Vector W2 kit build up - JJ

Love it! Continue to be amazed!

This thing is going to be model-car porn when you get it done :D. What kind of putty are you using? And will there be any sort of decals for the interior? Not that I'd complain if there weren't...I'm still psyched that you're even making the Vector.

Thanks Zak!
No decals planned, if you mean for the seats, there will be grooves for laying lines of color in the striped version, the green putty you see there is just squadron brand which is fairly soft, but I use about 3-4 different types besides :)


Love it! Continue to be amazed!

Thanks Jason!
I've been busy with work, but this will be coming to completion soon!

:)

Body is now in 'hard' primer, doors complete, engine hood done & side grills finished (not pictured)
Next is to wet sand smooth (again) and final coat before casting!

Interior underway, starting with some recast seats from kit, but they measured underscale, most specifically in width - to narrow - and lacking a LOT of detailing

The Vector W2 used Recaro Classic sport seats, and had very defined pads
After sectioning the seats to add width, the pads were cut out and shaped, then reattached into the frame

For ease I constructed in 3 parts, base, back & head rests
There were 2 style of head rests, the 'open hoop' style & a solid 'block' style, they both have a particular shape & curved from face profile, also the block style extends far more forward also

Once the basic construction was done, the back panels detail was added, and control knobs added also
I decided to make a single master seat for casting, so the reason for having dual knobs at bottom, so one side or the other can be cut/sanded off to make either a drivers side or passengers side seat
The electronic control panels will be added next after another sanding and priming layer to smooth out imperfections

More to come soon!

:)

That's frustrating, yet again this sites photo attachments doesn't work properly, only shows 5 photos, but 7 are uploaded, and viewer isn't working correctly!?!

i only see 4 pics. you said you uploaded 7? yipes :(

You must have some amazing reference material!

i only see 4 pics. you said you uploaded 7? yipes :(

shows me 7 in the "manage attachments" but can only see 5 on my end, but then only 2 magnify???

You must have some amazing reference material!

Well I've been fortunate to gather up about 800+ photos, some of early assembly shop photos & several magazine scans, many from vectorfiles archives too! :)

I've got many pictures also but none that show the details well enough to duplicate them with any precision

I've got many pictures also but none that show the details well enough to duplicate them with any precision

If you ever want any Jason, just let me know, I'm happy to send you what I have!

Brakes for the inboard rear, and spindle mounted fronts done now, next mold duplicates to complete, made in two parts so that internal fins detail is retained


Suspension construction began, with independent SLA front control arm suspension, with just steering arm holes to drill & steering arm link to make out of metal rod, so will have poseable steering of the wheels


Getting closer!


http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.png

Hm? Only showing 5 of the 7 uploaded again, something wrong with this site!?

Missing 2 re-attached

LOL
stupid site showing only 1 of the 2 photos uploaded :screwy:

last missing of the original 7 pics :tongue:

hahaha i bet the site's messing with you and to make all of us wait even more eagerly in anticipation. :)

great updates!

hahaha i bet the site's messing with you...

LOL you're probably right, it's sure being a pain! :D

Steerable front suspension all complete, and interior taking shape well, with just main dash panel to complete

It's not seen in photos, but is constant touch-ups being done, then wet sanded, then more fill of fine scratches, until all small details are smoothed away

Stance mock up in photos, but next is rear suspension to compete, then car will stand on it's own 4 tires! :)

Getting very, very close to done now! :D

only showing 2 of 5 loaded?? :banghead: going to have to upload all my pics to fotki or flickr maybe

Superb and magnificent work!!!

Simply amazing. Just beautiful craftsmanship here. Keep it up.

Thanks guys, getting close now, fine finishing for casting, and just a few components to finish building! :)

Been so busy with work, summer and projects, it's time to catch this up to completion! :) ...and then final casting!

Rear bumper constructed & completed, Photo comparison of Vector body - with fuel port now added - beside it's 1980's contemporary the Countach body, and wheels for Vector being readied!



https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1095096_494134047346976_1855108535_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1233504_495719343855113_119310089_n.jpg (https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1233504_495719343855113_119310089_n.jpg[/img])

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1014233_494135084013539_1122622309_n.jpg (https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1014233_494135084013539_1122622309_n.jpg[/img])

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1014233_494135087346872_172803028_n.jpg (https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1014233_494135087346872_172803028_n.jpg[/img])

I'll have to load into & start posting linked from my Photobucket account I guess, which takes more time, as this is frustrating, I've tried uploading directly from hardrive & also URLs, through the "manage attachments" window, but they don't show up ...and no forum moderators appear to be working on it?


I can't see what formatting your using to post that with Mikhail?



PS Did my PM reply come through? Now the messages box never shows or saves "sent messages"?!?

I've just add the tag before your link, and the tag after.
I've received your PM. Thanks.

Okay thanks, I must be really tired, it's 4am here, woke up to watch F1 practise, I should have thought to try that?! :rofl:

Jeremy, I hope, you can find the answers to your questions in FAQ
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/faq.php?faq=vb3_board_faq#faq_vb3_reading_posting

Yes thx Mikhail, I've read that before, I just liked using the 'manage attachments' window, it was easier, but now it is faulty, so I'll use linked from my Photobucket account to be sure it works :)

Looks fantastic! I do hope the later style lights will also be available :)

I'm so stoked :) Thanks for the updates!

Thanks Jason! do you mean the later W8 versions?

Thanks Zak! me too, me too! :D

Yes, &/or that last W2 iteration ;)

The W2 did in it's last rebuild take on the W8 pre-production appearances, but this version will be just the W2 prior variations

...however, a proper W8 version would have them ;)

:)

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/1920x1280/21441652.jpg

I'm actually hoping to be able to build the first version (vehicle design force) & perhaps also the final version (or early W8) :)

Ah, you meant the tail lights ...yes, a second bumper design is coming! :)
No wonder this kit is taking me more time than I first thought, I'm building 2-3 different versions all at once LOL :)

That reminds me, there are different headlight covers too, aren't there? Oh boy...

That reminds me, there are different headlight covers too, aren't there? Oh boy...

Between the W2 and the production W8 version, yes the small panels changed that cover the front head lamps, but otherwise were the same enclosures

The first version wasn't slated...was it the same as the W8?

The first version wasn't slated...was it the same as the W8?

For the headlamp flaps/slats, the W2 for most of it's incarnations wore the 4 flap style - as shown in this build - while the W8 became a single panel flap style

I'm not even sure if the first one had headlights...

http://www.carstyling.ru/resources/entries/3659/Vector_W2_(LosAngeles-1977).jpg

I'm not even sure if the first one had headlights...

Correct, that was the first fiberglass styling body, it wasn't street legal nor road worthy IIRC, no working lights on it, not sure it even had a proper interior at that stage
J.W. showed the first styling bodies at a few car shows for the first "years", and only after getting some private investors, started to build the guts of the car
I recall reading somewhere, that the first show car, was just a tube frame and fiberglass, nothing else! :)

Jeremy, will we see Vector finished? :-)

Jeremy, will we see Vector finished? :-)

Absolutely, and very soon!
I have been off model work for a few months after my injury, but healing, and starting to do work again
First importance is to complete my commissioned Shelby Mustang GT500 build (as it was delayed from the injury), then the Vector kits, Coyote/McLaren & 1/12 F40 GTE kits, will be getting my full attention again, with the 250 Cali and D-type kits immediately after :)

Here is photo of the first test casting of the Vector wheels both, and other Vector parts are being molded now also! :D

https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/577474_533431220083925_2440564_n.jpg

Wow, this should be a great Christmas gift to ask Santa for :-)

Okay, some progress photos long over due, but with my hand healed more now, I am able to continue more work again! :)

The W2 rear bumper completed
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1233504_495719343855113_119310089_n.jpg

Rear are of the chassis underside completed, and frame rails made to align with completed rear bumper
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1208571_548072871953093_1289070703_n.jpg

Front wheel wells needed more room for turning wheels/tires clearance, so wells expanded forward to back side of front air dam apron
https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/67864_548077911952589_383002846_n.jpg

W2 rear wing constructed, with side supports
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/67864_548077908619256_1849177642_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/67864_548077915285922_127084260_n.jpg

Test fitment with W2 rear wing in position & stance, also fuel filler port opened and cylinder in placed for cap insert prt (to be crafted)
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1463196_548081161952264_161276231_n.jpg

Nearly there!! :grinyes:
https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1463196_548081165285597_1144489962_n.jpg

Wow! Now it looks almost done. Beautiful work Jeremy.

Excellent! Unbelievable!

Really cool!

Really exciting to see this come together!

Everytime this topic pops up, I smile :D. I'm reminded of how nothing else looks really anything like a Vector...and of how badly I want one! Great work as usual, showing us how it's done.

I personally like the w2 better than the w8.

I personally like the w2 better than the w8.

This build is of the W2, the W8 being the production versions that came later, both are quite similar though

Beautiful work sir, beautiful! I've been a fan of the Vector since it first appeared back in the 80's and my dad, a drafting/engineering teacher, told me about it , and how it was designed on the cad software of the day...the same cad software I was using at the time to draw my own cars (when I was like 8 i think?)

Cool stuff dude!

Many cars I'd like to build are simply not available in 1/24 resin kit form, so I decided to build them
This is one of the first coming off of the bench; the Vector W2

The W2 was the first running Vector built by Weigart, and many thought there were more W2 built, but was in fact just one car, which he kept changing details & paint color on, and today it is still owned by the designer, the later W8 body mold was taken from this first pre-production car
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_W2

I started with some basic scale drawings to form a template basis, and keep dimensions correct from start of scratch build through to casting

Enjoy! :)A'ye Mate, Fantastic job, as well as determination. It was around 1984 (or so), that I got "wrapped-up" in the "J.W." Dream, to the point of constructing my own "Model" of this, full size in my old living room! My wife (at the time), worked as a waitress at Waffle House, and cared for me enough to not only ALLOW this project, but helped fund the building materials cost as well from her tips. I started with 2ea Reccaro KRXT Black cloth Buckets, and two Pirelli P7 205 50 VR15's, and two 285 50 VR15 P7's, mounted on Einke series 24, 5-hole Alum Mags. All this for obtaining proper dimensions. She has the Pics from this "season of insanity" (Ha!) The Wooden Mock-up was on a grid-squared, saw horse mounted, jack screw levelable base platform of 3/4" Plywood, with 1/8" panel sheeting tacked over 3/4" Plywood bulkheads. 'Twas full size with the exception of 5" of lower rocker panel area (you know of this), so as to be able to tilt it up 90 deg on a rolling frame to get it out the door. I seem to recall that the hardest area of work was the infamous "WINDSCREEN"! When it was about 3/4 completed we loaded it up, and moved us, and it to Georgia (from FLA) when I Job re-located, where it spent the remainder of it's time in my possesion in a storage unit until I "GAVE IT AWAY" to a work mate who promised to finish it, (Have you erer seen a "Kit Car" version ?), neither have I !!! Any-who, just to tell you that you had the right idea, and that it could have been a lot ($$) worse, (Ha!). God bless you and yours, and again, GREAT JOB!! P.S. Also had a GM 425 Hydramatic ELDORADO Transaxle that did NOT make the trip. bg

Thanks guys! Cool stories too! :)

Haven't been on this forum since my laptop crashed, along with my passwords and photos :(

More progress has continued with my Vector W2 build, most of which has been some redesign & reconstruction, so make molding/casting easier and more reliable

Rubber tires have been reproduced now, so kits will have the proper Pirelli P7 tires of that era
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1476364_550111051749275_1504635616_n.jpg?oh=1518ea 2e1e63d818aee20d45ce01e0d1&oe=55311301&__gda__=1430009640_baa4bdb81b1f62c56ecf2e200a59d52 8
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Had to develop the graphics, for pending production into adhesive decals, including the original bar graph dash display of the W2 :)
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10704059_692970757463303_6986013567623149981_n.png ?oh=6b894605782092f130ee21beaef5aeca&oe=553EB063&__gda__=1430247378_4a4ee72ef94cff775e92b7cae915d93 3


First of the components being molded for casting :)
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that decal sheet is awesome in a good 80's kind of way :D

sorry to hear about the laptop crash though.

Thanks :) so many facets to this project, all of which require me to learn through trial & error

W2 rear bumper ready for molding/casting
Casting of door(s) now, allows me to make finished buck each for shipping out to have recast in clear resin
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10418220_746973425396369_8825084449089195229_n.jpg ?oh=09dc4345220926d3dd53caae3c8dda57&oe=553A61C0&__gda__=1429582921_30adceb1a6661e71128faa5634cfb0e c


First resin casting of the W2 rear bumper came out well, very happy!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10373702_746973755396336_9199524442143221507_n.jpg ?oh=e0860125d5bce2339c2a7b29e2a3c0a6&oe=55336BF9&__gda__=1425972040_1b517e472eb19c2ce16d5e872a77a93 0

Door plugs cast in resin, now for final fitment, then sent out as masters for recasting in clear resin
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1779171_746974555396256_6679878407194404108_n.jpg? oh=d737e9f05a59cb2a466401143f8309bc&oe=5500D5F9&__gda__=1429821872_712eabd9126c2aa6c190b518c1433b3 2