NOBLNG

I search a ton of 1:1 photos on google and put them in a file on my PC inside another file that I start for every build. I also search this site for builds as per Bill's advice in the sticky: "Don't bother with the search function here. Instead, go to Google in a separate browser window, type in site:modelcarsmag.com, a space, and the the topic you're looking for." This works for other sites as well. If you find a subject you like on another forum try substituting "modelcarsmag.com" with the other forum name.

That is a thing of beauty!

Super clean build!

Sounds like a nice upgrade!

Randy, would this be the one? http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/133382-re-engineering-monograms-lotus-espritnew-update/

Got the body mostly painted. I brush painted all the trim flat black but I want to spray the top as a last step. I still want to put a few more coats of clear on and if the trim looks too glossy afterwards I will re-coat it. I added some styrene to the edges of the rear deck lid to even out the gaps. I also snipped off the hinges which would not work anyway and made some small brackets to hold the lid in place.

I can't see it being the plastic itself. Try a little of that paint on a plastic spoon or another junk body and see if it dries. If it is really a lacquer paint it SHOULD dry very quickly unless it is faulty.

Well I for one was hoping to see it finished Mike. I have the exact same kit that I was about to start a long slow build on. I certainly understand your frustration...sometimes you just have to back away.

Nice clean lookin' car!

Slick fix on that rear axle placement! Good thinking.

Have you thought of getting a food dehydrator? I have one in the garage where I spray paint and one in the house where I glue everything together. I love them...but then patience is not one of my virtues.

I hear you, I have an MX5 and LOVE cruising around on nice days! Turns out my air cleaners interfered with the deck lid so I had to lower them a bit. Even the spark plug wires were hitting the lid and had to be moved forward a bit. The dashboard also had to be lowered slightly so the body would sit down where it should. This meant the consol piece around the shifter needed a fair bit shaved off of it. The wheels are spares from a Mustang kit and needed to have the outer lip shaved a lot thinner. The Porsche kit inner wheel rims also needed to have the lip shaved down.

I have been using Lepages super glue (gel). The thing I like the most about it is the tabs on the side of the bottle to squeeze it out. I recently bought some Gorilla super glue (thick) that has a brush and nozzle applicator. Well the brush is HUGE...and the bottle is made of such thick plastic that I can barely squeeze it out of the nozzle. I also have some thin stuff I bought a long time ago that just runs out of the nozzle when I tip the bottle making it pretty much un-useable. That said, I have limited success with CA. I can prepare two glue joints identically and one will hold and the other not, even when using kicker. I don't know what I am doing wrong except maybe using a tad too much CA?? Rant over!

Yes, very nicely done!

I don't have any Fords built and decided I should do one. I picked the top 3 up at flea markets and the bottom two I bought new. After looking at all of these kits, it seems that the Revell '69 Shelby is by far the best quality. It is missing all the clear plastic, but that shouldn't be too hard to make from clear sheet, or maybe one of the other kits can donate. One tail light is also missing.The Cougar I think is the next best. Anyone have any opinions on these? Thanks, Greg.

Looks like you got excellent results! I have one of these and hope mine turns out half as nice. Great job!

The seat backs were inset drastically into the seats leaving a sharp corner all around the seat back and a big crack all round. So I cut an additional seat back from .060 styrene and beefed it up and rounded the corners. I painted the seats and dash with XF-68 and other parts with Vallejo leather brown, followed with X-35 semi gloss clear. The floor and lower door panels are black embossing powder.

I fabbed a distributor and a coil and wired the engine. I didn't like the kit air cleaner so I made a couple of after market units.

Thanks to all who gave me suggestions as to fixes when I first posted my purchase! I managed to cobble together a decent looking frame (in my mind) from .125 half round and a new windshield out of clear packaging plastic. I know it ain't perfect...but good enough for this kit!

I got this one a while back at a flea market, and despite the damage and the problems, I can't seem to get it out of my mind! (I know I'm a sucker for a bargain!) The windshield frame is so flimsy that even if it wasn't damaged it would still be poor! I got it almost repaired when I discovered that the windshield was way to small width wise to fit. I also find that the kit outer rims provided are too small for the tires and the inner rims are too large.

Very Nice! I have a Lindberg '61 Impala that I just started. I will be inspired by your build.

Picked these four up today at a local flea market for $17.00. The Plymouth is started, Mustang is started, the T-bird is stilled bagged inside the box. I didn't really want the Renault cause it's not my thing and it's built except for the decals...but he threw it in for $2. I saw the Elvira T-bird but passed on it.

Super clean build!

Wow! Excellent weathering on this thing.

Really nice job on that one. I like it...but I like your shop even more!