Straightliner59

Actually, most of that is a molded cover that shrouds the engine. I think it helps direct the air to the engine. There are a couple of little details I can add to it, but not a ton.

Thanks to Les, I believe, for moving this. It is appreciated. To begin, the kit's distributor was nothing more than a blob--which is understandable, as it doesn't appear too be readily visible, once assembled. I removed it, and made a simplified one, but with six holes drilled for plug wires, and of course, one for the coil. As I am prone to do, I overcomplicated things! In looking at photos of engines, one thing that stood out was the ribs on the fan housing (I guess?). To duplicate this, I needed .060" channel, which I didn't have. I did have some Plastruct .060" H-beam. I used the edge of a blade to shave off one side, resulting in channel stock I could use. I wrapped it around the molded fan housing. I also added the band that, I assume is the clamp that holds the fan housing in place. I'll add the tensioning bolts, as well. The outer pulley face is a miscellaneous bit of photoetch I found. It's been said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. Here we go, I reckon! Thanks for looking!

Gorgeous!

Always hhappy to help, my friend!

Wow, Bob! That's working even quicker than I expected! Looking great! Glad that was a help. You have a nice collection of parts, so far. Depending on how involved you care to get, here's a deal from National Dragster, back in the '80s. It includes the hi-lo idle control valve and the high-speed leanout. I have a ton of stuff on fuel systems.

Bob, you might give the Bud King a "bath" in sunlight. It works on old decals, sometimes; It might be worth a shot.

I will see what I can do, my friend. I am afflicted, after all!😀

Thanks for the kind words, Bob! Unlike the guy who built it, I think it has a touch of class!😅

Thank you, Ulbo!

Okay. It looks like this is my next project. A while back, my computer croaked (followed shortly by my external hard drive--taking virtually every photo I had taken, over the last fifteen years!). My neighbor across the hall, upon hearing this, and unbeknownst to me, ordered me a new laptop. He's always expressed appreciation, and lent encouragement when I share my work with him, so I thought I would repay his kindness by building him something. I asked him what his favorite car is. He replied that it was the 914 Porsche. I told him I just happened to have one, and, here we are! I plan to not get too carried away, but anybody who's familiar with my work knows that I struggle with that!😅 That said, I've replaced the molded-on distributor with one I made, that, even in its simplicity already looks better than the kit piece. It'll get plug wires, for sure. I'll decide as I go, how much (or little) more I'll do. I should have some photos in the next few days. Mostly, I just wanted to find this thread again, and bring it up, where I don't have to dig for it. Stay tuned...

The results make all the effort worth it, my friend! You have a fine collection of tiny models. Excellent work, Ian.

Thanks, David! I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. It feels like a cohesive unit, I think. Thanks, Larry. I appreciate it!

Thanks, Mark! I'm happy you enjoyed the build! I always hope, and try to insert some useful information, in those threads. I appreciate your comments, sir!

Thanks, David. There's a little more in the build thread, too. I loved the wheels the second I put them in tires, and under the car. I just thought they looked right!

Thank you, sir! Thanks, Carl!

Thanks, Mike. I wanted something subtle. I think it's understated.

Thanks, Jim!

You're right about these kits, Luke! I built this Super Stocker from the Chevy II.

Thank you, Rooster!

Thank you, David. That's an apt comparison, I'd say!

Here's the "Under Glass" post:

I first started this a few years back. I had problems with the paint, and ended up buying a new kit, for the body, since the chassis already had the exhaust pipes and wheels and tires installed. I picked it back up, a few months ago, and it has now reached the display case, alongside its fellow RMCRRA cars, or, "Raccoon Racers", as I've come to call them. The Rocky Mountain Clandestine Road Racing Association is a figment of my imagination. Was fictitiously born in the basement of a United Methodist Church, somewhere in Montana, in 1975. It was founded as a response to the nationwide 55 MPH speed limit, and the end of "Careful And Prudent" as the daytime speed limit in Montana. The organization's main function was to secure and patrol remote, but enticing stretches of road, so that other members could push their limits. The raccoon became their symbol, based on their inherent stealth--especially at night. The group continues, to this day, only now with the cooperation of local gendarmerie, in Montana, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. Run what ya' brung, just be sure it's outfitted with the appropriate safety equipment. I shaved the side trim, and the "finlets" from the taillight housings. I wanted to clean up the bumpers by removing the vertical elements from them. It didn't take long to discover that it was much easier to simply fabricate them from 9ga. aluminum armature wire. The recessed grille bar was also created from the same material. I made a pair of punches from brass tube, and used them to make the aluminum surrounds for the headlights. The headlights had to be drilled out, and receptacles for the lights, themselves created with plastic tube. I turned the aluminum rings for the headlights, and made reflector dishes from Maid-O-Metal tooling aluminum. The lenses were from my parts stash. I did a little research, to discover how screens were measured/classified, and ordered some fine silver-colored screens. I didn't put two and two, together, or I'd have just stopped into one of the local dispensaries, since that's what these turned out, to be. Anyway, they're woven from finer wire, and appear more open that the automatic transmission filter screen, I had originally planned to use. The hood scoop came from my parts boxes, as well. It's offset to accomodate the Rochester-injected 283, that (allegedly) lurks beneath. The roll loops are solder. The grille surround is .040" aluminum wire. I found an argyle pattern I liked and made decal inserts, for the seats. I deleted the radio and heater from the dash, and made new plates, gauges and switches. The pedals are fabricated from brass and some bits of a perforated auto-trans screen. I scratched the belts and hardware, and used Detail Master detailing wire for the piping. The floor was treated to some red embossing powder. As indicated by the shifter, a four speed was swapped in. I really like the way the Pontiac eight-lug wheels look on the car. I found one in my stash, and cast a set from acrylic nail resin. Because I didn't have any grey Krylon, on hand, I painted the car with Rustoleum Winter Grey. My only real problem with Rustoleum, is that it takes much longer to dry, than Krylon, so... I printed all the decals and gauges at home. It's not perfect, but, I like its combination of elegance and performance. I think it looks slick, and clean. Your comments are always welcomed. Thanks for looking!

I have a Sherine lathe and one of their milling machines. They're more than suited for what I do, and there are members of this forum who do amazing work, on them.

Yessir! That's all you can do--it's never good to mess with model mojo.