The 21' Cannonball Ruse build thread

[avidinha]

I'm really enjoying seeing everyone's progress. I feel like most of these cars would get by the cops because no one would believe it when they called in that car doing 150mph.

#3

The muffler on the Accord is big and very noticeable, I'm considering changing it out for something more streetable.

I put in the roll cage so I could start on the interior.

And I added some supports to add some rigidity back after I cut out so much of the cage.

 

Edited January 21, 2021 by avidinha

[disconovaman]

1 hour ago, avidinha said:

I'm really enjoying seeing everyone's progress.

Me too... and the Accord is coming together quite well... I like the exhaust location myself ?

I was really starting to feel left out seeing all the great action buuuut... Mail Call !!!  The Ford Fusion and Chevy SS Nascar Snaptite snappers have arrived!

These will become Police Cruiser pursuit cars! So I'm officially announcing my entry... Now if you're wondering why I needed 2 kits... well, it's because my 8 yo daughter Loves the Transformers Barricade Police car from last year's CBR and honestly when it came down to voting for the 2020 CBR I let her use my vote to vote for Barricade. Ever since she seen that build she has wanted to join the Cannonball Ruse with a race car disguised as a Police car!  

I thought it was genius because nobody would give a speeding police car a second glance.

 So we searched police cars and found two different racecar kits that could be police cars. This Cannonball Run will have an honorary member building her model along with us. She is really excited! 

And it's kinda fitting that we're starting from behind with pursuit cars because we have to catch all the contestants now... So the Chase is on!

Here is a picture of my neighbor's car, he's a detective for the state. 

[Lunajammer]

2 hours ago, disconovaman said:

speaking of which, are you still pondering this year's run or are you ready to declare?

Undecided.

[disconovaman]

Well I'm off to the races with the Ford Fusion cop car. The hood was molded on so I went to work first thing cutting that open. It's no wonder these kits are popular as slot cars, the plastic is pretty durable not to mention it's a snapper, it's pretty well done for a snap kit too. 

I plan on adding a push bar, spot lights, light bar and a two tone paint job also. The next point of action will be turning it into a sedan. 

[Northwindcustoms]

I went with the cut it to pieces option and started removing interior parts to clear the engine . Then I grafted the gt1 Front suspension to the curbside chassis plate it . It was a perfect placement I did have to space it down to get the proper ride hight. Now I am in the process of eliminating the Lexus molded in trans and exhaust . I think I will try to duct  cooling in from the bottom of the car to the radiators and intercoolers then vent it back out near the rear bumper . Fresh air is still in the design stage after I get it closer to mocked up without tape everywhere I will get some more pictures . It was a somber moment when I started cutting up 70 dollars worth of kits . I went back to the Stash and looked at all I had before the razor saw came out 

[Fat Brian]

11 hours ago, Northwindcustoms said:

I went with the cut it to pieces option and started removing interior parts to clear the engine . Then I grafted the gt1 Front suspension to the curbside chassis plate it . It was a perfect placement I did have to space it down to get the proper ride hight. Now I am in the process of eliminating the Lexus molded in trans and exhaust . I think I will try to duct  cooling in from the bottom of the car to the radiators and intercoolers then vent it back out near the rear bumper . Fresh air is still in the design stage after I get it closer to mocked up without tape everywhere I will get some more pictures . It was a somber moment when I started cutting up 70 dollars worth of kits . I went back to the Stash and looked at all I had before the razor saw came out 

I understand that feeling, but in the words of Mitch Hedberg "F*** it, cut 'em up!"

[Fat Brian]

20 hours ago, disconovaman said:

?

well, it's because my 8 yo daughter Loves the Transformers Barricade Police car from last year's CBR and honestly when it came down to voting for the 2020 CBR I let her use my vote to vote for Barricade. Ever since she seen that build she has wanted to join the Cannonball Ruse with a race car disguised as a Police car!

Tell her thank you for her vote and I'm glad she liked my build.

[Jantrix]

Well I was able to get a bit of bench time and I got the Chevy chassis stretched. 

[Misha]

1983 Camaro 
Been progressing on this build with further alterations and improving the fit of the various components. The interior has been fitted with the fuel filler pipe connecting to the fuel tank, two cup holders in the console, and the start of the roll bar installation. While not as robust as a competition cage, the main aim of the roll bar will be to strengthen the chassis. Due to the installation of a larger fuel tank, the spare need to intrude into the interior with the resulting bulge on the rear deck.

To add to the “ruse” the rear spoiler will not be used and as a result the two holes in the trunk required filling. I find using stretched sprue the perfect way to solve this. The taper of the sprue allows for a close fit and after applying the glue a gentle tug will seat the sprue into the hole, then trim and sand.

 

A civilian exhaust opening and a tow ring slot were cut into the rear panel. With the trimming of the chassis it may be possible to fix the rear panel in place and have the chassis plate slip in. This would make painting the body an easier task. We shall see...

Underneath I did some more clean up and trimming of the wheel wells to accommodate the tires within the flares. In addition the front suspension has been massaged by trimming the mold lines and adding bolt details to the parts. At the rear I added a cross piece between the coil spring hangers to reinforce the chassis at this point.

 

Overall the build is progressing well. The previous builder’s efforts have created some problems with the excessive use of an epoxy to fit the flares. Epoxy has crept into the engine compartment interfering with the fit for the hood and chassis. The gas filler in the rear fender also required a fair amount of carving and filing for the interior, rear window and chassis to fit smoothly. The driveshaft tunnel has been thinned on both the chassis plate and the bottom of the interior tub so that the fit is stable. (Obviously not a Tamiya kit) Ahead is the construction of the roll bar, engine assembly and interior enhancements. Still a long way from applying primer to any parts. 

 

Thanks for looking and all comments and hints are welcome. Cheers Misha

[disconovaman]

4 hours ago, Misha said:

I find using stretched sprue the perfect way to solve this.

Stretched sprue comes in handy with alot of scratch building great work on this... I know it's too early to think about paint jobs but I'm hopeful that we'll see some mismatched body panels and foe weathering in an effort to hide the racing bodywork ?

[Pete75]

#5 Audi Quattro

Contender for the prize for most time spent making microscopic components that won't really be seen! ? Gear shifter & linkage made from 2.5mm angle strip, 2mm & 1.6mm rod, 3.2mm tube and 2 needles. Liking this new scratch building business!

 

[Misha]

2 hours ago, disconovaman said:

 I know it's too early to think about paint jobs but I'm hopeful that we'll see some mismatched body panels and foe weathering in an effort to hide the racing bodywork ?

The final finish/scheme will be the key to a successful run, blending in while still, when possible, being able to open it up! Seeing a rather non-descript old Camaro, the secretary model, at first and hopefully final glance will help. To achieve the “look” the plan is to paint the body in champagne gold with a white vinyl top and throwing in some chrome trim. The interior will appear with typical road trip necessities, such as a cooler. Being run in 2021 it won’t not be unusual to have a certain of tech aboard. The finish will appear worn, yet some what maintained. Flares! What stinkin’ flares....

Here are a couple of stance shots...

 

Cheers Misha

[Misha]

3 minutes ago, Pete75 said:

#5 Audi Quattro

Contender for the prize for most time spent making microscopic components that won't really be seen! ? Gear shifter & linkage made from 2.5mm angle strip, 2mm & 1.6mm rod, 3.2mm tube and 2 needles. Liking this new scratch building business!

That’s pretty trick looking Peter! Great use of materials, seeing in scale.

Cheers Misha

[89AKurt]

On 1/21/2021 at 10:22 AM, avidinha said:

I'm really enjoying seeing everyone's progress. I feel like most of these cars would get by the cops because no one would believe it when they called in that car doing 150mph.

[...]

I've been thinking of putting HONDA on the back of my Subie, just to confuse anyone trying to report "a black Japanese looking car, see Honda....".

6 hours ago, Misha said:

[...] The interior has been fitted with [...] two cup holders in the console, [...]

Thanks for looking and all comments and hints are welcome. Cheers Misha

Oh yea, very important item to add to any retired race car!  I've been thinking of a cooler, full of Red Bull. ?

12 minutes ago, Pete75 said:

[...]

Contender for the prize for most time spent making microscopic components that won't really be seen! ? Gear shifter & linkage made from 2.5mm angle strip, 2mm & 1.6mm rod, 3.2mm tube and 2 needles. Liking this new scratch building business!

[...]

Uh, think I have you on that....... but that's a great addition and it will be seen when done.

Imagineered the video screen for the telephoto video camera with infrared capability.  Started life as a camera, it's the CCD that captures the photos you take.  Started using the Scale Motorsport photo-etch.  The white sheet plastic will be two gauges for the co-driver to monitor.  That person will be very busy, monitoring the CB radio, scanner, camera, GPS map, rally light on/off, phone, get another Red Bull for the driver.

[Lunajammer]

1 hour ago, 89AKurt said:

I've been thinking of putting HONDA on the back of my Subie, just to confuse anyone trying to report "a black Japanese looking car, see Honda...."

Now that's the spirit of Cannonball!

[Danno]

4 hours ago, Misha said:

 

Cheers Misha

Yeah. Like that's gonna be innocuous and anonymous. LOL.  ?

 

??

[disconovaman]

    My little girl is working hard on taping/painting her Chevy SS cop car. I'm coaching her but she's adamant that she knows what to do.?

   The white is pretty thick but hopefully it will air out. She does pretty well at spraying flat colors she just needs to learn gloss and flash times...IE Patience... 

[Mattilacken]

Nice progress every one!

 

 C5-R

So I am not that found of the shape of the Revell body.. and thinking as if I would do this IRL.. I would like to have 2 co drivers since we are aiming for sub 26h. Would also like a cooler so I don’t need to stop for drinks and food.. how would that fit in a corvette? So.. I am leaning against complete butchery! 
I have the best modern style GM sedan body laying around since I was a kid. Some minor tweaks to it but no paint no nothing.

 Impala SS 1994.. corvette.. C5-R... the Impala SS-CR? Would need to stretch the chassis a ton.. refab the rear so I can keep the rear seat or some thing like it.. place the engine more forward, relocate the trans.. lift the suspension.. relocate de defusor... engineer a cooling system... hum.. should I?

[Oldmopars]

Well, I think I am at the finish line with this build. I had several times I wanted to throw it at the wall, but in the end I think it turned out OK. 

I give you a 80-90's Ford/Pontiac NASCAR disguised as a 1960 Chevrolet Impala.  I stretched the chassis 1/4in, cut off the Ford front suspension and replaced it with Pontiac NASCAR suspension. The engine would not do, so I replaced it with a LS Engine (3D Printed). Pegasus supplied the wheels and tires. 

I kept most of the Impala interior, seat, dash, door panels, but no back seat. Don't need it. All the NASCAR stuff is also included, cooler, fire extinguisher, diff cooler, etc. The fuel tank was enlarged a lot (1/4in) to add a major increase in fuel range. Battery was relocated to the trunk for better balance. 

The roll bar was trimmed to fit and dropped down through the dash. 

The car presents as a mild custom show car, but is all NASCAR under the skin. 

I will get better pictures in the near future and put them under glass.

 

[Snake45]

Congratulations on your completion! 

[89AKurt]

Fun to watch the other builds.   Sort of making me want to do another project using a real race car.  ?  That 3D printed LS engine looks really nice, the technology has advanced since Hobby Design produced the STi.  You guys using big American cars don't have to worry about clearance issues.

[Fat Brian]

5 hours ago, Mattilacken said:

Nice progress every one!

 

 C5-R

So I am not that found of the shape of the Revell body.. and thinking as if I would do this IRL.. I would like to have 2 co drivers since we are aiming for sub 26h. Would also like a cooler so I don’t need to stop for drinks and food.. how would that fit in a corvette? So.. I am leaning against complete butchery! 
I have the best modern style GM sedan body laying around since I was a kid. Some minor tweaks to it but no paint no nothing.

 Impala SS 1994.. corvette.. C5-R... the Impala SS-CR? Would need to stretch the chassis a ton.. refab the rear so I can keep the rear seat or some thing like it.. place the engine more forward, relocate the trans.. lift the suspension.. relocate de defusor... engineer a cooling system... hum.. should I?

The Impala would make a nice Cannonball car, room for 3 plus supplies.

[Lunajammer]

3 hours ago, Oldmopars said:

Well, I think I am at the finish line with this build.

Well there you have it boys, the bar has been set by the defending champ.?

(except your left front tire is on backwards)

[Fat Brian]

Finally some progress to show. I've been working on making room in the interior for a second person, the original interior barely has room for one. I cut away the lower bars of the roll cage and added in the door bars from a NASCAR kit, I still need to add a few more braces to tie them into the rest of the cage fully. I also filled the holes in the side of the body where the exhaust originally exited, I'm planning something more stealthy. I'm still trying to figure out the tire situation, I'd like to use the stock wheels but I'm having a hard time finding any street tires that will fit them. 

Here's a pic of the stock interior.

and the changes so far

[Oldmopars]

14 hours ago, Lunajammer said:

Well there you have it boys, the bar has been set by the defending champ.?

(except your left front tire is on backwards)

Good catch on the tire, I had them on and off so many times, I must have just spaced it. It will be fixed before final pictures are taken. It's snowing today, so no outside pictures.