71 Cuda' Noob build

[s10kid18]

Hey guys Ive been checking out the site for a little and finally joined! I started building models a couple years ago very on and off, Id build one every few months but lately Ive gotten addicted. Here is my cuda I just built, its not done yet, Im going to try to wire it for my first time tomorrow.

here is what the kit was. Its not as good as most of you guys could do but Im learning, If you guys have any advice to give me it would be much appreciated!

[Guest Mustang3.8]

Great job on the 'Cuda, bro.

[diymirage]

that sure is a great looking start

there are soo many different variations of the cuda on here but i dont think ive ever seen one with that intake setup

looks good

when you wire it up, keep in mind that the hemi has the plug wires go through the valve covers

[s10kid18]

Thanks guys I really appreciate it!

  diymirage said:

that sure is a great looking start

there are soo many different variations of the cuda on here but i dont think ive ever seen one with that intake setup

looks good

when you wire it up, keep in mind that the hemi has the plug wires go through the valve covers

Thanks man Ive been around cars my whole life and Im going to school now to be a mechanic, I knew the wires go through the valve covers but thanks for helping! Also the engine is from a willys I think, and the scoop is from a funny car I had laying around. I do have one question though, How do I put the wires in the distributor? Its kinda small

[mr moto]

  s10kid18 said:

I do have one question though, How do I put the wires in the distributor? Its kinda small

I do it one of two ways. You can buy after-market distributors that are either ready to wire (already have holes in them) or even pre-wired. Some are resin (plastic) some are machined aluminum. I like the resin ones from Replicas and Miniatures.

The other way is to make my own slightly oversized distributor from a piece of kit sprue. Very low budget and it works. You just need very small drill bits and a pin vice to drill the holes for the wires.

[s10kid18]

Ok I got it wired up today and I must say it was easy! I need to make something to cover the wires on the distributor though. I also did the neg. and pos. battery cables, added a roll bar, shoot cables, and front bumper.

Thanks for looking guys!

[20PSI]

Really nice drag cuda you got there. Only one thing: have you clear-coated? The paint don't shine much.

Edited August 17, 2009 by 20PSI

[s10kid18]

No.... I forgot to I was so mad haha it would look a lot better if it was cleared.. the next one will be

[Jantrix]

Hey those look great. Much better than my first models.

A couple tips-

Check out Radio Shack .30 gauge wrapping wire. $3.00 for 50 feet and comes in a variety of colors. This will give you years worth of spark plug wires that are very close to proper scale size.

Tires rubbing on fender wells kills any sort of realism. Raising the suspension up with cut/shaped pieces of sprue (parts tree) will help you get the ride height lift in the rear you need for the tires to clear.

Clear coat- Krylon Acrylic Crystal Clear from WalMart is your best bet. It will go over any kind of paint and has a good gloss.

Keep on building! Great work.

[Jantrix]

Hey those look great. Much better than my first models.

A couple tips-

Check out Radio Shack .30 gauge wrapping wire. $3.00 for 50 feet and comes in a variety of colors. This will give you years worth of spark plug wires that are very close to proper scale size.

Tires rubbing on fender wells kills any sort of realism. Raising the suspension up with cut/shaped pieces of sprue (parts tree) will help you get the ride height lift in the rear you need for the tires to clear.

Clear coat- Krylon Acrylic Crystal Clear from WalMart is your best bet. It will go over any kind of paint and has a good gloss.

Keep on building! Great work.

[RodneyBad]

You came to the right place and your off and running.

My first wiring job was done with thread.

still have it too.

I like the supercharger and scoop on it.

front wheels look good too.

Good Pro street look.

Are you using Super Glue?

Windows looks fogged up (happens with using superglue on windows)

Keep on building.

[s10kid18]

Thanks guys! I realized the wire was too big after I did it Ill have to pick some up when I get back from college when I do my next build! No Im not using super clue but I think its something like it, I got it at a local hobby shop and it dries really fast, I was mad about the windows but maybe next time ill use different glue!

[Guest Mustang3.8]

  s10kid18 said:

Thanks guys! I realized the wire was too big after I did it Ill have to pick some up when I get back from college when I do my next build! No Im not using super clue but I think its something like it, I got it at a local hobby shop and it dries really fast, I was mad about the windows but maybe next time ill use different glue!

It still looks great. I built this same kit as the Phantasm Cuda.