2024 Cannonball Run Restomods Build Thread

[MeatMan]

Its been a minute since I updated on my 56 Fairlane so here goes.

I had so much trouble trying to get the modular 5.0 to fit because of the way the firewall is made that I gave up and decided to go with an older 302 with some modern adds.
It fits with less fuss and with the adds it looks the part.

I also decided to design a chassis with the floor panels with it because of the struggles I've had adding them.

I designed and printed a new interior because I'd carved up the old one tryna get the 1st engine to fit. I designed back seat inserts to match the front seats, and also new door panels because the stock panels clashed with the seat pattern. I also removed the window cranks and added power window switches to the console I created.

I cut the original front bumpers to get rid of the bullets and couldn't get them right, so I designed one. Not quite there yet, but I'm close. The rear bumper I redesigned to be less bulbous.

Finally, I removed the molded-in wiring from the engine bay, as well as the windshield washer fluid bag. It went all the way through so I had to patch the hole with some epoxy.

Now I have to make it all fits together.

Edited May 11, 2024 by MeatMan

[White Rabbit]

Hello all! I hope your builds are coming along. If you have any updates, please share!

Today, I would like to continue with some Cannonball history. As many of you know, Brock Yates was the founder of the Cannonball Sea-to-Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash. He ran in all four original events as well as a, we’ll call it, proof-of-concept run in 1971. Therefore, we’ll take a look at his entries for those Runs.

1971 (May): 1971 Dodge Custom Sportsman van, aka, Moon Trash II; Drivers: Brock Yates, Steve Smith, and Jim Williams. Brock’s son, Brock Jr., would also be present (but at only 14-years old, was not able to drive); Time: 40h 51m; Placing: n/a

Original article

1971 (November): 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB Daytona; Drivers: Brock Yates and Dan Gurney; Time: 35h 54m; Placing: 1st (-53min ahead)

Original article

1972: 1972 Dodge Challenger; Drivers: Brock Yates, Bob Brown, and Bud Stanner; Time: 37h 26m; Placing: 2nd (+10min behind)

Original article

1975: 1972 Dodge Challenger; Drivers: Brock Yates and Steve Behr; Time: 38h 03m; Placing: 3rd (+2h 10m)

Original article

1979: 1978 Dodge Tradesman van (modified into an “ambulance”), aka, TransCon MediVac; Drivers: Brock Yates, Hal Needham, Pamela Yates, and Lyle Royer; Time: DNF; Placing; DNF (towed to the finish)

Original article

Brock raced in all four Runs winning the first and being towed into the Portofino in the last. The final Run would also see Needham join for research for his, then, upcoming movie…well, I think you know the rest.

[oldcarfan]

4 hours ago, White Rabbit said:

Hello all! I hope your builds are coming along. If you have any updates, please share!

Today, I would like to continue with some Cannonball history. As many of you know, Brock Yates was the founder of the Cannonball Sea-to-Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash. He ran in all four original events as well as a, we’ll call it, proof-of-concept run in 1971. Therefore, we’ll take a look at his entries for those Runs.

 

 

Thanks for sharing the article! To me, the history, trivia and back stories are half the fun of these Cannonball builds. It brings me back to spending lazy summer days hanging out in the junk room as a kid, working through my dad's huge piles of Car & Driver and Road & Track. When it comes to kits, every time someone asks what we think AMT should reissue or retool, one of my top picks is MPC's 1971 Dodge Van with the window option. I'd so love to build the whole first Run lineup and this is one of the major ones. MPC also did a Dodge Challenger that got updated to a 72 so if they were willing to reissue it, we could build this van, Brock's Challenger and even the later ambulance van.

Edited May 13, 2024 by oldcarfan
Mispelling

[White Rabbit]

4 hours ago, oldcarfan said:

Thanks for sharing the article! To me, the history, trivia and back stories are half the fun of these Cannonball builds. It brings me back to spending lazy summer days hanging out in the junk room as a kid, working through my dad's huge piles of Car & Driver and Road & Track. When it comes to kits, every time someone asks what we think AMT should reissue or retool, one of my top picks is MPC's 1971 Dodge Van with the window option. I'd so love to build the whole first Run lineup and this is one of the major ones. MPC also did a Dodge Challenger that got updated to a 72 so if they were willing to reissue it, we could build this van, Brock's Challenger and even the later ambulance van.

I'm glad you enjoyed the post! I agree that the story of the Cannonball is quite something and always inspiring...in a rebellious sort of way. Every time I read the book or find new information or photos of the Run, it  amazes me at the outright chutzpah the entrants had. Truly, an adventure of a lifetime!

Hopefully, some reissues would enable the Cannonball editions. I checked a popular auction site, and there are several 1/25 scale '72 Challenger kits from Lindberg, as well as, several 1/24 scale Arii versions on offer. 

[Mattilacken]

On 4/27/2024 at 5:36 PM, Keef said:

Got the wheels painted also. Texas3DCustoms wheels and tires.

Great wheels and finishing ! What chrome did you use? Revell?

[oldcarfan]

On 5/11/2024 at 1:18 PM, MeatMan said:

Its been a minute since I updated on my 56 Fairlane so here goes.

I had so much trouble trying to get the modular 5.0 to fit because of the way the firewall is made that I gave up and decided to go with an older 302 with some modern adds.
It fits with less fuss and with the adds it looks the part.

I also decided to design a chassis with the floor panels with it because of the struggles I've had adding them.

I designed and printed a new interior because I'd carved up the old one tryna get the 1st engine to fit. I designed back seat inserts to match the front seats, and also new door panels because the stock panels clashed with the seat pattern. I also removed the window cranks and added power window switches to the console I created.

I cut the original front bumpers to get rid of the bullets and couldn't get them right, so I designed one. Not quite there yet, but I'm close. The rear bumper I redesigned to be less bulbous.

Finally, I removed the molded-in wiring from the engine bay, as well as the windshield washer fluid bag. It went all the way through so I had to patch the hole with some epoxy.

Now I have to make it all fits together.

You're doing some cool stuff here, congrats!

[oldcarfan]

On 5/9/2024 at 12:45 PM, avidinha said:

#18

I got the main body out of paint and started installing the glass.

This kit has working pop up headlights. I held off on painting them until I got the body painted just in case there were some clearance issues. I'm glad I did, they're going to need a little tweaking.

The rear of the body has to slide in between the engine and the package tray. I think I'm going to have to shave the package tray back a bit so it will fit properly.

More next time.

Looking good!

[Keef]

2 hours ago, Mattilacken said:

Great wheels and finishing ! What chrome did you use? Revell?

Thanks, no it wasn’t Revell chrome. It was Krylon chrome over Krylon flat black.

[avidinha]

#18

The doors are out of paint. I decided to delete the vent window to put a little mod in this restomod.

And I was able to get the hinges and door panels in.

Trimming the package tray worked a treat and the body fits nicely. I need to get the headlights out of paint before I can permanently attach it.

I ordered some wheels off an F430. I think they'll look good. Hopefully they'll fit, we'll see when they get here.

More next time.

[Spottedlaurel]

The red and black paint combo is lookig sharp @avidinha

[oldcarfan]

For Cannonball model kit history, I found something I think is interesting. In an effort to avoid doing work on my actual Cannonballer, I got distracted again. In exploring old model kits I'd packed away, I came across something I'd forgotten. I think I may have gotten it a long time ago at a model show. It's a 1/24th Marui Pantera kit. I've included a picture stolen off the internet for reference. The Ferrari kit may be one I have too, but I got it as a built-up and it's in the to be built someday pile. My Pantera kit's box seems to have been attacked but insects, the only kit in the box that happened to. Must have been extra tasty cardboard!

I got curious and checked eBay for Marui Cannonball and it seems they issued at least 5 kits with a Cannonball tie-in. I see the Pantera, a Ferrari 308, a 365 GT, a 512BB, and a Lamborghini Jota. They aren't cheap, that's for sure. I'll probably build mine up later in the year.

Now to my point, does anyone know if these were an official Cannonball thing? I don't think these particular cars ever raced in a real Cannonball. Maybe Marui were trying to get sales from the movie release? Other than a Ferrari 308, I don't remember seeing the other cars in one of the movies. My guess is they weren't. The Pantera kit, at least is a curbside and pretty crude, but the body looks accurate.

I'm guessing the kits were released in the 70s or 80s. If anyone knows their history, I'd love to know. I'm thinking the kits have probably been reissued by other manufacturers over the years.

(Just a note, after getting back to work, I did get a little work done on my entry. I have the body finished and ready for final assembly. The chassis is also just about finished. I'm kind of stuck on the type of wheels and tires to use. Revell's Expedition has big wheel wells to fill and it needs beefy rolling stock. I have a set of 20 inch Porsche GT3 wheels and tires off a Welly diecast that i was planning to use, but I'm starting to think I may go another direction. I ordered some 18 inch police car steelies with wide tires and will try those on for size when they get here.)

Edited May 22, 2024 by oldcarfan
Edit: Should have checked spelling before pushing save!

[White Rabbit]

On 5/21/2024 at 9:09 PM, oldcarfan said:

For Cannonball model kit history, I found something I think is interesting. In an effort to avoid doing work on my actual Cannonballer, I got distracted again. In exploring old model kits I'd packed away, I came across something I'd forgotten. I think I may have gotten it a long time ago at a model show. It's a 1/24th Marui Pantera kit. I've included a picture stolen off the internet for reference. The Ferrari kit may be one I have too, but I got it as a built-up and it's in the to be built someday pile. My Pantera kit's box seems to have been attacked but insects, the only kit in the box that happened to. Must have been extra tasty cardboard!

I got curious and checked eBay for Marui Cannonball and it seems they issued at least 5 kits with a Cannonball tie-in. I see the Pantera, a Ferrari 308, a 365 GT, a 512BB, and a Lamborghini Jota. They aren't cheap, that's for sure. I'll probably build mine up later in the year.

Now to my point, does anyone know if these were an official Cannonball thing? I don't think these particular cars ever raced in a real Cannonball. Maybe Marui were trying to get sales from the movie release? Other than a Ferrari 308, I don't remember seeing the other cars in one of the movies. My guess is they weren't. The Pantera kit, at least is a curbside and pretty crude, but the body looks accurate.

I'm guessing the kits were released in the 70s or 80s. If anyone knows their history, I'd love to know. I'm thinking the kits have probably been reissued by other manufacturers over the years.

(Just a note, after getting back to work, I did get a little work done on my entry. I have the body finished and ready for final assembly. The chassis is also just about finished. I'm kind of stuck on the type of wheels and tires to use. Revell's Expedition has big wheel wells to fill and it needs beefy rolling stock. I have a set of 20 inch Porsche GT3 wheels and tires off a Welly diecast that i was planning to use, but I'm starting to think I may go another direction. I ordered some 18 inch police car steelies with wide tires and will try those on for size when they get here.)

Thank you for sharing some Cannonball kit history. I agree, that, by the cover art, it seems that they tried to tie the kits to the movies (particularly the 512 with figures that look suspiciously like Fenderbaum and Blake), but in different cars; probably to avoid copyright infringement. Whether official or not, they do have fun cover art and form part of Cannonball history.

[Lunajammer]

On 5/21/2024 at 8:09 PM, oldcarfan said:

does anyone know if these were an official Cannonball thing?

Featured in the David Carradine movie "Cannonball!" Doesn't end well for ol' yeller.

[avidinha]

On 5/21/2024 at 7:09 PM, oldcarfan said:

For Cannonball model kit history, I found something I think is interesting. In an effort to avoid doing work on my actual Cannonballer, I got distracted again. In exploring old model kits I'd packed away, I came across something I'd forgotten. I think I may have gotten it a long time ago at a model show. It's a 1/24th Marui Pantera kit. I've included a picture stolen off the internet for reference. The Ferrari kit may be one I have too, but I got it as a built-up and it's in the to be built someday pile. My Pantera kit's box seems to have been attacked but insects, the only kit in the box that happened to. Must have been extra tasty cardboard!

I got curious and checked eBay for Marui Cannonball and it seems they issued at least 5 kits with a Cannonball tie-in. I see the Pantera, a Ferrari 308, a 365 GT, a 512BB, and a Lamborghini Jota. They aren't cheap, that's for sure. I'll probably build mine up later in the year.

Now to my point, does anyone know if these were an official Cannonball thing? I don't think these particular cars ever raced in a real Cannonball. Maybe Marui were trying to get sales from the movie release? Other than a Ferrari 308, I don't remember seeing the other cars in one of the movies. My guess is they weren't. The Pantera kit, at least is a curbside and pretty crude, but the body looks accurate.

I'm guessing the kits were released in the 70s or 80s. If anyone knows their history, I'd love to know. I'm thinking the kits have probably been reissued by other manufacturers over the years.

(Just a note, after getting back to work, I did get a little work done on my entry. I have the body finished and ready for final assembly. The chassis is also just about finished. I'm kind of stuck on the type of wheels and tires to use. Revell's Expedition has big wheel wells to fill and it needs beefy rolling stock. I have a set of 20 inch Porsche GT3 wheels and tires off a Welly diecast that i was planning to use, but I'm starting to think I may go another direction. I ordered some 18 inch police car steelies with wide tires and will try those on for size when they get here.)

There were six kits in this series, there was also a Countach.

I found the 512BB and the 308GTB at my LHS, they had several of both, but none of the others. The 308 is a full curbside, the 512 is a semi-curbside with an opening bonnet and the top of the engine visible. I don't think they were an official tie in. The guy in the 308 looks suspiciously like Clint Eastwood.

I thought it would be fun to built the 512 for this year's cannonball and, theme permitting, maybe the 308 next year.

[White Rabbit]

Current entry list.

1. 1990 Ford Mustang (Fat Brian)
2. 1974 Plymouth GTX (Lunajammer)
3. VW Corrado Magnum (stitchdup)
4. 1975 AMC Gremlin (Tim08)
5. Nissan 240ZG (Spottedlaurel)
6. 1957 Ford Fairlane (MeatMan)
7. 1965 Buick Riveira (Keef)
8. 1990 Ford Mustang LX (53gmc) ?
9. 1967 Pontiac GTO (Pat Minarick)
10. 1966 Ford Mustang (beans)
11. 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Disconovaman)
12. 1998 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 (Westrods)
13. 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle Wagon (atomicholiday)
14. 1974 Pontiac TransAm (Can-Con)
15. 1967 Chevrolet Camaro (Camaro lover)
16. 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz (Kermn8r)
17. 1997 Ford Expedition (oldcarfan)
18. Ferrari 512BB (avidinha)
19. 1970 Chevrolet Malibu (KWT)
20. 1972 Mazda RX3 (White Rabbit)
21. 1970 Dodge Coronet Super Bee (slusher)
22. 1971 Plymouth GTX (Bills72sj)
23. VW Vanagon LLE (tooltime-fan)
24. 2003 Chevrolet SSR (xbazzarex)
25. 1984 Porsche 911 Turbo (Mattilacken) ?
26. 1967 Chevrolet Impala (Jantrix)
27. 1966 Chevrolet El Camino (NOBLNG)

Edited May 25, 2024 by White Rabbit

[tooltime-fan]

A little Update....

Threw some paint on it:

Original Orly Blue

[oldcarfan]

On 5/27/2024 at 10:34 AM, tooltime-fan said:

A little Update....

Threw some paint on it:

Original Orly Blue

Love that color!

[avidinha]

#18

The wheels I ordered came in. I had some tires from Trailer Trash Kustoms that fit just right.

I had to narrow them a bit to fit the model.

Pieces from an old hanger fit the wheels perfectly so I could use the metal axles from the kit.

I drilled open the centers of the brake rotors to fit the new wheels and I found some calipers from a 360 Modena on eBay. The caliper that was molded to the front rotor is now the parking brake caliper on the rear rotors.

They look really nice on the wheels.

And here they are on the car.

More next time.

 

Edited June 2, 2024 by avidinha

[oldcarfan]

I've got the truckster about ready to assemble, but I'm stuck on wheel choice. Here's the two most likely candidates so far. The first is a set of Porsche GT3 wheels and tires, good for high speed driving. The second is a set of steelies on high performance tires. I like the Porsches but they might be too big for the truck and the steelies may be too small. Can't decide yet.

[Mattilacken]

14 hours ago, oldcarfan said:

I like the Porsches but they might be too big for the truck and the steelies may be too small. Can't decide yet.

I agree. I like the porsche ones better, shoudl be black though, but the steelies with bigger meets would be cool, but they dont go as well with the paint scheme. 

[Beans]

16 hours ago, oldcarfan said:

I've got the truckster about ready to assemble, but I'm stuck on wheel choice. Here's the two most likely candidates so far. The first is a set of Porsche GT3 wheels and tires, good for high speed driving. The second is a set of steelies on high performance tires. I like the Porsches but they might be too big for the truck and the steelies may be too small. Can't decide yet.

 

 

I like the steelies better personally, gives it more of a racing stance vs. a cruising the neighborhood stance.  Just my thoughts.  

[White Rabbit]

Hello everyone! I hope you're builds are progressing well!

I've been working on the interior as the original plan was to only do a front seat swap. However, since this a restomod, a more reworked interior seemed appropriate. Being a fan Singer Porsches, I began to wonder what a Singer Mazda would look like; and with that, a full interior project began...

Edited June 12, 2024 by White Rabbit

[oldcarfan]

10 hours ago, White Rabbit said:

Hello everyone! I hope you're builds are progressing well!

I've been working on the interior as the original plan was to only do a front seat swap. However, since this a restomod, a more reworked interior seemed appropriate. Being a fan Singer Porsches, I began to wonder what a Singer Mazda would look like; and with that, a full interior project began...

I like the Singer theme! One of my, "If I won the lottery" ideas would be to start a company that does to other cars what Singer does to Porsches.

Edit: This idea reminded me of https://www.icon4x4.com/ . They redo cars and trucks in a lot of ways that are similar to Singer. I'm particularly fond of their 'Derelict' line in which they take old cars of all sorts and keep the patina on the outside but use a modern chassis and a hand-stitched interior.

 

Edited June 13, 2024 by oldcarfan

[White Rabbit]

...

Edited June 14, 2024 by White Rabbit

[White Rabbit]

On 6/12/2024 at 7:39 PM, oldcarfan said:

I like the Singer theme! One of my, "If I won the lottery" ideas would be to start a company that does to other cars what Singer does to Porsches.

Edit: This idea reminded me of https://www.icon4x4.com/ . They redo cars and trucks in a lot of ways that are similar to Singer. I'm particularly fond of their 'Derelict' line in which they take old cars of all sorts and keep the patina on the outside but use a modern chassis and a hand-stitched interior.

 

What I like about these companies is that, even though the cars are modified, the designers respect the original design. It's not a reimagining of what the car should be, rather an homage and modernization what the car is. In the Singer instance, every part is touched, but it's done so carefully and holistically, that it becomes seamless.

Let me know if you start that company, 'cause I'm definitely in!