I started converting this Mobieus 61 Ventura into a canadian Laurentian 2dr HT.   its alot more complicated than one might think

I needed the VENTURA body to get the correct side trim configuration and taillights, but i still had to add the "stars" to the rear quarters and remove all the emblems.

Then i realized that the CATALINA kit by mobieus has the correct patterned interior for a laurentian, so i had to buy a second kit

Then i bought a Lindberg 61 impala for the frame and suspension,  

I had to cut out all teh firewall out of both cars and swap over the impala firewall, inner fenders, and rad support to the pontiac body

Then i had to fit and trim everything to get the interior and body to sit on the impala tub

I painted it with real PPG automotive single stage in the correct Dawnfire mist.  Smooth as glass, but my pics suck

I am modifying everything to accept a 261 motor from a AMT 61 chevy truck kit, but i cut off the 3 speed and am adding a realistic castiron powerglide.

I also had to swap out the steering wheel for an authientic canadian 61 version, luckily the AMT 62 belair has the same wheel.

This is as far as i got all winter, but will finish up next year when it gets cold out!

Great colour!

cdnpont wrote:

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Great colour!

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 Yup,  best color ever for 61 pontiacs!

Carl,  i know what you mean,  i didnt build anything for almost 25 years, then i got on a kick again about 5 years ago, but im starting to fade away again.  i have lots in the works, but not as much motivation the last few winters.  Could have something to do with a station wagon i guess!

Nice work

I did the same about 20 years ago to copy my 62. Used an Impala kit for all the Chevy stuff. I never did get it finished along with about 30 other kits I have stored in the attic. 

Have a couple of Catalina die cast that are quite close

You do good work Dave. I got so many kits half done. I promised myself this year I would not start another kit until I finish what I started. Will see how that works. LoL

Is that a recreation of a car that was local to south winnipeg or more specifically St Vital until fairly recently Dave?

Ha,  ya it will be close to Adams car.  it got sold to sask a few years back,

Nice job!  Looks great so far!

A few questions:

- What did you use to make the stars for the rear quarters?

- Are you adding Laurentian script to the body?  If so, how are you going to make it?

- Did you have to alter the wheelbase of the body or chassis to make it all work?

- What wheels are you going to use?  Presumably the steelies and dog dish?

Wheelbase all lined up good, in 1/25th there is nothing noticeable.  steelies and dogdish with body color wheels all stock.  Have a complete set of computer made decals for all the scripts including the valvecover.  stars are hand cut strip styrene.   all will be metal foiled 

4SPEED427 wrote:

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Needs a 4 speed conversion.

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 That is the answer to all of life's problems 

beaumontguru wrote:

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Wheelbase all lined up good, in 1/25th there is nothing noticeable.  steelies and dogdish with body color wheels all stock.  Have a complete set of computer made decals for all the scripts including the valvecover.  stars are hand cut strip styrene.   all will be metal foiled 

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 Very cool!  Look forward to seeing the end result, whenever you have time to get back at it.  

this car ( the us version ) is featured in the latest issue of hemmings Muscle machines

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2022/02/03/1961-pontiac-ventura-modified-feature-222?refer=news&utm_source=edaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2022-02-04

it was at the indigo magazine rack today

Spring Blizzards and the snow refuses to leave,  so back at it,  i have not even touched a model car for almost 2 yrs.  now im addicted to this one again!

Details show the differences in the 2 bodies, and side trim.  Also note the correct Laurentian interior,  i decided i was not happy with the interior color so i repainted it a much more correct burgundy(even tho the body is Dawnfire, the interior was not dawnfire, it should be more red.  this is much better now.  i Decaled the seat and sprayed it all Flat Clear for a better vinyl look.

The engine bay features all the Canadian Pontiac(chevy stuff) as compared side-by-side with the american version

The steering wheel is from an AMT 62 belair,  with a custom made clear circle in the center for the canadian horn cap.   I wanted a challenge so i converted the column to an automatic powerglide one with scratch built indicators and levers.

The Dash pad was not present on the Kit, so i scratch built the proper pad and the center of the pad is suppose to dip in,  see pics for changes

I really wanted a challenge so i decided to make the car super crazy obscure.  It is now a 261 with a cast glide,  but i wanted to scratch build stuff, so it now has Power Steering and Power brakes.  

I had to make all that out of parts bin pieces and scratch building stuff.   i added all the wireing and plumbing,  it will get correct decals.  its also got the accessory oil filter.

also note the correct 1961 only carburetor and the unique aircleaner all built and shaped from small pieces of styrene

You can see the difference between the american frame, and my 61 impala sourced Canadian X-frame.    Geez,  american pontiacs sure suck!

Amazing work.  Very impressive attention to detail!

Got it finished.  pics kind of suck.   paint is smooth as glass, looks better in person.   Decals are all hand made.   Manitoba plate with a 63 tag, and its got a Sinclair Pontiac dealer tag from ontario.  must have made its way west when it was still fairly new, still lots of paint and primer showing underneath and evidence of the original undercoating in the wheelwells,  probably pretty low mile car..    261  Cast glide, Ps, Pb.  single speed wipers,  factory WWW tires.  Dawnfire Mist.

-- Edited by beaumontguru on Saturday 30th of April 2022 06:26:43 PM