AmericanMuscleFan

Thanks Daniel ! I used a .031" two-flute cutter, so the rounded corners are .015". I had tried this first on a piece of scrap with a .050" cutter and the corners seemed too big. I have to work with precision because there are others who are doing great work these days! ? Francis

Thanks Roger! This is exactly how it works in my brain... I construct (or deconstruct...) the part to be made in my head and I try to anticipate most of the problems related to my approach before starting. My biggest weakness is not taking enough notes or sketches, which forces me to take more measurements when I try to make a similar part for another project. As for my coffee consumption, I try to limit myself to one mojo at breakfast because it gives me palpitations... ? The rear trunk gutters are going well and I hope to post some pictures soon, I have many more details to make! ? Francis

Thanks Jimmy, I have made some progress and I hope to upload some new pics soon. Stay tuned, Francis

Thanks Joseph, this will be another long project, so you'll have several opportunities to come and take a look! Francis

Thanks for your kind words John! Your knowledge on the subject always amazes me as I have read many of your interventions on other threads and you always have the answer, you impress me my friend! Rest assured that this thing will have a HEMI under the hood and with 2 carburetors this time... just to give a nod to the current price of gas, it doesn't cost much to dream! I will try my best to correct the small defects of the body and I expect a good challenge with the front grille! ? Thank you for your visit and come back anytime, Francis

Hi Claude! Thanks for the info my friend, we are well served by the rules and regulations of the SAAQ here in Quebec. Our neighbors south of the border have a lot more freedom in terms of vehicle modifications and we can only envy them. I am reassured, however, that "the professor" is watching me for any missteps I might (and will) make during this new project. Your knowledge and experience never ceases to amaze me my friend and I take note! ? Francis

You can't go wrong with 2 carbs! ? The intake manifold is awesome Ian! ?

Thanks Scott, I'm usually a very harsh judge of my work but I must admit that this seems to be a nice improvement on the original kit. Francis

WOW, very cool project Ian, my kind of car ! ? It feels very different to see you working on a door car, I like that a lot (even if your dragster builds are references of precision) ! ?

Hello everyone, The next step was to install the new back panel to the body shell. The operation was a little more complex than expected because the Demon and Duster bodies do not have a steel sheet (trunk extension?) between the trunk lid and the rear window. I opted for the solution of removing all the window trim and gluing a piece of plastic inside to reinforce the structure, plus the glass will be installed from the outside like on the real car. I was forced to keep the major part of the trunk lid in place (before removing the rest) to keep both rear fenders aligned and get the right position for the back panel. The trunk gutter will be built next with the back panel now secured and part of the back window frame glued to the interior of the cabin. I have a lot of good photos to work with, it's a little harder to build than other models of the brand but I think the final result will be interesting. Comments and suggestions are welcome. Construction continues, Francis Using the existing window opening, I traced and cut a piece of styrene to create the support for the back window. The rear panel is now glued to the body and the rest of the trunk gutter details are still to be built. Sorry for the blurry pictures, it's hard to get a good focus when there is little contrast.

Thanks for the info Mike, I knew the story about the pressure from the clergy regarding the name of the car at the time but I didn't know that the kit had been a limited production for the same reason. I hope that I will be forgiven for daring to build a model of it... ? Francis

Thanks for the kind words Bob ! We can't always get it right on the first try, so sharing our experience with people who enjoy and want to build on the same subject is in my opinion the essence and purpose of this forum. ? Francis

Hello everyone, I just want to share this with you. I am always amazed by the selling price of these old kits. Knowing that this kit was probably sold for less than 2 dollars at the time at Kmart, it's hard to believe that it could be worth that much today. I saw some that were selling for even more... For this one, converted to Canadian dollars, including shipping, it would have cost almost $700.00... That must be the inflation... ?

Thank you Ian and Daniel for your support, I know you are very experienced builders with the same vision as me regarding tribute cars and we must also keep in mind that this is only a hobby. We must find pleasure and as little frustration as possible if we want to complete our projects but we are all different and each one must go at his own pace and limits ! Francis No problem Roger, don't hesitate to send me a PM if you need more help.

This is great work Daniel, your brass steering box is awesome my friend ! I see you have a giant dime too ! ?

Thanks Ray, I appreciate your comment sir ! Francis Thanks Ian ! I must admit that my approach is more related to knowing my limits because there is too much unknown and restrictive aspect to making a tribute vehicle and I want to have fun more than to break my head. I'm getting old... ? Francis

Thanks Ray, I appreciate your comment sir ! Francis Thanks Ian ! I must admit that my approach is more related to knowing my limits because there is too much unknown and restrictive aspect to making a tribute vehicle and I want to have fun more than to break my head. I'm getting old... ? Francis

Thanks Bob ! I am quite proud of it and I think that integrating the transparent red taillights and the transparent back-up lights will give it an even more representative look. I'm working on it ! Francis

Thanks Roger ! Another one of my usual trial and error... Basically, I shaped 2 flat strips of Evergreen Styrene (0.030") with reference to the existing back part of the kit and sanded them to about 10 degrees on a flat surface and glued them together. I first tried to engrave the tail lights on a flat strip but the spaces between the lenses warped when trying to make the center fold so my only option was to engrave on the pre-formed panel. I hope this explanation makes sense to you ? Francis

Thanks Dwyane ! I hear what you are saying about casting my pieces to make copies but there are many unscrupulous people who do not hesitate to copy the work of others to make money and it is deplorable. However, I take your suggestion as an appreciation of my work and I am flattered. Francis Thanks Scott, I still have the graft to do! Francis Thanks Tim ! You know too well what I think of this famous word... unattainable but always sought after! Francis Thanks Mike ! It's just a matter of trial and error but I used a 2 flute (0.031") cutter and cut at low speed with my vacuum close to the workpiece. In addition to cleaning the part as I go along, it helps cool the plastic so it doesn't melt under the friction of the tool. As for the guide, I referred to a photo on the internet for the size in general if that is what you mean. Francis Thanks Marcos ! I have to admit I'm in a bit of a comfort zone still working on a Mopar, it makes you wonder if I can do anything else... ? ? Francis

Hello everyone, The first surgery on the body is to replace (and improve...) the damaged rear panel. I thought about making it out of thin aluminum or brass but the center fold combined with the multi-directional curves of it won't allow me to do that. I don't have the expertise of some of my colleagues to make brass panels yet, so it will be with good old Styrene. I did some testing for the tail light openings and my final piece is I think more like the real car with slightly larger lights and thinner separation strips between them. Anyway, pictures are worth a thousand words so judge for yourself but I am quite satisfied with this first effort. Next, I will make the lens out of red and clear acrylic, the Styrene version was made only to test the fitment and confirm my measurements. As usual, your comments are welcome and appreciated ! Francis Styrene back panel outside view. Styrene back panel inside view. First test for the size and spacing of the rear lights. Not bad but I will enlarge the lenses and reduce the space between them, the styrene is rigid enough to handle this. Engraving on the final part. I like it, what do you think ? Test piece for the lenses, this will be replaced by red and transparent acrylic. The adjustment is conclusive, so it's time to move on... including grafting the panel to the body shell. ?

OK Tim, here are the first stammerings of this build... no brass yet... ?

Thanks Paul, I love making all these details. I started a new project recently and will try to incorporate as much detail as this one ! Francis

Thanks Bob, if you enjoyed the D100 build, I hope to entertain you with this one as I intend to put a lot of love into bringing this dying body back to life. Except for the rear part, the rest of the body is in very good shape but that won't stop me from trying to modify the aspects of it that can be improved (without pretension)! I know you like the machining part of the build but that's coming a little later because I'm going to concentrate on body work for the moment, no body shell no car unfortunately... It starts soon, Francis

Thank you Daniel, this will be another opportunity to put into practice all the lessons learned and you are a good teacher in resourcefulness! ? Francis