4,260 cubic inches

[danschevelle]

OK, this is my first time posting pictures, so if it all blows up, that was me. This hopefully is my 71 Hemi Cuda convertible project:


After much research and parts procurement, progress is being made. Thanks go out once again to darkrapid,for help finding the missing info, and swindler7 for a front cover to make the Monogram hemis more accurate. I find it interesting that all 11 of the cars built by the factory still exist, and I will try to build them all. I have almost finished the engines, that have a more accurate front cover from the AMT 70 Challenger,power steering and resin automatic transmissions for the cars so equipped. Sorry the picture quality is not the best, I blame operator error. I have built two similar kits at the same time before, but this is the first time I've built 10 at the same time,and I don't recommend it. Thanks for looking, Dan

[Mastercaster]

COOL! Are you going to make a diorama for the next DSC show??

[danschevelle]

Thanks, Greg. I would like to hope they turn out nice enough to take to the next DSC show, and that they are all done by then! I still have 8 bodies to paint and find the right paint for at least 4 of those. I have finished a few things: all 10 rear axle assemblies are converted to Dana 60's, the 2 cars without consoles are modified, and I made filler panels to cover the hole in the chassis above the driveshaft on these Monogram kits. The biggest job left for me is the interior modifications. The kit depicts the optional leather interior, which only 3 of them had, and about 7 cars had the Rallye dash. Some of this is really fun and some of it is hard to stay motivated enough to see it done! Dan

[darkrapid]

Cool. Thanks for the info to upgrade the engines. I'll have to try that when I get moving on mine. Keep us posted on your progress.

[danschevelle]

Here's a bit of an update. The interior is coming along nicely on white car#1.

The molded in clutch and brake pedals are gone,and a slapstick shifter from AMT's 74 Cuda is in place, with a bezel from a 69 Hurst Olds. The power window switches are Model Car Garage, but since I couldn't find Mopar switches these are GM.

[darkrapid]

That interior looks real good. The Mopar window switchs look similar to the GM ones in scale.

[darkrapid]

Any new updates on this one??

[danschevelle]

I am afraid frustration and burn out has set in! I finished the dash, but then it interfered with the windshield and I trimmed away too much trying to make it fit. That can be fixed, and then a little BMF and I should be able to finish one! I have some blue paint to test to see if it's a close match for B5, and hopefully it will be a little warmer later in the week to try it out. I'm not sure if I have the right shade of red for the 2 red cars yet. Thanks for asking Raoul, and I hope to have some progress to report before the new year is over!! Dan

[darkrapid]

I know what you mean Dan. Right now I'm suffering from Modelers ADD. I keep pulling out different projects and tinkering with them. I can't envision any of them done. I even pulled out my 70-71 Hemi Cuda project. I can't picture a color or decide what year I want to make it? I did however finish my conversion of the rear end from an 8.75 to a Dana.

[tuffone20]

Hey Dan, did you ever get these cars done? I'd really like to see them or even what you've got done since your last post which seems like such a long time ago............

[danschevelle]

Well, I can't believe it's been that long since I posted that! I've been gathering parts and supplies for the Cudas, and my next project is the standard interior parts that many of the cars had. Raoul was kind enough to lend a hand with some parts, and soon I will cast some duplicates. One of the white cars is painted but the interior is not fitting right, so more work is needed there. Thanks for asking!