Lexus Hotrod

[willimo]

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!

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):



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

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.

[shiftyjm]

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.

[stryfe101]

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



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

[Martin S]

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.

[G-man422]

Very interesting. I cant wait for some updates.

[rod_k2]

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??

[white97ex]

looking GREAT Will

[blubaja]

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

[bigfrit]

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

[smcorolla]

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

[willimo]

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

[tigeraid]

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

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=655333



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

[bigfrit]

Originally Posted by willimo

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!

[blubaja]

Originally Posted by tigeraid

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

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=655333



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

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.

[willimo]

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!