mrmike

This is my Galaxie 500 7 Litre that was inspired by the 1:1 car that Jay Leno owns. Paint is Tamiya TS-54 Light Blue Metallic with a semi-gloss black interior.

Thanks Russ and DW! The Galaxie is really coming along and I should have the front grille and bumper and the rear bump mounted today.

Thanks Russ and DW! After I added the second scoop, I started giving thought to replacing the first one since it seems to be a little undersized. The second scoop looks just right.

Brandon, if it's not too late, trim the wires slightly longer than the length needed to reach the plug hole (about 1/2 inch) and insert them into the hole. You shouldn't need any adhesive for the wires.

Mike, long time, no hear! I had wondered what became of you! Please don't be a stranger! Originally, the Mannix Dart GTS convertible was fitted with Radir wheels as George Barris was using these wheels on a lot of his cars. The Radir's didn't hold up to the pounding the car took during filming and they where quickly replaced with Cragar SS mags which proved to be much more durable. Thanks for the comment on the hood. The hood was one of the things that was holding me back along with the rear spoiler. This happens to be the most bodywork I have done since my Burn Notice '73 Charger. Here's a pic of the Mannix Dart GTS Convertible. This is as big a pic as I can get right now. You can clearly see the Cragar SS mags.

The exhaust system and rear axle have been installed. Even with the big 427 SOHC motor under the hood, the hood closes completely! And, I even like the stance! To quote Col. Hannibal Smith, "I love it when a plan comes together!" More to come.....

I guess nobody had any opinions on the hood modifications that I need to make on my Mannix Dart GTS. Well, after much thought, I decided to go ahead and tackle the scoops. I removed the forward edge of the bulge with a chisel point hobby knife and sanded the area smooth with a sanding stick. I cut a piece of flat styrene 4 mm x 6 mm, trimmed it and carefully bent it in the middle and glued it to the hood. It doesn't look like much right now, but with some sanding and a skim coat of putty, and lots more sanding, it'll start taking shape! Mannix will return.....

Interesting project Brandon! Sounds strangely familiar... http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=33866&st=0&p=343242&fromsearch=1&#entry343242

Since the 427 SOHC motor was meant for the Custom or Drag version, I needed to make an exhaust system for the Galaxie. I used parts of the exhaust from the AMT '73 Cougar kit and will make tips from some aluminium tubing. I am not using the metal axle for the front wheels, instead I used short lengths of 1/8 inch round stock as locator pins and will glue the wheels on. I have glued the springs to the rear axle and will make a couple of base plates to mount the springs to. More to come.....

Thanks Nathan and Charlie! Charlie, the wheels came with the kit! I was surprised to see them in the kit when I purchased it several years ago. They are not the best rendition of Cragar SS mags, but they'll do.

Thanks DW! I have removed the axle retainers from the chassis. I found a set of coil springs in my parts box that should raise the rear of the car to a better height. I didn't want the stock skinny tires and the Grand Natinal/Custom tire were way too big, I found a set of BF Goodrich Radial T/A's in my parts box and they look great mounted on the Cragar SS mags. More to come.....

From what I have read in Autoweek magazine, the Fiat 500 will most likely carry the Chrysler name tag, but there has been no definite answer given yet. IMHO, Fiat will have their work cut out for them as many people still think of the Fiat brand negatively from poor service to hard to get parts. And, I'm sure many will see beyond the Chrysler name tag and still see a Fiat brand car.

Thank you Dave! Yes, it is tedious work but the end result is really great especially if you can do a good job. This appears to be one of my better efforts.

Here's mine! Built using the in-line 4 bbl. carb and air cleaner from the Revell Boss 302 kit, auto floor shifter, and painted Tamiya Italian Red.

The motor is complete! Wired and plumbed with fuel lines. The carbs are so badly molded that I glued the air cleaner on top. I hope the hood closes! And it's installed in the chassis...and it's a tight fit! More to come.....

Thanks Dave! It is a great color and you should give it a try! The motor should be finished tomorrow. I spent several hours foiling this afternoon. Have a look! More to come.....

I had surgery on December 2008 and was out for recovery until mid March 2009. During that time I built some really great models (to me) to help pass the time. During that time I allowed my imagination to roam a bit and and came up with some good ideas for my builds. Take the time to recover and good luck to you!

I found the plans for mine on a model railroad site.

Nice looking 'Cuda, Dave! If I may make a suggestion, remove the driving light brackets from the front bumper and mount the lights directly to the bottom of the bumper. http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y224/mrmike007/1971%20Plymouth%20Cuda%20Convertible/?action=view&current=CudaCon31.jpg

Nice color combo, Bruce! Looking forward to more!

I learned about the front valance several years ago from another builder after I built 3 other 'Cudas. Those three 'Cudas stare at me, too! Maybe I'll fix them someday, but I still have 60 plus kits to build first so they are low on the totem pole of builds. The molded-in exhaust doesn't bother me too much unless I want a different exhaust system on it, then the Dremel happily comes out! I also modify the rear valance panel and make new exhaust tips. And lowered the front suspension. I would build another one, too! The end result. In spite of what is wrong with this kit, I believe that anyone can take one of these kits and build a decent looking 'Cuda by adding the proper detail and making the above modifications. I know that the MPC and JoHan 'Cudas have a more accurate looking body, but I am not about the waste my time and money trolling eBay type of sites looking for one and pay someone elses overly high prices. Maybe someday, someone will make a new tool '70 'Cuda kit in 1/25 scale! Revell, are you listening?

I knew that the Revell '32's would have interchangeable parts! Since I have all three kits, I may do the same. Nice progress and I love what you did with the interior!

A little more progress this afternoon. I have finished the interior, but I think I need to add a tachometer. The motor is nearing completion. I still have to add the fan, oil filter, coil, and wire the distributor and route the wires. This is going to be a tight fit under the stock hood. More to come.....

Thanks Nico! I do like to build a variety of subjects and I know of your dislike of newer subjects and their plastic engine covers. I also like to build trucks-old and new, boats, planes, and even starships! My taste in cars run from hot rods, street machines, sports and muscle cars! Like I said, I like to build a variety of subjects.

Thanks Charlie! And now for my favorite part of the build...BMF!