1970 Dodge Challenger Hemi T/A

[mrmike]

I've had this kit in the stash for a while and used the 340 for a 1971 'Cuda 340 Convertible project earlier this year. The Hemi ended up in this kit for a Challenger Hemi R/T project, but I changed my mind and will build a phantom Hemi T/A instead. I'm using the Revell '70 Challenger T/A 1/24 scale Streetburners kit for this project.

My paint will be Model Master Hemi Orange Lacquer with a white interior.

A mockup of the body with the 'Cuda shaker hood scoop.

I may add a set of Pegasus Chrome T's instead of using the Rallye wheels.

More to come.....

[mikelo]

I have had that same idea for a while now. Keep us posted. Also, since you are going orange with white interior, could I suggest you go with an argent colored scoop? I know the car in this pic is not stock, but I have seen several on stock cars and think it could go with the color combo. It would look something like this;

Mike

[mrmike]

Mike, that is a great idea! My first thought was to go with the flat black hood treatment which is something I am not really crazy about in the first place. I think I will do the body colored hood with the argent scoop instead since it now appeals to me and would look better.

Just like the Revell 'Cuda kits, the front valance has the lower front fenders molded to it creating an inaccurate look when assembled. I will remove both the lower fenders from the front valance.

The lower fenders are glued to the front fenders. These will be puttied and sanded smooth.

Adding the shaker hood scoop is real easy, unless you are a stickler for detail and accuracy. The shaker scoop has the same general shape as the hole for the snorkle scoop on the T/A hood. I'll use the T/A hood minus the snorkle scoop.

I have decided against the Pegasus Chrome T's wheels as they are too small for this 1/24 scale body. I'll use the kit Rallye wheels instead.

More to come.....

[ian ashton]

Looking nice. I'm suprised how well the Shaker fits into the TA hood. That's pretty cool.

[mrmike]

Thanks Ian! Here's an overhead shot of the hood and scoop to give an idea of how it fits.

[mrmike]

The front fenders have been puttied and sanded. Primer is next!

The Hemi is partially assembled and awaiting Mopar Hemi Orange Engine Enamel.

I was lying in bed last night thinking about this build, when it occurred to me that I have 4 Cragar SS mags left over from two MRC wheel/tire sets. This morning, I pulled them out and now my Challenger will wear Cragars!

More to come.....

[mrmike]

Paint has been flying this afternoon. Model Master Hemi Orange Lacquer.

The Hemi got a coat of Mopar Street Hemi Orange Engine Enamel.

I painted the shaker scoop with Model Master Metalizer Stainless Steel. I shouldn't have polished the scoop afterwards as now it looks to metallic.

More to come.....

[mrmike]

I cleared the body this afternoon with Tamiya TS-13 Clear Gloss.

The motor is partially assembled and mock up with the shaker scoop.

A little clearance made on the passenger side motor mount and the Hemi sits where it should.

I'm using a distributor from MAD for this Hemi.

More to come.....

[Mr. Moparman]

Nice build. Great Detail. And MAD sells some of the best lookin dizzys ever. I have one of those kits around here somewhere.

[mrmike]

Thanks Brandon! Yes, MAD has great looking distributors and other products, too!

The Hemi is 99% complete. I need to do a little more detailing.

I even ran a fuel line to the carbs.

The Hemi with it's hat on, ready to go outside to play!

More to come.....

[W-409]

Nice detailing on the engine, paintjob looks very cool and it's very interesting project. It's sad that most of that detailing leaves under that shaker scoop, but that scoop looks so good that it must be there also. But you are making very good progress, I'm watching this one.

[mrmike]

Thanks Nico! I usually try to leave the air cleaner, engine cover, or in this case, the shaker scoop, removable to view the extra details on the motor. If I didn't care for the underhood details, I might as well just glue the hood shut.

[mrmike]

I have finished the interior.

I went and added the front suspension and then the Hemi.

The Hemi wasn't sitting right as the headers were sitting on top of the tie rod assembly. Out came my Dremel and a sanding bit and I ground away at the headers until the Hemi sat on top of the K-member. I repainted the headers, but I still didn't like what I saw.

I sat at the bench staring at the chassis and started to wonder where the original exhaust manifolds went and what I was going to do next since I didn't like the headers now. I looked the my display shelf and grabbed a '71 Hemi 'Cuda that I built back in the '90's and removed the exhaust manifolds from that model and installed them on the Challenger Hemi.

I wished I had thought of this a long while ago and I would have saved myself a lot of work and headaches. Speaking of headaches, foiling is next!

More to come.....

[mrmike]

Dave, I can see why my Challenger would remind you of El Hemi! Sharp car and the model that his son built of that car if just absolutely awesome! Scratch building the valve train in 1/24 scale takes real skill!

[mrmike]

The chassis have been completed.

Foiling is completed and decals are next for the body.

I need to finish up the wheels and wheel backs and add some extra detail to the engine bay.

More to come.....

[Mr. Moparman]

She's a lookin good Mike. MIght do mine as a custom w/ a Hemi

[ian ashton]

Mike, this build reminds me of the "Escalante" Hemi Challenger even though that car was an R/T. still for some reason i thought of that car right away while looking at your progress pics.

http://www.elhemi.com/

Both the real car and the model will be featured at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago in a few weeks. Check it out!

www.mcacn.com

[Jon Cole]

Aren't Chally's great? Nice lookin' car... nice lookin' model! Definitely worth watching.

[mrmike]

Thanks Brandon, Ian, and Jon. And, thanks for the link! I'll check it out.

Decals are on as well as the wheels.

And now I have run into another problem to solve. The back of the scoop sits too low while the front is at the correct height.

The motor angle cannot be altered anymore than it is now, so I have to come up with some creative way of leveling the scoop with the hood. Meanwhile, I'll continue with finishing the Challenger while I ponder a solution.

More to come.....

[dwc43]

Looks good. I know how to fix the scoop too. Take some plastic or aluminum tube the same size as the carb top and insert or glue to the bottom of the scoops carb hole for a spacer. It should not look too out of place. If you put a very small one on the front to match it you can call it an aftermarket piece ... lol.

[mrmike]

Thanks DW and Dave for the suggestions!

I used the MRC wheel set spacers on the Shaker scoop to alter the angle as Dave suggested

That's much better!

The rear panel has been assembled and will be installed onto the body when it's dry.

I'm hoping to finish the Challenger Hemi T/A today.

More to come.....

[Hattley]

I've been following your build from my BlackBerry, now that I’m reviewing it on a PC …Holy Cow, Looks great!!!

[mrmike]

Thanks Mark! I've been meaning to ask you about your avatar. Is that your dog and is it a Golden Retriever? The reason why I ask is I have a 105 Lb. Golden Retriever myself. He's a great dog and a good friend!

I have finished my Challenger Hemi T/A and it is posted in the Under Glass section. My thanks to all who took the time to look and to comment on my WIP.