AMT '53 Corvette Snapper--Mild Custom Racer

[Straightliner59]

I first started this a few years back. I had problems with the paint, and ended up buying a new kit, for the body, since the chassis already had the exhaust pipes and wheels and tires installed. I picked it back up, a few months ago, and it has now reached the display case, alongside its fellow RMCRRA cars, or, "Raccoon Racers", as I've come to call them. The Rocky Mountain Clandestine Road Racing Association is a figment of my imagination. Was fictitiously born in the basement of a United Methodist Church, somewhere in Montana, in 1975. It was founded as a response to the nationwide 55 MPH speed limit, and the end of "Careful And Prudent" as the daytime speed limit in Montana. The organization's main function was to secure and patrol remote, but enticing stretches of road, so that other members could push their limits. The raccoon became their symbol, based on their inherent stealth--especially at night. The group continues, to this day, only now with the cooperation of local gendarmerie, in Montana, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. Run what ya' brung, just be sure it's outfitted with the appropriate safety equipment.

I shaved the side trim, and the "finlets" from the taillight housings. I wanted to clean up the bumpers by removing the vertical elements from them. It didn't take long to discover that it was much easier to simply fabricate them from 9ga. aluminum armature wire. The recessed grille bar was also created from the same material. I made a pair of punches from brass tube, and used them to make the aluminum surrounds for the headlights. The headlights had to be drilled out, and receptacles for the lights, themselves created with plastic tube. I turned the aluminum rings for the headlights, and made reflector dishes from Maid-O-Metal tooling aluminum. The lenses were from my parts stash. I did a little research, to discover how screens were measured/classified, and ordered some fine silver-colored screens. I didn't put two and two, together, or I'd have just stopped into one of the local dispensaries, since that's what these turned out, to be. Anyway, they're woven from finer wire, and appear more open that the automatic transmission filter screen, I had originally planned to use. The hood scoop came from my parts boxes, as well. It's offset to accomodate the Rochester-injected 283, that (allegedly) lurks beneath. The roll loops are solder. The grille surround is .040" aluminum wire.

I found an argyle pattern I liked and made decal inserts, for the seats. I deleted the radio and heater from the dash, and made new plates, gauges and switches. The pedals are fabricated from brass and some bits of a perforated auto-trans screen. I scratched the belts and hardware, and used Detail Master detailing wire for the piping. The floor was treated to some red embossing powder. As indicated by the shifter, a four speed was swapped in.

I really like the way the Pontiac eight-lug wheels look on the car. I found one in my stash, and cast a set from acrylic nail resin. Because I didn't have any grey Krylon, on hand, I painted the car with Rustoleum Winter Grey. My only real problem with Rustoleum, is that it takes much longer to dry, than Krylon, so...

I printed all the decals and gauges at home. It's not perfect, but, I like its combination of elegance and performance. I think it looks slick, and clean. Your comments are always welcomed. Thanks for looking!

 

Edited Sunday at 04:16 AM by Straightliner59

[XYHARRY]

Absolutely immaculate road racer there Daniel, this reminds me of the hillclimb cars. 

[Straightliner59]

17 minutes ago, XYHARRY said:

Absolutely immaculate road racer there Daniel, this reminds me of the hillclimb cars. 

Thank you, David. That's an apt comparison, I'd say!

[James2]

That is a lovely corvette model right there....

[Straightliner59]

6 minutes ago, James2 said:

That is a lovely corvette model right there....

Thank you, Rooster!

[ChrisR]

Very nice.

[Jim B]

Great looking Corvette.  Well done.

[Mike 1017]

I LUV The Gray Paint Job

[slusher]

very sharp racer!

[spencer1984]

Very clean work, that looks fantastic!

[espo]

Great explanation of all you have done on this build. Can be hard sometimes to fully appreciate what all has been done by looking at only photos. Like the purposeful look and clean finishes. I agree with you on the old Pontiac 8 lug wheel and brakes appearance. 

[Straightliner59]

7 hours ago, Jim B said:

Great looking Corvette.  Well done.

Thanks, Jim!

[Straightliner59]

7 hours ago, Mike 1017 said:

I LUV The Gray Paint Job

Thanks, Mike. I wanted something subtle. I think it's understated.

[Straightliner59]

4 hours ago, spencer1984 said:

Very clean work, that looks fantastic!

Thank you, sir! 

4 hours ago, slusher said:

very sharp racer!

Thanks, Carl! 

[Straightliner59]

1 hour ago, espo said:

Great explanation of all you have done on this build. Can be hard sometimes to fully appreciate what all has been done by looking at only photos. Like the purposeful look and clean finishes. I agree with you on the old Pontiac 8 lug wheel and brakes appearance. 

Thanks, David. There's a little more in the build thread, too. I loved the wheels the second I put them in tires, and under the car. I just thought they looked right! 

[Mark W]

I followed this entire build Daniel.

Everything about it most impressive!

Following your progress was vert enjoyable and I picked up a few pointers along the way.

Fine job!

[karbuildr]

Very nice racer, excellent idea, I really like the design. 

[PappyD340]

That's a great looking Corvette!

[Straightliner59]

10 hours ago, Mark W said:

I followed this entire build Daniel.

Everything about it most impressive!

Following your progress was vert enjoyable and I picked up a few pointers along the way.

Fine job!

Thanks, Mark! I'm happy you enjoyed the build! I always hope, and try to insert some useful information, in those threads. I appreciate your comments, sir!

[Straightliner59]

10 hours ago, karbuildr said:

Very nice racer, excellent idea, I really like the design. 

Thanks, David! I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. It feels like a cohesive unit, I think.

8 hours ago, PappyD340 said:

That's a great looking Corvette!

Thanks, Larry. I appreciate it!