Rail dragster with Fiat body Update 8-19-12

[cobraman]

Well since the "Stude" is done with the exception of the clear and polish I figured it was time to begin my next project. This will be using the "Digger Dragster" but not with ehr streamliner body. Instead I will be using the Fiat body from the double dragster kit. I am thinking about shortning the frame but have not decided on that yet.

Edited August 19, 2012 by cobraman

[W-409]

Gonna be another great build to watch! Don't know about shortening the frame, since I like the look when the body is just installed on Un-Shortened Dragster Frame.

[cobraman]

OK. You just talked me out of it. I will not shorten the frame.

[BigEd]

Looks like an awesome project Ray. Ditto on keepin' the stock frame length.

[cobraman]

Managed to get some done on the dragster. Stripped some chrome and used some dullcote on some chrome as well. Not a huge fan of a lot of bright work on a race car. Drilled out the kit magneto and drilled out the plug holes in the valve covers so I will have at least plug wires since the engine is going to be out in the open. Commets or suggestions are alway welcome be they pro or con. Thanks for looking in.

[rustybill1960]

I like where its headed so far Ray!

Thank You for sharing

Later

Russ

[cobraman]

Thanks Russ !

[slusher]

Very cool project. Great ldea for for a build...

[vintagedragfan]

great start Ray, love da FIAT'S!

[cobraman]

Made a little progress. The chassis is almost done but still needs some more detail and finish work. I am going to need to modify the headers because they were meant to fit the engine when using the full body. You can also see where I plan to cut the Fiat body to be mounted on the dragster frame. I think it will fit pretty good. Comments welcome. Thanks for looking.

[John Teresi]

Ray.....gonna be NICE!!!!!

[cobraman]

Thank you John. I know I will never build to your quality but as long as it's fun I guess that's good enough.

[John Teresi]

Thank you John. I know I will never build to your quality but as long as it's fun I guess that's good enough.

Ray......believe me......your quality of work is way better than mine was ......when I first started out.........you have the talent to keep getting better and better.........just keep the passion going brother.......

Edited August 17, 2012 by John Teresi

[Dr. Cranky]

Looking good, Ray. Keep it going.

[cobraman]

Thanks guys. I try to always make my next one better but after building for over 50 years I think I have leveled out. I may be getting a little better I don't know but at the age of 61 I am running out of road and my eyes make doing somethings like more detailing is getting rougher and tougher. I don't want to stop because I do like to build and it relaxes me. 10 more months of working and I will have all the time to build I want to build as I am retiring then. I just hope I am still able to do so.

[BigEd]

Ray, I can sympathize my friend. I will be 60 in Feb. and the eye thing is true. I seem to "squint" more and more, even with the glasses on. But I love to build even though it takes me forever to complete something. And your Fiat should be awesome.

[cobraman]

Thanks Larry. I have decided it is past time to get myself a setup with a hands free light and magnifier . I really had trouble the other day when trying to get the sparkplug boot on the plug wire. I know that is why I don't do it as much as I used to. I think sometimes I should just build the larger scale models but I prefer 1/25. As you get older it can be tough to admit you can't do some of the things you used to be able to do.

[Burnout]

Ray, several months ago I went out and bought a LED lamp with magnifying glass. Office Depot I think. Cost about $40. I don't know how I ever got along without it.

[cobraman]

Thanks Ken. Sounds like the very thing I need. Maybe there can be a few more years of building out of this old man.

[cobraman]

Got a bit more done onthe rail. I have the body cut and hope to paint it in a day or two. I also made a pushbar out of aluminum tubing and plastic tube. I made it removable to make taking the body on and off easy. Still needs some work and painting. Thanks for looking.

[cobraman]

Just a couple of quick mock up photos now that body is painted. All it needs now is to be cleared and then on to the next project.