Nitrozilla

Hi Folks. Thanks for the nice comments. These last few days have seen excellent progress in getting the engines modified and I've also made some new motor mounts that will fit better in the Chi-Town Hustler frame. I'll have some pics tomorrow. Funny thing is, the more I modify things, the fewer pieces I'm using from the Showboat. Basically, it'll be just the clutch cans, engine mating gears and axles. Not to mention the inspiration the car itself provides. Also tomorrow, I'll get the nose cut off of the Charger so I can see where the engines will mount and how long the frame will need to be stretched. I hope the object of this is to have fun, 'cuz this is a hoot!!!!!! So far, 6 kits have donated parts to this little monstrosity. Finally, I think I have a name for it. "OVER BLOWN" Yes? No? Maybe?

If it has a magneto, that's what supplies power once it's started with the hand held starter. As it was explained to me, only F/C's with onboard computers need a battery. That's not my final answer. There may be other reasons I'm not aware of that would require a battery.

Excellent start. Love the hauler. You sure you don't wanna make that a Snake & Mongoose theme?

Well, when I said it would take me about a week to do parts prep, I didn't take modifications into consideration. Originally I wanted to use the kit blocks for ease of installation. Not going to happen, so I had to cut off the rear block housings and modified the timing covers to accept the blower belt idler pulley. As you can see, I also drilled out the valve covers. The holes are large to accept spark plug wire boots. I found a very nice heat shrink tubing assortment at Radio Shack that will work great. I'll need to do paint prior to assembly of the engines. Normally I would do a white glue mock up, but I feel pretty good about how everything is going. Probably going to do the headers next to see if I need to stagger the engines. All is well so far. Everybody keep your fingers crossed.

Ira, you're rockin' this build. Excellent decaling job, detail and overall sweetness.

What a great job on a classic kit. Driver looks right at home.

Got a verbal update. Yes...that means no pix. Parts clean up has started and it took me an Emerson, Lake & Palmer concert and 1/2 of a Genesis concert to get all of the engine parts flash free. Also took some frame and wheelbase measurements and I'm sorry to announce that this build is impossible. Oh well, I tried. No, wait a second. I've got it!!!!! Since the Chi-Town Hustler is left side seating, I'll use the back half of that frame and mate it up to the Showboat engine mount rails using a bulkhead. All I have to do is move the driver's compartment forward, then mount fuel and oil tanks behind that. This might take a few minutes. I'll get back to y'all laterz.

Thanx to all again. I'm tickled that everybody is enjoying this build. I knew I was going to do this when Dave Metzner posted the test shots during production. I remember a response I made on that thread where I stated that the build I had in mind was going to be, "...a gas due to the way I will alter it." Guess that was too subtle a hint.

Thanks for all of the positive reinforcement everybody. Lots to cover in the first progress report. First up, the body, and therefore the theme, have changed. On the Petty Superbird box art cover, the roof is a hardtop. However, the side panels show the landau version. Hoping that was an option, when I opened the box and whipped out the body I discovered the landau top is molded in. Not the look I was going for. Now I'll be using a 67 Charger and adding the nose and wing to that. So that puts the "Showbird" theme out the window. Guess I'll be coming up with something "Charger" related. On a lighter note, I'm a fan of The Big Bang Theory and World of Warcraft. At the beginning of an episode of TBBT, the boys are playing Warcraft. As they open the gates to an epic encounter, Raj exclaims, "OH MY GOD!!!! So many Goblins!!!" As I was cutting pieces off of their trees, I kept running that scene through my mind, only thinking, "OH MY GOD!!! So many pieces!!!" I figure at the rate I work, it will take me a week to do parts clean up before the mock up process begins. Stay tuned. It's going to be a massacre!!!!!

Thanx again folks. I see a lot of favorable comments about the colors, plus, it's shiny! Red and gold were Maz's colors of choice and I think they compliment each other well too. I also have a T/F dragster I built in the same colors some of you may remember. Now they compliment each other as well. Kind of a, "Before the beginning and after the end" combo.

Thanx everybody. There's this little man that runs around inside my head that makes me do these things.

Beautiful work Roger. My Mazmanian build kicked me too. Wish I'd had a resin body for it.

If "redux" means, "To bring back - postpositively", then that's what I'm going for here. I always wondered how this baby would look with 4 blown Hemi's. I guess we'll find out. Strap in kiddies. It's going to be a long and bumpy ride. But with lots and lots of smoke. What I initially plan is calling it the "SHOWBIRD" with a graphic of the Roadrunner wearing a top hat and carrying a cane tucked under his stubby little wing. That could change because I have alternate names available as well.

....and a few more.

What started out as a simple gasser took on a life of it's own. I'll let the pictures do the talking and I'll be glad to answer any questions. Thanks for looking.

First things first, I still remember back in the olden days when you started on the engine. Second things second, your room needs more clutter and stuff. Third things last, you need another shelf so you can get more stuff. Good to see the motor out again Chris. Keep rockin'.

Just like the engine, tin work and the chassis, the seat and belts stand alone as masterpieces of modeling. Take a bow man.

Sounds like a ton o' fun. Great start Bill.

I've always had a hard time building models straight out of the box. One day, a friend challenged me to do exactly that. While this isn't a car, it is a mode of transportation and it is on topic, sooooo......

Oh why not!!!!!!! That's gonna be so kewl. I heard somewhere that there will be a real twin engine top fuel car built. They didn't say whether it will be inline or side by side like the Showboat. Just shows everybody is thinking out of the bleach box.

Love the figures, especially the pose on the lady. I died when you showed the pic of the canopy and then didn't show a pic with it on. Mean old man.

Thanx Henry. I'd like to take the credit for the beautiful color, but they came that way.

Only thing I can say at this point is, Out-RAY-geous.

I managed to get more work done than you'll see in this update while the site was down. I'll do another update soon. It's very near completion now with just hoses, master cylinder and grill to do along with final touch up. As you'll see, I lost a tail light lens to the carpet monster. Never spent so much time looking for a part before looking into other options. Finally came up with the finger nail solution. Found some press on nails that bent without splitting and, of course, were very easy to file to shape. Then added some front and rear goodies. Thanx for looking and a belated "Thanx Ira!!"

Chris, your efforts to complete this build have provided the inspiration I needed to get back on my Mazmanian build. Just thought you oughta know.