I needed a break from my Delorean build, as well as a chance to practice some things on a build that didn't matter too much, so I dug out this one which I have been looking at for a while. I plan to use this to try out a few things I haven't done before - I'm going to open at least one door, maybe the boot, in addition to converting it to RHS and redoing the front.
I know Fusionrr is converting a GTO into a VZIII Monaro, but I kinda prefer the look of the original V2 model. So here's the box, and what I'm hoping to turn it into...
Been at this one on and off for a couple of months, but progress has been slow and I didn't think I had much to show for it. The kit is a snap-together, so is pretty basic, but it's nice and simple to work with! Much scope for improvement. The wheels, for example:
I like the rims - you often see them on Monaros in the street. But that's the brake disc and caliper attached to the back of the wheel. Two parts, with a hole for the axle. I removed the rim part of the wheel back and made a single rim, then sanded down the centre until I had just the disc...
Finally:
The stub axle is a piece of styrene rod glued into a slight hole drilled in the hub of the wheel, with a piece of styrene tube for reinforcement. Seems to be holding! I cut off the snap fitting on the front strut and drilled it out to take the axle.
While working on the front suspension, I realised that the kit is designed so the wheels are not steerable. With a little work, I managed to rectify that.
The tie rod was molded to the sump guard/ suspension arm piece. I cut it off and made ends from brass rod, epoxied into holes drilled in the tie rod. The parts that the tie rod ends go through were molded as part of the tie rod, so I removed them, attached them to the struts and drilled them out. It seems to work, and still leaves clearance for the engine and exhausts.
Thanks for looking! More later...