Rodding a Classic - how to?

[Jonathan]

So, I've been working on the old (and I think well done) Monogram Packard Boattail Speedster.   Looking at the lines - two seater, long hood, short tail - got me to thinking, what would this look like if it were hotrodded?  Using a second kit, I'm thinking of ditching the fenders (think High Boy); leave the hood off.   Can I find any parts to dress up / hop up the Straight 8?  What could I use for wheels - these are 19" or 20" wheels, and pretty narrow, as one would expect.

Any thoughts?  Creative ideas?  (is this a dumb idea?)

thanks

[afx]

[NOBLNG]

37 minutes ago, afx said:

That’s COOL!

[porschercr]

1 hour ago, Jonathan said:

So, I've been working on the old (and I think well done) Monogram Packard Boattail Speedster.   Looking at the lines - two seater, long hood, short tail - got me to thinking, what would this look like if it were hotrodded?  Using a second kit, I'm thinking of ditching the fenders (think High Boy); leave the hood off.   Can I find any parts to dress up / hop up the Straight 8?  What could I use for wheels - these are 19" or 20" wheels, and pretty narrow, as one would expect.

Any thoughts?  Creative ideas?  (is this a dumb idea?)

thanks

"(is this a dumb idea?)" Absolutely not.. very cool indeed!

 

48 minutes ago, NOBLNG said:

That’s COOL!

Yep!

[misterNNL]

I love the black roadster concept shown. IMHO the original cars relied heavily on those long sweeping fenders to balance the long hoods necessary to house 12 or 16 cylinder engines. Removing those disturbs the balance and begs a new solution. I would retain the hood in a smoothed out version then consider a closed cabin style with a boat tail rear section. Another consideration if yours truly was the designer would be to enclose all the wheels in aerodynamic wheel pants. Very ambitious but worth considering. Good luck and be sure to keep us posted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 14, 2020 by misterNNL
Kindle thinks it knows what I need to say

[alan barton]

Jonathon, it is certainly not a dumb idea and has been done before but if you want it to look as cool as the black one, you will have to be very mindful of proportions.

I would make sure it was fairly low as it will look odd if it looks like you could walk underneath your hiboy without ducking your head!  It will definitely need big wheels and you may find something suitable on a cheap 1/18th diecast.  The extra size from a bigger scale model will work in your favour.

As far as engine accessories go, you can use any blower, turbo or carb arrangement as long as you are prepared to do some scratchbuilt manifolds and plumbing to make it all believable.  Have a look at Dennis Lacey's engines to get an idea of appropriate finishes for an engine of this era.

I would have the picture of the black one sitting in front of me while I built this - not to copy, but to provide inspiration.  That builder got it right!

Cheers

Alan

[Snake45]

I'd think the biggest problem would be finding wheels/tires big enough for it to look "in proportion" as a rod. If you can cover that, go for it! 

(Maybe something from a 1/20 kit?) 

[Earl Marischal]

On 9/14/2020 at 5:03 PM, afx said:

That is one very smart automobile! (Whatever it is.)

steve

 

[Jonathan]

This is why I love this board - post a question and the creativity just happens.

Still not sure if I'll try this, though.  

[1930fordpickup]

Jonathan you are not alone in thinking about rodding one of these classics.  You already have better advice than I could give. 

Just think of it as a long term project.

[Mark]

I'd keep the fenders but lose the side mount spare tires...doing that will make the car look longer in front.  

[Ace-Garageguy]

Just keep in mind that losing unnecessary weight was a large reason early rods had their fenders removed. Much easier to shed weight than to increase horsepower, especially on a budget.

Weight can be shed very effectively on these huge cars by shortening them, too.

But also keep in mind getting the proportions right takes effort, and a critical eye.

 

[DonW]

6 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

Just keep in mind that losing unnecessary weight was a large reason early rods had their fenders removed. Much easier to shed weight than to increase horsepower, especially on a budget.

Weight can be shed very effectively on these huge cars by shortening them, too.

But also keep in mind getting the proportions right takes effort, and a critical eye.

 

Agreed, and in my view the effort you posted gets it slightly wrong, just a bit too hunched, Spoiled also by the Mickey Mouse headlights and the chrome wire wheels - I never got why people decided that these were in any way a good idea as chroming only makes the spokes weaker. Strong enough to drive in and out of the garage, on and off the trailer and onto the parade ground.? 

[Jonathan]

2 hours ago, DonW said:

Agreed, and in my view the effort you posted gets it slightly wrong, just a bit too hunched, Spoiled also by the Mickey Mouse headlights and the chrome wire wheels - I never got why people decided that these were in any way a good idea as chroming only makes the spokes weaker. Strong enough to drive in and out of the garage, on and off the trailer and onto the parade ground.? 

Along those lines, I'd like something that looks more "solid" in terms of wheels (the Packard pictured is being built out-of-box; I'm planning/thinking about the second one that I have that I'd like to do something different for...)  Something like this poor screen grab ...

 

[DonW]

It will be interesting to see what evolves!

[Shardik]

For wheels, you might consider a 1:20 60's era F1 car.  The type 25 Lotus comes to mind.

[Paul Payne]

Another idea for tires are the rear tires in the Green Hornet and Black Widow. Check out Replicas and Miniatures for windscreens, speed parts and all things hot rod.

[Elmo's Speed Shop]

Edited December 22, 2020 by Elmo's Speed Shop

[Elmo's Speed Shop]

Hi ! Sorry for the previous post .

I'm very interested in this topic. For a few years now, and the accidental purchase of a Monogram Duesenberg in a flea market, I've been in love with the Monogram classics series. I love these models (especially the Dues, Dual & Town) and their size at this 1/24 scale, as well as the quality and "working comfort" of those old kits...

I also really like leaving the world of V8s that have surrounded me since my childhood as a model maker. I really love working on those good big old "straight 8" engines.

I have been questioning myself and therefore documenting for a long time on the right way to treat these models in a sober and efficient hot rod style (I have also made good progress on the "hi-boy" treatment). These technical questions and my great motivation and creative inspiration around this series of classic Monograms sometimes come close to obsession !

Finding this topic was therefore a real relief for me, finally giving me the hope of finding some information and solutions : While my DIY scratch-building techniques are good for engine modifications, finding the RIGHT AND SUITABLE SIZE OF WHEELS ( RIMS + TIRES ) remains a major issue. I have in mind the obvious choice of steel rims (with or without hub cover cap). I kinda started looking around for ideas you submitted to us, on 1/20 and 1/18 (including die-cast), but I would be very grateful if some members had any other specific ideas, as well as if other people have photos to share of "hot rod classic series" models already made.

I am quite isolated on these questions because I am French (hence the poor quality of my English) and few people are interested here in these old Monogram kits, and even less in a hot rodding livery. In this regard (geografics !), I have recently been interested in classic kits from the Italeri brand (some of you have feedback to share?) ; and even Heller (French brand!). Recently I have just discovered on old MPC catalogs from the 70's some classic series models : could some of you tell me more about it, or even show me ?! Thank you all in advance for your attention and patience with my poor english !

Edited December 22, 2020 by Elmo's Speed Shop

[Claude Thibodeau]

Hi!

Interesting project. You may want to look at the rollingstock of the Mickey Thompson's Challenger kit. The wheels are sculptural, and the OD of the tires may fit your bigger project. (see picture). Lindberg's Cord 812 also has fairly big tires, and slotted wheels with smoothie caps (see second picture).

You may also research a custom speedster that Edsel Ford had designed by Bob Gregorie in the 30's. It was long and low, and kept fenders to make it it more streamlined to the eye. I concur with Mr. Woodruff on this point: no fenders would make it very "massive", for lack of a better term. 

Great project, keep on! 

CT 

[Elmo's Speed Shop]

Just a little idea of the general look, with an old kit assembled, collected in a lot on ebay.

The front wheels are from the Continental by Monogram, but their diameter is still slightly too small...

Wheels with slightly larger diameter would reduce the very long appearance of the body.

I think that chassis spars paintjob with the same color as the bodywork will ultimately reinforce a more compact appearance.

[misterNNL]

1 hour ago, Elmo's Speed Shop said:

Just a little idea of the general look, with an old kit assembled, collected in a lot on ebay.

The front wheels are from the Continental by Monogram, but their diameter is still slightly too small...

Wheels with slightly larger diameter would reduce the very long appearance of the body.

I think that chassis spars paintjob with the same color as the bodywork will ultimately reinforce a more compact appearance.

Imho this looks way too long.

[Claude Thibodeau]

Hi!

I was mistaken in my post above... The Cord is a MONOGRAM kit, not Linberg's. Sorry.

CT

[Elmo's Speed Shop]

Thanks Claude, the idea of Cord's wheels interests me.

I like them aesthetically (an idea of the rim / tire diameter?) ; I'm going to deepen this : I have one of these Monogram models on my favorites list on a used shopping site, I'll probably make up my mind.

 

Mr NNL, for the significant length, I really put on the size of the final wheels to reduce that visual impression, as well as the monochrome body / chassis treatment. I would really like to keep the body intact, without modification. Do you have any other suggestions?

I can also slightly reduce the wheelbase, bring the two axles closer together...

 

I'm thinking of starting the work on the chassis the day after Christmas, I will let you know how the site is progressing ! Do not hesitate to send me your comments and other ideas.

 

Edited December 24, 2020 by Elmo's Speed Shop

[Claude Thibodeau]

1 hour ago, Elmo's Speed Shop said:

Thanks Claude, the idea of Cord's wheels interests me.

I like them aesthetically (an idea of the rim / tire diameter?) ; I'm going to deepen this : I have one of these Monogram models on my favorites list on a used shopping site, I'll probably make up my mind.

 

Mr NNL, for the significant length, I really put on the size of the final wheels to reduce that visual impression, as well as the monochrome body / chassis treatment. I would really like to keep the body intact, without modification. Do you have any other suggestions?

I can also slightly reduce the wheelbase, bring the two axles closer together...

 

I'm thinking of starting the work on the chassis the day after Christmas, I will let you know how the site is progressing ! Do not hesitate to send me your comments and other ideas.

 

Hi!

They are fairly big as car tires go... In scale, I would guess they are 17 inches wheels, and the tires are almost as big as sport-truck tires.

I'll try to measure then tomorrow on my Pizza-Truck, and post the results here. 

CT