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Thu Nov 10, 2005 4:47 pm

When I was a kid I built up one of these models, now I want to build the real thing. Does anyone know what body is a good candidate for the mods required?

the box:
http://showrods.com/images/sand_crab/sand_crab_big

Thanks!
(pics would be nice)

Thu Nov 10, 2005 5:22 pm

What mods are required?

Thu Nov 10, 2005 7:24 pm

swanlakers wrote: When I was a kid I built up one of these models, now I want to build the real thing. Does anyone know what body is a good candidate for the mods required?

"Mods"....don't you mean "molds?" Unless someone actually produced this body style (in a form larger than 10 inches), you would probably have to build some molds from styrofoam and lay up the fiberglass yourself. Hell, you have a pattern with the model, right?
Eminently doable if some combination of time or money or skills are not a problem. If not a "one-off" it would at the very least be an extremely rare head turner, even if it wasn't lime green. Since you are altering it, you could start with just about any solid, used, "stock" manx style dune buggy body and go from there. It wouldn't even have to be a nice one, in fact, since you will be cutting it up and adding to it, it doesn't make much sense to start with something new.
Only the rear of the buggy would be dramatically different from most kits. Consult your local boat-builder..you might find someone who knows 'glass work and loves the idea enough to help you. People have done crazier shit with less to work with. Good luck.

Thu Nov 10, 2005 8:14 pm

I think he means mods, as in what's a good model to modify...

Front end looks similar to a Bounty Hunter/Marauder

Thu Nov 10, 2005 8:26 pm

Mods+molds...what I was doing was called an alliteration, and using that language tool to introduce the subject of molds. Smoked just enough pot in high school and college that my english classes were actually interesting to me.....

Thu Nov 10, 2005 8:53 pm

Anything can be sculpted or molded. Either some good "old school" metal forming or some fiber-resin. I think know matter how you go about it, the hardest thing will be that big glass plane that serves as the "top". Maybe plexigalss, but with a little age plexiglass will look like, well... Plexiglass!

Fri Nov 11, 2005 11:24 am

You can try making one using a Bushwhacker or Mantaray buggy as a base.

Sat Nov 12, 2005 9:22 pm

vintagemx0 wrote: I think know matter how you go about it, the hardest thing will be that big glass plane that serves as the "top". Maybe plexigalss, but with a little age plexiglass will look like, well... Plexiglass!

Yeah, could something like that even hold up at speed without tearing off???

Sun Nov 13, 2005 11:25 am

I think a Concept 1 is the closest body style.

http://www.manxclub.com/botm-5-05/botm-5-05-2.htm

Wed Nov 16, 2005 3:19 pm

check out the "empi toad search" post, i think that looks like the kit you are lookin for.... just my thought (o and i have no idea on the huge glass topper)

Wed Nov 16, 2005 4:05 pm

It can be done. Anything can be done. It's just a question of how much money and time it will take. If I were to do it I would suggest some sort of tubing and HD clamp system that would also incorporate that black strip you see around the edge.