Vega Kammback Funny Car Conversion

This is a build I started about 24 months ago, stopped due to a move, and picked it up a few weeks ago.

It started with a roughly built AMT Funny Car kit

Erm.... did you forget something?

Sorry for the delay ... but I was able to figure out the photo load function.

The basis of the build is the afore mentioned Vega body. Up to this point I:

- Filled the cowl
- Molded in a L88 hood from a Corvette
- Widened a MPC Mustang chassis and interior to fit the Vega's body and wheel base.
- Pieced & molded together a front valance from parts box items.

Looking forward to it Chris.

You have mail.

Love these conversions! Looking forward to seeing where you take this one

Nice subject, excellent work.

Very interesting Chris. Ill follow along.

Likewise.

Pulled the Vega off the back shelf to make some progress with it.

Cool...! I liked the little under dog cars of the 60s/70s era...good buddy of mine owned a few Vegas once. His wagon we put a V-8 in it...talk about fun. he also had a 71 ? hatchback. Cool project..!

After multiple attempts (and frustrations) of trying to get a Small Block Chevy to fit into the re-purposed Mustang II unibody, I decided to go in a different direction...a twin cam 4. Having none in the parts box, I'm creating my own with the above picture being the start. The transmission was taken off a junk block with the subsequent hole filled with milliput. The block (pictured above puttied) and the head (roughed in) were created by laminating plastic stock and cutting to size. The distinctive twin-cam valve cover was made with two SB Chevy valve covers and a piece of plastic bonded together with the seam filled.

Hopefully I'll be able to finish this one off now.

On a side note, AMT/Round 2 just re-issued this kit. (I bought two and my daughter gave me one for Christmas).

Adding a few details to the 4 I am throwing together loosely based on the Mid-60's Lotus and the Cosworth Vega from 75 by eye balling internet photos.

The side draft carbs were taken from the 70's MPC Datsun pickup. I wanted a shorty style header and grabbed one from the parts box from an unknown source. Both the header and intake were pinned. For the upper radiator hose intake (the yellow plastic) is positioned based on the Cosworth design (Lotus is located mid-head).

Oooo! a Twink 4 eh!!! I like that idea.

Any chance of posting larger photos Chris?

Nice engine work, Chris.

Nice improv on the engine. I did put a SBC into a Trabant model once. That took some doing.

Great work.

If the old path gets blocked, find a new one. I like that you've chosen yet another 'odd' engine as far as scale models go.

I've sourced/made all the parts of my engine ... here is the what I've come up with:  



Transmission:  sourced from a junk block of unknown origin.  
Oil pan:  Unknown kit/engine
Block:  Made from laminated plastic with a distributor plug (left), oil filter ring (Right), and engine mounts (black) added.  Painted Chevy Red.  
Head:  Made from laminated plastic.  
Valve Cover:  Made from two SB Chevy Valve covers with a timing chain cover made from scrap plastic with a bit of putty work to mold it together.
Oil filter (painted blue):  Monogram 440 Mopar item
Header:  Unknown source painted with dullcoat over the chrome
Timing Chain cover:  Made from laminated plastic with a water pump added.  An alternator bracket added so the alternator not hanging in the air.  
Starter:  Parts box item
Pulleys:  Sourced from a parts box fanbelt assembly (with the plastic molded in belt  cut away).  Painted medical tape will be used when assembled.  
Intake:  MPC Datsun Pickup item
Distributor:  Parts box item drilled with radio shack wire added.
Coil:  Made from an exhaust item that had a molded in bracket.  Pinned to help with assembly
Fuel Pump:  Sourced from the Monogram 440 that gave up its oil filter.