Need to make a Mini Cooper convertible top - any ideas?

[bh1701]

I will be making a model of a friend's Mini Cooper convertible. I am starting with the Revell 1/24 Mini Cooper kit. I'll need to make the convertible top (in its folded down form). Any ideas on how I might be able to approach this?

 

Thanks,

Bart

[iBorg]

Thick plastic sheet sanded to shape than a smooth paper towel mixed with white glue to cover. You can use it to add wrinkles.

[bh1701]

4 minutes ago, iBorg said:

Thick plastic sheet sanded to shape than a smooth paper towel mixed with white glue to cover. You can use it to add wrinkles.

Thanks, Mike. That sounds like a good approach.

For the metal frame pieces, I am guessing that some pieces of strip styrene could be used to make those?

I will be seeing the actual car in a week or two and will be able to study what the folded-down top actually looks like in person. That may help me figure out the best approach for me.

Bart

[iBorg]

Concerning the metal pieces, most convertible tops metal pieces have all sorts of bends in them. I'd use a solid brass or other soft metal rod. 

[Tom Geiger]

This could be a lot easier for you. This is a 1/24 scale diecast of a Mini Convertible. Hood opens. I believe it’s a Maisto. You could probably find one on eBay or other website. Take one apart and paint to match your friend’s car.

[ChrisR]

Academy made a kit. I bought one on eBay from someone in Russia.

[bh1701]

4 hours ago, ChrisR said:

Academy made a kit. I bought one on eBay from someone in Russia.

 

 

11 hours ago, Tom Geiger said:

 

This could be a lot easier for you. This is a 1/24 scale diecast of a Mini Convertible. Hood opens. I believe it’s a Maisto. You could probably find one on eBay or other website. Take one apart and paint to match your friend’s car.

 

 

Thanks, guys! 

I've already got the Revell kit on its way, so I'll continue down that avenue. 

If either of these had come up when I was doing my searches, they both would have been good candidates for me to consider using.

Making the convertible top for my model shouldn't be that bad. It's always good to have a challenge and to get the satisfaction of achievement when you finally overcome that challenge!

Bart