AmericanMuscleFan

Thanks Mike! I do have a lot of respect for you and your work so your suggestions are welcome! I must say that in my vision, I try to keep the parts as sharp as possible precisely because of the scale (parts are indeed 25 times smaller than those I'm trying to reproduce). Also, I think that I don't give much chance to the rendering by using my Nikon Coolpix on macro setting so close to the object I'm pictured because it reveals all the swirls done by the end mill. Sanding and polishing these parts is also challenging since I don't want to ruin a part that takes me countless hours to make (it's easier to remove material than adding some...). One thing sure, I can't reject out of hand the good suggestions of an OUT OF THE ORDINARY modeler with that much experience! Your are more than welcome for your input and be certain that I will take it in consideration on the next parts. Truly yours, Francis

Thanks Bob! I'm always happy to share because I learn a lot from the other on this forum! Cheers, Francis

Hello every one! Time to add an intake manifold to feed this engine with racing fuel!!! I'm not 100% sure about the alimentation system yet (carburetor or injected) but the base intake system will be good for both options. I need it done first anyway in order to set-up the engine height under the hood. This is not the most difficult part to make (to me at least) but it must be straight and symmetric to fit perfectly between the engine heads. As usual, feel free to make your comments, they are very appreciated and real fuel for my engine...lol. Happy Easter to each of you and take care, Francis Intake manifold base plate in the milling chuck settled at angle to fit the heads intake ports side. Intake base plate in progress with 0.093’’ holes for aluminum connector tubes. Front of base plate adjusted to heads and the engine block length. Same part different view. Head bolts holes drilled using 0.016’’ drill bit along with bolt head seats using 0.031’’ end mill for bolts clearance. All intakes components including base plate, connector tubes (8), intake plenum and the cover. Intake final. Intake final different angle. Intake final top view. Holes for the carburetor (or injection system) to be made later. View between the red valve covers. It will be detailed by adding brass bolts on the top plate.

Thanks Ray and Craig! Seem funny what you stated about your abilities to drill simple holes in plastic kits but it's not that easy in fact... that's why I do use a milling in order to keep them perfectly straight...!!! Take care, Francis

Thanks Tim! Yes, a little bit of color under the hood will embellish this all metal like color engine... Take care, Francis

It can't be said nicer than that! What does age mean when we can still have fun creating the toys of our childhood with our adult hands but with much more satisfaction... what a beautiful hobby! I appreciate more and more this forum everyday that enable me to be in contact with people like you Mike!!! Take care, Francis

This is an amazing project! The subject, the story behind this drag car and all the respect of the NHRA regulations... another masterpiece in the making! I love the stance!!!

Hi Mike! Great progress on the engine injection setup! You do have good hands and sight for a guy who pushing 70!!! You're right about detailling this engine as it will be the focus point but no one will miss all the spectacular work done on the tubular frame of this beauty! As you mentioned, it's a bit tad disappointing that you weren't able to add this update on your original thread but it does not diminish your good work in ANY WAY! Take care, Francis

I understand your feelings and I feel the same! I just want to make all the main drivetrain components first so I will be able to show you later a glimpse of what the final product will look like. I think that I might have more building weeks coming in front of me... thanks for the current pandemic situation! I'll be back next weekend with an update of the intake manifold. Take care, Francis

Very nice body modifications so far Bill! I also love that huge Demon motor in the engine bay! TorRed will be perfect color for this build. Will be an insane asphalt grinder!!!

Very clean build and nice looking Corvette! Great paint job from an old spray can! Well done Adam!!!

Will be a very interresting and rare subject! I recall seeing one on "Pass Time" (Fox channel) few years ago and it was powered by a big Nitro HEMI... that thing was ridiculously fast and a real ground shaker! No doubt, you love building drag cars Wayne!!!

Very nice Pro Mod! Close to the ground it looks mean and fast!!! Well done Wayne!

Very nice and clean build. One of my favorite FORD body! The stance is perfect, well done!!!

Thanks Pat! It's not over yet... more parts to come! Next part the intake manifold. Take care, Francis Thanks Jim! As long your not too impatient... this is a long term project but I'm happy that you stick with me! Cheers, Francis

Thanks Mark! It's a pleasure to share and I do have a lot of fun to move forward in that build!!! Take care, Francis

Thanks Mike! For seeing what you can do with aluminum and brass I take the compliment with a lot of consideration! Now I plan to anodize more parts (no too much however...) in order to add some life on the drive train because a lot of aluminum will be used on this build. Take care, Francis

Hello everyone, Just another small update on the valve covers. I mentioned that I wanted to anodized them so I gave a shot yesterday afternoon and I must say that I'm pretty happy the way it ended. I was very nervous because it was my first try on final parts and there's no way (at least I don't know any) to reverse the process so it must be successful the first time. I had planned to sand the HEMI letters but the finish is so hard that I had to return to the milling to bring them back to the aluminum finish. The color and finish look way better in person but the pics will give you a good idea. As usual your comments are welcome! Take care to each of you, Francis

Great improvement on the pedals set-up Joe! Even if they will not be very visible on the finished build, it's good for the soul to make that kind of modification and you did it the right way! Talking paint, I agree with you regarding Tamiya primer, it's pretty expensive but the best IMO as foundation for model paint. You heading the right direction my friend!!!

Thanks for stopping by Joe! Cheers, Francis Thanks Mark! I have this end mill in my toolbox for several years and I don't recall where I bought it but you can find these on eBay or Amazon among others. Cheers, Francis

Great improvements from the original interior and body so far Steven! It's obvious that you do have a good eye for details sir! I will keep an eye on your progress... that's my kind of work!!! ?

WOW!!! Superb customizing work on this '62 Chrysler! The interior is superb and looks like a car that might be shown at SEMA! Nice to see a big block cross ram engine under the hood too! Great work Steeve!!!

Thahks for the compliment Jim! Everything is done with traditional handwheels (no CNC or computerized tooling). I started by making a drawing of the valve covers on paper and everything started from there. I took me several hours to make the letters contour since the end mill was only 0.015''. Cheers, Francis Thanks again Scott! The next part will be the intake (Tunnel Ram). Take care, Francis

Thanks Dave! As stated I will post pictures of the final product when the anodisation (red) will be done. Take care, Francis

Thanks for the kind comments Mike! I had the same reaction (Huge smile) when I finished the engraving of the HEMI letters! Talking bolts heads, my main source is RB Motion and he is specialized in aluminum bolts (not threaded). Many sizes are available. Here is the web site: http://www.rbmotion.com/ Another source is Model Motorcars Ltd (formerly Scale Hardware). You can find both threaded or simulated brass or stainless steel bolts and nuts. Web site is: https://www.modelmotorcars.com/scalehardware/ The last source is T2M but I think they are discontinued but you still can find some on auction site like eBay. I would be very interested if you can share your own source, I'm always curious to check the other products available! Take care, Francis