’69 Camaro 80's Style Hot Rod

[Scale-Master]

I started this Monogram Camaro back in the ‘90s. I was swapping in a Big-Block and putting a C4 Corvette front suspension under the front end.
I machined and made a lot of parts and sub-assemblies before realizing I could not make parts to the level I wanted. Mainly, not having the ability to make small fasteners that would look like they were in scale is the reason I set it aside. I also did not plan out the project as whole, but built it in sub-assemblies learning as I went, but not paying attention to how I would make them all work together. I guess I thought I could just “plug” the new parts into where the original parts went. All fine and dandy… until I made too many changes and lost some mounting points.
So I disassembled much of it and bagged & tagged (thankfully) some of the loose parts. Some ended up in box in my shop. Some (including the body and chassis) sat in a large Frisbee not far from my mill. It is amazing I only lost one piece (that I know of), and found it after only five minutes of looking.
I have decided since I can now make the parts that hindered its progress some 13-14 years ago that it was time to play with it again.
Originally I had planned it to be a mid to late 80’s hot-rodded Camaro. Weekend grudge match racer, possible daily driver, in a similar vein as the way I treated my Camaro back then. Considering what I have done already, I think it wise to continue that path at this point…

Here is the undignified condition of the parts as I began to inventory them today…
I did get some chemical etching on the body, but nothing too bad.

The chassis was missing a brass sub-frame connector. Most of the front suspension was machined out of aluminum.


A brake rotor with no hub, yeah, but it does have a backing plate. I was so into figuring out how to make vented rotors I missed that detail, but then I hadn’t made the wheels yet either…
That rotor just looks wrong, they will have to go, but it was the precursor to how I subsequently made the front rotors on one of the Super Sevens, so it served its purpose in the long run…

[Scale-Master]

This box has the identifiable if not usable parts panned from the Frisbee… Mostly engine/trans items.

This box of parts was semi protected by some plastic bags and has been sitting at the end of my workbench over a dozen years. Mostly interior and small sub-assemblies…

[Scale-Master]

I had machined the wheels from aluminum, the front tires are from the kit, the rears are also from the kit, but cut and spliced from two sets to make them wider. The one loose rim has been sitting on a shelf in my garage since it was made. Time to do some clean up…

[Rye 21]

Theres nothing better then a 70's - 80's street machine!

I vote Flake, 8-71 blower, Cragars, Crushed velour interior!

[Scale-Master]

The wheels cleaned up pretty well. You can see how many parts make up a wheel.

[Scale-Master]

Much like my real Camaro, this one will retain the stock passenger seat. I had separated the headrest from the kit seat and machined the headrest hardware.

Also like mine, the driver’s seat is an aftermarket item. I scratch-built this one, mostly from sheet plastic and polyester filler. The mounting rails are brass and functional to a degree. Other items are machined aluminum. It still needs plenty of finish work…

[luchoteam]

Nice detailed wrok!

Suscribed

[Scale-Master]

The battery was machined from aluminum and the battery tray was cut, scored and folded sheet aluminum, much in the same fashion as a sheet metal tray would be formed in 1:1.
The caps pull out, just for fun. I could not make fine enough hardware for the hold down, so it got shelved back then.

[mike@af]

This looks like its going to be a stunner, Mark. Is this the 1/12 kit, by chance? The engine/tranny look odd for 1/24 and the threaded spindle looks too large for a 1/24. Then again, my eyes could be playing tricks on me.

Keep us updated!

[Scale-Master]

Yes Mike, It is the 1/12. The rotor and spindle are being replaced. The block is being prepped for paint.


The rear leaf springs and part of the axle were fabricated from brass. I’ll have to re-assemble them to see what I have to work with. Sure glad I bagged them as left & rights…

[Hemi Killer]

I have this kit tucked away. I am nursing the 1/12 57 chevy right now.

this is gona be pretty awesome.

do you ever duplicate parts for sale?

[Scale-Master]

I do make parts for others, but most of what I make is for a specific project and not a simple "bolt-on replacement".
Like the wheels for this one. The rear rims only fit the tires I made for them and they will mount to brakes I am making. So offering the same parts I make to others doesn't seem to be a viable option unless I make the other parts they mount to.


The headers are modified parts from the ’67Corvette I pulled the engine from. I added extensions for cut-outs. They will mate up to the chambered exhaust, unless I change my mind. Never got around to making the hardware, but no worries regarding those parts now, just more fasteners to machine....

[Scale-Master]

These are the new rotors. Modified from Tamiya left over parts, with new aluminum machined hubs. Studs are made from steel bolts.

Here are the spindles and backing plates, machined from aluminum back when I started this project, and they have been modified to accept the new rotors/calipers.

[Hemi Killer]

Thank you for clarifying.

those rotors look killer. Spindles and backing plates will make for some nice detail.

I have to confess, I havent had much interest in your latest projects, but appreciate the work that went into them. This one however will be fun to watch.

[countach79]

looking sweet!

love the brakes