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Since my Petty decals came in from Mike's today, I thought it would be fun to build a pair of these cars, one with some body modifications, one completely out-of-the-box.
These will be straight cleanup and build. No frills or heavy detailing. I typically build the first one of a new kit this way, just to get a feel for how it goes together, what kind of work it takes to get it standing on all fours and what the finished kit looks like.
As I work I make mental notes of what to work on in the future. I've already started some body mods on one of them, so here we go.
My favorite color is clear. I am also ambidexterous, I can screw up equally well with either hand. I am 53 years old and been building for most of that time. :)
On the bench... somewhere. Pink Panther show car, 1978 Dodge Magnum Charger Daytona Midnight edition SE 300. Mongrel T.
As an aside, I'd like to mention that in this later issue of the kit, they seem to have the quality control dialed in nicely.
All four tires are fully cast with no blistering or peeling, ZERO flash and no more "hips" on the body.
Some test fitting bears aout a good fit among most of the parts and seam lines are easily cleaned up.
Now, and I hope Jim and Rick see this: You DON'T NEED ejector pins in a model kit, like you do in a toy! There are 12 on the front half of the chassis alone where four would do. Also might want to back down the pressure or cycle the cooling stage a little longer so the pin marks aren't so deep. On the bright side I'm sure the chassis will attach readily to a set of Lego's. ;)
Also, I would flip the image of the seat in CAD. The support bolster is on the wrong side. Hopefully this is fixed in future releases.
Working on the nose job at the moment. I've modified the nose on the left into the shape I want only by sanding. There's plenty to work with, although I did get a little overzealous. Next I'll widen the center piece.
Finished roughing in the new nose, although I might add some to the outer edges of the grille area.
Got the new fender edge in place. Adding the new "sheet metal" next. Square out the headlights, reduce the tail lights. Ready for paint.
Wrapping up the bodywork. I covered the deck lid with tape because the pins will get lost in the paint.
Started on the body paints today. I'm pretty impressed with the new primer "chalk" I'm using. I also used cheap old Krylon short cuts for the white and black. Pretty impressed with that as well.
Working on those awful bumpers today.
A little test fitting. This is the correct style of rear bumper most teams used. The rear edges are still meter catchers, so I'll add the sheet metal and rivets next.
Trying to work out the logistics for the new front bumper. Anybody recognize my base piece? Came from the parts box, have NO idea where it came from, it is more perfect in shape for a start than I could ask for.
Looking at these shots close up, I just know I'm going to hate this paint job.
A little color.
The Petty car didn't come out as bad as I thought it would. I see while my back was turned the cat came by and left a hair on the hood. The new body work makes a huge difference in the look of the car but, I'm going to hate doing this every time.
Got the front bumper nearly done. I used a Camaro bumper, the outer ends of a Monogram Grand Prix, some .020 sheet styrene and an obscene amount of super glue.
It's coming along quite nicely. Good score on the bumper, though perhaps a it tricky to find for future builds. The front end work looks the business.
Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. - Antoine de Saint-Exepury
Thanks! Not going to be an issue finding more parts. I'll be making a mold and casting up some extras as soon as they're finished. :)
I'm really happy with how the nose came out. I might actually convert another one and mold that too. I can't do anything for the sides except tell folks how to do it. I don't have the capacity yet to cast whole bodies.
I had an update but my image service is down all day. Anyway, almost done with the front bumper. I'll pull a mold as soon as I can and make a few of them.
I'm glad I found out what a terrible kit this was before I plunked down 40 bucks plus tax on it.
Did I miss how you created the body side crease?
bbowser Did I miss how you created the body side crease?
Next I went down the side with .030 bar stock, blending it into the nose and quarter panel. Cut some .010 sheet plastic to the shape of your masking tape and glue in place. Make sure to cut reliefs in the wheel wells or the plastic will buckle. The new sides can also be done with body filler and might be easier for some. Just skip the sheet plastic and place the tape at the belt line across the bottom of the car. Place a bead of filler along the tape to get the edge and again, sand to taste.
Next I went down the side with .030 bar stock, blending it into the nose and quarter panel.
Cut some .010 sheet plastic to the shape of your masking tape and glue in place. Make sure to cut reliefs in the wheel wells or the plastic will buckle. The new sides can also be done with body filler and might be easier for some. Just skip the sheet plastic and place the tape at the belt line across the bottom of the car. Place a bead of filler along the tape to get the edge and again, sand to taste.
Man 195X...you're doing some GREAT fab work here. I really like the side by side race team comparision. I also like your critique on that kit. It is helpful for sure...
Been a member since 2005. Had to reup after they made their change over in 2013
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