MADD FABRICATOR

In reply to why a fiberglass ( 'glass), body, probably the number one reason is because of the weight factor. A fiberglass body can weigh less than one half of what the cast resin body would weigh, while still having a higher strength to weight ratio. This means less weight on the chassis and suspension components, which tend to be somewhat on the fragile side if done in true scale. In order to cast a resin body the size of the 'Cuda it is necessary to make the casting much thicker than what a 'glass body needs to be in order for it to keep it's shape over time. Thin cast resin is very prone to warping as time goes by. With hand laid fiberglass I can adjust any area of concern during the lay up process, without having to recreate or modify any part of the mold. This allows TDR to satisfy a customers request for additional " beef up", or decrease the amount of material in any part of the body. You can't do that with a poured cast resin body without a lot of hassle. Should the builder decide to modify or customize the 'glass body: A 'glass body is much easier to modify / customize using the same products and procedures that a regular body shop or hot rod shop would use on a full size car. All required materials are readily available at the local auto parts supplier or a Wal-Mart style store which means no need to search out any specialized resin suitable products. Having produced numerous 'glass bodies over the many years that I have been working with 'glass, and also having done a considerable amount of resin casting of both small and large components I feel that 'glass bodies, although taking longer to produce, are well worth the time and effort. Yes, some long time modelers who have never worked with anything other than resin cast bodies are apt to say that, they'll have to learn some new ways of working with 'glass. To them I'll say, there is practically no difference between the two when it comes to procedures, and very few, if any, changes in the materials you purchase. I'll even go out on a limb here, with a promise to pay the first of any of the original investors who receives a 'glass body from TDR, and they are not satisfied with the product, please ship the body to me, at your expense, and I will gladly refund your investment. Remember, this only applies to any of the original investors and to only the first investor who isn't happy with a fiberglass body. Such a deal !!! I'm sure there will be additional questions as the TDR 'Cuda draws closer to reality. I'll try and answer any and all questions as they arise. CHEERZZZZ !!!!!!! MADD FABRICATOR

Because we are TDR and we have no restraints on our " get it right if at all possible " attitude. Our operation isn't overseen by bean counters ( LOL ). CHEERZZZZ !!!!!! MADD FABRICATOR

Yup, it's an OFFY. Two carbs on the left side of the engine and four exhaust ports on the right. Not sure which kit it's from as Monogram made a Midget racer kit and also a 50's/60's era Indy roadster kit. CHEERZZZZ !!!!!!!!!

You haven't lived until you had to glue the outer fender panels to the main body section and then do all you customizing work with a laquar based paste called " Plastic Wood", which then tended to melt those outer body panels if applied too thick. But then I digress back to the mid to late 50's. Darn, I'm getting older than I think. Modelers today tend to be just a bit spoiled with all the after market resin cast and photo etched goodies, but hey that's what progress is all about, isn't it ? Enjoy life and HAPPY modeling, CHEERZZZZ !!!!!!! MADD FABRICATOR

Harry, you can get an 8inch skeleton from a company at www.visumedical.com. He's called "Petite Pete" and retails for around $10.00. Should be what you're looking for. CHEERZZZZ !!!!! MF

[No need to take any pix or videos for me as I really lost interest in Indy when they quit running the Watson, Kurtis Kraft and the likes there of, upright roadsters with a howling OFFY pulling them. Looks like their going to give me more reasons to spend more time in the model room and away from the telly. CHEERZZZZ !!!!!!! MADD FABRICATOR

Looking good. CHEERZZZZZZ !!!!!!! MADD FABRICATOR