mikemodeler

I agree with David in that if the paint is free of orange peel and dust, it may not need to be polished. Black is very unforgiving so if it looks good as is, I would lightly polish it with Novus or The Treatment wax and be done with it. Very light pressure and be careful around ridges and body lines so that you don't burn through the paint. Before doing anything, post up some pictures here so we have a better idea of how the paint looks before. As far as Future goes, it can be applied by hand with a brush, dipped in a container and left to dry or sprayed with an airbrush, your choice. While not designed for models, it can be used on them without worrying about damaging them. If you need to remove the Future after it is applied, you can use Windex (or any other amonia based cleaner) to clean up.

My thoughts exactly Harry! I say build it, that is what your Mother bought it for! I would shy away from the box art version though, unless you like the raised "high rider" look!

it's only flat on the bottom Frank! LOL Keep trying, you are more brave than I !

one word- BEAUTIFUL! Black is such a perfect color for these old Chevies and yours looks perfect! While I am not a lowrider fan, this one has a great stance and those wheels are just right for that deep black paint. Clean details and nice color choices.

Nice start Gerry, I like the new door handles and can't wait to see the progress on this. I have several of the kits and pro-touring is one option I was looking at. What do you have in mind for colors?

That looks like the Bandit Resins body done up by Kenny Shores, I have one in the stash to build "someday" ! Nice start, can't wait to see this one done.

a/gass, The resin wheels from The Modelhaus that are plated are pretty much ready to install right from the package. The unplated ones will need the usual resin prep work. They offer them in standard and deep offset. They scale out to a 15 inch wheel. The ones in the 66 Revell Chevelle wagon scale out a bit larger-closer to an 17/18 inch wheel.

Luis, It seems like the best way to get ahold of Alan these days is via phone. I don't have his number but maybe someone else can post it for you and get in touch with him. Hope it gets worked out soon!

If you are referring to the American 200S mags, they are available from The Modelhaus in both plated and unplated versions. Extremely nice looking mags and perfect for muscle cars!

PM sent on the Pace Car

Sad to hear, becoming common as of late it seems. I, too watched the show and listened to the music growing up in the 60's. A bit of trivia that some may not know: David Bowie's real last name is Jones but he changed it to Bowie when he started performing so as not to be confused with The Davy Jones!

No, NAPA is a better place! ( I am biased as I work there!)

Richie, As others have stated, the basic prep work stage that you are in is most crucial to getting a nice finish on the model. Don't be in a hurry to get the car in color if there are mold lines and "dents" in the body that need fixing first. Take your time and make sure it is smooth and ready before spraying color on it. Keep at it and you will get better with each model. Being open to suggestions and asking questions here will benefit you tremendously, we all started out at the same point! I continue to learn and want to improve my skills like so many others and this place is a great source for those answers and inspiration.

I agree with Harry in that if you post on a public forum, then you open yourself up to comments- good and bad. I think personal attacks are uncalled for but an honest "You can polish that orange peel out of the paint with Scratch-X" type comments are intended to help the builder improve their skills. Whether they take the advice or not is up to them, not us forum members. Something an old boss told me years ago about email type communications was this: "Mike, just remember that it is a one-way conversation and the person reading your message is interpreting it their way and not necessarily the way you are stating it". That being said, I think using the PM method has it's benefits as it shields the comments from the rest of the forum members and if someone is offended, it remains a private matter.

Of what is this "finish a model" thing you speak? Of course I have more than one kit started.....probably more WIP than completed builds for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The only kit I finished before starting another one was my first model kit at age 8......because I had to wait for my Mom to pay my allowance and drive me to the store!

I checked number three although to actually say I build is a stretch as I am more of a "starter" and find completing a model to be the hurdle that prevents me from building more!

Revell has put some wheels/tires in the 18-20 inch range in some recent kits: 66 Chevelle Wagon 56 Chevy Nomad Wagon 64 Chevy Pickup 63 Chevy Impala 62 Chevy Impala They also had their "Donk" kits but I don't think that is what you are looking for. I am sure there are some other Revell kits but I am drawing a blank other than ones I mentioned.

The Modelhaus has a 67-69 Firebird convertible boot listed for $3.50. As was mentioned, start with the Revell kit and carefully cut the roof off, a little at a time until it looks "right". I am not aware of anyone offering a resin cast conversion body so it will come down to your abilities and patience! Welcome and be sure to visit here often, lots of great people and a ton of resources to pull from.

Casey, The Old Pro Nova kit I have (80's issue) has solid rubber rear slicks. I will check some other kits I have to see if I can find what you are looking for. I do remember there being plastic slicks like that but couldn't tell you which kits they were in!

Rob, Are you talking about the two Hobbytown USAs in the area (Mt. Pleasant and Charleston)? I haven't made it to Mt. Pleasant but I have been in the one in Charleston and the females that worked there seemed pleasant enough, although I will admit I didn't ask them any questions! Nice selection and seemed to have lots of paints and building supplies, something that is hard to find here in the Charlotte area.

While I have no solid evidence, I would be willing to bet that there are members here who work in the industry and view the postings here to get feedback and insight to our wants, needs, comments and criticisms.

The AMT 66 Mustang kit has several wheel options in it, a good source for kit bashing. I have found the 64 Fairlane to have extra wheels as well. Look at kits at the store and see if they show optional wheels on the box, then decide if that is what you are looking for. You can also check out some of the resin vendors, they have many options too and it keeps you from having to buy a kit if you are only after some wheels.

There are several kits to choose from- extended cab, standard cab, short bed, long bed and dually. Check eBay or some of the online retailers- Modelroundup, Fred Sterns, Dean's Hobby Stop, Spotlight Models- as they do have these from time to time. You might also want to look into attending the NNL East in April as I have heard the selection of kits and aftermarket vendors is among the best there is to see.

I don't think it is that rare as I have 2 of that kit. The misprint was what first caught my eye but reality set in when I saw them at swap meets going for the same price as the 427 kits. I would say if someone else thinks it is rare and is willing to pay a premium for it, sell it !

Me too Andy! But I have made a decision to get better with the airbrush this year. I have Donn Yost's DVDs and will be watching it over and over to master his techniques.