Dodge Driver

John, the manifold is listed at $8.36 in 3D Model Specialties shop at Shapeways. Products there are printed to order and exist only as computer files until then. I ordered some steering wheels when I ordered the manifold. The steering wheels wouldn't print, so Ron, the shop owner re-designed them so they would print and ship with my manifold. I'm going to contact Ron and see if the manifold can be re-designed for a better fit. Trial and error is par for the course when we as builders venture outside the box.

Wikipedia says Bill Hickman also drove the Pontiac in The French Connection (which he also acted in), but I haven't researched that any further. If that's true, he's the car chase king in my book.

Bill, this manifold is described as fitting a big-block Mopar. A 1/25 scale manifold needs to be .500 wide to fit a big block, by my measurements. On dimension alone this manifold is a better fit on a small-block Mopar. It's still a little loose on an AMT 340. According to Shapeways (where I purchased this) I'm the first person to order one. I guess the design needs some tweaking to fit the engine it was designed for.

The measurements confirm what you were saying... The printed manifold measures out to be scale accurate for a small block. Sorry for anything seeming contrary to that.

Snake, are you referring to the Color Place flat white? It comes in a blue can with the five colored balls on the front? I'm all about cheap, thin and good coverage when it comes to primers.

Judging by the Chevelle's as-found condition, it escaped the crusher twice.

John, from flange to flange a cast iron 340 intake is a shade over eleven inches.(around .440 in 1/25 scale) The 3D manifold is about .435 in the same area.

Yes Chris. it does need to be wider to fit the block better. Either that or shim up the head surfaces on the intake sides.

Here's the Mopar intake from 3D Model Specialties The 440 is from the AMT '70 Super Bee.

Brodie-Here's a Duster 340 engine with a BnL Resin small-block Chevy Torker intake on it.

Stellar! You have skill and steady hands!

I'm not sure what you're saying here Nick. Bill Hickman was a professional stunt driver who also acted. I simply enjoy watching him drive the Bullitt Charger and the Pontiac sedan in the 7-Ups. I admire his skill behind the wheel.

Alien vs Predator takes place in and under Antarctica.

You did a fine job bringing together very different kit parts. Well engineered and executed!

'71-'74 Chargers have a tendency to stay on your mind like that. I regret almost daily letting go of my full-scale '72s Looking forward to some before/after photos. The MPC Charger is a pretty good representation of the real thing.

I'd I'd say change the wheels, dark wash the grille and go for it. The Super Charger kit came with dark tinted glass. If your Charger has clear glass, you probably have an earlier version.

Bullitt is my favorite scene. The 7-Ups is a close second. Watching Bill Hickman manhandle that Pontiac through the streets of New York is viewing an artist at work.

In spray cans, Model Master Metalizer colors are; Stainless Steel, Aluminum Plate, Magnesium, and Gunmetal. I've used all four finishes and have had excellent results. Each type replicates the named metal finish. I use Aluminum Plate to duplicate satin finish aluminum wheels. Metalizer spray paints are designed to be lightly buffed to bring out a metallic sheen on the painted parts.

I'll have a go at photographing it this weekend. Hopefully it will show up, as it's transparent. The manifold is really great looking!

Another fine example of a '50's classic, Rich. Excellent foil and flocking in the interior!

Well, that's a neat piece of automotive history heretofore unknown to me. Always learning new stuff here

Stellar work! That bumper turned out beautifully! Thanks for the excellent documentation.

Wow, Rich! These are some great looking Dodges! I resurrected this post since we were talking late fifties Chrysler products.

Thanks for the response Rich. My options for a '57 Dodge are shrinking rapidly!

Rich, Any chance you have Jerry's '57 Dodge Royal Lancer kit? I'd like to get your opinion on it, if you would. Thinking of going for one if it's still available. Thanks!