David G. Posted November 6, 2018 Share Posted November 6, 2018 (edited) I wanted something to bash on that I didn't have to care too much about how it came out in the end, so I grabbed a Duesenberg SJ Roadster from my junk yard and tore into it. I have no idea where I'm going to go with this. My only plan is to bring it back from the dead, hence, the "Zombie Roadster". I don't know if I'm going the direction of a barn-find survivor or an actual Undead Duesy. Of course, I'm open to suggestions. Here's where I start. Some disassembly required. Using wire pins in an attempt to straighten and reassemble the frame. The frame has a bit of a bow to it. I'm not sure if I'm going to mess with that. That's all for now. Thanks for taking the time to look and as always, please feel free to offer suggestions and comments. David G. Edited December 6, 2018 by David G. Update Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace-Garageguy Posted November 6, 2018 Share Posted November 6, 2018 Most excellent. I always enjoy seeing bodged models brought back. Here's hoping whichever way you go is a relatively smooth journey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
espo Posted November 6, 2018 Share Posted November 6, 2018 Maybe return it to it's former glory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard Cohen Posted November 6, 2018 Share Posted November 6, 2018 I have a friend who bought a 1:1 Duesie this year and it had been hot-rodded with an engine swap before he got it. I asked him if he was going to get an original engine and he said no, he is keeping it as a hot rod. So, it's a model, do something wild Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Macleod Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 2 hours ago, Howard Cohen said: I have a friend who bought a 1:1 Duesie this year and it had been hot-rodded with an engine swap before he got it. I asked him if he was going to get an original engine and he said no, he is keeping it as a hot rod. So, it's a model, do something wild A real 1:1 and some dolt hot rodded it? Hmmm....so you take a $2,000,000 car in stock form, hot rod it (probably replacing the 285 BHP Strait 8 engine with a boring 350 SB) and turn it into a $300,000 car. Very, very smart. NOT. Let's pray to the Gods of authenticity that it was a replica. Okay...now I feel better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David G. Posted November 7, 2018 Author Share Posted November 7, 2018 On 11/5/2018 at 6:27 PM, Ace-Garageguy said: Most excellent. I always enjoy seeing bodged models brought back. Here's hoping whichever way you go is a relatively smooth journey. Thanks Bill. The way I look at it, whatever I can make from this will be better than what I started with. 3 hours ago, espo said: Maybe return it to it's former glory. Mmmmm... maybe not David, but thanks for the vote of confidence. Of course, I don't think that there was much glory to begin with. 3 hours ago, Howard Cohen said: I have a friend who bought a 1:1 Duesie this year and it had been hot-rodded with an engine swap before he got it. I asked him if he was going to get an original engine and he said no, he is keeping it as a hot rod. So, it's a model, do something wild Some kind of wild is the way I'm leaning. David G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
89AKurt Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 My first thought is a junk heap, like a diamond in the rough. I recently got one of those kits, but the Weyman version. Looks like a cool classic, but not thrilled about the wire wheels, spoiled with photo-etch. Whatever you do, wishing you a fun build! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djflyer Posted November 7, 2018 Share Posted November 7, 2018 3 hours ago, David G. said: Some kind of wild is the way I'm leaning. David G. If you're leaning toward the wild Clearly Scale makes an 'LS' based V12. I think its 25th scale but should still do the job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David G. Posted November 7, 2018 Author Share Posted November 7, 2018 5 hours ago, 89AKurt said: My first thought is a junk heap, like a diamond in the rough. I recently got one of those kits, but the Weyman version. Looks like a cool classic, but not thrilled about the wire wheels, spoiled with photo-etch. Whatever you do, wishing you a fun build! Thanks. I agree with you about the wheels Kurt, they are pretty clunky. But yeah, it will definitely be rough. 5 hours ago, djflyer said: If you're leaning toward the wild Clearly Scale makes an 'LS' based V12. I think its 25th scale but should still do the job. Thanks David, but my plans are for this one to be a parts box build, but I do have a Cummins Diesel, hmmm... David G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David G. Posted December 2, 2018 Author Share Posted December 2, 2018 OK, I've been working on this one in fits and starts, but I've decided on a build direction: Steampunk! I have the front wheels sorted and some of the chassis detail started. Next task is to stabilize the frame and work in the drive line. And, of course start searching for all types of cool Steampunk artifacts to incorporate. As always, thanks for looking and please feel free to comment. David G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaxenro Posted December 2, 2018 Share Posted December 2, 2018 The ultimate steampunk car will be watching this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mod3l Lover Posted December 5, 2018 Share Posted December 5, 2018 Well I'm dang sure in for the ride!! Very cool David! David S. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedfreak Posted December 6, 2018 Share Posted December 6, 2018 Hope you continue on with this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carmad1957 Posted December 6, 2018 Share Posted December 6, 2018 That's awesome! Gonna follow it along for sure~ The detail on the chassis is really nice- very smooooth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David G. Posted December 6, 2018 Author Share Posted December 6, 2018 19 hours ago, mod3l Lover said: Well I'm dang sure in for the ride!! Very cool David! David S. On 12/2/2018 at 6:23 AM, jaxenro said: The ultimate steampunk car will be watching this 17 minutes ago, carmad1957 said: That's awesome! Gonna follow it along for sure~ The detail on the chassis is really nice- very smooooth Thanks guys, I'll try not to disappoint you. David G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David G. Posted December 7, 2018 Author Share Posted December 7, 2018 OK, a little bit of an update: I got the frame stabilized and the suspension bits mostly sorted. The engine suffered a painting mishap so I decided too strip it and start over. Now on to the body work and other details. Thanks for looking! David G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jantrix Posted December 7, 2018 Share Posted December 7, 2018 You have my attention. Looking good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeatMan Posted December 7, 2018 Share Posted December 7, 2018 Great project! Keep'er goin'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ich_Will Posted December 8, 2018 Share Posted December 8, 2018 Cool concept. Will be following this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geemoney Posted December 12, 2018 Share Posted December 12, 2018 go go go ! a TRUE Classic! there is one around the corner from my house with a 9" under it!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David G. Posted December 13, 2018 Author Share Posted December 13, 2018 8 hours ago, geemoney said: go go go ! a TRUE Classic! there is one around the corner from my house with a 9" under it!!!! Thanks. What's a 9"? David G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom q vaxy Posted December 13, 2018 Share Posted December 13, 2018 Jay's got one, too: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David G. Posted December 23, 2018 Author Share Posted December 23, 2018 Cool video, thanks for posting it. David G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David G. Posted December 23, 2018 Author Share Posted December 23, 2018 I scrapped the factory exhaust system in order to create something a little more "Steampunk". This meant that I had to realign those characteristic Duesenberg external header pipes in three dimensions with engine block as the only firm attachment point. Simultaneously, I was also creating the attachment point for each of the four header pipes with the collector, as well as keeping the collector in a workable relationship with the chassis, *and* making sure that the header pipes would properly pass through the ports in the fender. Mission accomplished! I also got some proper looking paint on the engine. As always, thanks for taking the time to look and please feel free to share any comments. David G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r60man Posted December 23, 2018 Share Posted December 23, 2018 I am loving this. Always great to see someone being creative and thinking "outside the box" if you will. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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