chepp
Some Glue required
Posts: 140 
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Post by chepp on Sept 20, 2022 12:00:04 GMT -5
You could do the torsion bars like Chrysler did on the Volare, Diplomats, they had a 90 degree bend and mounted where the front sway bar was. A separate bar for each side. 
That's a good idea, but I'm too lazy. There should be enough room to keep them longtudinal. |
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chepp
Some Glue required
Posts: 140
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Post by chepp on Sept 20, 2022 12:02:18 GMT -5
Maybe, maybe, maybe..... With only three wheels, it's a motorcycle and only one headlight is required.
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Post by Dave from Pleasanton on Sept 21, 2022 21:16:40 GMT -5
Love it. Turn lemons into lemonade.
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chepp
Some Glue required
Posts: 140
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Post by chepp on Oct 16, 2022 22:06:59 GMT -5
The "backwards" idea was just a little too wacky, even for me. This project already has three levels of wackiness so another would be too much: 1. Traditional custom-fodder body with the front fenders/hood replaced with older items (most customs would have newer items). 2. Four-wheeler changed to a three-wheeler. 3. Rear engine using a drive train from a front-wheel-drive car.
In the side view of a rough mockup, the rear of the body is too high because it is resting on the engine. The black plastic parts are from the AMT '49 Ford kit. Tan parts are from a Toronado. It will probably be level after I open up a hole for the engine. I narrowed the Toro frame about 4mm so the rear wheels will fit completely within the body. I discovered too late that the Toro engine is offset to the passenger side to make room for the trans/diff on the drivers side. That will make the exposed engine off-center when it pokes through the trunk. So, I'll probably have to make an aero fairing or something coming back from the driver's seat so the engine location won't look like a mistake. I'm thinking of using the custom dual Latham intake system from an AMT '65 Riviera. Once I get the body position figured out I can add back the lower body, probably with some body sectioning and fender skirts.
Tires on the mockup are Firestone Deluxe Champion 5.50 x 16 from an unknown kit. I'll need to find similar stock width tires appropriate for the 1966 (first year of the Toro) build date for this custom. They could be a little wider but not much. Wheels will not be visible -- and that's a good thing -- because the Toro hubs stick out about even with the wheel rims. I don't know what I'll do for steering: could be a motorcycle fork or a single-sided spindle and spring.
Those white plastic blocks are a frame jig I'm building to support stuff to see how it looks. They're cemented to a piece of .080" styrene. As the build continues, I'll add/move/delete things on the jig.
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chepp
Some Glue required
Posts: 140
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Post by chepp on Oct 26, 2022 17:58:37 GMT -5
The body was sectioned 3 scale inches, an engine opening was cut out and the AMT '49 Ford custom rear pan was grafted on. The hood is glued in place and the first round of puttying is done and rough sanded. Chassis revisions are roughed in, too. I'm expecting to use a motorcycle-style fork front steering/suspension but I'll also be putting on a full-length belly pan so I won't have to build much underside detail. Next up will be making side panels for the hood — those will be time-consuming because of the compound curves at the firewall that transition to nearly flat where the panels meet the grille.
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Post by Dave from Pleasanton on Oct 27, 2022 12:11:07 GMT -5
Glad it's back to forward Charley. Love the 39 grille in front. Looks great by the way.
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Post by patw on Oct 29, 2022 2:25:47 GMT -5
Wowee! Some custom!
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Post by jbwelda on Oct 29, 2022 12:50:30 GMT -5
yep if there is an appropriate word for it, "radical" would be it!
Totally rad.
jb
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chepp
Some Glue required
Posts: 140
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Post by chepp on Dec 19, 2022 17:18:59 GMT -5
I'm baaaack! The left photo shows adding some styrene rod to help locate the '39 Ford grille along with the beginnings of the hood side panels. There is a lot of steel wire buried in epoxy and CA glue to add strength to the modified body. In the right photo you can see additional styrene added to help locate the grille and fill out the compound curves of the side panels. Lots of sanding, adding bits of plastic and then a whole lot of body filler will come soon.
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Post by 41chevy on Dec 20, 2022 12:04:19 GMT -5
Nose is coming out great, I wondered how you would fair it in. What are your plans for headlights? Pop out panels scribed into the sides like Opel GT? Would keep the smooth lines you've achieved. Paul
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Post by Dave from Pleasanton on Dec 20, 2022 12:08:33 GMT -5
Nose looks beautiful Charley. The side panels must have been a bear to get to look so good.
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Post by HotRodTom on Dec 23, 2022 16:04:20 GMT -5
Nose is coming out great, ... Nose looks beautiful Charley.... Not very often guys compliment another guy on his nose job.  |
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chepp
Some Glue required
Posts: 140
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Post by chepp on Jan 1, 2023 20:39:00 GMT -5
Nose is coming out great, I wondered how you would fair it in. What are your plans for headlights? Pop out panels scribed into the sides like Opel GT? Would keep the smooth lines you've achieved. Paul
Thanks! For the headlight(s) I'm thinking of grinding down the backside of the grille to open it up then mount one or two round lights behind the vertical bars. Hidden flip-up lights like you suggest could be cool, too.
I'm building up a support structure for the front wheel. It has to be strong but does not need to look pretty. It won't be visible since there won't be enough of a front wheel opening in the bellypan to see it.
The body is coming along. Here it is with more filling, sanding and primering. There is still more to be done. Now I've got to figure out what to do for the interior and windshield. It's going to be tricky because I need to have a duct between the seats to let cool air under the car get to the radiator just ahead of the engine. Since the engine is offset to the passenger side I'll probably have a headrest/fin extending back from the driver's seat but not the passenger's. For windshields I'm thinking about having a flat 1/3 of a circle for each person.
Thanks all for your comments and suggestions — keep 'em coming!
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chepp
Some Glue required
Posts: 140
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Post by chepp on Jan 1, 2023 20:40:58 GMT -5
Nose is coming out great, ... Nose looks beautiful Charley.... Not very often guys compliment another guy on his nose job. Ha ha. Thanks...I think. Maybe I should name the car Durante! |
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Post by Spike on Jan 2, 2023 12:17:25 GMT -5
This one of the most ambitious models I've seen, can't wait for completion. Keep up the good work.
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