A is for Attitude - the builder's block buster

[mrm]

So, not as much progress as would have like this weekend, but still good I think. I'm on the final stretch. The body was wetsanded and buffed. 

 

So next I turned my attention to the windows. First thing I did was to paint all the recessed areas of the windows with a black sharpie. This way, after the windows are installed there is still a very little black line showing, which looks like the black weather strip on a real window. 

 

The three windows are installed in the back of the coupe and the windshield s glued in the chrome frame For windows I like to use GS Hypo Cement. It dries crystal clear, does not attack plastic and cures somewhat flexible. Great stuff that you can find in any Hobby Lobby.

 

Once the glue is dry, hte back of the "glass' is painted with Mollotow chrome, to simulate the chrome frame on the inside too. 

 

To temporarily attach things or to mask, I like to use this tacky stuff, that feels like bubble gum. You can find it pretty much anywhere and a pack lasts me over a year, since after it is removed, the tacky stuff is reusable.

I Used it to mask the inside of the headlight buckets when I painted them and here to attach the lights so I can glue the lenses. 

 

Since I dropped the front significantly, the shocks end up being too long. I removed a good portion of the shock body and reglued its top.

 

The shocks were attached and the mounting hardware on the frame was picked out with the chrome pen. Rear shocks are also in and so is the steering arm. You can see on this picture the lower radiator hose been attached also.

 

I also attached the grilled and radiator, but forgot to take pictures. This is a good time to mention, that anyone who is building the model with the '32 grille should know that not only there are no instructions for it, but also the parts are not designed to be used on this kit. The radiator part that fits the back of the grille is simply designed to be plumbed to a SBC motor, like in the original issue and not to the Buick motor in the new kit. This is no big deal for any experienced modeler, but will cause some people to scratch their heads. 

Stay tuned and thanks for looking. 

[ChopSauce]

Nice attention to detail in each every step... I'll stay tuned for sure, and thanks for sharing.

[mustang1989]

Just got through reading the intro post and WOW!! What a turn of events. Sounds like things are on the upswing for you Michael and that's GREAT!!! This build looks like it's coming along very well so far bud. Looking forward to more.

[Zippi]

Sweet looking little Hot Rod.  Man that color just looks so rich.  Very nice detail work.  

[alan barton]

Talk about way to come back!  This thing is exquisite!  Your paint application is so clever and that deep candy red is simply breathtaking.  I can't remember if anyone started a "Show us your 30 coupes" post but this one should be right on top if it happens.   

Plus, I love the way you shortened the shocks.  When I did mine I drilled out the body so that the shaft pushed up inside but for some reason I like the way you did it better.

Now, I know you are going for a bad boy look and all, but the black wheels to my eye ( and with all due respect to Dennis) are killing the vibe a bit. White walls with a tiny baby moon hubcap might be one option, or else run a Molotow pen over the wheels for a chrome reverse rim with blackwalls.  If nothing else, I would be grabbing the rolling stock out of that second kit and trying your options before everything is glued up tight!

Can't wait to see this thing done - you're comin back, baby!

Cheers

Alan

[Brandon Miller]

On 11/28/2021 at 3:28 PM, mrm said:

I work in in Murfreesboro and I live on the other side of NashVegas. LOL. 

I live and work in Mboro. Small world.

[mrm]

10 hours ago, Brandon Miller said:

I live and work in Mboro. Small world.

Cool. Maybe we can team up and go together to the show in Chattanooga in January. 

[mrm]

14 hours ago, alan barton said:

Talk about way to come back!  This thing is exquisite!  Your paint application is so clever and that deep candy red is simply breathtaking.  I can't remember if anyone started a "Show us your 30 coupes" post but this one should be right on top if it happens.   

Plus, I love the way you shortened the shocks.  When I did mine I drilled out the body so that the shaft pushed up inside but for some reason I like the way you did it better.

Now, I know you are going for a bad boy look and all, but the black wheels to my eye ( and with all due respect to Dennis) are killing the vibe a bit. White walls with a tiny baby moon hubcap might be one option, or else run a Molotow pen over the wheels for a chrome reverse rim with blackwalls.  If nothing else, I would be grabbing the rolling stock out of that second kit and trying your options before everything is glued up tight!

Can't wait to see this thing done - you're comin back, baby!

Cheers

Alan

Thank you for the kind words. 
Now about the baby moons and white walls , that would be a resounding NO GO. I love the attitude of it just the way it is. Plus I have three family votes for the all black wheel tire combo. And if you want to argue about with my wife, you’re more than welcome. I wish you good luck. LOL. 

[NOBLNG]

Looks beautiful Michael. Great attention to detail! ?

[alan barton]

No worries, Michael, warning received and acknowledged!

Cheers

Alan

[mrm]

3 hours ago, alan barton said:

No worries, Michael, warning received and acknowledged!

Cheers

Alan

All in good humor of course....

[mrm]

13 hours ago, alan barton said:

No worries, Michael, warning received and acknowledged!

Cheers

Alan

Al in good humor, of course. ?

[ksnow]

Sweet looking hot rod. Great attention to detail. I am not a huge fan of the body style, but this build may have inspired me to at least add one to the stash.

[customline]

Beautiful work!! The fenderless hot rod coupe is my #1 favorite to build. Building street rods and customs allow us to let our imaginations run wild. The paint work on your coupe is totally cool and the chromeless look is awesome. Can't wait to see the other one! 

[mrm]

Thank you Kyle and Jim. I am almost done with this one. 

The exhaust is now completed.

 

At the rear, the license plate, tail lights and tail pipes were also glued in place. Note I used the exhaust/mufflers parts for the channeled version on the Deuce frame, which makes the exhaust tips hang lower instead of been tucked in under the rear edge of the body. It suits the attitude of the this particular build better in my opinion. 

 

The interior received it's steering wheel and the rear view mirror was the last touch.

 

The roof was first sprayed Metallic black on both sides.

 

Then the top part received few "dry" passes of clear flat to create some texture.

 

Then I had some fun covering the whole underside with "memento stickers". This would be almost impossible to see unless you really look for it. But I know it's there. I did the same thing with my kids to the underside of the carbon fiber hood on my Corvette. We used to collect stickers from everywhere we went and then I let them put them under the hood. I had anything from skateboard companies, to breweries, restaurants, national parks to automotive events.

 

so, this little Hot Rod is pretty much done, save for the headlights, door handles and maybe a decal or two. then some minor touch ups, painting the clear red on the tail lights and good clean up. 

 

Next time I post pictures should be in the "Under Glass" section. Actually I have few things I need to post there....

Stay tuned and thanks for looking. 

[89AKurt]

You busted that slump like a pro!  ?

[mustang1989]

Love the Thrush decal on the sides of the car and those headliner decals make it a hit as well. Great work so far Michael. 

[gman]

Impressive work- love it...here is to an end to the slump!

[KWT]

Pretty impressive build. And welcome to Tennessee.

[Steve H]

This is a beautiful build all round Michael. Very nice details and finishes. The body colour is absolutely stunning.

Cheers, Steve