PACERS, Fuel Altered, 1:16 brass, 1965

[Mike Williams]

This iconic racer has always been a stunner.  I saw it first (probably) in the SS&DI mag about 1964. The trademark molded chute pack area, the white custom paint and gold lettering, along with the molded lower body panels make it still unique, in my opinion.  A show car that actually raced and succeeded.

I contacted Mr. Scott Snizek, now the 2nd generation driver/owner about his family's car, stating that I would like to model it in brass, and if he could offer me a few photos showing details that have not been published.  Closeup build photos.  Meantime, I have the plans plus several dozen digital photos showing the reincarnation of the original car that ran from 1963 to 1970.  Nothing left to question, it's all there.

Here a photo by Scott Snizek of the "clone" car, built following original plans and what was used back in the day;

 

First though the body tub, '23 Ford T "turtle deck", made from original measurements;

I need the strengthened sides and rounded rear flange to support the shaping of the brass body panels.  The tub interior will probably be lined with aluminum sheet, not a subject at this time.

As always, thanks for looking and commenting.  More coming...

Mike..

 

 

 

Edited June 7, 2021 by Mike Williams

[Tortuga Kustomz]

Impresive man, love the work

[AmericanMuscleFan]

WOW Mike!  I'm very happy to see your new project and it's really a very cool one! ?  The brass work is awesome as you've gotten us used to, I really can't wait to see the rest my friend!  Will you have access to the decals for the body or will you create them yourself?

[Mike Williams]

@Marcos, glad you like it, you and I just like to build tube chassis cars.  This will be no different.

@Francis, Yes I believe the car is a beauty and I'm excited about building this one. I have a fellow working on the decals at this very moment, very professional work. This should be a fun project.  More completed already, photos soon.

Mike..

[Mike Williams]

Further along now with the chassis, things are going well.  The real car in progress photos sent to me are sensational and really help getting things done correctly.

Basic chassis;

Here a few shots with body tub first fit;

Tire check, the wheels will not be used;

Things are where they're supposed to be....

Mike..

 

[Tortuga Kustomz]

On 6/8/2021 at 2:04 PM, Mike Williams said:

@Marcos, glad you like it, you and I just like to build tube chassis cars.  This will be no different.

Definitely is the most fun part of a project, chassis work, this on is coming real nice, love it

[Ian McLaren]

Hand built brass body?  An incredible project on a completely different level.  I can't wait to see this come to life!

[Claude Thibodeau]

Hi Mike!

Impressive. Having rebuilt a couple of vintage 1/1 T's back then, let me just say that if Henry had installed that kind of metal reinforcement in his bodies back then, instead of a wood structure... a lot more would have survived today!

Keep on!

CT 

[cobraman]

Wow ! Some of you guys are in a whole nuther glass !  Great work.

[Mike Williams]

@Ian, hello friend.  The full bodied FED finished last month offered lots of training and several things to adhere by, learned a lot with that one.  I feel the brass bodied Ford T is very doable now.  I'll update.

@CT, you are always great for a laugh and also the insight you add. Many thanks, it's great for modelers to have real car guys taking a peek, I'm always grateful for your input.  

Yes, ole Henry would've had fits with this armored tub, actually I was also wondering.  From my limited experience, just not sure which gauge brass sheet to use, too thin and my thumbs presses dents in, that's my biggest worry.  The sheet will be adapted with thumbs and clamped and tacked.  The body bracing HAS to be stable, hence the thought of later adding thin aluminum sheet to cover the armoring.  I'm liking this project very much.

@Ray the cobraman, thanks for looking and commenting. We're all modelers here and I like the hands on deal with brass, just a different way to do your own thing.  My styrene abilities are not very good, been a metal worker of sorts all of my working days, I'm happier with a blister on the fingertip as the other ones glued together with CA....lol

Mike..

 

 

[Mike Williams]

UPDATE:  The chassis brass works are done for now.  Last thing to be added are motor mounts, motor is on the way, a printed, beautiful and exact 392 w/scripted valve covers and Hilborn 4 port injection w/hat.  A new parts source for all scales is on the scene, utterly smooth parts!  Your Alclad will let parts look chromed!  Exciting news for the modeling world.

Added are the toe strap on go pedal, chassis footrests (to protect the aluminum sheet body tub) and cross bracing for pushbar.  Also, fuel and magneto shutoff applications, along with a chute release handle w/ locking nut.  Chute release and brake handle move, go pedal and clutch as well.  more on this later.

A major change was successful.  The firewall tubing was too square, so the bars are now more rounded as per plan and the shoulder bars attach to the rollbar now at a proper angle, this was bothering me from the beginning on, it has to be correct.  A replica can't have atrocities visible, won't work.

Here the new firewall bar(s) comparison;

A few additions;

Next up are softer things, seat upholstery and a steering wheel.

Mike..

[AmericanMuscleFan]

That's just a gorgeous project Mike, your abilities to work with brass is so impressive!  I've always loved out of the ordinary subjets, so I've got plenty of those to sink my teeth into here! ?  Let the magic happen!!!

[majel]

Mike, you are truly a model "builder".  That is some amazing work!  I'm happy when I get the contents of the parts in the box to come together to make a decent looking model.  This is going to be one nice looking altered.

[Claude Thibodeau]

Hi Mike!

Impressive bird cage, really!

I'm impressed by your lever-activated brake master cylinder. First time I see one recreated in scale. Just imagine the mojo needed to steer that thing at the end of the strip with just the left arm, while applying the brake and parachute...

Can you say "heroes of the quarter-mile"? 

CT 

[Tortuga Kustomz]

this is going to be very detail man, love it already

[Mike Williams]

Meantime, a few things have been added.  For kicks, the seat tilts.  Driver can reach down for a cool one while waiting in the pits.  Some upholstery too, headrest coming up.

The Revell styrene rear axle at hand doesn't look too good, so a complete Chrysler 8.75 axle was fabbed.  Copper plumbing pipe for the housing, rest is from brass profiles and sheet. The driveline is established, driveshaft is straight as an arrow, through the crankshaft line, so this is an important step accomplished. 

A few small things, plus the driveshaft housing will be added soon.  Currently sorting out plans for the front axle assembly, which is really trick.  haven't seen one exactly like this one ever.

1st photo by Steve Snizek, taken during the new build.

 

Since these, the driveshaft tunnel is in the works, will be added soon.

Mike..

[Rocking Rodney Rat]

This is next level stuff. Very interesting.... -RRR

[AmericanMuscleFan]

This is a great job on the differential housing Mike, I remember seeing your topic of laced wheels using a piece of copper plumbing for the base and I had never thought of using this material to make parts.  It turns out to be the perfect material because it can be soldered with brass.

The detail you did on the front of the differential is also impressive and it's hard to believe that it was all done by hand with only patience and elbow grease.

Do you plan to paint all these beautiful pieces or keep them bare?

Pure entertainment sir, I can't wait to see the rest!  Another masterpiece in the making!!! ?

[Mike Williams]

@Rocking Rodney Rat, this is a really fun project.  Every single area is well documented with excellent photos....just following the lead....

@Francis, yes, copper is great for our brass cars, especially being it's much stronger, small parts are more easily handled. Heat transfer seems identical to brass.  The chassis will be sanded smooth as if it were a body panel, the smooth rear end will get a silver/gray glossy finish, all with House of Kolor paints.  Below is a photo by Scott Snizek, original car.

Great that you remembered the front wire wheel tutorial for FEDs, copper pipe is a hit!

Mike..

[Mike Williams]

Small update today....I do believe the cockpit and rearend are finished.  Can't really see anything else to do here, except paint, later though.

Today a headrest was added, a driveshaft tunnel attached with a coupler and the ride height was set.

Here a mockup of things done to date.  First photo from Scott Snizek, as the car was being built.

 

Next on the agenda is the front axle assembly.  This will be the most intricate and stunning hot rod setup I've ever seen, yet another segment that makes this real car absolutely iconic.  Can't wait to tackle this one....!

Mike..

 

 

[AmericanMuscleFan]

Nice work Mike, luckily you have access to a lot of good photos and technical information to recreate this subject.

Fabrication is my favorite part of any build and it looks like you are having a lot of fun on this aspect of the project as well.  I can't wait to see your next pictures of the front axle, it looks promising!

By the way, you seem to have a nice inventory of brass... I envy you... ?

[Tortuga Kustomz]

Amazing update, the frame looks absolutely stoning man, can't wait to see your next step on this project... 

[slusher]

impressive work!

[Ian McLaren]

I've been following this build pretty regularly the other site but I just had to chime in here and express how impressed I am with this project .  Your work just keeps getting better and better, amazing!

Edited July 2, 2021 by Ian McLaren
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[Art Laski]

Awesome work!