Dauntless SBD-5 conversion

[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




Replaced the telescopic sight with reflective sight. Filled in the hole on the wind screen and recast the wind screen






Created inserts to reduce the Ventilation slot.





Frankensteined the Prop hub from the Wildcat and props from the SBD-3.








This is the Goal!!


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.

[rschaap]

What does the kit consist of ?

[pizzaguy]

Quick picture. Cowl, windshield, ventilation inserts, Hub, Props and reflective gun sight.

[pickelhaube]

Looks Great !!!!

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

Did you vacuum chamber it ?

[pizzaguy]

I used crystal clear 202 and pressure pot for 24 hours.

[pickelhaube]

I used crystal clear 202 and pressure pot for 24 hours.

Smooth On ?

[pizzaguy]

Smooth-on. Turned better than I expected. After about 3 days its fully cured and just as sturdy as the original.

[rschaap]

Pizzaguy, you can put me down for one. Just pm me when they are available.

[Studly]

Wow That's looking good pizzaguy Well Done

[supersonicfifi]

WELL DONE !!!!! it remind me a PICKEL's works concerning a P 36 !
http://www.warbird-photos.com/gpxd/view ... hilit=hawk



http://www.warbird-photos.com/gpxd/view ... &start=100

[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.



Primer applied.







Ventilation port turned really nice.


Stencils for side stars and bars. Before applying the stencils I sprayed a coat of flat white down.




Insigna White applied to the bottom and a coat of Intermediate Blue on the sides.







The final project.














This is what I was going for.





Thanks

[normandy]

Holy ---- that looks Fantastic!

[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

[USCGMK2]

Looks good, i waiting to see the completed pictures. I ordered a conversion kit my SBD too.

[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