Lexus Hotrod

Ok, so I'm a total jerk and I'm capitalizing on someone else's inspiration to be inspired on this build. Sorry, but I've just got to get this build out of my system, it's just too cool of a car! (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=106122#4)

There's not been a lot of construction yet, just a lot of planning and some cutting. This is how wonky the model looks right now on my workbench (please excuse it, it's had a bit of eggnog):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/Celica1.jpg

The body is the Hasagawa Celica 1600GT (without the photo etch). I've cut the hood out, and also narrowed the front end. I chose the Celica because it was more easily found than the Corona (which is, I believe, available). I also like the lines a little better, and the car would have a more aggresive roofline without my having to chop it and change all the glass, too. I also thought that the bumpers (which I will modify but retain) would look cool, and I really liked the blinker lenses on either side of the headlights. Those just look awesome, and will fit in great with a car like this (I think). The body will be blue, a very light blue, but not Gulf blue (like the prototype) but a metallic VW light blue. The metal mesh inserts (which I am going to use liberally, like the prototype) will be aluminum, as will be the wheels and the bumpers. I may use different metallics, but right now I'm thinking aluminum. I still need to radius out the rear wheel arches (that's why the wheels are sticking so far out) and have a ton of fabrication with the front end, suspension, firewall, and the full custom race/pretty interior. I'm thinking about going real ambitious and opening the trunk to reveal a fuel cell and a battery. We'll see :uhoh:

As far as the drivetrain is concerned, I wanted to stick to the family and keep a Toyota engine in the Toyota. My initial intention was to use a Supra motor and turbo it and make it mean as hell, but the I6 was long and just didn't have the same impact that a V8 seemed to have. So I found a Celsior on Ebay and am using that engine. The engine looks rather meek right now, but I think after paint, detailing, and perhaps some PE, it'll look rad. The rear end will be out of a Supra, narrowed slightly, so the wheels stick out a little, but not completely. I think I may also add something of a fender behind the rear tires, like the Corvette GrandSports.

Anyway, wish me luck. This has been something that's been kicking around in my head since it first showed up on AF, and I'm finally actuallizing it. Hopefully.

Sorry, not to be a thread downer or anything, and I know I'm not a moderator, but, if this is titled Lexus "Hotrod", shouldn't it be in the "Hotrod" section?

Anyways, looks awesome man.

very interesting idea will, I knew you had something up your sleeve when you mentioned in another thread about looking for an ls400 kit. I will admit when I saw lexus hot rod I was thinking 32 ford with a lexus v-8 like this
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/grayelysemakalya/Random/0507sr_prieto_04_z.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/grayelysemakalya/Random/0507sr_prieto_07_z.jpg

but your version will be equally as nice, since I too like the car that is your inspiration(have the issue of hot rod with the article on it). I look forward to seeing more of this one. Keep up the good work, and good luck.

Gray

This will be an interesting thread to follow. To judge from your enthousiasm it will be a great project.
Looks a little funky on the first pic, but with a V8 in there and the massive styrene surgery you started up you can't go wrong.

Very interesting. I cant wait for some updates.

I wanna do that!!! I will do that with a civic ferio....lol
Looks great! You cutted the front fascia in pieces,and reduced its size,right? How did you cutted it??

looking GREAT Will

See, now aren't you glad you waited for the Celsior/LS? looks really good so far Will.

Well, I m happy I have read everything you wrote! Great read for great stuff!

It looks like you are biting off a whole lot, it will be quite the project!

I m not liking the car you're after much, but it's different, it's unique and amazingly brutal, I think what interests me the most is how you are going to do it, what you are changing to it, that's the main thing, so I hope to read more of that soon, as I m really interested.

Oh, and please, ditch those wheels!

Oli

very interesting project, may I ask which kit/manufacturer has this motor in it?

Having done this motor swap in a fullsize '80 Corolla, was nice to see you doing this in a model, also like the old celicas. Recommend some big flares to go with that V8

rick
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y280/smcorolla/DSC_2232copy1130.jpg

Is that the car featured in Grassroots Motorsports? If so, it's all encompassingly rad! If not - still rad, can't beat tiny cars with big motors. The kit with the engine is the Tamiya LS400/Celsior. I think it was issued here as the LS400, but is more easily found on on Ebay as the Celsior. I got mine for $11+shipping, which isn't bad for a motor, and a GIANT spare body for paintwork practice. It will make a cool slammer.

And Oli, what's wrong with my wheels? I like them :(

Ya bastard, you didn't even give props to mine!

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=655333

:p

Good project though, I've got the domestic side, you've got the import side goin' ... wonder which one of us'll finish first? :D

And Oli, what's wrong with my wheels? I like them :(
I m cheering!
I said to change the wheels, because in my eyes a hotrod never drives on those kind of light-weight style wheels (aren't they off a imprezza rallye?)

I would love to see something more massive, beit fivespokers, but as always it's your choice, and hey, you can still choose the rims at the very end, now build it!

Good luck!

Ya bastard, you didn't even give props to mine!

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=655333

:p

Good project though, I've got the domestic side, you've got the import side goin' ... wonder which one of us'll finish first? :D

Hehehe...I don't think his is gonna be anything like what yours turned out to be. You were trying to do the same concept, but went left somehow.

But yea Will. Why don't you just go and steal all of Tiggers thunder.

I don't want to steal thunder :(.

Tigeraid - I gave you props in your first thread. I don't always get around to posting comments to updates, though, I like to hang around and see how things progress. Don't worry, I'm looking forward to seeing yours done!

no worries, just kiddin around ;)

looks like two very different projects to me, in the end should be so different as to not be compared.

yes, my car was featured in November's issue of GRM, thanks for the props

rick

If we listened to Oli regarding wheel choice, all our models would have modified minilites on! :D:smooch:

I really like the idea, Will, and I look forward to seeing more progress and eventually completed photos.

Ok, so progress hasn't been quick but not really slow either. Just steady. I've had a couple days off from work and tomorrow as well, so a lot's gotten done recently, and more will tomorrow but I wanted to get some progress up before the old lady takes the camera on a trip this weekend.

So, I built the firewall. I used some styrene sheet of different thicknesses, the curve at the top is very thin styrene and may post problems when it comes to paint. I hope not, since I will be using Dulicolor through my AB and their primer from the can, that should cover most any sinks in the thin plastic due to glue.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/Celica16.jpg

Also visible in that picture is the chassis, which has needed a lot of modification. The spare tire well and gas tank had to be removed from the rear, and styrene was added to cover the holes - the white bits on the rear of the chassis. I also had to cut out the transmission tunnel in the chassis to fit the big motor, and like the S2000 I build before with the Sakatsu engine, I glued the interior tub to the chassis, and used the tunnel on that part instead, puttying the gap with Tamiya two part epoxy putty. I also had to cut out the bottom of the engine and the wheel wells that were molded into the chassis. The radiator will probably come out too, once I find another one to put in its place; the old one remains to help with rigidity while I work.

The engine fits really well in the engine... bay... but when I add a lower subframe, the oil pan would get in the way. Oh no! So, I switched the oil pan around, moving the sump toward the back of the motor.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/Celica12.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/Celica15.jpg

I went ahead and opened the trunk. I cut the trunklid out with a Scale Racecars scriber, and then added the lip to hold it in place. The lip was cut from sheet styrene. I traced the shape on styrene I bent and placed under the hole, and then cut around the line about 3mm on the outside, and 2mm on the inside. That gave me enough to play with as I glued it in, and I trimmed the excess under the body panels with a knife and filed it in the opening so it was an even 1.5mm or so around the edge. I've also enclosed the trunk, mostly. I had to hide the holes and styrene covering them on the bottom, by adding a whole flat sheet to the top inside of the trunk. I also added sides. Not much to see about that, but there it is. I've also got the fuel cell in there, and there will be a battery as well. I can't decide if I want to cut a spot for the fuel filler in the trunklid, or in the rear glass, so the pipe comes up through the package shelf. That'd look cool as hell, but if it was in the center, not that practical.

And now, a mock up. You will notice I have neglected to open the rear wheel arches yet. Whoops!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/Celica14.jpg

Comments and crits and questions all welcome, especially since I've no work tomorrow!

Stunning!! There's no words for it!! it's awesome!!
BTW,you will keep those wheels,right?

Wow, you really have your work cut out for you on this one. I like all the modifications and surgery you are doing. It gives me strength for my own projects.:p Looking forward to more of this, curious how the subframe (is?) or will be. I'm looking for a nice elegant way to make one myself and this looks promising.

that car is tripped out :eek:

That's just too cool.
Now I want to cut up my SA22C.

Great job! The truck modificatios are very nice.

Nice Will!

lookin' real nice Will!

Yes, I am using those wheels. I was unsure about them for a few days, but only because one of my cats broke the law by getting on my work table, and stealing one. I found it today, oddly enough, under one of my display cases, and have returned it to my model table.

The subframe will be simple, stay tuned, I will track its construction.

I don't have nearly enough time to work on this project.

I continued to modify the motor. Relocating the sump wasn't enough; to clear the headers and mount the engine closer to the firewall in my soon-to-be constructed subframe, I hade to relocate the motor mounts too. I figured the simplest, and most realistic way to do that would be to make a motor mount that extended from the stock location to the forward edge of the block. I'll look more sensible after paint.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/motormount2.jpg

So, like an idiot, I decided to make the trunk open so you can see the fuel cell and battery inside. I cut out the trunklid, and added a hinge. It was surprising how difficult it was to finagle it into operation. Also, I should have made the hinge a semi-circle, instead of a right angle. This would have allowed the trunk to open more, but I'm not going to redo it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/Hinge1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/Hinge2.jpg

I then built the subframe. The subframe is just two lengths of styrene rod, cut and bent to shape. On the forward rod, I added to short lengths sticking straight up. These will hold the motor in place, with the motor mounts. I also added the lower mount for the front end of the car. The notches are for the positive locators molded into the kit's front fender. I elected to reuse those, for a better bond.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/Celica19.jpg

You can see how the positive locators stick into the cross bar in the front. The top is held into place by two styrene rods, which will eventually also hold the top of the strut and the strut tower bar. You can also see the upper and lower control arms, and the upper's mounting points. They were stolen from other kits. They were both intended as upper control arms, the ones on the bottom are from a Supra and the top are from an RX-7.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/Celica20.jpg

You can see my bonus holes. I initially drilled the lower holes for the upper mounting rods, but they were way too low and it looked dumb, so I redrilled them higher. I won't fill and putty the holes, but instead install a piece of rectangular sheet styrene over them so I can put turn signal repeaters there. Bonus holes aren't that bonus after all.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/Celica18.jpg

You can also see how the new motor mount hooks into the subframe.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/Motormount1.jpg

Motor in place:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/Celica16-1.jpg

And a quick mock-up so ya'll can see the stance. It will have a little more rake, though, bc there will be a mm between the rear tires and the wheel arches. Just a touch.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/Celica17.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/Celica15-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/Celica21.jpg

Looking awesome Will. I love your attention to detail in the front.

I think it's fantastic, however, I'm not enclined to feel overjoyed about the subject matter. I'd like to have seen it as a full bodied car.

I have actually seen a few of these in real life, down at the dirt oval. they generally have small block chebbys and hot rodded stock motors.

I love the sub frame work. it is indeed flawless.

That is friggin cool.

I'd like to have seen it as a full bodied car.
I think you missed the whole point. lol -> http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=106122#8

Ye Will..better and better each time!!:)

That is friggin cool.
I really like how this is coming together. The way you did the subframe and suspension is very practical and elegant. You made it look so easy. Instead of just slapping in plastic and assuming "people won't see it anyway", you have made it like it could be done in real. Looking forward to more.

rsxse240 - I am, in fact, overjoyed with the subject matter. That's why I'm building it. The idea was to build a car like those you see at the oval track, but all Japanese and without a hotrod 350 like everyone else uses; just like the car that inspired it and blubaja linked. Next time, though, I'll be sure to ask you before I do any cutting :smooch:

quadzero - If it were all under a fender, I'd've been tempted to just half ass it, but it will be hanging out where everyone will be able to see it, after all. So I had to put more thought into it. I had been taking very clear pictures so you could see the progress on the subframe, but I don't know what happened to them. That's the second subframe I built, the first was made of 6 pieces of styrene sheet. They had the same basic shape as the current subframe, flaring out at the frame rails and being thinner under the oil pan. Basically, I cut two trapezoids for the sides that attach to the frame rails, and a rectangle in the middle, and glued them in place at angles to clear the bottom of the engine, then repeated with slightly smaller parts to give the look of pressed metal. It looked horrible, though, so I ripped it off and built it using styrene rod. Pretty much everything not primered has been built 2-3 times until I was finally happy with it.

Thanks for the kind words, everyone, it means a lot.

Also, two more things I forgot from my update. This is the trunk open, as you can see and as I alluded to, it doesn't open very much. Also, there isn't a lot of pretty under there. The hinges look miserable. My intent, now, is to add an insert under the trunklid, colored like the interior (ie, covered with the same leather) and with a first aid kit and tool kit set into relief cut out of the insert. And probably also another compartmant with a lid where the driver would store an extra quart of oil, cleaner and some rags or whatnot. Just a little something to hide the hinges and clean it up back there.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/Hinge3.jpg

And what of that Celsior? Leave it for dead? Maybe. Or maybe this will amount to something:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/Celsiornotdead.jpg

Looks awesome man. The hinges don't look too bad. In the older cars, the hinges were quite ugly and visible. If you use putty to blend in the receiving tube a little, it may look factory correct... The idea of first aid kit is also great. May I suggest a fuel cell? or perhaps a battery? I scratchbuilt both before, and the yellow top ultima battery came out quite good - I could post a photo and a how-to on it...if you want.

Wow, awesome work and very sweet idea!
Looking forward for more :grinyes:

wait a second! you cut up that celsior and didn't consult me first!?!? hahaha

I like it. I haven't to come across a limo on here, until now

the hinges on the deck lid look ok, may I suggest using square tubing for the reciever next time? it mounts better, and has a bit more of an OEM look.

please don't think I was being fecitious about the subject matter thing. I was just voicing my opinion. and that particular body style has to be one of if not the best looking toyotas out there to date. to me it's just a shame to see one get hacked.

you are doing an excellent job! I'm looking foreward to more.

Will, this is Uber-cool!:sunglasse I look forward to seeing the progress on this one!

Doing some interior work. I wanted an interesting texture in the interior, so I have replaced a lot of stuff with a quilted pattern. The material I'm using is actually Plastruct molded tile, turned 45 degrees to make a quilted fabric looking insert for the door panels and seats.

First, I cut out the stock door panel centers:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/celica22.jpg

Then some magic happened, and the interior was pretty much fleshed out. I ground the centers out of the seats with my Dremel and replaced them with the pattern, as well. Messy and hard work! The armrests are bent styrene rod, warmed over a candle and bent to shape. This keeps the plastic from eventually going back straight with time.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/celica23.jpg

Then to the dashboard. I had to rebuild the dash since I had to move the seats back about 6 scale inches to give the little 1:24 people more legroom. So the dash had to be that much deeper, as well. I decided to go ahead and do some fun fabrication, and you can see the fruit of that here.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/celica24.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/celica25.jpg

With most of the interior components in place:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/celica28.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/celica26.jpg

The steering wheel and the center console are still not present because I messed up the center console today while building it, and am not going to work any more on the car lest I mess anything up irreparably. The wheel is not in place because I still need to figure out the steering shaft geometry and the pedals. But this, I thought, was post worthy.

I am now on the fence about what color the car will be, and further confused abut the interior color scheme. Probably a dark gray for the metal bits, and a leathery brown for the inserts - though I wanted a reddish leathery orange brown, I am not sure how that will look.

That interior is looking so posh. Love it Will!

Ow wow, I love the armrest idea. I may have to steal it! :p

That's a really neat texture too, where di you buy that plating?

I got it from my local hobby shop. It's the the Plastruct display spinner thing; they have several different sizes of the tile for architectural models. $10 buys you two sheets - not a lot, but way more than enough. If you want my second sheet, PM me, once I'm done and sure I don't need it all, I can send it.

That's some great thinking to come up with the quilted design for the seats and panels. I really like how you styled the dash also, I think it suits this car perfectly.

Will, you just keep on adding more coolness to this build!:eek: I might have to "borrow" that idea as well!!:sunglasse

Add lightness....
Add coolness....
I can dig!

Damn' man, where do all those cool ideas come from? :screwy:

All major construction is done. It's almost time for paint. I am now very worried. The light metallic blue I initially intended doesn't seem so great at the moment anymore. I am thinking instead Arancio Ishtar, but am unsure. I think I want to go with a more eye catching color, but at the same time I don't know if that really suits this car. Perhaps Willenium Jade. I've almost wanted to use that color from the start, but never could commit to it.

I am completely open to color suggestions at this point. If you have some idea you'd like to put forth, please do! I am at a total loss and will entertain any suggestions. Please let me know! I know this is out of character for me, but like I said, I'm lost. Show me the way.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/celica30.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/celica29.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/celica31.jpg

Sorry for the washed out pics, I took them late at night and had to correct the levels to regain some detail.

C&C please please please!

For some reason I can totally see it in bronze. Not gold but bronze. With a black stripe. Or even metallic black stripe. Come to think of it, I'm going to use that combination myself some time in the future.

^Furthering his idea, maybe flat black with metallics gold racing stripes?

Purple and red, with flames!

And of course put on some racing chequers!
And a bit of a zebra pattern too!
If you have got some room, try to fit in some really cool faces of Kiss at the back.

Also, a winnie the pooh on the roof might be cool also.

Try to do also speed holes and go-fast-stickers on it!

Dude, this is going to be so awesome!

Dump the rims for something cooler tho... like tank-tracks!

And use a trashbin for an exhaust!

Willimo Coolness!

Purple and red, with flames!

And of course put on some racing chequers!
And a bit of a zebra pattern too!
If you have got some room, try to fit in some really cool faces of Kiss at the back.

Also, a winnie the pooh on the roof might be cool also.

Try to do also speed holes and go-fast-stickers on it!

Dude, this is going to be so awesome!

Dump the rims for something cooler tho... like tank-tracks!

And use a trashbin for an exhaust!

Willimo Coolness!

:rofl:

I'll toss my hat in for flat black with some sort of gold/bronze pinstripe or hockey stripe.

Thanks Oli. I can always count on you for true inspiration.

At least I didn't post a poll on the front page.

hey your ride looks pretty awesome man! and nice detailing it don't looks like it is modified, nice i like it

Ok, so I know I asked for color help, but in the long time since then and when I finally got around to painting it, my mind changed 100 times and I decided to go with some Gulf Blue from Zero paints. I haven't cleared it yet. But I got it painted and boy am I happy about that - this one is getting somewhere! I matched the valve covers, too, but they'll be mostly black like the real parts. I'm using my junky camera, too, since the old lady took the good one on her trip, so sorry for that. I'm just excited!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/celica32c.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/celica33c.jpg

I'm gonna hit it with some Tami clear, just like I did with the Beetle, so it'll be nice and awesome soon! I have to say, having time to build models is getting me in a great mood. Man, I've missed this.

Comments and crits welcome!

I like it!, great color choice...

Great! I don't think you need to put clear on....it looks just perfect as is!!!

Neat! Progress! From willimo ! that's three thumbs up.:iceslolan :iceslolan :iceslolan

The color, is okay, it will look stylish and timeless yet different. I m looking forward to the next update, maybe in 2009?:grinyes: :grinyes: :grinyes: :grinyes: :grinyes:

Oli

Dash with gauge pods is sweet...man I missed out this is a stunning re-creation!
You know when I first heard "lexus HotRod" I thought for sure you were doing this one!
http://www.streetrodderweb.com/rodtests/0507sr_track_test_deuce_highboy/

I've not forgotten! Slow progress because I am oft distracted.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/willimo/celica34.jpg

Wow, that pic sucks.

I think it would look pretty good without clear! Either way. Its gonna look great!