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Dauntless SBD-5 conversion

Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2015 2:20 pm
by pizzaguy
Taking a break from the 183 for a couple weeks to get a project done. Board member Corey has been wanting his SBD-3 converted to a SBD-5 and repainted.
Here's where I am at so far. I'll try to use the correct terminology.

Removed the in take scoop and and cowl flaps
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Replaced the telescopic sight with reflective sight. Filled in the hole on the wind screen and recast the wind screen
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Created inserts to reduce the Ventilation slot.
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Frankensteined the Prop hub from the Wildcat and props from the SBD-3.
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This is the Goal!!
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I didn't rework the tail wheel. Something I'll revisit when time permits. Resin would not support the weight.
I'll have a kit available in May if anyone is interested. $45+shipping.

Re: Dauntless SBD-5 conversion

Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2015 2:26 pm
by rschaap
What does the kit consist of ?

Re: Dauntless SBD-5 conversion

Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2015 2:57 pm
by pizzaguy
Quick picture. Cowl, windshield, ventilation inserts, Hub, Props and reflective gun sight.
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Re: Dauntless SBD-5 conversion

Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2015 3:38 pm
by pickelhaube
Looks Great !!!!

Who's clear resin did you use for the canopy ?

Did you vacuum chamber it ?

Re: Dauntless SBD-5 conversion

Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2015 4:11 pm
by pizzaguy
I used crystal clear 202 and pressure pot for 24 hours.

Re: Dauntless SBD-5 conversion

Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2015 5:10 pm
by pickelhaube
pizzaguy wrote:I used crystal clear 202 and pressure pot for 24 hours.
Smooth On ?

Re: Dauntless SBD-5 conversion

Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2015 5:23 pm
by pizzaguy
Smooth-on. Turned better than I expected. After about 3 days its fully cured and just as sturdy as the original.

Re: Dauntless SBD-5 conversion

Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2015 11:52 am
by rschaap
Pizzaguy, you can put me down for one. Just pm me when they are available.

Re: Dauntless SBD-5 conversion

Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2015 2:16 pm
by Studly
Wow That's looking good pizzaguy Well Done :D

Re: Dauntless SBD-5 conversion

Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2015 1:17 am
by supersonicfifi

Re: Dauntless SBD-5 conversion

Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 11:43 am
by pizzaguy
The Dauntless is complete. Here's a quick recap of some of the work.

Stripped off the tampo decal with Non Acetone nail polish remover and Denatured Alcohol.
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Primer applied.
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Ventilation port turned really nice.
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Stencils for side stars and bars. Before applying the stencils I sprayed a coat of flat white down.
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Insigna White applied to the bottom and a coat of Intermediate Blue on the sides.
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The final project.
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This is what I was going for.
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Thanks

Re: Dauntless SBD-5 conversion

Posted: Wed May 06, 2015 3:05 pm
by normandy
Holy ---- that looks Fantastic!

Re: Dauntless SBD-5 conversion

Posted: Mon May 11, 2015 9:28 pm
by Coreyeagle48
Greetings:

I got this Dauntless from Nathan today. All I can say is WOW. He did a terrific job with the painting and conversion pieces of this airplane. The workmanship is top notch and the care taken in doing this project was wonderful. Nate was also wonderful to work with, appreciated all my concerns about the project and took the time to document his work throughout the process. I am very satisfied with Nate's work on the project and anyone who has reservations about working with him shouldn't. He will take very good care of you.

Nate asked me to post photos of the plane assembled. I am going to do that in the next few days. I am going to document how this project all came together. Thanks again to Nate for doing this. He truly did an amazing job and he has a very pleased customer!

Corey

Re: Dauntless SBD-5 conversion

Posted: Tue May 12, 2015 6:08 pm
by USCGMK2
Looks good, i waiting to see the completed pictures. I ordered a conversion kit my SBD too.

Re: Dauntless SBD-5 conversion

Posted: Thu May 14, 2015 12:03 pm
by PanzerArm
Very nicely done pizzaguy, I am jealous of your casting skills. I am still an amateur and fighting the bubbles in my resins fight at the moment.

And USCGMK2, the finished pictures can be found here:

http://www.warbird-photos.com/gpxd/view ... =1&t=32784


-Kevin