Cody60D Posted March 26, 2015 Share Posted March 26, 2015 (edited) How early is too early to create a custom thread? Anyways my first serious project for a custom model is recreating my 330Ci in 1:18 scale. I am fortunate to drive a BMW 330Ci which was also coincidentally my first car (the BMW was the car that made the most sense for me to get from a repair logistics point and also my dad insisted I own the car that saved his life from someone who ran a stop sign 10 years ago). Anyways, she's been a lovely automobile to own. I slowly started to change the rules I made when I got her as a lucky find right after I got my learners permit, such as no bumper stickers (Broke that a few months when I got a New York Mets sticker to honor a friend/mentor/teacher who died unexpectedly) For my build, I bought a BMW 328Ci which is not only Titanium Silver Metallic like my car, but has the right BMW Style 68 wheels. However, it was a convertible. I was able to find one with a broken windshield frame which would be brutally cut apart for its wheels, motor, and exhaust. However, I needed a coupe for my build, as my car is obviously a coupe. I scanned ebay for a few days, looking for various E46 coupe models. Green and blue 328Ci's with tan interiors. I then remembered Kyosho made a 318Ci, with a piddling 1.8 liter inline 4. In addition, it was steel blue metallic. However, the interior is the right color for what I need-Gray. My plan is to send the body off to the man who runs www.modell-dealer24.de and have him repaint it Titanium Silver Metallic as I don't have the skills or facilities to do it the right way like he does. His website shows a resprayed 8 Series with a beautiful repaint job. My idea is to use the motor, exhaust, and wheels of the 328Ci and put them in my car. In the meantime I need to learn how to turn amber turn signals clear, make/find an automatic shifter, have my stickers reproduced as decals, and try and find someone who could help me get a decal/laser etch part of my car's badge all for a smallish budget. Today, the 328i I bought for the Style 68 wheels arrived. As soon as I opened the box I knew why I bought this damaged model-to hack apart! The wheels are now off! Here it is, with the interior removed. Now, it's all apart. I am currently wondering if I can use the same undertray from the 328 Cab with the 318 body. Those are all the posts I have on DiecastXChange up to now for the thread. When the 318 Coupe comes in I will post the dismantling and test fitting of that car before the stripping. Edited April 2, 2015 by Cody60D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kruleworld Posted March 26, 2015 Share Posted March 26, 2015 looks like a worthy project and good to see your progress so far. I've found when disassembling diecasts, a drill is a useful tool for removing the metal rivets/pressovers. you can superglue them back in and just use the rivet's pin as a locator. it's worthwhile taking photos during disassembly to provide a reference for the reverse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cody60D Posted March 26, 2015 Author Share Posted March 26, 2015 That's a really useful tip! The funny thing about this Kyosho which is a higher end diecast is that everything is either glued in or screwed in. The doors are screwed onto their hinges and the same with the hood parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cody60D Posted March 27, 2015 Author Share Posted March 27, 2015 Made a test printing of the decals at the size I need them to be. Used an E46 M3 GTR model since it for all intents and purposes is just like my car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted March 27, 2015 Share Posted March 27, 2015 Great looking car you have. I'm duly envious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misterNNL Posted March 27, 2015 Share Posted March 27, 2015 This will be fun to watch.The concept reminds me of the scaled down mid 60's Impala shown at tyhe Detriot Autorama earlier this month.Cool idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cody60D Posted March 31, 2015 Author Share Posted March 31, 2015 Update for 3/30 I did a test earlier today-I peeled both lenses off my E46 328Ci and did a scientific test-A small jar of acetone, and a jar of denatured alcohol. Both given identical time to do their thing. The alcohol worked beautifully. Ends up that alcohol is the solution to my problems. I have already repainted my test headlight to the appropriate shade for my needs. Who knows the fate of my 328 body! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cody60D Posted April 2, 2015 Author Share Posted April 2, 2015 The 318Ci arrived! Not being one to wait around, I cracked the model apart, but not without a few pictures first. However, the model wasn't without it's small flaws. Nothing some Jasco paint remover couldn't remove or so I thought. Ends up the motor from the Kyosho 328Ci convertible I bought wouldn't fit in the 318/328 bodyshell without major modification No matter, as I quickly bought a correct motor for the molding. After these photos were taken I texted my girlfriend that I spent my afternoon with a stripper, much to her bemusement. I have had problems getting the paint off without steel wool. The clear coat came right off, but this base coat still remained steadfast. No matter. I bought brake fluid to fix it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.