kenlwest Posted January 23, 2021 Posted January 23, 2021 Hello to all. I have been a lurking member for a few years, and I enjoy looking at the many fantastic models that are showcased here. I thought it was time to share a project with you for a change. I recently purchased a Monogram 1/8 Corvette, and I know most of you are familiar with the Monogram 1/8 Scale subjects. I have had a couple of real Corvettes over the years, and the C3 is my favorite. I decided to design and build a 72 Corvette, and use the 78 as a basis for it, and 3d print the parts for it. Although they may appear very similar, there are significant differences between the 72 and 78. In addition, I will try and correct some of the inaccuracies that are present in the 78 body shape as the project progresses. What you see here will not be used in the model. It is what I call a "Surface and Highlight" test print. This will be used to analyze the reflections, shapes, and scale. Next step will be to incorporate the slight changes into the computer model. This project will take a few months to complete. I hope you enjoy the journey, and PLEASE. comment as appropriate for anything you feel needs to be pointed out!
beeRS Posted January 23, 2021 Posted January 23, 2021 This is cool. Why is that just a test print? It looks good enough to use! BTW, I like your model display I can see in the background.
kenlwest Posted January 23, 2021 Author Posted January 23, 2021 The printing method used for the trial is called FDM. It is an inexpensive way to make quick prototypes and fitting trials. The final prints will be using a process called SLA or FDM. But that is ways down the road. Many trials will have to be made along the way. Here is the hood, fitted to the opening. Next, the structural cage..
kenlwest Posted February 9, 2021 Author Posted February 9, 2021 I started working on the engine. Just pulled this off the printer. I got a little carried away with details that won't be seen after the engine is assembled, but it will provide a preview of where the project is going. You can see the comparison between the monogram engine and the detailed block.
Len Woodruff Posted February 9, 2021 Posted February 9, 2021 Wow. Incredible. I built this car as the 78 Pace Car when they 1st came out. I also have the 78 Silver Anniversary 1:1 in my garage that I have had for 40 years.
kenlwest Posted February 10, 2021 Author Posted February 10, 2021 I printed out the heads this morning. I temporarily mounted them on the block - I couldn't help myself. Notice the spark plug holes... the plug wires will be attached to boots and plugs, to be printed later in the process. Next: intake manifold. Stay tuned.
kenlwest Posted February 13, 2021 Author Posted February 13, 2021 There are many variations of 350 Chevy intake manifolds that were used over many years. I modeled mine after the spread bore manifold that was used in model years 72 and 73. Here you can see both the printed part, and the intake/carb part that came in the 78 kit.
kenlwest Posted February 13, 2021 Author Posted February 13, 2021 I assembled the parts together. Just for fun, I placed the valve covers from the 78 kit on the heads. I noticed 2 issues right away that will need to be corrected before the final print. The intake is too shallow, and the heads need to be angled more in the front view. More to come..
Flynlo Posted February 14, 2021 Posted February 14, 2021 Looking great! It looks like an advantagey of 3-d printing is that you can edit the files and produce revised parts relatively easily?
Gary Davis Posted February 14, 2021 Posted February 14, 2021 Man Ken...This is a very cool project. Looking forward to the next update for sure...
kenlwest Posted February 15, 2021 Author Posted February 15, 2021 On 2/13/2021 at 7:54 PM, Flynlo said: Looking great! It looks like an advantagey of 3-d printing is that you can edit the files and produce revised parts relatively easily? Yes. The process of creating an accurate model involves many design iterations. The order in which the parts are designed will minimize the number trials.
kenlwest Posted February 15, 2021 Author Posted February 15, 2021 On 2/9/2021 at 7:51 AM, Len Woodruff said: Wow. Incredible. I built this car as the 78 Pace Car when they 1st came out. I also have the 78 Silver Anniversary 1:1 in my garage that I have had for 40 years. Nice! I always liked the silver anniversaries.
kenlwest Posted February 15, 2021 Author Posted February 15, 2021 I found some very good photos of the correct bellhousing for 1972. I finished modeling it this afternoon and printed it. Also, I attached a picture of what I used for reference.
kenlwest Posted February 16, 2021 Author Posted February 16, 2021 I redesigned the heads with an additional 4 degree front view angle, and remodeled the intake manifold. Here are some before and after pictures.
Rockford Posted February 23, 2021 Posted February 23, 2021 You're not building a model, you're building a complete plastic car! So Impressive!
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