1/16th 1957 Corvette Super Gas 80's

[ybsluos]

Very nice work as usual Ian!

[Kenmojr]

A killer Vette build for sure. Love it...

[Ace-Garageguy]

Yup. Yup, yup, yup. Love it.  

[Ian McLaren]

With the BubbleUp funnycar on hold for the foreseeable future I'm going to be working on  the 57 primarily.  I removed everthing from the firewall forward  and completely redesigned the chassis. This corrected the ride height as well as adding more realism to the engine compartment. A new aluminum firewall is being fabricated to accomodate the changes made to the chassis and also allow for a hight level of detail. The position of the engine has been set with the height of the carbs being very close to the original car. I also fabricated and all aluminum distributor to fit the tunnelram manifold.  Also the car now has correct sized mismatched Cragar Super Tricks and correct height front tires. So it's full speed ahead on the project, very likely all the way to conclusion

 

[Ian McLaren]

Engine work continues plug wires, Vac-U- Pan plumbed, Morosso valve coves painted Titanium Gold installed with breathers for the Vac-U-Pan system, also shown the valve covers painted and treated. 

 

 

 

 

[Straightliner59]

This looks so cool! I can never decide whether I like '70s Modified Production, or '80s Super Gas, better. It looks exactly like it should--not that I'd expect anything less from your bench, my friend!

[bytownshaker]

18 hours ago, Straightliner59 said:

This looks so cool! I can never decide whether I like '70s Modified Production, or '80s Super Gas, better. It looks exactly like it should--not that I'd expect anything less from your bench, my friend!

I was lucky enough to witness the sights and sounds of 70's Modified Production cars, miss them and drag racing from that era.

[Ian McLaren]

9 hours ago, bytownshaker said:

I was lucky enough to witness the sights and sounds of 70's Modified Production cars, miss them and drag racing from that era.

Pretty hard not to get excited by a 10,000 RPM small block in a tri five Chevy or Anglia, pulling the front wheels and rowing  the lever somewhere north of 9000.  Great memories!

[Ian McLaren]

Built the rear suspension and rear coil overs today.   First time resting on the rear suspension.  Not a lot of room back there but everything fits,just, just some detailing and minor adjustments to do.  The major work is completed in this area.

 

Edited October 20, 2024 by Ian McLaren

[Ian McLaren]

The car is now fully supported by the front and rear suspensions. The major building is now complete what is left is adding detail improving finishes,accessories paint and final assembly, almost forgot decals and lettering.

 

 

 

Edited October 20, 2024 by Ian McLaren

[Ian McLaren]

Some progress interior tin is started, dash instruments fabricated Autometer Monster Tach, and Moroso bracket, Autometer Shift Light and Autometer 2 5/8" Competition Series gauges once the paint is completed

[Ian McLaren]

A different but also apparently correct front end treatment, probably came about from trying to lift the toothed grill back into the nose. I think I like this better. Thoughts?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Straightliner59]

Yes! The new grille is excellent! You're making great progress.

[Ian McLaren]

Getting very close, some clean up and finish, adding  emblems , moldings, etc should be one the shelf early next week

Edited November 15, 2024 by Ian McLaren

[AmericanMuscleFan]

Great project Ian, very impressive!  I see you are getting more and more into 3D printing and your parts are looking great, you are talented my friend!

I missed the start of this build and just came back to see the end, I'm a little ashamed! ?

[MAGIC MUFFLER]

Would you have a photo of the front suspension? Great build! 

[Ian McLaren]

On 11/19/2024 at 6:09 PM, AmericanMuscleFan said:

Great project Ian, very impressive!  I see you are getting more and more into 3D printing and your parts are looking great, you are talented my friend!

I missed the start of this build and just came back to see the end, I'm a little ashamed! ?

I'm just glad you are back with us Francis, we are all too well aware of how life takes precidence over modeling.  Thank you for the kind words, and yes the 3D printing is a game changer for those of us the neither the skills or resources for lathes and milling machines, but.   Even as an avid user of said technology I have to admit that working in with real metals and even in styrene with the traditional tools is still where the "Art of Modeling" lives.

[Ian McLaren]

Well here it is. A couple of very minor touchups and I will post in the Drag Racing Completed section.  As stated before this is a tribute model and not a recreation.   I knew the owner as a friend  and he and this car were sort of regional celebrities in the western Canada drag racing community. Edward J. Beasau (RIP)  much better known as Fast eddie raced this Corvette in several classes over the years and so the car was continiously evolving,.  I chose to incorporate it's most interesting features but still capture the essence of how we as his friends remember them both. Lots of scratch built pieces, chassis, gauges, instrument panel,front grill filler, aluminum interior panels and roll bar/cage. Self 3D printed items, complete engine, Doug Nash 5 speed transmission, wheels and tires, seats, hood scoop and rear 9 inch differential. Custom designed and self printed decals by me. None of the kit except the body, trim pieces and glass was used.

 

 

 

 

[Tony Coomer]

What a beautiful car. Awesome job…

[Straightliner59]

It's perfect, Ian. It's just what you set out to create--a fine tribute to a friend. Beautifully accomplished

[AmericanMuscleFan]

Very nice build Ian!  We can feel in the photos and text that the car and its owner mean a lot to you, the results speak for themselves.

What a wonderful hobby where we can pay tribute to people or friends who have had an impact on us and express our creativity, tastes and talent.

A success on all levels! 👌

[TransAmMike]

Terrific job Ian,  fantastic detailing.  Love it!!  👍

[John B.]

That is one wicked looking racecar. Your friend would be very proud of your efforts.