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Post by goofy62 on May 6, 2021 14:39:58 GMT -5
Hey guys!
Remember me? 
Sorry that I've kind of fallen off of the radar for the past few months, but you know how it goes.
But I believe it's time for some updates on this project.
First of all, an interesting development has taken place since I was last here.
The modification work for the interior of this build has since been finished, and due to some inquiries from fellow modelers, an established and respected resin caster has decided to take up the task of recreating the entire interior to be offered for sale to other hobbyists in the very near future.
I will reveal where you can get one of these interiors if you're so inclined when they are closer to being available.
Until then, here are a few pics and a description of what will be included in the interior kit.
The interior is designed to be used with the MPC 1968 Dodge Coronet hard top kit in conjunction with the Revell 1968 Dodge Charger interior and includes the following:
1. Modified interior floor/tub. (Rear package shelf reshaped and door panel installation points added)
2. scratch made door panels. 3. reworked front bucket seats. (Molded in seat belts removed, seat back buttons, seat back detail and seat tracks added and seat re-scribed and reshaped for better definition) 4. 2 part widened rear seat back and base. (seat pieces widened for a hard top configuration, molded in seat belts removed and seat back buttons added) 5. 2 part dash. (upper dash portion reworked to more closely represent the Coronet dash pad) 6. Separate arm rests 7. separate window cranks.
The console, (if desired) and steering wheel will be the responsibility of the customer.
Steve
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Post by goofy62 on May 6, 2021 15:11:12 GMT -5
Since finishing the interior, and while it's away being duplicated, I've been concentrating on the Hemi engine that will fill it's engine bay.
The engine is largely taken from the Revell '68 Charger kit, but has received parts from several other kits, as well as aftermarket and scratch made parts.
I've decided to go with an automatic transmission so the piece from the Revell '69 Dart kit was stolen.
I also pilfered the intake manifold from the AMT '68 Roadrunner, (for fit reasons) and the exhaust manifolds and starter from the Revell '67 Coronet.
The carbs are aftermarket from Fireball Modelworks, (as if there was any doubt) and the distributor is from M.A.D.
Many parts have been modified or scratch built.
Modifications include adding new plug boots and wire looms to the valve covers, adding a vacuum advance and hold down bracket for the distributor, reworking some brackets for the alternator and power steering pump, thinning the belts, and adding a dipstick tube to the block.
The intake manifold has had all of the linkage and return spring brackets fashioned from aluminum and the transmission will have added kick down lever and dipstick detail added as well.
Scratch made parts include oil filter, all of the linkages, (some of which will appear later) fuel filter and fuel splitter.
Steve
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Post by goofy62 on May 6, 2021 15:30:09 GMT -5
Finally, painting has begun on the engine parts.
The engine was painted with a custom mix of Testors flat enamels and clear coated and the remaining parts were painted with black lacquer or various colors of Alclad.
Some detail painting was done and the the majority of parts were protected with Testors clear lacquers and then given a light weathering wash.
Steve
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Post by mack2856 on May 7, 2021 15:36:48 GMT -5
Thank goodness for the internet so that we can all enjoy this, thanks for posting.
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Post by goofy62 on May 9, 2021 23:35:28 GMT -5
Thanks!
Got most of the carb linkage installed today.
Steve
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Post by mustang1989 on May 10, 2021 7:10:26 GMT -5
Your modeling skills are right up there with the best I've ever seen Steve and it's good to see you back around. Hell I've been in the same boat not being around much. Work has been throwing a world of changes my way and home life has been busier than ever so I've been scarce around these parts. I haven't , however, given up modeling. That interior looks great so far and the engine work is immaculately done.
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Post by goofy62 on May 16, 2021 13:45:59 GMT -5
Thanks mustang1989!
Today I installed the coil, distributor base and fuel splitter, and then added the vacuum advance hose, fuel lines and throttle cable.
Steve
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Post by goofy62 on Aug 7, 2021 15:58:02 GMT -5
Okay guys.
It has been quite some time since I updated you on the progress of this project, so I'm going to at least attempt to bring you up to speed.
Since my last post, the engine has been finished.
I've added the distributor and wires, remaining transmission details, etc.
All that remains is a little plumbing that will be added when the engine goes into the car.
Since then, I've moved on to interior and body modifications.
Inside, I've scratch built numerous parts, including most of a standard Coronet steering wheel, a functioning "buddy seat", an entirely new automatic on the tree steering column and associated parts, and a fresh set of pedals including gas, brake and emergency brake pedals, as well as the parking release handle.
One other fun little addition is a scratch made under dash 8-track tape player!
At this point in time, the interior should be about ready for paint with a grand total of 33 parts going into it.........for right now anyway. 
On the exterior, I've finished the work of adding the removable hood hinges, utilizing mini magnets, boxed in the front frame rails, opened up the cowl vents, and added trim and seam detail for a vinyl top.
And finally, I removed the molded in firewall wiring and fashioned and painted a replacement for at least a portion of the harness.
That's all for now.
Steve
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Post by lo51merc on Aug 8, 2021 10:02:53 GMT -5
In order for me to include this level of detail, I think I'd have to be working on a 1/4 scale model. Kudos for all your beautiful work.
Gary
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Post by Dave from Pleasanton on Aug 8, 2021 16:41:35 GMT -5
Spectacular work. Amazing.
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Post by sharp on Aug 8, 2021 21:50:24 GMT -5
Beautiful work all around and very realistic looking too!
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Post by TooOld on Aug 9, 2021 6:12:37 GMT -5
Seeing all of those interior pieces displayed together really shows the amount of work that's going into this build , well done Steve ! BWT - That plastic kit hinge looks pretty good ! You must have thinned it down a lot , usually they're so bulky looking .  |
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Post by mustang1989 on Aug 11, 2021 15:54:18 GMT -5
That is a very good looking effect on the firewall wiring. Gonna have to give that one a shot!!!
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Post by nyratrod on Aug 18, 2021 9:48:20 GMT -5
Your detail and scratch building are killer !!! Keep it up.
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Post by goofy62 on Aug 18, 2021 16:12:38 GMT -5
Thanks much fellas!
This thing fought me all the way, but I'm calling the dash board finished.
I'm confident the remainder of the interior will go much better.
Steve
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It's an interweb thing.....