Search the Community

Looking over the stash, searching for the perfect isolation project, just the right kit to be built straight-outta-box (SOB). Something of a slump buster as most of my WIPs are struggling at the mid point of their builds. A simple build is the goal. Bingo! The CheZoom Corvair F/C! The added bonus would be to build a box art version, as I find it a very cool depiction. I must admit that I have been completely unable to build anything SOB for a number of decades now. Looking over the instruction sheet and sprues it appeared quite an easy project... but wait, it didn’t take long to yank out the Mopar and swap in a Rat from the 37 Chevy... from there the complexity grew. Seeing how much of the interior is on view, including the engine through the bubble top rear window, that a few more details wouldn’t hurt. Shortening and narrowing the chassis in the rear to fit the body, positioned the engine/trunk opening to feature the axle and empty space to the rear. (Originally the chassis fit the first Barracudas, particularly the Tom McKuen 65). The missing frame members were easily fabricated to complete the rear. The trunk will house the Moon gas tank and a small battery for accessories, as the engine will have a magneto ignition system. As a result the frame will also have a push bar and chute structure added. Body modifications so far have included de-badging, re-contouring wheel openings, removing the rear lower valence panel, eliminating the molded in wipers, and adding a front splitter plate. The last item has been to draw up templates for the inner trunk lip and deck lid detail underneath to be built from sheet plastic. Overall the recently re-issued kit is well formed with faint mold lines that required minimal clean up. Examining the interior offered another diversion for added realism. The kit provides a simple tub to contain the seat, dash wheel, Moon pedal and shifter stalk. As these were the early days of Funny Cars, before the glass floppers, the Corvairs were, for the most part stock unibodies with a custom frame. In this case the body from the cowl back is steel, with operating doors and the front is fiber glass. In this kit that detail is completely absent, so out with the X-Acto and saw! The plan is to build inner panels for the interior, showing the entire door rather than the existing tub interior. The sides were removed from the tub while the supports for the dash remained. This will also allow for greater detailing. Need to add a clutch and brake pedal, hand brake for front discs, shifter with hardware to rear, and fire suppression system. Plus added switches and wiring to the dash. The doors will have simple upholstered panels matching the headliner. The frame will also come in for greater detail with hardware bits. To fit the Corvair wheelbase the front axle will move one step forward on its spring perch. This will also help lower the nose. A future mock up will indicate how much rake to put in by adjusting the coils on the rear subframe. Overall a simple project that eluded me once again - then again, time is what I have on my hands... Cheers Misha