ian ashton Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 Some of you have probably guessed, I'm a bit of a Mopar nut, and it certainly runs in the family. My dad happens to be the Managing Partner of the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals, so I have a lot of exposure to cool stuff, especially Mopars. So, I knew this car was coming to our show, but being that it was only a 440 car, I didn't pay it much attention in the pre-show picture previews my dad sent me. Fast forward to the Wednesday before the show when the owner of this car (who also owns a documented real '70 Hemi Cuda convertible, white with red interior (and possible my next build)) rolled a few of his toys into the building, including this car. Obviously the Hemi car (known to have sold at Barrett a few years ago for an excess of $4,000,000) draws a crowd, but this Black on Blue beauty is just too freaking cool. Unfortunately there was an issue with the shift linkage, so Tom (the owner) and his crew had to flatbed this car in, but believe me they DROVE the white Hemi Convert, a Triple Black '70 Challenger Convert, and a W30 Olds 442 convert in (I have video to prove it!) Even more amazing was when Tom flipped me the keys to the white Hemi car to get rid of some gas - the building only allows 1/4 tank, the Cuda had 1/2. Talk about tempting as I pulled out of the building with nothing by my morals stopping me! Anyway, back to the model car build... This is what I want to duplicate: Starting with a Johan 1971 Cuda body, I will use the AMT 1970 Challenger as a donor for the interior and chassis. Body: Johan 1971 Pro Street Cuda Chassis / Interior: AMT 1970 Challenger Convertible Miscellaneous Details: ● Keith Marks 'Hockey Stick" decals ● ModelCarDesigns.com steel wheels, with Missing Link dog dish hub caps Still looking for a nice set of raised white letter Small Letter Polyglass tires - I've played with painting them, and I just can't make them look good enough. Suggestions welcome! Chopping the top off of the Johan Cuda: I also wanted to use the Challenger's engine compartment, since its much nicer than the Johan parts. I cut the whole thing out as a one piece, and fit it into the Cuda body, after I removed the cowl. The windshield frame is still very rough in this picture - lots of sanding to go; And test fitting with the AMT Challenger's interior and convertible boot - a near perfect fit! While I realize that a Challenger does not have the same interior as a Cuda, I'm going to call this good enough. The Johan interior tub is way too basic to use. I considered modifying the Challenger door panels to be more correct for a Cuda, but I decided it would take too much time (and skill) than I want to invest. I might modify the seats though, and I'll also be using the Johan Cuda dash, as it is definitely workable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian ashton Posted January 6, 2011 Author Share Posted January 6, 2011 The actual car does not have a center console, so I have removed it from my kit. Still in the process of building the floor back up; As you can see, the chassis is too long (makes sense, the 1:1 Challenger has a longer wheelbase than the Cuda.) To remedy this I've cut a few scale inches out of the Challenger chassis. This is mostly based on artistic license, as I have no idea what the actual Cuda chassis looks like, or where the material is different from the Challenger. I just picked the easiest spot and went for it. And the shortened chassis. There is some definite work needed between the chassis and bottom of the firewall, not quite sure what's going on there in this picture: I've ordered a 71 to 70 conversion kit from Reliable Resin, but it hasn't arrived yet (still a few weeks out), so I figured I'd play around with the conversion myself. If it doesn't work out I can always use their pieces, when they arrive. So to start I've hacked up the Challenger hood to be more Cuda-esque. The Cuda hood on the left, Challenger on the right (the blue line denotes where I will remove material to make the Challenger hood fit the Cuda): First rough cut made, ready for some sanding to get it into place: Challenger hood lined up nicely: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian ashton Posted January 6, 2011 Author Share Posted January 6, 2011 Next up I needed to decide how to remove the recessed sides - I decided to build up the sides and sand them flat. If this works out I'll likely start casting this hood and use a resin piece on my final product. The tape is to preserve the hood vents, as a Cuda has 2 separate banks, where the Challenger has them all the way across: Sand sand sand: A very rough estimate of what it will look like. Its sitting kind of high because of the inner fenders not being properly aligned, the hood actually fits much better than I expected: This is where things get a little scary. I'm nearly 100% certain that I'll end up using the Reliable Resin grill when it arrives, I just wanted to see how close I could get to making my own '70 Cuda grille out of the kits '71 grille. Its shaping up sorta well, but I'm still skeptical. The start: My plan is to remove the side vertical posts, then shave down the center post and build it up into the "V" shape of the '70: All puttied up (to be honest I was hoping the Reliable Resin pieces would show up early so I could cut this out and just use theirs, haha!) And that brings us up to date. I've got a lot of sanding to do on the hood and grill, but really those are just kinda tinkering things. I'll probably focus on other aspects of the build, or work on finishing the Challenger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imatt88 Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 Sweet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eshaver Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 Ian, dat be some fine fittin there ! I wonder iffin ya ever took to cuttin , dicin an a slicin dem ole rusty relics I used to see when I worked in Cleveland back in the early 1970's . Ed Shaver Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian ashton Posted January 20, 2011 Author Share Posted January 20, 2011 With my Challenger convertible finished up I'm ready to go full swing into the Cuda project. I've given up on converting the grille myself, and as luck would have it my Reliable Resin pieces showed up yesterday. The accuracy with respect to the 1:1 scale is great, there was a lot of flash, sanding, and trimming required - more than I'd expect given the cost, but whatever, they are still very nice pieces. I'm not sure if I'll use their hood and SHAKER, or if I'll continue with making my own - the hood is like .125" too wide, not a big deal - I'll probably work both pieces and use whichever looks best in paint. The Reliable parts (I started trimming the hood before I took this pic): Test fit of the hood, a little narrowing to be done, not too bad though: Getting the grille to fit just right is a bit of a process, as it required the removal of a lot of material from the body. Sand, fit, sand, fit, sand, fit, lol; Same thing with the tail panel - the joys of doing conversions! Giving a test fit with the lower valence and bumper - note, this bumper is warped, I've got another that I'll use for the final build: Front lower valence installed, ready for some filling and lots more sanding: (The gap looks weird, but its an optical illusion, its pretty symetrical) Last night I ordered the Model Car Garage photo etched detail kit (actuall 1:24 scale for the RM '71 kits) from Scale Dreams, I figure its worth checking out, I can probably use the hood pins, door handles, PE emblems, and some of the other goodies. If not no big loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian ashton Posted January 20, 2011 Author Share Posted January 20, 2011 (edited) This I know - I just don't care much for 1/24, I wanted to do 1/25. Also, I'm not a bog fan of the older RM 1/24 e body tools, kinda cheesy. Thanks for the advice though! Edited January 20, 2011 by ian ashton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shatteredsoul76 Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 Man that real car is saweet!, the model is looking good too,I cant wait to see her complete. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisPflug Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 Probably would have been easier to start by backdating an easy to find ERTL (ex-MPC) 'cuda- the 1/25 "conversions" are basically just copies of the original MPC annual and has a decent interior as well The MPC is arguably the nicest body- much better than Monogram and Revell attempts The AMT 71 Charger is also a decent basis for an accurate E body chassis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian ashton Posted January 20, 2011 Author Share Posted January 20, 2011 Really? The 71 Charger chassis is almost the same as the other AMT b bodies, it seems like it would be pretty large. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisPflug Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 What other AMT B Bodies? The '71 Charger was pretty much all they offered other than some MPC reissues Chassis needs to be shortened a few scale inches and differnr rear section- but like the 1:1's the 71-72 B bodies and 70-74 E bodies, basically the same car mechanically Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian ashton Posted January 20, 2011 Author Share Posted January 20, 2011 (edited) What other AMT B Bodies? The '71 Charger was pretty much all they offered other than some MPC reissues Chassis needs to be shortened a few scale inches and differnr rear section- but like the 1:1's the 71-72 B bodies and 70-74 E bodies, basically the same car mechanically The AMT 1971 Charger has a very similar chassis to the following AMT kits: 1968 Road Runner 1969 GTX 1969 GTX Convertible 1970 Cornet / Super Bee The main difference being the gas tanks. AMT '68-70 B Body Chassis, AMT '71 Charger Chassis, AMT '70 Challenger Chassis (already shortened for the Cuda) Note: the chassis on the left has been modified for another project I'm working on, it was just easiest to find at the moment. The trans tunnel was cut out, and sheet styrene was added to the back. So, using the Johan body the easiest solution was to go with the AMT '70 Challenger chassis, as it has the most detail and least amount of modification required, being that they are both E-bodies, just different wheelbases. The Charger chassis is a little too wide at the back, too long at the back, and too long in the center. The gas tank situation would be a PITA. I understand what you are saying about mechanically, for that matter the running gear for all 68-74 B and E bodies are similar. Edited January 20, 2011 by ian ashton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisPflug Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 Actually on the 1:1 cars the floor pan stampings are identical (with adjustments for wheelbase differences between Barracuda, Challenger, and B body 2 and 4 doors found in the rear seat foot well area) 68-70 B bodies a different animal all together Result is that the "stamping details" from the AMT Charger are much more accurate than the fairly crude AMT Challenger- just, as you pointed out, much more work to fit to the 'cuda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian ashton Posted January 21, 2011 Author Share Posted January 21, 2011 I'm all about the illusion of it; the stamping details of the Challenger chassis are close enough for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whale392 Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 (edited) If memory serves me correctly, the Dodge and Plymouth wheelbases were 1" difference............hardly noticable in scale (.040"). Killer car you are replicating, I like the Black on Black/White over Blue combo. Edited January 21, 2011 by whale392 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Hamilton Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 Ian, That is looking to be another nice build. I used the AMT '71 Charger Chassis and running gear under this MPC '70 Cuda annual, which came to me as a glue-bomb. Either the '70 Challenger or the '71 Charger pieces will work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian ashton Posted January 21, 2011 Author Share Posted January 21, 2011 Great looking build! Its like te reverse of what I'm doing. I'd love to snag an annual, watching the Challengers on eBay right now... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spkgibson Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 Just an Idea for you Ian, Go grab the snapfast 74 Cuda,And swipe the interior out of that, It's basically the same as the 70 Cuda interior, I personally think it would look better in the car, I have a similar project in the works, But mine will be the 71 Barracuda , I'll cut the hood from the kit I mentioned above,Use the interior ,And use the same chassis you used, This is looking great so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spkgibson Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 This I know - I just don't care much for 1/24, I wanted to do 1/25. Also, I'm not a bog fan of the older RM 1/24 e body tools, kinda cheesy. Thanks for the advice though! Those kits are the most out of scale kits I have ever seen, I wouldn't waste A dime on any of the RM Cudas, They look like those old Palmer kits to me,Very Crude Looking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High octane Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 Ian, I rememer that car well and probably took a photo of it also. You have a lot of work in that build and I'm sure it's going to look great! Let me know off board when the magazine coverage of that show starts showing up on the newstands. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian ashton Posted January 21, 2011 Author Share Posted January 21, 2011 Just an Idea for you Ian, Go grab the snapfast 74 Cuda,And swipe the interior out of that, It's basically the same as the 70 Cuda interior, I personally think it would look better in the car, I have a similar project in the works, But mine will be the 71 Barracuda , I'll cut the hood from the kit I mentioned above,Use the interior ,And use the same chassis you used, This is looking great so far. Yes! I had planned to do this, even made a thread in the Wanted section, lol. I'll probably swing by LHS and see if they have one in the next few days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian ashton Posted January 21, 2011 Author Share Posted January 21, 2011 My Scale Dreams order arrived today (talk about fast, I just ordered it Wednesday at like midnight!) The Model Car Garage detail kit looks like it will work perfectly, despite the difference in scale. I can't wait to dive into some of the PE details, they make such nice stuff! I also ordered a package of Detail Master muffler clamps and I they are KILLER! I was previously using MAS photo etched muffler clamps but they were a nightmare to work with, as they didn't have the 'indent' where the fold is needed, making them very hard to work with. The Detail Master units have that, and are also a little less bulky, AND include hangers and bolts - score! Anyone want to buy some MAS muffler clamps, I have 3 different sizes, and will not use them, lol... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian ashton Posted January 21, 2011 Author Share Posted January 21, 2011 Ian, I rememer that car well and probably took a photo of it also. You have a lot of work in that build and I'm sure it's going to look great! Let me know off board when the magazine coverage of that show starts showing up on the newstands. Thanks. Will do! We also post scanned copies of show coverage online here: http://www.mcacn.com/Media.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Z Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 This is really looking good Ian, the photo's of the 1:1 are sweet also... Would like to see pics of the 1:1 in the daylight if you have any, the Hockey sticks are barely visible and I'd just like to see how they look black on black... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian ashton Posted January 22, 2011 Author Share Posted January 22, 2011 It's nearly invisible. I only have inside pics of the car, and just about everyone you can barely see the stripe, making it that much cooler, in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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