57 Chevy Dirt track Bomber

[disconovaman]

This 57 Chevy is a Memorial build for Bob Linkous... Bob built the original in the 70's... I was inspired by the build when many decades later it surfaced in a collection and my buddy ended up with it. When Bob passed last year I knew I wanted to build a replica of his original.

Bob was a wealth of knowledge relating to the subject. A true old school modeler. Losing these old cats that knew modeling from it's infantsy is tough... So I wanted a build that would really speak to Bob's style... He built Dirt track cars alot. and since this was originally built by him it seemed like the perfect fit. 

I used a fresh Pepper Shaker and a Sorvino Chassis for the build. I designed the decals from this picture of the original. (I've never actually seen the original car in real life.) It's coming along nicely so far I still need to fab exhaust and order some aftermarket tires. 

I think  I'm gonna build a hauler and a modeling series of Linkous & Stogdale inspired cars to add to the collection now. 

Thanks for looking 

['70 Grande]

Looks really good, but help me understand your pictures. Is that middle pic showing a well-experienced and banged-up dirt track car a photo of Bob's original build or an in-progress build of yours?

Edited March 5, 2020 by '70 Grande

[disconovaman]

Yes, the middle picture is what's left of the original car. Also what is interesting is by the time my friend Joel got the car it had changed hands a few times and the Heat Damage was done by someone else who had gotten the car later on. When Joel showed the car to Bob a few years ago we were able to confirm that it was his and he said it wasn't like that when he first built it.

It would be hard to straighten out what was left and also I wouldn't want to undo all of that history from the original build either. 

His plan for it now is to get it back on wheels and put an engine in it, so it is somewhat complete.

[PappyD340]

Nice!

[Chuckyg1]

This beast is ready for action. Nice homage to Joe, he'd be honored.

[Chuckyg1]

Make that Bob,my bad?

[disconovaman]

1 hour ago, Chuckyg1 said:

Nice homage to Joe

Funny you said that! Joe Stogdale is the other half of the team... He's been long gone though. I never even had the chance to meet him... But yeah thanks and that's weird and ironic... 

[espo]

Beautiful looking short track car. Your build looks like the start of the season and the middle picture looks like a Sunday morning toward the end of the season.  

[stavanzer]

Great Tribute Build!  Where did the wheels come from?

[Bainford]

Neat, old stocker, and very cool story.

[disconovaman]

12 hours ago, alexis said:

Where did the wheels come from?

They are called  "Wide Fives" and apparently the only place you can get them is from a guy who casts them complete with plating if you wish ... I got them from and an old collection they were in a treasure cove of all kinds of neat do-dads. I wondered myself so I asked around at the last swapmeet and show. I was told his name but it has slipped my mind, I'll have to ask again and get back to ya...

[disconovaman]

13 hours ago, espo said:

Beautiful looking short track car.

Thanks buddy... So imagine if you will that Ray Evernham is beating the backroads for an episode of Americarna and he happens to find this old 57 Chevy or what's left of one... He then researches the car and finds old pics and uncovers the history of this legendary local hero... so he decides to build a replica of the 57 with all new parts because the original car his not salvageable.

That's the story I was telling myself as I was building my version of Bob's old car and I gotta say, I think he got the colors right on it ...?

[slusher]

Great build and wonderful story and tribute!

[disconovaman]

Thanks everyone... The 57 was on display at the IPMS and MDA shows this year.  Bob was a vender at both shows for many years. He always went to the flee markets and yard sales buying up all the built ups and starters, he would sell them at the shows. I bought and restored many of his finds. And I still have alot of stuff I bought from him over the past 10 years. He really had an eye for good junk lol... Anyways, I have a new appreciation for build ups and I'm gonna restore all his treasures now. Thanks again and have a good day.