WIP.....Lowe's Spongebob Nascar M/C...New Updates.9/22/07

[1320wayne]

I started this project about six months ago and I was only able to get so far before the project went back into the box. Now it's time to get back to it in hopes of being able to have it finished for the Atlanta NNL in November.

It is an extreme build Nascar, Lowe's Spongebob Monte Carlo. This was a one race paint scheme for Jimmie Johnson at Daytona in July, 2003. The decals are provided by JWTBM and they are definately worth the price.

This build was inspired by those done by David Thibadeau and Clay Kemp. Utilizing some of their techniques and photo etch from Model Car Garage I started by shaving all of the excess body detail from the Revell kit body that would be replaced by photo etch pieces.

The roof rails were removed and replaced with PE pieces along with the hood holddown plates. The trunk was cut out and PE hinge brackets were added as well as the hood. The roof flaps were cut out and also replaced with PE pieces.

Then the body was set aside and I started working on detailing the tires and wheels. All decals were added and then a light coat of dullcote for realism.

Those were all of the details done before the project was put aside. Now that I am back to it I was able to get the body prepped for paint and paint added.

And then the decaling process began. At this point I have the majority of the decals in place. They go on very good with some decal setting solution needed.

This is where I am at right now. Once the decals are all done the body will be set aside and work on the chassis will begin. I will add more updates within the next few days.

Edited September 22, 2007 by 1320wayne

[RJWood]

And I thought you only specialized in Drag Racing models. Looking like an excelent start. decals are sharp.

Good luck in finishing this for ATL.NNL.

Ron

[1320wayne]

Decals are all done. Here are pics.

Edited September 10, 2007 by 1320wayne

[David Thibodeau]

Looking good Wayne, Keep going.... .its odd, but there are not a HUGE amount of Nascar fans over here, but keep going anyways!!!

DaveT

[jamie]

Looking good Wayne, Keep going.... .its odd, but there are not a HUGE amount of Nascar fans over here, but keep going anyways!!!

DaveT

You're right Dave, there's only a couple of us!!

Decals look great Wayne! It's coming together nicely! Will this be a "wheels off" build? I noticed you drilled out the lug nuts.....

Jamie

[1320wayne]

Jamie, this will in fact be a wheels off displayed model. Thanks for looking.

Here are more pics.

The chassis is all done and painted.

And parts of the front end are done.

Stay tuned for more pics. as I get them done.

Edited September 10, 2007 by 1320wayne

[MikeBoyle]

Nice looking build! I'm not a big NASCAR builder (only have one completed) but I have always enjoyed looking at quality builds like this.

[halfpint33]

Looks nice.Gonna have to show this one to my daughter.She's a spongebob nut.Go figure

[Ken]

Like Mike, I am not a NASCAR builder, but builds like this are awe inspiring. I know what a pain PE can be from some of my armor and aircraft builds. Great start on this one, looking forward to seeing it finished.

[1320wayne]

More, small minor updates.

Brake calipers are in place and all front brake lines are attached.

[1320wayne]

Here are more updates. The rear suspension is pretty much complete. Rotors and calipers, oil lines, brake lines, real springs, bolt heads, etc.. Just a few small details remain on this section of the build.

More updates soon.

[1320wayne]

Here is the latest. The drivers seat is done and placed in the car. The kit part has had added leg extensions, padding and bolt heads as well as photo etch racing harness from Eduard.

[1320wayne]

Here are some pics. of the engine so far. When I do a build such as this that requires so much extra detail, I try to keep the cost down on what I have to spend on aftermarket parts. Wherever possible I scratchbuild what I can. In this case I couldn't see spending the kind of money it costs for a set of aluminum pulleys for my engine.

Instead, what I did, was to utilize the kit pulleys, or more than one, and cut them apart, sand them smooth and use a saw blade for the X-acto and cut the belt grooves into each pulley.

The belt material is black, rubber elastic craft cord that I buy at craft stores in different diameters. I just cut off a piece, glue one end into an area of the pulley that won't show up after fianl assembly and then wrap the cord around the set of pulleys and glue the opposite end in place and cut off the excess.

Then finish it off with painting the pulleys and adding some photo etch barckets for the alternator and power steering pump.

[jamie]

Instead, what I did, was to utilize the kit pulleys, or more than one, and cut them apart, sand them smooth and use a saw blade for the X-acto and cut the belt grooves into each pulley.

The belt material is black, rubber elastic craft cord that I buy at craft stores in different diameters. I just cut off a piece, glue one end into an area of the pulley that won't show up after fianl assembly and then wrap the cord around the set of pulleys and glue the opposite end in place and cut off the excess.

FANTASTIC idea! Wow....I never thought of that....duh. Looks great, Wayne! It's coming along nicely....

Jamie

[Modelmartin]

Very nice build, Wayne. That SpongeBob sponsorship is just so off-kilter it is kind of cool. SpongeBob is the most annoying thing on this planet next to Gilbert Godfrey. UUUUHHHHH!

[1320wayne]

Hey Andy, thankfully this paint scheme was just a one-race deal. I feel that a lot of people would have gotten sick of seeing Spongebob if it had been there any longer.

I also agree with you on Gilbert Godfrey and annoying being synonymous with one another.

Thanks for looking.

[1320wayne]

Here is more. The engine is about complete and ready to go in. I added fuel lines, plug wires and boots and all of the oil lines to the pump.

Then I went ahead and placed the engine into the chassis to make sure that everything would clear the frame rails and that everything could be wired and plumbed without any major hassles.

Now I just need to finish the interior, trunk area and tie together all of the final details.

[Len Woodruff]

Here is more. The engine is about complete and ready to go in. I added fuel lines, plug wires and boots and all of the oil lines to the pump.

What did you use for the gold collars on the Dry Sump Lines?

[1320wayne]

Len, the collars that you speak of are actually small gauge aluminum tubing that I cut to size and painted with Testors metalizer brass to give it that gold color. The tubing is K&S Engineering 1/16" x .014 aluminum tubing.

[Len Woodruff]

Len, the collars that you speak of are actually small gauge aluminum tubing that I cut to size and painted with Testors metalizer brass to give it that gold color. The tubing is K&S Engineering 1/16" x .014 aluminum tubing.

Thanks for the info Wayne. I will give it a try.

[integrityracing]

As Johnny 5 would say "need input, more input"  What did you us for the oil lines, water lines and mics lines?  I have had a bad time the the braided lines.

 

Thanks