AmericanMuscleFan Posted February 8 Posted February 8 WOW Pierre, the modified radiator face looks fantastic and the whole exhaust system is an example of superb workmanship, it makes the original kit parts look bad but that's kind of the point of the exercise, right? The pieces of mesh on the pedals is genius, the visual effect is right on! 👌
Straightliner59 Posted February 9 Posted February 9 I just got the "warm, fuzzies" looking at this. It's always a joy, seeing great workmanship.
Pierre Rivard Posted February 10 Author Posted February 10 On 2/8/2025 at 3:38 PM, 1959scudetto said: Pierre, your controls are far superior to the original parts - be it handbrake, shifter or pedals ! Your speciality is turning a crude kit into a faithful replica, bravo ! Can't wait to see the next steps you are taking.... The design of these pre-war cars make it worth the effort with all these components very visible after final assembly. The next step is the instrument panel.
Pierre Rivard Posted February 10 Author Posted February 10 On 2/8/2025 at 5:06 PM, AmericanMuscleFan said: WOW Pierre, the modified radiator face looks fantastic and the whole exhaust system is an example of superb workmanship, it makes the original kit parts look bad but that's kind of the point of the exercise, right? The pieces of mesh on the pedals is genius, the visual effect is right on! 👌 The radiator is very much "in your face" so I'm happy with this mesh screen solution. The pedals were a last minute thought and quickly done. They are a bit crude but I doubt they will be easy to see after the dash and seat are installed. Thank you again for taking the time to follow this thread. On 2/8/2025 at 7:44 PM, Straightliner59 said: I just got the "warm, fuzzies" looking at this. It's always a joy, seeing great workmanship. Thank you Daniel. Next are the dashboard and steering wheel. High visibility areas so I'm still researching materials and painting methods for these.
Belugawrx Posted February 11 Posted February 11 Nice job on the pedals and controls Pierre, this is the fun stuff, scratching the small things... I find it takes longer to research the small bits than to actually build them though. Keep it up ! Cheers 1
Pierre Rivard Posted February 13 Author Posted February 13 Last few days spent on dashboard fabrication. Reference picture below shows general layout of the SS/SSK family with some variability from car to car. The kit part (shown) will not be used as I decided to scratch build the unit. Decals are from the stash are a very approximate reflection of era gauges but that should be not shockingly visible as the complete dash is only 38mm long. At the last minute I replaced the jumper ring on the bigger dial with one I made myself from thinner gauge copper wire. I scratch built the various knobs from Evergreen, pins or small copper wire. I created the wood effect with alternate layers of gold, tan, brown and orange clear. 4
Cliff W Posted February 13 Posted February 13 Tremendous job, Pierre! I've been following without much comment but I'm enjoying everything you are doing! As an aside, I have discovered the purpose of the black tank on the firewall! Rather than an oil tank, it is for fuel. The car (and many others of the time) still uses gravity to feed the fuel to the carburetors. Many cars of the time had the fuel tank under the cowl for this purpose. (a la Ford Model A) The "Autovac" system was developed to provide a reservoir to feed the engine while having the main fuel tank located on the chassis. This provides more fuel capacity than otherwise might be available. Engine vacuum is plumbed to the top of the tank which draws fuel in. There are various check valve and floats to control how much is captured. The fuel is allowed to flow out the bottom to the carbs. Once again, I am enjoying your build immensely - you are a true craftsman! Cliff Pic and link below: AutoVac 1
MarkJ Posted February 13 Posted February 13 Pierre, the dash looks like you made it from wood. The gauges are perfectly round. Amazing work again from your bench. Such a joy to watch the master at work.
BK9300 Posted February 14 Posted February 14 You've crafted an amazing dash, Pierre - lots to pick up from following your builds.
absmiami Posted February 14 Posted February 14 Mmnn satisfying my dashboard fetish. and well-played Clifford …
Pierre Rivard Posted February 14 Author Posted February 14 17 hours ago, Cliff W said: Tremendous job, Pierre! I've been following without much comment but I'm enjoying everything you are doing! As an aside, I have discovered the purpose of the black tank on the firewall! Rather than an oil tank, it is for fuel. The car (and many others of the time) still uses gravity to feed the fuel to the carburetors. Many cars of the time had the fuel tank under the cowl for this purpose. (a la Ford Model A) The "Autovac" system was developed to provide a reservoir to feed the engine while having the main fuel tank located on the chassis. This provides more fuel capacity than otherwise might be available. Engine vacuum is plumbed to the top of the tank which draws fuel in. There are various check valve and floats to control how much is captured. The fuel is allowed to flow out the bottom to the carbs. Once again, I am enjoying your build immensely - you are a true craftsman! Cliff Pic and link below: AutoVac Mystery solved Cliff, your research has produced a very plausible explanation. I still can't make sense of all the plumbing around this thing but at this point what's done is done. Thanks again for taking time to follow this build and for top notch research help.
Pierre Rivard Posted February 14 Author Posted February 14 16 hours ago, 1959scudetto said: Very impressive dashboard, Pierre ! Thank you Helmut. I am very happy with the result and it is worth the effort considering this dash will be in full view in the completed build. 15 hours ago, MarkJ said: Pierre, the dash looks like you made it from wood. The gauges are perfectly round. Amazing work again from your bench. Such a joy to watch the master at work. Much appreciated Mark. I don't have punches so this was a drill, expand with 11 blade, files and sand paper. Took some time to make them round and the right size for a nice snug fit of the jumper rings. 12 hours ago, BK9300 said: You've crafted an amazing dash, Pierre - lots to pick up from following your builds. Happy you like it Brian. It is watching each other's builds that helps us all get tips on how to do things 1 hour ago, kensar said: Very nice work on the dashboard, Pierre. 👍 Thank you very much Ken. This layer style fabrication takes a bit of time but I really like the result.
Pierre Rivard Posted February 14 Author Posted February 14 9 hours ago, absmiami said: Mmnn satisfying my dashboard fetish. and well-played Clifford … One more for Andy.
1959scudetto Posted February 15 Posted February 15 Your WIPs are real tutorials, Pierre - always to learn new techniques from you !
Pierre Rivard Posted February 15 Author Posted February 15 4 hours ago, 1959scudetto said: Your WIPs are real tutorials, Pierre - always to learn new techniques from you ! I enjoy it so much when others share what they do so I try to do the same. It is through these exchanges that I try new things on every build. 4 hours ago, tooltime-fan said: Stunning work Thank you Andreas, comments much appreciated
Pierre Rivard Posted February 15 Author Posted February 15 (edited) Doing experiments with a few sewing threads, finally picking one for wrapping the wheel rim. I added the steering column, made from 0.75mm brass rod and 1.19 Brass tube Used a small drop of epoxy at the end of a 0.4mm wire to make the little ignition adjustment levers, then got them trimmed and glued to the steering Edited February 15 by Pierre Rivard 1
Pierre Rivard Posted February 15 Author Posted February 15 Final bits of the engine compartment could be done after the body was finally glued to the chassis. The fuel gravity tank I made a while back has been installed and the last to plumbing lines to it. I also added the two support rods (0.75mm brass) between the radiator support and the main body (runs over the engine valve cover). The engine compartment is now 100%
Belugawrx Posted February 15 Posted February 15 Wonderful detailing Pierre...really like the wrapped steering wheel and the dash is spot on !
1959scudetto Posted February 15 Posted February 15 The wrapped steering wheel is the icing on the cake !
kensar Posted February 15 Posted February 15 Nice work, Pierre! This project is coming to fruition. Just a quick tip - dip the thread in watered down white glue to avoid the fuzzy look. You could still try applying white glue to the steering wheel at this point as well.
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