1977 STP Wildcat Johncock W.I.P.

[Chris]

Since my last WIP got almost 12,000 views I thought it was time to do another one, so the subject will be Calvin's 77 Wildcat, the Classic Racing Resins kit is well done and relatively simple
, although You know me, it could never be that simple...surprisingly there seems to be a limited amount of research photos available, but I broke out the 1977 Hungess Indy 500 yearbook, the 1977 Ontario 500 program, the 1977 Indy 500 program and found a few more. I have about 2 weeks into research and finally started. One of the things I noticed  the Donor kit AMT T263 Bobby Unser Eagle has the wrong exhaust but the AMT Mclaren part is correct. As noted in the instructions the Plenum needs to be scratchbuilt and I will show how I am doing that too. I broke out a fresh AMT T263 kit because I couldnt find the built up I was going to use..


Part 1 The Drake Offenhauser Engine.
I compared the Eagle and McLaren blocks and accessories and went with the Eagle due to the trans and suspension coming from the Eagle kit. I did a lot of research on the engine and found many pics that I will be using


First up was assembling the basic block and locating the proper bolts and drilled it out for them, the front cover and sides took 32 RB Motion bolts



next I made the cam mounted fuel pump, the kit part is just a lump of plastic and couldnt be used for fuel lines.


The 4 pic shows a Wildcat Fuel pump, the Plenum and exhaust minfold so in the next few days I will show the making of the Plenum.. Chris

[Art Laski]

This is going to be great. Class is in session! I'm really looking forward to following along.

Art

[indy]

Nov 10, 2014 15:20:17 GMT -5 Art Laski said:

This is going to be great. Class is in session! I'm really looking forward to following along.

Art

Me, too. You sure like them flo red STP rides, huh? LOL I always like the aero evolution of the 70s and seeing all the things they did to make the cars go faster.

Jordan

[Calvin]

I'm sure it will be a really detailed build.

[mjjracer]

Happy to see this Chris. Your WIPs are not to be missed.

Now, I will distil what you do, by about 5/8ths, to my talent level and go from there with mine.

That first photo kind of looks like Wally used the same roll bar mounted head strap that Gordy used. I first noticed it on pics of the Patrick F5000 car. Maybe the Patrick team used it for all their drivers??

MJ

[harveythedog2]

Going to be really cool, I just know it Chris. Love that car.

[Chris]

working on the Drake Offy...made a Hilborn Fuel pump from 5/32 brass rod, two photoetched ends from the parts box , drilled 2 holes in the end, two on the side after making a flat and a brass washer for the Cam mounting..

I used some dark carbon fiber decal I cut to about 1/32 to make the dark bands , I will put 2 A/N 90 degree fittings on the end and 2 regular on the flat..
next I added another 30 R B Motion bolts in 4 sizes to the Cam covers..


and now that I can no longer see I will take a break next is the intake and Plenum... Chris

[Chris]

Todays test fit of the engine/transaxle raised a question, the front of the engine and the coolant tank appear too far forward, in this pick of a 77 Wildcat , the top of the tank is a mere inchfrom the back of the cowl.


I think if anyone can give me an actual wheelbase measurement I may be able to solve this question, also the Plenum will be in the way ofthe Cowl unless I space the engine back, adjusting the wheelbase or cut the Cowl??? HELP!!!!!!Chris

[Chris]

first pic engine in kit position second pic engine spaced about 3/16 back.. Chris

[Deleted]

A wise molder said once to me......."TESTS FIT EVERTHING DUMMY!!!!! A specially haven't build car before..."


Russ

[Chris]

OK I found the spec for the 76 McLaren M16 and the wheelbase is 106 inches so that comes out to 4.24 inches in 1/25 scale, I laid out the tub, with front suspension mocked up, insert the engine measure from the center the center line of the rear drive shaft and guess what?? the engine would be spaced back 3/16 to make the wheel base the same!!! Works for me! it actually took away the stubby look of the car.. back to the Plenum, I will have some pics hopefully later. Chris

[Deleted]

Hi, how come the thread died? I'm building the precision miniatures kit of this car and am struggling to find a reference for where to attach the seat belts. Did they come through the cockpit/seat padding somewhere?