WIP: Kasey Kahne's '06 MOPAR Dodge Charger

I've kind of been bouncing back and forth between my Greag Anderson PS WIP, and this project. This will be Kasey Kahne's 2006 Mopar scheme Dodge Charger he ran in the fall Charlotte race. A race he not only ran, but dominated and won. With not a lot of options available for Charger bodies, I decided to tackle it on my own. Instead of using the Intrepid kit as a base, I decided to use the newest issue Revell Monte Carlo. Since Nascar bodies are all so similar these days, all that needed attention was the nose, hood, quarter windows, and side skirts.

I used a combination of two part epoxy putty, styrene and sheet plastic to make the conversion happen.

Here's the real thing......

http://images29.fotki.com/v1017/photos/1/174078/5361447/7150_SGAb6ND0_9LMSMG1360101206-vi.jpg

And here's the start of my project.

http://images28.fotki.com/v1002/photos/1/174078/4723845/P8269051-vi.jpg

http://images29.fotki.com/v1015/photos/1/174078/4723845/P8269052-vi.jpg

And here it is with all the body mods done to make it an all-out, detailed build. The kit rear spoiler was removed and replaced with brass. It has opening hood, trunk, and roof flaps. Both the trunk and hood have new underbracing as well.

http://images28.fotki.com/v987/photos/1/174078/4723845/P9059105-vi.jpg

http://images26.fotki.com/v935/photos/1/174078/4723845/P9059106-vi.jpg

http://images27.fotki.com/v985/photos/1/174078/4723845/P9059107-vi.jpg

http://images28.fotki.com/v997/photos/1/174078/4723845/P9059108-vi.jpg

Here's the stock Monte body for comparison next to my Charger.

http://images27.fotki.com/v990/photos/1/174078/4723845/P9059114-vi.jpg

I also totally reworked the kit chassis to bring it up to modern specs. The rear frame section was rebuilt on both top and bottom, along with new front end bars, front bumper, and new interior bars.

http://images29.fotki.com/v1013/photos/1/174078/4723842/P8269056-vi.jpg

http://images29.fotki.com/v1006/photos/1/174078/4723842/P8269058-vi.jpg

http://images29.fotki.com/v1013/photos/1/174078/4723842/P9039097-vi.jpg

That's all for now. Next up will be starting in on the engine, and getting the chassis and body in paint.

Thanks for looking....
ClayK

nnniiiicccceeee!!!!:sunglasse http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/images/icons/icon14.gif

Fantastic conversion. We expect details now ;) :D zzlurrp. Quite nice.

Great conversion and nice work with the opening of the trunk. This will be awesome and I just sit back and enjoy. Good luck with the rest.
One question: Where do you get the decals from?

good luck, you got alot on your shoulders to one up Skylinefans work :) JK.

great job so far

Spike, that's what these two do. They constantly bounce ideas off each other, and as a result, I think they are two of the top builders around.

As much as I love thier nascar builds, I would love to see these two do all out F1 builds.

BTW Clay, that is looking as sick as ever!!!

Great conversion and nice work with the opening of the trunk. This will be awesome and I just sit back and enjoy. Good luck with the rest.
One question: Where do you get the decals from?

All of the camo will be done with paint, and the rest of the decals will be a combination of JWTBM decals, and stuff I can run on my Alps printer.


Thanks for the comments guys. More soon!
ClayK

Nice to see you into something again Clay. Excellent start and look forward to seeing more.
Cheers,
Shayne

I am staggered at the level of motivation that Dave and you possess.:eek:

Looks great so far. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on this one:licka: :lol:

BRING BACK BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:iceslolan

Nenad

I am staggered at the level of motivation that Dave and you possess.:eek:

Looks great so far. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on this one:licka: :lol:

BRING BACK BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:iceslolan

Nenad
Agree!
Agree!
Agree!!! :grinyes:
Super work Clay! If anyone can represent that scheme, it's you!
Erick --

Thanks for the support guys......

Here's the beginnings of the engine work. The block, heads, bell housing and front motor plate are all from the Ross Gibson engine kit with lots of reworking to get a proper fit. The intake, oil pan, and valve covers are all from the Intrepid kit. Once everything was painted, I began assembly, and the installation of the turned aluminum pulleys. The tranny is from Model Car Garage and will have all the shift linkages made from RB Motion parts added soon. It's now ready for wiring and plumbing.

http://images28.fotki.com/v1001/photos/1/174078/4723851/P9039085-vi.jpg

http://images27.fotki.com/v983/photos/1/174078/4723851/P9039086-vi.jpg

http://images28.fotki.com/v998/photos/1/174078/4723851/P9039087-vi.jpg

ClayK

I am a big fan of Nascar and I'm very happy to be seeing this model come alive the way it is. I have to admit the chassis alone and the detailing under the shell would just make my own un-started nascar models seem very toylike. I find with the great photography also that I never tire of viewing even the first few pictures. Truly wonderfull project. Needless to say the engine is completely out of the world in beauty and finenese. I hope this wip makes more modelers follow in your footsteps.

The pulleys look unreal, beautiful work.

Can you show what you did to the left front of the roll cage? It looks like it fits around the window opening better than most NASCAR models. It also apears not to be attached to the rest of the cage when the body is off. Thanks.

Very nice build!

Sweet job so far Clay.

I can already tell they better clear some room for this one at the NA$CAR table in Atlanta come November.

I like the flange holes for the header pipes and the gasket material at the valve covers on the engine pics.

Great start Clay, you guys amaze with each WIP you start. Nice job on the conversion of the body. If I didn't know better I would think revell released a Charger. Looking foward to more :rofl:

clay, that nose looks great, very nice work

Great start, look forward to drooling some more.
Are you able to tell me where you get all your detail parts from, especially your P/E parts that you are using on your drag car, I haven't found anything like that here in Australia. TIA.

Outstanding as always :thumbsup:

Thanks guys!

Lots of progress over the weekend. Things are moving along quite well so far.

My next area to dive into was the rear suspension, rear end cooler, and dry sump oil tank. I used the kit rear truck arms, and swapped the center section out for an AMT Nascar 9" Ford rear end. I added a few braces and tabs and shot the whole thing semi-gloss black. Once that was done I started added the rear end cooler lines, brake lines, and hub/rotors.

http://images28.fotki.com/v998/photos/1/174078/4723848/P9099140-vi.jpg

http://images29.fotki.com/v1017/photos/1/174078/4723848/P9099141-vi.jpg

http://images28.fotki.com/v1033/photos/1/174078/4723848/P9099142-vi.jpg

http://images29.fotki.com/v1009/photos/1/174078/4723848/P9099143-vi.jpg

Before the rear end could be installed I needed to get the oil tank and the rear end cooler made, detailed and installed. Since I had reworked the kit chassis so much, I needed a taller oil tank. I quickly turned a new one on the lathe, and began to detail it with a heater blanket and wiring. The rear end cooler is made up of bits of styrene and some small PE tabs.

http://images29.fotki.com/v1011/photos/1/174078/4723848/P9099126-vi.jpg

http://images27.fotki.com/v967/photos/1/174078/4723848/P9099138-vi.jpg

http://images28.fotki.com/v998/photos/1/174078/4723848/P9099139-vi.jpg

http://images29.fotki.com/v1008/photos/1/174078/4723848/P9099145-vi.jpg

Once all that was finished, I could finally install the rear suspension for good. All that is left back here is brake calipers, coil springs, and rear shocks I believe.

http://images29.fotki.com/v1006/photos/1/174078/4723848/P9099153-vi.jpg

http://images29.fotki.com/v1017/photos/1/174078/4723848/P9099155-vi.jpg

http://images28.fotki.com/v1003/photos/1/174078/4723848/P9099156-vi.jpg

After all the work in the rear suspension, I was ready to look at something new for a while, so I jumped back to the engine. I'm about half way though the wiring and plumbing so far. Lots of Pro Tech braid and fittings so far. I also used their Distributor kit, plug wires and boots.

http://images29.fotki.com/v1036/photos/1/174078/4723851/P9099121-vi.jpg

http://images29.fotki.com/v1014/photos/1/174078/4723851/P9099122-vi.jpg

http://images28.fotki.com/v1000/photos/1/174078/4723851/P9099123-vi.jpg

http://images28.fotki.com/v1001/photos/1/174078/4723851/P9099124-vi.jpg

I also jumped around a bit on the interior. The fuel cell area is all installed and detailed. More Pro Tech braid and fittings, and a scratch built fuel filter.

http://images27.fotki.com/v994/photos/1/174078/4723853/P9099128-vi.jpg

http://images29.fotki.com/v1006/photos/1/174078/4723853/P9099129-vi.jpg

And finally, a bit of driver cockpit work is underway. I made a drivers side door blanket and flocked it. Also I added the CF heat resistant floor panels along with a new set of pedals.

http://images28.fotki.com/v999/photos/1/174078/4723853/P9099148-vi.jpg

http://images28.fotki.com/v1000/photos/1/174078/4723853/P9099150-vi.jpg

Whew!! That's all for now!!

Thanks for looking!
ClayK

Wow, this is insane. I´m very fascinated by your work and I would like to ask you questions, though I´m not sure I´ll ever tackle a project with this depth of detail! The plumbing and wiring is fantastic. I´m really excited about the upcoming paint job. Please make sure to cover it well with pictures and explanations!

looks amazing Clay!

Wow, that´s some great stuff again! :)

Kick a$$ Clay!! I REALLY hope I get to see this in person in November.

Excellent work, everything looks so perfect.

Clay fantastic job! Attention to detail and skill is phenominal. Looking forward to more. Later,Q

I don't know how you do it. You seem to churn these ultra-detailed builds out like they're snap-tite kits!
Amazing!
BTW, I really like those banjo fittings on the oil pan. Nice detail.

:smokin: :popcorn: This is coming along really nice, and quick to. One question though, where do get the hats for your rotors? I have looked everywhere for them with no luck. I guess I am looking in the wrong places.

:smokin: :popcorn: This is coming along really nice, and quick to. One question though, where do get the hats for your rotors? I have looked everywhere for them with no luck. I guess I am looking in the wrong places.

The ones I'm using here are resin pieces from Arrowhead, but good luck getting them. Your other options are to make them from Styrene rod, or go with the aluminum brake kits MAS sells.....


On to the update!! We have paint!!

After masking off all the inside gray areas, all body parts were shot with Tamiya TS23 over gray primer.

http://images27.fotki.com/v1025/photos/1/174078/4723845/P9139164-vi.jpg

Once the lt. blue had dried a bit, I began masking it up for the middle shade of blue. After it was all masked, I mixed up a batch of Tamiya TS44, with a little Mica Blue added in to darken it a bit.

http://images29.fotki.com/v1034/photos/1/174078/4723845/P9139167-vi.jpg

http://images28.fotki.com/v1000/photos/1/174078/4723845/P9139169-vi.jpg

With the mid blue shot, the masking was removed, and I was ready to start masking for the final and darkest blue.

http://images25.fotki.com/v955/photos/1/174078/4723845/P9139173-vi.jpg

http://images28.fotki.com/v1004/photos/1/174078/4723845/P9139175-vi.jpg

http://images28.fotki.com/v998/photos/1/174078/4723845/P9139177-vi.jpg

The dark areas were shot with Tamiya TS51. Once it was dry, and the masking was removed, I added the splatter straight from the can using both the TS23 and TS51. Now it's ready for underlay decals.

http://images28.fotki.com/v1004/photos/1/174078/4723845/P9139179-vi.jpg

http://images27.fotki.com/v1024/photos/1/174078/4723845/P9139181-vi.jpg

http://images27.fotki.com/v1019/photos/1/174078/4723845/P9139182-vi.jpg

I drew up the art for the majority of the decals in Illustrator 8, and printed out the underlays and graphics on my Alps printer. I did two layers of white, to make sure there would be zero bleed through.

http://images29.fotki.com/v1014/photos/1/174078/4723845/P9139187-vi.jpg

http://images29.fotki.com/v1034/photos/1/174078/4723845/P9139189-vi.jpg

http://images27.fotki.com/v971/photos/1/174078/4723845/P9139190-vi.jpg

Once those were good and dry, I began adding the main Mopar decals....

http://images27.fotki.com/v1022/photos/1/174078/4723845/P9139195-vi.jpg

http://images28.fotki.com/v1029/photos/1/174078/4723845/P9139200-vi.jpg

http://images29.fotki.com/v1010/photos/1/174078/4723845/P9139201-vi.jpg

A few more small decals need to be added and it will be ready for clear. Then once polished, I can add the remaining decals that I didn't want cleared over.

Thanks for looking!
ClayK

that is an crazy paint job, excellent work

Excellent sequence of your painting process. What an amazing livery and you sure made it look beautiful.

I feel often some deep emotion with your and Dave's stuff but when I see mixed art tech. and modelling I go crazy: too much, this is modelling Nirvana :D

I guess this is for sure the most artistic paintjob I seen on a body shell (at least on a static model ;) ... and, Les, don't kill me also your carposter is a piece of art ;)) Clay: it's awesome, I like the way you layered the job: like it was a photoshop file LOL. BRAVO++

You guys hear that?...... That was the fat lady leaving the building.

Superb dude! I'm dying to see that in clear!

That is sick....i could not do a job like that in my woldest dreams....excellent job Clay. I stand in awe....

Wow... wicked awesome paint job...

This is beyond words - simply stunning :worshippy

Good Lord!!! Unfreakinbelievable. Please do a BMW art car - Ken Done maybe.

I guess this is for sure the most artistic paintjob I seen on a body shell (at least on a static model ;)

Nothing more to add. I´m speechless. Not only the paint job itself but all the preparation ist just marvelous and professional. I assume that you made the templates for masking by just cutting them being already on the body according to the reference you have?

blown away, simply blown away. Brilliant in every way - one question though, how did you achieve the 'splutter' effect you mention... I usually get that when a rattle isnt working properly and it subsequently ruins a paint job!

As others have said can't wait to see this with clear on top!

blown away, simply blown away. Brilliant in every way - one question though, how did you achieve the 'splutter' effect you mention... I usually get that when a rattle isnt working properly and it subsequently ruins a paint job!

As others have said can't wait to see this with clear on top!

That's exactly how I did it Sean! I held the body shell in my left hand stretched out away from my body, and in my right hand I held the can of paint, trying to use as little pressure on the nozzle as possible. And I kind of pushed the nozzle to the side to get it to "spit". With the can spitting away, I just rotated the body around in the cloud of paint with my other hand until everything was covered.

Thanks for all the comments guys, I appreciate it! Should get cleared this weekend!!

ClayK

Nothing short of world class.:eek2:






Paul UK

Yeah... I#d like to know too... how do you do/get that Splatter effect????
The paint job is a killer, as is the whole build.

fola

Yeah... I#d like to know too... how do you do/get that Splatter effect????
The paint job is a killer, as is the whole build.

fola

Wow Clay :dupe: I think everyone knows you as one of the best modelers around, but that is above and beyond . That paint job would make a artist proud, you nailed it. When you first posted the pic of the actual car, I was scratching my head as to how you were going to paint it. Now after seeing it I am impressed to say the least. Of course that's not a new thing when it comes to your builds.:sunglasse

On to the update!! We have paint!!

After masking off all the inside gray areas, all body parts were shot with Tamiya TS23 over gray primer.

The dark areas were shot with Tamiya TS51. Once it was dry, and the masking was removed, I added the splatter straight from the can using both the TS23 and TS51. Now it's ready for underlay decals.

I drew up the art for the majority of the decals in Illustrator 8, and printed out the underlays and graphics on my Alps printer. I did two layers of white, to make sure there would be zero bleed through.
Once those were good and dry, I began adding the main Mopar decals....

Thanks for looking!
ClayK


Hi Clay,
the Car looks fantastic.... sure you've read that enough times ;-)
I sent you an email a few days ago... don't know if you got it.
I build Slotcars and am actually doing the same build you're doing.
I asked if the art work or decal copies could be obtained from you.
Would really appreciate any help you are willing to give.

Thanks,
Fola

Unbelievable!!!

I am amazed with each new model you make.

No rest for the weary! With my Pro Stock finished up, I got right back on the Kasey Kahne Mopar car. As I'm sure Dave will agree, the November deadline is coming up fast.

Once all the paint work was done, the body and misc. pieces were all cleared with Omni two part clear. After curing out for a few days, they were wet sanded and then polished out. The cowl and window surrounds were then masked off and sprayed black. After I was satisfied with the finish I began the rest of the decaling process. Most of the logos and numbers came from various JWTBM sheets, with the rest coming from Powerslide decal sheets. I've still got a few small ones to add, and then I can finish up the remaining body details.

http://images28.fotki.com/v1029/photos/1/174078/4723845/PA099132-vi.jpg

http://images29.fotki.com/v310/photos/1/174078/4723845/PA099131-vi.jpg

http://images15.fotki.com/v234/photos/1/174078/4723845/PA099133-vi.jpg

http://images28.fotki.com/v1027/photos/1/174078/4723845/PA099135-vi.jpg

http://images28.fotki.com/v1029/photos/1/174078/4723845/PA099137-vi.jpg

Thanks for looking!
ClayK

Fabulous. How long does it take you to add all those decals?

Look, pack it in Clay, I'm trying to concentrate on finishing a rally car model and your distracting me with this simply awesome build. Just stop it!!

Damn Clay, that is drop dead gorgeous!!!!

Hey Clay how is this progressing now with the show only a week away???
Cheers,
Shayne

This is getting demoralizng for us normal folk around here!....:frown:

But who said I was normal.
I LOVE THIS!.:licka:
It's awesome and very inspiring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:popcorn:

That is a great paint scheme for a nascar. What is that you used to mask? Looks like some masking tape, what brand tho? Keep up the great work!

Hi Clay, just wondering if you ever got this one finished up???

you never cease to amaze with your outstanding work! That masking tape is nice and thin, what did you use?
Take it easy

Bring Back Bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bring Back Bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please!!!!!!!