StevenGuthmiller

I've recently switched to Duplicolor clear. I haven't stopped using Testors clear altogether, I just no longer use it for multiple coats because I haven't been able t figure out a safe cure time between coats to guard against this cracking issue. I don't want to chance having to strip anymore paint jobs because of cracking clear coats. It is a hassle! Steve

Only Caddy I have at the moment. It's an X-EL '58 Eldorado Brougham. Scheduled for a re-build in the future. Steve

This build has been languishing for a long time & I think it's about time to resurrect it. This was one of those projects where I had major cracking issues with the Testors clear coats. I tried polishing out the cracking several times, but it just kept coming back. It's in the purple stuff now & will hopefully be ready for a re-paint soon. I used up all of the "Dawn Mauve" paint that I used the first time, so there will be a color change. Being as the interior was already painted a purple & is looking good I've decided to use the "Lilac" paint left over from the top on my '60 New Yorker build. So while I wait for the top on my '60 Continental to strip so I can start painting that, I'm also stripping the Imperial & a '59 Plymouth Fury, so I guess I'll be a busy boy for a while! Steve

Welcome Russell! Personally, the most difficult thing to master for me was painting bodies, & believe me, I am no master! I have a long way to go to match the painting skills of some others on this forum, but that was the area that has been most challenging for me. Steve

It's also beautiful!! Steve

Terrible news! No one should ever have to mourn the death of a child! Steve

I've used corn starch to make a gloss paint flat. Works very well. Steve

Welcome Bill! Steve

Welcome Ryan! Steve

Thank you Ken! Steve

I buy a lot of my stuff on "modelroundup.com", but there are many others. Just depends on what sort of "after market" items you're looking for. Steve

I just assumed they were stock wheel covers. They're obviously Dodge Items. Either way, I like them & will likely use them on the build. Steve

Thanks so much guys! If I had a shrink ray Doug, it would be back to normal size & sitting in my garage right now! Steve

Thanks Steve! Steve

It is a very nice one Tom, but you know me, I never put anything "right on the shelf". Steve

Just came in the mail today. This one has never really been on my radar, but it was in such nice shape, I just had to. Steve

Thanks guys! Ludwig, I'm pretty confident I will finish the '62 Sunliner @ some point. Just need to work out the paint issues.....or just learn to live with it. Steve

The directions on the packaging do warn of the edges having adhesion problems. Just a part of the manufacturing process I guess. Steve

That would be my guess. A sheet of foil rarely lasts me more than a few months so I'm no authority on how long they last, but I do know that when I have had some old stuff, (during my 10 year hiatus) it was useless. I've also heard some say they shy away because of cost. I don't look for any special deals on mine & usually pay around $7.00 a sheet @ Model Roundup. On average, a sheet will last me about 4 builds & I'm building a lot of heavily chrome laden cars. That comes to an average of about $1.75 per project. Not a huge investment in my book. I pay much more than that for paint on a kit. Steve

I keep hearing others talk about how much trouble they have had with BMF & it just baffles me. On occasion, I have gotten some that has a little too much orange peel texture, but that rarely happens to me. As far as adhesive not sticking, in over 20 years of using BMF, I cannot think of a single time when I've had adhesion problems. I take that back, the only time I may have that issue is when I'm using it over a surface that is not completely smooth & shiney like an interior with a flat or matte finish. I use a ton of this stuff & as long as it hasn't been laying around for 2 years, it never fails to work great for me. Steve

Thank you Tommy! Steve

Yes, BMF does have a shelf life. The manufacturer recommends that you store it under refrigeration if not used for a long period of time. Usually, the adhesive just begins to lose its bond. Personally, I rarely have this problem. I build a lot of 50s kits! Steve

No, I have yet to finish it. I was less than happy with the paint job on that one. I may have to get more paint & shoot another coat or 2 on it. For some reason, I used an entire 1 oz. jar of paint on it & it still is not a uniform color. May have been a rare bad jar of paint from MCW. Steve

Thank you so much guys! All of the wonderful comments are pure motivation to make the next one even better! Steve

They were surely some tanks! I believe I heard somewhere, one of the longest cars ever produced. But there's just something about this body style that grabs me. I don't know why...... Steve