Short Track and NASCAR modeling

Short Track Forums => Fab shop-under construction pics => Topic started by: 18degrees on September 18, 2024, 08:25:24 AM

Title: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: 18degrees on September 18, 2024, 08:25:24 AM
well, as updated as i can do.  i did side by side photos for comparison with a chassis out of the box that i will use for an upcoming Andy Hillenburg build.  updated chassis is on the left and stock is on the right.  hoped that the modifications will be easier to see in bare white versus painted.  the updated chassis has bars removed and replaced, spuds all over the place, and i fabbed nerf bars and shock mounts from rod; body panels from sheet (the only kit body panel is the hood).  i coulda blended the nose piece sides to flow better with the hood but hey, this is my first shot at this so live and learn.

(https://i.imgur.com/qoEV7Tu.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/UYBxSMO.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/yoKhGFw.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/SniQAt4.jpeg)


and some modified parts... headers with a "muffler", nerfs and link bars with shock attachments, and some Factory Kahne shocks from Jaye

(https://i.imgur.com/CRTeZJg.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/jyJqfzi.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/PTjN6lY.jpeg)


and the WiP that this is... just a fantasy build with random sponsors.  made to look like a local driver who slapped a WoO sticker on for the race when it comes to their home track.  Tamiya mica red and semi gloss black. i fabbed all the body panels (except the hood) and front wing side panels from sheet.  should look better once everything is in its proper place.

(https://i.imgur.com/vZCqaYe.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/WG7TP6o.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/a4m0U3N.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/fFpCqVG.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/mloSuyd.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8bX6SHX.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/gNRVAe8.jpeg)


feel free to comment or ask questions
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: Volzfan59 on September 18, 2024, 09:18:29 AM
Thank you so much for posting this. Mentioned before, I've never been to a sprint car race, nor seen a real sprint car in person. Kinda weird, when Gambler chassis was in Hendersonville, TN, I went to the shop to buy some tubing for my stock car. For whatever reason there were no completed chassis's or show cars. Going to a sprint car race is on my bucket list.

I did get to see the original #49 dirt late model Camaro that Brewster Baker (Kenny Rogers) drove in the movie Six Pack. It was sitting on the trailer from the movie, outside, behind the shop
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: Rattlecan Dan on September 18, 2024, 11:38:51 AM
You must have some kind of engineering degree to create and replace those components. Great work on the fabricated parts as well. This is going to be a fine build and occupy the #1 spot in or on the display case. Maybe next to a ribbon or trophy from a contest.
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: 18degrees on September 18, 2024, 02:38:05 PM
Quote from: Volzfan59 on September 18, 2024, 09:18:29 AMThank you so much for posting this. Mentioned before, I've never been to a sprint car race, nor seen a real sprint car in person. Kinda weird, when Gambler chassis was in Hendersonville, TN, I went to the shop to buy some tubing for my stack car. For whatever reason there were no completed chassis's or show cars. Going to a sprint car race is on my bucket list.

I did get to see the original #49 dirt late model Camaro that Brewster Baker (Kenny Rogers) drove in the movie Six Pack. It was sitting on the trailer from the movie, outside, behind the shop

Not sure how close they come to you but there isn't anything more exciting on a racetrack than winged dirt sprint cars. If you can get to an Outlaws race or a High Limit race you won't be disappointed. Nearly instant acceleration, stay glued to the track (unless it's heavy then they pull wheelstands) and smoothly ride on a rail.
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: 18degrees on September 18, 2024, 02:39:50 PM
Quote from: Rattlecan Dan on September 18, 2024, 11:38:51 AMYou must have some kind of engineering degree to create and replace those components. Great work on the fabricated parts as well. This is going to be a fine build and occupy the #1 spot in or on the display case. Maybe next to a ribbon or trophy from a contest.

Thanks for the compliments. No engineering degree or training/experience here. I can be an analytic problem solver which helps a lot.

Just lots of measuring, cutting, sanding, bending and gluing.  ;)
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: 18degrees on September 18, 2024, 02:46:02 PM
Quote from: Volzfan59 on September 18, 2024, 09:18:29 AMThank you so much for posting this. Mentioned before, I've never been to a sprint car race, nor seen a real sprint car in person. Kinda weird, when Gambler chassis was in Hendersonville, TN, I went to the shop to buy some tubing for my stack car. For whatever reason there were no completed chassis's or show cars. Going to a sprint car race is on my bucket list.


Dunno how close you are to Florence KY but High Limit will be there on 9/28. Or if you are Western Tennessee the Outlaws will be in West Memphis AR on October 25-26.
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: Volzfan59 on September 18, 2024, 04:55:37 PM
Quote from: 18degrees on September 18, 2024, 02:46:02 PM
Quote from: Volzfan59 on September 18, 2024, 09:18:29 AMThank you so much for posting this. Mentioned before, I've never been to a sprint car race, nor seen a real sprint car in person. Kinda weird, when Gambler chassis was in Hendersonville, TN, I went to the shop to buy some tubing for my stack car. For whatever reason there were no completed chassis's or show cars. Going to a sprint car race is on my bucket list.


Dunno how close you are to Florence KY but High Limit will be there on 9/28. Or if you are Western Tennessee the Outlaws will be in West Memphis AR on October 25-26.

I live in southeast Arkansas now, nine miles from the Louisiana border. I've recently been told that there is a track over in Texarkana that runs sprint cars. Need to see if any of the tours go there. It's about a three hour drive from here, close enough for me.
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: 18degrees on September 18, 2024, 06:05:58 PM
Quote from: Volzfan59 on September 18, 2024, 04:55:37 PM
Quote from: 18degrees on September 18, 2024, 02:46:02 PM
Quote from: Volzfan59 on September 18, 2024, 09:18:29 AMThank you so much for posting this. Mentioned before, I've never been to a sprint car race, nor seen a real sprint car in person. Kinda weird, when Gambler chassis was in Hendersonville, TN, I went to the shop to buy some tubing for my stack car. For whatever reason there were no completed chassis's or show cars. Going to a sprint car race is on my bucket list.


Dunno how close you are to Florence KY but High Limit will be there on 9/28. Or if you are Western Tennessee the Outlaws will be in West Memphis AR on October 25-26.

I live in southeast Arkansas now, nine miles from the Louisiana border. I've recently been told that there is a track over in Texarkana that runs sprint cars. Need to see if any of the tours go there. It's about a three hour drive from here, close enough for me.

You may have the opportunity to see something like ASCS but nothing the quality of Outlaws or HL. I suppose West Memphis is a little bit of a haul for ya...
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: Volzfan59 on September 19, 2024, 09:08:00 AM
West Memphis wouldn't be undoable at all. This October is pretty full for me. We're going to Ennis, TX for the NHRA Fall Nationals at the first of the month, hopefully 🤞moving into our newly remodeled house mid month and I'm wanting to go to the big model show and swap meet in Cartersville, GA. I think the model show is on the 25th? The model thing is contingent upon how well the moving thing goes.

I did talk to my wife last night about going to a touring level sprint car race next year. She's a car nut too, she's all for it. Hopefully life won't be so hectic in 2025. I'm off to meet with my flooring guy.
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: 18degrees on September 19, 2024, 04:34:10 PM
Quote from: Volzfan59 on September 19, 2024, 09:08:00 AMWest Memphis wouldn't be undoable at all. This October is pretty full for me. We're going to Ennis, TX for the NHRA Fall Nationals at the first of the month, hopefully 🤞moving into our newly remodeled house mid month and I'm wanting to go to the big model show and swap meet in Cartersville, GA. I think the model show is on the 25th? The model thing is contingent upon how well the moving thing goes.

I did talk to my wife last night about going to a touring level sprint car race next year. She's a car nut too, she's all for it. Hopefully life won't be so hectic in 2025. I'm off to meet with my flooring guy.


Come up to Pevely in April (assuming they will still have their spring weekend again next year). Plenty of hotels in the area, the racing there is awesome, and with the spring dates normally being before local tracks start running there is normally a good car count. Hell, i would even spring for tickets for you and your wife so you get seats that have the best location ;)
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: 18degrees on September 19, 2024, 11:02:20 PM
I am going to add 2 more body panels to the sides near the motor. Most modern sprint cars have the engine closed in on the sides, basically just room for the headers to come out. Guess that's for aerodynamic purposes... got them cut and starting to paint. Got most of the suspension attachment points in place, have to do one more for the left front. The front end is a little more difficult to set up when the kit shocks are a guide for attaching it and you remove them :o have to attach one side then the other, using the attached side as a guide for the other. Also wheels and tires are almost done, waiting on the front wheel centers to arrive from SWS. Will post more when there is post worthy progress...
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: Volzfan59 on September 20, 2024, 09:07:25 AM
I'll shoot you a PM when I have a minute, Pevely sounds like fun! This house is eating up all of my time right now. I'm off to help my son in law install a new septic system. That's my weekend plans.
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: 18degrees on September 20, 2024, 06:13:26 PM
Well, got the additional body panels painted and one installed. Doesn't look as good as i thought it would, if i decide to do this again in the future they will all be one piece. This truly is a series of learning moments for me.
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: 18degrees on September 23, 2024, 09:33:46 PM
updated, need to size up the front wing posts and get the wing in place, add the tires, fuel cell and push bar, and top wing and it'll be done

(https://i.imgur.com/IlAzHQo.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/oKwt1Fk.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/aCm6znV.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/aCA1oMu.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/b3vRQgU.jpeg)


will post the finished product here soon
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: Volzfan59 on September 24, 2024, 09:10:22 AM
It's really looking good! Can't wait to see your finished product.
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: racecar dave on September 24, 2024, 10:27:24 AM
Nice clean work
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: 18degrees on October 02, 2024, 06:20:33 PM
so it's been done for a few days, just gotta get off my lazy butt and take pics and post them  ::)
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: 18degrees on October 04, 2024, 11:46:51 PM
pics finally taken an put up on the shelf...

(https://i.imgur.com/o2KHZRE.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/5D2NzAB.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/aTmQtcO.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/jw3H4A0.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/uSieH0Y.jpeg)


any questions feel free to post them here or PM
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: Volzfan59 on October 05, 2024, 10:22:10 AM
WOW!!! That car looks great, well done.
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: john2 on October 05, 2024, 12:29:20 PM
 :) Boy, that's nice.
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: Rattlecan Dan on October 05, 2024, 08:30:42 PM
Absolutely beautiful build. Great job!
Title: Re: anatomy of an updated sprint car chassis
Post by: 18degrees on October 07, 2024, 07:04:23 PM
Thanks for the compliments fellas, very much appreciated. I learned a lot from this build, especially about fabricating body panels and setting up suspension attachment points.

Too bad that the remaining sprint car builds i have don't require (or inspire) this level of work.

So tomorrow is the last race of the year for me... going to the final High Limit Midweek Money mini-series race of the year. Did i mention that i bought a ticket on a whim and that it's in Odessa, MO at I-70 Speedway (or Motorsports Park, whatever it's called now), which is a 3 1/2 hour (each way) trip for me? This track has been on my bucket list for a while now, flying solo on this one. Gonna get there early and donate some diapers and baby wipes (NC hurricane relief collection at the last few HL races) and get my pit pass and do my driver socializing and shirt buying early so i can get the hell out when the races end...