AMT Piranha Speedster

[RickRollerLT1]

Fresh off da' bench! Built from the 2014 R2 issue of the Piranha Super Spy Car. This and the 2005 issue of the Piranha Drag Car I had in my stash for several years. Dreaded getting around to the both of them because I knew opening the boxes they'd be atrocious, ill fitting dumpster fires. I can imagine a lot of kiddos back in the day got very frustrated with these and blew them all up with firecrackers.

Along with poorly molded and ill-fitting parts throughout, the separate top and its opening gullwing doors were the worst of all being warped and having no locator pins to hold in. The speedster setup came from a happy accident when I broke the roof and decided painting around the glass would look neater and make the interior easier (plus getting rid of the notorious cramping problem).

Like the Drag Car, joining the top half with the completed lower half was the stuff nightmares come from. Eventually I got it, but still it's not an easy feat for anyone of any skill level.

This one sports my usual custom touches and the Covair motor was ditched for a Ford 429 big block out back. The rear deck lid was too small and a new taller one was made using a AMT Chevelle custom hood scoop that was the perfect dimensions.

A custom exhaust setup was made and better engine mounts were added to keep the bigg 429 in place.

A 4WD setup was added with a differential in the front and a driveshaft going under the interior to the rear transmission. Wheels and Tires are from a old Fujimi custom parts set that work well with the Piranha. 

Exterior is a two tone. The top is a custom mixed Orange Crush Pearl, made using Rustoluem orange with a mist of Tamiya TS-97 Pearl Yellow. The bottom is Rustoluem Black Night Metallic. All cleared with Pldege.

Edited February 8, 2023 by RickRollerLT1

[happy grumpy]

That turned out well despite all the problems. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet since there is no alternatives. It was well worth it.

[cobraman]

Nice work, looks cool!

[SpikeSchumacher]

That's pretty cool ?

[TooOld]

Looks kinda cool and I like those wheels !  Nice work !

[David G.]

That's one great looking speedster!

With that big V-8 would be quick on the straights but it sure would be squirrely through the curves. ?  

David G.

[espo]

Great looking build and you would never know all the issues you mentioned. I may still have my halfhearted attempt at building one of these long ago. I think I put it back in the box for all the reasons you mentioned. 

[PappyD340]

Very cool!

[Kenmojr]

Nice work. Car looks fantastic.

[ChrisR]

Cool!