Lexus Hotrod

[tigeraid]

no worries, just kiddin around

[smcorolla]

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

[ales]

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

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

[willimo]

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.



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.





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!



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

[rod_k2]

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

[quadzero]

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. 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.

[Lownslow]

that car is tripped out

[Honoturtle]

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

[slk320]

Great job! The truck modificatios are very nice.

[blubaja]

Nice Will!

[white97ex]

lookin' real nice Will!

[willimo]

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.

[willimo]

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.



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.





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.



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.



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.



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



Motor in place:



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.

[mike@af]

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

[rsxse240]

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.