dpride Posted November 1, 2012 Posted November 1, 2012 Here are pictures of the mid 1960's Fiat twin engine dragster I'm building. I used to watch cars like run at strips all over the US. Apart from the gassers, these were my favorite cars. This is another 1/4 scale build as was the rat rod I posted a while back. I had to build some tube benders to do the frame as the ones I had produced the wrong radius. The frame is steel DOM tube as is the front axle. The engine blocks were mastered in styrene and rotary cast in urethane. The front wheels are 6061 aluim. The spokes are stainless Tig welding rods. I will use molded copies the M&H Racemaster slicks I made for the rat rod. Have to replace the heim joints on the steering as they are the wrong scale. The body is next. I think I will have to mold it as you will see most of the inside. The front axle and suspension parts will be chrome plated.
W-409 Posted November 1, 2012 Posted November 1, 2012 Oh, it looks like 1:1 frame and engines! I'm sure this one will be another great build, your Hot Rod was fantastic and this looks very good so far, too. Especially that link between the rear axle and transmission, looks very sharp.
dpride Posted December 2, 2012 Author Posted December 2, 2012 Thanks for the comments, it makes it worthwhile to post the progress. Here are photos of the body construction process I used. I could have carved it, or cnc'd the master but this way suits the style that could have happened in 1960-ish if someone had built a chopped,sectioned, and narrowed fiberglass competition coupe body. The first coat of primer is on and now to chase all the rough spots. I will mold this and make a urethane body. I found a 1/25 scale Fiat body I had cut up many years ago which is in one of the photos to show scale.
Scott Colmer Posted December 2, 2012 Posted December 2, 2012 This is amazing. The steel frame is great. How do you join the tubes? Scott
dpride Posted December 2, 2012 Author Posted December 2, 2012 Thanks guys. Scott : the frame is put together with oxy-acetylene and 45% silver solder. I am going to try laser welding the brackets on a stainless steel tube front axle in the next few weeks. More photos you might be interested in. I made some tools from old hacksaw blades to turn little heim joints for the injector linkages. The third shot shows the removable section of the frame to allow the engines to be taken out.
dpride Posted December 19, 2012 Author Posted December 19, 2012 I've finished a few more bits: magneto, spark plugs. and molded some wheels and tires. I thought it a good idea to make molds of things that I might use for other builds like all the engine parts that are common, rear end etc. The spark plugs are machined from stainless and white styrene. Boots are shrink wrap. My good camera is kapooted....the one I'm using for these pics cost less than $100.
Mooneyzs Posted April 9, 2013 Posted April 9, 2013 David... This one Sweet build. I am so impressed by your skills and talent. I don't know how I missed this build. Total eye candy!! Can't wait to see the next updates. Nice work.
dpride Posted April 25, 2013 Author Posted April 25, 2013 Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment. I'm getting the valve covers printed (from my 3d model) so I can mold and cast them in metal. I have had to slow spending on bits as it seems like the industry I work in is taking a long break........:-( A lot of pieces are finished and waiting to go on as soon as I get more fasteners that are the right type and scale. Also printing the front Avon cycle tire to be period correct. Will cast in black urethane. thanks again...pix soon.
Ognib Posted May 1, 2013 Posted May 1, 2013 Most impressive! Where can I find pics of your rat rod project?
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