gasser59

This entire thread continues to be a how-to primer on building a highly detailed pro-mod. No need to search the 'net for reference on the real pro-mod's anymore, its all right here in one thread. Really enjoying every step of this build. Those tanks are superb Rom.

Simply stunning, gorgeous and sexy as I would expect from you Charlie. This I will be following closely. Looking forward to more updates.

Here's a picture of my fabricated butterfly wheel made from aluminum sheet. It actually looks better in person.

Another source for tubs is the inside plastic ring on a spray paint can lid. I've used them once before.

Ahem.....Chris. We're waiting and its tough being patient.

I had about two hours of bench time before work this evening so I was able to make a butterfly steering wheel out of aluminum flashing from the big home centers. I also made the thumb buttons and brace for between the sides of the wheel out of printing plate and tiny brass brads but ran out of time to get pictures posted. Not absolutely certain on the switch plate at this point though, but the wheel looks great. Once I get home later, I'll get them added. I'm really excited about how it came out and can't wait to show you guys. Stay tuned...

Please do and I'm with Chris as I saw what he saw.

Thanks Danno and Chris. Your comments are always appreciated. Dan - its a Model Car Garage piece numbered MCG-2145 - Top Fuel Interior Details (A). Good luck.

OK, its nighttime. Where's that much needed update? I'm jonesin' here.

Thanks for the info Greg. Just went and picked one up. I'll be looking it over tomorrow.

Thanks for the compliment John. The brake cylinder was made from 1/16" tubing for the horizontal piece and a piece of 1/8" tubing for the vertical part which was notched out to fit the smaller tubing. I puttied up the larger tubing at the top and after sanding, painted it flat black. The head of a small straight pin is on the visible end of the smaller tubing to give it a finished look. I'd like to say I made the tach as well but it is an aftermarket piece purchased at the LHS. Its turned aluminum and has a couple decals and PE pieces that I found it hard to even see with my magnifier, like the gauge needles. More updates soon. Thanks all for following along.

Thanks Eric and Hugh. Yes, the brakes lines are actually metal rod that I found and it's very flexible and still retains it shape. As for turning aluminum in my Dremel, well it was already the correct diameter but I wanted it a bit shiner and the leading edge smooth and shiny so I married it up with the correct sized collet and polished it with 600 grit. After it was done, I cut off the excess by rolling/cutting with an X-Acto. It was actually done on a low speed with my Dremel Stylus power tool. The modeler's best friend.

Thanks Virgil and John. Coming from both of you, with your mad skills, I really appreciate the feedback. This has really been a fun build for me and when I'm not able to work on it, its all I seem to think about. I suppose there's a name for that.

Niko - thanks for the comment and following along. Got a bit more work done after work last night, well actually this morning. Got the steering mechanism and instrument panel in. Still more interior details to go like fuel shut off lever, wiring for the dash switches and steering wheel button. I bought a PE butterfly wheel for this but its just too big. Might try my hand at making one out of printing plate. As always, input welcome.

John, John, John...every time you post a new build, I am completely blown away with your creativity, attention to detail but mostly, your ability to create/fabricate a high quality build in such a small amount of time. You must also have quite an extensive collection of builds stashed away. Maybe we should just do a John Build thread. It would be a thriller.

Thanks Chris. Having thes seat done is a big milestone out of the way. Now things should really flow except for when I get to the front axle agin. A bit of reworking or I may need to build an all new one. Time will tell.

Finally some measurable progress. The seat belt harness is done and before I could glue in the seat, I had to finish up the output shaft tunnel and wire in the brake cylinder. The tunnel needed some drawn-on rivets too. Also, the shoulder belt mounts needed to be reglued to an appropriate angle behind the seat. This is the most extensive seat belt system I've ever done and I have to say I'm really happy with how it turned out. Now it onto the steering components and the levers and parachute pull. Stay tuned and thanks for following along.

Chris - I'm sure you've seen Unraveling the Snake Pit on Straight Line Modeler but just in case, here's the link: http://www.straightl...g/snakepit.html There is a ton of reference for your era of funny car plus there's a bonus feature of additional pictures.

Yes, you did 'cause I heard it from here and I'm in agreement with you.

WowieZowie!! Im really liking this one. That front end is spectacular. Is it metal or plastic? Either way, it sure looks great. Keep posting, we'll be following along.

A question for you Scott. First off, the Ramchargers Rail is stunning and represents the golden age of rails, IMO. What wheels and tires are on the front of that rail? They look perfectly proportioned and I have a project that could use the same set up.

Now that is a thing of real beauty!! Gorgeous. I love everything about it except that its in N. Carolina and not here in my Phoenix driveway.

With each post, it just gets better and better. Loving this build and all of the skillful craftsmanship.

Although we didn't have any Clark stations in SW Iowa where I grew up, I worked at a Pester Derby that was almost identical to these Clark stations. I'm really enjoying watching this build and will be anticipating more updates. Great job so far.

Really nice looking builds John and Aaron. If I were to have your collections, I'd need a bigger house. Thanks for sharing your creations.