Base Model Conversion Kit for MPC 1979 Chevrolet Nova

[Mike Slapattack]

Another project I'm working on is a base model version of the MPC 1979 Chevrolet Nova. I've decided to 3D print the parts that I need, and I will be eventually selling these parts once I set up the 3D printer I just bought. I'm nearly complete the rims. They will be styled to 14"x6" steel wheels and wheel covers. They are a 2-part assembly with front and back segments for easier painting behind the wheel cover. Below is a render with my progress.

Edited October 16, 2024 by Mike Slapattack

[Can-Con]

Mike, a bench seat and correct '79 dash would be a good thing to make. 

The seat is obvious but the dash, whole interior really, wasn't updated since the kit was converted from the '77 Ventura to the '77 Nova. 

[Mike Slapattack]

1 hour ago, Can-Con said:

Mike, a bench seat and correct '79 dash would be a good thing to make. 

The seat is obvious but the dash, whole interior really, wasn't updated since the kit was converted from the '77 Ventura to the '77 Nova. 

 

Thanks for the info on the dash! A bench seat is also already in the works! I'm just familiarizing myself with the surface workbench in Fusion. Also I will need to make a steering wheel, as the one in the kit is not accurate either. 

I've attached a picture of the bottom of the bench seat as it sits right now (pun intended haha). I'm not really happy with it at the moment but I'm going to keep chipping away at it. There are more complex compound curve surfaces than I expected. I want it to be a proper looking seat and not just a block.

Also, side note, I've also began work on the standard 195/75/R14 tires!

Edited October 17, 2024 by Mike Slapattack

[Mike Slapattack]

Little update. Figured out a good way to tread tires in Fusion.

[Hondamatic]

Cool! I love these "ordinary" style cars 

[Mike Slapattack]

1 hour ago, Hondamatic said:

Cool! I love these "ordinary" style cars 

Me too! You'll be able to make your own soon ?.

[Mike Slapattack]

Update: Reworked the tires a bit and painted everything up for a render! Very happy with it, I'll call it done and ready for test printing.

[Mike Slapattack]

Created a more appropriate radial tire for the wheel.

[ncbuckeye67]

I'm definitely going to have to keep my eyes open for these parts. A bench seat will give me an opportunity to use some of my plaid pattern washi tape! You're making pretty quick progress on this "new to you" process, and I'm excited to see your updates!

[Mike Slapattack]

On 10/19/2024 at 6:33 AM, ncbuckeye67 said:

I'm definitely going to have to keep my eyes open for these parts. A bench seat will give me an opportunity to use some of my plaid pattern washi tape! You're making pretty quick progress on this "new to you" process, and I'm excited to see your updates!

I appreciate that! I restarted the bench seat from scratch after discovering a more efficient way to make the model. It will be a split bench as the 2-doors were equipped with.

Edited October 21, 2024 by Mike Slapattack

[Mike Slapattack]

I added the beading to the bench seat. Some dimensions may need adjusting, and I still need to do the headrests, but the hard stuff is done! This is the first Fusion model I've made that incorporates both solid bodies and surface bodies merged into one solid body.

Edited October 21, 2024 by Mike Slapattack

[Mike Slapattack]

Did some reworking on the bench seat to make it more adjustable when I get to the test fitting stage. I also added some armrests!

[Ron Hamilton]

This is a nice set. I suggest that if you do the bench seat, match the upholstery pattern to the rear seat in the kit tub, or do a separate rear seat. I'd love this set, as I sold these cars new.

[Mike Slapattack]

On 10/25/2024 at 6:16 PM, Ron Hamilton said:

This is a nice set. I suggest that if you do the bench seat, match the upholstery pattern to the rear seat in the kit tub, or do a separate rear seat. I'd love this set, as I sold these cars new.

I'll get on that! 

[Mike Slapattack]

I got a SolidWorks license on my personal computer yesterday and I'm super excited. This is a software I'm far more familiar with than Fusion 360. I'm moving over to that.

The first part I'm making with it is a correct '79 Nova steering wheel, as the one in the kit is the '76 wheel. This will be included in the kit and available as an individual part.

[Mike Slapattack]

Finished the steering wheel!

 

[Mike Slapattack]

The very beginnings of a correct 1977-1979 dashboard:

[Ron Hamilton]

I like what you're doing.  I sold Chevrolet from 1978 through 2002. My first Demonstrator was a 1978 Nova 4 Door Sedan. I'd like to build a model of it. The parts you are doing, save the wheelcovers will get me close to building a model of that car. If I can't get a 4 door body, I can make one myself.

[Ron Hamilton]

On 10/18/2024 at 9:33 PM, Mike Slapattack said:

Created a more appropriate radial tire for the wheel.

Don't forget the curb rub strip on the side of the tire, as well as maybe a white wall insert.

[Mike Slapattack]

2 hours ago, Ron Hamilton said:

Don't forget the curb rub strip on the side of the tire, as well as maybe a white wall insert.

Thanks for the input! I will for sure do that. I was trying to find reference pictures in old magazines but most of the ads only show pictures of fancy radials.

[Mike Slapattack]

2 hours ago, Ron Hamilton said:

I like what you're doing.  I sold Chevrolet from 1978 through 2002. My first Demonstrator was a 1978 Nova 4 Door Sedan. I'd like to build a model of it. The parts you are doing, save the wheelcovers will get me close to building a model of that car. If I can't get a 4 door body, I can make one myself.

I know there are some 4-door bodies floating around! I hope you find one. I may make one in the future, but I have quite a few projects lined up. I can however make the proper full back bench seat for the sedans. To my knowledge the sedans did not have a split rear bench, but maybe you can fact check me on that.

[Ron Hamilton]

5 hours ago, Mike Slapattack said:

I know there are some 4-door bodies floating around! I hope you find one. I may make one in the future, but I have quite a few projects lined up. I can however make the proper full back bench seat for the sedans. To my knowledge the sedans did not have a split rear bench, but maybe you can fact check me on that.

The  back seat on the Sedan is a solid, non folding rear seat, which is the same as the non hatchback coupe. I believe the AMT based Nova kits are not hatchbacks.

. 

[Mike Slapattack]

10 hours ago, Ron Hamilton said:

The  back seat on the Sedan is a solid, non folding rear seat, which is the same as the non hatchback coupe. I believe the AMT based Nova kits are not hatchbacks.

. 

Sorry, I didn't write that properly, I meant to say the front bench seat with the full seat back that isn't split. Also, the MPC kit does appear to be a hatchback because it has a panel seam all the way up around the rear window. It also has a silly "Hatchback" badge on the C-pillar that doesn't belong there.

[spkgibsonfirebird]

I'd be interested in one of these conversions, I owned a Carmine Red Metallic with a Red interior 1979 back in 1989 when It was gifted to me on my 16th birthday. 

[Mike Slapattack]

I was making some steel wheels for Squarebody trucks and realized that they are very similar to the Nova steelies. With some adjustments I am able to make some proper Nova steelies that will be available instead of the full wheel covers I showed earlier. They will come with dog dish hubcaps. 

Edited November 7, 2024 by Mike Slapattack