The 'Phoenix' ('73 Ford Truck)

[masterkyp]

Allow me to introduce the 'Phoenix':

She's based on several Star Wars influences rather than being based off a single Star Wars vessel... Everything thus far is functional. :twisted:

Enjoy :wink:

(If you get red X's or an error message, my server has limited bandwidth. So *if* you can't see the pics, check back later. I'll post the actual links to the pics under each one just in case.)

Vehicle specs:
Base Vehicle: 1973 Ford F-100
Engine: 390 FE V8, performance cam, performance timing set, performance heads, holley 2bbl carb, dual flowmaster exhaust.
Drive System: 3 speed manual transmission, shifter on the column.
Other Modifications:
Power systems: Dual 12v battery system, 2 12v power terminals, 110v AC power terminal, stand-alone USB power terminal
Central Computer Station: Lilliput fully-integrated compact dash-mounted PC: 8 inch overhead touchscreen monitor, 1ghz CPU, 512mb DDR Ram, 120gig memory core, bluetooth, instant-on(don't have to boot up the PC to use) CD/DVD/MP3/CDRW drive, 7 USB ports, full-size keyboard, handheld compact trackball mouse, wireless internet adapter, webcam, US Marine-grade SiRF chipset GPS module, FM transmitter.
Auxillary Computer Unit: HP iPAQ 3955 handheld Datapad PC. (dash-mounted interface to Central Computer Station)
Rear-view video/monitor.
Modified control systems, with built-in anti-theft measures, complete with various LED light readouts.
Astromech: Fully-functional modified Hasbro interactive R2 Unit (Dash mounted droid, designated R2-E6)
Comm Systems: 40 channel CB unit with built-in PA system, FRS frequency handheld radios
Sensors: Integrated Radar/Laser detector
Dual air horns.
Sound System: Clarion CD stereo head unit, 8-speaker "surround sound" system, 200w Amplifier, 10" subwoofer, auxillary powered computer speakers.


Markings


Engine


Interior


"Aurek-7 Navicomputer"(Computer screen in GPS mode)


"Corellian Engineering Corporation" logo on the dash

So far, I designed and built most of the modifications from scratch from various junk, aluminum plate(1/4" thick, most of it), functional switches and LED indicators, etc... she's about 60% complete as of now, and I still have a ways to go.

[Halcyonate]

Very, very nice. Inspiring, even. I can't wait for an excuse to integrate my interactive R2 into my car now. I am simply in awe of your fully functional interior and 'navicomputer'. I never got around to any interior work on my first car before I had to retire it, but now I'm looking forward to the possibilities my new vehicle holds.

No applications or membership cards to worry about - you're on this board and working on a car, you're in Road Squadron. Getting included in the site galleries, that part you may just have to pester Katie (Red 5) about - I don't know how often or to what extent updates are still happening.

[Darth Marmalade]

Greetings and welcome, Rev. Josiah!

Nice truck! I love the markings, and am in awe of the technological enhancements. I'm glad we could inspire you, and it goes both ways very quickly -- now I'm going to have to think about onboard computers and such.

Looking forward to the final 40%! MTFBWY!

[masterkyp]

Update! ;D

Painted the top of the cab, and the panel on the hood, added blaster scarring to the hood where someone took a hammer to it a while back.


Some new markings


Closeup of Blaster Scarring on the front port quarter

[masterkyp]

Mounted the sensor dish today, added a bit more blast scarring, and the carbon scoring where the concussion missile launch tubes would(will)be.



I'm also trying to figure out a design for a roof-mounted dual blaster cannon, similar to the Y-Wing design, something that won't rip the roof off or fly away at 90mph. If anyone has any mounted blaster-cannon advice or ideas, feel free to share!

*Update*


'Phoenix' Nameplate


Top view of the hood


After re-entry into Earth's atmosphere

[thrawn]

I wish I had truck as cool as that (sigh) . . . . . well any ways can you check out this awesome new Star Wars fan film me and my family made it's taken a lot of work. But not as much as you have put into that truck. www.youtube.com/watch?v=WopKFgOhbW8

[masterkyp]

More minor updates:


Microdata Systems logo, to go on the Keyboard and cover the Dell logo, custom design by me


More small armor panels


Armor Panels, mounted on the aft starboard quarter


Another small armor panel


More armor panels

[Darth Marmalade]

I LOVE the armor panels! So much that I may steal the idea. Although I'm likely to just paint them on, or make magnets -- I like magnets, and have a good stash of magnetic sign material.

Bravo!

[masterkyp]

Thank you, and by all means! I'd be happy to have my ideas implemented into other RS craft

It is through the exchange of knowledge that we better ourselves, after all

[masterkyp]

It has been quite a while since I last updated my progress on the 'Phoenix[/i].

Earlier this year, I had problems with the new starter... appearantly the gear assembly was defective, as it and the bearing housing for it shattered.

During a thunderstorm, lightning hit one of the trees in our front yard, splitting it down the trunk. Half of the tree fell on our house, and one large branch fell on the hood of the 'Phoenix[/i]. Any lesser vehicle would have been caved in by the impact, but not her... The Lightning, however, did jump from the tree to her, frying her voltage regulator, half the wiring under the hood, the main computer's motherboard, and the stereo.

I managed to fix the starter, replace the voltage regulator, and re-wire most of the wiring under the hood. She once again runs like a dream... Now I've been working on pulling the fried electronics. I've decided to go with a regular desktop's motherboard this time, and I've been working on re-designing the control systems.

I've also been working on designing a skin for Media Engine, which is a popular "front-end" shell replacement for car-based computers. Here are screenshots of my progress on that endeavor:

Main Menu:




Music Player:




Music Player, Secondary Menu:




Navigation Screen:

[Darth Marmalade]

Wow! Sorry to hear about all the misfortunes, but glad that you're coping. The screenshots look great!

I need to get Meerkat Six back on the road, too.

[Red Two]

Did the treee collision add to the character or did you have to repair it?

I'd like to hear much more about the computer mods you're adding, expeciaally the function/end use and the how you are doing it too.

[masterkyp]

Thanks. The impact of the tree didn't actually do any damage at all... gotta love real american steel. ;D

It's just recovering from the electrical damage that's a pain.

[somatawichu]

Nov 17, 2008 20:27:18 GMT -5 masterkyp said:

Any lesser vehicle would have been caved in by the impact, but not her... The Lightning, however, did jump from the tree to her, frying her voltage regulator, half the wiring under the hood, the main computer's motherboard, and the stereo.

Sounds like actually Star Wars dialogue about a Star Ship. Han could have said that line after a space battle, replace lightning with Ion Cannon blast.