1933 Cadillac Town car rat rod
Comments
39 31 August 2020, 20:09
Nigel ChapmanWow, there's no pressure then, I'm Still only at the ideas stage!!
As I have no engine, I'm considering building my own V10, 12 or 16 using my engine parts stash. So far I've found a pair of engine blocks and blower / air intakes from The 53 Studebaker Starliner
1 September 2020, 12:33
Nigel ChapmanFound enough engine parts to build a V16 but will still need to fabricate oil pan and exhaust headers
2 September 2020, 14:50
Nigel ChapmanSlight change of plan for engine. Found a pair of unbuilt Hemi engines from the Tom Daniel S'cool bus on EBay to use as the basis for the V16 engine.
Wiring the spark plugs will be fun !
18 September 2020, 16:12
MunkyslutA V16 Hemi??????
I want some of whatever Nigel's having please 😄
Great project mate 👍
20 September 2020, 10:36
Nigel ChapmanChassis construction underway with the rear set up. Around 2 mm was removed from the kit chassis rails to make them narrower. Kit cross members have been turned upside down and modified to suit.
Now trying to work out the front end.
The idea is to use as much of the kit parts as possible albeit in modified form.
2 October 2020, 16:02
Jerry MeeuwseWow, looking good. Reminds me of my ole lady's brother Steve's car. If ya Google blue nightmare it's a short 3 minute youtube clip. Great job, keep us updated.
3 October 2020, 03:59
Nigel ChapmanThanks Jerry. Just watched the video clip. Neat looking car, man it can fly ! Is it road legal ?
3 October 2020, 20:53
Nigel ChapmanThanks for the comments so far.
Front basic chassis frame now done. Just needs finishing and tidying up then engine mounts / more chassis strengthening
6 October 2020, 09:33
Nigel ChapmanEvergreen 223 tube used to strengthen the chassis and to get engine placement. Engine mounts will be next.
14 October 2020, 19:15
MunkyslutExcellent WIP pix, I love seeing the different ways we go about making mods, much learnings 😉
14 October 2020, 20:24
Nigel ChapmanThanks for the thumbs up Munky. Chassis frame done. 4 link suspension is next having been inspired by Texas Metal episodes on TV.
20 October 2020, 16:25
Nigel ChapmanAfter some experimentation, I now have the beginnings of a 4 link suspension unit with mountings on the axle and part built lower control arms. The new Dremel set up is a big help.
4 November 2020, 14:59
Nigel ChapmanRear suspension coming along fine. Upper control arms are next on the list.
16 November 2020, 23:00
MunkyslutThat's sweet!!!! Frame rails are spot on, you've got that set absolutely perfect mate 👍
16 November 2020, 23:51
Nigel ChapmanThanks Munky it took bloody ages !! Once I had my Eureka moment on how to mount the coilover's [thanks to Bad Chad on TV] it was fairly plain sailing
17 November 2020, 02:49
Nigel ChapmanThanks Brandon. Rear end now complete most of it will be hidden by the body when finished
20 November 2020, 16:02
Nigel ChapmanFront coming along nicely. Still some bits to add to 'beef' it up
20 November 2020, 20:21
Nigel ChapmanMid build re-design completed. Extra tube and wire added to rear suspension and a complete rebuild of the front - widened front axle with added rod and strip. Both Rear leaf springs shortened to fit.
25 November 2020, 17:15
Bill NewcomerComing along nicely. Are the tires in the mock ups the ones you are going to use?
26 November 2020, 06:49
Nigel ChapmanYes, they are the original kit wheels. I just fancied the white walls
26 November 2020, 07:33
Bill NewcomerSo there are wide whites in the future? I see the recesses now. Have you seen this kit?
Li'l Coffin (Monogram 0094, 1:24)
26 November 2020, 07:58
Nigel ChapmanI have, it looks good but not too easy to get in the UK. I wanted use as much of the original kit as possible so had 6 wheels with the inserts. Never had white walls on a model before and I did not want to paint them on
26 November 2020, 09:38
Nigel ChapmanEngine mounts virtually complete. I ended up putting a lot more chassis structure in but the end result looks so much better with that monster engine.
I've gone through loads of 2mm tube and square sections!
7 December 2020, 17:39
Nigel ChapmanDamn, I've created a monster !!
Starting on the engine mods. just need to find a pair of pre wired distributors
15 December 2020, 11:29
Nigel ChapmanAll I seem to have done in 2021 is work shifts and paint, but now it's the start of the fun stuff, creating rusty parts.
16 January 2021, 16:52
Nigel ChapmanYour right Tim and no alcohol involved either !
I'm a key worker on the Railway so have worked
normal[ish] shifts since lockdown began last year. I've found modelling ideal for keeping my sanity!
17 January 2021, 11:18
Bill NewcomerThat mock up is showing how wicked it is going to be. If you need different rear tires for the beast, let me know I would be happy to donate a pair to the cause if I have them.
17 January 2021, 20:38
Nigel ChapmanThat's a very kind offer Bill but I want to try and keep to my original principle and use the kit items......but never say never....
17 January 2021, 20:51
Nigel ChapmanChassis painted over weekend using rattle cans - grey, red primer then gloss black. Pleased with results so far.
19 January 2021, 10:45
Nigel ChapmanWaiting for engine parts to dry so making a start on the interior. Front seats reduced in height. Rear seat having some radical mods to fit. Prop shaft tunnel will interesting!
25 January 2021, 17:12
Nigel ChapmanInterior mods virtually finished. Rear seat was cut into sections and the base narrowed to fit. Armrests glued back on the whole lot smoothed over with Mr White putty. Once painted/patina'd seat covers will be added.
31 January 2021, 13:56
Nigel ChapmanVirtually all interior weathering completed. Once clear coat applied, assembly can begin.
7 February 2021, 21:33
Nigel ChapmanNot much done this week as I am night shift. Body panels now ready for paint - looking to do multiple layers with grey, red and yellow primer followed by blue white and beige top coats then rub it all down to [hopefully] expose the layers.
12 February 2021, 18:34
Chaz GordonLooks good, Herman and Lilly would be envious. If only those 1/24 Merlins were easier to come by. Note to self, obtain 1/24th Merlin engine and make a mould for future use.
13 February 2021, 00:52
Nigel ChapmanThanks Chaz. I too have been wondering about trying another wild engine - I have a pair of Pontiac straight 6's to make a straight 12 or a pair of V10 Viper engines put together
13 February 2021, 03:07
Chaz GordonHmm, horizontally mated V10s = X20! it would actually run with Fuel Injection. or a Flat 12, reverse the head on one side for down draft 12 carbs and bottom exit headers.
13 February 2021, 03:49
Nigel Chapman12 carbs, that would look awesome especially all plumbed in. One of the Alison V12 engines could be fun
13 February 2021, 08:07
Chaz GordonI like the way this project is kinda "See that inspiration photo? Well Ima gonna put two of everything on this one!"
You could call it Double Scoop.
13 February 2021, 12:33
Nigel ChapmanI've been a bit stumped for name on this one. Double Scoop is kinda neat.
All my projects seem have a photo as a starting point.
13 February 2021, 15:36
Nigel ChapmanSpent a couple of days applying paint - grey primer, red primer, Ford Dove Grey, Ford Royal Blue and generic Gloss White. Now ready for finishing.
18 February 2021, 14:40
MunkyslutChassis looks bloody brilliant with a colour, could be a factory moulding 👍
18 February 2021, 18:12
Nigel ChapmanThanks guys. It took around 3 hours of sanding and paint removal to achieve the distressed look I wanted. I tried using Dominik Weitzer's pinhole technique using a knife which worked brilliantly, thanks mate !
18 February 2021, 19:48
Nigel ChapmanInterior panels now decorated using number plates from the decal stash. Divider and rear signs are from old Truck model World magazine's scale images - various everyday items reproduced in 1 24 scale & ready to use.
24 February 2021, 20:05
Nigel ChapmanMy first attempt at a Mexican blanket style seat cover inspired by my mum who died of COVID last year. Back in the day she did lots of needlework and cross stitch so what better way to remember her than using her old cross stitch threads.
26 February 2021, 11:21
gorbyNice work so far and i love the back seat.
Sorry to hear about your mum Nigel. It's an awful virus which hopefully we will see the back of soon.
26 February 2021, 16:15
Rui SBeautiful work, I agree with gorbygould, great work on the back seat 👍
Condolences 🙁
26 February 2021, 18:55
Chaz GordonIt's one of those weird Synchronicity things, but I was looking for Dashboard Gauge Decals a couple of days ago and found a site that does tons of decals and scale metal parts. They had a range of interior trim decals for seat coverings and right there on the list was "Mexican Blanket".
2 March 2021, 15:59
Nigel ChapmanAmazing. Can you pass on the website name? I really enjoyed making mine and found them really easy to do. I will try them again for future projects. Thank goodness for Youtube tutorials.
2 March 2021, 17:41
Chaz GordonThey do all sorts of little metal detail parts and decals for quite reasonable prices
mrmodel.site/en/32-decals?p=2
3 March 2021, 06:14
Nigel ChapmanBack to the fiddly parts with a pair of Subaru Impreza rear disc's for the front wheels and resin disc's from a wheel set off Ebay for the rear wheels modified to fit.
Also made a start on the steering win a custom tie rod.
4 March 2021, 21:55
Bill NewcomerChaz, Thanks for sharing the MrModel link. I just bought $50 worth of items.
5 March 2021, 06:27
Chaz GordonLucky you Bill, they've suspended shipping to the UK due to Covid. Not sure why, we haven't closed the ports to freight.
5 March 2021, 16:47
Nigel ChapmanExcellent progress today with steering components finished and my gear shift - a semi scratch built.357 Magnum, Rather pleased with it.
8 March 2021, 14:47
Nigel ChapmanMore mods, this time to the radiator and headlamps which I've only just got round to thinking about.
I'm using the kit mount cut from the wings and turned round as a starting point and hopefully mount the headlamps onto the same structure.
10 March 2021, 10:56
MunkyslutThat's awesome work Nigel 👍 the weathering on that front suspension is bloody perfect!
10 March 2021, 16:55
Nigel ChapmanRadiator mount now sorted with some scraps of 2 mm tube glued to the edges to create a framework. I've ended up removing some of the weathering to glue in place. Ah well it was only paint.
12 March 2021, 18:38
Nigel ChapmanExcellent progress with headlamps mounted using modified kit running board supports and radiator/grill finished off which required more mods than I expected.
14 March 2021, 15:12
Nigel ChapmanAll holes drilled to accommodate spark plug leads. Next is a cooling system and shield / protection for the radiator fan
27 March 2021, 15:08
Nigel ChapmanFinally got around to making a start on the distributor. After a bit of research and to make it more plausible, I've built a 16 point distributor from scratch. So far so good with a revamp of the wiring to the spark plugs as well.
20 May 2021, 01:14
Dominik WeitzerI think, I had choosed two 8-cylinders distributor :-D , but that wiring could go crazy then
20 May 2021, 04:32
Nigel ChapmanI was going to use twin 8 cylinder distributors however I read that in reality it would probably need to be a 16. I''m also looking at some sort of heavy duty wiring loom. The wiring is already crazy and I havent started it yet!
20 May 2021, 05:29
Chaz GordonI'd be tempted to "Modernise" that. No distributor on a modern car, just little square coil packs on top of every spark plug, and skinny wires for digital trigger signal.
25 May 2021, 16:26
MunkyslutWhoa!!!! That dizzy gonna look mad with all those plug wires jammed in to it! 👍
27 May 2021, 09:39
Nigel ChapmanWell I've finally got my act together and gone for Chaz's idea of a modern injection system. Installation went really well I got the look I wanted. The V16 distributor just didn't do it for me.
17 June 2021, 13:35
MunkyslutAwesome work mate!!! I was doubting the modern twist but it looks the bollox 👍
18 June 2021, 10:11
Nigel ChapmanThanks Munky, I had my doubts to but having done some research it was the way to go.
18 June 2021, 13:58
Chaz GordonNice work Nigel, there is a 1/24 scale ECU programmer somewhere in the multiverse who is now undergoing therapy after writing the timing software for that setup.
23 June 2021, 09:23
Brandon HLol I work in a dyno lab myself, and I can tell you that most calibrators need therapy anyway!
24 June 2021, 12:36
Nigel ChapmanI think I'll join the club, this has given me enough headaches already!!
But I have to say the end result is most satisfying.
Right I'm off to attempt some engine plumbing.
24 June 2021, 18:42
Nigel ChapmanRaided the parts stash the and found an old truck engine to rob parts off, just add some detail to my engine. Chances are they will hidden behind the exhaust pipes.
8 July 2021, 16:15
Brandon HI've always gone with Bob Ross's perspective on those kinds of things haha
8 July 2021, 22:05
Nigel ChapmanIt's coming along nicely. I have to follow a building sequence interior, front windscreen/firewall, engine, bodysides, roof and lastly anything I forgot to add!
16 July 2021, 16:17
Nigel ChapmanMany bits of wire later and I have reasonably looking fuel lines for the fuel injection.
Body test fit not bad but I have had to raise the front windscreen/firewall by about 1mm.
Space is at a premium for all the other bits I wanted to add!
30 July 2021, 16:07
Nigel ChapmanGetting there! Another little detail sorted, the fuel filler and cap made from from bits tubing and a piece of 0.5 mm plasticard. 'Explosive' warning triangle is from the former Truck Model World magazine scale images series.
14 August 2021, 14:58
Nigel ChapmanAnother quirky detail is a scratch built vintage Police siren made with the bullet fuel tank from the S'cool bus, a beacon base and 1/87 scale trailer wheel. It fills the gap between the radiator and engine.
8 September 2021, 20:26
MunkyslutAhh mate that's the nuts!!!!! …….& I only just spotted the Mexican blanket!!!! So Kool 😎
9 September 2021, 21:25
Nigel ChapmanThanks Munky, work keeps getting in the way so it seems to be taking forever to finish
11 September 2021, 09:03
Nigel ChapmanAt last, got the the roof mounted so it's about 95% complete. Got more details to add as spare time allows.
7 October 2021, 09:54
Nigel ChapmanThanks Guys. Night shifts permitting, I hope to be able to finish next week
7 October 2021, 13:14
Nigel ChapmanAh, the joys of modelling! Broke the other axle pin last week so had to fabricate a new one with brass rod and tube. Also had to drill out and rebuild the wheel supports using Evergreen tube.
1 November 2021, 22:46
Nigel ChapmanThanks Bill. Using brass is a new thing for me. I am considering using it more with soldering the parts rather than gluing.
2 November 2021, 12:20
Brandon HI'm also finding that brass has its advantages. I see myself working more with flat stock and billet parts in the future.
The build's looking great man! So pumped to see it when it's finished!
2 November 2021, 12:45
MonaGreat imagination ,exciting and creative build that's thinking outside the box
2 November 2021, 15:29
Nigel ChapmanThanks Mona, I just cannot build out the box without changing something
2 November 2021, 15:41
Nigel ChapmanKit luggage rack slightly modified and repositioned as appropriate.
Rear lights turned upside down and repositioned with extra plasti-card scrap pieces to ensure they are level and fit the body contour.
4 November 2021, 17:29
MunkyslutI almost don't want you to finish so you can keep making mods & coming up with more whacky shit 😄 😄 😄
4 November 2021, 18:45
Chaz GordonVery cool, looks amazing, but does it fit on the same shelf as your other cars?
2 January 2022, 12:51
Nigel ChapmanThanks chaps. JV I bet it's a blast in the wet but not for the faint hearted.
3 January 2022, 16:07
