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Topic starter
11/11/2015 4:31 pm
(PICS) '41 Chevy Standard Coupe (Traditional, '60s era street rod)
This one has taken a lot of time and although I'll be tweaking lots of details for a few days to come, these are the first pics of the vehicle in relatively finished condition.
This '41 Chevy coupe was done from a relatively crude and disproportionate 1/24 Testors kit, so there was a major amount of modification to the proportions in all respects, the most important of which were: raising and re-contouring the roof, opening up (and re-contouring) all windows, recessing the grille area, lowering and re-contouring the rocker panel, cutting open the trunk and forming a trunk-lid and its tiny hinges in aluminum, and fabricating tight swing door hinges.
I used simple and clean '40s Chev truck bumpers, and I've added subtle '60s era custom touches throughout the model (including a brass fuel-filler door).
The kit engine is now replaced with a detailed 396" Chevy (wiring, plumbing, fuel line, linkage, return spring, mesh filter, etc.) and the wheels are Chevy disc-brake style, painted with Alclad and Humbrol orange.
The hood is louvered, interior (and trunk) carpeting is in felt, upholstery is custom tuck-n-roll, and the new front seat backs fold forward for access to the rear seat.
The complete exhaust system (including the lakes plugs) is custom made.
When I decided to make a '41 Chevy coupe, I originally gave some thought to beginning this project with a Danbury Mint '41 Chevy coupe but they're expensive, very rare, and they, too, have a slightly too low and too flat roof. Besides, I really enjoy a challenge.
Paint is custom mixed 'pearl orange russet' and the building materials used include: styrene, clear polycarbonate, aluminum, brass, silver wire, Bondo, felt, vinyl, resin, and diecast.
photo no longer available
Note the hood louvers and '60s era typical 'Lakes Plugs'
photo no longer available
The detailed 396 Chevy engine. I've since replaced the filter with finer mesh.
11/11/2015 5:16 pm
WOW! It looks incredible. I really envy you guys with that much talent and skill. Just amazing.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
11/11/2015 5:49 pm
Speechless! Another amazing conversion!!!
11/11/2015 10:48 pm
incredible,
I just hope the wider community other than diecast fans see your work Cliff..you are an artisan sir!
11/11/2015 11:09 pm
+1
12/11/2015 12:42 am
Amazing.
Your work never ceases to amaze me.
12/11/2015 3:08 am
STUNNING. I LOVE THIS '41.
12/11/2015 9:54 am
Cliff, another example of your outstanding skills. Can you share the details of how you louvered the hood? Love everything about this model.
12/11/2015 10:29 am
+1
13/11/2015 10:42 am
I was wondering the same thing. Beautifully done!
13/11/2015 2:32 pm
I can see it now ... Cliff Read Dicast Cars for Sale ... lines out the door for miles
14/11/2015 6:26 am
I can't imagine how much work must have gone into raising the roof profile. Not only...
... did you manage to accomplish it, but the contour perfectly matches the 1:1. Superb attention to detail.