Codi

Hello everyone, so today I made up a simple chassis jig for the chassis. I combined Clay's technique of magnets over steel sheet (which I've used to solder and it's very effective) AND Comp1839 aka Daves idea of the machinist angle blocks but I substitued thin, bendable aluminum for the "L" brackets in the photos. The idea is I can lay down paper/blueprints like Clay and glue plastic over top (don't use CA, use plastic weld as the CA will stick to the paper) OR solder up a brass chassis on it. The "L" brackets are drilled to secure to the table (20gauge steel) with machine screws (I have magnets making them stand up in the photo) After making sure the table was level I drilled the 4 corners for the feet. The feet are machine screws turned upside down. I can drill and place the "L" brackets whereever needed, drill a hole in the tall upright portion to place the front spindles OR the rear axle through to hold it securely to the jig. The face of the brackets are square and on the front ones I can mark them for the appropriate angle for the proper offset / angle while doing my setup just like Dave does. The brackets are cheap and easy to make and can drilled for any particular bed. I'll let you know how it works when I put it to use and include some photos too if it does.

Thanks for the comments. I have to adjust the wheel wells and bottom valance fo the car. Still eyeing it up to decide what I want to do next. Now that the "bones" are done, I have to consider the overall. I've never done a nitrous car and I could see a comp resins scoop possibly. Cheers, Tim

Thanks Chris, I most certainly agree. J ames, I'm not sure yet...I'm going to polish the centers possibly and see how they look and then decide...a lot will depend on the final color of the car. If I go with a satin/flat black finish, then the polished wheels will likely look the best. Cheers, Tim

Small update but boy they sure are pretty....got these Saturday from Jim @ MicroNitro. The new Weld Delta 1's and I ordered them with the drilled hubs for display purposes. Great product from a great company. I have threaded rod for the studs that I'll cut to length and flanged threaded nuts to secure em'. Cheers, Tim

Hi Everyone, Even though my Henry J build is progressing I was in the mood to fab something different. I love the styling of the all new 2015 Mustang but in 1/25th we're stuck with Revell's Snap Kit as the only available one on the market. The good news...they're inexpensive and the plastic is thick. Sooo, I got some kits and started hacking. My objective was to see if I could create a reasonable base for a ProMod body and I think it might work. 4 kits "died" making this as my first attempt went "horribly wrong" when I chopped the top. The body mods you see are: Stretched the wheelbase a scale 10" to get the 115" wheelbase I was after. Chopped the top scale 3" at the front and 1" at the b-pillar Narrowed the entire body front to rear by a scale 7" Sectioned the body with a pie but that goes scale 3" at the front bumper and ends at 1" at the start of the rear wheel well. There's a lot of massaging and modest mods that have to be done before I start the bondo. I want to blend the front bumper, make a slick hood scoop (probably of brass again), make an integrated rear spoiler and of course get rid of the other moldings like side market lights, gas cap and drip rail among others. Then, open the doors and trunk. What you see now is Frankenstein in all his cut-up glory, slash marks and all. Let me know what you think. Cheers, Tim

You're a "wildman" Clay. So much fun watching this build. Cheers, Tim

Thanks Clay, as you well know, I could never replicate the lid in plastic...I keep staring at your tubs and just smile at the effort you must have put into them. Kind of a quiet week for building on the Henry as I just installed the DRO yesterday on the mill. Took way too long I think to do what seemed a straightforward task. It was me, not Sherline I assure you. Thankfully, I was fortunate enough to meet someone from this forum that really knows their way around milling and machining and he's offered some one on one time to help me learn my way around. I am very excited about the opportunity to learn from an experienced machinist and all around good person. Cheers, Tim

It's been so much fun following your build Cato. THis will be an awesome additon to your collection and can't wait to see it "under glass". Cheers, Tim

Thank you for the comments guys. As an fyi, I chose to make the trunk lid out of brass as the piece I cut out had some very subtle compound curves in it. I thought it would be impossible to keep a reasonable gap on the lid when removing it. I try for tight tolerances on door / trunk openings and it's easier to fab out of brass when necessary to meet that goal. Still took me 3+ hours to do that seemingly simple task. I have a new found appreciation for the beautiful brass tubs (and other brass work) on Clay's mustang. Cheers, Tim

Nothing like cutting up plastic huh Ira. Obvious you're having fun on this build. Can't wait for more. Tim

Joe, so sorry to hear about the paint issues. I'm sure it's maddening to you at this point, but I hope you don't give up on it and can try to salvage it. There are some good tips on the forum that might possibly assist you. Just trying to encourage you not to quit on the build. Tim

Very sanitary looking install / fab Fred. Looking forward to more. Cheers, Tim

Mike, thanks so much for sharing. Your pictures are excellent and I can't say I picked a favorite although the 330P4 is tough to beat. I love Lime Rock but haven't been there in about 6 years. After the Glen, I rate it my second favorite that I've had the pleasure of having actually raced at. Again, a big thank you! Cheers, Tim

Hi Chris, when I saw your original bondo'd supercharger, I thought "uh-oh"....but man did you save that one. I think you did an awesome job on it. Regarding the whole PE v. decal logo for the blower, I think you're more than "safe" going with a decal. Even Michaelangelo had flaws in the statue of David but he wasn't telling anyone. Looking forward to your next post. Cheers, Tim

Hi everyone, very small update. Packaging is tight in the backhalf of the car as Henry J's don't have much trunk space to begin with. So I decided to open up the trunk area for display purposes. I came up with a design I liked, cut it out and made up a brass trunk lid in place of the cutout piece. And I am going to have to do my battery boxes for a 3rd time to make them more space efficient. 2 steps forward, 1 back. Cheers, Tim

Mooneyz, Clay, Dave (comp1839) and EVERYONE else that has commented or is following the build, thank you for your flattering comments. Aarons (Jade043) comment was a bit over the top but appreciated as I look up to the scratchbuilders I just mentioned and get my inspiration from them....but to be considered in the same breath as them, well...I am truly flattered. Dave, glad you like the concept and the engine I picked. I like the unusual and thought this was a good one. When will we get to see some more of your build? Hopefully soon. If you EVER allow anyone to visit your shop while you're milling something, let me know. one day of watching (and asking a "few" questions of course) are worth weeks of reading and videos. I'm installing the DRO on my Sherline this week and finishing the set-up...then we'll see how that goes. Cheers, Tim

Thank you Chris. And also for the tip on how to update the post topic....it obviously worked. Looking forward to YOUR posts soon too! Cheers, Tim

Thanks Mitch for your positive comments. I've included some new pics of the revised battery tray and the fire bottles and bracket. Cheers, Tim

Great job Cato. I know it's been said many times, but it still needs repeating. And thanks for the reminder to know when to "walk away from it and say enough"....anyone can stare at just your engine on this build and spend the rest of the day ruminating on the "how did he do that?" Cheers, Tim

Gorgeous (I'm running out of ways to describe your build clay...) you might want to consider NOT painting any of it. Let your handiwork be "naked" for all to see. Cheers, Tim

Thanks Bob.

I don't follow nascar or dirt track builds usually...but I appreciate quality scratch building when I see it. Nice job Bill. Cheers, Tim

Fellow builders...a hearty thank you for your comments. I'm having a good time on this build and I'm at a "happy place" wherein I do my research, look at the pic and just start building what I see. Sometimes I get it right, others, not so much. I'm going to re-work my battery boxes and am well into the fire bottles & bracket among some other pieces. Soon, time to get to the chassis. I expect to have something modest to post later this coming week. Till then, my best regards to each and everyone of you that viewed this thread and shared your comments. btw, can anyone tell me how to post in the subject column additional comments to the thread such as "new pics posted blah blah blah" I can't figure it out for the life of me. duh! Cheers, Tim

Wayne, Love the paint & graphics you have planned for this build. Fun build to follow and look forward to your next posts. Tim

Karsten, Like your work. Great looking car....any pics of the engine and or chassis? Cheers, Tim