Short Track Models
Construction Topics => Fab shop-under construction pics => Topic started by: thirdgearspeedshop on April 19, 2019, 11:43:33 AM
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Hey guys, I just started this project. It will be a late model dirt track Camaro that ran around 80-81. I remember watching these as a kid (I'm the little guy in the photos). I'm using a vacu-formed body from Ron Coon and will be using a modified AMT NASCAR frame. stay tuned for more updates.
(https://i.imgur.com/QReVwLm.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/YntmJyp.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/08zepfX.jpg)
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Gonna be cool for sure.
Let me know if you need more Freddy Smith/dirt late model reference pics. Freddy was my dirt track hero from my days in Carolina.
Nice photos......
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Gonna be cool for sure.
Let me know if you need more Freddy Smith/dirt late model reference pics. Freddy was my dirt track hero from my days in Carolina.
Nice photos......
I have collected alot of photos but I'll take all the reference pics I can get. I would love to see what you've got. I wasn't going to do a replica build but I do want it to be correct for this era.
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The pic you posted of Freddy's new looking car....... was that Gaffney, SC opening day, Feb of 1981 or 1982?
If so, I was at both opening day races those years. I went to many races with Freddy and his family in those days.
Here's a few for you from the early '80s that I've taken...........
(https://media.fotki.com/2vAQHfe2xueqpT.jpg)
1981 West Atlanta Speedway, GA
(https://media.fotki.com/2vPiow8MxueqpT.jpg)
1982 Eldora Speedway - Rossburg, OH
(https://media.fotki.com/2vAQJKyLxueqpT.jpg)
1980 Summerville, SC
(https://media.fotki.com/2vPiEMR5xueqpT.jpg)
1981 Lavonia, GA
(https://media.fotki.com/2vAQHTerxueqpT.jpg)
1980 Volusia County Speedway, FL
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Thanks for posting the cool pics! I remember watching Buck Simmons in that red 41 also. The photos I posted were at Anderson SC when it was dirt. It's paved now.
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I remember seeing Leon Archer win a 100 lap race at Anderson along about this time.
So dusty, couldn't see much after the 3rd lap.......... they ran 100 laps, no cautions.
Looking forward to your progress on this one, TGSS.
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I remember seeing Leon Archer win a 100 lap race at Anderson along about this time.
So dusty, couldn't see much after the 3rd lap.......... they ran 100 laps, no cautions.
Looking forward to your progress on this one, TGSS.
Yes, I remember watching Archer's maroon and gold 222 at Anderson
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NDRA Concord, NC - 1979
(https://media.fotki.com/2vAQHYNjxueqpT.jpg)
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Hondo, those are some absolutely great pictures! I have added them to my reference picture collection......thanks for sharing! :)
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That's the Leon Archer car I remember watching. Someone should make decals for those NDRA guys.
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My original plan was to use a modified AMT NASCAR frame but after playing around with it, it just wasn't working with the quick change and leaf spring set up I wanted to use so I decided to combine the front clip of the AMT NASCAR kit with the back half of a Dart/Duster kit car. The rear end and leaf springs come with the kit car so things fit up nicely. I fabricated a rear bumper, body mounting points and front crash bar just behind the front spoiler. Lot's more to come.
(https://i.imgur.com/QhSi5GO.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/iwUFf3I.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/td6MFHO.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/v9uR47s.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/KYPNq4H.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/CP4jZ8N.jpg)
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Looking good, keep us posted.
Bob
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Good looking start on this Camaro. Is it going to be curbside or are you going to cut the hood open?
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Good looking start on this Camaro. Is it going to be curbside or are you going to cut the hood open?
I will be cutting the hood open and fully wire/plumb the engine, brakes, etc.
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Great choice on making the decision to go with NASCAR/Chrysler Kit Car combo on the frame....don't hesitate on mixing and matching frames with this generation of dirt Late Models.....seen quite a bit of different and unique designs mid to late '70s thru the early 80's.
The other night I was eye balling using the frame, roll cage and interior w/ 180 headers from the AMT/ERTL Pontiac GTO Super Stocker with a '71 Mustang for a dirt Late Model....with the adjustable wheel base I'm able to get the correct wheel base needed and with the frame being a generic type, I could create something plausible from the mid to late 70's.
Your stuff is looking good....real good.
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Looking great so far Travis!!! 8)
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Looking very good!!! I want to build one of these myself, great to see yours come to life!!!
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Update:
I tackled the task of making cross over headers this weekend. For a first attempt, I think they came out pretty good. The collectors are resin pieces from Ron Coon. The header tubes are 1.6mm styrene rod. I still need to make the flanges where they mount to the heads. Still debating about the finishing details: wrapping them or leaving them a metal color? lots of fab work to do before I get to that stage.
(https://i.imgur.com/ti0mFBi.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/IPCfWOe.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/NSbHYtE.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/6sPHYyh.jpg)
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What did you use, or where did the collectors come from? Great job on these!
Rett
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Hey, Thirdgear, those are the most convincing 180 degree headers I’ve seen. You aught to do a tutorial on how you made them. This car is turning out very well, keep up the good work.
Olderndirt
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Hey, Thirdgear, those are the most convincing 180 degree headers I’ve seen. You aught to do a tutorial on how you made them. This car is turning out very well, keep up the good work.
Olderndirt
Thanks buddy. I have considered doing a tutorial on my YouTube channel. If there's enough interest I will make one.
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Well, put me down for a yes. I’m just a lot better at working with plastic than I am with solder, or brass wire.
Olderndirt
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I'm a yes on that also!!!
Rett
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I'm a big YES also!
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After looking at this awhile, the headers seem to exit the body awful high. I hope I haven't made a mistake here. Feel free to chime in. At the moment I'm collecting parts for the rack and pinion steering. So far a kind modeler on another forum has sent me the rack and pinion plus the A arms from the AMT 32 Phantom Vicky. Still looking for the steering arm with the u joints molded in. I may need to make my own.
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It seems to me, that as you look back in history, just about anything and everything happened to short track cars at one time or another. So if you are modeling a particular car you might want to redo the exhaust. But if this is to be a " coulda been " its probably ok. Just my 2 cents.
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yeah, it's not a replica. Just want it to look authentic.
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Third, what you have built yourself is a fine set of Crossover headers and you are right on the money. Those could dump anywhere and yours look spot on. That style never had the cool sound of the firing order 180 degree style but I always thought they sounded better than those weed-burner zoomies. Not only that, they are a whole lot easier to mount than 180's on the 1:1 or model car. Keep building, It's looking cool.
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There you go.
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I am back on this project now and have turned my attention towards the cage and interior tin. There are lots of things to figure out so I'm proceeding cautiously. The cage isn't perfect, but after the "tin" is installed you wont see the imperfections.
(https://i.imgur.com/BQdRoxe.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/Ty9D4BB.jpg)
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This build is coming along nicely. Some fantastic fab work taking place here.
Keep us posted.
Bob
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I got most of the tin work and dash mocked up. Next I'll turn my attention to the front steering so I can locate the steering wheel and permanently attach the drivers compartment.
(https://i.imgur.com/LyYoAHu.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/EkrLUDp.jpg)
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Super clean work!
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WOW looks awesome!!
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Really looking good. I can't wait to see this one finished.
Bob
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Nice fit and fab on the cage Third, Well Done. That multi-bend rear hoop is not the easiest to do but you hammered it. Keep going, you're nailing it.
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I concur with what Lefty said......halos and the rear hoop are two most difficult pieces to make with a scratch built cage...I've screwed up more than I'm willing to admit. Everything looks like its right where its suppose to be with the chassis ,cage and interior.
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It was suggested in another thread on this forum that around 80/81 these cars used rack and pinion steering. I worked on the rack and pinion conversion this weekend as well as the coil over shocks. I cut out the steering on the NASCAR kit and used the steering from an AMT Phantom Vicky. NASCAR shocks were used a base for the coilovers. Slight modification was done to the upper A arm area of the NASCAR front clip to make room for the coilovers and a small bracket was fabricated and to the roll cage to attach the shock.
(https://i.imgur.com/ax217sf.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/UXNpaLn.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/BRjJB2i.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/8EneVa6.jpg)
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Wow! You're doing a fantastic job on this..Can't wait to see more! 8)
Rick :)
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Yup this one is coming along super!!!
Rett
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This one just keeps getting more realistic by the day!!! Diggin’ it!!!
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Man TG...your'e doing some mighty fine FAB work here. I'm sure enjoying watching this build come together...
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Outstanding so far!
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I have started to get back into this one after it sat a while. I've got the front coilovers mocked up and the rear end with shock mounts added. I'm working on the front spindles now. Next step is to get it on 4 wheels and check the ride height as well as figuring out the body mounting points.
(https://i.imgur.com/dAyYzLZ.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/R5Iwfk2.jpg)
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Oh yea....looking good TG.
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More progress was made over the holiday weekend. I sorted out the steering shaft, installed the master cylinders, finished the tin work and started on the drivers side door bars. I also got it up on 4 wheels and test fit the body. Still a ways to go but it's coming together.
(https://i.imgur.com/unnO2mNl.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/aQZW4AUl.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/lwjx5lkh.jpg)
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That's sure looking good TG. Your fab work really shines.
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Your work is really very good, and certainly far beyond me. It's going to be quite a model when you finish.
As I sat here looking at the pictures from early in this topic, I couldn't help but think how much more interesting these cars were than those of today. You know, the square , flat ones, that look like they are going to fall over in the turns. I guess that is the artist in me poking through.
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Incredible fab work! Been following this build, can't wait to see more! It really looks good with the body on it. Gonna be a good one!
Rick :)
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I finally got some paint on this one. I have finished the rear end and seat. Also finished the front suspension and plumbed the brake lines both front and rear. Next will be rear shocks, fuel cell and engine detailing.
(https://i.imgur.com/4NY5hZu.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/2ce55fh.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/QBZeMIT.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/2KaKrET.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/nxWD9t3.jpg)
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Hey third that fab work is beyond outstanding can't wait to see the finished product. And for the header you tube, put me down for 800 yesses and thanks for posting this build!
Al
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WOW! This is one outstanding piece of work!! I know how many hours go into my builds... this would take me several years to accomplish something with this detail!
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Alright then...TG..your work is really shining on this bad boy. You have the attention to detail in Spades on this build.
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Alright then...TG..your work is really shining on this bad boy. You have the attention to detail in Spades on this build.
Thanks Gary. I wasn't sure if the brake line to the rear would have run under the frame like that but that's about the only way I could get it to work. I'm also missing a couple support bars in the rear ( mental note for the next one) hopefully it won't be noticed.
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Super detailing. Wish I could get my cages and other bars to look so good. Do you pin them? I haven't figured out exactly how to do that yet!
Rett
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Super detailing. Wish I could get my cages and other bars to look so good. Do you pin them? I haven't figured out exactly how to do that yet!
Rett
Thanks Rett. I do not pin the cage bars. I fishmouth them and use Tamiya styrene cement. The solvent based cement welds(melts) the sytrene so sometimes a fishmouth is not needed. I did pin the leaf springs in place, mainly for mock ups but the pins allow for assembly without glue also.
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Super detailing. Wish I could get my cages and other bars to look so good. Do you pin them? I haven't figured out exactly how to do that yet!
Rett
Thanks Rett. I do not pin the cage bars. I fishmouth them and use Tamiya styrene cement. The solvent based cement welds(melts) the sytrene so sometimes a fishmouth is not needed. I did pin the leaf springs in place, mainly for mock ups but the pins allow for assembly without glue also.
Thanks Mark, I'll have to look for Tamiya Styrene Cement.ds
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Everything is looking absolutely great.
I had the same issue's with the rear brake lines on deciding which way to go when I started plumbing brake lines. I figured that once everything is in place, things like brake lines, fuel lines, etc., that those lines somewhat disappear, so what I do is just run them along the top of the rear frame and/or some of the horizontal bars of the cage to where the rear fire wall is to give the appearance that they pass thru the interior cockpit. Take a look at the on going '78 Mustang II dirt late model build (page 3) and you will see what I am talking about.
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I've got the engine and fuel cell almost ready to drop in. still need a black wash on the valve cover breathers. Fuel lines are in place, plug wires and magneto are installed. The air cleaner and fan will be put on once the engine is in the frame.
The carb, valve covers, valve breathers and oil pan came from Ron Coon. The magneto came from Morgan Automotive Detail. Headers, fuel log and fan belts/pulleys are scratch built. Block, heads, intake and tranny are NASCAR AMT.
(https://i.imgur.com/mRnQ1a5.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/S9YSL9k.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/TLW1xpK.jpg)
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Great fabwork!
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This is sure looking good TG. Great job on the fabbed headers...
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More progress. Hopefully I'll have the body painted this weekend.
(https://i.imgur.com/rOvqwEZ.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/QzscO9u.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/wohbYrr.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/MYEEJsf.jpg)
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Wow third That is spectacular work that engine is a true work of art, a true masterpiece. Can't wait to see the finished product.
Al
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...Getting better all the time. Where did you get that fuel log?
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...Getting better all the time. Where did you get that fuel log?
I made it from styrene rod, wire and a couple of compression fittings from Detail Master.
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Looking awesome Travis!
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That racing harness sure looks good. That whole cockpit looks Good!!
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Great detail work! This will be a good one.....
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This one is in the books fellas. I finished up over the holiday weekend and decided to also make a dirt track/wall/catch fence to display it on. I'm super proud of this one given that it was my first time working with a vacu-formed body, and using two kits for the frame was a challenge. I will post more pics in the Cars with Fenders section.
(https://i.imgur.com/ggiyNaE.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/CWuBWa3.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/lEr5Bul.jpg)
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That really looks good. The track is KILLER also. You sure captured the look of a slick track. Great job T.G.
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Awesome fabwork. The finished product is superlative. Thanks for the very informative wip. Oh yeah, and my favorite thing about the whole model is the pipes through the door. Thats really an awesome touch.
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I totally agree about this build being outstanding. I also agree about the 180 degree headers exhausting through the right door. I’ve been working on a T-bird with a similar exhaust system. Getting that exhaust bent in the right direction, and coming out where its supposed to ain’t easy.
Olderndirt
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Fantastic build, very well done.
Bob
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Love the details in everything! The tires and wheel I like the most!