BigGary

Great to see you going ahead on this one. I remember several similar cars that were just minimal bodies on a dragster chassis. The A/Competition class died out years ago, but its great to build 'em in scale. Gary

My '55 Cameo has a stock axle and a dropped axle both. The dropped axle should get it down where the bugs are scared. For the rear, the usual 1:1 practice is axle on top of the spring with a spacer between, as mentioned above. Gary

The South Central Indiana Modelers Assn. show in Oct. '08 had a car entered like what you're describing. That modeler hand painted the silver lightning over flat white and cleared with gloss. Not my style, but that's just me. Gary

Fujimi lover has you on the right track. I put my spray paint in a sink of hot water, about 160 degrees, as it comes out of the faucet. Leave it a few minutes, shake it, if it still feels cold, put it back in the water for a few minutes than check again. When it feels warm, NOT hot, it will spray beautifully, especially if you've shaken it thoroughly. I painted a car this way outside in 28 degrees last winter, then took it inside, and the paint came out great. Its still not finished, but has a good paint job. Gary the perpetual non-finisher

Words cannot express how cool this car is! I hope you enter it into a contest, just to blow many people's minds. I'm especially blown away by the paint. My big ol' fingers have trouble doing stuff like that. Maybe I'm too impatient. What tape did you use? Gary

I agree wholeheartedly with the back of the stop sign! this is one kit you can take to a club or show and there won't be 10 other of the same kit. Keep up the good work. Gary

When you hear about these kind of things, I hope that part of you that is red-blooded, flag-waving American comes to the top. I'm glad rattler is O.K. I was reading today about the heroic efforts of some to save others on the base. Pray for all of them and their families. Gary

Ah, you knew it was going to be done by a Texan! Did you get the issue of Hot Rod Deluxe? There were also some other great 50s & 60s drag cars in there including "Big Al", the Allison powered, severely chopped '34 Ford sedan. Gary

I'm sure it will be more useful when it has tools, a bench, and a paint booth. Gary

Now you know what the Eco-wackos and Gov. Motors would have us drive. Gary

Put "Rattler" on your prayer list, OK guys? Keep us informed Arni. Gary

The Hollis Bros. A/C coupe, loser in the Top Eliminator final, has been reproduced using the original engine you saw run in this video. The reproduced car is featured in the Nov. '09 issue of Hot Rod Deluxe, p. 36. The car was named "The Flying Outhouse" by none other than Art Chrisman, top drag racer of the day. Here's a challenge for the scratch builder, and it definately wouldn't be something everybody else has. The magazine article shows that the blower was chain-driven on an Olds engine, similar to the one found it the SWC '41 Willys. One of the old dragster kits, like the Double Dragster could supply a chassis, the front wire wheels from another dragster kit. The '38 Bantam body would have to be re-worked from a resin piece. I wonder if anybody can cast that wonderful old Chrysler wagon in resin? Gary

Congratulations on the airbrush & compressor. I got my first Badger spray gun in 1979. I also have a single action and dual action. The Single action is the one I use the most, and that, not very often, but of course, I never finish anything either. Gary

Speaking of off topic... Gary

Awesome job Bill! I didn't know it was a model until I got to the second picture. Gary

below ambient, YGM Gary

I bought my small compressor and regulator at Lowe's. It doesn't seem to be sensitive at all. It was $20 in December 2007. Gary

I got this kit in '65 when it was an AMT annual. I modified the body for AWB but never finished it. I keep hoping Round2 will bring it out again. Gary

Let's give Nick a break, he's still wet behind the ears compared to most of us. I think he got the message about "off topic". Gary

Sounds like you're off to a good start! few of us started out with fully equipped tool & parts boxes. I still acquire tools and parts on an “as needed & budget allows†basis. Now that I live 50 miles from the nearest Hobby Lobby & Michael's, its even worse. It is also important to have an open mind about what you may be able to use and where you get it. The crafts dept. at your local big box may have useful stuff. For example, those sanding files that are $2-3 at hobby shops are $1.79 at the big box or other store in the cosmetics dept. Other small tools that bring big dollars from hobby supply stores may be lurking around Harbor Freight or Northern Tool for a lot less, especially airbrushes and small cutting tools. I bought 2 airbrushes for $8 each and a 25 piece Exacto-like set for $3. Keep your eyes and mind open. Some on the forum have found kits at yard sales, thrift stores, and swap meets. I got a glue bomb Revell '55 Chevy with all the extras for $1 at a thrift store. It had a lot of good parts in it. Gary

Now I know why Bill's screen name is "Mr. Obsessive". You would have to be obsessed to even think of doing a convertible top for 24 or 25th scale! But its an outstanding idea! Gary

Personally I haven't tried foil & glue but BMF is worth the price for less hassle. When I use BMF I wash the body to remove hand prints, etc, lightly towel dry, and wear latex or nitrile gloves when handling the body. When I do this, putting on BMF goes beautifully, always sticks, stays in place, nothing to clean up. If I forget the gloves, frustration no end. BMF doesn't stick to body oils. Gary

It looks like you are off to a good start here. The hemi looks good too. Do you have the correct 66-67 scoop? Let me know, I have 2 if you need one. Most of those cars back in '67 ran Crager S/S or American Torque Thrust wheels and 10†slicks. I'll be watching this one. Gary

I wouldn't have thought that CSC would eat aluminum, but I've seen it do nasty things to aluminum engine parts. I'm sorry you lost your CSC, they don't give that stuff away. Mine is starting to show signs of weakness after 6 months and 10 bodies and numerous other parts. I'll keep using it for awhile. Some bodies have been in it 3 times without ill effect. Next time I may try Simple Green. Its cheaper and not so nasty on the hands. Gary

George gives good advice here Timmy. These are basic supplies. You might also want to pick up blue paper shop towels, a quart of paint thinner, a quart of lacquer thinner for cleaning. I use Wal-Mart Color Place primer with no problem. Its cheap and works well. As for spray paint, there are many opinions and options, use what works for you. Too bad his finger slipped when spelling your name. Gary