Model Tech: How to build a small scale hot rod!

[Fat Hack]

Okay...this is going to be an on-going post that I will be updating with "how-to" photos and text as I go through the stages of building a traditional Model A roadster in 1/25 scale. I know there are more than a few modelers in our midst, and maybe a few that soon will be! This stuff ain't hard, cuz even I can do it...so follow along over the next couple of weeks as this project comes together!

Let's start with the engine! Most instruction sheets will have you assemble the engine first, so that's where we will begin our build-up as well!

I've elected to go with a Dodge "Red Ram" early Hemi for this project, since I had one handy. The same basic steps will apply to other engines as well...with only a few specific differences that I will point out as we go.

<img src=http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid103/p34e0d1b1f841893ad8e4fd08cb693c41/f9a088be.jpg>

Here we have the two block halves joined together. Note that all "bumps" or mounting nubs for the oil pan and intake manifold have been cut off and ground smooth. I like to eliminate those and position the parts precisely myself.

The magneto is a part of the block casting, and will be retained for this build...hard to get more trad than a big ol' magneto on an early Hemi, right???

[Kerry]

Where did you find the hemi engine model? I'm having a tough time parting with the $ for a model of a complete car just to rob the engine.

[kustumizer]

you could buy the bog john mazmaian kit for the hemi engine. It is the 41 willys gasser and is a really good model, so you can use mutilple parts off it. nate

[cornfieldrodder]

Heck, I've bought kits just to rob a good intake or a set of knockoffs!

[Anderson]

I got that '29 roadster kit from walmart the other day for Under $6.00. It was the only cheap kit, the rest were $10.00 plus.

[Machinos]

Keep the tips coming! After seeing your other models I thought I should start building models again. I built Star Wars models when I was like, 12, and always liked it. I forget why I stopped.

[Yosemite Hermit]

This is some great stuff! I'm really looking forward to learning some great tips. Thanks Hack!

[Barn-core]

Revel makes small kits that are just engines. I bought a 331 Cadillac motor with a 6x2 to put in a '32 i was building. They also have a hemi, 283, and a couple others. I don't remember how much they were going for, but you might be better off just buying a complete model kit, and getting the extra pieces.

[whodaky]

Hack great post, I too am a model builder, it would be good that you perhaps let people know what and where the major parts are from that you use. As a model builder of many years we can tend to take fro granted where the parts we use come from.

[JamesG]

Man i just happened to buy this same kit at Wal-Mart today, so I'll be following along with you. I was all happy when I saw the RedRam Hemi in the kit!!!! Whats up with the Ala-Kart parts in there?................Anyway, looking good bro!

[Anderson]

That kit was originally the '29 Roadster/Ala Kart kit. You could build either one. The only thing missing now are the front grill and the bed (though there is a duece grill instert...with no shell??). The current Ala Kart kit is an entirely new tool, and there is no interchangeability between the two kits.

[Peter Pan of Chicago]

What a great post Hack! Let'r rip! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[SwitchBlade327]

heres what i just started workin' on this week. Had the parts layin' around forever. Pretty much how the model was supposed to be put together, I just cut some of the front end stuff apart and attempted to do a suicide front end. Turned out alright, was a paint in the ass though. Now I gotta figure out how I'm gonna mount the bed since I'm not putting the fenders on it....

why I'm thinking about it, how do you guys get that "just came off the salt flats" look on your models?

[JamesG]

[ QUOTE ]
heres what i just started workin' on this week. Had the parts layin' around forever. Pretty much how the model was supposed to be put together, I just cut some of the front end stuff apart and attempted to do a suicide front end. Turned out alright, was a paint in the ass though. Now I gotta figure out how I'm gonna mount the bed since I'm not putting the fenders on it....

why I'm thinking about it, how do you guys get that "just came off the salt flats" look on your models?

[/ QUOTE ]

Cut a hole in the bed floor for the part od the frame that the spring mounts to, to go through....want a pic?

[Anderson]

I almost want to suggest a model car section of the board. They covered it in the little pages and early days of R&amp;C, so technically it's traditional, right? I think there's enough members to keep it active. Ah, nevermind!

[bradberry00]

I feel like going out and picking up a model now.....thanks a lot! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Actually a really, really cool post!

[Brootal]

That's pretty cool stuff FH. One problem I have though is "weathering" my models after I've built them. I can't bear to mess up all that nice work I've done.

Keep us posted. Looks like it'll be a cool kit. I'm doing a similar A roadster, but I cheated and used the Ala Kart Hemi which is WAY underscale. It's almost a V6!

[JamesG]

[ QUOTE ]
That kit was originally the '29 Roadster/Ala Kart kit. You could build either one. The only thing missing now are the front grill and the bed (though there is a duece grill instert...with no shell??). The current Ala Kart kit is an entirely new tool, and there is no interchangeability between the two kits.

[/ QUOTE ]


Here it is...on eGay..... http://i17.ebayimg.com/01/i/01/54/e6/93_1_b.JPG

[a/fxcomet]

What do you use for spark plug wire?

[Brootal]

...or just get some telephone wire, strip the outer casing and you have all the plug wire you could ever need. Even different colours, blue, black, red and white (in Australia anyway).

I normally drill a hole in the block (or rocker cover for a HEMI) and just stuff the wire in there. I even go to the trouble of making sure the firing order is right!!!

[JamesG]

Nice Hack, your good man! I'm building the same one and I am trying to figure out what to do about a frame. I'm thinking of kicking the frontend and assend up on mine and using the frame it came with.......

[Anderson]

Hey, how are you gonna finish this one out? Fendered or no? I really like this kit and where you're going with yours. I've finished one, have another in the works, and still one more waiting to be started!

The finished one (a 2-day quickie)

http://www.angelfire.com/retro/ericskars/models/29roadster2.jpg

And a bonneville roadster...this one's gonna be badass!

http://www.angelfire.com/retro/ericskars/models/frame2.JPG

[a/fxcomet]

[ QUOTE ]
...or just get some telephone wire, strip the outer casing and you have all the plug wire you could ever need. Even different colours, blue, black, red and white (in Australia anyway).

I normally drill a hole in the block (or rocker cover for a HEMI) and just stuff the wire in there. I even go to the trouble of making sure the firing order is right!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Sweet idea! Do you drill holes in the dizzy too? Or just glue to the top?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I saw another post where someone suggested cutting a model to scale as a way of mocking up an actual rod project. I.E. - chop, channel etc.

What's the most effective way of acurately cutting body plastic? It seems like if you just dremel cut it it would melt and/or leave an unmeasurable cut width.

[JamesG]

[ QUOTE ]
I saw another post where someone suggested cutting a model to scale as a way of mocking up an actual rod project. I.E. - chop, channel etc.

What's the most effective way of acurately cutting body plastic? It seems like if you just dremel cut it it would melt and/or leave an unmeasurable cut width.

[/ QUOTE ]

With a torch! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Brootal]

[ QUOTE ]
Sweet idea! Do you drill holes in the dizzy too? Or just glue to the top?

[/ QUOTE ]

I usually try to drill them out, but it can get a little fiddly. Best bet is to just drill the whole top of the dizzy out, or at least file down the little lugs and drill some holes. It will look "real" enough. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[av8]

Thanks for sharing these interesting techniques, FH. I've enoyed model building over the years but haven't allowed myself the space to do it for about 10 years. I think it's time to dedicate some room for a "workbench" and lots of bright lights.

Thanks for the inspiration.

av8

[Yosemite Hermit]

Wow! That looks just bitchin', Hack, nice work! That 32's gonna be mean as hell!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[JamesG]

I bought this one to work on hack....here my progress over the weekend....

[JamesG]

another..

[JamesG]

last one....a hopped-up four banger! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif