Custom Channeled Hot Rod Tub (mostly scratchbuilt)

[traditional]

For some reason, at the beginning of this winter (2019), I was sketching a custom fenderless deuce tub (phaeton) and I soon became inspired to build a model based on that sketch.  I usually only build somewhat traditional hot rods, but in this case, I decided to live dangerously, and use a complete Corvette LS3 drivetrain, including independent suspension.

Parts of this model are a bit traditional, and parts are mildly avant-garde:  The complete custom tub body including interior, stretched and channeled Deuce frame, fuel tank, tilt front hood and rear body cover are all scratchbuilt from Renshape (a design modelling resin material), using only a bench grinder, chop saw, and rotary tool to form the parts, and then various files and a variety of sandpaper grades were used to finish the shapes.

Styrene sheet was used to form the interior floor as well as the simulated roll-n-pleat interior padding and then aluminum sheet and tubing was used for the handmade hot rod version of independent front suspension as well as the exhaust system and sprintcar style steering system. The late ‘30s style General motors elongated headlight housings were lathe turned from aluminum rod and then polished, the door skins are formed from tin and use handmade suicide-style double acting hinges and formed Renshape inner door panels. The Renshape custom made seat includes a separate center armrest 

The entire drivetrain and rear suspension was modified from a Revell Corvette C7 kit and the wheels/tires are modified from those in a ‘50s era Monogram Curtis Indianapolis racecar kit .  A Deuce grille shell from a Revell Monogram roadster kit was split, ‘V’ed, and tilted back to match the similarly tilted custom  firewall and door details, The modified grille opening is filled using aluminum expanded metal mesh with plated jewelry wire trim.

The tub’s main paint is custom mixed basecoat/clearcoat with fine jewelry wire used for some of the trim.

The project took well over 100 hours but since most of the parts had been test fitted a few times before final assembly, the model went together nicely and completely as planned.

 

 

 

 

Edited December 24, 2019 by traditional

[Snake45]

Different and therefore interesting, and your workmanship and finish are exceptional! Well done and model on! 

[espo]

Beautiful looking build. The body building and the creation of the chassis is amazing. There are so many design elements its impossible to say which is the most impressive. Personally I like the way the grill blends into the hood and then covers the back of the instruments and the gentle bend of the windshield. With a little background in the pictures this could easily be mistaken for a 1:1 from one of the top builders in the 1:1 world. 

[Geno]

Another beauty Cliff. You work always blows me away.

[bobthehobbyguy]

Amazing work. Great concept and killer paint. Great fab work. 

[crossfire 2004]

Wow !
That sir, is a truly stunning build.

[crazyjim]

Fantastic building of a gorgeous machine.

[PappyD340]

Awesome, well done!!

[Phildaupho]

Very impressive and great tutorial on its construction

[cobraman]

Very cool, love it !

[Claude Thibodeau]

Hi!

Sir, this has to be one of the most impressive creation I've seen this year on this site!

Concept, execution, integration of old and current themes: Masterful.

Bravo!

CT

[Russell C]

Really nice, inspiring work there!

[stitchdup]

Very cool, it has a sorta modern version of the bower bentlet look to it

[Belugawrx]

Really nice scratchbuild Cliff

Very neat and clean..Cheers

[ATHU]

Very very impressive, superb work!!

[misterNNL]

Absolutely outstanding! great design that is professionally executed .Fit and finish second to none. Crisp photos make for excellent viewing as well. Very glad you are willing to share your talent with us here on the forums.

[Koellefornia Kid]

Amazing build! Really like the mix of classic and modern Hot Rod elements!

[Mad Slammer]

Wow! Grate work there...

[MeatMan]

Beautiful build!!

Outstanding craftsmanship and detail! 

[Smitty]

Cliff,

It's great to see how you would mix a few traditional touches with a contemporary hot rod design. It's cool to see those ventilated brake discs behind the vintage style indy car wheels for instance. I'm always amazed at how you can scratch-build the entire front suspension and still have the stance look spot on.

There's so much scratch building on this one it must have felt almost like fabricating a full scale car! Having the 'designers eye' for proportion makes it a success. Thanks for posting!  

Eric 

[oldrevellfan]

wonderfull !!!!!!!!

[speedy5963]

Wow, this is a very nice build!  Love the combination of some traditional with some modern and the scratch built stuff is awesome!