charlie8575

I like. Very much. I always thought the 1957-59 MoPar wagons were some of the best-looking ones that had been produced. Charlie Larkin

Wow, that came out nice. I like the suggestion of the champagne paint, I've been trying for a long time to figure out something that would work right for the fawn interior and that looks like it'll fit the bill just nicely. Charlie Larkin

Nice job opening things up and detailing the chassis. By and large, I liked the one I built. A few small things I'd have done differently kit-design wise. Good work on that, Jeff. If you're coming to MassCar, please bring that. I know it'll be well-received. Charlie Larkin

Grab a school drafting set and a portable drawing board from Staples. Costs a lot less and in the time you'd need to start your computer and program, and get the CAD system to stop fighting with you to get your drawings done, you'll be finished with a pencil and paper drawing that, if done well, is a work of art in and of itself. I would suggest getting a copy of the book Technical Drawing which is high school/college drafting textbook and older editions are plentiful and easy to get for short money at used bookstores, eBay and the various other Internet outlets. Charlie Larkin

Casey- any idea who makes that p/e fret? Tom- very cool. How did you make the Kool Kushion? Charlie Larkin

The Olds has a published 119-1/2" wheelbase; the Pontiac is published at 120". I'd say that works pretty well. Once the wheels are on, the only way you could tell the wheelbase is half an inch different in 1/25 will require a digital micrometer, and it had better have plenty of decimal places. Add a Kitchen Table Pontiac straight eight, and you're road-ready. The only possibly complex item might be cobbling up the exhaust system, which could be done with solder or aluminum tubing. In 1/25: 120"=4.6875"; 119-1/2"=4.66796875" Like I said, no big deal. Charlie Larkin

That's one very sharp-looking build, Rich. Charlie Larkin

Boy, it's amazing how much the "same" engine can change! I had originally planned to use my '60 Chevy's engine in that....looks like that isn't going to work. I'll simply drop the 283 out of the '57 Chevy I'm using for all this in that instead. I don't see where I have much of a choice, unless someone has a spare whole '60 6 they don't want. Charlie Larkin

I've never had to replace a clutch....then again, I can't drive stick. Charlie Larkin

You did a remarkable job! Those colors, from what I've seen, are very, very close to the factory Morrokide. Charlie Larkin

Stripped out phone wire might be okay. Look for around 0.020" wire. The engine for a Chevy in 1976, from what I remember being told, was still orange. The TH400 is an aluminum case. Your kit has a 454. This is the wiring diagram. http://sportscars2013.com/picture/here-is-a-pic-of-the-454-big-block-chevy-engine-wiring-diagram-cheers TOCMP has a full '76 full-size Chevy brochure. The picture Tom posted depicts the optional "Sport Cloth" upholstery from an Impala. The standard Caprice trim is a heavy-pile knit velour in blue, black, dark mahogany (a dark red), and buckskin. Vinyl came in dark mahogany, buckskin, or white with black, blue, buckskin, dark mahogany or lime accents (and the lime IS lime!- think Revell '77 Monte Carlo green, which is actually pretty close). http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1976_Chevrolet/1976_Chevrolet_Brochure/1976%20Chevrolet%20Full%20Size-04.html http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1976_Chevrolet/1976_Chevrolet_Brochure/1976%20Chevrolet%20Full%20Size-05.html Enjoy Charlie Larkin

For decals, licensing might not be as prohibitive because it's a lower-value item.Same thing with photo-etch. I know of a couple of decal guys who have been able to simply get permission from GM for very short runs (150-200 sets) with minimal charges, as they weren't going to be making that much on it, anyway, so they cut them a break. Might be worth investigating if something can be arranged reasonably. Charlie Larkin

That's looking really good, Mike. I like the plot turn, too. Good writing. Charlie Larkin

Generally, I prime just about everything. Large parts get a very light scuff with 600-grit sandpaper prior to priming. I use sandable primer, usually Plasti-Kote, and I sand parts that I can sand safely (based on size) during priming. I always try to have a smooth coat of primer prior to paint. As Tom said, it's also a good way to find things you might have missed, like small sinks, seams, and so forth. Charlie Larkin

Okay...the valve cover was about the only thing I could think of that was glaringly different. I realized that after I asked "what's the difference?" So...anyone got a spare valve cover floating around? Worst case, I'll foil the cover I have and it'll have a "chromed valve cover" instead of a blue one. Charlie Larkin

Stop putting words in his mouth, Ray! I'm sure, however, the good doctor will enjoy a scrapple sandwich. And I hope that you enjoy many more years to follow, Virgil. Charlie Larkin

Mike, you can most certainly be proud of that. I do hope you'll bring it to MassCar this year. Unfortunately, due to a massive conflict of schedule, I will not be able to make NNL-East this year. One of my best friends from high school is getting married and this is one wedding I don't dare miss. If you can come east on March 16-17, we'd love to have you and that van on our tables! www.masscar.com for all the details. Charlie Larkin

I would say that while I don't think any of us here are licensed therapists (I might be wrong) or other psychological professionals, most of us have dealt with people, and many of us (not me, however), have dealt with marriage, which creates what I'll call experiential qualifications- i.e., The School of Life. I taught for over ten years. In that time, I had to deal with everything from problems between other teachers, teachers and myself, other teachers and students and/or parents, students and parents, and every other imaginable configuration, in effect making me a default counselor as well as an instructor and disciplinarian. I would venture to guess that your wife does have some depression. Now, whether that is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, circumstance, or a combination of those things, is another question, and can only be diagnosed with proper testing issued by a qualified counseling professional. The question of sleep was also raised. If she's having sleep problems, that can, and will, exacerbate depression, regardless of its cause. If she seems to have trouble sleeping during "normal" sleep hours, particularly with breathing, she could have sleep apnea, which can be very dangerous. Your doctor or insurance company can refer you to a sleep lab. If you don't have a physician or insurance, a walk-in clinic in your area will maintain a list of sleep labs near you. The cost is moderate (around $300) but can be invaluable in finding what's wrong. I do agree with the others, though, I would start with a qualified psychological counselor. This is a good place to start. http://www.papsy.org/index.php/psychologist-locator.html If you're not comfortable with a counselor, a trusted friend who knows you both well or your pastor are good alternatives. Whatever path of solution you decide to travel, Jim, I wish both of you well. Marriage can be a tough road to travel. I've seen a lot of my friends do it, and not always successfully, but, if you both make the effort to work through this, and remind her that you do love and support her, you'll probably be able to see it all through. Charlie Larkin

Bill, for curiosity's sake, what's different between the 1950 and 1960 engine visually? I honestly have never really seen much of a difference? Thanks for the tip on the radiator. That would've given me fits for sure. I was also aware of the air cleaner, and will be ordering one. Charlie Larkin

I'll be building a six-cylinder '57 Chevy, using the '50 Chevy pickup engine. Does anyone know which end the sump for the oil pan should be on? Thanks. Charlie Larkin

The 1977-'79 B and C-Bodies had completely different sheetmetal from the 1980-90 B-bodies. A bubble-back Caprice or Impala coupe is on my personal most-wanted list, but with what's out there, we'll have to wait for a new tool or an old-school wooden buck master and a resin kit. Charlie Larkin

Nice save on that, Johnny. I like brass-era cars and I enjoy runabouts in particular. Charlie Larkin

Nice job on that, Niko. I was wondering a little about the hood, but overall, you did a very credible job on this one. Charlie Larkin

I like HHRs. I always thought they were a neat concept. I had one for a rental last New Year's (11-12) for the weekend while my car was getting fixed, and liked it very much. I do wish they'd put something like that on the Cruze chassis, or simply bring the Cruze wagon here from Europe. I like the mods you're making to yours, Jeff. Charlie Larkin

Channel 7 posted the broadcast, for those interested. http://www1.whdh.com/video/player/?clipId=8250554&clipFormat=flv&topVideoCatNo=#?autoStart#?autoStart Charlie Larkin