Finally back at the bench, Lotus Seven Project

[monoped]

After going through a wicked build slump for nearly a year, the itch to build has returned! Pulled the Tamiya Lotus Super Seven kit off the pile and got to it. Started at the front, and cleaned up the nose a bit but thinning the lip that the included PE grille attaches to:





I opened up the side scoop on the hood, and started fitting the body panels:





I opened up the steering wheel spokes, and fit a set of resin Mini Lites from Reps N Mins:





The kit intake trumpets were weak, so I made new ones from aluminum tube:

[monoped]

Next up was some exterior mods. I didn't care for the fender mounted turn signals, so I made some pods and mounted them under the headlights:





Also ditched the VW bug looking tail lights and went with a simple round light, mounted lower on the fender:



I cut the molded in battery off with a razor saw, and fit a parts box battery in place. I also made a tie down bracket from U channel:





Then I carved some terminal ends from round stock. THe blue wire will be painted black:

[monoped]

And my last bit of work was a new dash. I sanded the molded in gauges off, drilled .124" and .094" holes, and made bezels from aluminum tube. Gauge decals glued in from behind, a pair of Grandt Line bolts for turn signal indicators, and three PE switch toggles left over from the Scarab project finish it off:





Still have some things to tidy up and fit, then it's off to paint...

[wtsf150]

Shes looking good Brian how did you flare the intake trumpets they look as good as the rest is so far awesome work
Willie

[monoped]

I made the flares using a small hammer, a punch, and a chunk of steel for an anvil. Gotta tap slow to keep from deforming the tube...

[wtsf150]

Very cool Thanks for the tip
Willie

[snapper]

Yes, that is a cool tip with the flares - thanks for sharing your technique and step by step pics which are very helpful

[fireguy14]

Excellent work, as always!

[zbuckster]

Great work. Excellent subject.

[monoped]

Back at the bench and still pluggin' along on the Lotus project. Got the engine built:









On to painting all the parts, then on to shooting the body and final assembly. Might actually finish it by the end of the month...

[zbuckster]

Good looking engine.

[The Mad Modeller]

Nice work. Cool lil car

[mrglubaum]

Very nice work! Thanks for the tube flaring demo! Love that little four banger!

[Nacho Z]

She's looking good Brian. I'm with everyone else, thanks for the tutorial and pics.

[monoped]

Finished! Posted in Sports Cars section...