40 replies to this topic

[strummer]

I'm getting ready to decal my Chaparral, so I did some browsing just to remind myself what it's "supposed" to look like. Two things jumped out at me right away.

 

First off, most of the models I've seen of this car show those small "air intakes" (the ones that sit down low on the side panels) in white; so I painted mine white as well. Now, looking at numerous photos, I see that they were (for the most part) black! Back to the "paint shop"... 

 

Secondly, (and more to the point of this thread), the "Cox" markings are (at least what I've seen) towards the back end, as seen on this model:

 

 

Yet here is the real thing from a 1965 photograph:

 

 

Did these cars have different decorations, depending on the race?

 

So before I continue, can anyone here give a definitive answer... where should I put the "Cox" logo?

 

Thank you.

 

Mark in Oregon

[Rotorranch]

Mark,

 

The real Chaparral cars were constantly changing and evolving, often from race to race. 

 

If you have not already done so, check out racingsportscars.com for more pictures of great race cars from back in the day.

 

Rotor

[strummer]

Thanks Jeff

 

Yes, that's one of the many sites I looked at.

 

So I guess the "definitive answer" is that there may not be a "definitive answer"...depends on the race, etc. (?)

 

Also, those small "intakes" I mentioned (that should be black): I can't tell if they had a flat or gloss finish...guesses?

 

Mark in Oregon

[Martin]

Chaparral 2a Sebring 1965 is the car Cox modeled, So number 3 (Jim Hall) or 4 (Hap Sharp) is correct.

The feature you can tell by is the 3/4 fender lip.

Notice NO Cox decal, Yet.

There are other details, i.e Jim had a black roll bar (handy if you have to make one from wire) while Haps was Chrome.

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[strummer]

1. Chaparral 2a Sebring 1965 is the car Cox modeled, So number 3 (Jim Hall) or 4 (Hall Sharp) is correct.

The feature you can tell by is the 3/4 fender lip.

 

2. Notice NO Cox decal, Yet.

 

1. Thanks Martin

 

2. If that is the case, it seems that this most famous slot car (the 2a) and brand connection (Cox) was factually incorrect; at least at this point of the season. 

 

I guess this means that the decal set I bought for this car is wrong: I got a set with number "66" and the "Cox" logo...

 

What the heck?!  

 

Mark in Oregon

[NHBandit]

With mine I went with the 1965 Sebring pictures like Martin posted. I'll post pics when it's finished but at the moment I'm still waiting for parts. I plan to do the lower side scoops Black as well.

[Martin]

Mark, this is the decal set that came with the kit.

Notice no Cox decal on the box art. But a lot of builders put it on, Its just a cool logo and connection. 

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[strummer]

Interesting...thanks again Martin

 

I agree about the logo looking "cool"; plus it does add a splash of color. So I guess the final word on its placement is that it doesn't really matter after all.

 

Interesting also that the box art shows that "air scoop" as being the same brown as its surrounding panel.

 

Too bad, I've already removed them, painted them black and re-attached them...so black they shall stay! 

 

Mark in Oregon

[Martin]

The scoop is black on the real car and the box art is too basic to go by, the interior isn't blue either

[strummer]

Omigod, the "interior"!  

 

I haven't painted that yet; thanks for mentioning it... 

 

Mark in Oregon

[NHBandit]

I agree with the Cox pictures not being technically correct for any particular race which is why I chose not to follow them. I'm more interested in my car being historically accurate. Another reason I went with aftermarket decals. I tried to find the Ebay seller I got them from but he's not running any ads currently. Here is the instruction sheet that came with them if it helps. 

[Lone Wolf]

Great pics. One thing that always gets me is just how low and small these cars were. Lotus,Coopers etc. Watch Elvis in Spinout etc. These cars were tiny.  If you look at a built Cox Chappy with the driver the driver looks out of scale. However when you look at the picture of the real thing you can see at least 1/3 of his body above the windshield.

[strummer]

Joe

 

I often have the same thought.

 

Martin

 

Thanks! Would the seat also be brown?

 

Mark in Oregon

[aquavelvis]

For what it's worth, here's a Chappie wingcar that PA Watson painted for me for the 2015 Nats. Placement of the Cox logos was random, not based on any kind of research. It was a wing car, and had to go somewhere on the top. Didn't look this nice after a few heats.

 

 

   

[Martin]

I would paint like this....

A later car but same chassis.

Scott, the wing car is fun. I like it.

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[strummer]

...and there it is. Thanks so much, Martin.

 

What's with those louvers on the car in the lower picture? I noticed those in some other photos as well... 

 

Mark in Oregon

[Rotorranch]

That's "Spikey"... I don't remember when it first showed up. I'm thinking Canada? 

 

As I said, ever evolving and changing.

 

Rotor

[Rotorranch]

There's a great book dealing with the Chaparrals.  Greg "Cheater" Wells loaned it to me once upon a time.

 

I need a copy of my own!

 

The Chaparral guy's were doing a lot of stuff that hadn't been done before.

 

Rotor

[Martin]

Mark, the cockpit should be the same color as the rocker panels (brown) it is like the color of a circuit board. This was a composite  monocoque chassis. Very advanced for the day. 

It is this Phenolic circuit board color. Sample below.

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[idare2bdul]

Check out the relationship between Jim's helmet and the roll bar. Not a lot of protection there.

The rules for the Thunder Roadster I owned specified a gap between the drivers head and the roll bar. I would have had to slouch in the seat to pass tech. Or I guess do without a helmet, but they might notice that. 

[MattD]

   Find a copy of Richard Falconers Chaparral book and  you'll answer every question you have.   

  Decal the car in any livery you want.   It's not something rare, so  just build it as it makes you happy.  If you copy the box art, you will have a genuine Cox Chaparral as they designed  and pictured it.    If you want 66, Jim's number, use it.   

[strummer]

   1.Find a copy of Richard Falconers Chaparral book and  you'll answer every question you have.   

    2. Decal the car in any livery you want.   It's not something rare, so  just build it as it makes you happy.

    3. If you copy the box art, you will have a genuine Cox Chaparral as they designed  and pictured it.       

 Thanks Matt

 

1. But if I do that, I won't need to bother you guys with my annoying questions! 

 

2. Good advise...perhaps the best yet.  

 

3. If I go that route (I'd have to get some number "3" decals) it looks like the "Bosche" logos are: on the left rear fender and on the hood/driver's side, with the "Champion" decals just behind the front fender: both sides(?). Am I seeing that correctly?

 

I really appreciate the simple, unadorned look of the cars 'back in the day"; now, there is so much sponsorship crap everywhere sometimes it's hard to see the car's number! 

 

Mark in Oregon

[Rotorranch]

Mark, 

 

I think if you look closely, you'll see the decals on the front fenders is actually a Firestone decal, not Champion. 

 

Rotor

[strummer]

Mark, 

 

I think if you look closely, you'll see the decals on the front fenders is actually a Firestone decal, not Champion. 

 

Rotor

 

 

   Jeez, you're right!

 

I don't belong on this forum!  

 

As my Dad used to say, "whatta schmuck!"  

 

Mark in Oregon 

[Martin]

Mark/Jeff, I was going to mention that detail also. But I realized I get too focused on details. I figured you would see the decal when you got the sheet.

 

Mark.You do belong on this forum and your Dad is wrong IMO.

 

More research needed, notice Goodyear tires and Firestone sponsor ??? On the static model.

 

The real race car had Firestones, this model co. got it wrong. I did find one of the cars at Halls museum with Goodyears which I presume they just copied.   

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