CBR 2022 Club DeMer Restocustom

[MeatMan]

I've had this kit for a while and figured now would be a good time to pull it out with the theme for the Cannonball Run being year of birth.

I had originally planned to build it as if GM allowed it to be built as a production vehicle but I'll go this route instead, but keeping with the design elements of the car like rear mounted transmission, DeDion rear suspension, and Stratostreak engine, thanks to Mark Doolittle.

I jumped right in and did all the necessary cutting. The kit is circa 1956 with all the associated fit issues, the fact that its a curbside with an integrated chassis, and that fin.

As for the chassis I decided to use the front subframe from a 70.5 Camaro for the suspension, and design and print the rear half. I've gone through a couple of prototypes prior to the start of the contest but after cutting the body I found that I needed to make further changes. Because of the way the rear curves up I had to raise the rear portion of the chassis about 5mm.

I'll also be changing the front end a bit. there is no grille on the original concept car design and I know that wouldn't work in the real world, especially in a coast to coast race. Plus I'm a glutton for punishment.

Thanks for looking and commenting.

 

[NOBLNG]

Very interesting plan Dennis. I’ve never heard of this kit, but I like the look of it. I’ll follow along!?

[stitchdup]

cool, something completely different

[MeatMan]

So, I fitted the printed chassis with the Camaro subframe and discovered that plan was a no-go because the wheels would have sat way too high, and the subframe was too wide.

So I went to plan B and added a dropped subframe to the chassis design.

After doing that I realized that the engine would sit higher as well so I opted to switch to the LS engine for the hood clearance. I originally built it for my 72 GTO I entered and withdrew for the 2019 CBR.

I got the rear suspension mocked up, but have to fabricate some brackets for the leading arms. The transaxle was a separate tranny & diff that I joined. They're from a C5 Corvette, which is where the engine came from as well. The axles were assembled from parts box pieces and a couple of printed hubs so the brake rotors fit.

Now I have to fabricate a front suspension. I think I'll use a McPherson strut setup if I have enough clearance.

Edited January 10, 2022 by MeatMan

[bisc63]

Cool project. I've always dug this concept car, and have seen a handful of these kits built really well, so it can be done! I like your direction so far, and will be following along.

[MeatMan]

Though I haven't been posting, I've been busy. A lot of trial and error on the rear suspension has paid off per the mockup in first pic below.

The major issue has been the height of the body, which is very narrow top to bottom, not allowing much room for tires. Also, the body narrows from to back, which complicates things further.

I'm still working on the front suspension but I expect it to only be limited by my skills.

In the meantime I've been working on the body. I decided not to employ the chrome strips on the hood, as bright chrome on the front of a car probably reduces its stealth capability immensely. ?

The result is a center hood hump that I think modernizes it a bit. I also deleted the small scoops on the cowl as they seemed out of place.

Another issue I'm working on is the windshield frame, which doesn't match the outline of the cowl but the windshield does, which leaves a gap between the windshield frame and the glass.

I thought about cutting the frame but the glass looks better from the side without it, per the last two pics. My plan now is to modify the frame to only fit the rear edge, and make it slimmer. Then I'll have to figure out a way to fit the wipers. This is getting funner & funner! ?

[chris chabre]

Ive always wanted to build one of these as a landspeed car

[MeatMan]

52 minutes ago, chris chabre said:

Ive always wanted to build one of these as a landspeed car

Not a bad idea. You could just close off the passenger side and be nearly there.

[MeatMan]

Got a little more work done.

I used Tinkercad to design a tank to fit in the limited space trunk. It almost fits perfectly but sits a little high, so to the grinder it goes for a bit of trimming to the bottom.

I decided to modify the Corvette dash to give it a couple of touchscreens. The one in front of the passenger will tie to a night vision camera in the grille (yes, they do exist), and the center screen will be multifunction.

The seats are low back units I bought the files for and printed.

I'm considering a console but that's still in the air.

I'm working on fitting the taillights now. I cut some from a C7 Corvette to remove the turn signals so they fit, but botched cutting one hole already, but its salvageable with some work.

[slusher]

Very impressive project one work..