swede70 Posted September 19, 2019 Share Posted September 19, 2019 (edited) Greetings, Intent on creating a coherent grid of factory-backed 1:18th SCCA Trans-Am entries even as my focus shifts from project to project, this would constitute the beginnings of a '70 Chaparral Camaro. Replicarz intends to release a sealed resin version of the topic for $239.95 about a year from now, and needless to say - I think I'm priced out! So, that said, my aim is come up with something competitive with all opening features, fabricating (if ever so slowly) that which will be needed consistent with doing what it is I do. Expect the usual activity, followed by dead silence, followed by renewed activity... The topic in all its glory, seen at Mid-Ohio '70. I'm pondering flares, while most of the difficult parts gathering has been done; i.e. the less-common ERTL standard-nose/full front bumper shell '70 Camaro material is in hand, complete with a flat hood, doors nonperforated for exterior side mirrors, while the tall D80 rear spoiler is also mine to use with necessary modifications. Wheels will be 'my' resin Minilites, tires will be Jouef/Eagles Race/Universal Hobbies Ford GT40 Mirage Firestones, the engine, an ACME/GMP Trans-Am Chevrolet small block 302 with mods. to reproduce the spec. needed. I tend to get lost fabricating and mocking up this and that, hence nothing really changes does it? Thanks... Mike K./Swede70 Edited September 19, 2019 by swede70 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swede70 Posted September 19, 2019 Author Share Posted September 19, 2019 (edited) This would be some stuff done underhood in recent days, Shown is the updated ACME/GMP engine wearing resin Hwy. 61 '69 Camaro Z/28 finned valve covers, as well as a GMP '67 Penske Camaro single 4BBL intake. Notice too the angled radiator installation plus oil cooler, most of which is either modified GMP Trans-Am Camaro stuff or material fabricated from sheet plastic sized to suit. Just cleaning up the radiator support and perforating such was a challenge given the chassis plastic employed on this old ERTL tool is very soft and is hard to work. Thanks... The topic seen at Laguna Seca '70 and photographed by Karl Ludvigsen. I had to do the aforementioned radiator installation, come up with the fresh air seal and AC air filter lid, as well as reposition the alternator versus how the ACME/GMP engine is configured as-delivered. Compressing much effort, this is how things are looking. Partial upper control arms may be spied, while the master cylinder and power booster are GMP Trans-Am Camaro stuff again. The cast-in battery and windshield wiper fluid bottle have been cut off and hence vanish from the scene for reasoned application. Note that stripping the paint off of the ACME/GMP engine takes determination, although it can be done. I had no confidence that I could simply paint over all that ORANGE finish, hence it HAD to come off! On a happy note, but for some installation pegs that required grinding down as well as pretty modest firewall sanding, the engine plus headers pretty much drops in. Thanks... Mike K./Swede70 Edited September 19, 2019 by swede70 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Van Posted September 19, 2019 Share Posted September 19, 2019 Interesting project... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swede70 Posted September 19, 2019 Author Share Posted September 19, 2019 (edited) Moving along then... The old ERTL '70 Camaro is usually found as a Z/28 with the early season rear lip spoiler in place. Such won't do on this model as the '70 season gathered pace, hence a less common Pro Stock release had to be purchased to come up with the rudimentary D80 high spoiler that was homologated and fitted later. Trouble is encountered given the ends of the spoiler are too pronounced and rounded, while the end caps aren't fully finished and had to be supplemented for the addition of plastic, Microballoons filler and light putty work. Happily the refueling port cut into the trunk wasn't ghastly difficult to do, requiring only that I file down a small section at a slight angle without further complication. Generally the effort is bearing fruit. Thanks... What's needed then... ...sort of a starting point in terms of the rear spoiler largely unmodified at this juncture. Notice the missing end cap profile along the bottom sides... ...looking happier for reasoned additions. I shouldn't have carved out the deck lid pin retention cut outs straight down as I did and will need to fill in the bottoms of each to create access holes instead, but still - not terrible in sum. Notice the refueling cut out taking form on center section of the spoiler along the bottom... ...looking better still for further shape refinement, some plug work, as well as filing consistent with affording space for the refueling point. Lastly, the surface profile of the rear bumper on this tool is pretty lumpy, so I've sanded out what I could to even things up. Notice too that the tiny overriders otherwise a feature of the back of any ERTL second generation Camaro were removed at the same time. Thanks... Mike K./Swede70 Edited September 19, 2019 by swede70 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swede70 Posted September 19, 2019 Author Share Posted September 19, 2019 (edited) Some other work then... Seen above, the cast-in drip rail trim and weather sealing has been filed off and flattened as necessary. Further, I found that the side window openings seemed a bit chopped and lower than what I'd desire, hence each side was filed up to effectively open the greenhouse to a modest degree. The exterior door handles have been ground flat and replaced with '72 Welly Pontiac Trans Am Firebird items, while in some photos one will see a '68 Lane Firebird exterior side view mirror in a pretty standard spec. Even without flares the model doesn't appear horrible. Nothing epic, but the cast-in chassis identification has been sanded out, while the cast-in fuel tank has been removed, plugged, and replaced with a fabricated fuel cell housing. Lastly, the white rectangular plugs disguise where side pipes might otherwise be mounted on this ancient tool. Thanks... Mike K./Swede70 Edited September 19, 2019 by swede70 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randyc Posted September 19, 2019 Share Posted September 19, 2019 Always a pleasure to follow your builds. how in the world do you come up with the extra parts without spending twice what the Replicarz version would cost? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ibj40 Posted September 19, 2019 Share Posted September 19, 2019 (edited) Darn, you beat me to this one! My approach will be to use the 67-69 GMP Trans Am Camaro chassis, and try to add the Ertl '70 Camaro body. Got the donors, just some Petty stuff in the way. I did do a "tribute" retro version, though, several months ago. Edited September 19, 2019 by ibj40 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swede70 Posted September 20, 2019 Author Share Posted September 20, 2019 (edited) Thanks for the interest and replies... For isolating parts from damaged, ruined or discarded projects of my own as well as those afforded by a few other 1:18th enthusiasts, some of the most egregious expenses associated with fitting out my projects with this part and that have been minimized. Sometimes I've pushed too far and have wrecked a body or chassis, while at other times perhaps a private buyer has purchased two or three cars necessary to complete a custom project, leaving whatever remains in my hands or the hands of hobby friend or friends who in turn may trade items back to me. Further, limiting my focus to period road racing topics and homologation specials so-themed and sticking with 1:18th diecast from about 2000 to the present, in addition to experiments made with hand cast resin has allowed me to stretch what resources I have across time and across projects - not that such measures strictly make things cheap! I've never taken on or solicited intensive build projects for pay, and hence I'm largely clueless as to what I dedicate to my efforts in terms of time and money. For me it's been a hobby and about networking with like-aligned friends rather than calculated self promotion, so in a sense I really don''t do the math... Concerning what parts have gone into the Chaparral project, within the past year I effectively destroyed the paintwork of an old 1:18th scale GMP 1967 Penske Camaro and subsequently cloned this and that from it before sending along the shattered remains to a friend. For long I didn't have a single four barrel intake to mate to the off the shelf ACME/GMP replacement Chevrolet small block Trans-Am 302 engine, so this spurred my interest, while recently a 1:18 GT 40 Mirage missing a lexan headlamp cover and loose/out of the box was picked up for the near nothing price of $9.99 at a local hobby shop as a trade-in. Combing this with news of the Replicarz Chaparral Camaro to be and to register that their effort would have no opening panels, scant chassis detail, no engine, etc., and the reader will begin to understand how things start to come into focus. In a sense, nothing is ever going to be cheaper looking out into the future, so why not see this or that project through however long it might take? The picture seen above communicates what I isolated and incorporated into the engine build so to speak, these being the best rendered items I could find across tools... Definitely I'm underwhelmed by where the 1:18th diecast/resin cast automotive hobby is going; i.e. continually rehabbed old tools showing their age, diminishing detail, spotty build quality, and the pressure of ever increasing prices. The new generations of resin models sans opening panels can sometimes be good, but if a topic has been done before and the rudiments of a project exist to be tapped consistent with turning up something better, how can one cheer the arrival of $239.95 sealed rendition of anything? Although I'm super pokey and slow in relation to what I do and what I accomplish, at this point I don't think (for example) that some injection molded plastic roll cage is strictly going to be a match for something done in hand bent plastic tube with a brass wire core. For application, I believe I can amp up the content consistent with affording myself what the market won't. Oh - and a great 1:18th GMP based late Trans-Am Camaro you have there J.F.! I'd seen it lurking in this and that photo of your large collection, and can't help but marvel at how deftly accomplished it appears. Thanks... Mike K./Swede70 Edited September 20, 2019 by swede70 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randyc Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 Wow. nice reply on how you work. I can appreciate all you say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swede70 Posted September 29, 2019 Author Share Posted September 29, 2019 (edited) Sort of a minimal update; i.e. just enough to telegraph that I have a pulse if you will with regards to this project... Most write-ups concerning the Chaparral Trans-Am Camaro(s) will speak of the special fiberglass dash board or pod fitted to the cars, while for review of photographs it seems to me that the instrument binnacle was so-fabricated and fit into a more or less stripped standard dash with the raised sections cut or ground off. Consistent with this impression and needing to fashion such before a roll cage can be made, the photo attached suggests a start. I'll have to fabricate the binnacle again, making it longer front-to-back across the top while tucking it in a bit better along the bottom, but as a start it isn't horrible... ...and a revision of past work here, the duct work forward of the radiator support drooped a bit (it likely still should - a bit) and furthermore, the relief cut into the top panel of the duct ought not to have been there; i.e. the cast-in hood latch assembly extended further down than I'd desire and needed to be finely trimmed out so the contour of the aforementioned top panel might be straight instead. Very tedious to do given how soft the plastic of the ERTL chassis and related parts are. Further updates in this regard include the addition of side tank detail on the radiator core proper, a scratch built inlet/hose attachment point, and an evened up photo etched radiator surface matrix overlay that otherwise wasn't sitting down properly. Sometimes all the trouble just makes me want to reach for a well-engineered Tamiya plastic kit and forget about the fabrication of well nigh everything necessary to get anywhere at all... Sort of a bore in total, but it's what I've been up to! Thanks... Mike K./Swede70 Edited October 1, 2019 by swede70 I write in the same way I model; i.e. clumsily and always in need of improvement! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randyc Posted September 30, 2019 Share Posted September 30, 2019 Keep it coming. You have a pulse and I keep looking at the progress. Thanks for sharing the work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swede70 Posted October 8, 2019 Author Share Posted October 8, 2019 (edited) Another mild update to this project... Seen will be the roll cage starting to take shape after first filling in some holes and such across the interior. It only took three attempts to come up with the appropriate dimensions, but is finally looking and fitting as it ought. The soft radius for the top bend on the main hoop looks odd, but nevertheless reflects reality. Also and the cause of much worry, I was happy to discover that the standard ERTL steering column and steering mechanism (such as it is) will coexist with the GMP small block Chevrolet Trans-Am engine as well as the power booster chamber without any modifications required - whew! Thanks for reviewing this most recent project update... Mike K./Swede70 Edited October 11, 2019 by swede70 Modest message clean up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swede70 Posted October 8, 2019 Author Share Posted October 8, 2019 (edited) Just the revised dashboard with the heater vent panel otherwise positioned below cut off, while the instrument binnacle grew along the top and shrunk along the bottom and sides. Tidier in total, although almost invisible to behold. Thanks... Mike K./Swede70 Edited October 11, 2019 by swede70 Modest message clean up again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
payson Posted October 9, 2019 Share Posted October 9, 2019 Thank you for sharing your work, it is an inspiration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swede70 Posted October 11, 2019 Author Share Posted October 11, 2019 Thanks for the kind notice... Seen is the addition of a coolant expansion tank done with resin castings of this and that combined with some scratch built brace work. The tank is based on a turned aluminum 1:25th part done by S&S Specialties, while the cap is a 1:18th Lane '68 Shelby Mustang GT500KR radiator cap also reproduced in resin. Tedious to do in total... ...and seen just below is a test fit of the new dash roughly matched to the standard but extended steering column. The steering wheel is from a GMP '69 Trans-Am Camaro and will eventually be painted semi-gloss black across the spokes, while a Hwy. 61 '69 Camaro will sacrifice steering column decorative collar/trim to slide over what is made out here. Proceeding slowly then. Thanks... Mike K./Swede70 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swede70 Posted October 18, 2019 Author Share Posted October 18, 2019 (edited) Greetings, A small update this, with work related to fuller elaboration of the roll cage in view. Side bars angling down slightly as they move forward from the main hoop are witnessed, as well as a cross brace just forward of the dash board which has been shaved again just below in anticipation of adding further extensions to tie in the front suspension to the chassis stiffening cage structure. A preview of what I'm attempting to capture in-scale. Note the gauge pod/instrument binnacle on a largely stock dash profile, the side bars of the roll cage angling slightly down as-described above, as well as the cross bar positioned just forward of the dash as-installed. A Karl Ludvigsen image from Lime Rock, CT. '70 then, with Jim Hall wondering if I can in fact pull all this together... Me making a go of it then! The front bumper on the standard nose ERTL second generation Camaro is pretty rough, and given this reality, I've opted to sand and shape every surface consistent with cleaning matters up. The profile of the ends needed help in particular, and here they've been massaged to look considerably better. Moving on, the small bumper overriders will be added separately at a later point, while some surface mounting hardware in the form of pin heads will be added to lend some interest where it might not be expected. In addition to the roll cage taking shape, seen will be a revised seat mount and a discreet head rest pad to flesh out the mount it sits upon. Thanks for reviewing this project update... Mike K./Swede70 Edited October 18, 2019 by swede70 Tedious draft revisions as always... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junkman Posted October 18, 2019 Share Posted October 18, 2019 Amazing work. I'm looking forward to how you make the flares. I really like how the sport was a lot less padded in those days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ibj40 Posted October 18, 2019 Share Posted October 18, 2019 Keep it up Mike! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swede70 Posted October 20, 2019 Author Share Posted October 20, 2019 (edited) Greetings and thanks for the kind notice everyone... Fleshing out the roll cage structure, noted will be the A-pillar bars and the bar furthest across the front tying these together. Fit and symmetry is very important, while know that I opted to cut out the plastic headliner and further chose to grind off the mounting pegs to locate the stock glass/headliner assembly to afford myself a bit more clearance. The odd camera angles chosen are intended to show off the fit achieved to the best effect. Thanks... ...hard to see, but I've built up some structure and fabricated some fill panels where the stock rear seat pad(s) would otherwise be seen. It isn't complete, while it's better than some inexplicable gap remaining for all to see. Unfortunately the dog leg hinges used for the doors are going to prevent the creation of roll cage extensions intended to tie the interior structure into the front suspension pickup points, although I will come up with something partial to afford a semi-complete look in this regard. Thanks... Mike K./Swede70 Edited October 20, 2019 by swede70 Mangled draft repair as always... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swede70 Posted October 21, 2019 Author Share Posted October 21, 2019 (edited) Greetings, ...and back together - sometimes a source of drama given new inclusions parts-wise may bring with it surprises. Another ERTL '70 1/2 Z/28 in Citrus Green was picked up as a low-cost dust bunny across the weekend that was for $23, and hence some latitude to play with and/or fabricate flares off the project as-seen has been afforded. Fresh hardware, 'glass' and various new chrome bits are always appreciated, hence a small victory of sorts was registered. Thanks... Mike K./Swede70 Edited October 21, 2019 by swede70 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ibj40 Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 Nice work on the cage, among other details. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swede70 Posted October 29, 2019 Author Share Posted October 29, 2019 (edited) Greetings and thanks for the kind notice... Tedious to fabricate and fated to be invisible, here would be a pair of exhaust dump floor 'bumps' taking shape and being fitted. Hollow round stock was cut in half and carefully filed and fit to match the irregular contour of the interior floor. Happily everything fits sans interference. Thanks... Mike K./Swede70 Edited October 30, 2019 by swede70 Trying desperately to upload photos, mostly without success... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gramps46 Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 Watching you build this brings back fond memories of going to the Trans Am races. Please keep us posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ibj40 Posted October 30, 2019 Share Posted October 30, 2019 (edited) On 10/29/2019 at 8:38 AM, Gramps46 said: Watching you build this brings back fond memories of going to the Trans Am races. Please keep us posted. Watching him build this brings back fond memories of my participation in building this. Edited October 30, 2019 by ibj40 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swede70 Posted November 18, 2019 Author Share Posted November 18, 2019 (edited) Thanks for the kind notice, and neat indeed to see the ijb40 '80's iteration of a Trans-Am Camaro in 1:1... Seen will be some structural elements consistent with pouring resin directly onto the panel work of a spare diecast shell to work up the rudiments of panel flares. A great deal of the work of creating flares is to have material where you want it, possess enough working room to consistently shape what's there, and finally, ensuring everything fits tight to the underlying structure. Although a little odd to behold in total, this is the direction I've chosen to take. Given the relevant sections of the body must be positioned sideways and yet fit within my paint pressure pot (necessary for bubble reduction and control mind you), I decided to cut the spare shell in two. Next up are seen a pair of photos relating the extent of the wall work performed to keep the resin in-place akin to creating a small lake of the material 4X. Lastly may be seen what I intend to create the wheel arch lip out of; i.e. a length of plastic rectangular stock introduced inside of each hand-sculpted puck. The FIA has homologation papers available to view online that captures the rough dimensions of the flares used by Chaparral. The photo images so-sourced guide matters concerning how large each is and how much surface area should be factored in consistent with blending them effectively. If intrigued concerning what kind of discoveries may be revealed for looking at homologation papers, see: https://historicdb.fia.com/car/chevrolet-camaro-350 I expect to sand down each puck to the appropriate shape after first popping each poured element off of whatever body shell segment it would be attached to. The lip dimensions will pop out a bit regardless, and then I'll blend the pucks with the lips with putty to make up what I hope is a discreet distance. Slowly onward... ...seen above is an idea of what I'm after. A clean panel-length flare with a stock-appearing, squared-off outer lip. I just don't have faith I could reproduce these for simply shaping a heap 'o putty four times over... ...the individual halves will likely be kept upright for being situated on respective mounds of clay. Baggies will be set in place under each half to prevent damage to the pot lest anything spill. Noticed on the base of the pot is a linoleum-topped circle of material, with the linoleum providing a surface that can be cleaned of spilled and hardened casting resin given spillage can be popped off without too much trouble. Tight-fitting templates were fabricated to keep thing more or less sane even before white glue or silicone application on the walls. This work is actually further along given all four wheel arches now have dams, while the structure noticed missing here (i.e. the wheel arch inserts as well as the bottom most extent of each assembly) is being worked up. ...the rear then. ...and some rough guidance as to what material will be used to create the wheel arch lips even as I haven't carved out the imaginary flares to mate to such. Thanks again. Mike K./Swede70 Edited November 19, 2019 by swede70 I'm always revising something, my writing most of all... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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