This is a new project I'm building for a Facebook group build-off. The theme is Tri-Five dirt slingers. I picked up a newly reissued AMT 55 Chevy this weekend at a model show along with some PPP wheels, tires and a couple decal sheets. This will be a generic/fantasy car, not a replica. I'm going for a mid 60s-early 70s era so if you see something incorrect, call me out.
Much like the real deal (I imagine) lot's of sawing and cutting took place first thing. The AMT body is great but the molded in exhaust had to go.
I removed the chrome trim,blocked off the headlights and tail lights, removed the vent window post, wipers, interior doors and inner fenders. I gutted the frame removing the molded exhaust, and gas tank and added a rear cross member. I also relocated the firewall to the floor pan so I could tie in the front bars to the roll cage and keep everything as one unit.
The pile on the lower left is what was removed.
(https://i.imgur.com/xVKs6I1.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/d7fqplC.jpg)
Hmmmmm I've looked at this kit thinking of doing what you're doing but figured it was too much work and beyond my capabilities. If you keep us informed of your progress I just may copy your work......if you don't mind. ; )
Yes, it's a lot of work. The older Revell Chevy kits would be less work since the frame is molded separate, but I'm working with what I've got. The frame rails are open at the top from the firewall back. Since the top of the frame rails will not be seen I'm not going to worry about it. It wont be perfect, but I think I can make it work.
Great start on the tri five Chevy. I remember watching lots of these cars race in SE Wisconsin back in the late 60's and also when I was stationed in Rapid city in the 70's and they were extremely competitive. In Wisconsin some of these were considered late models. What motor do you plan to use? Keep posting on the progress.
Quote from: Fordguy01 on January 21, 2019, 06:57:44 PM
Great start on the tri five Chevy. I remember watching lots of these cars race in SE Wisconsin back in the late 60's and also when I was stationed in Rapid city in the 70's and they were extremely competitive. In Wisconsin some of these were considered late models. What motor do you plan to use? Keep posting on the progress.
I was planning to use the stock 265 engine that comes in the kit. The kit comes with a few speed goodies, but I was going to stick with stock exhaust manifold and valve covers and make my own exhaust pipes. Perhaps I'll scrap the alternator since the battery could be charged before start up.
It looks like your off to a great start. Keep us posted, it will be interesting to watch the progress.
Bob
UPDATE:
I radiused the rear wheel wells and added a crash bar to the side of the door. I glued a strip of angled stock inside the body to locate the interior pan, I also assembled the front suspension and rear end (not pictured). Next will be establishing the stance and getting it on 4 wheels.
(https://i.imgur.com/6gt9pAO.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/uPHCD7t.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/D4zwZrb.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/1wBEyv8.jpg)
This is sure looking good. Looking forward to your next update...
This is looking really cool keep posting pics showing your progress. I have a coupe of these and I may try one myself in the future.
Fordguy01
UPDATE:
I was able to get it on 4 wheels this weekend. Established the ride height and stance. I also added a trans cross member and fabbed a couple motor mounts that look closer to the real thing.
(https://i.imgur.com/jMS5jVv.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/bwSvzYs.jpg)
OH yea...that's sure looking good!!! That profile shot sure gives that look and feel of a short track car. You're nailing my memory bank for sure...
Looking really good so far. A lot of these ran in central Pa. back in the day.
Bob
Update: I gutted the dash to resemble a stripped down version. Still needs a little tweaking, but it's getting there.
(https://i.imgur.com/vzOtWm1.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/44qHTPk.png)
Man...does that bring back some memories. I've gutted a few dash's in the past. Good job on the scale dash. Looks real..
this is looking real good so far!
:) TGSS, This is my opportunity to offer my standard joke when anyone comments that a model is looking good " so far. " Most of us longtime guys around here get a laugh out of it. But that's all it is ---- just a joke.
Your Chevy is looking good, and I am sure it will be great when you finish it. Hope the rest of it goes easy for you.
Quote from: john2 on January 30, 2019, 06:17:49 AM
:) TGSS, This is my opportunity to offer my standard joke when anyone comments that a model is looking good " so far. " Most of us longtime guys around here get a laugh out of it. But that's all it is ---- just a joke.
Your Chevy is looking good, and I am sure it will be great when you finish it. Hope the rest of it goes easy for you.
;D ;D Yes, let's hope I don't screw it up!
This turning out real nice!
Rett
Looooking goooood!
Al
How about so far, so good! ;D
Small update:
I've got the dash mounted, pedals and steering column in. I sourced a steering box from a 66 Nova, and began fabbing the roll cage. Front and rear hoops are installed. The seat is temporarily placed for now. It's a resin piece from Sheldon Rothwell at the Outlaw Speed Shop. More to come
(https://i.imgur.com/pCmpHuO.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/pXMXUT8.jpg)
UPDATE:
I built the front hoop and tied it into the roll cage through the holes in the dash, built a structure for the radiator to mount to and used angle stock on the radiator for mounting, made a lower radiator hose out of round stock, and drilled holes in the front of the hood.
Question for those of you who know these cars well:
Did the hobby stock divisions back in the day use stock or heavy duty shocks up front? One on each side? two? Photos of a typical set up would be great.
Thanks
(https://i.imgur.com/lQGjIrp.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/4nV3xhP.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/rJPK5TN.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/qbcUr3L.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/Q8Fjdvw.jpg)
Man Third gear...this is really looking good. The shock question is a good one. I think it depends on what racing Assc. your running with. The west coast folks might let them run beef'd up shocks while the east coast folks might make them run stock shocks. Thta's what I remember anyway.
Third, since you have gone with the wide five hubs and wheels, I would add an out board racing shock on the front. Where I am, cars like yours would have been in the "Late Model" class until about 1971 and then it would become a Hobby Stocker all of which used racing shocks here. The most common spot to mount the front shock was the lower A arm close to the ball joint and top mounted to the front engine cage hoop. The rear would be the builders choice. Here is a typical example for a tri-five chassis. You can see the top of the shock mounted to the front cage, the lower end to the front side of the A arm hidden by the tire. I have seen all kinds of odd ball set ups but the fast guys were like this.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Pq7yfQHz/DSCN1156.jpg)
I agree with Leftturns. Around Iowa, the couple year old late models generally became sportsman cars. A little heavy for evolving late model classes and not quite enough motor either. They would have the old late model running gear and suspension parts.
Great pictorial build! These how to's are informative and inspiring. They make this forum the place to be for short track subjects! Thank you for taking the time to document it.
Tb
Ps...PM sent
My car had one stock shock on each corner-now remember this was back in the 60's in SE Wisconsin and also the only rim that could be off set was the right front as that one took the most stress. Hope this helps.
Al
Quote from: Fordguy01 on February 23, 2019, 01:12:20 PM
My car had one stock shock on each corner-now remember this was back in the 60's in SE Wisconsin and also the only rim that could be off set was the right front as that one took the most stress. Hope this helps.
Al
I too raced in SE Wis. Sportsman at Hales, Cedarburg, and Slinger. Two heavy duty shocks on the right front, also pie cut upper control arm to help lead it into the corner. I burned a couple of big Merc spindles until I put a Stock Car Products hub on that I got from Jimmy Lord. Never had a problem after that. BTW, I was running '62 and '64 Ford Galaxie.
Rett
Thanks for the feedback guys. It's great to hear from the guys that actually raced and built these things back in the day. Much appreciated.
Just got around to seeing this....a GREAT tutorial & subject matter! Looking forward to the completed project!
UPDATE:
I got the front bumper and nerf bar installed. Still on the fence about attaching the stock bumper or run it as is. The roll cage is almost complete. It fits really well within the body and matches the shape of the body real well, I'm happy with it. Rear firewall has been shaped and installed and the gas tank has been installed. Just a little more frame work and I can move on to the engine and smaller details before paint. It's getting there.
(https://i.imgur.com/LtvSs19.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/q7f3rDv.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/QXkTDJr.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/3JrDDcQ.jpg)
This is looking real good thirdgear. Your fab work is outstanding...
I agree with Gary the fab work is super. This has been a great tutorial. Is the gas tank a resin piece?
Al
Quote from: Fordguy01 on March 04, 2019, 01:37:55 PM
I agree with Gary the fab work is super. This has been a great tutorial. Is the gas tank a resin piece?
Al
Thanks Al. No, the gas tank is something I pulled out of the parts box. I have no idea what its origin was, but it had the proper shape. I had to fab the top of it (which you wont see anyway) and added the mounting straps from strips of styrene.
Somehow I missed this one.
Excellent fab working taking place here.
Keep us updated, this is going to be a fantastic build when finished, I can't wait to see the finished project.
Bob
UPDATE:
I have mocked up the engine using the stock 265 small block. Stock ram horn exhaust manifolds and scratch built exhaust pipes. Styrene rod was used for the upper and lower radiator hoses. The Air cleaner is a header block off cap from the AMT 32 Lil Vicky kit.
(https://i.imgur.com/iqWqOdJ.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/q1F7hyA.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/E8RQ8i9.jpg)
Hey thirdgear this is looking better and better all the time. Thanks for keep us posted!
Al
One last mock up pic before I break it down for paint
(https://i.imgur.com/00NhGaK.jpg)
Coming along very nicely! I can tell you put some well thought out, very clean work into this one.
Progress:
Finally getting some paint on this one. The engine is wired and installed. Still need to dull coat the air filter. Wheels and tires are painted and installed.
(https://i.imgur.com/Kgcben7.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/WDsz1hK.jpg)
Quote from: thirdgearspeedshop on March 15, 2019, 07:33:45 AM
One last mock up pic before I break it down for paint
(https://i.imgur.com/00NhGaK.jpg)
What kind of glue do you use to hold it all together and then be able to tear it down? I have enough trouble putting one together, let alone tear it down and redo it.
Rett
Quote from: Dirtman on April 01, 2019, 08:00:40 AM
Quote from: thirdgearspeedshop on March 15, 2019, 07:33:45 AM
One last mock up pic before I break it down for paint
(https://i.imgur.com/00NhGaK.jpg)
What kind of glue do you use to hold it all together and then be able to tear it down? I have enough trouble putting one together, let alone tear it down and redo it.
Rett
In that pic the chassis and roll bars are complete and attached with Tamiya liquid cement. The wheels and tires are set in place without glue. I try to use styrene rod that slides into the holes using friction to hold them in place so I can remove them for paint. The body is sitting on top of the frame using the angled stock I glued to the inside of the body. (see previous pics ).
Thanks man!
Rett
Also removing the firewall from the body and attaching it to the frame helped make it easier to test fit the body during fabrication.
UPDATE:
Finally getting some paint on the body. Next up will be decals, installing the seat and getting it weathered with some "dirt"
(https://i.imgur.com/EmWkgd8.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/2Vndq9x.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/jWP6Tg1.jpg)
WOW third gear that car is looking like a real winner. I can visualize this car roaring off turn four throwing a huge rooster tail of dirt in the air and taking the checkered flag. Thanks for the great tutorial and if it is o.k. with you I would like to put this in my favorites for when I try my hand at one of these 55's. GREAT WORK!
Al
Quote from: Fordguy01 on April 12, 2019, 09:43:22 AM
WOW third gear that car is looking like a real winner. I can visualize this car roaring off turn four throwing a huge rooster tail of dirt in the air and taking the checkered flag. Thanks for the great tutorial and if it is o.k. with you I would like to put this in my favorites for when I try my hand at one of these 55's. GREAT WORK!
Al
Thanks, sure it's ok. Thats what these forums are all about my man!
Have enjoyed watching your progress on this beauty; can't wait to see the finished product!
Man Al....this 55 is really looking good. It's really going to look cool with the #s and sponsor's on it.
Tis is a cool looking race car, love the colors. Very accurate of the era! I love!
Finished this one up this weekend. I'll post more pics in Cars with Fenders
(https://i.imgur.com/7DJvZ6g.jpg)
Great work.
Thanks for posting the "ride along" pics also.