Removal/replacing Molded Engine Bay Details.....

[Scot M]

Well,a while back I started working on the Revell '70 Chevelle.I wasn't happy with the molded-in engine bay details (wiring harness?) and such.So I tried to remove it with a Dremel,sandpaper and files.......but short of completely re-building the engine bay,I have no way of removing it completely.The fenderwells are giving me the most trouble.And to be quite honest...it looks like my dog used it for a chew toy.

Any ideas? Your comments would be greatly appreciated.

Scot M.

[evilone]

i know what your talking about

heres a suggestion get your dremal and cut about a 1/8 of an inch away from the outside fender seam (the steadier you are the better)

then use a x-acto knife to cut the rest

after that use your sanding paper idea

if it works for me it should work for you

[Guest Davkin]

I use these;

http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?M...ct&ID=83253

These work as well bit are a bit on the large side and may not fit in tight areas but at least you might find them locally;

http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?M...ct&ID=36111

David

[bobss396]

Sometimes I'll simply cut out the firewall completely and make a new one from flat stock, quite often less labor and time involved in cleaning one up. I try to cut the old one out in one piece between the razor saw and xacto and use it for a template.

For the fenderwells, I'll scrape them with a chisel xacto blade and use sanding sticks as well. Once you're dome (or think you are) squirt some primer over the areas. Its almost a guarantee to get some ghosting. So sand some more, going to the micro mesh cloths in the coarse grades works well, make sure you use water so they don't clog up.

Count on having to use some bondo or putty to fix up the nicks and gouges.

Bob

[Scot M]

Thank you very much for your comments guys.I will definately be on the look-out for smaller Dremel bits and miniature chisels.I think though.....that I've done more damage to actually salvage it.So I think I'm going to take Bob's advice and rebuild it.

Bob:When you rebuild your engine bays,do you go by photo references..... or do you just 'wing it'?

The goal on this '70 Chevelle was to have a pro-touring flavor to it.....so,could sheet metal engine bay actually work here?Or is that something that would be more appropriate for a drag car?

Thanks in advance for your comments!

Scot M.

[James W]

The goal on this '70 Chevelle was to have a pro-touring flavor to it.....so,could sheet metal engine bay actually work here?Or is that something that would be more appropriate for a drag car?

This would be a good candidate for aluminum sheet. Pro street cars usually have one bend in the panel near the top, then go at about a 45 degree angle down to the frame rail.

Good reference photos always help get the idea, but for what you are doing, just make it cover the tires and your good to go.

[bobss396]

Thank you very much for your comments guys.I will definately be on the look-out for smaller Dremel bits and miniature chisels.I think though.....that I've done more damage to actually salvage it.So I think I'm going to take Bob's advice and rebuild it.

Bob:When you rebuild your engine bays,do you go by photo references..... or do you just 'wing it'?

The goal on this '70 Chevelle was to have a pro-touring flavor to it.....so,could sheet metal engine bay actually work here?Or is that something that would be more appropriate for a drag car?

Thanks in advance for your comments!

Scot M.

I basically make it up as I go along, but will look at pictures to get a sense of scale. Make up some pieces from thin cardboard and see how you like them first.

Bob