Harpo

Finally done: "QuickSilver" - Pirahna-based retro LSR Car

I finally got this one done! It's my interpretation of a land speed record car, based on the AMT Pirahna Super Spy Car kit. I liked the basic lines of the body but felt they stopped a little too soon. I wasn't sure where I was going, but this is where I ended up. Engine is stock, wheels have smooth covers added and body is reformed quite a bit, lots of sheet styrene and putty (build thread here). The canopy is an NOS Cox model airplane part, reshaped to fit the new body contours. Canopy is removable and interior is complete, but very hard to picture (pics in build thread). Lettering is photo and clear sticker paper, printed on an Epson PM225. My vision was to create a believable mid-60s LSR car that never actually existed. The build is far from clean but the end result does express what was in my head, so I count that as good. I learned a lot, so I hope my next venture will be better! Comments welcome, thanks for looking! Garry

Worked out the final layout with some temporary graphics (regular photo paper, too thick). I'm using an Epson PM225 photo printer, and have ordered some printable sticker paper for the final assembly. If anyone has any other ideas for printing decals/stickers I'm open to suggestions!

Suspension mostly done, still needs paint & cleanup. I'm VERY glad I chose to do this one as a much-modified build, the fit on many of the parts is absolutely terrible!

Tires roughed up from the salt (aka sandpaper) and wheel covers from sheet styrene:

Lots of progress!

Thank you, and thanks to all who have commented! It's interesting to hear this comment in particular, because there's been several times during this project that I've felt exactly the same way, just not feeling it. I went in with a rough concept of what I wanted to see, but no definite plans how to achieve it. I tried doing some drawings, but ended up just winging it. So far I'm happy with the way it's coming together!

Front and rear ends reshaped and filled, sides smoothed, profile is looking better. Still considering partial fill for wheel openings.

Roll bar (made from parts tree) installed, canopy retention system designed and fabricated. Sheet styrene "spring" engages roll bar, slides forward, two angled pins engage body to secure. Rear of canopy will be painted body color.

I've decided to go with the Revell 68 Mustang GT 2n1 kit for my short wheelbase project. It's not intended as an exact copy of the prototype, just my take on a 2-seater version. And I like the taillights on the 68!

Engine cover filled and fitted, scoop attached. Since it's in three pieces (lower body. interior/engine comp, upper body) this is turning into a real challenge deciding what order to assemble and paint it. I'd planned on assembling all then masking the engine compartment and interior openings before final putty and paint, then adding the engine and suspension. But since I've decided to include deep fender skirts, that may make the suspension/wheels/tires a challenge too. Also need to devise some way of securing the canopy. This one is taking more time to engineer than to build!

Interior panels formed from .020" Evergreen, installed, dash/seat/wheel installed and painted. I didn't spend much time here, as the interior is barely visible even with canopy removed.

If I remember correctly, that is very close to one of the most popular colors for that car. Looks great, fine job!

I love it! Has kind of a surfer vibe from the back, from the first pic I thought those were boards! Great use of color, and very well integrated components.

Thank you! Ya, I thought about the fan belt, but I'm claiming it's under the shroud, or perhaps a custom gear drive...

Yes, the engine does seem a bit strange. Twin turbos, Weber carbs, and what appears to hemi heads? It doesn't line up with anything ever used on any Pirahna that I can find. But if we pretend the heads were custom made, the rest of the components were all available in the 60's - so I'm considering it a reasonably believable LSR engine.

Cockpit opening located and cut, edges where putty is exposed between styrene layers sealed with liquid glue. Engine is done, and I just couldn't resist keeping all those parts chrome! I'll probably add some weathering and grime later.

I've always loved Bonneville cars, and I built those Hawk kits when they first came out. I have a NOS Apache, don't know if I'll ever build it:

Making progress! Hot-knifed the canopy down a bit, then sanded to body contour. Same treatment for the scoop, it's the center of a surplus Batmobile hood.

Coming along nicely - and I love my new dehydrator!

Putty/sand x 2, contours are about right!

Unless I'm mistaken, the Mustang III is the only short wheelbase version (90" vs 108" stock), and this two-seater is the concept I plan on using. And I actually prefer the 1968 body style, with concave taillights. Can anyone suggest an appropriate high quality kit to start with?

Area built up with .020 styrene preparing for new contours:

1/24 vs 1/25 is not an issue to me at all, and what I'm calling an abomination is these kits from offset molds that require endless trimming and shaping. I suppose I should be happy they're still available, but compared to Tamiya, Gunze, and Revell Germany my descriptor seems appropriate. You're right; I need to be more specific about year. Here's what I've got in mind: 1963 Ford Mustang III. My reproduction won't be 100% faithful to that particular one-of-one car, but I like the idea of a short wheelbase Mustang.

Some progress, with a faint sense of direction. Removed the windshield hump at the cowl in prep for filling: A piece of .020 Evergreen glued from the bottom: Hot knife removes the interior, making way for serious seat position change: Another bit of plastic to fill the hole, and lay nearly flush at the front for easy puttying (is that a word?): Thin strips added beneath for reinforcement (and a bit of safety from sanding through): Preliminary trimming, shaping, filling, and cat hair removal: As may be obvious, I haven't a clue what I'm doing here. I like this .020 plastic; it takes a smooth curve, glues very well, and is easy to reinforce. I'm still pondering how to smooth the transition from the top of the front fenders (smooth curve) to the rear panels (razor), but it will come to me. And I'm having fun!