G-Force 12

This idea has come about through my fascination, no obsession with cars. Being a college student working my way toward my degree, the money and time is not there to build a 1:1 version of this car. The starting point is the Revell-Monogram 1:12th scale 1969 Camaro. However, when I get through with it, there will be very few kit pieces actually used on the final product. The aftermarket for such a scale is little to none so I am forced to create most of the goodies you would find on a full size G-Machine from scratch. Following are a list of modifications that I plan to make.

• LSx engine
• T-56 transmission
• Custom wheels
• Modern Racing/Street type seats
• Custom Suspension Front and Rear
• Custom paint
• Body Modifications

Lets start under the hood. I am an LSx guru. I plan on having one in my S-10 some day. What better way to kick this project off right than to figure out how to get one in this miniature beast. There are currently no offerings of an LSx in 1:12th scale, so, my only option is to make one, and a T-56. I have begun this process, which consists of styrene plastic, aluminum and styrene tubing and super glue. I have the rough shape of the Transmission and the engine block finished, as well as one of the cylinder heads nearing completion. I plan to cast each piece out of resin for future use or resale. I have also found a fellow modeler who has Turbos in 1:12th scale. So, naturally it will be a TT LSx!

On to the body, I have started the body modifications and thus far really only include removing the fins in front of the rear wheel wells and replacing them with functional vents, as seen on HOT ROD 1. I thought that was a unique idea and would look pretty cool on this project. As for paint, I am leaning toward Sunset Orange Pearl, I love that color.

As for the Wheels and tires, there is absolutely no option for wheels and tires. There are some suitably sized wheels from R/C cars; however, there is not a suitable style. So I am in the process of creating my own. I picked up the latest issue of PHR with the baddest ‘Cuda on the planet. I really like those wheels, so I began sketching out scale versions to replicate. They will not be exactly the same but will be similar. Here is the process that I will use to make the wheel centers. I draw the design on grid paper to get the proportions correct. I then cut an appropriately sized disk out of styrene. I then transfer the design from the grid paper to the styrene and section it into equal portions, in this case 5 equal wedge shapes. Then in one of the wedge shapes, I cut out and reliefs or holes that will be present in the wheel. Next I separate that one wedge from the rest of the disk and make a mold out of RTV silicone. Now I cast several copies until I have 5 perfect wedges. Once assembled I have a perfectly round wheel that is identical in each wedge. After they are assembled and cleaned up I make one more mold and cast complete wheel centers. Hopefully I can find an affordable source for aluminum sleeves.

The suspension will follow suit with the rest of the car, extensive modification. The goal is to build a 1:12th scale version of my dream car. So essentially if I could turn it into a real car, it would function, as a G-Machine should. So I will again, scratch build my own parts, coil overs, a-arms, EVERYTHING. In the rear, I am leaning toward a DSE inspired 4-link set up. Up front I would like to upgrade to tubular arms and a coil-over set up.

So far I have begun the process of the wheel centers, and the engine. I will be on spring break the week of March 11, 2006. Hopefully I can make great strides on this project. I am always open to comments and Criticism. I’ll update Scott when I have suitable pictures to add to this page. You can also visit the thread that I will update with a lot of intermediate steps here, http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=2415. I am always in need of reference shots and measurements. Front suspension, rear suspension, interior, exterior, you name it. Feel free to drop me an e-mail or a private message with reference material! So, Lateral-g, keep on keeping on.

Russell Butler
(black2002ls)