shucky

Started a new project recently and thought I'd share some mock up's and a little progress. This one will be finished and I'm hoping to keep the updates coming as best as I can. Most of the time I start projects with building the engines first, which gets me in trouble because I start to lose steam as the rest of the project progresses. So as with my last build (which I finished) I'm taking the same approach with this project, working on other area's first and the engine secondary. I found last time I was much more ramped up to keep the build progressing because I had so many area's of the build in various states of completion as opposed to just building an engine with little else done on other area's. Thats not saying no motor work will be done, mock up's for fitment and scratch building parts will be done, but I'll save final detailing and the majority of the work till a bit later in the build. So follow along and be patient if your interested! The new build is a 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 kit from Revell. I have naughty visions of this being a ridiculous Pro Touring build, so wish me luck! Whats planned - shaved and smoothed engine compartment, body, etc. Widened Sportec 10 spokes cast in resin in aluminum sleeves. And a big block Ford with Formula 1 Cosworth cylinder heads (scratch built & cast in resin), wearing vintage Cosworth covers (resin) and the likes of two turbochargers (resin). Much more as the journey begins! So lets begin. To get the Mustang to sit right and as low as humanly possible much hacking of the engine compartment had to take place. The molded shock towers keep any sort of wide tire from sitting up as high as possible in the front fender wells. I took the mini saw blade to the firewall removing the master cylinder and to both sides of the inner fender area's to remove all the material needed that was blocking the tires from tucking up. Once satisfied, I start rebuilding the missing area's with styrene bits. The firewall and inner fenders will be skinned with thin styrene stock as progress continues. Some pics of early progress and mock up below. Stock, hacking, start to rebuild:

Guys thanks for the info. I'm glad I asked because I had no idea these things were going on right in my "backyard." How do the meetings work? Can I just show up? Or is it members only? Really interested. Thanks so much guys.

Hi ... seems modeling is getting quite scarce in the Chicago area. Any clubs around? There aren't even any contests year after year in Chicago anymore. Have to go out of state now. If there is a local club give me a shout.

Why not just chuck the styrene rod in the drill and have at it with some sandpaper to shape the styrene? Your just rounding up the top edge and then I'd drill the top with appropriate sized bit for the valve. Good luck to OP and post some results if you experiment.

John, because its an "older" build of yours, I want to say IT STINKS But I cant ... all your builds are stunning old, new, whatever. I'm glad and appreciate you taking the time to post your builds here as they are truly amazing and inspirational. I've saved many of your pics since my time here. In all honesty, your one of my favorite builders around. This one is no different, stunning as usual. Take care, Mike

Nice job getting that engine sitting lower. Looks much better! Keep up the good work man.

Hi, if I may comment...the Gibson engine looks really big in there. Although it's sitting very high in the engine bay which is making it look even bigger than it actually is. If there is a way to bring it down some you may be "ok" but hard to really tell without more pics. I'm not a fan of those engines after taking a long look at many versions in my LHS. They are all slightly out of scale and all the components are flat cast (1 piece molds) so even the exhaust headers are flat on their backside. Didn't like the engine block in so many pieces either. I've seen some nice ones built up though for sure, just not for me. Good luck with the build.

Thats awesome Kenny. Looks perfect! It would look better on my shelf though ...

David, your doing a really awesome job here ... I've been watching this thread since you started it. As someone who loves working with styrene bits and aluminum stock I really appreciate all the effort you've put into this so far. Its looking marvelous and cant wait to see more updates. Super job!

Marcos, take a look at www.contenti.com for jewelry making items. They have a set like that and also some really great disc cutters (punch set).

Steve, I'm not sure if your referring to me regarding whether or not my unit is scratch built or not? My unit is made from styrene, aluminum tubing, and mesh. I'd call that 100% scratch built. No kit parts in my photos. The intake tube, MAF sensor, hose clamps are all scratch built in fact.

Hi, I scratch built this open element unit for my GT500 but the concept is much the same regardless of it's size and shape. You have a top, mid section [filter area], and a base or bottom. Plus you have some material to make up the filter screen area. Here you can see much of what mine consisted of and the end result.

Marc, this is looking real nice so far. Did you need any special paint prep to lay down that Pactra color? Like, what kind of primer did you use? I used to use Pactra r/c paint way back in the old days as a color base and shoot a candy top coat over them. The Pactra pearl colors were pretty wild then. Haven't paid much attention to them in years but may need to check these out again soon. Build is looking great, keep up the good work.

Guys, I received some tires a few weeks back from Alan (Ma's) and let me tell you the tires are the absolute best cast tires I've ever seen. They are simply flawless and the best cast tires you can buy from anyone, anywhere. All in all, a pretty nice guy to boot For real though, you cant go wrong ... his tires are simply fabulous.

IM sent Michelle. Jim, thanks bro for posting those really nice pictures! Much appreciated.

Thanks fellas glad you like 'em! I have a prototype drag radial in rubber now. Will do a test pour in a couple days. My fotki will be updated soon with more parts and price list. My computer took a dump last week so that set me back a bit lol ...

I don't like the parts from either of you ... JUST KIDDING! Trying to add some humor here this thread is too serious.

Hi Cesar, glad your here also! I've enjoyed seeing your builds on AF and SAM. Your an amazing builder brother and turn out some crazy scratch building. I'm definitely a fan of yours and so looking forward to seeing more progress on your Mustang build.

Cool build man, nice job.

Cranky, me likey what I'm seein' here! Thanks man.. These could turn out to be very useful!

Bob's Jada Camaro = AWESOMENESS

Dec, funny you should say that! I was thinking of scratch building an entire engine, probably a V6 (think Ecoboost) and using it in a 70 Boss Mustang along with twin turbo's. It will be an extreme pro touring type build. Great minds thing alike no? After constructed, I was going to resin cast the engine and offer it. Dont wait on me though, the engine will probably take a couple months to scratch but funny you and I were thinking the same thing for a Mustang build. I'll be posting a WIP thread soon as this project takes shape. Good luck with yours!

I agree with Bob. The Jada kits are often overlooked but really are great platforms to start a build with. You can easily swap out the giant wheels and tires and use more conventional choices for a non tubbed look. The body on each feels like a very sharply molded unit and high quality plastic. I have a few of each and only wish Jada offered more choices in plastic because I would definitely try them. Bob has done an outstanding job on his Jada Mustang and also the Jada Camaro. Dont have the links but you should check 'em out.

Fella's thanks so much for the kind words!