Post by traditional on Dec 28, 2019 15:41:13 GMT -5
For some reason, at the beginning of this winter (2019), I was sketching a custom fenderless deuce tub (phaeton) and I soon became inspired to build a model based on that sketch. I usually only build somewhat traditional hot rods, but in this case, I decided to live dangerously, and use a complete Corvette LS3 drivetrain, including independent suspension.
Parts of this model are a bit traditional, and parts are mildly avant-garde: The complete custom tub body including interior, stretched and channeled Deuce frame, fuel tank, tilt front hood and rear body cover are all scratchbuilt from Renshape (a design modelling resin material), using only a bench grinder, chop saw, and rotary tool to form the parts, and then various files and a variety of sandpaper grades were used to finish the shapes.
Styrene sheet was used to form the interior floor as well as the simulated roll-n-pleat interior padding and then aluminum sheet and tubing was used for the handmade hot rod version of independent front suspension as well as the exhaust system and sprintcar style steering system. The late ‘30s style General motors elongated headlight housings were lathe turned from aluminum rod and then polished, the door skins are formed from tin and use handmade suicide-style double acting hinges and formed Renshape inner door panels. The Renshape custom made seat includes a separate center armrest
The entire drivetrain and rear suspension was modified from a Revell Corvette C7 kit and the wheels/tires are modified from those in a ‘50s era Monogram Curtis Indianapolis racecar kit . A Deuce grille shell from a Revell Monogram roadster kit was split, ‘V’ed, and tilted back to match the similarly tilted custom firewall and door details, The modified grille opening is filled using aluminum expanded metal mesh with plated jewelry wire trim.
The tub’s main paint is custom mixed basecoat/clearcoat with fine jewelry wire used for some of the trim.
The project took well over 100 hours but since most of the parts had been test fitted a few times before final assembly, the model went together nicely and completely as planned.