Nitrozilla

There has to be a funny way of saying, "I don't see what all of the fuss is about". Unfortunately my brain pan went into "Overjoy Overload" and will only process visuals. Tim, Dude, Tim. I think I'll take some Tylenol and a nap.

.....and THIS is why I'm a member of this board. Thank you Bob. Just what my Charlie Allen build needs.

Now THAT'S an update and a lot of putty slingin'. I just picked up a can of Evercoat, but I'm done with putty on the Deora hauler. At least I've got it for the next project. And Chris, don't worry if it's not in primer by the time I get there. I'll bring a can with me.

S T U N N I N G !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice body and frame combo Will. Had to do a double take when I saw the last picture with the SWC motor. Been there, did dat.

Not to mention all of the holes in the shock mounts you still have the pleasure of. Great start on the frame and the overall project.

Glad you like it my friend. I don't know if I told you John, but this build is inspired as much by you as it is by Charlie. I always knew I would do this build, but when I saw yours plus the Ivo hauler, I was hooked. I'm doing what Pharell Williams and Robin Thicke should have done. Giving credit to Marvin Gaye. Pimer in the morning.

You know that guy? Murphey? The one who makes the worst thing possible happen at the worst possible time? Nothing in the way of disasters, just detours to my desired work flow. I wanted to slide the detachable ramps side by side under the main ramps. Not gonna happen due to the way the rear bumper needs to be mounted. I also had to actually MAKE a bumper, which of course means tail lights. Turns out the contour of the Deora tail light box follows the contour of the bumper. Coincidence? So, here's pics of the front door/windshield frame. It works like a champ. Also the winch and cable guide rollers. I filled the bed spotlights with Model Master Clear Parts Cement & Window Maker. Lastly, still need to figure out what I'm going to use for rear view mirrors.Even more lastly, I've started the tire hold down straps. Was going to use chain, then I figured, well, I mean, uh, um, sheesh, I like straps better. I really, really should be painting and primering today. No, really, it's true. Enjoy.

It was unfortunate for them. I can only imagine the feelings that go along with that. On the other tentacle, life was waaaay overdue to give me a helping hand. I'm going to attribute it to karma.

Awwwwww, no fair !! I was considering a 200, but the Journey was too good of a bargain to pass up. It had 500 miles on it when the first owner's financing fell through.

It's a 2.4 that behaves like a bigger motor. I haven't tried to smoke the tires, but I have ZERO problem accelerating into traffic. I'm still waiting to feel a tranny shift.

Michel, that is some great detailing and a build to be proud of. Did you notice the huge grin on your face when you declared it done?

The first thing I did when my VA claim finalized was trade in my 04 Saturn Ion and get a 2015 Dodge Journey. I've been tooling around town and love it, but it's real maiden voyage will be a trip to Phoenix to the Desert Scale Classic on the 11th of April. I've got the windows tinted and some mild graphics. Next it will get color matching wheels. YeeHaa !!!! The last picture is from a Close Encounter with an Alien vessel at the local grocery store.

I say stick a blower on it, add a kiss of nitro, then find a new way to make the power stick to the ground. 8 plate clutch? Make slicks a foot wider? Pave the first 60 feet with rubber? Somebody will figure it out.

Thank you much Wayne and Gene. Well, it's still ready for primer. lol Had a couple of minor interruptions in the work flow, so I did other stuff. The front door will not be opening as designed by the Alexander boys or MPC / AMT. The original had a lower swiveling panel. The model had a drop down clam shell design. I'm doing a one piece I've seen others do. Too heavy (at that time) for the real deal, but not for a model. Also I took a visit to "The Scratchbuilding Zone" and built a winch that will mount behind the engine dog house. It's ready for paint. I may need to add a cable guide to the top of the dog house if the car's front axle is too high. We'll see. So, here's tomorrows overly ambitious plan. Test new polyurethane clear on decals. Paint and assemble winch. Wash and primer body and hauler bed. Set up bed ramps for tire hold down chains. As it was: As it will be:

Wow Ray, you sure went for it on this one. As far as missing cutting out the cockpit, don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things. Builders at your level can fix anything. As for the glass, yeah, it needs help. If I may suggest something else that might help, the skunk stripe is sweet and if you have looked at Fremont Decals gold decals I think they would go very well for whatever graphics you have in mind. I grabbed a handful of their stuff at the San Jose NNL. If you need something in a hurry, I'll be glad to mail you something from my stash. PM if you like. Finally, I love the individual holes for the injectors.

Every model needs a signature. You just autographed this one.

Extra Super Nice !!

John, you just gave me a "Eureka" moment. Every time I would re-putty after primer, I would sand down the areas to be retouched. I never occurred to me that the putty would bite into the primer. You just saved me tons of work.

She's beautiful, but deadly. Very sweet build Guy. Lace be poppin' !!!

WooHoo !!! The hauler is ready for prime time. Well, primer time anyway. I still need to contour the bottom of the air dam where it meets the roof and I'm sure there will be touch-up after primer as well. I'll find out how much tomorrow. I did have a minor delay today, so there was no time to mask and shoot the Dart body. Oh, poop, just remembered I need to set up the running ramps for tire hold downs. Will it ever end? AGGGGGHHHHH !!!!!!!! With a deadline of April 11th to make DSC, that gives me just under 3 weeks. I won't panic until the 10th. Hope everyone had a great weekend. Enjoy the pics and thanks for keeping up.

I'm on board Ray. I don't know why, but I've always loved things that are topless.

Glad you think so Dennis. I was going for Pretty Wild. Your avatar is pretty wild too. I know I'm beating the proverbial dead horse here, but I just ordered a Charlie Allen kit from EvilBay for collection purposes and I happened to notice the box art calls it "Charlie Allen's Saddleback", not Charlie Allen's Saddleback Dodge. Seems a little.........off. Granted it says "Dart Funny Car" below, but wouldn't Dodge have something to say about that? Gotta be part of the licensing agreement. Yes? No? If not Dodge themselves, but the Saddleback Dodge dealership itself. "Hey Man! Let's go check out Charlie Allen's Saddleback !!"

Thanks GoatGuy Hi Gene. It's going to be a matching paint job, so both will be silver and red.

I'm really pleased with my progress these last few days. The bed plate is done, sides are next. I made a support plate for the ramp base and sides. To give the joints a little strength, I attached Plastruct "U" shaped runners along the insides of the side panels, then inserted the base plate. I will cut out the crossmembers, as they were for sturdiness during construction. Still left to do are the detachable ramps and the front air dam, which I hope to get to today. This weekend, I hope to have it all in primer and the car body masked and shot with silver. Ambitious, right? I also plan to make a wench, plus I've made a toolbox out of scrap diamond plate but right now it looks more like a picnic basket. Laterz.