TooOld

Great detail on those pedal pads ! I tried but could never get the ribs looking right .

This does look like a very nice kit and your purple paint is really sharp ! I've never tried the 1K Clear , have to pick up a can .

Appreciate the encouragement . I've already moved on , leaving it just as it sits .

Maybe you guys are right about the stance , thanks Keith !

Still think it could be a tad lower but I'm not used to building a factory stock . I agree the engine would be nice but I'm fighting burn-out , now I'm motivated again with it on all fours and getting close to paint !

Sharp interior ! Skip the belts . . . it's a '69 , nobody will notice .

Over the weekend I finally started on the chassis , after doing the interior this should be a piece of cake ! For those that don't know 1960 was the first year for the Unibody but it still used the earlier front torsion bar suspension , I don't think the K-member front was used until 1962 or 63 . This is a drawing of the chassis layout , looking at photos on the web it's not exact but is pretty close . Before doing anything I used the JoHan chassis to mark the axle centerlines on the wheel arches . I took some measurements but figured this was a good backup . Here's the AMT '64 Belvedere chassis and parts I'll use for the unibody . The rear axle from an AMT '58 Plymouth is more correct for the Dodge and it's the correct width . I just added some mounting posts to move the springs inboard . Here's the rear suspension set in place . In the background is the frame from the '58 Plymouth . I removed the front subframe and will add some .060" strips to each side so the chassis will fit snugly in the body . Those strips were glued in place and trimmed . I also added a filler plate to the rear of the chassis . Fits like a glove ! The original plan was to make a new subframe using the AMT '57 Chrysler 300 but then I realized that the '58 Plymouth was more accurate for the Dodge . In this photo you can see that the wheelbase has been stretched on the Chrysler frame . The Plymouth is also the correct wheelbase and I actually looked at using the floorboard and chopping up the frame to make it a unibody but there was too much interference with my interior . So I just cut the front off and made the new subframe . This is how it will look on the chassis . The JoHan tires in my kit are in good condition but I really like these Firestone Deluxe tires so they'll be swapped . Here's everything in place to check clearances . Some of you will be disappointed that this will remain a curbside model . Opening the hood and adding the engine compartment along with all of the miscellaneous goodies is something I'm just not up to right now . I will install an engine just for appearance sake so the chassis will look finished . And after three months my Dodge is finally up on all four ! I had thought that the ride height would be too high and I'd have to make some changes to the suspension but it looks pretty good . That's a relief . . . something actually worked the first time !

Beautifully done , great foil work and detailing !

Thanks Randy , just placed my order !

I hope I'm still on the list !

Well done Ray , it looks cool in those colors ! For a smaller scale it look like a decent kit .

Thanks ! Thanks much Niko , great to hear from you !

Great looking stuff , a that printer looks very affordable !

Thanks very much guys ! I'm hoping when everything is painted the clear parts will really stand out !

I had a bottle of Testors Clear Enamel but I tossed it a while ago because it was old and yellowed (sigh) . Pretty sure I can mix something using the Tamiya clear colors I have .

Great scratch building , it looks pretty accurate to me ! Now days they're mostly factory built but years ago they were done by individuals and each one was very unique . If you ever have the chance to go for a ride in one don't pass it up , it's a thrill of a lifetime !

Thanks much Jim !

Thanks Larry !

Don't know what that is but thanks !

I'm following too , this kit is on my "to do" list !

I was going to make my own when I just happened to find these , they even have the correct pattern ! I couldn't remember what you used and was going to ask , thanks !

Thanks Dave , glad you like it ! Worked on a couple more small items for the interior . . . a pedal assembly that will be mounted to the front wall of the interior and the steering wheel . Brake and accelerator pedal are from a '58 Plymouth and the clear steering wheel is from a '62 Catalina . Oops I forgot the turn signal lever . . .

These were pretty cool looking cars for their time , I'm following too ! That maroon is a great color for this one !

What a great looking conversion , your work is looking awesome ! Shiny please .

Thanks Steve ! When I saw your gear indicator I pretty much decided that I could make my speedometer since it's at least ten times the size !