Rocking Rodney Rat Posted January 17 Share Posted January 17 Here's my latest project. I bought two of the AMT '76 Vega Kammback kits and I'm going to stretch the hood and give the top a slight chop. The frames (will need a slight stretch, too) are from the Revell Gene Snow funny car. The third body will sacrifice it's wheel wells that will be grafted onto the Vega body. I'm still waiting for some parts to arrive via the post. I will source an elephant motor from somewhere...I'm sharpening up the Sawzall. Fun, fun, fun... --------------------------- I'm going for a body somewhat like this, but I'm not going to replicate the Wonderwagon. I've always loved these cutaway drawings... RRR 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catpack68 Posted January 18 Share Posted January 18 Looking forward to seeing this one come together👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straightliner59 Posted January 18 Share Posted January 18 Freakin' SWEET! I actually have The Goodstuff's Wonderwagon body. I don't remember where I got it, or even how I ended up with it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocking Rodney Rat Posted January 18 Author Share Posted January 18 19 minutes ago, Straightliner59 said: Freakin' SWEET! I actually have The Goodstuff's Wonderwagon body. I don't remember where I got it, or even how I ended up with it. That's cool! Thanks for sharing...-RRR 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zippi Posted January 18 Share Posted January 18 Pretty kewl Vega Funny Car project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dragcarz Posted January 18 Share Posted January 18 You’ve got my attention on this one, although I have several resin bodies, I prefer plastic. I’ve looked at those AMT bodies and they seem out of scale, too big, too wide. Im looking forward to what you do here. Great project! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magicmustang Posted January 18 Share Posted January 18 I tried the same conversion. It is beyond my skills. Been watching Feepay for an AMT Vega/Astre kammback FC but they are beyond my maximum. Will be watching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocking Rodney Rat Posted January 18 Author Share Posted January 18 36 minutes ago, magicmustang said: I tried the same conversion. It is beyond my skills. Been watching Feepay for an AMT Vega/Astre kammback FC but they are beyond my maximum. Will be watching. Competition Resin has a Vega Kammback funny car body: https://ecsvr.com/cpr/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=2&subcat=2&cat=1970+funny+car I just prefer to make my own.... -RRR 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocking Rodney Rat Posted January 18 Author Share Posted January 18 1 hour ago, dragcarz said: I’ve looked at those AMT bodies and they seem out of scale, too big, too wide. I agree, they're not perfect, but it's what we have to work with, right? I ordered some Grumpy Jenkins "Grumpy's Toy" '72 Vega body and other parts on FleaBay. I'm waiting for parts to arrive to see if I can graft the '72 front end on the '76 body...AMT vs MPC, how close will the tolerances be? Stay tuned.... -RRR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straightliner59 Posted January 19 Share Posted January 19 AMT's FC body almost looks stock, except for the cutout for the scoop. It definitely doesn't look like a FC! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocking Rodney Rat Posted January 19 Author Share Posted January 19 5 hours ago, Straightliner59 said: It definitely doesn't look like a FC! I agree. I'm hoping I can change that with some deft cuts with the scale sawzall. I going to get started this weekend.... -RRR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David G. Posted January 19 Share Posted January 19 This definitely looks like a fun and challenging project. You have my attention. David G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straightliner59 Posted January 19 Share Posted January 19 42 minutes ago, Rocking Rodney Rat said: I agree. I'm hoping I can change that with some deft cuts with the scale sawzall. I going to get started this weekend.... -RRR Oh, yeah. I knew that's what you are doing. I guess I was just kind of wondering how anyone at AMT could have seen that as looking anything remotely like a funny car!😅 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocking Rodney Rat Posted January 19 Author Share Posted January 19 1 hour ago, Straightliner59 said: I guess I was just kind of wondering how anyone at AMT could have seen that as looking anything remotely like a funny car!😅 I'm sure once the manufacturer has a tooling done they look around to see haw many different variations they can make to amortize that investment. To me, the fun of building model cars: is there enough "raw material" available to modify to make what I want? The enjoyment and challenge for me is "can I put my vision into reality?". When I first got back into model building as a mid 30's aged adult after not building since I was a kid, I got frustrated that I didn't have the skills to bring my visions to reality, after being involved in the hobby for almost 40 years (yeah, I'm olde), I can build what I envision (for the most part). That makes the hobby really enjoyable for me. That's why I really like building hot rods is because there are no "rules" per se, each car/truck is an original statement of the builders concept and vision. Nostalgia drag is fun because there were so may crazy unique designs back then, shade tree mechanics cobbling parts together and hitting the strip. Admittedly, many of those cars were death traps. -RRR 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaddyDaddy Posted January 20 Share Posted January 20 Rocking Rodney sez “.....many of those cars were death traps”. You couldn’t be more correct using that term when describing ANY Vega panel wagon funny. The square back combined with the long flat roof created a low pressure area above and behind the car. This caused them to actually lift the rear tires off the ground at about half track. The first panel wagon ran in 1972. By mid 1973, everyone had already thrown in the towel. My comments are not directed toward the Gary Gabelich 4 wheel drive Vega panel wagon funny. THAT ONE was a whole ‘nother kettle of fish! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straightliner59 Posted January 20 Share Posted January 20 16 hours ago, Rocking Rodney Rat said: I'm sure once the manufacturer has a tooling done they look around to see haw many different variations they can make to amortize that investment. Since MPC had the contract for GM's promos, at that time, I wonder why AMT even made a Vega! 16 hours ago, Rocking Rodney Rat said: To me, the fun of building model cars: is there enough "raw material" available to modify to make what I want? I hear that! Which is the other part of my "out-loud wonderings"; I've been thinking about getting one of the Kammbacks to see if I can mate it with a stock hood and cowl from one of the MPC Vegas I have around here, to do a curbside Vega wagon. 16 hours ago, Rocking Rodney Rat said: When I first got back into model building as a mid 30's aged adult after not building since I was a kid, I got frustrated that I didn't have the skills to bring my visions to reality, after being involved in the hobby for almost 40 years (yeah, I'm olde), I can build what I envision (for the most part). That makes the hobby really enjoyable for me. I totally understand this. When I started this dragster in 1997, I had a pretty clear vision of what I wanted it to be. I got the "bones" done, no problem. Then, when it came time to really start putting stuff together, I realized that was above my pay grade! Not so much out of frustration, but realization, it sat until November of 2022. Since, it's the only thing I have worked on. It's very true to my vision. It's easily my best work, to date. And, I have had a helluva good time getting it completed (which should be any day, now!). When I first started building, in 1972, I discovered very early on, that there was more in this for me, than just a way to pass time. I was all in, very quickly. From 1978 until 1982, I took a break, because I moved to the "big city", after living my life as a preacher's kid, in small town. It only stands to reason that I would devote those years, quite literally, to sex, drugs and rock and roll! After appeasing that curiosity, I realized that I needed to create, again, so, here I am! 16 hours ago, Rocking Rodney Rat said: Nostalgia drag is fun because there were so may crazy unique designs back then, shade tree mechanics cobbling parts together and hitting the strip. Admittedly, many of those cars were death traps. That's mostly what I build. I like the idea of incorporating cool aspects from different cars into one, while staying within the parameters of the time (including graphics that look like they belong in that time, and proper equipment), and the confines of the rules (given that I can find them!). And, yes, many of them were deathtraps! I built a replica of Dick Kraft's "The Bug" which is considered to be the first rail dragster. I've seen a photo of him driving the car with a skullcap helmet, goggles, and a t-shirt. Yikes! Anyway, I didn't intend to divert your thread. I am looking forward to following it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocking Rodney Rat Posted January 20 Author Share Posted January 20 6 hours ago, Straightliner59 said: I've been thinking about getting one of the Kammbacks to see if I can mate it with a stock hood and cowl from one of the MPC Vegas I have around here, to do a curbside Vega wagon. It shouldn't be too hard to fill in the gap on the cowl. ...and speaking of crazy death traps, check out these: https://www.motortrend.com/features/crazy-world-sideways-sidewinder-dragsters/ I have pulled parts to build one, it will get done someday... -RRR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straightliner59 Posted January 20 Share Posted January 20 5 hours ago, Rocking Rodney Rat said: It shouldn't be too hard to fill in the gap on the cowl. ...and speaking of crazy death traps, check out these: https://www.motortrend.com/features/crazy-world-sideways-sidewinder-dragsters/ I have pulled parts to build one, it will get done someday... -RRR Yeah, those things! Just the thought of one of those chains snapping is scary. It would definitely be a fun project! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slusher Posted January 20 Share Posted January 20 Looking 👀 forward to this build definitely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocking Rodney Rat Posted January 21 Author Share Posted January 21 (edited) Okay, campers! The parts I ordered on FleaBay arrived yesterday and I wasted no time getting to work. I bought a body and related parts of the MPC "Grumpy's Toy" 1972 Vega. The only parts I really wanted was the front fascia of the body and the front grille/bumper assembly. Comparing the two bodies, the MPC body is a little narrower, probably closer to reality than the somewhat wide AMT body. A quick measurement with the calipers determined the MPC body is about 2 mm narrower at the front than the AMT Kammback body. Well within useable tolerances. ----------------------------- First item of biz is to fire up the Sawzall and cut off the front part of the '72 body and cast the rest of the body on the junk pile.... ----------- Next, cut the front off of the Kammback body and tape the '72 front end on and see what needs to be done to mate the parts together.... After some careful study, it was determined the best place to make cuts to narrow the body was marked as such in the above pic. Cuts were made and then sandpaper was slipped into the cuts to remove the needed amount of material . Remember, it was only a millimeter off on each side. ----------------------------- The parts were glued together. I'm going to bring the front wheel well forward, so I didn't glue the parts together down the side, as you can see in the pic, the parts don't line up. That will all be addressed. There will be some sanding and filing in several places, but this worked out as well as can be expected. --------------------------------- I cut the front wheel well section out of the Revell Gene Snow Vega body I had and dropped it on the body. I will make the wheel well part narrower, the hole looks too wide to me. ----------------------- Going back a little bit, the AMT '76 Kammback kit has the '72 grille on the chrome tree. I like the grille without the bumper running through it and that's what I want to do, with bumperettes on either side of the grille. Here's a comparo of the two. The "Grumpy's Toy" MPC offering has the bumper running through the grille. The AMT grille (top) is just slightly too big to fit into the MPC opening. The MPC grille is much nicer looking and obviously drops right in to the opening on the body. ----------------------------- The back side of the MPC bumper/grille assembly shows the open part of the bumper runs right through the grille. Ugly. The plan is to cut off the bumper ends and use them. I will then fill in the backside opening through the center of the grille. I'll then grind out the bumper and put in a piece of Evergreen sheet styrene to cover the grille. Slixx decals offers two different '72 Vega grille options, one of a funny car grille and headlight sheet and one of the "Jungle Jim" Vega decal sheet. I'm hoping one of that can be used.... Lots more to do.... Today's project is taking body #2 and chopping the top, just a slight haircut...I want to do all of this body work before I cut the two bodies and mate them together to make the stretch. Thanks for playing along.... -RRR Edited January 21 by Rocking Rodney Rat 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David G. Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 Wow! It may not be brain surgery but it seems like the next closest thing! 😮 Impressive work so far! David G. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocking Rodney Rat Posted January 21 Author Share Posted January 21 4 hours ago, David G. said: It may not be brain surgery but it seems like the next closest thing! 😮 Not brain surgery, not rocket science but rocket surgery..... -RRR 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kit Karson Posted January 21 Share Posted January 21 Chop... Chop... Kut... Kut... Oh what a relief it is! OK... we'll see!?. Bet it's not as easy as some think, Brother, but in your case... you have the vision! You have the will!! And, you definitely have the talent!!!! -KK 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocking Rodney Rat Posted January 22 Author Share Posted January 22 (edited) The chop. Body #2 is the one I will use as the back half when (if?) the two bodies are mated together. A mild chop is in order, just enough to bring the roof down level instead of rising up in the front. Taking a gander at the body, a cut could be made at the base of the C pillar, or at the top. It was decided to make a cut at the top corner of the rear window. ---------------------------- The plan is to remove the B pillar. I marked on the body where the B pillar was for future reference. I had intended make a jig to hold the front part of the roof in place while the A pillar was cut to make sure the roof drop was the same on both sides. --------------------------- These pieces of Evergreen rectangle (bottom right) were notched to hold the roof in place. I didn't end up using the jig, I just started cutting, pretty much made a mess, LOL. Cuts were made at the top of the C pillar, B pillar was removed, and slices were made at the bottom and top of the A pillar to move parts around. None of the slices were cut all the way through. Much fitting and futzing ensued to get everything lined up. It didn't go as smoothly as planned. ------------------------- It's amazing how much change a small drop in the roof made! (stock body in the background). ---------------------------- Adding a piece of sheet styrene to fill in the back window area..... -------------------- That's it for now. Next up, front and rear wheel well openings being massaged... Thanks for following along..... -RRR Edited January 22 by Rocking Rodney Rat 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TarheelRick Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 On 1/21/2024 at 8:19 AM, Rocking Rodney Rat said: and cast the rest of the body on the junk pile.... Something to keep in mind, if you by chance enjoy short track builds, is to keep that Vega rear body section. That body, a representation of a Tri-Five Chevy frame, BBC, and some wide tires and you have an early 80's short track modified( i.e. the AMT Rat Trap Vega). Really enjoying watching this build come together, your work is very impressive as is your vision of a finished project. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.