Bernard Kron Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 (edited) I hesitated to post this because I have at least two other builds nearing completion that I’ve already posted and that still aren’t done. But a couple of weeks ago I hit a wall on them and came down with a serious case of builder’s block. I’ve had this idea for a while and thought I would start it to see if it helped. I’m hoping it did. The idea was to build a super-light high-tech/low-tech rat rod from the Revell Model A Pickup Rat Rod cab and other spare parts I’ve got. The main frame tubes, the upper ones, are the larger ones, designed to take the bulk of stresses. The interior will be bare metal. The transmission and driveline will be left exposed. The exterior will be a faded and worn out purple of some sort, with primer and metal showing through as appropriate. I had considered chopping the top but I didn’t want to risk screwing up the really nice panel detail at the back of the cab. The grille shell will be a cut down Model A piece. The motor is a Revell Parts Pack Cadillac with the blower from the AMT HemiSphere and 6 Stromberg ‘97’s on a log manifold adapted from the Parts Pack (the carbs are missing in the pics). The motor slipped forward a little while I was shooting pics of the mockup and will set back and upwards a bit further when done. The rear end will have a 9 inch axle and a ’34 Ford rear spring. The very nice dropped front axle is courtesy of my modeling buddy CalSurplus so I don’t actually know where it came from. The build is for the NNL West so here’s hoping I get it done and that I actually make it down there! Original concept sketch (Click on picture for larger image) The build so far (Click on picture for larger image) Thanx for lookin’! Edited February 10, 2009 by gbk1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cranky Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Love the idea, and the progress. Keep it going. Thanks for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raul_Perez Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 Oh man, Bernard...I'm telling you...add a few plumbing fittings where the tubes come together and you could call this one the Sewer Rat!! Based on the color of plastic on your front axle, my friends at CalSurplus tell me that it came from a very early version of Monogram's '37 Ford sedan. And, the hotel extension of CalSurplus already has a room ready and reserved in your name the weekend of March 7th!! So, get your "stuff" in gear, get it done and start heading south!! The NNL West awaits!! Later, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis Lacy Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 This is a neat concept Bernard, and you're off to a great start. It's nice to see another Parts Pak Caddy put to use too! And Raul is correct, that front axle and spring is from the first issue of Monogram's '37 Ford Sedan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul@detaildownunder Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 Awesome! this one should be a ripper!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeMc Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 Oh man, Bernard...I'm telling you...add a few plumbing fittings where the tubes come together and you could call this one the Sewer Rat!! Based on the color of plastic on your front axle, my friends at CalSurplus tell me that it came from a very early version of Monogram's '37 Ford sedan. And, the hotel extension of CalSurplus already has a room ready and reserved in your name the weekend of March 7th!! So, get your "stuff" in gear, get it done and start heading south!! The NNL West awaits!! Later, This is a neat concept Bernard, and you're off to a great start. It's nice to see another Parts Pak Caddy put to use too! And Raul is correct, that front axle and spring is from the first issue of Monogram's '37 Ford Sedan. YEP......off the wall MORE!!!! PS Raul....I didn't know about CalSurplus......I can use lotsa cheep goodies, whats the website???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raul_Perez Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 ...PS Raul....I didn't know about CalSurplus......I can use lotsa cheep goodies, whats the website???? Mike, You have my email address, my home address and probably my phone number. Sorry, but my website does not list what's "in stock" at CalSurplus. Drop me a line to let me know what you need and my "little helpers" can probably find what you're looking for, (like that quick-change rear end and suspension that's resting nicely under your '34 Ford pickup). Later, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 Bernard!? You OK? This is our 'period correct' Bernard, right? Well,whatever's goin' on with you, I'm loving The Tube Rat!!! Specially them plug wires standing up all proud like that! Gotta incorporate that into the build somehow aint the computer great for workin up ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernard Kron Posted January 16, 2009 Author Share Posted January 16, 2009 (edited) Thanx everyone. I've actually gotten a lot more done on this thing, but not much that would be of any interest photgraphically (mainly general "housekeeping - like motor mounts, interior framing for the instrument panel and steering post, body work cleanup, etc.) A Major Strategic Error was gluing the frame to the body since any interior work can only be done through the roof, floor and windows. But the body is a structural element and I would have had to cut and then reglue sections of the body in order to build the entire frame externally and then install it. Oh well... The major challenge is imagineering and executing the rear suspension. It's critical because, of course, it will determine the stance, as it always does. Not much room back there to get it done, either. Bernard!? You OK? This is our 'period correct' Bernard, right? Well,whatever's goin' on with you, I'm loving The Tube Rat!!! Specially them plug wires standing up all proud like that! Gotta incorporate that into the build somehow aint the computer great for workin up ideas? Well, the discipline of building those two "period correct" roadsters just plum wore me out and is testing the limits of my abilities right now. I needed some release! I actually have lotsa ideas floating around that need to be built, not necessarily in the "historic" mode. Mainly, I just like the textures and proportions to look somewhat "real". But that's just my personal thing, and not necessarily what I enjoy in others' work, as you know. All of us just do what we can do... IMHO, sometimes we are better off leaving it to others to do what we can't, no matter how much we might admire what they do, Doobee, doobee, doo... Regarding the plug wires, I agree completely, but I'm afraid I haven't come up with anything. I guess it will have to exist as a "temporary mohawk". The only thing I will do is make sure the distributor sits tall above the block and hopefully above the cowl line. And yeah, I love my 'puter as a creative tool!!! Edited January 16, 2009 by gbk1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernard Kron Posted January 17, 2009 Author Share Posted January 17, 2009 I got some more work done. The major challenge of imagineering and executing the rear suspension actually worked! The car has the stance I want. The wheels and tires aren’t the ones I will use in the completed build but they’re the right diameter to check how the car sits. The rear track will be narrower – I didn’t want to cut down the wheels I used for the mockup. The rear suspension is about 2/3 done, but devising a fore/aft locating system and placing the shocks will be tough. As I said earlier, it’s pretty tight back there. The motor sits correctly now that I got the motor mounts done. And there’s plenty of room in front of the mill for the radiator and cooling stuff. Whew!! The grill shell is a mockup with black paper glued in for the radiator. The top of the A shell opening has been reshaped into a widow’s peak around the Ford emblem to increase the cooling area and give the shell a little more style. (Click on picture for larger image) Thanx for looking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Lookin' fine, 'Stancemeister' Just lovin' your framework/suspension imagineering ! A 'two tabbed frame'! This would so out of this world cool to build 1:1, and then, to jump in and rev dat Caddy! Talk about rockin' & rollin! I can just see the body & frame twistin to one side when all that torque strains against that suspension!!! Can't wait til you paint that front axle ...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raul_Perez Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 Oh yeah!! The rake and stance are right on the money for this build!! Don't stop now!! You're making GREAT progress!! Later, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernard Kron Posted January 24, 2009 Author Share Posted January 24, 2009 Got some color on the Tube Rat. I’ve tried two different paint jobs. The first was the originally planned purple color, using Model Master Panther Pink lacquer but I didn’t like it at all. I then decided to paint it a similar color to the original sketch. This is a blend of a Tamiya bright green and Testors Acryl Aircraft Carrier Green hand brushed over Testors Metallizer steel, then rubbed down with 800 grit sandpaper to dull it out and reveal patches of metal under the paint. The frame and interior are Metallizer Steel and the front suspension is Metallizer gunmetal. (Click on picture for larger image) Thanx for lookin’. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raul_Perez Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 Oh yeah, Bernard!!! Now that rat is starting to come to life!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 Lookin' fine Bernard! Always best to stay with the original inspiration. Who ever heard of a purple rat? A green rat with tubes protruding thru the body--now that's more like it! .......and thanks for takin' care of that front axle--it was kinda distracting, glowing orange & all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernard Kron Posted February 3, 2009 Author Share Posted February 3, 2009 The Tube Rat is nearing completion. Left to do is the exhaust system (a key visual element of this build), installing the seats and steering wheel, detailing the steering system and suspension, some final plumbing, rigging up a lighting system, and final assembly. The front wheels are American Racing 12 Spokes from Competition Resins finished in Testors Metallizer Magnesium. The rear tires and wheels are of unknown origin supplied by CalSurplus. The rear wheels were stripped and refinished in Metallizer Aluminum Plate with Magnesium centers and chrome detailing. The tank is a resin piece from The Parts Box in Australia, finished in Metallizer Aluminum Plate with a light black wash to tone it down. (Click on picture for larger image) Thanx for lookin’. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 Looking good Bernard. Can't wait to see some lights on it. Love them 12 spokers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raul_Perez Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 That rat is almost ready to run!! I can't wait to see it at the NNL West!! Later, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernard Kron Posted February 6, 2009 Author Share Posted February 6, 2009 (edited) Thanx guys. What I'm enjoying most about this is that it's turning out looking very much like my original sketch - like a long neglected 60’s show rod enjoying a second life as a Rat. Also fun is that it's entirely either scratch built or from the parts box. Got some more done so here are some detail pics. The seats are from Early Years Resin. I also rewoprked the front hubs so that the wheels sit closer in to the disc brakes. I hope to have this Under Glass by the weekend… Thanx for lookin’. (Click on picture for larger image) Edited February 6, 2009 by gbk1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raul_Perez Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 WOW, Bernard!! I really like that rotating arm rest!! Man, that is going to be one wild ride!! Later, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 Lookin' mighty fine, Bernard. Love the 3/4 front shot, with the headlights and the blue sparklies all neatly arrayed. Always wanted to go for a ride in your 'rides', but after checkin' out the seats in this one........ , and that huge Caddy out front...... , boy, I don't know...........must be coz I'm gettin' older, I think I'd be happy just to see and hear it go by! Can't wait to see the exhaust built up on it. Love your decal. You make? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernard Kron Posted February 7, 2009 Author Share Posted February 7, 2009 Thanx again guys. Can't wait to see the exhaust built up on it. Love your decal. You make? Actually that logo was the inspiration for the build, and yeah, I made the decal, but I sure didn’t design it! It’s one of the icons of “Boxcar Artâ€, called The Colossus of Roads. I’m convinced Billy Gibbons patterned his whole persona after this image. Here’s an “explanation†by the guy who created it, from the great documentary “Who Is Bozo Texino?†by Bill Daniel: If you ever can get hold of this flick don’t miss it. Personally, I bumped into it by accident at 3AM on Public Access TV. Here’s the basic positioning statement of the movie: I really like that rotating arm rest!! Extreme building – an old Hot Rod tradition. Gene Winfield circa 1954: (Click for bigger pic) Nothing like a live, spinning u-joint just below your elbow to keep you alert when maneuvering 1500 lbs. and 500 horsepower down the road! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raul_Perez Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 (edited) Extreme building – an old Hot Rod tradition. Gene Winfield circa 1954: (Click for bigger pic) Nothing like a live, spinning u-joint just below your elbow to keep you alert when maneuvering 1500 lbs. and 500 horsepower down the road! Yeah boy...like getting a necktie stuck in a paper shredder, don't let a loose cuff from your shirt sleeve get to close to that spinning U-joint or they'll be calling you One-Armed Willy. And, while what's left of your arm is spinning around the driveshaft, beating you senseless while you try to get everything stopped, you might reconsider your design intent on the next build! Later, Edited February 10, 2009 by Raul_Perez Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis Lacy Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Your truck project is comming together great, Bernard. It definately has an ALL BUSINESS look to it! Love the big blower loaded full of 2-barrels. I just hope that little radiator will keep it cool! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernard Kron Posted February 10, 2009 Author Share Posted February 10, 2009 Yeah boy...like getting a neck tie stuck in a paper shredder, don't let a loose cuff from your shirt sleeve get to close to that spinning U-joint or they'll be calling you One-Armed Willy. And, while what's left of your arm is spinning around the driveshaft, beating you senseless while you try to get everything stopped…. Yeesh! What an image. Based on your urgent warnings a last minute design change was implemented during final assembly: (Click on picture for larger image) My intent in this build was always to emphasize the tradition of safety and good road manners which has been part of the NHRA since its inception… This will of course be true of all future builds as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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