Swede Savage Trans Am AAR 'Cuda Hwy. 61 based project

[gtx6970]

VERY well done.

Having seen the 1/1 in person ( past owner was from Lexington KY )

 

I can say in all honesty, that was one WICKED sounding small block

[Silver Foxx]

I am amazed at your skill level , awesome work in these , well done .

[swede70]

Thanks everyone for the kind words and interest displayed...

I wasn't going to grab the new 1:18th ACME Swede Savage AAR 'Cuda '70 Road America (according to the decal placement seen) race release, but then it seems no one will soon do the model in the alternate color or tool up  much more or better at this point.  With this said, I might take up again was is intended to be a '70 Bridgehampton SCCA Trans Am Swede Savage project ; i.e. the one with the wider tires in white resin seen further up this thread.  What follows here are a few very discreet mods. that can be done  to help the version just released without declaring firm fidelity to 100% accuracy given I won't do much here.  As Dirty Harry relates to us through time, "..a man's got to know his limitations" -  or some such given so much I do doesn't strictly see an end!

...at least to the extent of matching the accessory decal markings, this would be the 1:1 car and driver doing their thing at Road America where Swede would finish a reasoned second.

 

...not much is really on view here, although I've scratched off the door-situated driver's identification decals (which come off cleanly, whereas a very lightly stamped down length to Tamiya tape across the numerals just below didn't damage them) were replaced with brighter, sharply registered markings from the new Mike's Decals 1:25th scale Dan Gurney/Swede Savage Trans Am AAR 'Cuda waterslide sheet now for sale.  Strange as it is to report, the new waterslide images of the 'SWEDE SAVAGE' lettering is rendered larger on the 1:25th sheet than on the model as-delivered, whereas applying replacement markings by hand allows one to shift thing about to align things with greater skill.  Other modest things discerned will be the flush exterior door handle detail washed with Testor's Model Master Magnesium Buffing given they'd come through done in black, while the jack point fluorescent flashes where first scrubbed out with acetone to be replaced with tiny lengths of R/C aircraft decorative vinyl tape.  The tape is thin and vibrant enough of color to eliminate from consideration water slide decal options that might otherwise be tapped.  

...again, not a big deal here.  The ACME models come through with photo etched inner grille surround detail that is frankly unwanted.  In short, one would otherwise see tiny chrome trim around each thin opening each of the two little grilles here as per-stock, although these pieces can be prying out with tweezers for little risk.  Paint will chip off, although glue residue wasn't noticed by me.  Tamiya bottled Semi-Gloss Black/X18 is the stuff to use to touch-in any damage, while don't worry overmuch if the application of this would seem at first to obscure detail beneath.  For experience I've learned that the paint will air out and visibly thin consistent with affording you an invisible fix.  Unnoticed and by design, the grille inset 'PLYMOUTH' identification other present to the right was likewise painted out.  

Finally as even as not everyone will have such spares, I took a set of old Hwy. 61 front indicator lenses and painted them the same shade before using the pair as fill panels.  The ACME AAR 'Cuda race releases come through without these parts even as their absence is all but indiscernable.  Happily I have enough spares to cover all Barracuda project in relation to some of the little trim things; i.e. I needed three sets of the front turn indicator signal lenses to cover both ACME race releases and what is being done up solo on the project that begins this thread...

...and kind of last of the little stuff (for now), I decided I didn't want the recent Goodwood Revival/DAN GURNEY FOR PRESIDENT bumpersticker on the back bumper.   And yes - I have the Car & Driver issue from 1964 with an inserted copy of the actual bumpersticker available in-period, hence I hope I'm still in good standing as a card-carrying Dan Gurney enthusiast.  As for the tiny bumper and the rendition of this marking in scale, now I know that it will scratch off without much effort.  I regret to relate that I comprehensively wrecked mine for attempting to remove the bumper entire, otherwise I would have had something to sell on eBay to recoup costs in a sense.  Thankfully I had a spare Hwy. 61 bumper to replace it, while at the same time I took the opportunity to touch in the spots atop the casting where one can see bare plastic consistent with the practice of chroming the part with it still being on a plastic tree or sprue.  Nothing beats a Molotow pen in this regard (o.k. - one could replate the entire thing!) , hence this looks a touch better for all the pain endured for wasting bumper number one.  Thanks for reading this update...

Mike K./Swede70

 

 

Edited January 11, 2019 by swede70
...always cleaning up my complex copy then.

[swede70]

Thanks everyone for checking into my little hobby universe,

A short while back I did succeed in having a pair of small decals made up to support what may in time be three Autodynamics Challenger 1:18th diecast models, with these constituting a pair of modified ACME factory releases, as well as the outstanding #76 late-season entry with flares that stands to be completed.  I contacted someone by the name of Kenny Terry and did my best to work up what I needed, while he in turn did his best to afford us what we see here.  Note that while he would surely have this work on file, I only had him reproduce three decal images in total, hence it would be misleading to suggest that one could wholly reproduce what is seen here for simply making a call to place an order. 

Above left is seen a cropped underhood image of the Autodynamics Challenger at Laguna Seca '70. sourced from a period copy of Car Life.  The DODGE oval art employs font from the pre-'70 DODGE Fever advertising campaign, while from what little color period photos I've seen of the art, the lettering is black, while the field is grayish silver. A well meaning person online claims it was yellow and he'd seen an image confirming such, although this I've not (yet) discovered.  Towards the rear of the valve cover is found a Keith Black Racing Engines disc decal less the sometimes seen 'Black Magic' reference, while finally, the photo to the right depicts the images stacked two deep for color and clarity on my converted ACME #77.  A sharpened brass tube was used to punch out the KB decals given trimming something so small  accurately otherwise proved impossible.

...and for scrambling a bit, I changed over all of the accessory markings after having first washed off the old.  The reference photo is again from the Laguna Seca contest in 1970, the first of the season in fact.  As would be expected, the appearance of the car altered slightly for decal placement, etc. all year long.

Difficult to see, I did have the Dodge Scat Pack Club disc decal made up, while the Keith Black image is a duplicate of what is seen underhood on the rear of the valve cover face.  Everything else was cobbled up from my limited store of waterslides saved for situations like this.  The DSPC image was eventually cut out with a fortuitously sized hole punch, although I killed quite a few for not having the image on-center relative to the position of the punch.  

Notice again the GOODYEAR decals added to the hood on opposite sides of the scoop, as well as the black and white GOODYEAR diamond logo situated right forward of the #77 i.d. on the hood.  The blue and yellow GOODYEAR diamond seen on the restored 1:1 vehicle is incorrect.  And just in passing, the slightly muddy SCCA Trans-American Championship decal was sourced from a 1:25th AMT Warren Tope Mustang plastic kit reissue.  Thanks for reviewing this update...

Mike K./Swede70

Edited January 11, 2019 by swede70
...always revising then.

[Gramps46]

This is such an impressive build and the attention to detail is very amazing.

[ibj40]

Keep it coming, Mike!

 

By the way, body shipped yesterday, should be there by Friday.

[swede70]

13 hours ago, ibj40 said:

Keep it coming, Mike!

 

By the way, body shipped yesterday, should be there by Friday.

Oh, thank you so much.  I really, really appreciate the interest and support!

Mike K./Swede70

[swede70]

Greetings,

Not of huge shattering interest, nevertheless some work has been performed on the #77 Challenger to the extent of better fitting the roll cage A-pillar bars and blending them to mesh well with the dashboard ends situated just beneath.  The old dash was ruined for misjudging where to file the ends to make way for the bars passing atop each, hence a replacement was sought with the bottom half trimmed off as per the actual race car; i.e. the standard pad visible across the top was retained, while the heavy stock structure beneath isn't.  Seen too are new interior panels, with the driver's side cut out to accommodate a roll cage side bar as shown.  A literal challenge it is/was to ensure everything rests level, symmetrical, and tight overall.  

The seat mount has received work, while in relation to the suspension I hope/intend to reproduce the very unique locating links/design employed on the rear in particular.  Slightly revised GMP Trans-Am Camaro tires might be added if the markings on the new Donohue and Yunick releases are judged superior and are of course sold separately.  Will I ever paint anything I fabricate?  Stay tuned for the next belated installment to learn more!  

Mike K./Swede70

Edited May 26, 2019 by swede70

[swede70]

Greetings and another project dredged from the bottom of the Marianas trench...

Here would be a mash of older assemblies put back on wheels.  The interior panel work, half-done before, needed fettling to ensure everything would coexist when assembled.  In particular, the large resin tire worked up for the more detailed Hwy. 61-based Swede Savage AAR 'Cuda required the creation of minitubs necessitating the sacrifice of a second chassis.  

...the topic again,  seen at Bridgehampton, NY. '70.  Gary Larsen image.

...and my rendition, sporting a new shell and various new tool ACME bits very kindly afforded by ijb40.  

...just the minitubs and interior panel work in-place looking aft.

...and the same basic stuff looking forward.  Raw in some ways, but not awful.  Rear flares done in the style of my '70 Chaparral Camaro are peculating and will be fashioned next.  Kind thanks for your review of this project update.

Mike K./Swede70  

[swede70]

Greetings,

For some effort made the rear flares for the Swede Savage 'Cuda project were done across the past few days.  Resin was poured into cordoned off areas on a spare shell, the resultant pucks removed, and the results filed and sanded to yield what is seen below.  Thanks...

A study of the topic at Watkins Glen '70.  Subtle flaring indeed...

...pretty close, although my sanding stick supply is pretty much exhausted during these COVID-19 times.  Refinements may have to wait.

...the rear wheels and tires stand to come out a bit as I adjust the track.  First I must file out the standard wheel arch openings to allow such, hence the flares will serve as flares!

Mike K./Swede70

Edited April 22, 2020 by swede70

[swede70]

Greetings (and for the passage of several years since I've added anything to this thread)...

Having picked up a 1:18th ACME #76 Autodynamics 1970 Dodge Challenger SCCA Trans-Am release after missing such when they were new and freely available, recently I was able to gather an example.  To mix things up a bit it's my desire to alter the appearance of such to suggest a '70 Riverside, CA/Mission Bell 200 race spec. with Tony Adamowicz in the driver's seat of the second Autodynamics Challenger entered.  T. Adamowicz would post a DNF, as would Sam Posey to draw down the Dodge factory-backed Trans-Am effort for the final race outing/date that year.  

Seen below would be some limited work restricted (thus far) to a roof top refinished in a particularly flat finish (TS-6 Tamiya Matte Black) after much tedious paint masking, while the accessory decals on the sides have received a bit of work even as said effort isn't complete.  The 'Tony A.' driver's identification on the doors was work performed by 3 Amigos Decals and definitely looks the part, while also made out would be an abbreviated front spoiler less the Lexan clear end additions which were left off at Riverside given half-buried tires employed to mark the apex of this turn and that factored against the race-long survival of such.  A decal sheet is in the mail to add the 'Dodge' lettering to the front of the spoiler, whereas wondering too the utility of the sheet with regards to other variations on the theme of the Autodynamics '70 Challenger effort suggested further up this thread.  In sum, I don't know how much I'll do to this release, although the wheels will certainly be redone and other things tried.  Thanks for your review of this post.  

Mike K.

[swede70]

Thanks for the notice...

Somehow the paintwork applied to the hood scoop top and sides of the ACME Autodynamics Challenger releases doesn't quite come as far forward and end in a point along the base of the inlet sides - something I can't help but see/fixate upon when I inspect one of these models.  I had a spare T/A hood, and after applying successive layers as carefully as I could to isolate where I wished to touch matters in on this release, I transferred the mask over and buffed it with a cotton swab hoping to seal things as best I might.  A nice result was registered for the effort made given it pretty much looks the part now...

Yep - a hood pin is missing here, though not lost outright.

Not much to see here perhaps, but I opted to drill out and remove the painted flush exterior door handles and replace the same with earlier issue or better ACME stock release examples that are chrome plated.  A magnesium wash was subsequently applied, the results cleaned up a bit before being glued in place.  The look conveys a bit more quality versus the as-delivered spec., hence I'm happy.  Thanks for your review of this update...

Mike K./Swede70

Edited March 4 by swede70

[swede70]

Greetings,

Chassis and interior apart now, with the raised front seat mounting platforms and fuel tank drilled out (unseen here), whereas painting the rims, plus heating and subsequently remounting the tires without harming the tire lettering or scuffing the sidewalls proved possible. It's looking nice at present...

Mike K./Swede70

[swede70]

Greetings...

Not something I could readily fabricate from thinner material to say little of metal, seen would be a set of revised #76 siamesed headlamp fill panels cut from thin plastic sheet and later cast.  The ACME Autodynamics Challengers both come through with oval-shaped fill panels specific to #77 early season, but less accurate with regards to what was fit to #76.  Thanks...

Sam Posey at Kent, WA. with the joined headlamp fill panels or overlays readily made out...

Probably the best I could do, whereas heartened that the bumper/grille assembly was barely affixed to my model and basically pressed out with little resistance.  Surprised to note that the grille seen isn't a photo-etch screen at all but rather a textured surface solid piece of plastic.  Perhaps I might replace such?  Thanks for your review of this brief project update.

Mike K./Swede70

[swede70]

Some additional small #76 and #77 ACME Challenger projects undertaken in brief this...

Although the stylized crash pad/dash profile was retained on the Autodynamics Challengers for race use, the bottom half metal structure was cut away.  Seen are two dash assemblies (topmost) that have had their bottom half cut off and out.  Also discernible would be cut outs to allow a new roll cage with A-pillar bars to be sited better twice over.  The nicely detailed instrument cluster specific to the ACME race effort has been retained.

Just prior to redoing things here for what's seen right is actually for a Hwy. 61 AAR 'Cuda, nevertheless I wanted to replace the oval Six Pack/Pak or Six Barrel fresh air hood seal with something appropriately round versus oval underneath the hood proper.  Later in the evening I'd trace the outer profile seen left onto sheet plastic, further trace the hole seen right onto the resultant pattern stencil-like, and hash out the rest.  It will work!

Somehow on the #76 release the hood as well as other green painted bits did not receive a clear coat application.  Here I've prepped the hood, while I did something similar to isolate the rear spoiler without strictly placing the presumed delicate trunk numeral decal for just using paper cut to suit that might gingerly slip beneath the furthermost forward lip of the ducktail design (not seen here).  

Hood pins off (again), but looking more of a piece for the effort made.  Some metal panels stand to be switched out on account of quality control goofs noticed her with decal reapplication also scheduled - hence the 'Tony A.' lettering has vanished rom the door seen.  Experimenting further with clear coat application (off the model) to custom commissioned decals given the surface sheen availed/afforded is not all that it could be.  Thanks for your review of this project update.

Mike K./Swede70

Edited March 26 by swede70

[swede70]

Small stuff this...

Another set of driver's i.d. decals arrived, whereas some matters could be corrected/adjusted on the pair of ACME Autodynamics Trans-Am Challengers, #77 and #76 respectively.  

Likely guided for referral to the restored #77, the 'Sam Posey' door identification is set too low on the ACME 1:18th scale diecast release.  Happily the replacement script is indistinguishable from the as-delivered marking but for position.  Further, notice that the GMP GOODYEAR Blue Streak Sports Car Special tires will afford quite a different early season look for the neat blue line sidewall detail reproduced.  Lug nut and taped external wheel weights to come with regards to the appearance of the Minilight wheels obliquely made out here.

A minor difference between the spec. of the #76 as run at Riverside at the last race of the '70 SCCA Trans-Am season versus fleeting appearances earlier on was the inclusion of a tiny R/T side stripe element between the numeral 7 and 6.  Efforts to work up something for carefully cutting and applying three separate decals to fill in what was judged missing proved too tedious, although oddly enough a very old 1:25th scale Fred Cady Designs waterslide decal sheet afforded R/T side stripe material one could judge too thick for any 1:25th application - but serviceable for my purposes in 1:18th.  Not perfect, but a discrepancy one wouldn't strictly be looking for or be alert to for what I've applied here.   

A new front fender and door featuring better aligned and damage-free R/T striping helps clean up matters here, while the tiny stripe element situated between the door numerals is revealed as unobtrusive.  The hub wheel alignment guides on the front wheel/tire assemblies have since been refinished in black.  Lastly and difficult to make out, one of the cast resin A-pillar mounted fresh air interior ducts was painted and situated with two unseen round plastic rod mounts to distance the duct just a bit off the surface of the nearside A-pillar proper.  Thanks for your review of this tiny project update.

Mike K./Swede70

Edited April 3 by swede70

[swede70]

Greetings...

Specific to the #77, the graphics on the front fender need help.  In order front to back (at least at such applies to the driver's side), the Autodynamics logo ought to be more compact and sans yellow field, the Classic wax lettering should be larger for font, such picking up right where the front side indicator lense assembly ends, whereas the Challenger script should match the lettering/font seen on the actual production car and stretch over at least as far as the 'T' that makes up the R/T identification embedded in the side stripes.  Trying out fonts and sizes both for collaboration and web searching, seen would be some results of the collective effort thus far...

Reference as to how things ought to appear for #77.  

Pretty close, almost there, and promising to be much better.  The top model will retain the work already performed to revise and enhance the accessory/contingency decal stack, although hoping to scrub off and replace the markings atop the R/T stripes with what's suggested below it.  Thanks for your review of this tiny project update.

Mike K./Swede70

Edited April 12 by swede70

[Belugawrx]

Always enjoy your updates Michael..such attention to detail. 

[swede70]

Thanks for the interest and kind words...

Minor stuff again, but for having the shattered remains of a Hwy. 61 '68 Dodge Dart GTS 383, the A833 4-speed manual transmission and bell housing for the same were 'freed up' as it were and for liking the bell housing access panel detail w/mounting flange hardware and greater definition overall, it too will be cast and incorporated into my SCCA Trans-Am Chrysler Corp. builds.  Notice as well the utility of Eastwood's 1:1 restoration aerosol metal finishes, with their take on cast iron being used for the transmission case even as the appearance of such was a ruse of sorts given a non-homologated aluminum case was run in the '70 series E-bodies as supported by the factory.  Happy that the metallic employed isn't too heavy or obvious, whereas it's almost as though for looking at the transmission I could easily imagine tripping upon it and falling heavily in the garage!  A side case, also better detailed and from the same Dart GTS tool, further stands to be added to the transmissions being worked up.  Thanks...

Mike K./Swede70

Edited April 18 by swede70

[swede70]

Greetings...

Sort of a small project on my 'wished for' list, seen would be cast resin Hwy. 61 '70 340 Dart 8 3/4 rear axle integrated with the remains of a Dana 60-equipped '70 Challenger rear axle installation the ACME Autodynamics Challengers come through with.  Maybe not visually exciting, but far better than the dismal 8 3/4 rear axle afforded on some of the earlier Hwy. 61 E-body releases.  Also seen would be some new brass tubing paired exhaust dump exits, not strictly trimmed to match the profile of the rocker panel as they had been before in their as-delivered state.  Thanks...

 

Mike K./Swede70

Edited April 28 by swede70

[James2]

Started Posted September 29, 2015 , I'd say your commented now. Very nice detail, realism and craftsmenship.