Dennis Lacy

I, for one, always enjoy seeing your builds, Raul. No matter how many times, they never get old. Absolutely LOVE the Willy's PU and have since I saw in-progress shot's of it. The paint scheme is soo bitchin'! Can't wait to see what you come up with this year!

When's the last time you saw a '64 Corvette with an injected Dodge Red Ram Hemi?!

Having fun with the new camera again, I thought you might enjoy seeing some old builds from the good old days. The following models were built by my Father in the early-mid 1960's when he was a teenager. They are all first-issue kits, several of which are from the AMT Trophy series. He has these on display in his office. They're a bit dusty and I decided not to try and clean them as it gives them a certain character - like dragging an old hotrod out of a barn after 40 years. These are true time capsules, capturing perfectly the trends of the time period in which they were built. Enjoy!

Thank you very much, Dan!

The finished product looks awesome, Ryan! Lots of neat and inovative ideas. One of my favorite parts is still the wood pallet bed floor. And, while it looked cool with the Flatty, the injected nail head looks even cooler. The retro-fitted '48 dash looks right at home in there too. I wasn't aware that the '41 Chevy truck kit uses decals for the hubcaps - I was wondering how the hell you painted them so well, haha. What Ivo kit is the engine from and is the kit hard / expensive to come by?

Very neat build, Raul! And quite imaginitive too! This makes me think of something that would be built post-apocalypse, like something you'd see in the old Mel Gibson Road Warrior movies. Love all the weathering and detail, my favorite of which is the way you did the front frame extensions. They look like someone took some 2x4" square tube with old red paint on it, cut it up and welded it in - awesome. Also dig the interior and the huge drum mounted in back for a fuel tank. Are the various interior controls decals from the BTTF kit too? Oh, btw, I think your rear tires are on backwards?

Thanks, Jantrix! I remember building these one after the other and they were a turning point for me and my ability. Must be why they've lasted so long.

Here's a couple of builds I completed back in '94 when I was 14 years old. These are my only intact survivors from before my 10 years of down time from '98 to just earlier this year. The '32 is a Monogram kit that I turned into a smoothie street rod. Even the running boards were smoothed and blended into the fenders and the body character lines around the trunk were removed. The kit front axle was sunk into the front crossmember with the "four bar" from Monograms '40 PU and the 'vette rear from a Revell-ogram '37 Ford. The rear portions of the '37s center X were installed too. Wheels are early Centerline-style also from the '40 PU. The engine is a really out of place rodded Flathead again from the '40 PU with a billet-style air cleaner over the 3 carbs. The kit interior was used with the dashboard smoothed and a photo-etched gauge panel installed. Steering column is the tilt unit, again, from a '37 kit along with the steering wheel from Monogram's '55 Ford PU. The paint is Testors "Boyd" Pacific Green. The '29 is a Monogram "Early Iron" kit. It uses the front and rear suspension from a Monogram '32 roadster. The rear of the frame was stretched using a second frame to accomodate the spring being behind the axle which also lowered the rear substantially. Don't remember what the front wheels are, but the rears are from AMT's '49 Merc with '49 Ford caps. The engine is a rodded Ford flathead 4 from a Revell model A PU with a Parts by Parks pre-wired distributor. The PU bed was shortened up to the fenders and the windshield and top chopped with the rear window re-positioned so it would still be in the middle. The kit interior was used except for the bucket seats which come from AMT's old '33 sedan street rod kit with the headrests removed.

Thanks guys! I had a lot of fun building this one. It was a great way to get my feet wet after not going in the water for 10 years and for my first effort I couldn't be happier. I'm also LOVING this, er, "our" new camera!

Okay, see I read the post on your '32 roadster right before this and my brain got the two cars washed together. In mocking up different early Ford rear axles in the Revell '32 frame I've noticed the same problem of the radius rods hitting the frame in some cases. The other option would be to relieve the frame but that's kinda hokey. If you're going for accuracy, when splitting rear wishbones the forward pivot point needs to be on the same plane and centerline as the front driveshaft pivot to avoid binding during suspension travel.

Thanks answering my questions and for posting the frame pictures! It's an interesting piece. The k-member is a pretty simplified version of a stock '32 k-member, but definately passable for a propper Flathead-era hotrod. It seems to me they would have been better off installing a new rear crossmember to accomodate the stock rear axle from Revell's '40 Fords since the '37-'40 rear axle was the most commonly swapped into a '32 chassis. Where did you source a La Salle trans?

Good looking roadster! The blue w/red interior is a nice touch and one that really works well. Can't wait to see it actually sitting on all 4. Couple of questions: Do they also make the smooth dashboard to mount the Auburn panel on, or are we on our own there? Could you post a picture of just the frame taken from the underside? I'd like to see how it's been modified.

It seems like all of the builds I've seen of the '29 roadster the windshield has been installed straight up and down. Even the "box art" model on the kit I have is done this way and it's like instant death despite how nice or how cool the rest of the car is. I'm glad to see you're "in the know" and will be installing it correctly. The build is looking good so far and pretty accurately reflects what the majority of these cars were like as most were built without a lot of "frills" and the same basic recipe, to which you've gone right down the checklist. It was called get a car and get it on the road. Question: You say the resin kit requires the builder to use the rear axle/suspension found in the Revell model A kits. What did you do about the model A torque tube being significantly shorter than a '32 when using an early engine / 3spd-style trans?

Fantastic looking Flathead! I especially like the Mag and the drive system you engineered. Those SCoT blowers don't do a whole lot in street trim, but they sure look cool. I had the opportunity to drive a '32 3W with a SCoT on top of a '49 Merc engine and I think the biggest thing it added was an insanely loud sucking sound from the unfiltered, twin 97's. Still pretty peppy tho. Also digging the paint color. In the last year or two a shop called Iona Hotrods (sp?) built a very traditional-looking '32 roadster in that very shade of green. I saw it in person at an event out here in Southern Ca. and it was a terrific looking car with a lot of really trick work done throughout. Can't wait to see more!

My girfriend got a Cannon Power Shot A590IS as an early Christmas gift which means we BOTH got a new camera, haha. Of course the first thing that popped in my mind was that I can take new pictures of the two builds I've showed previously with pretty poor quality photos since my old camera doesn't have a macro setting. Anways, I've included a link to the original post and copied all the build info: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=15480 Chassis: I took a couple deep breaths and forced myself to use the kits frame with molded in rear axle and stock exhaust system with the justification that when the car's sitting on the shelf and it can't be seen, it won't matter. However, the front crossmember and frame horns were removed and the front crossmember and frame horns from one of Revell's '32 kits grafted in place. Rather than the seperate, plated spreader bar I molded in a bar made from plastic tubing. The entire chrome suspension from Revell's '32 kits was used, save for replacing the disc brakes with period-correct early Ford drum brake plates from the Monogram '32 Roadster. The wheels, hub caps and rear tires from AMT's '40 Coupe were used with the fronts modified to mate-up to the Revell axle. The front tires are from the spare box and are a good match. The frame is painted Testors Model Master gloss black. Engine: The engine is from AMT's '32 Ford Coupe and is an overly simplified early small block Chevy and was a good choice for my "keep it simple" theme and the six-two setup with angled scoops looks period-perfect. I changed things up a bit with some finned Corvette-script valve covers, cut off the molded-on generator and used a chrome one from the spare box and used the Corvette exhaust manifolds from the Monogram '32 Roadster kit and the front tubes that come molded to them. The tubes are long enough to reach about halfway under the car for a simple open lake-pipe look. The engine is painted Testors dark red along with the "mouths" of the carburetor scoops and generator end plate. Details like the oil filter, starter and pulleys were hand painted Testors gloss black. The exhaust system is Testors silver. Body: I chose to use the fenderless, channeled option. A lot of time was spent cleaning up the body by removing mold seams and sharpening the body lines. The cowl vent was "filled" and the working rumbleseat converted to a non-functioning trunk lid. The firewall was made from the optional flat firewall found in Lindberg's '34 Ford Pickup. The radiator shell and insert are heavilly chopped Revell '32 parts and the radiator comes from Monogram's '32 Roadster and was equally cut-down. The windshield frame is out of the box but with new "glass" made from clear acetate. The headlights are the optional smaller pieces from the Revell '32 kits and the taillights are '39 Ford teardrops from the spare box. The body (as well as the shell, wheels, dashboard, steering column and wheel) is painted Testors Colors by Boyd kandy purple pearl over a Testors silver base. Thinned flat black was flowed between the grill bars. Interior: The kit interior, for the sake of cutting to the chase, sucks! To remedy this the side panels and seat from Revell's '32 Roadster were utilized. The bottoms of the side panels were trimmed off to accomodate the channeled body. The seat was cut apart where the upper and lower cushions come together and was minipulated to fit and the head bolster trimmed so that it would fit over the top of the body lip. The dashboard is from AMT's '40 coupe and fit with a lot of massaging. The steering column (with column-shift) and wheel come from AMT's '49 Mercury Coupe. The kit floorboard and pedals were used. The "upholstry" pieces are painted Tamiya matt white and the floor Tamiya semi-gloss black.

My girfriend got a Cannon Power Shot A590IS as an early Christmas gift which means we BOTH got a new camera, haha. Of course the first thing that popped in my mind was that I can take new pictures of the two builds I've showed previously with pretty poor quality photos since my old camera doesn't have a macro setting. Anways, I've included a link to the original post and copied all the build info: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=15933 Chassis: Revell kit frame with stock gas tank cut out and remaining rear frame rails bobbed with new rear frame cross bar added from Revell '37 truck frame. Motor mounts replaced with mounts from Revell '37 Ford frame. Front suspenion and steering from kit, lowered slightly and disc brakes replaced with early Ford drum brakes from AMT '41 Woody. Rear suspension from kit except coil-overs replaced with regular tube shocks, disk brakes replaced with drum brakes from AMT '41 Woody and ladder bars de-chromed and painted. Shallow & deep Kelsey-Hayes style wire wheels and front tires from Monogram '30 Woody, M&H slicks from older release of Revell Stone, Woods & Cook Willys. Chassis, components and wheels painted with Tamiya gloss black. Engine: Revell 'parts pack' 331 Cadillac / 4spd trans from Revell 'parts pack' 427 Ford. Block, waterpump and trans components de-chromed. Hellings style helmet air cleaners added from AMT '25 roadster (engine kit did not provide air cleaners.) Headers from Monogram '29 pickup and kit exhaust extended to connect to headers. Engine is painted Testors Model Master gray-blue metallic and exhaust Testors silver Body: Channelled height of frame. Rear wheelwells re-worked to accomodate channel. Flat firewall from Monogram '32 roadster shortened with new cut-out for engine. Rear gas tank filler neck cut-out filled, taillights from Revell's Dan Fink Speedwagon and trunk handle added. Radiator shell moved forward and down from front crossmember to accomodate long Caddy engine, chopped 1/8" and thinned flat black flowed between grill bars. Radiator made from Revell '37 truck, shortened and filler neck/cap added from kit radiator. Headlights are optional small lights from kit. Body painted Duplicolor red-oxide primer. Interior: Kit floor and side panels. Rear bulkhead sectioned 3/16" and same amount trimmed from bottom of side panels to accomodate channel. Filler strip added to fill gap between toe board and flat firewall. AMT '40 Ford dashboard which, after trimming V-shape so straight across, is a direct drop in - no other work required! AMT '40 Ford coupe bench seat with 1/8" trimmed off bottom. Steering column made from styrene tube with chrome 3-spoke steering wheel from Monogram '32 roadster. Dash and column painted Tamiya gloss black, "upholstry" painted Tamiya satin black.

Your truck is looking really cool! Isn't it funny how builds evolve? Please tell me, where did you get those Halibrand front wheels and the tires they're in?

Beautiful looking build, Dave! You have an amazing quality of fit and finish with your builds and this is just another fine example. Love the way you chopped the top. Combined with the raised fenders it really gives it an aggressive look. Reminds me of the real contest cars that are being turned out today that are handmade with a resemblence to an original design. Can't wait to see how you rebuild this one. Also, I assume this started as the Revell kit? How is that kit out of the box as far as detail, fit and finish goes? I've often times wanted to bid for one on eBay but always hold back at the last minute since you don't see much about this and the sister Pheaton kit. Any impressions you can provide would be appreciated!

Raul, The set is looking really good. Actually, it's downright awesome. The dedication it takes to do one piece is usually demending, let alone a 3 piece matched set! My eyes say you did the right thing by removing the fin from the edge of the bed, the single fin at the rear of the roof now flows with the roadster. I couldn't have imagined how you were gonna do the trailer and what you came up with looks fantastic. Plus, it will keep all the stones and bugs off the car while haulin' down the road from show to show, haha. What do you have planned for an engine in the tow truck?

Fantastic looking build, love the color and stance! That body looks really good. Was it actually intended to be used with the Revell kits?

Wow, that turned out fantastic! Awesome resto and the Lancer caps look right at home on this car.

LOL! In that case I expect to post some mile-away pictures in a couple weeks when the next project is finished. Nick, Tom - thanks for the nice compliments!

Thanks, Raul. Several weeks ago I started a thread about my camera in the "tips and tricks" section and the consensus was it is no good for taking pictures of 1:25 models since it does not have a macro feature. In fact, one person stated he had the very same camera at one time and had no luck with it either. Several people offered suggestions for affordable cameras based on their own personal experience that would do what I need. I'm going to upgrade before I post anymore projects.

I knew I forgot something in my write-up and it was the picture disclaimer, haha! My digital camera, to put it nicely, sucks. These pictures are the best I can do at the moment. I tried cropping one and after doing so the image gets fuzz(ier). I'm hoping Santa will bring me a new one next month and if he doesn't I'll go get one myself because I would love to be able to post way better pictures. Thanks for the nice comments on the car!

Had a lot of fun with this one! Was originally going to be Racing Orange with matching wheels, but after mocking it up in the red primer just for fun, I knew I had to leave it this way! Only thing not finished is the radiator hoses cause me plan got screwed up, so I need to come up with a solution. Chassis: Revell kit frame with stock gas tank cut out and remaining rear frame rails bobbed with new rear frame cross bar added from Revell '37 truck frame. Motor mounts replaced with mounts from Revell '37 Ford frame. Front suspenion and steering from kit, lowered slightly and disc brakes replaced with early Ford drum brakes from AMT '41 Woody. Rear suspension from kit except coil-overs replaced with regular tube shocks, disk brakes replaced with drum brakes from AMT '41 Woody and ladder bars de-chromed and painted. Shallow & deep Kelsey-Hayes style wire wheels and front tires from Monogram '30 Woody, M&H slicks from older release of Revell Stone, Woods & Cook Willys. Chassis, components and wheels painted with Tamiya gloss black. Engine: Revell 'parts pack' 331 Cadillac / 4spd trans from Revell 'parts pack' 427 Ford. Block, waterpump and trans components de-chromed. Hellings style helmet air cleaners added from AMT '25 roadster (engine kit did not provide air cleaners.) Headers from Monogram '29 pickup and kit exhaust extended to connect to headers. Engine is painted Testors Model Master gray-blue metallic and exhaust Testors silver Body: Channelled height of frame. Rear wheelwells re-worked to accomodate channel. Flat firewall from Monogram '32 roadster shortened with new cut-out for engine. Rear gas tank filler neck cut-out filled, taillights from Revell's Dan Fink Speedwagon and trunk handle added. Radiator shell moved forward and down from front crossmember to accomodate long Caddy engine, chopped 1/8" and thinned flat black flowed between grill bars. Radiator made from Revell '37 truck, shortened and filler neck/cap added from kit radiator. Headlights are optional small lights from kit. Body painted Duplicolor red-oxide primer. Interior: Kit floor and side panels. Rear bulkhead sectioned 3/16" and same amount trimmed from bottom of side panels to accomodate channel. Filler strip added to fill gap between toe board and flat firewall. AMT '40 Ford dashboard which, after trimming V-shape so straight across, is a direct drop in - no other work required! AMT '40 Ford coupe bench seat with 1/8" trimmed off bottom. Steering column made from styrene tube with chrome 3-spoke steering wheel from Monogram '32 roadster. Dash and column painted Tamiya gloss black, "upholstry" painted Tamiya satin black.