Fiat 131 Abarth

[afx]

Mar 13, 2020 8:34:32 GMT -8 Art said:

JC, I really like how you find these really cool kits and make them better. I'm floored how they molded that belt set up, but you made it right. Watching for more!

Thanks Art.  These old Esci kits have "good bones" but take some effort to bring the detail level to what I'm more comfortable with.

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Mar 13, 2020 8:51:34 GMT -8 arcticwolf said:

I had a 124 Spyder as my daily summer driver for a couple of years. Fun car, unfortunately they rust. This 131 is basically the sedan version of the same car, and given Abarth's treatment it would have been a blast.
Nice to see a model being made of it.

That's what the book describes - much of the 124 Rallye mechanical design was transferred to the 131 Abarth.

[Oldtimer]

I've only been able to find the one picture of the car. Have had a custom set of decals made for it, and I understand my detailer has just finished repainting the Kyosho and applied the decals.

Hopefully I will have it back in my hands shortly for photographs.

[afx]

Mar 13, 2020 11:03:27 GMT -8 Oldtimer said:

I've only been able to find the one picture of the car. Have had a custom set of decals made for it, and I understand my detailer has just finished repainting the Kyosho and applied the decals.

Hopefully I will have it back in my hands shortly for photographs.

A quick search found this larger version of the photo. I can see now the IMSA stickers on the window.

[afx]

Wasn't happy with the header, too much if hung under the car exposed to damage that rally cars are prone too.  Fabricated this:




Reminder this was the before header:

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Now only the outlet pipes are under the car. Also fabricated a front cross member.


 

Before:

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Fabricated a skid plate:

[arcticwolf]

Did you make the header collector or was that part of the kit?

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Mar 14, 2020 7:28:40 GMT -8 arcticwolf said:

Did you make the header collector or was that part of the kit?

I made it - sort of.  It's heat shrink tubing I bought at Home Depot.

[arcticwolf]

Very clever. I might try that. I make headers out of electrical wire. It works if you practice a lot, but the collector always baffles me. Thanks for the tip!!

[afx]

Made a simple water pump and drilled a hole in the fuel pump bracket to "add lightness" as Colin Chapman famously said.

[Joel_W]

JC,
I'm pulling up my chair and following your build every step of the way. Already you 1st engine modifications just go to prove that your modeling skills are way above the average. I to was amazed at how you improved the pulley and belts, as well as the trumpets, and the exhaust. Without any doubt, I'm going to be schooled in modeling 102 not 101 by the master, and will be taking plenty of notes, and copying pictures galore.

Joel

[afx]

Thank you Joel.  If you have any questions about how did something just ask.

[afx]

I have been debating with myself for days about my wheel choice. 

• I know I don't want to use the kit Cromodora wheels (far left) that come in the kit. There is an aftermarket version of this wheel that is much nicer but everyone uses this wheel on their 131 build.
• The middle set is my attempt to recreate the Campagnolo, my favorite wheel used on the 131.  I modified Fujimi's Hayashi Street wheel to create these.
• Far right is Scale Production's Campagnolo wheel.  The spoke and reinforcing web are accurate for the 131 and very nice.  However the hub isn't concave and it's 5-lug.  Regardless it is the wheel I have settled on.

[tatocorvette]

Those cars had 4 lug hubs, right? The wheels on the right look great but they are  5 lug. 
*EDIT* Never mind, I did not read completely and you mention it already