Trimeresurus Gramineus Viperidae

[Peter Lombardo]

2010 Dodge Viper ACRX

Converted from a Viper ACR.

Here are the final pictures of the Viper ACRX now completed.

Here is a recap of the work done and modifications made to the stock Revell Viper ACR kit.

Opened the doors and made hinges from brass rod and aluminum tube. Inside of door scratch built frame.

Wheel wells were flared and smoothed.

The 6 air vents on hood were opened and covered with “see-thru†screen.

Chrome plating on wheels striped and painted pearl white, wheel air valves added. Tires replaced with racing slicks and Bridgestone decals applied.

Front wheels made to turn.

Driver seat converted to a racing seat and covered with back embossing powder.

Eduard #24001 “Sabelt†photo etched seat belt installed…Viper logo installed on seat.

Full factory roll cage fabricated.

Steering wheel replaced with non-airbag Momo wheel.

Second smaller upper air foil installed on front fenders

Custom Viper logo cut from vinyl and installed on inner rear window.

Custom vinyl twin stripes painting mask designed and installed over pearl white paint.

Body painted a custom mix of Jacquard yellow and green pearl pigment powder mixed with clear lacquer to replicate a Pit Viper Snake coloring…..yellow blend on bottom, medium green in center and darker green on the top.

Custom Snakeskin computer decals created and decals installed over paint to replicate a snake like look.

Sponsor decals lifted from Tamiya Calsonic Skyline.

Engine bay detailed and hoses installed.

Thanks for looking…..comments are always welcome

[DRG]

That is one wild looking ride.

[Ghost1]

Great looking build. Really like the paint scheme.

[Clay]

Great job Peter! That is an absolutely amazing build and finished project!!!

[jeffs396]

AWESOME!!!

And quite a quick build, too!

[Tonioseven]

Beautiful work!!!

[Modlbldr]

Nice job, Peter. Much better than the box art. I like the decal in the rear window and the interior shot.

Later-

[george 53]

Pete, them "Latinus Correctus" names are too confuseing to me. I'll just call it like I see it, it'sa "Killer Viper"!!!!!! ANOTHER fine job you've gotten us into!!!!

[Railfreak78]

Truely amazing! That came out awesome! I love the snakeskin and overall aggressive look of the car!

[Romell R]

GRRRREAT JOB!! Peter you never cease to amaze me.

[cruz]

Just awesome my friend, like the rest of the stuff you have us used to seeing!!!!

[sjordan2]

GRRRREAT JOB!! Peter you never cease to amaze me.

DITTO!

[mikeD1]

Just awesome my friend wishes it was real !!!!

[curt raitz]

Excellent, Excellent Peter...

Ya gotta be sick to do decal work like that

[Peter Lombardo]

GUYS!!!! To all the kind words....Thank You...I really appreciate them.

[whale392]

The paint alone was worth the finished product view. Beautiful work.........two thumbs up!

[Brett Barrow]

That turned out killer! I was a bit skeptical when you started with the snake skin, as I really liked the paint job the way it was, but now I think it works as a race car. I think for a street car it would be over the top.

How did you like the Eduard PE belts? I've used their aircraft seat belts for years, but I've yet to try the 24th scale ones.

[Peter Lombardo]

That turned out killer! I was a bit skeptical when you started with the snake skin, as I really liked the paint job the way it was, but now I think it works as a race car. I think for a street car it would be over the top.

How did you like the Eduard PE belts? I've used their aircraft seat belts for years, but I've yet to try the 24th scale ones.

I have used these belts many times and really like them. These are the four point belts, they also make the six point units too. They have a number of colors and brand logos available. I ordered these from Strada Sports....two belts for $9.95....not bad.

Thanks...I like the paint too. I have wanted to try a snake skin type of effect for some time now. I was never really satisfied with the idea of using lace because the space between the scales is dark so that means after the dark layer, you must paint a lighter layer over the top with the lace on the car. Then it hit me to design the scales in the computer and create decals. The other thing that I really love is the effect I got on the two racing stripes. I wanted it to look like the stripes were painted right on top of the scales. If you did that to a real snake, you would still see the scales and the space between them, but they would be the same basic color. So by making the space between the scales where the stripes are at 20% of the color of the other gaps between the scales the effect is subtle but interestingly different.

[Brett Barrow]

I have used these belts many times and really like them. These are the four point belts, they also make the six point units too. They have a number of colors and brand logos available. I ordered these from Strada Sports....two belts for $9.95....not bad.

We carry them where I work, they look great flat on the sheet. Have you ever had any problem with the paint flaking off when you bend them?

[Peter Lombardo]

We carry them where I work, they look great flat on the sheet. Have you ever had any problem with the paint flaking off when you bend them?

Yes, the first one I did had a few problems that I had to touch up, but I learned my lesson and I handle them carefully and only bend them when necessary. The touch up worked fine with Tamiya flat paint....so it is no biggy. I do recommend them because the photo etch material is much easier to work with then either painted masking tape or fabric. I do not think i will be going back to the others any time soon.

[Brett Barrow]

Yes, the first one I did had a few problems that I had to touch up, but I learned my lesson and I handle them carefully and only bend them when necessary. The touch up worked fine with Tamiya flat paint....so it is no biggy. I do recommend them because the photo etch material is much easier to work with then either painted masking tape or fabric. I do not think i will be going back to the others any time soon.

Thanks, I'm going to give them a try next thing I do that needs that type of belts

[Tony T]

That is a great looking Viper race car, Peter!

[David G.]

What can I say that hasn't already been said? An inspired and creative custom masterfully done. This model looks like it's based on a real car.

[wisdonm]

I love all you builds. I learn so much from them. Thanks for explaining the snake skin. I've wanted to do that, but had no idea how.

[rustybill1960]

OUCH!

That is one "sharp" build Dude!

Thank You for sharing

Later

Russ