Challenger, Cuda Pro-Touring

I've hit an absolute wall with the VW builds. Don't know what it is...So I got a wild-hair and thought it might be time
to do some American Muscle...Did some quick moch-up of Revell Challenger and Cuda.
Nothing is set in stone yet re: wheels and stance but I'm going to do some more work today and see where it takes me...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/104_3883_zps1cf6e137.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/104_3883_zps1cf6e137.jpg.html)
The Cuda will be dropped some more in the rear and I need to fix the alignment of the front axle.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/104_3886_zps05c30eee.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/104_3886_zps05c30eee.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/104_3884_zps36f3cb14.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/104_3884_zps36f3cb14.jpg.html)
Threw some Aoshima VIP 20"s on for Sh@#-giggles.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/104_3892_zpsc4d275c7.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/104_3892_zpsc4d275c7.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/104_3895_zpsbb0acf8e.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/104_3895_zpsbb0acf8e.jpg.html)
I'm doing both in "Pro-Touring" style. I'd planned on keeping them simple but last night I remembered
I had a dodge concept truck w/an IFS rear and Viper motor that might work well with either of these kits....
Oh here I go again....

Did a little work...
Pulled this hood section from a Shelby Series 1 kit.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/104_3909_zpsf610aa88.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/104_3909_zpsf610aa88.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/104_3908_zps897eebea.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/104_3908_zps897eebea.jpg.html)
should have a cleaner fit by the end of the weekend.

A Little more work on the Challenger. Grafted on the rear section of a second series 1 hood as it wasn't long enough.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/10313540_10203624207225348_278765121790863403_n_zp s5eefa739.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/10313540_10203624207225348_278765121790863403_n_zp s5eefa739.jpg.html)
And should have waited until I had more time to apply putty as I laid it on way to thick in a hurry.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/000_0040_zpsd49abda4.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/000_0040_zpsd49abda4.jpg.html)
And after some sanding and a little primer to see where I'm at, I'm close. A little more sanding and fill some pin-holes.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/000_0053_zpsd0ce50e0.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/000_0053_zpsd0ce50e0.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/000_0052_zps2272b99f.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/000_0052_zps2272b99f.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/000_0051_zps0cb388f4.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/000_0051_zps0cb388f4.jpg.html)
A Viper SRT kit is in the mail headed my way to donate its V10. (Though I'm having some crazy alternative motor ideas..)

I love the body work you've done. The grafted on Shelby hood looks like it belongs. And sticking a viper motor under the hood is a brilliant idea. Cant wait to see more. Keep em coming.

David

Thanks David. It's been a long time since I've done any major body mods, (though I don't know if a hood scoop should classify as major.) If I do go Viper V10 I plan on doing an ITB intake like this.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/s85_teaser9-1_zpsdeb1e1c3.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/s85_teaser9-1_zpsdeb1e1c3.jpg.html)
We'll see how it goes though.

No build updates. The ARC viper kit arrived to donate the V10, and some very nice bucket seats but I have had little to no build time. The V10 and seats have been washed and dried so I hope to get some build time in this weekend..

Some slow progress. Got in a couple hours for father's day.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/10380324_10203964971384239_3392965528461057063_n_z ps5e6ea736.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/10380324_10203964971384239_3392965528461057063_n_z ps5e6ea736.jpg.html)
I trimmed the inner fender wells to make room for the Shelby Series 1 chassis. It's kind of
freaky how well it's all fitting together after a little trimming.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/chassis_zps18bf88e5.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/chassis_zps18bf88e5.jpg.html)
The front and rear mocked up to see how much to cut the second donor chassis. It's actually
a near perfect fit once I trim the second chassis on the 3rd panel there will be a total of 5 panel sections.
(There are 4 sections to the series 1 chassis.)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/CAM00618_zps5554b846.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/CAM00618_zps5554b846.jpg.html)
The marked sections are where I'll cut. I should have them grafted together in the next day or two.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/10433945_10203964973344288_4820023218385564295_n_z pse5f2ae30.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/10433945_10203964973344288_4820023218385564295_n_z pse5f2ae30.jpg.html)
I also trimmed out the rear seat as it interfered with the IFS from the Shelby.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/10421375_10203964974064306_4940288521666553108_n_z ps5d0b3c6c.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/10421375_10203964974064306_4940288521666553108_n_z ps5d0b3c6c.jpg.html)
I'll graft in this section of the Shelby interior tub to make the Challenger a 2 seater.
(The V10 from the Viper will be moved back so this again, works out really well.)

nice project

Thanks. It's getting there slowly.

Work is at a slight standstill. A botched order from Stradasports,(7 days with out an order confirmation or if parts were even in stock,
cancelled order and ordered from over-seas should be here this week.) Items I need to set up Chassis properly and motor position. Eager to get going again.

Hay now I like this type of work, keep at it!!!!

Snuck in a little more work today:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/98bd186d-9f4e-4cf5-9d37-ca7e6c93d74d_zpsebb7ab2e.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/98bd186d-9f4e-4cf5-9d37-ca7e6c93d74d_zpsebb7ab2e.jpg.html)
Added two squares of evergreen to the rear section, (pink arrows) and then lined front and rear up w/the stock chassis.
And glued them together.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/4cec5931-cf59-43a1-8457-c9486535ba40_zpsd10ef864.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/4cec5931-cf59-43a1-8457-c9486535ba40_zpsd10ef864.jpg.html)
Tomorrow I'll fill this section then once cleaned up, apply carbon fiber decal to the chassis pan.
(Any recommendations on the best carbon fiber decal?)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/challengerWIPVI_zps16459895.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/challengerWIPVI_zps16459895.jpg.html)
Dang it's sitting low now. (Oh, I had to sand the bottom portion of the windshield and the under side of the engine bay bulk
head to get the chassis to fit properly. Photos to follow.)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/wheels4WIPVIII_zps939d78ec.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/wheels4WIPVIII_zps939d78ec.jpg.html)
I picked these up from factory 81, http://www.eightyone81.com/ Not bad for $15 shipped. (Though wish they were two piece.)
Though I'm not sure I'll end up using them, I'm having a hard time deciding on wheels.

I tried a few other wheels on. (Sorry for the lousy cell phone photos.)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/challengerWIPIII_zps613529de.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/challengerWIPIII_zps613529de.jpg.html)
The Factory81 wheels
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/challengerWIPIV_zps6c3ffee5.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/challengerWIPIV_zps6c3ffee5.jpg.html)
Aoshima 20" BBS LMs
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/ChallengerWIPII_zps41c746f6.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/ChallengerWIPII_zps41c746f6.jpg.html)
Tuner Model Manufactory 20" Hamanns
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/challengerWIP10_zpsf4716c71.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/challengerWIP10_zpsf4716c71.jpg.html)
Aoshima VIP wheels (forgot what they are called.)
I also did some rough work, not yet worthy of photos, on the interior.
I hope to get more work done tomorrow..

Can't beleive I started this "quick-build" project over a year ago...

Well, got some time in last weekend. Nothing major but it felt good to be moving forward.

My patch job on the chassis didn't work like I'd hoped and created
warpage so I used some plastic sheet to lay this on and that reinforced it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/20150607_133407_zpsorklbu8i.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/20150607_133407_zpsorklbu8i.jpg.html)
The Viper V10 is now attached to the Shelby's rear trans-axle using
some parts bin pieces.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/20150607_134743_zpsrnqy7cuz.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/20150607_134743_zpsrnqy7cuz.jpg.html)
Plan on getting in more work this weekend. I want this done before another year goes by...

good to see you back on this build!
i am guilty of doing the same thing, you have inspired me to get back on some of mine haha

Thanks.
I'm now chomping at the bit for the weekend to get here so I can work on it some more.
I'm trying to focus and not let my continually progressing ideas for the build get in the way.

Got in a couple hours today. Most of it dirty work, (Sanding, test fitting,sanding, changing plans.) not worthy of photos.
I did do some test fitting on where the V10 fill sit.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/20150613_162540_zpsugrkqgrm.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/20150613_162540_zpsugrkqgrm.jpg.html)
I wanted to use as much of the Shelby chassis as I could but to do that the V10 would have sat so far back, the motor
would have barely been visible.
So, now sitting farther forward, and more visible, I'll have to do more scratch building...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/20150613_162449_zpsklvcykjt.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/20150613_162449_zpsklvcykjt.jpg.html)
Also test fitted the valve covers and velocity stacks. I'll add fuel rails
etc and paint the stacks silver.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/20150613_163540_zpsefuh2bpl.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/20150613_163540_zpsefuh2bpl.jpg.html)

looking good!

This is awesome so far!!!

Well, no work progress on Sunday, (apparently it was family day unbeknownst to me.) but I just ordered these.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/B20150207202633859_zps4j8f0shp.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/B20150207202633859_zps4j8f0shp.jpg.html)
And
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/3__49002.1409270914.1280.1280_zpszkk6fnae.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/3__49002.1409270914.1280.1280_zpszkk6fnae.jpg.html )
Leaning heavily towards the Hobby Design Workmeisters as I've always loved those wheels. We'll see.

Well, no work progress on Sunday, (apparently it was family day unbeknownst to me.) but I just ordered these.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/B20150207202633859_zps4j8f0shp.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/B20150207202633859_zps4j8f0shp.jpg.html)
And
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/3__49002.1409270914.1280.1280_zpszkk6fnae.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/3__49002.1409270914.1280.1280_zpszkk6fnae.jpg.html )
Leaning heavily towards the Hobby Design Workmeisters as I've always loved those wheels. We'll see.


I have both of those sets of wheels and they are both very nice. The tires on the SSR though are the tiny sidewall tires for the stanced cars. They won't look good on your car. I ended up pairing them with an extra set of Tamiya Ferrari 360 tires I had. That way there is a little meat on them.

Ha.Yeah, funny you mentioned that. I purchased those on purpose with the intent on using the mega low profile, "cambered" tires on one of my VW kits, and using some of my fatter tires on those wheels.

Zero updates as it turned into a "Fathers Day" weekend which I can't complain about as I got spoiled rotten.
Hopefully the wheels will be here this week, ready for some build time this weekend.
Hope you all had a good Fathers Day.

Wheel kits arrived yesterday. (Gotta love HobbyEasy, ordered them on the 16th, shipped on 17th, arrived yesterday.)
No time for mock-up or photos. Maybe after work today.

I used the tires from a Tamiya 360 Modena kit and they look perfect on there.

Thanks for the heads-up. I'll have to keep an eye out for one on sale.

Looking good, but I like your vw builds better!!

I know, I'll get back to them but I really need to finish a build. To many partial builds...
Plus I like where the challenger is going. I'll get some more work in today....

Only slight updates. Mocked up the wheels I'll be going with last night. (Once again, the Shelby kit comes through, using
the puny disc brakes from that kit, just happen to lock onto the back of the Aoshima wheels. )
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/20150708_202553_HDR_zpsqn2ecxtb.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/20150708_202553_HDR_zpsqn2ecxtb.jpg.html)
I'll get photos of how the brakes are going to work.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/20150708_202524_HDR_zpsoq70kxlm.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/20150708_202524_HDR_zpsoq70kxlm.jpg.html)
Sorry for the lousy cellphone photos.
I'm experimenting w/my micromesh polishing kit to give the wheels a brushed finish instead of chrome. I'll get some photos if it works.

So my polishing kit was not working like I'd hoped. And last night, an old tip my mother gave to me, (when I was a kid, I used to build my models along side my mother while she painted or sculpted.) She had told me to try Ajax and toothpaste as a polishing agent.
So I grabbed a 20" Pegasus wheel (over chromed, looks fake), applied some cleanser to the tip of a wet rag. After about 3 minutes of polishing, it gave the wheel a very life like satin finish.
I'm going to apply this to the Aoshimas today and I'll get some photos..

A few photos of how the Shelby brakes will be used as a mounting for Fujimi Brembos.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/20150712_123613_HDR_zps11jf0eiz.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/20150712_123613_HDR_zps11jf0eiz.jpg.html)
You can see the size difference and, well detail diff.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/20150712_122938_HDR_zpsca11bfvt.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/20150712_122938_HDR_zpsca11bfvt.jpg.html)
The inner recess of the Shelby brakes fit perfectly around the Aoshima wheels.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/20150712_124335_HDR_zpsgnwywdzy.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/20150712_124335_HDR_zpsgnwywdzy.jpg.html)
And nice and simple mounting. I'll detail the Brembos by using a black wash for the drilled rotors and paint the calpers.

coming along nicely.

how do you plan on attaching the chassis to the body shell?
I'm doing a similar project where i'm scratch building a chassis and so far haven't decided how it will attach.

Nothing overly fancy, just using the interior tub that came w/the Challenger kit..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/10433945_10203964973344288_4820023218385564295_n_z pse5f2ae30.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/10433945_10203964973344288_4820023218385564295_n_z pse5f2ae30.jpg.html)
It will be slightly modified. I already cut-out the back seat and will have to modify the trans/drive-shaft tunnel.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/0a86f022-1c9d-49a7-a8bd-723a5e70042a_zpsk9jfcjoe.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/0a86f022-1c9d-49a7-a8bd-723a5e70042a_zpsk9jfcjoe.jpg.html)
I'm using more of the Shelby 1 kit parts in the engine bay, and will scratch build the remainder of the engine bay, inner
fender wheels, off of the Shelby parts.

I'm Frustrated with the slow progress though now that I have chosen the wheels and will be able to mount them, I can
set the stance. Once set, I can get moving forward with the other steps.

Got theses beauties from Clearly Scale. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/20150717_112308_HDR_zpsjf1phvjo.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/20150717_112308_HDR_zpsjf1phvjo.jpg.html) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/20150717_112249_HDR_zpssonpvf3j.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/20150717_112249_HDR_zpssonpvf3j.jpg.html)
These Recaro Sportsters are some of the cleanest Cottage industry pieces I've ever seen. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/20150717_112221_HDR_zps4tzubfzy.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/20150717_112221_HDR_zps4tzubfzy.jpg.html)
I'll get better photos, (I was literally on my way out to door for a 3 day vacation) but Jeremy's hand built seats on the left turned out very cool. They are Mopar seats turned into racing buckets ala Pro-touring...

Got some work in this weekend. Nothing quite worth photos but should have some up in the next couple days. Excited where it's headed.

Those seats look awesome, reminds me of when scaleautostyle used to sell resin seats. Where can these be purchased from? Keep us posted.

Clearly Scale.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Clearly-Scale/381978565229192?fref=ts
Jeremy has some great parts for sale and some really cool stuff coming. Amazing prices for the quality...

More minor updates.
Got some paint on the motor and trans. Though I'm not sure I'm happy with the colors.
Sanded a recess into the cowl to show more of the stacks.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/20150808_164941_HDR_zps4nziibop.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/20150808_164941_HDR_zps4nziibop.jpg.html)
Most of the work over the last couple of days has just been dirty
work, sanding, shaping, etc. , not worthy of photos.
Today I'm working on prepping the body for paint.

Strange..I swear I added updated photos last night...And I'm not seeing them this a.m.

Well, I must be losing it...Or at a minimum, forgot to save my post after I previewed it..
Not that it was anything ground-breaking.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/20150820_171534_HDR_zpsvhmfm39p.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/20150820_171534_HDR_zpsvhmfm39p.jpg.html)
I love using silly putty as a masking medium. This is the 1st time I've used it and it worked great for painting the wheel centers. (Some small areas I need to touch-up.)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/20150820_171419_HDR_zps2dycmvdw.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/20150820_171419_HDR_zps2dycmvdw.jpg.html)
And the motor/trans are painted. (For the 3rd time. I didn't like the 1st two colors, trying to hard to be different.)
I'll start detailing it this weekend and get the chassis closer to being complete.

More boring dirty work but it's coming along.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/20150823_161901_HDR%201_zpsr19zosmt.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/20150823_161901_HDR%201_zpsr19zosmt.jpg.html)
I cannot decide on the valve cover color...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/20150823_163529_HDR%201_zpsvrbuaasa.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/20150823_163529_HDR%201_zpsvrbuaasa.jpg.html)
Hell! Or the velocity stacks for that matter.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/sbvwfanatic/20150823_163553_HDR_zpsgfruhrji.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/sbvwfanatic/media/20150823_163553_HDR_zpsgfruhrji.jpg.html)
Sorry for the lousy Cell phone photos.