Three Grumpy's

[Old Buckaroo]

First off its been over 10 years since I built anything and posted it it here - Long story short a unexpected move and loss of dedicated hobby room.  My workspace now consists of several tv trays.  "MW Elky's" 1/4 mile cars kept my interests for several years of wanting to build "Pro Stocks" again. 

So with that intro here we go - Grumpy Jenkins was one of my all time favorite drivers , so I'm gonna build Toy V, Toy VII (show car), and Toy VIII

Starting with "The Old Pro", last time I built this was in 1979, seemed like the most awesome kit back then as I made it with a lift off "fiberglass front". Now my opinion is not as such, backdating this kit made me wish for the Revell 69 Nova - but hey I'm using what kits I have on hand.  The fenders - I think they are "Dynacorn" pieces  (those of you that used the 1/1's will get it)

The Camaro's are also AMT one full bumper with a L88 hood for VII, and the split bumper for VII.  I have competition resin lump scoops but cant find them after a decade. I may scratch build the scoop.

Here is where the progress is so far -

 

 

Thanks for looking in!

Edited November 27, 2024 by Old Buckaroo

[M W Elky]

13 hours ago, Old Buckaroo said:

First off its been over 10 years since I built anything and posted it it here - Long story short a unexpected move and loss of dedicated hobby room.  My workspace now consists of several tv trays.  "MW Elky's" 1/4 mile cars kept my interests for several years of wanting to build "Pro Stocks" again. 

So with that intro here we go - Grumpy Jenkins was one of my all time favorite drivers , so I'm gonna build Toy V, Toy VII (show car), and Toy VIII

Starting with "The Old Pro", last time I built this was in 1979, seemed like the most awesome kit back then as I made it with a lift off "fiberglass front". Now my opinion is not as such, backdating this kit made me wish for the Revell 69 Nova - but hey I'm using what kits I have on hand.  The fenders - I think they are "Dynacorn" pieces  (those of you that used the 1/1's will get it)

The Camaro's are also AMT one full bumper with a L88 hood for VII, and the split bumper for VII.  I have competition resin lump scoops but cant find them after a decade. I may scratch build the scoop.

Here is where the progress is so far -

 

 

Thanks for looking in!

Sean I’m so glad to have kept you inspired to build. I’m lucky to have a dedicated model room even though it’s only 6’x10’ . There were some years some time ago when I lived in a smaller space and worked out of a few model box tops on the coffee table in front of the tv . Your builds are really looking good so far living in eastern Pa I’m a Grump fan for sure  , and consider myself lucky enough to have had some conversations with him. His sponsor’s really got there money’s worth because I still use Penzoil and Fram filters. Your builds are looking great so far especially the nova . In my opinion the amt old pro has better body detentions than the revell kit . I’ve been been working on the nova myself trying to get the body painted while the weather is good for a distant winter build . I really like your work on the vinyl top trim it’s got me re-inspired to get my body done. Thanks for posting I’m looking forward to seeing these progress, mike 

[Old Buckaroo]

Still making progress on Toy V - found a different Big Block in the spare engine box. Drilled a hole through a perfectly good oilpan - but hey, I need to use what I have on hand otherwise nothing would get built.  I cut the megaphones collectors off the headers and added a short section of drilled out plastic tubing to not make it look like a canon barrel.  Headers are held on with white glue to check clearance. Reworked the parking lights to resemble 68/69 bumper - still needs some putty work

 

* Intake is only sitting there and I did not notice it before picture

 

Edited December 12, 2024 by Old Buckaroo

[Old Buckaroo]

Small progress on Toy VIII , parts box big block and tunnel ram. Removed the windshield wipers and sprayed a primer coat to show the flaws I couldn't see on the bare plastic.  The passenger side front fender and quarter panel was shorted in the mold and got some extra plastic put in.  I checked all my 70 1/2 kits and actually this was the best out of the bunch.

Thanks for looking in!

[Ian McLaren]

Very cool project, I'll be following.  I loved your Dynacorn comment, they were at best just a starting point and there were times a piece of flat sheet would have been less work. The products currently on the market, though not perfect, have made restorations at least a little less challanging.

[Old Buckaroo]

Thanks for looking and commenting Ian - yeah good ole Dynacorn. I can tell you've had experience with their products .😃

I made a deal with my wife to not put the spray booth back in till after the holidays. So I'm stuck in the construction mode for a bit. Started one more for the group "Toy VI".  Starting with a Revell 69 Camaro kit. Does anyone know if this mold started originally as a snap kit?  Open top rear diff, front suspension not much to brag about either.  Scratch built the "lump" and the old style "Lakewood roll bar"

Thanks for looking in.

 

[Old Buckaroo]

Still in the construction mode - pulled out the Original MPC Vega to start rebuilding , I robbed the small block engine from the "Old Pro" kit as it has a standard transmission instead of a auto - magic. Not sure what MPC was thinking.   I also bought a "75 Monza Promo" off ebay for under $10.00 to make into "Toy XII"  The opening of the hood was a success so this project will happen also.

I'm ready to get the spray booth hooked back up in the house.

 

[Old Buckaroo]

A bit more progress on the Monza,  I'm using a new release Grumpy Vega for the chassis and other parts. Hood scoop is out of same kit - not sure if I will use it though.

 

Thanks for looking in!

[Altered Ego]

Man, the hood scoop, stance and rear wheel openings are spot on.  I wouldn't change anything.

[Sam I Am]

Nice subjects. I build from TV trays when I have to as well. 

[magicmustang]

On 12/30/2024 at 3:39 PM, Old Buckaroo said:

Still in the construction mode - pulled out the Original MPC Vega to start rebuilding , I robbed the small block engine from the "Old Pro" kit as it has a standard transmission instead of a auto - magic. Not sure what MPC was thinking.   I also bought a "75 Monza Promo" off ebay for under $10.00 to make into "Toy XII"  The opening of the hood was a success so this project will happen also.

I'm ready to get the spray booth hooked back up in the house.

 

Love your progress.

Got a similar Grumpy project going myself, have a '68 Camaro, a '74 Vega, a '76 Monza, an '81 Camaro and an '83 Camaro, all Grumpy's Toys in varying stages of completion.

[dragcarz]

A very ambitious project Sean, I’ll be following, looking great so far. Hobby Lobby has your missing 68 Camaro.

[pulln4dejr]

Love the topic! Picked up a built Monza a while back on eBay with the same idea, looking forward to seeing the results on all of them!

[Old Buckaroo]

Bringing this from the depths - Still working on all these Grumpy cars. Getting some decals applied in the mornings before working on 1/1 projects. 

 

[gtx6970]

Thanks for bumping this one. I had not seen it before 

 

And I have to say a VERY ambitious project lineup is an understatement 

 

I want to do the Nova and a 69 Camaro ,

As for the mid 70s cars , Not likely. I tend to loose interest after the very early 70s timeframe 

Mine for now are just someday builds. When lord only knows . So i will be following along to enjoy the ride 

 

I have an old Monza I did many many many years ago as a pro stock theme build, Its around here someplace. Not sure if I will ever do anything with it . Deep down I think it might just become trade material

[magicmustang]

Outstanding builds. 

On my similar Grumpy's Toys project. Am waiting to decal his '76 Monza and just finished his '74 Vega. 

 

Edited October 1 by magicmustang

[meechum68]

Ohhh I really am enjoying this! So many Toys!  Excellent work!

[Quiet Eric]

Man, what a killer set of projects. Awesome work.

[dragcarz]

I’m glad to see you still at it Sean, can’t wait to see the final builds!

[Old Buckaroo]

Thank you all who took a look and commented - I made the cage for the Monza with a Grumpy Vega parts. I had the lengthen, widen and extend the height. Seemed at the moment easier than scratch'building one. The mounting points are held only with white glue for mock-up hence the off center back window bars. 

 

[GoatGuy]

These look great! I saw Grump once at Maple Grove years ago working on someone's car, I don't remember who. I look forward to seeing more of these builds.

Dave

[rustybill1960]

This is "GREAT" Mr. Davis! I have a kit for each of Grumpy's Toys, I have the book "Grumpy's Toy's" not much as far as detailing the car overall. But with seeing Your build here I can get a better handle at least with looking at Your builds. Thank You for taking the time and effort of sharing with Us all here! Looking forward to more.

[Sledsel]

This will be a cool collection when finished. Looking good.