’72 Dodge Demon Drag Racer 1/25 scale

[Scott8950]

1 hour ago, Keef said:

Yes sir I still love the Demon, I love anything Mopar, the ‘70 Coronet is my most favorite ever, I’ve owned a few of them over the years. 

My dad was a huge mopar guy and he owned a few as well, he was good friends with John labbous . My dad had a 70 superbee with a 440 and a  4 speed probably one of the fastest stock cars I've ridden in. 

[Keef]

35 minutes ago, Scott8950 said:

My dad was a huge mopar guy and he owned a few as well, he was good friends with John labbous . My dad had a 70 superbee with a 440 and a  4 speed probably one of the fastest stock cars I've ridden in. 

John Labbous and the Loose Caboose, a couple of local legends!! 

[Moparman18064]

4 hours ago, AmericanMuscleFan said:

On 2/11/2024 at 3:59 PM, Keef said:

 

You're so nice Keith but I'm afraid I'll disappoint you, I'm just an ordinary guy who likes to complicate his life by making a bunch of parts that you can only really see before they're assembled...

But those parts are pure perfection!

[Scott8950]

1 hour ago, Keef said:

John Labbous and the Loose Caboose, a couple of local legends!! 

I remember going with my dad to his shop where race engine design is now and to his shop on cloud springs rd. Years ago.

 

Sorry for the hijack Francis.

Edited February 12 by Scott8950

[AmericanMuscleFan]

4 hours ago, Claude Thibodeau said:

Hi!

I've driven to many shows with Francis, and I'm always puzzled when some spectators and fellow contestants sometimes give only a passing glance at his extraordinary completed models. Then again, some of them would not notice a UFO sitting in the middle of the show's parking lot, I guess. Go figure! 

As luck would have it, most of you on this forum KNOW the work that goes into those creations, and I take comfort in that. 

For one, somehow, when I see this level of quality and dedication, I feel it's good for the soul! 

Keep at it Francis!

CT

Thanks Claude!

I will limit my reply to your kind comment by saying that even if the situation you describe has already occurred, I prefer to concentrate with those who wonder and want to know more about my madness because I have long since learned that one cannot please to all.

This hobby has allowed me to connect with great people and you are certainly one of them!

As for "Keep at it", that should be the case because I have to make a return on my investments. 😉

Francis

[AmericanMuscleFan]

1 hour ago, Scott8950 said:

Sorry for the hijack Francis.

No problem Scott, your intervention speaks of a Mopar! 😁

[AmericanMuscleFan]

Hello everyone,

I think it's high time for a new update guys!!!  I took the time to think carefully about my next step and ultimately decided to start by making the differential and all of the rear suspension before the steering and front suspension.  I've always liked the rear of Mopar cars with a high stance and when finished it will pave the way for the front, so I think it will be a logical "next step".  So enough talking, let's take action, I show you the brake discs and axle flanges (I don't know if that's the right name).  There will be a lot of parts to make so you know a little bit of what to expect. 😁

Francis

Brake rotor at early stage.

It look like the same picture but I have drilled the holes for the wheel studs.

Final parts, probably the easiest to machine of the entire build.

One of the rear axle flanges at the beginning of machining, looks like aluminum but is actually brass.

Later on the rotary table for wheel studs drilling.

The basic is done, now you can see they are made in brass.

Viewed from the side that will contact with the disk brake rotor.

The threaded wheel studs are inserted.

The axle flange with the disk brake rotor.

Now with the wheel, the fit is very good, I had noted the hole spacing when machining the wheels because it is super important for the rest of the parts in the set.

I planned the clearance for the caliper, the disc brake measures 11.25 inches at scale.

The fruit of my labor! 😊

[Keef]

32 minutes ago, AmericanMuscleFan said:

Hello everyone,

I think it's high time for a new update guys!!!  I took the time to think carefully about my next step and ultimately decided to start by making the differential and all of the rear suspension before the steering and front suspension.  I've always liked the rear of Mopar cars with a high stance and when finished it will pave the way for the front, so I think it will be a logical "next step".  So enough talking, let's take action, I show you the brake discs and axle flanges (I don't know if that's the right name).  There will be a lot of parts to make so you know a little bit of what to expect. 😁

Francis

Brake rotor at early stage.

It look like the same picture but I have drilled the holes for the wheel studs.

Final parts, probably the easiest to machine of the entire build.

One of the rear axle flanges at the beginning of machining, looks like aluminum but is actually brass.

Later on the rotary table for wheel studs drilling.

The basic is done, now you can see they are made in brass.

Viewed from the side that will contact with the disk brake rotor.

The threaded wheel studs are inserted.

The axle flange with the disk brake rotor.

Now with the wheel, the fit is very good, I had noted the hole spacing when machining the wheels because it is super important for the rest of the parts in the set.

I planned the clearance for the caliper, the disc brake measures 11.25 inches at scale.

The fruit of my labor! 😊

Your work never ceases to amaze me sir! I don’t have the equipment nor the skills to build at the level of quality and detail that you possess. I will continue to live vicariously through you and your amazing art! 

[Moparman18064]

WOW! Sorry for lack of words, still trying to put my eyes back in my head.

Edited February 13 by Moparman18064

[Straightliner59]

I am sitting here with a smile on my face! Such a beautiful bit of work, my friend! 

[Musclecarbuilder]

14 hours ago, AmericanMuscleFan said:

Hello everyone,

I think it's high time for a new update guys!!!  I took the time to think carefully about my next step and ultimately decided to start by making the differential and all of the rear suspension before the steering and front suspension.  I've always liked the rear of Mopar cars with a high stance and when finished it will pave the way for the front, so I think it will be a logical "next step".  So enough talking, let's take action, I show you the brake discs and axle flanges (I don't know if that's the right name).  There will be a lot of parts to make so you know a little bit of what to expect. 😁

Francis

Brake rotor at early stage.

It look like the same picture but I have drilled the holes for the wheel studs.

Final parts, probably the easiest to machine of the entire build.

One of the rear axle flanges at the beginning of machining, looks like aluminum but is actually brass.

Later on the rotary table for wheel studs drilling.

The basic is done, now you can see they are made in brass.

Viewed from the side that will contact with the disk brake rotor.

The threaded wheel studs are inserted.

The axle flange with the disk brake rotor.

Now with the wheel, the fit is very good, I had noted the hole spacing when machining the wheels because it is super important for the rest of the parts in the set.

I planned the clearance for the caliper, the disc brake measures 11.25 inches at scale.

The fruit of my labor! 😊

Wow that is amazing! Those disc brakes😱 Did you use guitar string for the wheel studs? Amazing job!

[AmericanMuscleFan]

22 hours ago, Keef said:

Your work never ceases to amaze me sir! I don’t have the equipment nor the skills to build at the level of quality and detail that you possess. I will continue to live vicariously through you and your amazing art! 

Thanks Keith!  That was the easy part, the rest of the differential will be another story...LOL 🤔

21 hours ago, Moparman18064 said:

WOW! Sorry for lack of words, still trying to put my eyes back in my head.

Thanks Rich, now is not a good time to lose your eyes, you have your own Demon project to finish! 😉

17 hours ago, Straightliner59 said:

I am sitting here with a smile on my face! Such a beautiful bit of work, my friend! 

Thanks Daniel 

One of my teachers told me a long time ago that "calculation is worth the work", I haven't finished calculating! 😁

8 hours ago, Musclecarbuilder said:

Wow that is amazing! Those disc brakes😱 Did you use guitar string for the wheel studs? Amazing job!

Thanks Will, the wheels studs are actually threaded brass bolts (you can see the head of the 5 bolts in one of the photos while I show the interior side of the assembly), the wheels will hold in place with screwed nuts like on a real car.  I did the same technique on my '64 D100 pickup, you can check on page 3 of the thread (I copied the link). It's basically the same principle but I "improved the recipe" IMHO.  https://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/148021-64-dodge-d100-pickup-pro-street/page/3/

Thanks for your encouragement guys, I'll be at work for the next 3 days, I'll be back at the end of the week!

Francis

[Musclecarbuilder]

11 hours ago, AmericanMuscleFan said:

Thanks Keith!  That was the easy part, the rest of the differential will be another story...LOL 🤔

Thanks Rich, now is not a good time to lose your eyes, you have your own Demon project to finish! 😉

Thanks Daniel 

One of my teachers told me a long time ago that "calculation is worth the work", I haven't finished calculating! 😁

Thanks Will, the wheels studs are actually threaded brass bolts (you can see the head of the 5 bolts in one of the photos while I show the interior side of the assembly), the wheels will hold in place with screwed nuts like on a real car.  I did the same technique on my '64 D100 pickup, you can check on page 3 of the thread (I copied the link). It's basically the same principle but I "improved the recipe" IMHO.  https://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/148021-64-dodge-d100-pickup-pro-street/page/3/

Thanks for your encouragement guys, I'll be at work for the next 3 days, I'll be back at the end of the week!

Francis

Wow thats cool! I would've thought they were guitar strings being that small. Thats crazy!

[chris chabre]

Im just now trying to get caught up...amazing work as always Francis

[AmericanMuscleFan]

On 2/14/2024 at 8:05 AM, Musclecarbuilder said:

Wow thats cool! I would've thought they were guitar strings being that small. Thats crazy!

Guitar strings could have been used to simulate threaded bolts but I don't know if the size would be realistic.

On 2/14/2024 at 7:54 PM, chris chabre said:

Im just now trying to get caught up...amazing work as always Francis

Thanks Chris, I still have a lot of work to do until the finish line is another project that will take time to complete.

Francis

[AmericanMuscleFan]

Hello everyone,

Another small update.  Once the wheel flanges and brake discs were completed, I was able to determine the exact width of the tube that will form the differential.  I decided to use brass because many elements will be welded to the tube, it will be stronger than epoxy glue to assemble aluminum parts if I had used this material.  I have made a few easy parts but the Dana 60 will be a different story, this will be one of the most difficult parts to make as it contains many angles, radii and ribs.  I have already made one in the past, one for the GTX and the D100 among others but I wanted to have something more precise, I always remained hungry so I did some research and I finally found relevant technical information.  I haven't finished the Dana yet but I'll show you what I've done so far.  There will be a lot of parts to make so I think I will be working on the back of the car for several weeks... 😁

Francis

One of the housing ends in the rotary table, I used brass for these parts as they will be welded to the differential tube.

They fit perfectly on the tube, the holes will be used to bolt the brake caliper bracket (to be made later).

Rear End Axle Spring Perches in the rotary table.

I drilled a hole in the middle for the center pin.

They are finished, they are a little thicker than I wanted but I need enough surface area to have a solid weld.

The real work begins, the Dana 60, here are the first cuts.

I determined the exact width and the hole for the tube was drilled.

The rough shape is done.

I machined the angles on the back that will be used for the rear cover seat.

More cuts are made, it's a long process of endless rotation in all directions.

It looks strange at the moment but I'm well on my way, with some more finishing cuts and sanding it should do the trick. The rest of the machining will resume next week!

[Moparman18064]

A work of art, as we have come to see from your talents. You never cease to amaze us Francis.

Edited February 21 by Moparman18064

[Musclecarbuilder]

looking good Francis!

[charlie libby]

theres that big giant dime again. beautiful francis

[Ian McLaren]

On 2/13/2024 at 12:35 AM, Straightliner59 said:

I am sitting here with a smile on my face! Such a beautiful bit of work, my friend! 

I'm just going to echo what Daniel said, simply amazing!

 

[Scott Eriksen]

.......holy chit!  

[Nitro330]

Amazing as always Francis!  Your craftsmanship and knowledge is unbelieveable and a joy for us to see.  

[AmericanMuscleFan]

On 2/21/2024 at 3:41 PM, Moparman18064 said:

A work of art, as we have come to see from your talents. You never cease to amaze us Francis.

Thanks Rich, everyone sees art in a different way, I just see it as DIY! 😉

On 2/21/2024 at 8:08 PM, Musclecarbuilder said:

looking good Francis!

Thanks Will !

On 2/23/2024 at 7:07 PM, charlie libby said:

theres that big giant dime again. beautiful francis

Thanks Charles, I have to use it, it was so hard to find! 😁

On 2/24/2024 at 4:07 AM, Ian McLaren said:

I'm just going to echo what Daniel said, simply amazing!

Thanks Ian! I really liked your last project and I can't wait to follow your next opus.

22 hours ago, Scott Eriksen said:

.......holy chit!  

Thanks Scott, I thought this swear word was spelled with an "s"... 🤔

15 hours ago, Nitro330 said:

Amazing as always Francis!  Your craftsmanship and knowledge is unbelieveable and a joy for us to see.  

Thanks Terry, I really like your 67 Camaro and you have done an incredible job in such a short time, something I could never accomplish!

 

Thank you all for your words of encouragement, I hope to finish the Dana this week as the base part is quite advanced, I will update the thread if so.

Francis

[1320]

Keep at it Francis, I get great inspiration from your builds. I'm looking forward to seeing the Dana's next steps.

Jim

[AmericanMuscleFan]

Hello everyone,

Jimmy: I hope your expectations will be fulfilled. 😁

I made further progress on the Dana 60 last weekend and I'm showing you tonight what it looks like now.  I'll probably have some minor tweaks to do but it's mainly done and I think it's my best one so far, in any case the measurements are according to the information I found on the subject.  During machining I had the idea of simulating the thread of the pinion using a small brass bolt and I think it will make a great detail even if it will be barely visible but I think that you are starting to know me... 🙄  Anyway, here are the new photos and let me know what you think if you feel like it.

See you next week, Francis

This is the cylindrical shape where the pinion is housed, I have made the opening for the yoke (to be made later).

I used a small brass bolt to simulate the threaded end of the pinion, I will cut the screw to the desired length when the yoke is machined.

I turned two pieces of aluminum to simulate the wider part where the axles are inserted and made the fins using an aluminum plate.

The pieces are just put in place, nothing is definitively assembled.

View from another angle.