StevenGuthmiller

Thank you Tim! I'm sorry to say that I've never been an avid model magazine reader & even if I was, I usually have a hard time remembering what I had for breakfast! But I thank you for your kind comments. I was never a big fan of the styling of the '63-'64 Chryslers.......until I started this build! during the month or so that it took me to finish this kit, I really gained an appreciation for this car. As a matter of fact, as I've said before, this was the most fun I've had on a project in a long time! The unusual body style along with a nice interior & a unique engine configuration really made it a blast! I really love these old Mopars! They're just so different from the usual ho-hum stuff offered today! Steve

The kits were made of styrene so they didn't warp any more than any other styrene kit. I've built a lot of them in the past couple of years, & warpage has never been an issue unless the kit was packed badly of course. The '59 Olds is a kit, not a promo, so there is no warpage. It's not molded in yellow, the lighting was not real good where I took the picture, & these old unpainted kits take on a very yellow or cream colored tint over the years. Here's a '61 Plymouth that was molded in yellow It's a kit also, & was in such nice shape, I didn't even paint it. Just polished it out. Steve

Thanks guys!! I really appreciate all of the positive feedback! Steve

That's the main reason I usually stay away from promos. Plus the fact that I have little experience with the funky plastic they were made from. Steve

I've soaked styrene parts for over a month in Super Clean with absolutely no issues. The only problem with brake fluid is disposal when you're done with it. I've never had much luck with it anyway. Steve

There were also "gold line" tires. Steve

I agree Tom. That's why I was talking about the "mint condition" ones. A busted up promo is destined for the trash bin anyway, so why not restore them. Steve

Sorry Tommy, I have yet to use them, but I'm very sure you'd have to cut around each decal. No different than if you made them yourself. Steve

I've used just the heat & dent method before & it works fine for small dents. If you dent it quickly after heating using something with a bit of a sharp edge to give a crease, it looks fine. When you start trying to do major crash damage, (ie. wrinkled up front fenders) with heat, then it just looks like melted plastic. This is a '55 Chevy truck that I never finished. Just a dent in the door & another at the corner of the grille. I should probably finish this someday. Steve

I agree Scott. Promos were made, more or less, to be a collectible. But, as you'll see on ebay, a mint condition rare promo might cost you upwards of $300.00. Not really a prime candidate for a re-build anyway. Steve

It is a nice one Jim. But I'm a builder, not a collector. I don't buy them to save them as is. I've gotten my hands on several mint condition, in the box kits over the past few years, & as blasphemous as it may be to kit collectors, I built them. After all, that's what they're for. Steve

Thanks guys! Mark I love the mid 60s 300s as well. I had a red '67 hardtop in high school. Personally, I've always thought the '66 was the sexiest looking 300 they ever produced! I'd probably get a lot of blow back on that opinion, but it is my opinion. I have one of those in my stash coming up also.

That is beautiful in black! But, the '59 Olds had such a unique two-tone treatment, I'd really like to do something along those lines. How about "Russet" & "Ebony Black"? Steve

How about slowly heating it from the inside. Steve

Got these in the mail today from our very own Tommy Logan (Roadhawg) & www.speedwaydecals.com. All you factory stock builders out there looking for stock under hood decals, look no further. This is your ticket! The package on the right were a few that Tommy made up custom for me. Sounds like some interesting stuff coming down the pipe too! Steve

I've used it a few times & to me it always just looked black. The problem is, it's still "silver" foil underneath, so when you cut it there is a bright edge along every cut side. Plus if you rub it too hard, the black finish will come off. Solvents will also remove the finish, just like the gold foil. Steve

That's something I didn't know. I've never had a '67-'68 Imperial. Steve

I do see a '62 come across the block on ebay occasionally, but you're right, They're very hard to come by! Steve

What can I say Yuri! One of the best looking, ugliest cars I've ever seen! Your work, (and/or photography) just amaze me! Fantastic! Steve

Another Johan "blast from the past" Ludwig! You're a man after my heart! Great looking stuff!! Steve

Thanks guys!! I have a little trick for that Tommy. I cut very thin strips of foil with a straight edge for the long thin strips, & then position them in place. That way I don't have to "contort" myself into unnatural positions to try to get them cut straight. Steve

Looks great Rob! Looks like every motor in every Mopar I've ever owned! Maybe that's why I like to build mine "showroom stock". This looks far too familiar to me! Good job! Keep up the good work! Steve

Your problem may have been "wiping" it clean after sanding. I would wash it with hot water & detergent & air dry it before paint. You may have left behind some dust or other impurity. Steve

While I love just about anything on 4 wheels from the 50s & 60s, the styling on the mid 60s Buicks never really tripped my trigger. But I am coming around! I think I just may need to see more nice built examples. This is your chance to convert me Ron! Steve

This is one of those grand old Johan Oldsmobiles that I came across, that I hope to be re-building in the not too distant future. Steve