Nytrozilla

NOTE TO SELF: Rip off Tim's parachute design for Nomad. ANOTHER NOTE TO SELF: Use different material for chute release cords so Tim doesn't notice. THIRD NOTE TO SELF: If model doesn't win at contests, blame Tim's chute design.

Thanks everybody for the kind words....(Does that sound familiar?)..... Here's a quick update with the radius rods in place. I was worried that I'd have to shorten one on each side due to the angle, but it's fine. It also clears the tie rod that I haven't made yet.

You normally see a coiled tube breather on the fuel tank. I love that you used a valve cover type instead. Tons of other beautiful details Bill. Magnifique'.

Looks like a blank canvas for another amazing paint job.

Alrighty Folk. Here's what we've been waiting for. To start assembly, I had to make some leaf retainer clips before attaching the axle brackets to the spring assembly. I took some of the same wire I used for the wheel spokes and flattened a long length with flat nose pliers and a roller. It was too easy to make a hook end, then wrap the wire around the leafs, cut to size, then crimp. No CA required to keep them in place. Lastly, I installed the axle brackets. Nextly, notice that on the axle, only the left spindle tube is attached permanently. I'll glue the other end after I make sure the radius rods are positioned right. Once that happens, the springs and axle will be a permanent unit. Also of note on the axle are the two holes. Those are for shocks. Awwww Maaaaan, I gotta' make SHOCKS !!!???!!! I guess the last thing will be the tie rod. Just a note: Everything is still loose so it may appear lopsided or off center. When it's all tightened, if that's still the case it's going in the trash compactor. Enjoy.

Finally you build some parts that are on my level. Those would have taken me a few hours at my speed. And they would be the 3rd or 4th attempt. You probably knocked them out chatting with Dave instead of drawing doodles.

I'm surprised you missed one small detail Dave. IT IS A REAL WHEEL !!!!!! Incredible...........

In High School I had a friend that drove a Metro. I always wanted to see one done like that. Great Stuff Doc.

I'll take your word for it My Man. If anybody knows what stellar is, that would be you. And you feel free to chime in whenever the mood strikes or life allows. We really should talk again soon though. This is one of those times when I poke my head in, tell you all I haven't gone INTERSTELLAR, get you all jazzed when I tell you I'm actually making progress and then have no pictures to show for it. I am on my (hopefully) final steering knuckle / spindle production and will have a working set up shortly. I couldn't find a working combo of wire / rod diameter to nut size for the U-bolts, so I made brackets that the axle will slide through. The brackets bolt to the leafs. Trust me.

Don't tell him Tim !!!! He knows too much already. Well, more than either of us anyway. BTW, nice rack.

Impressive all around as per normal. Even when there's nothing "normal" about it.

Apparently, the dog decided you weren't a fire hydrant.

I have a question. How often do people stop to watch you take the pictures? Any interesting encounters Bro?

Yupper my friend. Vertical, horizontal, diagonal, cylindrical, hexagonal and conceptual. It's all loose. I'm going to try to get to the tie rod tonite and I also have to fabricate 4 U-bolts and a couple of brackets for them too, but that should be pretty straight forward. Better now?

I think I see what you're saying Pal. Everything is loose, I just laid the axle ends down instead of standing them up. Also the rear brackets are laying down. I'm sure that didn't help either. How's this? Hi Michael. I haven't put in an order for rod ends from RB Motion yet. I put tape on both inside surfaces of a flat nose plier. The length of each crimp is the same as the width of the plier to clear the brackets.

Well, it's only been too long since my last update. Good thing I've got something to show for it. With the exception of the tie rod and steering link, the front axle is ready for it's initial assembly. Today I made radius rods and the under chassis brackets they will attach to. The rod axle brackets are currently free floating. If they need a whisper of CA after assembly, so be it. Getting the spindle / wheel connection right is what's taken the most time. Not to mention the polishing. Arrrrgh, the polishing! I hope to get a jeweler's drill press soon. If I had it now, I would have gone straight through the wheel center, then use a nut so it could spin freely. But alas, thou art stilleth a rookie-eth, at the ancient ways and techniques and, yes, magix, that are involved in metal manipulation. Enjoyeth the piceths.

You've got some mad scratch building skills there Bob. Good thing too, due to the large volume of goodies you'll need to make for it.

PLEEEEEEESE do a video.

You can never go wrong with blue Ray. I see we have the same ugly countertops. I always have to clean mine because I can't tell if it's dirty. Grape stems and bread crumbs are literally camouflage.

No sorry to it. I'm thrilled. I'll be watching both.

Help me out here Aaron. Are you doing this instead of the T/A Dragster or maybe both at the same time? I'm good either way.

If I have to put a dollar in the "Swear Jar" for every bad word........Can anybody break a $100.00? To quote my Buddy Tim, "Those are the most stunning set of wheels I've seen in ANY scale."

I've always said, "What this place needs is a really cool Top Alcohol Dragster build." Haven't I guys?..... Haven't I?..... Guys?

Anytime you wanna' put a HEMI in a Ford, count me in. Nicely done Bruno.

I knew you were holding out on us with the paint. I also have a sneaking suspicion that the best is yet to come. How can that be possible? I think you might have one or two painting tricks under your hat. You know? Something, um, er, uh, well, unconventional.