miniature swap

[gc3]

Since its too cold to work outside now i've started my second LS swap inside before finishing the one sitting outside.

started by winning this off ebay



it was listed as brand new unopened, but it was missing some parts inside including the entire rear hatch..... so i got a full refund from the nice ebay guy.



then i picked up a corvette model, and cut apart the transaxle/torque tube setup, and made it a more conventional ls block + trans







firewall/trans tunnel needed some hammering in the form of a soldering iron



obviously custom engine mounts are required



and i had to remove the radiator from the chassis to fit the engine as well...


sadly i couldnt find the correct truck intake/ls1 accessories and im dealing with the ls2 intake+accessories, and since i dont feel like making headers from scratch im dealing with the vette manifolds for the exhuast too.


i havent made any plastic models since i was a kid, but im enjoying it. just wish i was better with a paintbrush (or toothpicks is what im using now)

[spacevomit]

Painting models with brushes is very difficult. Are you using enamels? You might want to cheat by getting small spray cans of primer and your body color, and just spray it. Painting the body with a brush will be maddening. You can also get a product called Micro-Mesh to smooth out brush strokes and stuff. Looks great so far. What color do you want to make the body?

[mattster03]

Damn... I can't believe you are ruining the 50/50 weight distribution of that model!

[gc3]

Painting models with brushes is very difficult. Are you using enamels? You might want to cheat by getting small spray cans of primer and your body color, and just spray it. Painting the body with a brush will be maddening. You can also get a product called Micro-Mesh to smooth out brush strokes and stuff. Looks great so far. What color do you want to make the body?

yea, ive been noticing. im making the body a tad faded black just like my car. or gonna try to.
i gotta bondo the roof because the model has a stupid sunroof and the fitment isnt great.
ive been playing with both enamel and acrylic, and i think you're right. ill have to spray to get a smooth finish.

Damn... I can't believe you are ruining the 50/50 weight distribution of that model!

[spacevomit]

Just don't put enamel over acrylic, or vice versa (unless you have a layer of Johnson's Future/Klear between them, or something like that (it's floor polish, but it's just clear acrylic - you can also dip clear parts in it)).

[dream36realms]

I love it!!!! What are your plans for a driveshaft?

[gc3]

I love it!!!! What are your plans for a driveshaft?

the plastic trees should be good.
god knows how long itll take if i order one from grannys 

[willcoop]

Yes! I wanted to do this a year ago but could never find the right models. I like how you are making it realistic with working the trans tunnel.

[cool]

Very cool.

[gc3]

havent done much, been busy, but here's some progress




actually using the "stock" dual exhaust split as a y pipe, patting myself on the back for that cleverness

[93silverbullet]

You took the soul right out of that sports car! 

Seriously, nice job! What are you looking to put down at the wheels?

[kartermdb]

Tamiya re-released this model a few months ago and I picked up 2 from my local hobbytown.  I also picked up an SS camaro to do the same swap