Project Mini-ULTM8Z

[ULTM8Z]

So my daughters got me this Camaro model for Christmas. They spent quite a bit of time trying to find one with a full bumper at that (I was actually impressed they were aware of the difference). I actually haven't built a car model like this in ~45 years... lol. Needless to say it's going to take me back to my childhood too.



So I figured I'm going to do it justice and open up a project thread on it. The plan is to make a mini-version of my Camaro, so I'm also ordering this 1996 Collectors Edition Vette model in order to get the wheels and tires, the engine (since the LT1's are extremely similar in appearance to my Miniram'd 383), the 4 wheel disc brakes, etc...

[ULTM8Z]

Started doing some preliminary work today, mostly painting and stuff.

I have the correct colors to match my Camaro... the PB3 1998 Dodge Intense Blue as well as the factory 1971 Dark Saddle for the interior.

[ULTM8Z]

Still need to get some gloss clear coat, but so far the body came out really good IMO...



Door panels and dash... man, it was tough trying to get the silver detail on the gauge rims, but for the scale of this car, not bad IMO...

[ULTM8Z]

Overall what I want to do is have this car on display on the dashboard at car shows.

I've seen that kind of thing before and it's kinda neat...

I'll have to figure out how to prop the hood up since the scale engines in these models are actually quite detailed.

[ULTM8Z]

Finished the bright work. A little black primer gives the look of the door window sweep. Lol...

I'm literally working under a magnifying glass with this thing..

[ULTM8Z]

A little more progress today. Getting to the point where I'll need to pause until the Corvette model comes in so I can see how I"m going to combine the two.

[srode]

Cool project. Did that paint work well on the plastic body?

[andrewb70]

Fun!!!

Andrew

[ULTM8Z]

Cool project. Did that paint work well on the plastic body?

Amazingly well. So much so I can put masking tape on it and it doesn't peel or degrade in any way.

[68Formula]

Love the Intense Blue!

[srode]

where did you get the blue paint? I have a 69 Camaro model that's been sitting in the office for probably 10 years I might finally put together.

[ULTM8Z]

where did you get the blue paint? I have a 69 Camaro model that's been sitting in the office for probably 10 years I might finally put together.

I've had the can for several years. I got it from one of the local parts stores.... I believe Pep Boys.

[ULTM8Z]

Corvette model arrived. Scale is correct!

Just a quick mock up...

[ULTM8Z]

Parts seem to intermix pretty well. They did their math right on the scale at least. Some minor mods and it should be good.

My actual engine for reference. I may use a piece of black wire to form a cold air tube... lol.

The model is LT1 so there will be some differences, but most people mistake my Miniram SBC for a LT1 anyway.

[ULTM8Z]

Lol... cold air tube

[ULTM8Z]

Figured I'd make a set of spark plug wires to try to convert this LT1 into a SBC...

Pulled some strands of copper wire out of some 12 awg wire. Soldered them together where they go on the cap. Then found a piece of plastic to represent the distributor cap.





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Grill...

[ULTM8Z]

Re-purposed the starter motor out of the '71 kit into a Sanden A/C compressor... lol... then grafted a portion of '71 belts/pulleys on.

[ULTM8Z]

Getting close finishing! Engine is in... had to modify the oil pan and the transmission tail housing to get it to fit... The HEI distributor and plug wires came out pretty cool too I think.

I'm not going to pay that much attention to the under carriage. The model will spend it's entire life right-side up.





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I decided to run with the Corvette steering wheel. Neither is a match for my Momo wheel, but the Vette looks more updated...



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The '71 fan shroud without the fan is a pretty good approximation of my Taurus electric fan



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Glass is in and some detail on the master cylinder and booster.

[ULTM8Z]

Body on chassis finally...

I had to break the alternator and A/C off and lower them a bit as they were hitting the hood.... funny that wasn't the case on my actual Camaro... hmmmm.....

I'm going to have to offset the wheel centerlines from the axles a bit in order to set the ride height. Also, as in real life, the offset on the Vette wheels is too deep... lol... I'll need some 1/25 scale wheel spacers.

[ULTM8Z]

thinking about hood how to prop the hood up for display. I'll probably use some paper clips.

But I was thinking I could print out some 1/25 scale pictures of hood hinges, cut them out and then glue them to the paper clips...