Paul Payne

I also started reshaping the track nose opening, fabricating more steering components, puttying in the fenders, and reworking the champ style rear end and axles.

If you plan on using a pitman arm for your steering, usually you need a bubble on the side of the cowl for proper clearance and alignment. I have started looking at parts for their shapes, which may not be used for for their original purpose. I have some old AMT trophies and realized they are a good starting point for a cowl bubble.

Here are some more pix of the other assemblies. The Halibrand solid wheels were a little small for the tires so I used the large diameter wheel backs from the Green Hornet with the center section removed and then sanded so the wheels were a slip fit into the resulting rims. I will attempt to use carb stacks puttied in and sanded to resemble splined knock offs.

That frame design is really interesting- looks sturdy. The cut outs add a lot of interest but also look well engineered- were they your own design or copied from an existing car?

Will this be a replica stock build or a starting point for a custom? Lots of possibilities.........

This is really looking good! I like the stance just the way it is- a good east coast look. I like the way you made the frame rails- I've tried something like that, but could never keep the alignment well enough for things to be identical (or close enough). Tips? Secrets? Magic?

Great build- full size this would be a very driveable rod.

Ace, this is a wonderful tutorial on how to set up a hot rod and nail the details- I love it! A few years ago I completed an A-v8 using a junker AMT body with the new Revell frame.

Cabdriver, looks like quite the salvage project- is this the one you will use the track nose on and paint black? Old plastic never dies,sometimes it just looks that way!

Here's some pix of the cars that inspired this project- decided to go with wide tires instead of the 40's look.

Cabdriver, The nose is from the Revell ratrod pickup but with the opening reworked for a more oval shape. I have some wire screen for the grille. By the way, this will not be a rat rod- paint will be gloss black.

This project was inspired by various track nose roadsters, especially the Frank Mack T, which has the transmission and drive shaft exposed in the passenger compartment. Mine will actually be above the frame. I wanted wide tires, an Ardun flathead, Halibrand solids, cycle fenders, and a low stance. The frame is is from some glue bomb green Hornets. The front axle and spring is from the same kit, dechromed, and with the axle ends reworked for poseable steering. The rear end is a champ quick change from the parts box. This is the first chance I've had to mock things up. More pictures soon.

I love this model- it looks like it raced out of a T.R.O.G. gathering. The weathering is incredibly realistic. Don't let American Pickers see it!

This is looking very interesting- can't wait to see more!

Great work, Bernard- looks like a classic

Augie Hiscano would have loved this. He was the metal master but I think he would have loved 3D modeling and printing. This project is absolutely amazing. What's next- the Stuart Hilborn streamlined?

This is a masterpiece- totally clean, and totally believable as a full size car.

Dennis, This project is looking really interesting- very well thought out and engineered. Are you thinking of a lowered windshield and cut down top? What kit did you start with- I think I need some! Paul P.

At 66, this is my first rat rod. Had a blast digging through the stash for all the parts. I had bought the resin grille and hood, cab, and pickup bed(not used) some years ago, but the bug had not yet bit. As you can see, even Lady Luck is the worse for wear!

I would like to see a Gordon-Schroeder sprint car steering unit (like on the Doane Spencer roadster), a replica of the Stuart Hilborn streamliner (first hot rod to run 150 mph), the prototype fuel injection unit as a separate item, a correct stock 1932 Ford chassis, a hand pressure fuel pump, a full detail Bugatti T57SC Atlantic, a Chrysler Chronos, and a Chrysler Falcon. Never too old to dream!

really nice build- did you say the base kit isn't available anymore?

Rider, those bullet and maybe shrapnel holes really do look realistic! I built this version shortly after it came out- here's a couple of pics.

I love this project, but haven't figured out what engine you will use- maybe a v12?

I know about the 1mm tip pen, but none were available at the store. i plan to pick one of these up, too.

Has anyone tried trimming molotow pen tips for finer, more accurate application? I am currently using the 2mm tip pen for the first time and am very impressed with the results. However, i was surprised how large the fiber tip is.