2025 Cannonball Run - 50 years since the 1975 run.

[oldcarfan]

Made some 'tiny' progress. I'm not great at small details, but I finally buckled down and did some work with help from some Dollar Store reading glasses. I started working on the console and added a golf ball shifter knob. I now have a CB radio and added some switches to the passenger side dash. Also built a Fuzzbuster based on a 1975 Car & Driver ad.

[Mattilacken]

2025 Cannonball Run Entry list:

1. '62 Chevrolet Bel Air  (W-409)

2.  Ford Escort MK2 ( stitchdup)

3. ‘74 Mercedes 300TD SLC (Mattilacken)

4. ‘69 Chevrolet Camaro (atomicholliday)

5. WV type 1 Van (Fat Brian)

6. ‘69 Dodge Dart (Tim08)

7. ‘67 Ford Mustang (JimmyRiggins)

8. '70 Plymouth Superbird (Keef)

9. ’71 Renault Alpine A110( White Rabbit)

10. ‘75 Chevrolet Monza 2+2 (MeatMan)

11. Dodge Super Bee (Slusher)

12. ’70 Dodge Super Bee (Sam I Am)

13. Lamborghini Espada (Tooltime-fan)

14. ‘70 Chevrolet Malibu (KWT)

15. ‘75 Volkswagen Golf (oldcarfan)

16. ’60 Ford Starliner (blue303) 

17. Shelby G.T. 350R (xbazzarex)

18. ‘73 Mercury Cougar (bill_67)

19. ‘64 Corvette Grand Sport (beans)

20. ’71 Porsche 911 T (Misha)

21. ’73 Dodge Charger (Pat Minarick)

22. ’71 Ford Maverick (bobthehobbyguy)

23. ’70 Ford Torino (kromolly)

24. ‘63 Renault Estafette (camaro69)

25. ‘73 Dodge d300 (53gmc)🏁

26. ‘71 Ford Interceptor (spencer1984)

27. ‘74 Ford Gran Torino wagon (iamsuperdan)

28. ‘58 Plymouth sports fury (Rescued Customs)

29. ‘66 Chevrolet  Malibu (Chasten)

30. ’66 Fairline GT/GTA (geras24)

31. '69 Ford Galaxie (Stavanzer)

Edited March 1 by Mattilacken
Added the #30 participant!

[Rescued customs]

Hey guys ima do an unofficial cannon 1975 build….. NOT MY ENTRY … but it’ll fit but it’s a long story…. So I come from a family of auto freaks (father has three restored autos mother had till she got to old to drive a straight shift my in-laws have three modern hot rods after gave up his LO23 dart in 1991 when my wife was born and me wife and son have about 10-11 projects/hot rods ) so sentimental builds mean a lot for us. Our fathers use to be scale modelers just like us but in 2021 lost father in law to Covid and my father had a heart attack with 4 way bypass ect ect and he is unable to build the quality he use to ….. but I inherited some of my fathers glue bombs and lesser quality kid/teenage builds (1970-1983 era builds) and have decided to “restore” some of them . We are lovers of all things combustion but do honestly have a soft spot for Mopar products and this one was my fathers only surviving Mopar. 1970 gtx 440 6pack car but was a glue bomb so ima suspect it’s a 1970-1975 build as he stated when he became a teenage he started really takin building scales seriously ….. this thing is a wreck no suspension wheels tires drivetrain and in poor shape so let’s hope this goes well….. I have a part of 440 6 pack and believe to have the correct(or close nuff) for the rest ….. I will literally not be repainting the body only a clean up and clear as the OG decals I can not source and LOVE them…. Wheels prop slots or center lines and 70s era tires so I figure why not use it as a fun “cannonball” build hope y’all enjoy this build and wish me luck as to not lose the 70s build feel of it 

Edited February 17 by Rescued customs

[Rescued customs]

Welp got lil done to the restoration of the gtx ….. again trying to keep it as OG as I can and keep the 70s vibe there was a issue on the trunk where father over glued the spoiler so I just primed it as if they had a issue and just primed it in real life dropped a lil 440 6 pack and A833 trans did some slapped bars and a 9 inch swap hope y’all enjoy thanks I’ll get interior tomorrow and BMF the body some bay details nothing major and prop call it done…… do need a stock hood if anyone has one  

[oldcarfan]

Did some work in the shop today. The bad part is I chipped the paint on the wheel arch. I still suspect the AMT yellow plastic is the issue as the original body didn't do that.

The heat shielding needed something to break it up so we now have floor mats. 

I'm pretty happy with the seats and dash. The gauges are both ESCI originals and some old Porsche leftovers. The Fuzzbuster is in place on the dash and I scratched up a set of 9 inch Marchal rally lights.

[White Rabbit]

I've made some progress on the engine, primarily with the mounts. The kit engine mounts to two tabs on the side and pin on the transmission. However, I found that the 1:1 car had bracing linked to mounts on the chassis. Below is the mock-up of the braces.

[stitchdup]

7 hours ago, oldcarfan said:

 

the GTi had black trim in the arches so you could maybe fix the arches that way. the lower trim levels had larger arch covers for some versions that cover the entire arch

[Mattilacken]

On 2/17/2025 at 1:52 AM, oldcarfan said:

Made some 'tiny' progress. I'm not great at small details, but I finally buckled down and did some work with help from some Dollar Store reading glasses. I started working on the console and added a golf ball shifter knob. I now have a CB radio and added some switches to the passenger side dash. Also built a Fuzzbuster based on a 1975 Car & Driver ad.

Thats Great! Could you please ad the ad here in the tread, would be greatly arpriciated!

What else would you ahe needed, a CB and A Fuzzbuster, Laser jamer? Binoculars?

[oldcarfan]

4 hours ago, Mattilacken said:

Thats Great! Could you please ad the ad here in the tread, would be greatly arpriciated!

What else would you ahe needed, a CB and A Fuzzbuster, Laser jamer? Binoculars?

I'm sure there are those with more direct knowledge, but these are my long-winded thoughts.

Counter surveillance methods were in their infancy in the mid 70s. 

To get ready for a Run, there were several thing you might want. For electronics, there4 would be a CB radio, a police scanner, and a radar detector. Because of the 55 MPH speed limit speeding became the national pass time. Your local K-Mart, the Radio Shack in the mall or sometimes in the local supermarket, CBs seemed to be sold everywhere. 

Here is a vintage ad: https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-consumer-electronics-hall-of-fame-electrolert-fuzzbuster-radar-detector

Fuzzbuster, Bear Finder, set the standard for radar detectors, and copies were coming out. From old TV shows and movies, it seems radar detectors and CBs were every where. Radio Shack, K-Mart and other big chains had them and they often sold store brands as well. You'd also want a police scanner and a booklet listing the frequencies used by the police agencies in the states you passed through.

Definitely you'd want a pair of binoculars, and a Rand McNally US Road Atlas. Other items might be a bottle of No-Doze, a couple of Stanley coffee Thermoses, sunglasses, and probably a Coleman Cooler in the back.

Here's some pictures I found while researching. The first shows some 1975 competitors stuck behind a helpful Smokey. The Porsche seems to have the classic dual CB antennas mounted to the drip rails. The Volvo probably has two CB antennas and a police scanner antenna.

The next pictures are of vintage radar detectors. 

 

Next is a vintage CB. Someone said a CB and antenna are included in the recent reissues of AMTs Pinto runabout. If anyone has this kit, chime in and let us know. Maybe other AMT kits have them too?

 

This last one is a Police scanner and antenna, not sure of the year, but it might give an idea of what they looked like.

Okay, everyone can wake up now, sorry to bore you! LOL

[Mattilacken]

I was watching a documentary when building to night about The Super Swede, Ronnie Pettersson, a great guy and a great driver that where faster than his teammate Andretti. But ended tragically in 1978.

So in 1975 he would have been in his prime and been needing to blow of some steam! So I might, if I find a way to do the classic lotus and J&P black and gold paintjob and maybe go with some decals even though I know it won’t be subtle when beeing perused by Smokey.

Shaping of the body is coming along but nothing to show yet really.

[geras24]

Hello, I have been away from modeling for 5 years. These days, I have been thinking about returning to the hobby. I was looking through the forum and found this year's Cannonball Run, so I want to be part of it.
I will enter with a 66 Fairline GT/GTA. I started this kit time ago and just painted the body, but I'm going to change the color to burgundy red and I want to make it look like the one from the movie Fast X.

[oldcarfan]

7 hours ago, oldcarfan said:

I'm sure there are those with more direct knowledge, but these are my long-winded thoughts.

Counter surveillance methods were in their infancy in the mid 70s. 

To get ready for a Run, there were several thing you might want. For electronics, there4 would be a CB radio, a police scanner, and a radar detector. Because of the 55 MPH speed limit speeding became the national pass time. Your local K-Mart, the Radio Shack in the mall or sometimes in the local supermarket, CBs seemed to be sold everywhere. 

Here is a vintage ad: https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-consumer-electronics-hall-of-fame-electrolert-fuzzbuster-radar-detector

Fuzzbuster, Bear Finder, set the standard for radar detectors, and copies were coming out. From old TV shows and movies, it seems radar detectors and CBs were every where. Radio Shack, K-Mart and other big chains had them and they often sold store brands as well. You'd also want a police scanner and a booklet listing the frequencies used by the police agencies in the states you passed through.

 

Something else I came across:

• Sears police scanners were rebadged Regency scanners.
• Though Cobra, Motorola and Regency made their own Citizen Band Radios, there was an RCA design (cybernet) that found itself in low-end brands like Hy Gain, GE, JC Penny and Kraco, but were often found in Midland units as well.

[Belugawrx]

3 hours ago, Mattilacken said:

So in 1975 he would have been in his prime and been needing to blow of some steam! So I might, if I find a way to do the classic lotus and J&P black and gold paintjob and maybe go with some decals even though I know it won’t be subtle when beeing perused by Smokey.

Y'know Matti,...I've been thinking the same thing ...JPS livery on a kick a@#  black street car, for some time.. can't wait to see how you do!

[oldcarfan]

4 hours ago, Mattilacken said:

I was watching a documentary when building to night about The Super Swede, Ronnie Pettersson, a great guy and a great driver that where faster than his teammate Andretti. But ended tragically in 1978.

So in 1975 he would have been in his prime and been needing to blow of some steam! So I might, if I find a way to do the classic lotus and J&P black and gold paintjob and maybe go with some decals even though I know it won’t be subtle when beeing perused by Smokey.

Shaping of the body is coming along but nothing to show yet really.

Coming along nicely! There's several aftermarket JPS decal sets out there. Maybe you could use them to cobble up something to fit your entry?

 

[oldcarfan]

2 hours ago, geras24 said:

Hello, I have been away from modeling for 5 years. These days, I have been thinking about returning to the hobby. I was looking through the forum and found this year's Cannonball Run, so I want to be part of it.
I will enter with a 66 Fairline GT/GTA. I started this kit time ago and just painted the body, but I'm going to change the color to burgundy red and I want to make it look like the one from the movie Fast X.
 

 

That color with the blacked out trim kind of gives off moonshine runner vibes!

[Mattilacken]

11 hours ago, Belugawrx said:

Y'know Matti,...I've been thinking the same thing ...JPS livery on a kick a@#  black street car, for some time.. can't wait to see how you do!

It’s an epic looking livery, so striking in many ways! 

9 hours ago, oldcarfan said:

Coming along nicely! There's several aftermarket JPS decal sets out there. Maybe you could use them to cobble up something to fit your entry?

Thanks! Jes I saw that and I have now ordered two sets, one for Ronny’s lotus 78 in 1:20 scale and one made for the BMW 635csi which have the similar proportions as this one. The 1:20 should be around 25% bigger but since a f1 is so small I thought that it might work with some at least. Worst case, which might be easier in the end, I know there is 0,5mm masking tape for curves that I could use.

[Beans]

19 hours ago, oldcarfan said:

I'm sure there are those with more direct knowledge, but these are my long-winded thoughts.

Counter surveillance methods were in their infancy in the mid 70s. 

To get ready for a Run, there were several thing you might want. For electronics, there4 would be a CB radio, a police scanner, and a radar detector. Because of the 55 MPH speed limit speeding became the national pass time. Your local K-Mart, the Radio Shack in the mall or sometimes in the local supermarket, CBs seemed to be sold everywhere. 

Here is a vintage ad: https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-consumer-electronics-hall-of-fame-electrolert-fuzzbuster-radar-detector

Fuzzbuster, Bear Finder, set the standard for radar detectors, and copies were coming out. From old TV shows and movies, it seems radar detectors and CBs were every where. Radio Shack, K-Mart and other big chains had them and they often sold store brands as well. You'd also want a police scanner and a booklet listing the frequencies used by the police agencies in the states you passed through.

Definitely you'd want a pair of binoculars, and a Rand McNally US Road Atlas. Other items might be a bottle of No-Doze, a couple of Stanley coffee Thermoses, sunglasses, and probably a Coleman Cooler in the back.

Here's some pictures I found while researching. The first shows some 1975 competitors stuck behind a helpful Smokey. The Porsche seems to have the classic dual CB antennas mounted to the drip rails. The Volvo probably has two CB antennas and a police scanner antenna.

The next pictures are of vintage radar detectors. 

 Okay, everyone can wake up now, sorry to bore you! LOL

 

Too cold to paint still so I guess it's time to accessorize the interior a little.

[geras24]

13 hours ago, oldcarfan said:

That color with the blacked out trim kind of gives off moonshine runner vibes!

Haha, you're right! Maybe I should add a couple of liquor boxes in the back to complete the moonshine runner look. Just don't tell the cops! 🚔🍻

Well I already started with the work. 
In the first step, I'm going to work on the hood.
I already removed the Ford letters from the front of the hood, and I also removed the inner line.

I did some scrap work on the hood scoop, but I'm not sure if I'm happy with the height.

Next, I'll make the hole in the hood, apply some putty, and finish the hood scoop.

 

 

Edited February 20 by geras24

[Mattilacken]

54 minutes ago, geras24 said:

I did some scrap work on the hood scoop, but I'm not sure if I'm happy with the height.

Nice start! My 2 cents ors that it could be a bit lower but that’s just one mans opinion 🙂

[oldcarfan]

6 hours ago, Beans said:

Too cold to paint still so I guess it's time to accessorize the interior a little.

I figure some interior clutter is always a nice touch. I ordered this set and the binoculars should look pretty nice when cleaned up and painted.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1043220018/124-scale-hiking-boots-binoculars-and?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=1%2F24+binoculars&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&sts=1&content_source=359427c130e3851647cb6bae2d11a4cd5302a2a9%3A1043220018&search_preloaded_img=1&organic_search_click=1&logging_key=359427c130e3851647cb6bae2d11a4cd5302a2a9%3A1043220018

[atomicholiday]

On 2/19/2025 at 5:09 PM, Mattilacken said:

…even though I know it won’t be subtle when beeing perused by Smokey.

.

Subtle?  Yeah, I sorta missed that memo !😂

 

Edited February 21 by atomicholiday

[Beans]

17 hours ago, oldcarfan said:

I figure some interior clutter is always a nice touch.

 

Couldn't agree more..although I tend to go overboard sometimes.

Edited February 21 by Beans

[oldcarfan]

11 hours ago, Beans said:

Couldn't agree more..although I tend to go overboard sometimes.

Love it!

[tim08]

Great job so far fellas. The boys brought me this 68 Dart

So I figured a 440 maagnum woul fit just fine in this puppy

[oldcarfan]

5 minutes ago, Tim08 said:

Great job so far fellas. The boys brought me this 68 Dart

So I figured a 440 maagnum woul fit just fine in this puppy

Good choice, I wonder if am AAR 340 would fit that?