Short Track Models

Construction Topics => Fab shop-under construction pics => Topic started by: Bob P. on August 29, 2019, 09:59:47 AM

Title: (FINAL UPDATE 10/19) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: Bob P. on August 29, 2019, 09:59:47 AM

I'm attempting a replica of the Harry Fletcher sidewinder driven by Johnny Grum.
The engine was offset to the left, with the driver to the extreme right. This was a unique car, that raced on dirt tracks in central Pa. and Md.

The car started out with a big block Ford, then later changed to a small block Chevy. I'm building the Chevy version.

I'm building this in 1/24th scale. I did build this car previously in 1/18th scale.

I'm using two sprint car frames cut in half, widened and lengthened.

(https://images52.fotki.com/v1639/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20190823_100518_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20190823-100518-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

This pictures shows the widened frame and a standard sprint car frame.

(https://images41.fotki.com/v1670/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20190823_100240_resized1-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20190823-100240-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

This pictures shows some modifications to the frame and wheels and tires.
I'm using the sprint car tires and Big Donkey resin wheels.

(https://images46.fotki.com/v678/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20190829_101735_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20190829-101735-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

Title: Re: (On the bench) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: Lefturns75 on August 29, 2019, 10:48:14 AM

Keep the updates coming Bob, I am going to watch this for some ideas.  I am toying with an old AMT Watson roadster to convert to a Super but I think it will be a lot less work that what you are building.  How many bad words did you use fitting those chassis sides together?  It looks easy but I know it is not. 

Title: Re: (On the bench) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: Bob P. on August 29, 2019, 11:53:09 AM

Lefturns, I didn't use any bad words yet.

The hardest part for me is getting the proportions correct. As I look at my pictures, I'm not sure I lengthened the frame enough.
I'll just keep plugging away and see how it turns out.

Bob

Title: Re: (On the bench) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: Bob P. on August 29, 2019, 05:23:37 PM

Well David, after doing a lot of measuring and calculating I'm going to go with what I have.
At the very most it might be short 2 MM on the wheelbase. from the firewall to the front wheels, it's slightly longer than my 1/18th scale build. I'm trying to use the sprint car tires, so all my mounting points don't need changed. The right rear sprint car tire is about 3 MM larger than a Big Donkey tire. The left rear is smaller than Big Donkey tires. The right rear sprint car tire is a little wide for this time period, but this car was radical.

On the number 6 build I did a while back, I had to make all new mounts for the front and rear axles. I mounted them solid with metal brackets in the middle of the axles, out of sight. So when I get further along with the build we'll see how it turns out. I do know that too long is usually better than too short. To change it I would need to build a new frame.

Bob

Title: Re: (On the bench) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: TarheelRick on August 29, 2019, 06:11:48 PM

Sounds like an interesting build, but for some reason I cannot open the pictures.  I get "Site cannot be found" when I click on the url.

Title: Re: (On the bench) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: Bob P. on August 30, 2019, 10:43:14 AM

Well David, if you could see the wheelbase was too short way down in Arkansas, it had to be too short.

You were correct and I had to give in and do a lot of work to lengthen the wheelbase.
I lengthened it 5 more MM. In scale it's around 100 inches now.

Axles also lengthened on this photo.

(https://images53.fotki.com/v1657/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20190830_111544_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20190830-111544-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

Bob

Title: Re: (On the bench) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: TarheelRick on August 31, 2019, 06:39:23 AM

Technology is amazing, the pictures magically appeared today.  That is some amazing work you are doing, looking forward to more updates.

Title: Re: (On the bench) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: Gary Davis on August 31, 2019, 05:18:04 PM

This is a very cool project Bob. I think the first wheel base was a tad short also. If I remember right...most of the Supers had a wheel base from 98-102 inches. Don't quote me on that. You sure have my building juices going on this one... Looking forward to you next update for sure....

Title: Re: (On the bench) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: PNWfrank on September 01, 2019, 06:05:05 PM

The wheelbase for modifieds/super modifieds varies around the country. The midwest modifieds are mostly 100 inch cars. The supers that raced where I grew up (New Mexico) were around 85 to 88 inch cars, this matched up with Arizona and Southern CA cars which made for some great car counts during special events! It also matches up with most sprint cars around the country, that's why Bob needed to lengthen his sprint car frame to get to 100 inches. Bob, that will be a great project, there weren't many offset dirt cars around

Frank

Title: Re: (On the bench) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: Bob P. on September 08, 2019, 08:01:32 PM

Thanks guys for the comments and interest in this project.

This one is moving slow. I think my next build has to be something easy.

Small update below.

(https://images46.fotki.com/v678/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20190908_202846_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20190908-202846-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

Bob

Title: Re: (On the bench) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: Bob P. on September 14, 2019, 02:11:57 PM

Another small update.

Aluminum panels fabricated, behind seat, firewall and rock guard combined, both side panels and frame brace in place on the left side of frame above the engine.

(https://images40.fotki.com/v1075/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20190914_141403_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20190914-141403-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

Dash and top frame rail shown.

(https://images12.fotki.com/v1226/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20190914_141640_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20190914-141640-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

Front view shows firewall and combined rock guard. Cut out on left for drivers feet to extend forward beside engine and under headers.

(https://images20.fotki.com/v207/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20190914_144229_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20190914-144229-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

Bob

Title: Re: (On the bench) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69 (UPDATE 9/14
Post by: Marty W on September 19, 2019, 01:11:59 PM

That looks like it's going to be a nice one! Good subject.

Title: Re: (On the bench) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69 (UPDATE 9/14
Post by: Gary Davis on September 19, 2019, 01:17:49 PM

You're doing some GREAT fab work Bob.

Title: Re: (On the bench) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69 (UPDATE 9/14
Post by: Bob P. on October 01, 2019, 04:50:55 PM

Another small update,

Finished making a couple more body panels using thin aluminum.

(https://images42.fotki.com/v1257/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20191001_170039_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20191001-170039-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

Front bumper and screen installed.

(https://images51.fotki.com/v1654/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20191001_170326_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20191001-170326-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

Left side view.

(https://images53.fotki.com/v1657/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20191001_170811_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20191001-170811-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

Engine, dash panel and tires and wheels.
Tires and wheels from Big Donkey resin.


(https://images53.fotki.com/v1657/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20191001_170008_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20191001-170008-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

Thanks for looking.

Bob

Title: Re: (On the bench) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69 (UPDATE 9/31
Post by: BobD on October 01, 2019, 05:10:59 PM

This looks great Bob!  Not something I would attempt - keep the pics coming!

Title: Re: (On the bench) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69 (UPDATE 9/31
Post by: Marty W on October 01, 2019, 06:34:03 PM

I predict another winner....

Title: Re: (On the bench) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69 (UPDATE 9/31
Post by: Bob P. on October 01, 2019, 06:48:41 PM

Reply to Davids question about the aluminum sheets used in a lot of my builds.

The aluminum sheets are used in the newspaper printing industries.
I have a friend, I met at a model club meeting, that works for a newspaper printer.
At one of our meeting, he brought ten or fifteen sheets and gave some to anyone who wanted a sheet or two.
Most members were not interested in using aluminum for building.

The sheet size is 23" X 10 1/2"
The thickness is .2 MM or 1/128 of an inch thick.

The sheets are grey on one side and shinny aluminum on the other side.
The shinny side looks just like a sprint car wing, raw aluminum unpainted.

(https://images20.fotki.com/v682/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20191001_192846_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20191001-192846-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

(https://images12.fotki.com/v539/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20191001_192857_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20191001-192857-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

I probably use it a little too much on my builds, but it's nice to bend and holds it shape.

Bob

Title: Re: (On the bench) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69 (UPDATE 9/31
Post by: Greg Birky on October 02, 2019, 10:54:17 PM

Very cool project, Bob, and neat fab work!!!🤗🏁🏁🏁


When scratchbuuilding all materials are acceptable in my book, especially when the materials are free!!!

Title: Re: (On the bench) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69 (UPDATE 9/31
Post by: Bob P. on October 05, 2019, 10:44:56 AM

Another small update

I finished making the tail tank, also aluminum.

I did the cut outs on the side panels and formed the rounded area at the rear.
Then made a fixture out of a block of wood.
Next get the two sides aligned and clamp them tight.
Bend the top area of the tail tank to match the sides.
Put CA glue on the top edges of the side panels and attach the top panel, hold in place and spray some quick set to lock in in place.
Then the seam on the inside gets build up with thin layers of CA glue, then apply baking soda on each layer, dries immediately. this makes a very strong joint.
The top panel overhangs the sides. I sand it down close with my small belt sander, then finish with file and sanding blocks.

(https://images43.fotki.com/v1384/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20191005_104252_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20191005-104252-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

(https://images43.fotki.com/v1218/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20191005_093231_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20191005-093231-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

(https://images20.fotki.com/v207/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20191005_093120_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20191005-093120-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

Thanks for following along and for the nice comments.

Bob

Title: Re: (On the bench) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: Bob P. on October 09, 2019, 03:03:52 PM

Thanks again guys for all the nice comments on this build.
More updates soon.

Check out the driver Johnny Grum in this picture.
He had to wear an arm guard, his right arm would rub the right rear tire.

(https://images44.fotki.com/v1405/photos/4/3814514/14357737/JohnnyGrumarmguard-vi.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/johnny-grum-arm-guard.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

Bob

Title: Re: (On the bench) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69 (UPDATE 10/9
Post by: Bob P. on October 12, 2019, 06:46:13 PM

Another update:  All body panels fabricated and ready for paint.. I still need to finish the top wing.

(https://images52.fotki.com/v1552/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20191012_192623_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20191012-192623-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

Front screen material provided by John 2 on the forum.

(https://images46.fotki.com/v297/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20191012_192603_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20191012-192603-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

(https://images45.fotki.com/v1200/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20191012_192632_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20191012-192632-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

Bob

Title: Re: (UPDATED 10/12) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: Marty W on October 18, 2019, 05:31:54 PM

Can't wait to see this one done! Just gotta go find my drool bucket again.

Title: Re: (UPDATED 10/12) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: Greg Birky on October 19, 2019, 09:20:17 AM

Man, Bob, your metalwork it gorgeous and I’m in awe of how beautiful this car is even without color on it!!!🏁

Title: Re: (UPDATED 10/12) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: Gary Davis on October 19, 2019, 12:56:27 PM

This is sure looking GOOD Bob. I can just smell the Methanol as I walk by in the pits. This is going to REALLY look good with the paint on it....

Title: Re: (UPDATED 10/12) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: Bob P. on October 19, 2019, 03:18:01 PM

FINAL UPDATE, prior to completion.

Thanks again for your interest and comments on this build.

All body panels complete and painted. Top wing still needs blue paint on side panels.
Parts just set in place for pictures. Rear bumper needs completed after decals are applied to tail tank.
Greg Holland is doing his magic on another set of decals for this build.
Next post will be the finished build.

Even if your not posting pictures to the forum, it's good to take several pictures and look at them.
I can clearly see on the pictures the wing is setting too high above the roof, simple fix to shorten the mounting pins.

(https://images46.fotki.com/v677/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20191019_153502_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20191019-153502-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

(https://images46.fotki.com/v678/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20191019_153532_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20191019-153532-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

(https://images14.fotki.com/v219/photos/4/3814514/14357737/20191019_153854_resized-th.jpg) (https://public.fotki.com/Bob-P/harry-fletcher-66-d/20191019-153854-resized.html)Hosted on Fotki (https://www.fotki.com)

Bob

Title: Re: (FINAL UPDATE 10/19) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: Gary Davis on October 19, 2019, 03:37:23 PM

Man....I knew it would look good!! That just looks COOL as hell!!! Again....great work Bob...

Title: Re: (FINAL UPDATE 10/19) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: Bob P. on October 19, 2019, 03:46:12 PM

Thanks Gary, I hope to have it finished soon.

Bob

Title: Re: (FINAL UPDATE 10/19) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: Marty W on October 22, 2019, 05:46:07 PM

I love watching your vintage racers evolve!

Title: Re: (FINAL UPDATE 10/19) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: BobD on October 22, 2019, 10:24:59 PM

This is truly a 'work of art' Bob! Great job!

Title: Re: (FINAL UPDATE 10/19) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: sentsat71 on October 23, 2019, 08:34:34 AM

Another FANTASTIC build!!

Title: Re: (FINAL UPDATE 10/19) Harry Fletcher 66 driven by Johnny Grum 1967 thru 69
Post by: Bob P. on October 29, 2019, 08:20:40 AM

Thanks for the nice comments, your encouragement keeps me building.
Finished build now posted under open wheel section.

Bob