ismaelg

Hello, Wow, this project took me 9 years to complete. Good thing it was a "simple one". So my 2012 Grand Sport is finally done. You can check the progress thread here: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/96016-2012-corvette-grand-sport-conversion/ Chevrolet launched the Grand Sport version of the C6 Corvette in 2010 in both coupe and convertible. It features the wider body cues of the Z06, upgraded brakes, suspension and other performance oriented features. The powerplant was the LS3 (6.2L) engine. Visually, the Grand Sport features unique fenders. I started this conversion years ago. A lot of work went into this one. Word of advise: I used a snap kit as a starting point thinking it would be easier, but no it is not. I ran into all the traps that entailed. Using a full kit would have probably been a better choice. What makes this a 2012? The color is Carlisle Blue which is a 2012-only color offered in the Corvette. This car represents the following: 2012 Corvette Z16 Grand Sport Coupe GLF Carlisle Blue exterior color Grand Sport specific 6 speed transmission 3LT Cashmere interior Options: Z15 - Heritage package silver fender hash marks J55 - Cross drilled rotors (Standard on Grand Sport) BA5 - Black fender badges Grand Sport (replacing standard chrome badges) H33 - Cyber Gray Metallic Headlamp Override (headlights different color than body) J6F - Red Calipers Personal touches: Rear spoiler painted body color C7 Z06 wheels Scratchbuilt brakes (rotors and calipers) Puerto Rico license plate Puerto Rico emissions inspection/registration sticker Mesh front grille with supports (which ended up looking like the stock one) one heck of a toothpick Hope you like it. What do you think? Thanks, Ismael

LIGHTS WILL TURN ON IN A FEW MINUTES! Get your refreshments and snacks at the cantina and gather around.

Hello, Entering the home stretch! Still pending wheels, tires, brakes, mirrors, front grille, headlight covers(those will be a challenge), a few other details and a final checkup. This is probably the last update before completion. Thanks, Ismael

What a beautiful concept and execution! I see it on the salt flats having fun at top speeds. Thanks, Ismael

Wow Tim! That's a stunner! Looks as good today as it did almost 50 years ago! Can't say that about us ? Thanks, Ismael

Turned out great! The classic color combo is a perfect match for this car. That kit is quite challenging. Thanks, Ismael

Nice! I think this is the first time I see one of these finished. Thanks, Ismael

One of my all time favorite cars. Despite all the challenges you did a great job. Love the color combo. Reminds me a bit of '67 Elkhart blue. Thanks, Ismael

Beautiful presentation of a beautiful job in one of the most beautiful cars ever made! Love it! Thanks, Ismael

Hello, Brakes are as important as the engine in a sports car. The "GO" power needs an equally effective "WOOHAA" response All you see here is paper: 1. Paper disk of the appropriate size 2. Paint it silver 3. Added the cross drilled marks with a mechanical pencil and lots of patience 4. I cut 3 paper parts to hopefully resemble a caliper when stacked up. 5. Glue them together and paint 6. I printed CORVETTE caliper logos. I'll try to trim and use here once everything is complete. This is not a new idea. I did this before on my 2016 Viper GTS, finished in 2020. Now I'm building on top of that experience and making it a bit more complex. Thanks,Ismael

Hello, Chevrolet just unveiled the 2024 Corvette Z06 GT3.R Fully compliant with GT3 regulations. Chevrolet expects to see as many as four on the 2024 WeatherTech Championship series, split between GTD PRO and GTD. Teams to be named later.www.imsa.com/news/2023/01/27/a-corvette-for-the-masses-customer-racing-z06-gt3-r-unveiled/ Can I do a Gofund to get me one? Thanks, Ismael

Hello, This project was started almost a decade ago. Up until last week, the plan was always to paint the interior all black to conceal and forget about it. Yeah right... And a quick crappy video Thanks, Ismael

Cool project!

Cool projects! As wild today as it was back then. Thanks, Ismael

Very nice color combo! Not to hijack this thread, but I built this model and it holds a very special place in my heart. I built it for my dad in 2019. He was a huge fan and had a nice collection of 1/18 diecasts, but never found a '51 so I built this one for him. Unfortunately he passed away only 2 years later. Original thread here: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/138925-1951-chevy-for-my-dad/ Miss you Dad!! Thanks, Ismael

Hello, Emissions Inspection sticker and airbrushed the clear blue windshield band. Hard to see in these pics. Thanks, Ismael

Hello, Moving along... Pardon the crappy cell phone video. Thanks, Ismael

Hello, Hours of masking for literally 40 seconds of spraying... Thanks, Ismael

Cool! I hope mine comes out half as good!

Hi Len, That's a beauty!

Hello, Looking at stalled projects... Geez! When I said "I'll let it rest for a few years before polishing" That was meant to be a joke! But it came true. So this came back from the dead. Started polishing. As mentioned before, this is the strongest metallic content paint I've ever used. It has such a strong metallic content it seems reflections are hard to come by. It behaves like a pearl paint or something. Kind of weird. Started carefully with the polishing pads from 3200 to 12000. And the roof was polished all the way in with Meguiars 9, 7 and BMPP plus elbow grease. Thanks, Ismael

Hello, Working on the hood. This was already mostly built when I got it. The hood fit showed that it may have been over-enthusiastically sanded. The top corners of the hood were considerably lower than the fenders and the overall hood gaps were bigger than I wanted. Added material to the corners and carefully feathered it. You don't really notice it but it now sits level with the fenders. You can see it is now a bit "thicker" at the corners. For the gaps, I added a small strip of material to the perimeter Which intentionally won't fit. So I can carefully sand it down until it fits properly. Once satisfied with the fit, a little putty to blend the extensions, Sanding and another coat of primer reveal we are moving in the right direction. Thanks, Ismael

Nice! Those projects are cherished for ever! Thanks, Ismael

Hello, Had to do considerable bodywork to get it ready for that milestone of first coat of primer. Multiple repairs, re-scribing, eliminating the ghost door handle and lock, etc. Still a lot of work ahead. The hood will be next. Thanks, Ismael

Hello, It looks so good and sinister in black primer I'm tempted to leave it like that... But NO! Continue with the plan I must! Thanks, Ismael