Riviora

[Modlbldr]

Unlike most at this time, i have not been forced to stay home. My job, for now, still requires me to be at work in case of any emergencies that might arise. So, while at home this weekend without most of my building supplies and current builds I decided to start a bit of work on this project. With that said, it will probably be pretty sporadic due to my 41 Plymouth being my primary build.

Anywho- I have had this rendering of a Rivi based Deora on my phone for a while and love it. I got this "in progress" Deora build from a buddy and a Rivi body and bumpers donated from one of our builders here. By combining these I am building the "Riviora"

Later-

[Modlbldr]

Here is the first step I took which was to cut the B pillars and lower the rear of the roof. Next is to reshape the side window openings by removing the darkened areas.

I have had these wheels in my stash forever and I think they are a close representation to the drawing so I will be using them.

That's it for now on my progress. I just started slicing on this an hour ago. Comments and criticisms welcomed.

Later-

[Sam I Am]

Very ambitious.  ?

[Bills72sj]

That artist's rendering looks pretty sweet. I would like to see you succeed.

[chepp]

Cool idea — keep posting!

[Snake45]

The drawing is very pretty, but suggests that the driver and passenger seats and the front wheels/tires will be trying to occupy the same space at the same time. I seem to remember from school some law of physics that says that this is impossible. 

[Scott8950]

This looks like a cool project, it'll be intresting to see where this goes. I noticed in the drawing the hood area is almost straight across and the riv is alot sharper. I will definitely be watching this build.

Edited March 22, 2020 by Scott8950

[Nazz]

I think it's a great idea, definitely going to be watching this one come together!

[Modlbldr]

Well, thanks for the interest in this guys! I appreciate it very much. 

Snake- I'm not sure exactly how it's going to work out for the moment. Right now the only plausible answer I have is Physics, schmysics.... Lol.

I got the side window openings roughly shaped in. I have to figure out where and how to shorten the nose of the Rivi and attach it, including the windshield since the shape of the windshield in the drawing is definitely Riviera and not Deora. My first thought is to cut the entire front clip of the Riviera, including the windshield frame, remove the front of the Deora, including windshield frame, swap the parts and then shorten the nose of the Riviera. 

Fortunately I don't have my saws at home with me so I won't get in a rush to cut. I have a day to think about it first.

Later-

[Jonathan]

Hot Dog!  This is cool!

Coffee in hand ...

[Koellefornia Kid]

Really like the rendering! Cool project, will follow!

[djflyer]

Love this Gary Campesi design. I've been collecting parts to do this build for a while so I'll definitely be watching to see how you do this one.

Are you staying with the Deora kit driveline or planning to change that also? 

[Modlbldr]

Thanks guys. 

7 hours ago, djflyer said:

Love this Gary Campesi design. I've been collecting parts to do this build for a while so I'll definitely be watching to see how you do this one.

Are you staying with the Deora kit driveline or planning to change that also? 

I haven't given a lot of thought to it but so far the plan is to use the Deora chassis because I have it. I don't have the chassis and suspension for the Rivi.

I made some down and dirty cuts tonight. No real measuring. Just eyeballing it. Hopefully I'm not off.

Later-

[alan barton]

Go for it!  Just a thought, could you graft the last half an inch of the Riv body onto the back of the Deora to keep the Buick theme running right through?  I reckon that lean could really go with the flow of this design.

 

Cheers

Alan

[Modlbldr]

Thanks for the idea Alan. I'll have to look at what that might do for the design.

Got some work done on the wheels. Parts box wheels with aluminum Pegasus sleeves and tires.

Later-

[Modlbldr]

Began the pie cut on the body and whoops!

 

[Dann Tier]

Wow!!...this is already looking waaaay cooler than the original Deora!!!!