Claude Thibodeau

Thanks Glen! CT

HI! You are right: there were 3 manufacturers of those kits on the south shore of Quebec city: Coast to Coast, Wild Rod, and OZE Rod shop. Their common thread? My good friend Renaud Gagnon, who developped the plugs and molds for all of them, and ended up with his own concern, OZE. He was the guy whose bodies impressed Mr. Coddington. Now, to your version, here's mine: a quick curbside that I made for the owner of the 1/1 above. It's a small world! CT

Hi Phil! Thanks for the comments. I never visited his shop, but I talked with Mr. Coddington a few times, in person and over the phone. When he was preparing to launch his line of Boydster fiberglass cars, he was shopping around for a fiberglass sub-contractor, and I "negociated" with him on behalf of a friend of mine who was one of the better "glass men" around. The exchange rate at the time made it even more appealing, but ultimately, he chose a supplier in New-Zealand: about the same exchange rate, and boat delivery to the port of L.A. carried the day. Oh well... As to the Smoothster, I build a bunch of 1/1 "copies" for myself and a few customers, out of Coast to Coast or OZE kits. (see pic below). CT

Thank you Gerald! CT

Hi Ray! As usual, you keep me under pressure... LOL. Thank you! CT

Hi Rob! Thank you. For the WIP... I just don't have the patience to document and download every step. I admire those who do, and I did it a few times for commissionned work for magazines, but for my daily routine, I lack the fortitude... CT

Thank you Bob! I wanted flames, but not to be the sole focus of attention. Ghost flames did it! CT

Thank you Harry! I always had a soft spot for zoomy 33 roadsters, so... CT

Thanks Steffen! CT

Salut Mario! Thanks. I stole the windshield idea from the famous Magoo of California. In the mid-80's, he built a red 29 roadster in the minimalist smooth style, and used the rear window from an old VW bug, slicing it mid-cowl. Everybody was lost as to what it came from. He revealed it a few years later. CT

HI! Say what you want, Boyd and his numerous collaborators were a powerhouse for a while. I was mostly impressed by the string of unique coachbuilt cars that came out of his shop, via Marcel Delay Custom Metal in Corona. AMBR anyone? One car that floored me was the Ron Craft 33 roadster, precursor of the 33 Boydster as it may. And the unique IFS that Boyd created for Buz DiVosta Roadstar was impressive. So, why not pay hommage to all of the above? Start with Monogram's ZZ Top coupe, discard the roof, put on AMT's 36 Ford roadster upper cowl, Monogram's 35 Mercedes hood, and FD100 powertrain + Phantom Vicky rollingstock & Dodge Sidewinder IRS (all extensively modified). Scratchbuild the frame, IFS, floorpan, beltline reveal, hoodsides, dash,interior, hinges, etc. And throw in a few parts box leftovers. Metallic gold with ghost flames, Molotow chrome, and VOILÀ! Hope you like it. It was a long and tedious built! CT

Hi Bernard! I will follow: there can never be too many Bonneville cars! CT

Salut Pierre! Fantastic work, bravo! This kit is legendary, and I learned a lot about it reading from your posts. Thanks! CT

Hi Ray! Well, good thing it's "out of your system", for us to enjoy! CT

Hi Tim! Masterful work, bravo! But I'm curious: where exactly do you buy those GIANT aligator clamps that hold your parts? I want one! CT

Hi Sir! I followed your build, and as expected, it is a masterful creation. Bravo! The outside pictures could pass for the 1/1 car. World class, really! CT

Thank you Gary! Coming from a master painter, it's quite the compliment. I'm flattered! I'm currently finishing a 68 javelin funny-car, in the same vein. I think you might love it. Stay tuned... CT

Hi Mike! Sweet, and your color combo is super-nice. Bravo! I built this kit when I was a kid, you bring back great memories! CT

Hi Steve! Great conversion, more credible than the movie-kit version, bravo! This morning, I was with a guy who sells OOP kits, and he had one of the Johan 66 Cad ambulance. It was fully assembled and poorly painted, but with glue in excess at all mounting points. I passed, because trying to disassemble it would have broken it, I'm afraid. Well, you can't have them all, can you? CT

Hi Phil! Well, you nailed it, bravo! Reminds me of the 1/1 that were inside Hot Rod Magazine when I was a teen, and it sold for 50 cents.... Period-perfect! CT

Good? You said "good"? My friend, that's the understatement of the year! Fantastic gloss and flip effects. Bravo! CT

Hi Ricky! Thank you for the praise, but, you have to know that I'm just a very patient old guy, with probably too much time on my hands. Might explain the engineering and detailing... Besides, I'm VERY invested in all things Bonneville. So... I try to build at least one lakester a year. This one was my "lockdown" special! The next one is already started. Stay tuned! LOL CT

Hi Anton! Thank you for the comments. Pick-up your jaw... you'll need it to eat... LOL! CT

Hi Oliver! Well... here is the last car I would have tought to "pro-tour", but you pulled it of. Bravo! CT

Hi Francis! Well, my friend, I've seen most of your previous car "in the flesh", but this has to be your Magnum Opus. Congratulations, Bravo, Félicitations... and I'll be back later with more translated terms. Can't wait to see it in person this fall, and to hold it! I'm certain it must be of respectable weight, with all the metal work that went in! Enjoy your summer, you deserved it! CT