Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe Revamp

[Jeremy Jon]

I always loved the Daytona Coupes, and wished there was a full detail (with drivetrain) scale kit, which was straight forward to build, but also relatively inexpensive!?

There are some vendors bits that can be had, but still an all inclusive all plastic/resin kit would be ideal

Being that each of the Coupes were unique and individual, it'd also be great to have a selection so to build any of each?

I decided to start with using the Gunze kit as donor, and other kit parts for donor, then scratch build anything needed in between to complete, with the idea toward being able to easily cast also

I recast the basic body to work on variations, and the chassis will otherwise be the same one used between them, except perhaps a 390 version? and of course a factory five hotrod version would be nice too!

I was going to wait and start this post later, as I finish other projects, but in the meantime this can begin and further reference material added to it

Enjoy!

There are actually no two Daytona Coupes which are exactly alike, each were different, and not just in subtle differences, so we will look at making 5-6 different versions of each CSX model

Despite starting with a donor scale kit, the degree of modifications & scratch building needed will not be small, starting with the chassis

Some kit components are reused, but modified & needing extensive cleaning to look right, some parts made from scratch

Many donor kit parts are poor or just plain unusable, so substitute as we go!

Edited September 29, 2014 by Jeremy Jon

[Len Woodruff]

Very Kool Jeremy, I have built both the Gunze kit and the HRM Resin Kit that has all of the mods you have done.

Edited September 30, 2014 by Len Woodruff

[cobraman]

You have my attention !

[vamach1]

What he said :-)

I have built the Gunze but my HRM coupe is still in the box :-(

[Jeremy Jon]

Thanks Ray & Rex

Nice builds Len, those look fantastic!

Ya, so basically my idea is simply a full drivetrain version, but all resin, with detail, but not the high-end, and so easier to assemble, unlike the stock Gunze kit which is awkward (especially those rubber parts)

First the body needs to be cut in two, and begin modifications, with test fitting every step of the way

Sections being modified for final master assembly, including thickening of panel areas for easier casting from

Further interior detail modifications, center tunnel being changed, and panel detailing changes too

[Jeremy Jon]

Once the chassis base is more or less done, then will look into correcting all the proper body details, which may involve some separate CSX model analysis

Donor kit tires are bald, with no sidewall markings at all, so replaced with proper Goodyears, and recast in resin for master build use

[jrherald420]

Wow, nice work! Maybe this will motivate me to build my Gunze Cobra.

[Mike Kucaba]

Me too! I also have the HRM kit and the MFH one. I guess I can use these to accurize . looking forward to seeing the modifications to the Gunze kit.

[dougwintz]

Wow. Great work in progress and nice examples of built versions.

[jrherald420]

So the plans with this is to create a master mold and resin cast these for sale? Any idea of the price point? Will it be a 100% complete kit or will parts of another kit be needed? Sorry to ask this if you have answered it already.

[DrKerry]

Doing it justice Jeremy!!!!!

[Jeremy Jon]

Thanks guys!

This build is the chassis first, but then I'll delve into the bodies once this' done, the wingless original 2287 prototype for sure

I like the idea of making a hot rod version (like factory five car) too

Donor kit includes (horrible) rubber components, which are awkward and troublesome for assembly, these will be recast in rough resin, further modified & attached for final master kit components

Edited October 1, 2014 by Jeremy Jon

[jrherald420]

I still don't understand why Gunze decided to make anything other than the tires out of rubber. I need to find some resin parts to replace the rubber for my kit.

[Speedfreak]

Beautiful project Jeremy, very important car.

[om617]

Superb job as always. Would be relly cool to make a "stradale" version of this.

[Jeremy Jon]

Thanks James, Gene & Tommy!

I don't know exactly James, but PM me your mail addy & I'll send you a set of resin copies of the rubber bits, while I'm making mine

Tommy, what do you mean by Stradale version, like a more street hot rod version?

I also like that idea, and intend to make one extra body recast to make a hot rod version, with some modern seats, large brembo brakes, maybe a more modern DOHC engine?

How would you guys fit one?

I'm just now looking around to find a set of large diameter (to scale) 18-19" wheels, in the similar style, like in photo below

Edited October 2, 2014 by Jeremy Jon

[slusher]

Very cool and interesting build Jeremy. I really enjoy your pictures and explanation of everything..

[Jeremy Jon]

Thanks Carl

LMK if you see these (above) wheels in scale resin anywhere?

[jrherald420]

20141002_082347 by jrherald420, on Flickr

[jrherald420]

Are these what you were looking for? Nevermind i just noticed there is an extra set of spokes........grrrrr NOT what i paid for!!

Edited October 2, 2014 by jrherald420

[Jeremy Jon]

Similar James, those are not what you ordered, it looks like equal to a 16" diameter of the Cobra S/C wheel?

Maybe would work if used as an insert into a billet wheel drum?

Got your mail addy in PM, will send you out a copy resin set

Edited October 5, 2014 by Jeremy Jon

[Jeremy Jon]

Recasting some of the donor kits components into more usable resin, from original rubber & white metal

[Jeremy Jon]

Fitting as we go along building, to ensure proper placement upon assembly

Inner fender forms being constructed, filling in tight between bodywork and chassis interior panels

Extension of rear under apron to be more accurate to actual car, and begin forming inner rear fender wells

Test fitment, looking to proper placement of rear wheel in well, with slight forward bias

[afx]

Looks great Jeremy. I too have noticed on several period photos that the rear wheels are slightly forward in the wheel opening on both the roadsters and the coupes. Good stuff.

[om617]

Tommy, what do you mean by Stradale version, like a more street hot rod version?

Yes exactly. I really like the 18"-19" wheels on the car that was on the picture. Those wheels would go nice on

many classic Ford models,Mustang,Torino,Cobra and so on. If you decide to sell kits with no engine there are

many nice options on the aftermarket. I wish there excisted any 1:24/25 scale DFV Cosworth.

Great progress btw.