Vega Modified--FOR THE STREET! Need Ideas and Opinions Guys!

[tigeraid]

Okay, so this idea all started when I saw this car in HOT ROD Magazine last issue:





It's a '68 Toyota Corona that was cut up and laid on a tube chassis just like a Modified (a 1970s-style Modified in this case.) A Lexus V8 was added, and the overall style is basically a street-legal NASCAR Modified. You can read the full article at http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=106122#4

It's really quite a cool car. We've seen lots of stockcars made street legal (Monte Carlos, old Galaxies and lots of Belvederes, etc) but never an open wheel style Modified! I'm not a huge fan of Toyota, and a weak-kneed little 250 hp V8 isn't my style, but how about doing this to an American version?

Being a Chevy guy, the Vega was used heavily in short-track Modified racing in the '70s and 80s. Luckily I was able to find this on ebay:



... So, my idea is to do a similar deal as that Toyota, but with this Vega. This is one of those modelling projects that starts out as a small idea but ends up snowballing as more and more little things come to mind, and I'm anxious to get it started, so what I need from you guys is ideas on how to make this a "streetable" Modified while keeping the racy Modified look.

1 - should I keep the 427 big block or go to a smallblock? EFI or carbureted?

2 - Keep the Goodyear dirt track tires (which look kinda like old school Pro-Trac street tires) or go to a more modern tire?

3 - I'm strongly considering keeping the regular circle track wheels. I find the wheels on the Toyota one are pretty ugly, and I can't imagine chrome anything being the right choice for this car. Suggestions?

4 - How much of an interior will it have? Two seats instead of one are a must, of course...

5 - What kind of colour scheme? Should I put any racing stickers on it or leave it clean?

Let's hear what you think guys!!!

[Dean23]

first off, this iss gonna be wicked. second it has to be a big block abd yes racing decals would be cool. maybe something more modern like off a newer prostocker or a circle track car. 2 seats wouold be cool full cage. How bout a black or grey exteriror with 2 tone red and grey or red and black interior. KEep the circle track tires too. nice and beefy and will look kick ass

[willimo]

Personally, I'd keep it clean, without decals or anything on the outside. Racing decals belong on a racing car. I would also choose some different, road going wheels and tires, since you are actually making a road going car. Don't worry about the ugly rims on the inspiration car, you won't find them in scale. I'd stick with a two seater, but put the package shelf right to the back of the seats so it couldn't be confused with a 2+2. And I'd go EFI on this baby, modern it up and all that. This is what I would do, and am only saying so because you asked suggestions.

That said, that's a freakin cool car and that's going to be an amazing model when you get it done. Just an awesome idea, and I can't wait to see it go!

[eph2]

Nice Project!!!

[white97ex]

looks like its going to be a pretty awesome project. I'm with willimo, make it modern. It definately needs some EFI. and some newer wheels and tires. A couple of racing buckets and some 5 points for the "Look".

[Mr. Me.]

hi. sorry for my bad english. i am from Russia and I am new here.
I think that:
1) let this engine be in this car
2) keep Goodyear tires
3) wheels have to be chrome
4) only driver`s seat and shell(sorry if it is called another)
5) it should be colour of a sky(light blue), or red,or yellow

[Mr. Me.]

oh, sorry, i`ve forgot
draw numder on the ddors and roof

[quadzero]

very interesting project. i agree with Mr Me, keep the engine and tires,(or the widest street tires you can find would prob be better) rims for sure chrome and i like the idea of the numbers. but maybe have them toned down to a shade just off the body colour you decide on so they look very subtle. perhaps a number as a tribute to your fav driver? looking forward to see what you decide on. i like carbs but i think EFI would be better here.

[tigeraid]

Thanks for the ideas, keep em coming guys! I'm sort of set on keeping the circle track wheels--maybe go with chrome circle track wheels? Or possibly with a silver/chrome lip?

I think I'll stick with the big block--maybe I have some kind of EFI setup I can fit under there...

Choosing the right colour I think is my big priority.

[tonioseven]

Check www.bestresin.com for some good EFI systems

[white97ex]

as tonioseven said. www.bestresin.com their stuff is VERY affordable. GREAT people too. I've met Mark in person, as they are in the DFW metroplex, and they are great to do business with

[tigeraid]

I'll keep that in mind

And now I realised a problem... Being a Modified, it has no front or rear glass

I've posted in the classifieds for a Vega windshield, but what are some other options? I have a small piece of clear styrene, which might work for the back glass (being fairly flat) but the windshield has a bit of a curve to it...

[tigeraid]

Hmmmmmmmm how about this?



Assuming it fits under the hood

[tigeraid]

hmm I think I found a solution buy grinding down a stockcar windshield... I'll have to hold it in with retainer strips, much like a stockcar has...

[blubaja]

Why don't you make the glass for it yourself?