Early '60s, NHRA Legal C/Gas Supercharged Gasser

[traditional]

I've seen too many models of "gassers', over the years, that wouldn't have passed tech inspection in the day since they're more like 'run what ya brung' racers, so I'm just completing this '55 Chevy gasser using the NHRA rule books (from ''62/'63/64) for guidance. The body is originally from a Revell 1/25 American Graffiti 'snap kit' that had only an opening hood. I've cut open the doors and trunk, built up a 4-71 GMC supercharged Chevy small-block, fabricated an aluminum floor and trunk interior, brass and aluminum straight front axle (with steering), set back the engine the legal 10%, cut open the front fenders to become a one-piece flip front end, simple tuck-n-roll basic upholstery, legal lightweight front seats, raised the front of the roof area (disproportionately low from Revell), and fabricated a myriad of brackets and details to complete the model. Paint is custom mixed basecoat/clearcoat darkish orange and the wheels are from the Revell Orange Crate (rear) and Round2 Willys pickup gasser (front). The car sits relatively level and the height is the legal maximum of the rocker panels being no higher than the center of the rear hubs. The legal 150 lb maximum battery is mounted in the trunk for rear weight bias, and the 301" Chevy engine is mounted no higher than the two ft ground to crankshaft center.

 

 

 

 

Edited December 10, 2016 by traditional

[oldnslow]

Cliff it's not fair to be posting pics of real cars as models.   I found your car running at the strip.

]

[Metaldrumm]

Decent build, nice craftsmanship

[Ace-Garageguy]

Oh baby...I like this a lot.

I'm one of the pedantic mean old SOBs who think if something's gonna be tagged as a "gasser" (not gasser-style or gasser-esque or gasser-like or gasser-inspired), it damm well ought to be a historically-accurate class-legal scale model of a gasser...at least as far as the major identifiers of stance, crank-centerline height and 10% allowable engine setback go.

I have nothing against anyone who wants to build the other "gasser-influenced" stuff (though I think the way-nose-high look is idiotic) but please don't call them "gassers".

Rant over.

Love your model, the extra effort you put in to make it right, and especially those firewall-clearing custom headers and cleanly-fabricated front suspension.   

[bobthehobbyguy]

Very nice. Super clean. Nice scratchbuilding on the front.

[bogger44]

Outstanding craftsmanship!  Great attention to all the details in making it correct.  I could spend the rest of my life building just one model and not have it turn out as great as this. Thanks for sharing this beauty!

[Nytrozilla]

I only love everything about your build.

Ahhhh, memories. Original memories. Not YouTube reruns.

[MAGIC MUFFLER]

You did a really great job..!!!!

[JerseyRed]

All that work paid off for a great looking model. It almost seems like a put down to call it a model.

[doggie427]

As always,another stunning build. I lack the skills necessary to ever building anything out of a diecast, but your models always delight me. 

[Ace-Garageguy]

Question: It looks to me like you built your firewall and door jambs out of high-density foam. Correct, or is this something else?

I've used a lot of various foams for aircraft structural and tooling prototype work, and your material here looks very familiar.

[traditional]

Question: It looks to me like you built your firewall and door jambs out of high-density foam. Correct, or is this something else?

I've used a lot of various foams for aircraft structural and tooling prototype work, and your material here looks very familiar.

Yes,Bill, I used 'Renshape' foam resin...I have lots of chunks of it left over from my Industrial design days. It's relatively easily formed (filed and sanded) and very durable. The grade that I use is very dense and can easily be painted without bubbles or gaps.

 

[TarheelRick]

Beautiful Gasser, one of my favorite classes from the "real" drag racing days.  Excellent workmanship, beautiful build.

[bytownshaker]

Like always this build is correct and beautifully done... Can't wait to see it in person.

[madhorseman]

That is AWESOME!!

[6bblbird]

Great looking and well built machine!!

Details such as driveshaft loops and flywheel shield are often forgotten but really help in making this a stand out build!

WF

[jeffdeoranut]

veeeerrry nice! what sixe nuts n bolts did u use for front steering?

[DrKerry]

WOW, Nice work!!!!! I'm not big into die cast cars but this thing rocks!!!!!!!!!

[PARTSMARTY]

I absolutely love it and I love those headers !!!