AmericanMuscleFan

Great work Rich, you've made great progress and your attention to detail is evident. I really like the hood scoop, it looks a lot like that of your real car. ?

Thanks Daniel, sometimes you need what it takes to achieve your goals even if the method used is somewhat unconventional......... ? Francis Thanks Will, the aluminum chips are just starting to fly, more shiny stuff to come a little later. ? Francis

Hello everyone! Unsurprisingly but a little later than expected, the front wheels are my update for today. The machining steps are the same as for the rear wheels but with less material to remove of course. They are not easier to make however, the width being at a certain point in machining a problem for mounting them in the chuck. So here are the photos and I hope you like the end result. See you later with other aluminum or brass parts. Francis After reducing the aluminum rod to the desired size and machining the basic details, I transferred the blank into the rotary table chuck. Using the same techniques and measurements as the rear wheels, I drilled the slots and holes for the wheel studs. Before working on the back of the wheel I went back to the lathe to make the raised shape in the center on the wheel. I could have done this initially but I forgot...! Back on the lathe to create the groove to mount the front tires. In order to machine the inner part of the wheel, I wound a strip of styrene to be able to mount it in the chuck. I have to admit that it's a little stressful! ? Here is the final result (exterior side). The central wall is off-centered towards the outside because I need to provide room for the brake rotor and caliper. The family is finally reunited, the front tires are Front Runner from Futurattraction.

Thank you for your kind comments Randy! It's sometimes difficult to stay fully motivated when you're involved in a long project like this and I know you understand what I'm talking about. The constant support of our peers is one of the most important elements of any project and I cannot express enough how much I appreciate the interaction with everyone who takes the time to bring these to life, it is in my opinion the reason for this forum. You inspire more than one and I am one of them my friend! Francis

I am always amazed by your incredible skills Charlie, just the wooden templates are works of art and certainly take a lot of time to prepare. à It takes what it takes to create a work of art! ?

Great job Rich! The technique you used to support the lower rear window trim during the process of opening the trunk panel is effective and clever. I see that you didn't hesitate to sacrifice a few kits to achieve your goal and that will surely help you get there. Sometimes you have to choose and make sacrifices! Maybe you haven't made model cars in the last 30 years, but it doesn't show, you kept your hand as they say. ? Glad to see another little brother to my current project, I suspect there will be many more in the coming months with the recent Dodge Demon Round 2 kit finally hitting store shelves. I bought one myself more out of curiosity than necessity! ?

Thanks Will, I will soon post photos of the front wheels that I machined in the last few days, unsurprisingly same design but a little narrower... ? Francis

Your determination and patience won over Daniel, the end result speaks for itself knowing that photos cannot do justice to such monk's work. This little gem waited several years to finally reveal all its facets to us, you can be very proud of what you offer us my friend! ?

No doubt, you can be proud Dennis, the pickup is a pure beauty from every angle! ?

Thanks Keith! It seems to me that this was a very popular color for the Duster/Demon bodywork as I saw several very clean cars on the racetrack painted this color. Maybe this color was more popular on this side of the border? We add this to the possibilities...! ? Francis

Thanks Ian, I'm not an expert on the subject but I have the impression that several companies made these kinds of wheels at the time but some had a cheap look. I thought this one had a more rugged look and would generate a drag racing look that goes well with the subject. Your knowledge on the subject comforts me with my choice and I take your comments as a mark of success. Thanks my friend! Francis Thanks Jerry! I'm very happy with the rear wheels and will work on the front ones next. As for the color I have to say I'm still a long way from painting and will consider any good suggestions that come my way, the fact that it's an imaginary car gives me a lot of freedom of choice. Francis Thanks Charles! When it comes to inspiring others, you're hard to beat, I follow your projects with great interest. Thank you for sharing, I find lots of ways of doing things that help me in my machining techniques. Francis

Thanks Andy! It's just a word but it tells me a lot! ? Francis Thanks Daniel, I have no doubt that you can do it, it's not that difficult, you just need to take your time and be well organized and keep notes of the measurements for successive operations. Francis Thanks Rich! I haven't added the air valves yet so I can't answer your question. ? For the next update it's a bit predictable because I also have to machine the front wheels and then I can focus on something else and there are a lot of them! Francis Thanks John, I really appreciate your kind comments! Francis

Thanks Bob! I have more than one 3 jaw chuck but I only use one and keep the part in that one until each operation requiring precise measurements and/or cuts with specific angulations is performed. At the end I go back to the lathe for the final cuts and just have to consider the depth so I don't go straight through and risk destroying the wheel. I hope this helps. Francis

Hello everyone, OK, the time has come to change the type of material to make shinny parts! I spent the last few days working with my favorite tools, the lathe and the milling machine to start the more technical part of the project if I may say so. I really enjoy working on body modifications (or improvements), but I also enjoy scratching my head and coming up with new techniques for machining parts. As I mentioned in a previous post, I need to put this thing on its wheels so I started with the rear mag wheels. No real new technique here but just a new kind of wheels of the same type as I made for my '70 GTX but a little more elaborate. I found a photo and the make (or model) on a drag racing discussion forum and they are called Appliance according to the experts. It's a style of wheels that fits the Demon perfectly and brings a touch of nostalgia that goes well with my project I think. And you what do you think? I'm leaving for work for a few days and I'll come back to you next weekend. Francis I started with a 0.625" T6 aluminum rod. After the diameter was reduced to fit the inner size of my Pro Stock tires, I began machining the outer side. Right now they look like Center Line or Cragar Super Trick but I'm going to change that! ? Looking at the target photo, I saw that there is a rounded shape at the bottom of the rear wheels so I used a ball nose end mill to create that shape. Next I made the slots using an oval drill bit... ? No, No, I used a carbide drill bit and using the rotary table I rotate 20 degrees to create the slot shape. I repeated this same operation 4 more times to complete the design. Both twins at a more advanced stage. I also drilled the holes for the wheel nuts and made a small seat for each one. Back on the lathe to machine the back of the wheel. Take note, it is very important to record the depth measurements of the front side so as not to go straight (or have a wall that is too thick) when working on the back side. I remove material from the center and keep a raised portion at each end that produces the edges of the wheel. Later I will drill small holes for the air valves they are located in the center of one slot. I'm pretty happy with them, I'll keep them unpolished as it gives them a vintage magnesium look. Rear slicks are rubber compound American Satco Pro Stock.

Thanks for the links Keith! Another of my favorite High Impact colors... too bad I painted my last build (D100) that color. On the other hand, the scoop on the hood of 71 looks like something I had imagined for my project, It remains to be seen how much the carburetors will stick their noses out of the engine compartment. ? Francis

It's not a popularity contest but if you don't consider yourself a high caliber modeler then I quit! No mistake, your technique is impeccable, your talent obvious because the results speak for themselves! ?

You are so nice Keith! Just to add a bit to my thoughts on the color is the fact that I spent a lot of time improving (I think that's the case...?) the rear panel and taillights, I want to use a color that will allow them to be seen clearly. I really like the rear end of the Demon, it's very distinctive and very "Mopar", I'm willing to compromise on the color but I won't paint it beige you can be sure of that! ? By the way, to be honest, Pink Panther was one of the first colors I thought of, you don't see them often! ? Francis

The sleep of the righteous as they say around here! ??

Thanks Dwayne! It's not a bad idea but it would look a bit... unfinished if I can put it that way! ? Thanks Keith! I really like this color but I wonder if it could take away the virility or the aggressive look that I want to give it?? Thanks for the suggestion Rich! This is another color with good potential, I found this photo on the web and I think it might work. I still have a lot of time ahead of me to make a final decision. ? Thanks again to all of you for your great suggestions, my work continues on the project and I will get back to you very soon with an update. Francis

Thanks for the suggestions Will, orange is my favorite color but the GTX is already painted that color and I also built a 69 Coronet several years ago and painted it orange as well. People would think I'm colorblind if I painted another one that color... ? Time will do its work and the inspiration of other models on the forum could influence me in the right way! Francis

If this tip can help anyone, it's worth sharing! ?

You can also find many at Micro-Mark, but like anything else, there is different quality in this type of tool and I don't hesitate to buy good quality because a good tool lasts a long time. For ice I use de-icing salt and it works wonderfully. ?

Thanks Mike, it's a pleasure to share even if it takes my some building time, It's not a race anyway and that makes my WIP more relevant I think! More to come soon! Francis

Thanks Will, your comments are fuel to my engine! I love all Detroit muscle cars from the late 60's to early 70's, regardless of manufacturer, I am just more in my comfort zone with Mopar cars. I also love Mustangs, the '70 BOSS is my favorite but the '69 isn't far behind. As for the color for the Demon, it's a bit like the rest of the build, nothing definitive but probably a light color as black or dark colors tend to make details less visible. I had even thought about pearl white and satin black hood but I will be open to suggestions. ? Francis

Yeah, you haven't rested long my friend! ?