Revell 1956 Chevy Delray Street Machine - Update 12-25-2013

[Exotics_Builder]

I got back onto this after a few months on the shelf. The premise is taking the 56 Delray and updating it into a street machine as might have done in the late 1960’s. Since the Delray already comes with a SMB Chevy engine, I decided that it would be a 327 with new manifold, ram’s horn exhaust and Holley double-pumper. I also decided to replace the Powerglide with a Turbo Hydramatic transmission and keep the column mounted shifter. Here’s the modified engine waiting to go into the chassis:

For the chassis, I decided to do the kit provided but paint out the frame and do the overspray. Because of the change to the Turbo Hydro, I needed to add a new transmission cross member. I used one from a Revell GM A body I had in the parts bin and merged it in.

For color, I decided to do a two-tone using Tamiya Pure White over Testor’s Evening Orchid Metallic. I carried that into the interior as well.

Wheels and tires will be Cragar SS on Redlines.

Still a bunch of cleanup on the engine and continuation of polishing on the body. And yes, there is a oil tube with dipstick on the engine and the plugs wiring is correct for an SMB Chevy. The engine is dry though

Edited December 25, 2013 by Exotics_Builder

[DrKerry]

Looking good!!!!

[Ramfins59]

That engine looks awesome. Where did you get that air cleaner..??

[Exotics_Builder]

That engine looks awesome. Where did you get that air cleaner..??

The air cleaner is a Replicas and Miniatures of Maryland product. I bought a couple several years back. I believe Norm only offers them today in resin

Edited October 1, 2013 by Exotics_Builder

[PowerPlant]

I just bought this kit recently, so I'll be keeping my eye out on yours as a reference

Looks great so far... That air cleaner is something else!

[crazyjim]

I already cast that Lynx style air filter in resin, but what is your made of?

[Exotics_Builder]

I already cast that Lynx style air filter in resin, but what is your made of?

The cover is metal and the base looks like chrome plated resin.

[slusher]

Great looking engine and interior...

[rv1963]

I like your street machine idea, the engine looks awesome.

[DSHWoodworks]

Beautiful work. I love that color and your engine looks awesome. Can't wait to see more!

[blunc]

nice work, not only is that engine well detailed...it appears technically correct down to the heating tube for the automatic choke assembly.

I do have a have a question about the black wire that seems to be attached to the starter. In my experience with full size cars a ground wire was not usually attached at the starter motor, however a small bundler of one or two wires usually were connected to the starter solenoid (smaller cylinder on top of the starter motor on GM products) along with the larger cable coming from the positive side of the battery. The actual starter motor is fed power by a robust strap that is also attached to the solenoid.

not that you need to change anything.

[PappyD340]

Very NICE start love the detail, more please!!

[Exotics_Builder]

nice work, not only is that engine well detailed...it appears technically correct down to the heating tube for the automatic choke assembly.

I do have a have a question about the black wire that seems to be attached to the starter. In my experience with full size cars a ground wire was not usually attached at the starter motor, however a small bundler of one or two wires usually were connected to the starter solenoid (smaller cylinder on top of the starter motor on GM products) along with the larger cable coming from the positive side of the battery. The actual starter motor is fed power by a robust strap that is also attached to the solenoid.

not that you need to change anything.

The diagram I was looking at had two wires from the starter solenoid that ran to a connection with the battery cable. I found it is easier to attach and snip/adjust later if need to once mounted to the chassis and fender wells, etc around the engine.

[blunc]

The diagram I was looking at had two wires from the starter solenoid that ran to a connection with the battery cable. I found it is easier to attach and snip/adjust later if need to once mounted to the chassis and fender wells, etc around the engine.

good choice on work flow.

[Exotics_Builder]

good choice on work flow.

I forgot to add thank you for your info.

I try hard to find references for period correct. For example, modern automatic chokes don't use a heat tube. I also didn't add an auto trans dipstick/tube as it will be getting cramped back against the firewall anyway. I may try to add later or not. I also didn't add an Air Injector Reactor as that would not be done in that era and you couldn't use a ram horn exhaust for that (at least I have never seen an A.I.R. on a ram horn).

[blunc]

I forgot to add thank you for your info.

I try hard to find references for period correct. For example, modern automatic chokes don't use a heat tube. I also didn't add an auto trans dipstick/tube as it will be getting cramped back against the firewall anyway. I may try to add later or not. I also didn't add an Air Injector Reactor as that would not be done in that era and you couldn't use a ram horn exhaust for that (at least I have never seen an A.I.R. on a ram horn).

you're welcome.

the air injection (smog equipment) was a "70's" thing mostly and they found other ways to finish combustion later so that those tubes and the air pump were no longer needed.

will you be plumbing the tranny cooling lines to the bottom radiator tank (easiest option) or mounting a separate coil assembly for tranny cooling (it would look like an AC condenser)?

[Exotics_Builder]

you're welcome.

the air injection (smog equipment) was a "70's" thing mostly and they found other ways to finish combustion later so that those tubes and the air pump were no longer needed.

will you be plumbing the tranny cooling lines to the bottom radiator tank (easiest option) or mounting a separate coil assembly for tranny cooling (it would look like an AC condenser)?

Jury is out on that. I am running short of time to complete this for a club project. I have a "plumbing" diagram, but may run short of time.

The only reason I mentioned A.I.R. is that my 1:1 68 Z/28 came with it, including mounting points in the tube header option.

[Geno]

My favorite tri-five and this one is looking great.

[Johnny Racer]

Some nice detail work here thus far! Very nice!

[Exotics_Builder]

In the final assembly and clean up. This is the really slow part as one doesn’t want to mar the finish.

[slusher]

Looks Sharp...