Chris Smith Posted May 23, 2020 Share Posted May 23, 2020 This is my first attempt at a Model Factory Hiro kit. It is in 1/12 scale. I have chosen to build the Porsche 917 chassis no# 43 hippie. It took second at Le Mans in 1970. This is the long tail version, which was clocked at over 250 mph. During the same race a 917k finished 1st to give Porsche its first ever over all win. I am sure most of you Porsche nuts are more familiar with the 917 in gulf colors. But after doing a little research this cars paint work shares a special place in racing history. I am hoping I can do this car justice. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Smith Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 I started by dry fitting the engine cylinders, and making sure everything lined up, I am learning that you have to think 5 steps ahead to make sure everything lines up, there is quite a bit of drilling and filing that needs to be done to make sure everything goes together well. What I have is about 3 1/2 hours of work and not even close to getting paint on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobraman Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 That's one wild paint scheme. Good luck with your project. I would like one of the Cobra's in 1/12 scale but besides the cost factor I have my doubts I could build the thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Smith Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 14 minutes ago, cobraman said: That's one wild paint scheme. Good luck with your project. I would like one of the Cobra's in 1/12 scale but besides the cost factor I have my doubts I could build the thing. Thank you for the encouragement! Im sure if you could find a way to get one, I am sure you could do a great job on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintagerpm Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 Now you just have to decide which side of the purple/blue debate you fall on. ? I contend it was painted purple & green. In some photos it looks blue and it other purple. I saw the short tail version at Watkins Glen back in 1970, and it was definately purple, yet I have found photos on the web where it definately looks blue. Light, film brand/type, and film age can play tricks. The earliest written color reference I have is in Anthony Pritchard's 1972 book "Sports Car Championship" where he states it was "mauve" (pale purple). Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Codi Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 Love the subject you've chosen Chris. Always had a fondness for that particular car. The 1:1 pic you shared is one I've never seen and it looks great..........you couldn't go wrong if you match that IMO. Maybe Gravity colors has some shades that could get you close? I'll be sure to check in on your progress. cheers, tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Smith Posted May 25, 2020 Author Share Posted May 25, 2020 On 5/24/2020 at 7:43 AM, Codi said: Love the subject you've chosen Chris. Always had a fondness for that particular car. The 1:1 pic you shared is one I've never seen and it looks great..........you couldn't go wrong if you match that IMO. Maybe Gravity colors has some shades that could get you close? I'll be sure to check in on your progress. cheers, tim I did some poking around, and yes gravity colors does carry that shade of purple!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Smith Posted May 25, 2020 Author Share Posted May 25, 2020 Not too much accomplished today, but I did manage to gather up most every part for step 1. I got them all dry fitted after some massaging with a file, drilled most of the holes. Now I need to wash parts, prime parts and hopefully the paint will arrive soon so I can get some color on these. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Smith Posted May 31, 2020 Author Share Posted May 31, 2020 I managed to get some color on the engine ? I am primarily using Alclad for most of the engine parts. I have painted the engine block magnesium and the cylinders and heads burnt iron. still a lot more to do, but I am pleased with where I am at. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john843 Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 Great job so far on the engine. The different metallic's give it a very realistic, subtle. appearance. Here's a link to some info on the car. Have heard in the past that car was originally painted with spray cans for whatever reason. https://drivetribe.com/p/hippie-days-1970-porsche-917l-e4B4RJgyQT2p802MLTkpGA?iid=H3Nlpr0gQcCVYbgF3EjF8w John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Smith Posted June 3, 2020 Author Share Posted June 3, 2020 Ta...Daaa... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Codi Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 Man that was fast Chris. You're off to a fantastic start and it looks great. My daughter and I are visiting the Desimone museum in Phila. this summer and they HAVE the Hippie car as part of their collection. I'll take as many pics as possible and share them with you. Cheers, Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Smith Posted June 5, 2020 Author Share Posted June 5, 2020 That would be great Tim, I could use all the help I can get? I am very interested in what color the inside of the bonnet and cockpit is. I am leaning towards off white or a very light grey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Smith Posted June 5, 2020 Author Share Posted June 5, 2020 I did some more on the engine parts, I have the pulleys painted and also the fuel injection pump is assembled. thanks for looking Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Smith Posted June 6, 2020 Author Share Posted June 6, 2020 More work done on the engine! I have had some of these pieces assembled and sitting off to the side. I am enjoying this build so far, looking forward to spark plug wires and getting the fuel injection plumbed. Thanks for looking Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Codi Posted June 6, 2020 Share Posted June 6, 2020 She's building up quite nicely for you Chris. No problem on the pic request, I'll see what I can do for you. I really like the mechanical fuel injection unit too........cheers, tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Smith Posted June 7, 2020 Author Share Posted June 7, 2020 Plug wires installed... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Smith Posted June 10, 2020 Author Share Posted June 10, 2020 I spent the last few days when I had the time in between chores and work, I managed to get the velocity stacks assembled and the fuel injection lines plumbed. As always thanks for looking... Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brudda Posted June 11, 2020 Share Posted June 11, 2020 Hello Chris! The motor looks like a piece of jewelry!!! I just hope I can make my 917/30 look that good. Great job sir!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Smith Posted June 11, 2020 Author Share Posted June 11, 2020 11 hours ago, Brudda said: Hello Chris! The motor looks like a piece of jewelry!!! I just hope I can make my 917/30 look that good. Great job sir!!! I have no doubt about it Bruce, after your p4 I am hoping to equal the result Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vietnam Vet67 Posted June 12, 2020 Share Posted June 12, 2020 Man who designed the Porsche engines at 90 https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2020/06/11/hans-mezger-who-designed-the-porsche-901-911-engine-dies-at-age-90 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Smith Posted June 12, 2020 Author Share Posted June 12, 2020 7 hours ago, Vietnam Vet67 said: Man who designed the Porsche engines at 90 https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2020/06/11/hans-mezger-who-designed-the-porsche-901-911-engine-dies-at-age-90 Cool stuff, thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Smith Posted June 15, 2020 Author Share Posted June 15, 2020 Exhaust manifolds and started rear chassis. Took most of my Saturday evening and most of Sunday to get this far. The rear frame is a bear to get the fitment just right. I had a lot of tweaking and re checking to try to get it as square as I could. Thanks for looking Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belugawrx Posted June 15, 2020 Share Posted June 15, 2020 Good work so far Chris. The detail in the kit looks amazing. Following ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Codi Posted June 18, 2020 Share Posted June 18, 2020 The scale and accuracy of parts they included in the kit are amazing Chris. She looks fine! cheers, tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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