"Big Daddy's" Swamp Rat XXX

[SkylineFan]

Thanks guys... the 2 year old is home sick today so I took a vacation day to watch him.... so while he slept all morning I got this done...

Interior is busy yet not overly done due to the fact it will all be hidden behind glass windows.... I used detailmaster detail wire for the gauges, model car garage PE steering wheel, Brake lever, and chute lever. I added Model Factory hiro belt material and leftover PE buckles from Model Car garage and stuck then directly over the kit belts. I think it worked out well. Very vintage with gold paint that Don used inside his dragsters... This kit was plagued with injector marks everywhere! But the floor ones wont be seen and were very difficult to get to.




Here is the last shot of the car before I add the body panel assembly. It fits very tight so its not going to be removable.



Here is the chassis with the body applied for good.



While I was at it, I buttoned up the rear brakes. I used Detailmaster drilled rotors and a caliper from the spares box cut in half. Once they were painted and added I plumbed the brakes using craft gold #1 Crimp tubes and #1 Detailmaster braided line.



Since the brakes were done I could see no reason why I could not add the Slicks permanantly....



Since the body was installed I decided to clean up and install the glass dome on the cockpit body work. Don pioneered this and it really worked for him... Even if he was a "Rat under Glass"



Some final pics to show how the car is shaping up with the engine temporarily installed..... I still have lots to do to tie it altogether but its getting there. Oh.... I also have some spun aluminum discs from Detailmaster coming to replace the rear kit covers you see now....

[taliesen]

Looking very good! That type of car is not my style, but the work is absolutely top notch . . .

[rollover]

Fantastic!!! The engine is a work of art. I'll bet it gets a special display spot in his museum.

[CifeNet]

Holy Sh!iiiiiT! Amazing!!!!!

[SkylineFan]

Originally Posted by rollover

Fantastic!!! The engine is a work of art. I'll bet it gets a special display spot in his museum.

This is what I am hoping for!! It will be neat to have it become a fixture in the place!

Thanks guys..... oh I plan on getting pics giving it to big daddy.... I hope he appreciates the work in it!!!

More progress:

I made a new rear firewall from sheet aluminum. Its on the right with some scratchbuilt fuel system timers. BIG improvement over the chrome thick kit piece.



Next up it was installed and a detailmaster fire bottle was used for the air tank that runs the timers plumbed with #3 detailmaster fittings and line....



And an engine fit for clearance check:

[sportracer02]

Super job, Dave.

Yes, your alu panel is a simple, but very effective improvement

[klutz_100]

You slay me!

Q: what gauge wire are you using for teh instrument wiring and where do you get it? It looks way finer and nicer than anything I can find

[Golden_Cross]

Very Very Nicely done...It couldn't have been done better...I Like the Golden_Cross also..Hmmmm..Thats about the only thing I copied from the Ole Rat...Great job and what an Honor to be able to meet Him in person..Please post the pics!!!
Take Care!!!

[Twowheelsrule]

You have done such a nice job on the car I can not suggest anything on it! However, I think if you have time, you need to put a base under it. Maybe a racing lane like at the dragstrip just a little longer than the car.


Mark

[ALEX GAROLI]

Wooooooowww impresive job, I will say what I always say when I see a proyect like this:
Add some fuel, maybe It would start.

[Duncan1098]

Wow really impressive, I love the engine, a work of art. He will love the kit.

[SkylineFan]

Thanks guys.....

Well here is the final WIP update.......

Motor is fully plumbed, oil filter is installed, Fuel tube is in place, and its ready for the side panels...The throttle linkage is made from fishing leader line




The puke tank lines that were molded to the tank were removed anf clear tubing was added. Then they were coated with clear orange tamiya acrylic to give them the oil and fuel stained look. I think these REALLY give it a vintage look!




A closeup of the front area and all those oil lines!



Finally I replaced the rear wing ends with aluminum sheet....



Rear chutes and lots of PE fasteners and it will be finished up!

DaveT

[quadzero]

A truly great tribute to Big Daddy. Amazing work and detailling that went into this stunning model. I admire the research and accuracy you bring to your work.

[sportracer02]

Absolutely great job !!!

Where did you find the clear tube for the puke tank ?

[Big Kahuna]

Awesome work Dave.

The man should be mightily impressed with this rendition!