First Attempts

[Dale W. Verts]

Thirty-seven years is a LONG time to be away from anything. Anyway, for better or worse I've started three projects. The parts are a lot smaller than they used to be for some reason...

I like buildin' engines. The first one is in a sprint car, and unfortunately I'd decided I was going to do a box-stock build to get my feet wet. But as the build progressed I ended up plumbing the motor with braided lines, and "anodized" fittings on the some of the lines. But that leaves the direct-injection fuel lines and spark plug wires missing. The Mag is totally wrong for this thing anyway... It looks okay- think I'll gift this one to a friend (after I learn how to do decals) and just do better next time-

The next one is about half done- the trouble is in the paint. First off, it's terrible cold for this part of the world and I'm probably being too picky. Also, the fact that I'm using up a bunch of Wal Mart .97 cent rattle-cans... Anyway, this '26 has three coats of primer and seven coats of gloss Burgandy and a LOT of sanding-

This 396 is out of the "Rat Roaster" kit. I just wanted it in a coupe (think I'll try a nasty flathead in the original kit). I "blackened" (washed?) most of the chrome, and put a coat of "dirty" gold on the velocity stacks. To me this is the way a big 'ole nasty motor should look-

I WILL wire & plumb this one correctly before installation. It's going in a '32 three-window. I've cut the frame to lower the front some (I should have mocked it up before I took a pic). I may also cut & hinge the suicide doors-

Anyway, it's not much, but it's been fun as all get out. I appreciate everyone who contributes here. I've been studying and watching closely. Some of ya'll are more than a little intimidating. And I'm generally not easily intimidated. Thanks for looking.

Dale

[Baugher Garage]

Great looking projects Dale! Keep it coming!

[Skypower]

Nice work im a newb to this so yeha some of these guys work is hard to live up too. But like you said its all about having fun. Keep it up look forward to seeing more of your projects.

[1 bad55 stan]

Top start Dale,If you add some plug wires to that sprint car engine it will look even better,Nice work on them all...

[10thumbs]

Hi Dale,

Yes, 37 years is a long time to have the small cars in front of your eyes again. We're sitting in the same boat, and I really feel that you are doing remarkable work. My compliments! Good luck with further building. (My, how the times have changed).

Greetings

Michael

[atenzapower]

Looks good so far.

[Foxer]

They all look clean and neat, usually the toughest part of returning to the fold. I had about a 30 year retreat but it all came back pretty fast ... and still learning, that never stops!

[cobraman]

Everything looks good to me.

[slusher]

Great looking projects Dale.....

[Ace-Garageguy]

Yes sir, your work looks good to me too...especially for just getting back into it after a long break. Love the color on the T, and the blown mouse in the '32 is just right.

What sprint car kit is that?

[horsepower]

Welcome back, you're doing pretty good, but I've got some bad news for you, as you start adding more details not only will they get smaller, they will get harder to see & some of them seem to have a mind of their own,& they love to play hide & seek, especially if you work over a carpet floor.

I just have to point out that the kit you got the hot rod motor from is the Rat Roaster,not roadster, it is a small block Chevy,with enough goodies to literally "roast" any Rat motor out their.

[Skydime]

That's some dang nice work to be just now getting back into the hobby. And yes, that Walmart paint is a bear to paint with. I used to use it for EVERYTHING I sprayed when I was younger. It looks like you've done a heck of a heck of a job wrestling that grizzly goop into submission.

Edited February 27, 2014 by Skydime

[Dale W. Verts]

I have quite a bit of that paint- if it's passable I'll use it...

That kit is a "Donor" kit from eBay. When I build my first "real" sprint car (I love the dirt cars) I'll fabricate my own chassis and get away from this two-dimensional piece of whatever.

Thanks for the comments- it took some guts to post these. I see where quick improvements can be made, and the harder stuff will come in time.

Dale