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Topic starter
21/12/2025 5:05 pm
It's here, folks! I'm now the proud owner of the only Exoto Chaparral 2J in existence. Since it's a prototype, it's a bit rough around the edges. It's gonna require some work on my part to bring it up to snuff.
THE BAD:
The roll bar was broken and bent. I did a "quickie" repair on the existing one, but I'm just going to replace the entire piece with some metal bar stock. The dashboard was broken, so I used a dab of Super Glue to hold it in place. It's going to require some additional attention, which I will later address too.
It only has one mirror. I think I can fabricate a stalk and find a bullet mirror in my parts bin.
It is also missing a right side body panel. That panel covers the operating aerodynamic skirt mechanism. It's relatively flat, and if I'm feeling really industrious, a replacement could easily be made from plastic or metal. The biggest challenge would be to color-match the paint.
The windscreen is broken, and I might have to fabricate another one if I want it to look right. Fortunately, it's all angled creases with no curvature, so it should be easier than most windshield replacements.
On the underside, there are amber colored plastic wind deflectors that are missing. They're present on one side, but not the other. It should be easy to find plastic in amber that I can cut and use to replace the missing pieces.
The snowmobile engine is missing an exhaust manifold. That's easy to recreate, so I'll do it.
Quite a few decals are missing, too. However, reproducing those is really easy stuff.
THE GOOD:
It's an Exoto. All of you know that means the attention to detail is astounding! The wiring, hoses, springs, etc. are pure Exoto Furious Detail. The wheels, tires, radiators, and interior are all typical Exoto fare. The suspension articulates, steering is posable, and the skirt mechanism works as well. Very cool!
REPLICARZ COMPARISON:
In my opinion, the Replicarz presents itself quite well. No, it isn't Exoto, but it was never intended to be. The Fothergill Brothers did extremely well with their much cheaper resin model. And, giving credit where credit is due. Replicarz gave us the 2J at an affordable price, and no other manufacturer produced it.
BTW, I'll provide more photos later after I've completed the repair work.
This topic was modified 3 months ago by Marty Johnson
21/12/2025 5:25 pm
OK, so, overall, there are more negative issues than I would have guessed. BUT, you sound confident, here, that you can fix these and you obviously know how to do it and have the proper ideas already. So, take your time, address them one by one and you're GOLD!
Great pics. I can't wait to see the final fix. And hey, CONGRATULATIONS, well earned!!
Topic starter
21/12/2025 5:50 pm
21/12/2025 11:35 pm
What an amazing model. It is nice to see it along side the Replicarz version. Marty, the right person bought this prototype Exoto. You have a lot of detailed adjustments to do and I look forward to your restored final.
22/12/2025 1:36 am
Congrats!
I'm glad you're happy; the only thing I can add is that perhaps forming silicone molds to cast a few resin parts MAY be an alternative to scratch-building - AND - that would help to maintain the value. You'd have perfect copies.
Also, you might consider Canopy glue or Mod Podge to repair certain pieces - as it will NOT damage plastic or paint, bond very well, dry clear, and cleans up easily.
At any rate, have fun - this is truly a labor of love! Merry Christmas to you! 😀 😀 😎
This post was modified 3 months ago by Christopher Moroni
22/12/2025 6:49 am
@perrone1 Ha! Actually, I'm just gonna call @Chris and have him do it for me! He's doing the work as this year's Christmas gift to me! LOL! (Then I woke up from my dream)
I actually admire the fact that there are a few guys onboard capable of such a task. It humbles me. I was a 'decent' modeler, AT BEST, about, what? OMG! 60 years ago. I quit at about 18. I tried, again, in my late 20's and early 30's but my models looked like they were made by Picasso.
Maybe a collaboration between you and the Chrismeister??
22/12/2025 8:16 am
"Maybe a collaboration between you and the Chrismeister?"
Sure, I'll oversee Marty's work and give him a pat on the back, no problem. 😀 😀 😀 Marty's quite capable completing the needed repairs - he can do it; he just doesn't want to do it. 😆 😆 😆
Besides, because I opened the trunk in my '69 Charger stockcar, I'm now a**deep in details such as scratch building a vintage fuel cell, lines, hoses, etc....
22/12/2025 9:10 am
@chris Ooo, I want to be a part of both projects. But, alas, at my age and level of feebility, all I'll be able to muster is a standing cheer, applause, accolades and a couple attaboy's.
Topic starter
22/12/2025 10:48 am
Yes, I see what you mean. The silicon molds make a LOT more sense and likely, a lot easier too. Thanks for the tips, Professor!Congrats!
I'm glad you're happy; the only thing I can add is that perhaps forming silicone molds to cast a few resin parts MAY be an alternative to scratch-building - AND - that would help to maintain the value. You'd have perfect copies.
Also, you might consider Canopy glue or Mod Podge to repair certain pieces - as it will NOT damage plastic or paint, bond very well, dry clear, and cleans up easily.
At any rate, have fun - this is truly a labor of love! Merry Christmas to you! 😀 😀 😎
22/12/2025 12:38 pm
Marty and Chris, I look forward to seeing the results of both of your projects. Like Tony, my days of model building ended years ago.
Christopher Moroni and Tony Perrone reacted
22/12/2025 3:00 pm
"I look forward to seeing the results of both of your projects."
Thanks Bob, but I suspect Marty will "finish" before me.
Believe it or not, finding period-correct 1960's NASCAR style rims, in 1/18, is virtually impossible. Yes of course, I have 1/18 steel reverse rims, but they're not quite like NASCAR rims. I could fabricate a MASTER then cast that - I'm no stranger to casting resin rims - but the time it would take to create even ONE MASTER is, quite frankly, more than I want to spend.
Therefore.... the solution is to commission a 3D print of 1/18 late 1960's NASCAR rims - but turnaround times are S L O W - as Marty knows - thus, I won't receive my rims until February. 😔 😔 😔
You can see what I need vs. what Ertl tooled (I don't know what the hell those are! ) vs. what I've ordered. 😎
Tony Perrone reacted
22/12/2025 4:01 pm
Super cool layout! I totally LOVE pic 1. Scale 'guys' working on 'your' dilemma. NASCAR wheels? Go big or go home. Although, I must feign a little disappointment in the obvious lack of appreciation on the part of the two puperdoodles!
Christopher Moroni reacted
22/12/2025 9:56 pm
@rich-sufficool Yes, yes they are.... However:
1) They are different than hot rod, custom, or street reverse rims - which have inner circle "ears" in which hub caps (not full wheelcovers ) can be attached.
2) Ertl makes great 1/18 chrome reveres rims - which I've stripped and used in other projects, and have plenty in stock - but again, they have "ears."
3) There are NO mass produced 1/18 NASCAR reverse rims like those shown in your 1/24 pic - notice "no ears."
4) To get what I need, I had to go the 1/18 3D-printed route.
1/18 ERTL - three "ears:" 😖
ACTUAL - no "ears:" 👍
1/18 3-D printed - no "ears:" 😀
