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Codger

Sadly Missed
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Posts posted by Codger

  1. A jog in the road...

    Gents, a long-delayed update but not because Cox has been negligent. Indeed he has sent these labor intense shots but I have been unable to interrogate him about details. It seems I've hit some bodily speed bumps which are being navigated now. In a short while I will make a post in the Discussion area explaining my truancy.

    I do know that parts of the car have gotten final silver and he does continue work feverishly. However his ways are to put swarms of angels on the head of the pin and that is why so long. The cowl lights and w'shield posts are a labor intensive example. Try to remember this thing was was sliced, spread and hacked like a spring capon by looking back on the 102 photos here. With more to go.

    I will post what I have without comment but the sharper of you will find wealth of info.

    I will continue to flog David for more when my flogger is full strength. However I am in discussion with a pinnacle friend on forum who may help conclude the build if I get Cox on the same page.

    Feel free to praise Cox's work or ask about it./Codger

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    • Like 3
  2. 21 hours ago, silver911 said:

    A forced break whilst I raise funds for red paint and clear...for which I am going back to 'Zero'...as I just could not get on with Tamiya Lacquers no matter what I did.

     

    I suggest this would be a good time for you to give us just a few pix of completed assemblies to this point. I always found the review helpful to keep an eye on direction of build, quality achieved so far and incentive to complete the vision. There is so much here that would be great for us to see again.......B)

    • Like 5
  3. 13 minutes ago, Ade H said:

    Can the appearance of wet tyre transfers be improved with anything such as decal setter, decal solvent, or matte varnish?

     

    I would normally run some tests, but I have no unwanted tyres and decals.

    Yes - start by trimming them close to remove film and apply normally. General usage and race wear can be added several ways, Here the sidewall is gently scuffed with scuff pad first. Logo applied. Seldom are tires bright white so I lightly pick at the edges with toothpick for scuffs, hand paint thin acrylic craft paint to get them slightly tan/light brown from brake and track dust and here I used Testors Dullcote in light mist to make all uniform.

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    • Like 4
    • Thanks 1
  4. En LIGHTNING...

    As further response to Pascal's questions, David has sent the latest tid-bits he has accomplished in this labor-intensive build. I'll try to de-code how he accomplishes them.

    After 3 decades of trial/error and success this is how most of his models get their 'shining' features.

    Here's the back of the Benz instrument panel and the wire maze concealed behind it. Only thing he neglected to tell me is where the on/off switch is for the dash. ---Actually, he tells me very little because he is an absent-minded professor. Usually 10 questions from me get some sort of answer:

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    The desired result. Actually, that key, bottom center of panel may be the switch...

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    More gems from the Cox bench; the door handles and latches. Seen here; black objects at top are Pocher kit  inside door latches. Next and at bottom are sections of Pocher kit engine camshafts including one cam lobe. In between lie MMC door handles and estuchions (which the handle shafts rotate in).

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    Sit tight - it gets crazier; David then removes one cam lobe from its shaft, drills and taps it for 00-90. He then removes the shaft of the MMC handle, drills THAT for 00-90,threads in the shaft,  then a touch of solder locks each in position. The HARD part is orienting each element so that 90 degrees of rotation of the cam, slides the black latch fore and aft in its door slot. Phew...:phew:

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    Full disclosure; this is the exact same system and even parts that I used on Rolls, with David's guidance and 2 soldered cam/handle units. Being a mite older then I, he has my undying respect for even being able to handle such tiny bits with poor sight and wobbly fingers - which put me out of action. Here's inside look at mine:

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    OK some mock-ups to whet the appetite. Handle and door trim strip in place. Safe way to store delicate chrome trim is seen taped on cardboard atop door:

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    There are 8 pieces of brass chromed trim needed for the hood sides. Enough to cause frequent napping...

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    To any who question why the pace of this build is so drawn out, I hope these examples reveal the reasons. Imagine the impatience of the anxious client........:whip:

    • Like 5
  5. On 7/27/2021 at 5:41 PM, Pascal said:

    That's not a model, it's a work of art.

     

    I wonder how Mr Cox made the blinkers in front of the doors movable and how he managed to put a tiny light in them.

     

    Does it have an engine ? Or is the space used for the wiring and batteries ?

     

    Sincerely

     

    Pascal

    The directional blinkers are manual and I believe (not certain) they have a fiber optic wire. It absolutely has full engine detail as do all his builds. His usual hiding place for batteries are under rear seats or under trunk/rumble seat/spare wheels. He also usually wires to switches on a gear or brake lever or pedal as well to operate the various lights.  :mental::)

    • Like 3
  6. 26 minutes ago, silver911 said:

    It's a nice piece...however...and feel free to lambaste me but...those wheels look a shade too small to my eyes!

     

    None the less...I do like the almost 'stealth' colour scheme Mr C :)

     

    Ron

    Yes I find it most tasteful.

    No shade on your wheel opinion, they probably were due to Benz design staff. I know my RR wheels were in perfect scale to prototype diameter so imagine Pocher got these right too.

    • Like 1
  7. Benz Bonus !!

    Being a simple Rolls-Royce boffin, I confess to having been baffled at the size and scope of Benz 500 sport cars and Pocher's compromised attempts to replicate them. Sadly, no one Pocher version matches exactly any one prototype car. 

    In recent conversation with Mr Cox I lamented this very situation. I was stunned to get in return this image, never before seen by me,  (I was deep in work on the Rolls) and probably no one else beyond his own web site:

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    Immediately, filled with questions, I barraged him for more information. Cox, being a 'student of the game', has a huge library of reference BOOKS, by expert-in-field authors on each marque in Pocher's classic line. Decades worth of collection and study.

    So I asked, is this a Spezial? Cabriolet? Roadster? I'm confused by the clues; split windscreen, roll down windows, top stack, long doors, rear seat?

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    I'll let David's words describe what we have here:

    "First of the Pocher Mercs, this model was a mystery for just the reasons you mention.  Most cabriolets (heavily padded folding tops, roll-up door windows) had flat windshields, and some had rear quarter windows behind the door windows.  The Pocher literature mentions two prototypes with 7 liter engines.  Long story shorter, Melin  found the prototype for a Spezial Cabriolet A (four-seater) which perfectly matches the Pocher model.  The prototype was in the collection of Bernie Ecclestone, the F-1 czar, and was a one-off car with the standard 5 liter engine.  It has since been sold at auction, and is described as a cabriolet with Spezial Roadster details— dash, windshield, door hardware— and features long doors and a long tail.  Serial number 130859.

     My model differs from the prototype by having a cover over the spare wheel, black wire wheels, and black leather. The idea was to build a model of the “other” Spezial Cabriolet."

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    Always chafing at having to build an 'exact' model, David incorporated some of his touches (note the automatic pistol in the door pocket) on the customer's behalf. Black leather, black wire wheels and a spare cover on the extended deck are three.

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    Built in 2018, the model carries a host of 'normal' Cox operating features:

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    The major differences from the 'Ecclestone' car are cosmetic - it had tan leather, top and wheels, open spare and white walls.

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    This is the definitive, exact version I would have loved to build. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Having less chrome trim than a full Spezial Roadster I find it clean, elegant and tasteful. My thanks to David for sharing with us. Questions and opinions always welcomed but feast in these beautiful lines:

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    • Like 3
  8. 1 hour ago, Pascal said:

    What are brilliant thread ! I'm attentively going through this treasure trove and taking notes.

     

    There's so much to see and learn here.

     

    Thank you very much for sharing.

     

     

    A rare treat to have you but I fear nothing here goes 220MPH like the cars you are most expert on! :weep:

    And I know you need not take notes because this was childs-play compared to some of the projects you've accomplished.

    But sincere thanks for joining in. If there's something(s) I should have done better, don't hesitate to call it out. Even though my building is over, I love learning. And presenting Cox's fine work is a gift to any who pay attention.

    I will continue to show his skills and wealth of Pocher advice.

    C

  9. 9 hours ago, Pascal said:

    I knew I had heard of a similar problem, but it was a long time ago. Finally I remembered :

     

    When that chemical was used on plastic, it was nearly impossible to remove it (at least in 1993) because no matter what they did the chemical kept sweating through any coating put on the plastic. A lot of cleaning products (like bleach) reacted with the chemical, and basically ruined the plastic surface for later treatment.

     

    Sincerely

     

    Pascal

    A brilliant explanation of Ron's exact problem. Pascal, you are a most valuable resource for technical, hands-on information on this forum.

    I add my thanks and respect to Ron's.:worthy:

    C

    • Like 4
  10. 1 hour ago, silver911 said:

    I get that the customer gets what he commissions but...silver!...that interior will fade (lose it's luminosity) with all that colour surrounding it...a shame really.

    Also...so much chrome trim will not have the strong impact it would have with another shade of body colour.

    No doubt it will be stunning...just not a colour I would have chosen...so much 'lost in translation'...so to speak.

     

    Not my first choice either Ron. (Actually black would have been :devil: ) but I caution that was early talk months ago that I got about the silver. Not positive it's the final decision.

    But I certainly agree  the chrome trim will not be shown to best advantage on silver. And if I had spent a lifetime crafting it as well as Cox, I'd want it to stand out. But I think the leather will hold it's own for attention.

    Time will tell but I'm pretty sure any of us would like it on our shelves.

     

    • Like 2
  11. Inching up...

    David tells me he has completed the process of perfecting all the bodywork for final color. He has fit together most of the bits for an overall look in one color - high build primer. It has been a time - consuming process  of filler, spray primer, sand and repeat. Many times with many grit changes. The cowl/firewall assembly will be removed and that horizontal join will be addressed.

    The startling effect of the lipstick red upholstery  is evident and a white or off-white color would be amazing. However, I believe the client has chosen a silver. It will not disappoint. I believe this one will have blackwall tires, somewhat unusual these days on frequently over-restored cars.

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    Best way to avoid handling trouble is to store completed items in protective boxes or bins:

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    Impossible to tell that's a brass hood top with plastic sides:

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    Remember the front apron is copper and the big and little hatches are plastic:

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    Look back and remember that this door has a vertical, diagonal slice and splice in it where it was radically shortened to become a '540' door. Remember that there will be delicate and elegant real chrome trim zooming over the curves and flanks in the opulent MB manner. Holes are for pinning the trim and door handle.

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    And for us, an 'incentive' view possibly from the MB museum, of what David has been after. These proportions do not come out of the Pocher box this way. More as soon as Florida weather conditions allow...

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    • Like 3
  12. Surgically neat work make those kit details pop. Tips from the experts above will put the model in another realm.

    My 2 Cents worth is your philosophy of the build. Very apropos to your career. :)

    Before going into patina or wear, decide; do you present a concours $44 Million gem? Or a vintage raced classic just off Goodwood or Silverstone circuits? Until you have definitive idea, go easy on aging.

     

    Much will be unseen unless in your photo records. :weep:

    • Like 2
  13. 48 minutes ago, mustang1989 said:

     

    Definitely hear what you're saying about aluminum heads Codger. I'm in a similar situation now with my truck. I've got a set of Vortec iron heads on it (which is the BEST production ever put out by Chevrolet) but wanted a set of E-Tec or AFR aluminum heads for it. Those my good friend.......go for around $1700 for the pair. Way too much for me to dole out right now so I'm building power to 5200 rpm with the Vortecs which aint gonna be bad considering they'll be going on a small block 406. 525 + ft lbs of torque outta get that truck of mine hauling. lol

     

     

    Stock Vortec's an excellent choice for budget power. For a 406, bowl porting is even better. If yours have (or can afford mod) screw-in rocker studs, consider a hydraulic roller cam swap (around a 113 LSA for torque) and 1:6 rockers. Should be cheaper than that $1700 head change. Obviously you have dyno access.

     

    Virtually all kit models get ride height wrong. Judging by Dyno's Maverick, you know how to make this one right. B)

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