you there.

Holy ###### - what a disaster!! I would be furious and have to seek out professional help. You seem to have accepted this event with grace. It does look like a natural disaster struck. How did the materials hold up? Will most of them be reusable? What areas are going to be upgraded that you weren't that happy with? This diorama is such a work of art that it deserves to be reconstructed and rebuilt. With the rebuild, this thread will be just as fascinating as ever. On another note, I just ordered some items from you for my diorama and am looking forward to putting them to good use. I've a contest coming up on the 16th so I'll be sure to take extra precaution when transporting it. Keep your chin up.