1986 Dodge Daytona Turbo Z

[JasonC]

This is an MPC kit. I added a top mount intercooler to the TI, Direct Connection did offer them back when these cars was new. The scoop came with the kit but I cut it down and molded it to the hood. The headlight covers and sunroof I cut from a tinted windshield from a Fujimi BMW e30 kit, the wheels are from a Fujimi BMW e24. The rear window louvers are from a Shelby Charger. I messed up the stripe on the hood, but none of my models are perfect, so I'm not to upset about it lol. Other details I added are flocking for the carpet and plug wires for the engine.

[Dragline]

I remember those as being potent little rockets back in the day. Not a bad representation.  On my next build I'd smooth out a few of the parting lines a bit more. It really helps the overall build.

[Tom Geiger]

Very nice build.  People forget how nice a kit these old MPC beauties were!  Lots of detail and went together fairly well.

The Daytona came out of the gas shortages of the early 1980s. This was serious business back then. In that era the government wanted to get away from oil dependency so they dictated fuel usage targets for new cars for the first time. The feds financed a whole slew of alternate fuel projects. I was working for a large engineering company at the time and worked on those projects as a draftsman!

Chrysler went full force into this edict and designed a whole line of front wheel drive, economy cars around the K-car chassis.  At that time it was said that next generation Camaro and Mustang would also be 4 cylinder, front wheel drive cars, so the Daytona / Chrysler Laser  twins were real contenders.  A buddy of mine had one and it was a lot of fun.

As it went, the proposed Mustang became the Ford Probe and I don't believe GM ever did anything with the Camaro.  Gas once again became plentiful and Americans never lost their desire for V8 rear wheel drive muscle cars.  One day on my way to work, the news announced that the government was cancelling the energy initiative immediately.  I got to work and it was announced that we needed to shelve a list of projects. That left us with nothing to do and a few weeks later the entire department was laid off.  And America went back to fat, dumb and happy totally ignoring the oil situation again!

 

 "I messed up the stripe on the hood, but none of my models are perfect, so I'm not to upset about it lol. "

And Bob's advise is spot on.  Where you said none of your models was perfect, nobody elses are either!  Photos are a great way to examine your models and plan on how to do better in the future.  Bob is referring to the mold lines on the front seats and steering wheel.  You did a great job on the interior otherwise, so a few minutes with sand paper would have pulled it all together.  I use progress shots to spot things I don't see on the bench.  For instance there are a few spots under your hood where you could still add a dab of paint to make it much better!  

Fun build of a cool old blast from the past that we seldom see done this well!

 

 

[JasonC]

I had a 86 Turbo Z C/S pretty much like this one, kind of the base for the color combo I did on this model. I did a built TII swap and was running 15psi. Fun car, but was a money pit to build. 

[JasonC]

I can see how the pictures are bringing out the imperfections. Red showing through on the radiator and airbox. Something I wasn't seeing on the bench. And noted about the seams, a quick pass of sandpaper would make them look better. 

[bbowser]

I think this is the first of these I've seen built.  Nicely done.

[Model Mayhem]

I really enjoyed seeing this, I like the modifications you chose.

[ChrisR]

Don't see this often. it looks great!

[KWT]

I don't think I even knew these were ever kitted... Nicely done. Rock on

[charger74]

You did a great job on it ??

[Curt]

Nice job, Jason, and thanks for the reminder of the 80's!

[donb]

I think this is the first of these I've seen built.  Nicely done.

i was thinking the same! Also nicely done!

[ZTony8]

The Beretta was supposed tp supplant the Camaro. Cooler heads prevailed.

[oldcarfan]

These are the cars of my youth. I took them for granted and am now beginning to really appreciate them! I really like how you've done this. Just great!

[AthOz]

Nice build. Reminds me one that appeared in one of the Cannonball movies, driven by Frank Sinatra IIRC

[PARTSMARTY]

Very nice build !!!

[Dominik]

I think this is the first of these I've seen built.  Nicely done.

x2

i'm searching for a couple weeks for that kit...hard to find for less Money.

[kelson]

Nicely done,i've got the monogram snap kit versions,which i think represent the 84'Daytona,but I mainly remember these cars from the tv show Hunter.

[slusher]

A real beauty!! Love it!!

[Steamboat]

Very nice. 

[JasonC]

Thank you very much!

[mangodart]

Nicely done,i've got the monogram snap kit versions,which i think represent the 84'Daytona,but I mainly remember these cars from the tv show Hunter.

I've built one last year, starting with the same MPC kit duplicating the car of htat show, great kit with lot's of detail, but must be very careful when building it to have everything aligned properly, nice version anyway, here is mine :

[Geno]

Looks great Jason, we are only human, therefore none of our models will ever be perfect. Just have fun building and enjoy the hobby. I try hard on my builds to do the best I can but as long as I'm happy that's all that matters. 

[Slotto]

Good job on this build. I remember having this kit as a kid. I think I still have the wheels.

[XJ6]

Looks Really Good to me, Clean...