mustang1989

When I started this project back in April of last year, I knew that this kit was a somewhat problematic build as far as getting the stance right. I spent a good couple of months in the planning phases, building up a complete unpainted model of it to help with the positioning of the wheels & tires relative to the wheel openings as well as getting all the mods necessary for pulling off the correct stance. All of that paid off in the fact that the stance came out exactly how I wanted it on the "real" build. Starting with the engine I detailed it out as much as I could get by with using the OOB base engine and then working from there with some aftermarket and scratchbuilt items. I also didn't like the molded in details on the engine bay sides so I sanded all of that off and fabricated vacuum and electrical harnesses to replace that with. When it came to the interior I wanted to jog things up a bit by displaying the drivers seat back in the forward position and opening up the battery compartment and displaying a set of tools necessary to remove a battery with. Tool kit was from spares along with the PE wrench. Red rag was fabricated from red tissue paper and given "the treatment". Some other areas that got some "lovin" was the replacement of the molded in park brake handle with an actual handle made from a needle and some electrical wire insulation for the handle, the replacement of the stock radio with a CD player, and the addition of foot pedals. The whole OOB toeboard with the foot pedals molded in were removed and PE parts and fabricated swing levers were swapped in. Instrument panel faces were drilled out and decals placed on plastic backings were installed from the rear of the dash to create a more convincing IP. The steering column and steering wheel ring are the only OOB parts used on that part of the interior. An AM steering wheel, ignition lock cylinder face and ignition keys were used from the Model Car Garage PE set for this car. The door panels were upgraded by adding PE window crank and door handles (that were modified to look a little more convincing). OOB shifter was cleaned up (A LOT) and utilized and shifter plate details picked out with a Prismacolor Silver Lead pencil. Battery compartment lid bottom saw the addition of scratchbuilt latches, retaining straps with PE screws and fasteners. Battery was taken from spare parts I had laying around. I was going to use some AM Bf Goodrich T/A radials but they proved to be GROSSLY big for this car so the OOB tires were used with Bf Goodrich T/A Radial decals that I had and I picked the details out on the OOB wheels and used those. Color is Bridgehampton Blue from MCW with Testors Wet Look Clear that was decanted from the can and shot through the airbrush. I know it's not a factory shine on the car but I just couldn't help but to make this car shine and Wet Look does a great job of that. PE scripts from the Model Car Garage set was used for the emblems. In any case, here is the results of 9 solid months spent on this car. Many thanks goes out to those who looked in on and/ or took the time to comment on this build along the way.

I love builds like this. Not only is this a well built and painted up Rivie but the rarity of this build makes it especially cool. I remember seeing these cars as a kid and thought they had an oddly attractive look. You've definitely got no kick coming with this one Steve. Job well done!!

These are just cool cars.....period. Good build Alex.

Lookin' good brutha. Love the cals on the mufflers.

Nice n' tidy paint work coupled with all the detailing you put into this one makes for a great finish up Jeremy. Great photos in that light box too dude.

This really turned out sweet Rodney. I like how you replicated the wheels and tires along with the detailing. I know this one gave you some fits (no pun intended) along the way but you ironed this one out very well.

Paint work looks great Dave. I'm looking forward to seeing the next steps on bringing this beauty to life.

Really enjoyed following along on this one Jeremy. Beautiful build man.

Some good detailing in that interior bud. Looking sharp so far!

I'm coming to the final stages of this build and grabbed for the inside and outside rearview mirrors to start working on them. Why.....oh why do modeling manufacturers do this? I've worked with countless mirrors and have never come across this.....until today. Un...frickin' believeable. I'll be tossing the inside mirror and grabbing one from my spares and the outside....I'm going to have to do some fancy foot work with.

That's a good question Carl but I think it came from the Estes Garage set. Found it in my spares and this particular one didn't come from the Fujimi Garage Set so it must've come from Estes. Thanks brother. Good to see you Mike. I appreciate the comments Craig! Thanks Bill. I fell in love with this color immediately after seeing the reference shots of a Vette in it. Thanks for the good word Donald!

Man this is COOL!!! Will be following along Dave!

Some good thoughts and ideas going into this one Rodney. Watching......

I went back and looked at the WIP and you're right Dave. It's about as simple of a kit as I've ever seen and I can see where it would give you issues but it looks like you weathered through it and got this puppy done bud. Good wrap up on this jewel.

Oh SHOOT!! I've been slackin' heavy in this thread Jeremy. I'll follow it so I don't miss anymore updates. Lookin' fabulous so far bud.

I keep on inching closer and closer to the finish line with this build folks. For the past few weeks, I've been looking for a ratchet & socket set to go along with that open battery compartment door in the interior. I just knew I had one in my parts stash somewhere and ended up finding it just a few days ago. A little clean up and then drilling the sockets out to add to the realism. For good measure there'll also be a combination wrench laying in the lid as well to add interest. Painting and detailing it all up will bring the ideas to life. I've also been working on the "red rag" idea that's been rolling around in my head. I made it have a natural "lay" next to the socket set in the interior, but you get the idea. Starting point: This is an important step for me because NOW I can move forward with assembling the body over the chassis. Here's the shot of that: Outcome: Wheels and tires are finished and I've got everything test fitted on the chassis as a sort of dry run I guess:

Thanks Rich. It's been a labor of love I can tell ya that! 'Preciate it Dan. Stance and wheel position relative to the wheel openings seems to be a constant battle that is ongoing but with a little patience it usually works out. Carl, thanks brother. Always good to have you along buddy. Thank you Dave. Great to have you along as well. JR!! Thank you for the kudos bro. I always get a kick out of your paint and BMF work. Thanks Kelson and yes they sure did have some pretty snazzy colors to choose from back then.

That paint turned out pretty spiffy Rich. Looking forward to seeing more of the whole grille progress.

Looking forward to more on this one when you get back to it Shawn.

Good ideas in motion Dennis!! Any more progress on this one bud?

And he's got an inline six going in. PERFECT. This one's looking good so far Tom.

Looks like you've got the stance and wheel/ tires located in just the right spot relative to the wheel openings Donald. Those door panels look GREAT man.

Man that DOES look good LIN. You sure know your way around modeling pal. WOW!!

Lots of work being put into this one and you're right.....that engine is EONS better than the OOB AMT engine. Looking forward to seeing more bud.

A bit late here Rich but welcome aboard bud.