Hemi Powered Buggy

[James W]

File this under 'Off the Wall'

I liberated the rear fenders from a '57 300C for a custom pick-up. Could not let the rest of the kit go to waist.

Inspired from an OLD magazine photo. Dune buggies were just cut down cars. I see this one tearing up a sand dune on the southern Oregon coast.

I may build a mid 60's wagon loaded with camping gear to tow it.

Before paddle tires, slicks floated on top of the sand. I had to add under-seat details, and the gas tank is vacuum formed, two identical peices glued together.

Engine was fun to detail. Note the rusted out battery box, made from copper etched by acid.

Thanks for looking! Comments, questions welcome.

[RodneyBad]

that is very cool.

some sand tires would look good on it to.

Looks like something you'd see in another country

Cuba?

they keep all the old stuff running with duct tape and bailing wire I've heard

[fordh8r]

Interesting build. The seat springs and the rotted out battery tray are especially nice details. Very cool!

Edited February 1, 2009 by fordh8r

[paul@detaildownunder]

Now that's cool! nicely done

[Geezerman]

Homely lil bugger.

GREAT detail work !! Especially like the underseat springs. Nice touch.

I am curious as to why you left green overspray on the inside of the tires when you went to so much effort detailing the underside ??

[purplehornies]

I am curious as to why you left green overspray on the inside of the tires when you went to so much effort detailing the underside ??

Could it be dirt... ?

[James W]

I am curious as to why you left green overspray on the inside of the tires when you went to so much effort detailing the underside ??

Thanks guys for the compliments.

The 'green' overspray is Rail Brown, it is what I used to replicate dust/dirt on the buggy. Looking at the pictures it looks like I did a poor job on the inside front tire. It should be more uniform, pictures don't lie.

I have a few details to attend to before this puppy is done. Thanks for the extra sets of eyes.

[DR Dubois]

Wicked ride for those sunny days on the back roads! Very cool idea to use the rest of your kit.

[cruz]

Very cool, love the weathering technique and overall subject.....

[george 53]

James, when I was growin up, My cousins used to build "Dune Buggy's" out of ol 48 Chevy's. They looked JUST like that, and would run them on the dunes,at Sleeping Bear state park, on the West Coast of Michigan. They were just chassis with roll bars welded on em, but MAN were they FUN! Now we're a little too old to get nuts like that(or too smart) but those memories! Your lil Buggy looks RIGHT ON to me! Thanks for sharing it!!!!!GREAT JOB!!!

[BigGary]

Before the popularity of VW-based buggies got started, this is what they were. Most didn't run slicks, just whatever fat tires could be found.

Gary

[Chromecop]

Looks great and very convincing details!!!!

[James W]

Thanks for the kind remarks guys! I'm glad some of you remember rigs like this.

This was a fun build, originally started when the kit first came out.

I'm happy to get it off the To Do list.