Ramchargers High 'n Mighty

[Steamboat]

First mockup with wheels and tires.  I'm building this for a Shelf of Doom theme build in my club.  It's been on the shelf for at least 10 years, primarily stalled because almost all parts had to be scratch built.  Now with 3d printing, I think I can finish it.

The body is my own resin clone of a diecast.  I'm using a heavily sectioned '41 Plymouth chassis with Monogram wheels.  Don't know where I got the pie crust tire, but I only had one, so I made a resin cast for the other rear tire.  Rear coil springs are actual metal springs I got from the hardware store.

It looks like I will need to lower the engine about 1/4" to get to the scale 36" above the pavement that was used on the 1:1 car, and lower the front about 1/8" as well. 

Time to blow it apart and make some changes!

 

[Ace-Garageguy]

I'm in for the ride.  

This is one of my favorite drag cars of all time...but I've never had any luck finding a decent diecast to start with. One I bought recently is so poorly scaled and misshapen, it would almost be easier to start with a block of wood.

Do you have any idea who made the model you pulled your clone from?

There is a 3D-printed '49 kit that showed up on eBay recently, for about $150 shipped...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/225465186890

 

Edited March 20, 2023 by Ace-Garageguy

[presnell]

I've always liked that car anxious to see it completed.

[Steamboat]

44 minutes ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

 

Do you have any idea who made the model you pulled your clone from?

 

Racing Champions Lee Petty '49 Plymouth.  I still have it if you're interested.  I don't have much use for it any more.

I think I still have the latex mold, but I'm pulling my hair out trying to remember where I put it.  The body that I'm working with was the last one from the mold and by far the worst copy.  I only got 3 clones from the mold before it started to rip internally.  And I gave the first 2 to some modeling buddies!

I can't believe the 3d printed one would be much better unless it was scanned from a 1:1 car.  There's just too much that's open to interpretation.

[styromaniac]

Great subject !  Historic car...and a challenge to get right...but it will be unique.

[stavanzer]

22 minutes ago, styromaniac said:

Great subject !  Historic car...and a challenge to get right...but it will be unique.

Indeed!

I cannot wait to see how this build goes.

[magicmustang]

Great start.

I built a replica years ago but I could not find a '49 Business coupe so I used a '41 as they were easier to get. Will be following.

Edited March 23, 2023 by magicmustang

[Straightliner59]

[Steamboat]

Great photos!  That is going to be a huge help.  I was wondering what to do with the dash.  I guess "instrument delete" will be the operative term!

[wrenchr]

Man that thing looked like it could hurt you in any kind of way.  

[Altered Ego]

I am completely in awe.  Jaw is totally dropped.  Will be following.

[R. Thorne]

That car “drips” with innovation, from the “four link” to the  Vulco flex straight hose intake runners to the megaphone exhaust.  I once considered using a 41 Plymouth, but decided against it.  Good luck with it. That 3D resin is certainly tempting (thanks, Ace).

[Straightliner59]

15 hours ago, Steamboat said:

Great photos!  That is going to be a huge help.  I was wondering what to do with the dash.  I guess "instrument delete" will be the operative term!

I thought I had a few more color shots, with the body off. If I run across them, I'll post them, here. It's one of my favorites! I plan to build an "inspired by" one day with an AMT '41. In fact, it's kind of started on.

[Straightliner59]

Found 'em!

[Steamboat]

If I did another casting of the body would there be a market for it?  I'm retiring from my paying job at the end of March!

[magicmustang]

More pics.

[jjsipes]

Have often thought about trying this build myself but could never find what was needed for the body. I will definitely be following your build.

[jjsipes]

Have often thought about trying this build myself but could never find what was needed for the body. I will definitely be following your build.

[Steamboat]

52 minutes ago, magicmustang said:

More pics.

 

That has to be the most uncomfortable seat I have ever seen!

[Ace-Garageguy]

2 hours ago, Steamboat said:

If I did another casting of the body would there be a market for it? 

I would kinda think so.  

[Bainford]

Super cool project. Like many others, this is a project I've considered taking on for many years, but never found a suitable starting point. I'm glad to see someone attempt a creditable replica of this historic beast. I'll be watching the progress on this one.

[Straightliner59]

On 3/21/2023 at 7:29 PM, R. Thorne said:

Vulco flex straight hose intake runners

It's often been referred to as "the original tunnel ram".

[M W Elky]

This is so cool you have shown great skills. I’m a huge ramchargers fan and can’t wait to see it finished. Thanks for giving this one a try 

[cobraman]

Great project ! I love that ugly beast !

[Steamboat]

On 3/22/2023 at 1:36 AM, Straightliner59 said:

Found 'em!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any ideas what the idler pulley in this photo is used for?  I have a belt set that puts the generator up above the driver side valve cover and a PS pump forward of the head.  Photos of the replica car don't show the generator, but it's not on the passenger side.  I'll delete the PS, but am curious as to where to put the generator.