1955 Dean Van Lines WIP

[clm1545]

This is the prototype Kuzma roadster, driven by Jimmy Bryan (who else?) in the 1955 500.
This is a modified Gary Doucette '56 kit.
Gary's kits can be a bit of a struggle, and this one has been a real PITA, for many reasons.
So far



The decals are from Gary Sleeper (gwstexas), and thanks to Walt for help in the placement of the contingency stickers.

The kit wheels, and tires are OK, but the ARM versions are just too good not to use.

I am making new suspension links.

These will be the injector stacks.

Header, and exhaust, no chrome on this one.
More later, thanks for looking.
Craig

[Calvin]

Holy smokes! A WIP from Craig!!!!!!! This is the highlight of my day!!!!!! I've been wanting to see this for a very long time! Finally! And it's looking very nice too, I might add! I know you've worked a lot on this. It's a unique, one of a kind piece you have here! IMO any Jimmy Bryan car is a good one!

[lance]

[clm1545]

Now you can see why I needed help with the decals, on the right side. Even thou the car was terminally sick, Bryan still had the left front off the track.

[racerbrown]

you won't likely see a picture like that from indy anymore unless it's when they run the vintage cars.
good to see you back at the bench craig!
duane

[bobbyc]

Wow, that looks great so far! Excellent job! I didn't know ARM made those suspension parts. I just saw those guys at the Fairfax, VA show. I could have gotten some then. Guess I'll have to wait until the nats. What are you using for the dzus buttons? they really look nice.

[bobbyc]

I just re-read the thread and realized that ARM makes the wheels, but that you scratchbuilt the suspension arms. They really look nice!

[clm1545]

Thanks, Bob. The dzus buttons are from Indycals, Michael has both the round, and diamond shaped.

[bobbyc]

Neat, thanks for that info!

[Art Laski]

Nice work, Craig! Whatever your issues were with this, one would never know.

-Art

[1961redlegs]

This is a brilliant build, Craig. As Art said, it's impossible to tell you've had difficulty.

I can't wait to see how it continues to turn out.

[Gary Davis]

This is really looking good Craig.

[indy]

Looks good so far, Craig. I cannot see pictures of this usually and it just got harder to see during my day. Glad I remembered to check this evening. I think your work so far looks really good. Best of luck on the scratchbuilding. Looking forward to seeing this one progress.

Jordan

[clm1545]

A little more progress.

interior parts

suspension parts back from "chrome" shop

shocks
As you see, a lot of the kit is not surviving the build. More after Indy.

Craig

[elsapito]

Looking great, Craig. I love these liveries, so.... Indy!!!

[clm1545]

It's been a tough fight, but I think I just about have this puppy on the ropes.




From the photos I have seen, that rollbar was added after qualifying, and before the race. Some place in Indianapolis an Italian eatery was missing a piece of spaghetti.

[2lapsdown]

Very inspiring. What are the screws (bolts?) holding the windscreen? Those little details add so much to a build and you haven't missed anything on this one. I've found Gary's kits to be anywhere from challenging to frustrating, but you've made me think about this one.

John

[racerbrown]

great stuff craig!!!
i love the pipes sticking out of the hood.
duane

[clm1545]

Jun 14, 2016 22:52:44 GMT -5 2lapsdown said:

Very inspiring. What are the screws (bolts?) holding the windscreen?

John

Those are just pins holding the windscreen in place, while the Future cures, John. They will be removed.

[2lapsdown]

Nice idea, I absolutely hate doing windscreens.

[sandysixtysfan]

Jeez Loueez! That looks great Craig.

[clm1545]

Certainly not the best thing I have ever done, but it's finished. I have walked away from this one several times.
As I said, this is the first Kuzma roadster, from what I have learned. It impressed many owners, and there were 5 Kuzmas in the 1956 race. Clint Brawner stated in his book that this was the car he modified into the Monza winner.
After a poor qualifying run, Bryan got the car among the leaders, and when McGrath retired, and Vukovich crashed, he and Sweikert were up front. After a duel with Sweikert, Bryan took the lead. and drove away until the engine let go. A 24th place finish at Indy cost Bryan the 1955 championship.
I had planned to follow this one up with the 56 Dean car, the plan has changed.

[Calvin]

I'm so happy to see this done! It's spectacular! Your attention to detail is great! Your Jimmy Bryan collection is getting closer and closer to being complete! I hope I'll be around to witness the day you complete ever Bryan car.

[racerbrown]

well done sir!
it's nice to win those battles once in a while.
duane

[SWT500]

To me, this epitomizes the 1950s Indy car. If I were ever to have a real historic car, I would desire this one. A magnificent car and an equally beautiful model!

[gwstexas]

Spectacular! Thanks for posting the photos....
Best,
Gary

[alwaysindy]

For those of you who may not know Craig personally, this kit has whipped his azz SEVERAL times...we have learned to "talk each other down" from the cliff, meaning "don't give up and throw this POS at the wall"... The Ruby Mongoose was mine, and this Bryan roadster was his...
Well this one came out beautifully! An iconic car that hit the mark...keep it up Craig: several Gurney and Bryan cars to go!
Tim

[billj]

Super neat looking results. I'd be proud to have a beauty like that on my shelf. You did great

[kip]

Very nice modification and build.   When I think of Jimmy Bryan, I think of this car.   To me, it says Jimmy Bryan.

Nice idea, I absolutely hate doing windscreens.

I agree totally.

kip

[1961redlegs]

Craig, you did a wonderful job converting the car to how Jimmy Bryan drove it in 1955. From what I see the car looks like it went together without a problem as well as it turned out. Your build is absolutely masterful!