AMT F&F Eclipse build up

[008]

Here we go, I know a lot of people are curious so I'll take a stab with a building tour. I'm building this as a race car or some really serious street car. The engine will be modified to look more like, well, an engine. If you're thinking of buying this kit you'll be making good use of your parts box. It has no windshield wipers, gauge decals, suspension springs, or engine accessories (that's right, no alternator, power steering, or any belts for that matter).

First the engine. Let's not all laugh at once. The turbo (not in the pic) is indeed placed "correctly", but it doens't look like a turbo nor does it connect to anything. That, and the exhaust manifold is incorrect being placed behind the engine. In the real car, the exhaust manifold is in front. I will scratchbuild a turbo manifold later. The kit cam covers (not in the pic either) are also wrong because it only has one. How's a DOHC engine have only one cam cover?


I'll place the exhaust and turbo correctly, but it leaves no room. I made a cut in front of the engine where I want the exhaust to go and put some styrene bracing. Whether or not this looks like the real car, I don't know as I don't have reference. It'll look better than AMT's attempt that's for sure.




Interior mock-up. The kit has no gauges (???) so some painting is in order. The "gauges" on the airbag cover (!) also point the wrong way and it makes the large gauge look like a cupholder. It's Dremel time.


Most dash detailing is done now. Steering wheel still needs painting. Most of the detail paint on the gauges and buttons were done with a pin dipped in paint. The gauge needles were drawn using the pin method as well. It has blobs at some points but inside a built model nobody will notice much.


Body is already painted but no pics yet. Interior will have a rollcage and whatever I can throw in it. More later!

[tonioseven]

I look forward to it as I was able to purchase one but was disappointed when I opened the box. Great progress so far!

[Valentino]

You handpainted the gauges . nice.... can't wait to see more .

[Midnight Racer]

When I built my AMT kits they too came with no gauges so I scaled some down and printed them.I look forward to seeing more progress.

[008]

Originally Posted by Midnight Racer

When I built my AMT kits they too came with no gauges so I scaled some down and printed them.

Which ones? My 300C came with blank gauges but it included decals at least!

I was attempting the scaled down gauges but my printer is too old. I actually found a graphic for '95 Eclipse aftermarket gauges. I could've asked my friend to print it for me but I thought I'd try just doing them by hand.

[nis.k.a.]

The F&F models are made off the real cars. The green Eclipse (in real life) isn't turbocharged. Thus the engine you're building isn't the 4G63 DOHC turbo.

[Sidewinder-03]

Who does AMT think they are kidding!?

Great job 008, can't wait to see more.

[CamaroSSBoy346]

Yeah, i bought this kit, im not happy with it. I'll sell it, i've painted the interior (black), filled in the side door handles (this thing cant take heavy coats) (still needs to be sanded.) It was orgionally dark red, now its dark red with primer.

[008]

Originally Posted by nis.k.a.

The F&F models are made off the real cars. The green Eclipse (in real life) isn't turbocharged. Thus the engine you're building isn't the 4G63 DOHC turbo.

I'm not trying to build a 4G63 turbo, or any "real life" engine for that matter, really. The engine AMT is trying to duplicate is this, and they have failed horribly. All I'm trying to do is correct it as best as possible, then add a turbo. The largest mistake is having the exhaust on the wrong side of the engine while hanging the "turbo" on the opposite side.

[EMAXX]

WOW!!! Thats a lot of detail painting. Keep us posted on how this one goes.

[nis.k.a.]

Originally Posted by EMAXX

WOW!!! Thats a lot of detail painting. Keep us posted on how this one goes.

No joke...

Your build up looks good considering AMT totally fudged the engine.

[D[X]P]

does this kit or the supra have nos bottles and racing seats?

[nis.k.a.]

The Supra has 2 NOS bottles. I don't know if the Eclipse does. The racing seats that ome with the Supra are weak.

[Modgod]

I have this kit to Im pretty happy with it sense the body looks ok the engine isnt to great and yes it comes with a small NOS nitrous bottle Im happy with the kit and im planning on entering it in a contest.

[chaos]

Originally Posted by Valentino

You handpainted the gauges . nice.... can't wait to see more .

Friggin' awesome!!! Can't wait to see the rest!!