Jump to content
Model Cars Magazine Forum

Recommended Posts

Posted

When I was a kid in the mid 70's, I built a dragster called a Dual Jewel. I don't remember much about it, except that it had two engines and I did a crappy job on it.

When I saw this kit at Hobby Lobby, I knew I had to build a double engine dragster again.

post-11641-0-54484000-1365905699_thumb.j

post-11641-0-32026400-1365905710_thumb.j

Posted

I made some progress last night. I decided to paint the frame, valve covers, oil pan, and engine mounts dark red, the engine blocks will be aluminum, and the body will be either gold or bronze. Because I want to paint the valve covers, I had to strip the chrome off them. Took all afternoon and evening to dissolve.

post-11641-0-71350400-1366088893_thumb.j

post-11641-0-32494100-1366088908_thumb.j

post-11641-0-09651300-1366088915_thumb.j

Comments are welcome.

Posted (edited)

After working hard to get this frame put together straight I came back to it last night only to discover the frame was leaning over to the left rather badly. I think the X-frame at the back was warped. I ended up taking the fram apart, removing the X frame completely and cutting the x out, then regluing everything. I had to cut part way through the left side rail at the back of the flat part, and re glue that to remove a warp there. So far this kit has been more of a challenge than I was expecting. The frame is reglued, and looks a lot better now. Maybe some paint will be added tomorrow.

Comments are welcome.

Edited by Gldknght7
Posted

Hey Doug. What did you use to remove the chrome ? Easy off in the yellow can will remove it in a minute or two. Also there are a bunch of other stuff the guys here use and you can see a thread about strippers and chrome removers in the question section. Good luck with your build.

Posted (edited)

I used Clorox with bleach. It wasn't the ideal thing to use, but we had it on hand. I think just straight bleach would have been better. Do you think Easy Off would dissolve the plastic cup I used as a container? I've used some kinds of oven cleaner for, well, cleaning ovens and was really bothered by the smell. Felt like it was burning my lungs. My model area is not well ventilated when it's cold out, and can't have fumes getting into the rest of the house.

Edited by Gldknght7
Posted

The yellow can Easy Off will not eat the plastic container however,,,,,, if you do not have good ventilation don't use it or simply do it outside.

Posted

I use the Easy Off (don't use an off brand) and put my piece into a plastic shoebox that has a lid. Spray it outside, close the lid, and then you can bring it back in. Works for me!

Happy modeling!

Posted

Liquid drain cleaner will take chrome off quite nicely also, and not harm the plastic. You can leave it in overnight for stubborn pieces.

I'm looking forward to seeing the Dual Jewel... but I REALLY want to see that Fiat Altered!

Posted

Made some more progress today since we're having a blizzard and I couldn't make it to work. I think my frame is straight enough, so will leave it as it is.

I think I like this color for the frame, oil pans, valve covers and interior.

Need to wire the engine blocks and paint them.

post-11641-0-48438600-1366329799_thumb.j

post-11641-0-44691800-1366329815_thumb.j

post-11641-0-55239400-1366329829_thumb.j

Comments are welcome

Posted

The easy off works great but use the yellow can and not the blue can.I havent had much luck with the blue stuff.

Posted

This evening I got the engines painted and assembled. These little jewels are less than an inch long. I drilled out the pipes on the inside bank of the right motor and did the plug wires.

post-11641-0-62782900-1366347706_thumb.j

Posted

Last night I got the engines glued to the mounts and the mounts glued to the frame. I also mounted the rear axle. Not looking too bad if I may say so myself.

post-11641-0-82295600-1366651396_thumb.j

post-11641-0-25216300-1366651430_thumb.j

  • 2 weeks later...
  • 3 months later...
Posted

Well, between this site being down, my new job and summer setting in and me not wanting to be inside, it's been a long time since I posted. I have done a little work on the dragster, so here a couple photos. There's lots of chrome on this kit, and all of the tree attachment points are visible, so I'm using a fair bit of bare metal foil to touch up places where chrome has been removed.

post-11641-0-00719300-1376354377_thumb.j

post-11641-0-76165000-1376354386_thumb.j

Posted

what about paint? what is the best thing to strip paint. the paint is testors flat black from a spray can. and is sprayed on resin rims. what would be the best thing to strip the paint off with? would brake fluid work?

  • 5 months later...
Posted

Happy New Years every one. I've been working on this dragster today. I had to trim out quite a bit of material from the inside of the tires to make the hubs fit, and had to drill out the holes in the front hubs so the metal axles would fit, but ended up getting all four tires mounted.

Photos to follow.

Posted

For both paint and chrome, I keep one of those disposable Glad plastic sealable containers about half full with Castrol Super Clean. I drop painted or chromed pieces in and let them sit. Takes everything right off, and then a water rince (with sometimes a toothrbush scrub for corners and stuff) and they come out perfect. And as a benefit, I don't have to worry about the fumes or any dangerous chemicals getting spilled or worse. You can strain it and keep using it, too. Works very well.

doug

Posted

For both paint and chrome, I keep one of those disposable Glad plastic sealable containers about half full with Castrol Super Clean. I drop painted or chromed pieces in and let them sit. Takes everything right off, and then a water rince (with sometimes a toothrbush scrub for corners and stuff) and they come out perfect. And as a benefit, I don't have to worry about the fumes or any dangerous chemicals getting spilled or worse. You can strain it and keep using it, too. Works very well.

doug

Good Grief we're still on the paint and chrome stripping? This thread is actually about my model build, not the techniques for stripping paint or chrome. :rolleyes:

Posted (edited)

Sorry for offering advice. I won't bother the thread again. Enjoy the build.

Please don't misunderstand, I welcome comments and advise, it's just that the paint stripping was discussed back in April of last year and the build has moved on well past that point.

Edited by Gldknght7

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...