AmericanMuscleFan

You killing it Brian, the step and battery boxes combo are very well made, who would be surprised? But there's no reason to stay up at night, everything is so well organized and executed, your references are abundant, I would be most surprised in the world if anything on this superb truck wasn't representative of the original! 👌

Very well organized, I am not really surprised that you deliver such good results Brian, the calculation (and preparation) is worth the work as they say! 👍

Luckily!!! 😎

Thanks Daniel, machining an engine block (at least anything convincing) seems a lot easier to do than it looks, there's an incredible amount of cutting and turning involved in getting it done. It's oddly one of the hardest things to do and I can attest to that, I'm in the middle of it right now. I have not finished and I could not count the operations I have gone through. I took a lot of pictures but I didn't cover everything, I would never have finished but it will give a good idea of the process. By peeling back the aluminum rod, it seems that there was an engine block hidden beneath the surface and I can't wait to deliver the photos of the final result. It looks promising to me, but you'll have to wait a little longer! 😊 Francis

I knew one or more quickies would comment on my pun about engine idling, and I'm not surprised you're one of them! I must admit that the rough idle of a V8 engine is music I particularly like! 😁 Francis

Good job Robert, one small step at a time will take you a long way, good choice to recycle a piece of red styrene runner for the cap, no need to paint it and it will stay red without the risk of wearing off the paint when handling it. 👍

Thanks Pierre, let's just say it still needs a lot of refinement before revealing its final lines and measurements; it's a lot of work machining an engine block! As for making it run, I don't have a CNC to machine the camshaft, I'm afraid it would have a very rough idle! 😁 Francis

It's very well done Scott, the detail you put into the grille makes it very realistic, great work on all levels so far! 👍

Pretty much the same situation for me Pierre, when it comes to vision, Optivisor comes to my rescue! 😉 Nice detail work by the way! 👌

This dashboard is a monk's work, the results speak for themselves, you don't cut corners Brian, this project deserves all the effort you put into it and we all benefit! 🎩

It's clear we're in for a great ride Pierre, it's starting strong!!! 👍

Everything about this build is fantastic Charlie, but what impresses me most is knowing that all those body panels were once sheet brass, that's pure art my friend! 👌

Thank you Bob, I've started roughing out the aluminum rod that will ultimately be the engine block, but I still have a lot of work to do. I have a lot of ideas but hundreds of cuts to make, I hope to make something beautiful with even more realism than the one I had machined for my pickup. You can never put too much pressure on yourself...😁 Francis

The fuel tank is absolutely superb Tim, I assure you that taking liberties when you have talent like you is not a risky move, it is your signature and it has long proven its beneficial effect on everything you create! 👌

Excellent work Scott, the paint looks great and it's a good choice for the floor pan despite the small modifications you have to make to make it fit perfectly. 👍 I especially like the grille and taillights of the '69 Polara, it's a very recognizable design of the Dodge brand, I can't wait to see the photos when you have them installed in their place. 😁

That's very cool Pierre, you surprise us all with this build of your usual repertoire but it proves your open-mindedness and your love for this beautiful hobby. The body paint is absolutely FANTASTIC and I'm in for a ride! I know someone who hasn't come yet and who will be delighted by this project, the only clue I can give you is that he lives not far from me! 😉 In any case, I will follow this with great interest. 👍

Thanks Joe! Very happy that you stopped by and your comments are very much appreciated, we will miss you in this category my friend but I am also very happy that you have found motivation for another subject, aviation. It's a great hobby and there's something for everyone. 😊 Francis Thanks Daniel,I always appreciate your continued support and insightful interventions my friend. Yes, I have machined Delrin, it machines really well but what I had on hand was too small for my needs. The advantage of styrene is that it can be glued with liquid cement and the joints then become very strong, almost indestructible. Francis Thanks Tim! You are a master when it comes to working with the right choice of material to produce the best visual effect, I thought of you when I chose to use black plastic. As for the engine, you've made enough nods about it for me to get started, the day has come to start but I'm not promising you a delivery date! 😁 I will do my best not to disappoint you but I have a good source of motivation by taking inspiration from what you do my friend! Francis

Just missing a drop or two of oil on the floor to simulate an unlikely leak and you could bet it's the real thing, AMAZING! If I could have inspired you in the slightest for the gas tank, you put wood in my furnace for the transmission, the little hamster is running in my head, you are hard on me Tim, I hate you........ I'm kidding, it's quite the opposite my friend, your magic works! 😊

Thanks Ian, this was fun to make and yes, I think the black styrene does its job perfectly in simulating the real thing (black paint would have done the trick too). Now I've had enough to think about, it's time to put an engine under the hood, that's what I'll be busy machining in the coming weeks, hoping to have a few more before the nice weather! Francis

Sorry to be so late to the party Joe, I'm always surprised to find you in a different category than the car category where I first met you. Talent has no boundaries and you prove it well. Airplanes are not in my usual element but I see that you are versatile and that it is the hobby itself that motivates you and no matter the subject you find satisfaction in it and that is what matters! Everything I've seen on your WIP thread is of high quality and you have every right to be proud my friend! 👌

Thank you for educating me Bill, it is very interesting and it demonstrates the particular character traits of each of these master mechanics from this beautiful era of automotive history. This forum is so relevant when members take the time to share their knowledge and experience. 👍

Thanks Brian, I also think the black styrene did the job. Apart from my hand which turns the hand wheel and the one which does the drilling in the "Z" axis, it is the rotary table which does all the precision work, you can have the precision of a tenth of a degree with this precious tool. Francis Thanks Robert, It's hollow, you can vaguely see the opening in the third photo if you zoom in. However, the walls are very thick because I used 0.080" styrene. My supplier didn't have any thinner in stock but anyway, I needed a certain thickness to make it strong and have enough material to round the edges. Francis Thanks Pierre, you couldn't be more right, I like to use a medium that already has the right color, I haven't mastered your art of brush painting and getting out the airbrush every time is not my cup of tea as they say (I must be a bit lazy). Francis

I guess my question is strange or shows my ignorance but I was wondering why not use a Dodge blue for the engine (I saw Michael Elky comment)? Is it that it is not available or is the Ford blue closer to the color the Sox & Martin engine was painted in 1967? My question is not based on partisanship but really for my personal culture.

Welcome to the forum Tim, I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for here on the forum, so much variety and talent just waiting to be discovered and shared!

Welcome to the forum Tom! I don't know why plastic kits can be so addictive, your story is very good and I know many others could affirm the same kind of story with their life partner. I have a passion for modifying and scratch building myself, and no matter the subject, it's the passion of those who pursue it that inspires me the most. It's a hobby that has no age limit and you prove it, I can't wait to see your projects, the one you presented to us at the opening is of high caliber! 👌