Straightliner59

I have a bunch of that stuff from Cornwall. I love it! It used to be marketed in the U.S. by Midwest Models (the balsa wood folks) under the name "Super Styrene". Absolutely! If you're building a replica, you need to know what that particular car used. If you're building an accurate, fictional racer, then, as Bill pointed out, you must default to the rule book for the year you want to build for. All that said, while it scales out a tad larger than required by rule, I think that, in instances of enclosed cars, .080" looks best.

I would guess that the vast majority of the FX/altered wheelbase cars were virtually gutted, if not from the outset, very shortly, thereafter. Weight was "the great satan", and anything you could do to get rid of it would be done, especially if it was something as simple as tearing out carpet! It's one step--"tear it out!" ?

This guy has several sets for sale. They came in the original blister packs. Total cost for the sets (2 front, 2 rear) with shipping was $20.88. If you want to take some Wright's Silver Cream to them, they'd look exactly like polished, uh...magnesium! ?

I got these magnesium Cox Chaparral wheels from an Ebay sale. I would like to get some HRM Chaparral wheels and tires, but they are difficult to come by. These tires are wrong, too, but, they're the closest thing I have, profile-wise. I think I may be able to use these wheels.

Thanks, Snake! I think I have needed an extension, every time I've participated. But, I am glad I have, because a couple of them may have just been stuck back in the closet, instead of in the display case! It's kept them near the front of the bench. I am just waiting on a sheet of Gofer decals, so I can put some contingency stickers on it. They should be in the mail, today, and I am off, tonight, so, this will be in the display case, by morning.

I got some fictitious livery created for the Firebird.

Thanks, Anthony! I don't know that I'm the guy to ask for photography pointers, though! ? I can't seem to get my photos to look as good as many of the other modelers, here, even when I take the time to set up my tripod, and use long exposures. Oh, well! Stance is very important, especially when it comes to race cars, for sure.

Well, I am fine with whichever you decide. If it helps, I had planned to have it done about two and a half weeks ago, but the weather wouldn't cooperate. I wanted to take it outside, and really hose it down, with clear. Anyhoo...I'll be happy to be the first one in, and done, for Round 7!

As a show of good faith, I went ahead and finished it, except for markings. It has its warts, that I have learned to accept, thus, I was able to move on. ? Here she is!

I totally understand! I hope to have it done by Sunday! I tell ya', it's nothing but curveballs, the last six months, or so. ?

The stars finally aligned, and I think I just shot the final coat of clear on the Firebird, today. This whole virus thing really shifted my schedule, and it's been like jetlag. Anyway, I am going to let that dry, then glue in the side windows and the last details and call it done. After that, I will work out the graphics for it. Can I get in?

It's awesome to get in that zone! This thing is looking great.

Francis, such excellent work, sir. Thank you for sharing the process.

I have to agree! I've used the "Amazing" brand, which is also made by Alumilite. It's what I use to cast pre-"drilled" distributors. You can go from zero, to never having to buy another one, or drill another one, ever again, in less than an hour.

That suspension is looking excellent! Enjoying your work, Andy.

Thank you for that heads-up! I will keep that in mind.

This looks very nice! Good work! Chaparrals are such cool cars. I started scratchbuilding one, years ago, based on the article in Motor Racing Replica News. Was that your article? All I got done was cutting out and putting together the middle section of the body. It's still sitting here. should I ever decide I need to finish it.

My favorite aspect of racing and hot rodding, in that era is because so much of that stuff was either cobbled together, or handmade. It led to such unique and interesting vehicles. This post is certified...well, "virus-free" has a whole new meaning, now! My hands were freshly washed. A couple of shots of the brass pedal arms, in place. Still a bit of shaping to do, and I need to make the clutch linkage, yet. The pushrod for the master cylinder is just lying in place awaiting completion of the master cylinder, to find its home. The master cy;imder will be built atop the piece of Contrails tubing sheathing the pushrod, behind the crossmember. I will have to cut a hole in the floor, to access the master cylinder cap. I am debating front brakes. The parking brake will be one of those Mico brake locks.

Thank you, Mr. Sapiro! I've been watching that little Cooper of yours coming together. Love that project!

I would begin by searching for plans, online, first. I am pretty sure there are some, out there.

Thank you, Robert. I now have both arms made in brass. I need to make the rest of the clutch linkage, and make and mount the master cylinder. The dang floor is bowed, again. I need to flatten it...again.

I've done more work on the chassis. I added the spring mounting hardware, and got the shocks, and their accoutrements taken care of. I will remount the radius rods, once I have the brake/clutch arms assembly worked out, and the master cylinder in place. I've made a lot of progress toward that end, as I have worked out the shape of the arms, themselves. I will thin this one down, a bit more, then transfer the pattern to brass. This one fits, beautifully, and swings, just right (not that it's going to!). I have an idea for the pedals, themselves, as well. Stay tuned! As always, questions, critiques and comments are welcome. Thank you for looking!

Francis! Impressive work! I would love to use my mill, like you and Tim do, but whenever I begin to think about it, the order of work boggles my mind. I will get it figured out, but, I am very right-brained--much more an artist than an engineer. My hat is off, to you, sir.

Three years ago, I bought a three kit assortment of Hawk engines for about $60. I started working on one, but, couldn't "leave it alone", and got sidetracked by other projects, so, it's sitting...

This is the first Impala I recall seeing. I built one using one of the old Hasegawa '66, just because I wanted to do an old NASCAR stocker, because there were details I wanted to play with, and, they just look cool! Why is it there weren't more of them? I assume because the Chevelles performed better? The model is a slammer, and could use some sprucing-up, and some photos with my newer camera. It was a fun, quick project.