Stu's Super Spectacular Static Scorcher!

[microgoat]

Forgive the copy/paste job

Evidently I still need to build something. Got a wild hair the other day and figured I'd run with it. Always had a soft spot for air-cooled V-dubs (but never owned a 1:1, go figure).

For 40 bucks I picked up a complete body set. It's listed as 1/10 scale but in reality it's much closer to 1/8.

I've got a bid on a Revell Kubelwagen that I plan to steal most of the parts from. I know there's a nice engine and some wheels in there, and I may be able to use the pan, too. But if not I can scratch all that stuff up.

Opening doors and luggage compartment are planned, we'll see how that goes.

Unfortunately, Tamiya changed the mold sometime in the 80's when they introduced the Monster Beetle, cutting off the lovely rounded fenders to make room for big tires. So step one is to rebuild the arches to original spec, and fill in any screw holes that need it.

As usual I'm gonna just go with the flow and let it tell me what it wants to be. It could grow a split window. The "vision" I have at this point is a half-finished car, running but not painted and slightly manky.

Should be fun, stay tuned! Less alliteration in future posts.

[microgoat]

3/8:

I had a package waiting when I got home from work, so let's start on this sucka!



In the box was the body and tires. 2-day shipping from RPP Hobby, best in the business.




I decided on RC4WD's Roady 1/14 semi-truck tire for the front, since they look like a modern radial. Out back I used Desert Kings. The 1.55 tire size will stretch over whatever wheel I end up using.



Built up the fender lips with .080x.250 styrene...



... and cut most of it off. Then a bead of .080 half-round finishes the arch off. You can see I also cut the lid off.



This took longer than I expected. First I buzzed the backside with a Dremel sanding drum. Gotta keep the Dremel moving fast when you do this or you'll burn through, or melt and distort the plastic. When you see light, start being careful. When the sound changes to "babababababababababa" you're done with the Dremel, and only cleanup is required with a nice sharp knife.

Engine compartment lid was cut off with a razor saw. Even though there's a substantial curve to the body, there's ONE angle you can hold the saw and get the cut to line up on the panel line. The ends were cut with a knife.

Still gotta do the rear arches and then cut out the doors.

3/9:

Well, I won the Kubel auction, so I've got a week or so til it shows up. We'll see if I can get the body done by the time it gets here.



Started on the firewall, mainly to stiffen up the body, because...



... the doors fell off. Also added some body cancer and a dent that's been inexpertly hammered out.

[microgoat]

3/10:

Went shopping today. Saw these in the pet food section.



Why am I telling you this?



OK, mostly because I'm lazy. But there's useful curves in these scoops, and for two bucks, what the heck.



Bam.

Also added the contour to the inside of the firewall, and started on door jambs and inner panels.



Started on the luggage compartment, too.



And the mailman brought me a Rogue Element dash kit.

Next up, door hinges.

[microgoat]

3/11:



Door hinges (man that looks rough up close)



Both doors are hung now, pic was taken when only the left was done.



Hood hinges



Door jambs are super fiddly. Left side is done. The dash is glued to the windshield so I can do the frame. Once it's painted I'll assemble it to the body and trim up the edges.



Passenger side is missing a door panel.

[Duuuuuuuude]

You suck!

[hotwheels000]

Very nice, wish I had that kind of patience. I have owned 14 1:1 aircooled bugs......all you are missing out on is the oil stains in the driveway You have nailed the essence

Ragtop that thing

[microgoat]

Originally Posted by Duuuuuuuude

You suck!

Shit, everyone knows that. Right back atcha, cupcake

[vonclod]

nice i am liking this

[EeePee]

The title is misleading. I was hoping for a ho'made burning device to remove static from something. Like the laundry after the dryer is done, or something.

Or maybe a quadcopter with a flame thrower.

But, no.

[ecoli]

What esc and motor are you using in this Stu?

Should be a good build, if for nothing more than the entertainment factor that goes with your build threads.

[EeePee]

Originally Posted by ecoli

if for nothing more than the entertainment factor when EeePee smashes it from the top rope, like he always says he's going to do.

Indeed. Then, the flame thrower.

[microgoat]

Meh. Flamethrower's been done.

[microgoat]

Not much progress today:



Right side got a door jamb



Rear wheels. These are HPI Vintage wheels with the rims cut off of Tamiya semi-truck wheels glued on. Also made the little star dealie in the center so they look like American Racing Torq-Thrust D's. Without the little star dealie, they're just really close.



Got some paint on the dash. This will be the car's "original color", meaning the interior and door jambs. The outside will get another color on top of it.

[Duuuuuuuude]

Always loved the Torque Thrusts...

[Nova's Ark]

That is awesome!!! Great work as always

[ridepate]

Great work!!

[DickyT]

This holds a special place for me. My 1st car was a '59

That dash is a spitting image, except mine was green.

[cartronicshn]

As usual Stu, awesome work, and your vision for making parts from nothing is amazing, i am still trying to figure how you saw the inner fender panels out of those pet food scoops

[BigBaller]

Originally Posted by cartronicshn

As usual Stu, awesome work, and your vision for making parts from nothing is amazing, i am still trying to figure how you saw the inner fender panels out of those pet food scoops

Simple, he's a creep. Love the work Stu.

You do know, my wife will show you her tits if you sell it to her when done. ...maybe?

[Slowbro]

Freaking awesome work! I love aircooled VWs, I currently own a 68 beetle, 68 fastback and a dune buggy. The beetle is only one finished.