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Kind thanks to Mike/Group 7 for availing me other relevant '70 Chaparral Camaro images consistent with informing what I try to do.  I very much appreciate the outreach and help even as evidence suggests I've been a ghost and absent from the scene for a long while...

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Long absence again - whereas seen below would be the beginnings of an American Racing Associates '69 Camaro Z/28 as run in the '70 SCCA Trans-Am season, further intended to replicate the '70 Donnybrooke-winning Milt Minter ride.  Employing the 1:18th scale GMP tool again, based on a body from the Todco Racing release with a chassis and interior largely but not exclusively sourced from the '67 Heinz Camaro Trans-Am release which apparently had quality problems - hence such was easier to source for spares at a discount. 

Noticed would be shaved GMP '69 Penske Camaro Minilite wheels with turned aluminum rings set atop each to suggest machined magnesium, while the lug platforms set atop each wheel were requisitioned from an ACME '70 Autodynamics #77 Sam Posey Challenger that certainly didn't feature such at '70 Laguna Seca.  Tire lettering would be IndyCals waterslide affairs, while the main body art mocked up here is the handiwork of 3 Amigos Decals based upon a first draft of such commissioned by 'Oldtimer' active on this message board.  The bodyshell too was gifted to me by 'Oldtimer' besides - hence much in his debt.  Other bits added would include a resin cast '67 GMP Penske Camaro single 4BBL intake, a Hwy. 61 '69 Camaro single 4BBL air cleaner w/fresh air seal, and what additional details I might conceive and work up. 

Noticed in brief will be the deeper and more pronounced profile of the front spoiler which needn't be a stock part come the '70 SCCA Trans-Am season.  Prompted by the request of 'Oldtimer' for something significantly larger, I scratch built this 1:18th iteration some time ago, trimmed the dimensions of the same since, then added what I'd work up to what's witnessed below.  Real chrome plate to the extent of such being applied over a copper basecoat was removed from the grille only via computer mother board etching solution prior to repainting such.  Doubtlessly toxic stuff then - but very effective in this capacity.  The rear bumper guards were ground down and sanded out, while Revell of Germany 'Chrom' lacquer aerosol what employed to refinish what remained.  The Revell product is expensive at $30-$35 a can, but affords a remarkable result when used with discretion. 

Gathering materials then to research such, familiar with the ARA/RWR thread maintained here at the CRG, appreciative of input and feedback if and when afforded.  A roll cage is being worked up, an Al Bartz single 4 BBL 302 is likewise taking shape, while accessory decals to flesh out what's not seen below has been sourced and isolated.  The body shell wears the Todco white paint at present, while I'm told that a Freightliner Yellow (a truck color) was employed on the exterior - work to come such as it were.  Kind thanks for your review of this post...





Mike K./Swede70

Greetings...

Hoping at some stage to complete my 1:18th ERTL conversion as the '70 Watkins Glen winner, pleased in a sense to discover that some 1:18th waterslide decals basically purchased 'off the shelf' had some utility after all which is discussed below:

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I had ordered some 'Teresawulf' 1:18th waterslide decals atop what I was already in possession of - namely the 1:25th Fred Cady 1970 Chaparral Camaro SCCA Trans-Am waterslide decal art of old.  Contrasting the Chaparral lettering between the two sheets, it's entirely possible the former was scanned from the latter.  All the same, a strong case can be made to switch out the flank 'Chaparral' and 'Camaro' lettering given the font is definitely not 100% accurate as can be discerned.







Worried then that I'd make a mess of the body shell for softening and hence ruining the paint, whereas further worried I'd be sharply disappointed with the quality of the decals.  Things generally worked though, with 30% acetone employed to remove (delicately) the as-delivered flank lettering short of staining the underlying finish, whereas the decal film employed by the 'Teresawulf' (eBay seller i.d. then) proved well-behaved for not curling or tearing.  Adhesion of the decals didn't prove a huge concern, with the images settling down well enough sans application of a softening agent which may well have dissolved the ink employed for the art.  Although I didn't set any standards for cutting the artwork creatively close for eliminating all trace of excess film, what compromise was struck proved good enough.   









Thanks for your review of this post...

Mike K./Swede70

Thanks for your reply and interest...

The Chaparral team would have had some unique insight into the 1970-season 'tire war' given different drivers had different tire contracts; i.e. Jim Hall being a Firestone stalwart, whereas Ed Leslie was linked to Goodyear, his entry shod as such.  Not so sure about Joe Leonard in his one-off appearance for the team (this I'd have to check), whereas Vic Elford was also tied to Firestone - hence no variance there.  Thanks...

Mike K./Swede 70

Greetings...

The 1:18th Replicarz 1970 Chaparral Camaro in sealed resin has arrived, listing at a cool $239.95 then so definitely not for the faint of heart.  Regretting that the prototype photos of this release really were all but final; i.e. we wouldn't be afforded chromed bumpers, headlamp bezels, or larger tires for the rear in particular.  Both Jim Hall and Ed Leslie iterations exist - but no Vic Elford Watkins Glen spec. for now.  I'm thinking that my ERTL-based effort will just morph into a later-season V. Elford ride without further ado, revising and correcting what I may to ensure this is so...

Back to the Replicarz version, seen is my example with refinished wheels and brake discs, plus some other small revisions consistent with helping the model look it's best.  I did add the Firestone fender decals seen on the fenders, the jack positioning marks on the rocker panels, the small rectangular strips of white decal film atop each exterior door latch.  Other things performed would be a cowl vent black wash application, the removal of the roof 'Chaparral' legends, the addition of some head lamp fill panels with the SCCA Technical Inspection sticker, etc. 

Although I wanted to remove the interior to refinish it, I couldn't fathom risking too much here given the interior casting is very solidly glued in, the risk judged too great to shift things more than I attempted.  Some decals are in the mail with revised flank 'Chaparral' and 'Camaro' lettering as seen on the flanks.  I'm thinking what Replicarz afforded seems a touch thin of script, maybe a bit elongated for what was rendered, and perhaps radiused too prominently across each wheel arch opening for good measure.  Hoping to set things right in this regard, but basically looking O.K. at this point even with the rather meek tires fitted (same size front and rear - sigh).  Kind thanks...






Mike K./Swede70

Greetings...

Somewhat bummed given the anticipated 1:18th scale Replicarz-badged '70 Chaparral Camaro sealed resin release is now something that can be pondered in prototype form for new images afloat online even if the model is 'still on the water'. Why 'bummed'? Well - it doesn't look very good! Even if the markings will be rescaled and redone, the wheel/tire relationship is pretty poor, whereas the rest doesn't seem even as good as their '71/'72 AM Javelins from what I can make out. Anyhow, follow the link to witness the new 1:18th product images which formerly had relied upon the very nice TSM 1:43rd sealed diecast product afforded to us maybe two or three years ago.  Sigh...

https://www.replicarz.com/1970-Chaparral-Camaro-Road-America-Jim-Hall/productinfo/R18203/

Expect the graphics to be refined, the silver-painted bumpers, grille and headlamp bezels to emerge chromed when the model is finally available, although still a disappointment from my perspective.  I suppose review of the photos will serve to prompt recommitment to my old ERTL conversion, hence this is something!  Thanks...

Mike K./Swede70

Greetings,

Never imagining I'd actually find a copy to view, nevertheless here would be 'Four Hands on the Wheel' via YouTube hidden in plain sight.  Chris Economaki narrates the famously elusive documentary far from everyone has seen...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2g9wjwcLuyo

Mike K./Swede70

Greetings and thanks for inquiring as to the status of what I do in-scale...

A bit hobbled as of late - perhaps dedicating too much time to a Mark Donohue/Penske Racing side project of long interest even as it's not strictly SCCA Trans-Am rooted?  Although likely to return to chassis work across both the '70 Chaparral Camaro (it still needing decals/graphics) and '70 T/G Racing Firebird Trans Am projects, seen (very) briefly would be a 3D-print shell of a '72 Matador NASCAR racer utilizing Jo-Han '72 Torino, AMT '74 Matador and much later AMT '92 Thunderbird NASCAR parts and subassemblies to approximate what's needed. 

Perhaps I viewed altogether too many (late period) episodes of ADAM-12 when it was in syndication as a kid, or longed for the COX .049-powered Matador perpetually out of reach at the local K-Mart so long ago, but something within myself needed and still needs a 'Flying Brick' to display next to my Trans-Am Javelins builds/efforts to date.  Thanks again and hoping to return to productive form as the weather turns and indoor activities beckon...



The topic in '72-season form, mainly because I expect someone or some firm to eventually afford us a fully finished '73 Riverside winner if only because to-date they've afforded us everything M. Donohue ever drove, rented, or glanced upon...



Seen here is a much-modified $29.95 eBay-sourced shell (actually two), with a dead example (yes - a third shell hinted at here) having been cut apart to yield separate bumpers, the grille, plus hood and deck lid as-witnessed.  The body shell measures out at approximately 1:26th scale, hence some complications are introduced on that basis besides.  Very slow work, and not for the timid. 

Other pathways would include the scarce Model Car World resin transkit of old, as well as better quality 3D-printed shell plus separate bumpers and grille sold by Robert Burns/Too Many Projects.  Decals will mostly be made up of Cherry Run '74 Penske Matador graphics, Dave Van Decals (perhaps), and whatever stray items might otherwise be wrangled and deployed just-so.



And finally, shared is a quick view underhood evens sans roll cage/stiffening structure characteristic of most any NASCAR/Winston Cup topic.  The engine constitutes a mash of Jo-Han and AMT parts, and more that a bit preliminary it is with regards to appearance. 

Mike K./Swede70

Greetings,

A belated update concerning the 1:18th scale '70 ERTL-based T/G Firebirds then.  Always busy then, albeit never wildly in your face productive even as I try largely out of sight. 

The waterslide decal work commissioned to 3 Amigos Decals arrived some time back, the result of feverish communication back and forth consistent with seeing to what could be seen to.  The total result reflects the best compromise I could negotiate out and source for steady application, while the results seem good.  All images require careful trimming given by definition they aren't pre-cut.  If anyone would like the ordering codes to obtain a copy directly from the printer, I'd happily forward such.  As this message was written, the price was U.S. $17 with $4 charged for domestic shipping.  No - the shaker hood hole must be cut out by hand, and no - I wouldn't anticipate this aspect of things being all that much fun...



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Further witnessed would be the interiors redone for sporting newly-bent roll cages, as well as parts derived from many a urethane mold likewise redone to supply sufficient duplicates.  I'm doing two '70 Titus Firebirds for myself, whereas one interior/chassis is being quietly prepared for a customer.  Both of my projects are now ACME/Lane '68 Firebird 400 H.O. 'powered', suitably modified as they are to suggest Ram Air IV head-equipped, wet sump 303's. 




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Keeping myself (reasonably) honest, seen are the three chassis builds underway.  Yes - it's likely good not to sit on the couch right at present.  Thanks for your review of this project - or rather projects update times three.

Mike K./Swede70

...and this of complimentary interest, a history of MIS with specific reference to the road course/circuit related above.  Perhaps my 'makeshift' comment seen above would be considered harsh, but it hardly seems as though the entries trying to negotiate the what seems a very narrow outside the oval road course are just focusing on not going off, nor harboring much hope of passing or making up places given others are in the same boat.  Thanks...

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2015/06/racing-rain/

Mike K./Swede70

Greetings,

A friend related an area enthusiast had posted such on YouTube, it being footage of club racing at nearby Waterford Hills (myself being situated in SE Michigan then), fleeting glimpses of a marriage procession, and finally at the 9:48 mark - some footage of the dreary weather and utterly makeshift road racing circuit that characterized what was experienced at Michigan International Speedway for the running of the '69 Wolverine Trans-Am.  Quality isn't the best, but once again, any discovery becomes part of the mosaic of understanding what once was.  Thanks...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8gDGZ11qgw

Mike K./Swede70

Neat discoveries - thanks for posting such.

Mike K./Swede70

Thanks for the kind continued interest...

Here the rear flares on the '70 Laguna Seca spec. Jerry Titus Firebird have been bonded and carefully blended, while a rudimentary engine is taking shape short of resorting to the installation of a full 1:18 Lane '67-'68 Pontiac Firebird 400 c.i.d. assembly as a base to work upon.  GMP '70 GTO Judge cylinder heads were added to a shaved ERTL block, the intake is a scratch built item worked up before, while the air cleaner is a GMP '67 Penske Camaro item essentially cast aside when the Lane '67 single 4BBL cowl induction setup was switched onto my '67 Penske project some time ago.  Back to this project, the clumsy cast-in upper control arm detail was filed off, while partial GMP Penske Camaro resin clones have been introduced in. 

Largely hidden would be Lakewood explosion-proof bellhousing scratch built, cast in resin and mated to a GMP Penske Camaro Muncie M22 four-speed transmission, all of it carefully filed to live at ease with the compromise that is the chassis.  Even if the exterior dimensions of most scale models might check out, panels and especially anything relating to the floors tend to be very thick.  Smoke and mirrors then to disguise what goes 'bang' for clearance not strictly afforded. 

Drawing to a close, most of what's made out was attempted before on my '70 Mid-Ohio spec. project, although differences such as the stamped steel valve covers, the absence of a disallowed shaker scoop assembly plus seal, etc., help differentiate the build from the later evolution of the same basic topic.  Clean thus far, and given little in the way of new ground has been broken, no huge surprises.  A radiator assembly, a coolant expansion tank and remote oil filter setup stand to come, while the wimpy accessory drive might well be tossed entire!  Kind thanks for your review of this brief update. 




Mike K./Swede70

Greetings and thanks for the longstanding interest displayed by many...

Here the matter of which way to go with the 1:18th T/G Racing Firebird Trans Am 'Trans-Am' project is addressed by taking on two for duplicating the '70 Laguna Seca spec. in addition to the previous '70 Mid-Ohio focus.  Slow as ever, seen below would be a frantic catch up effort to duplicate what has been worked up for my first effort. 

Custom decal work is being outsourced to a trusted firm, while it's certainly neat to see a ERTL Firebird Trans Am bereft of all the parts disallowed for homologation hiccups encountered at the first race on the '70 SCCA Trans-Am calendar.  Exhaust configuration for the '70 Laguna Seca spec. will be the expected sidepipes, while the '70 Mid-Ohio spec. will be outfitted with the 'out the back and to the side' configuration that struck many as unusual.  Kind thanks...




Mike K./Swede70

Greetings...

For searching T/G or T.G. Racing (both 'answers' are correct!) information online, I stumbled across a short but agreeably detailed profile of Canadian driver John Cordts.  Hidden in plain sight for being discovered on a specially-themed vintage F1 website, nevertheless something of possible interest.  See:

https://www.f1forgottendrivers.com/drivers/john-cordts/

Mike K./Swede70

Greetings,

An older blog post this, but recollections of the '72 Mid-Ohio Trans-Am race as related by Harry Quackenboss, crew member on the Herb Adams '72 Firebird driven to victory by Milt Minter that year. 

https://www.pontiacv8.com/blog/2019/4/25/memories-of-the-72-scca-trans-am-series-firebird-by-harry-quackenboss

Mike K./Swede70