Claude Thibodeau

Thanks for the comments, Craig! CT Thanks Larry! CT

Hi Dave! Actually, I was surprised at first when I tried the Camaro greenhouse on the Lincoln... Almost a perfect fit. Who knew? But it called for a totally new interior. Thanks! CT

Hi Tom! Great car, totally realistic, bravo! How many guys got married, had kids, and had to store the week-end racer in a neighbour's barn? You nailed it... CT

Hi Francis! Wait... those are all grade 8 fasteners, right? With so much time involved so far, it would be foolish to go cheap on that... CT

Hi Tim! Wow, what a great stash of parts. And that Monogram TBird will be a great donor, it is a fantastic kit! I can't wait to see you underway! CT

Hi Mike! To your point about Garlits... I had the chance to meet him at the first Grand National ever held at the Sanair track in the Montreal area, back when I was 15 years old. He was working alone on his car, and I dared ask a few questions. I pointed to a spectacular Top Fuel that was pitting next to his, and evoqued all the candy paint, gold leaf and chrome plating on that car, finally asking: " Sir, you are the world champion... How come your car is so stern in comparison"? He laughed, cranked his blower pulley with a big ratchet handle, and looked at me with a stare I will never forget. "Kid, I'm not a flash, I'm a pro". That made my day. And of course, he swept the event, and the showboat dragster from NY did not go past the first round. Lesson learned! CT

Hi John! I'm a lifelong fan of LSR cars, having read a lot about that "discipline". Wow, your car is world class stuff, bravo! The renshape medium is ideal for that type of construction, and the details you threw in are impressive. By the way, I vote for the color combo in the top picture... Regards, CT

Hi Steve! Well, I think that quite to the contrary, you have more than enough "modeling skills", as this very build is proof. Keep on, it looks great! CT

Hi Oliver! Thanks. See my notes above as to the source of the guitar. Great collection by the way! CT

Thank you David! I'm certain Mr. Gibbons has plenty of creative rod builders showering him with proposals... Just add my fantasy to the list... CT

Thank you! CT

Hi Rich! Thanks. It comes from Revell's 2005 SRT Dodge Magnum (station wagon). I skipped the wood decals that were included on the sheet, and match-painted it with Model Master Grape acrylic, white pearl, plus Tamya's desert sand beige for the neck, plus Molotow for the frets, keys and pick-ups. A very well molded guitar for such a fine scale. I know there's one in the Stacey David's Rat roadster 32, but I can't tell if it's the same tool. Maybe someone can confirm? CT

Hi Nigel! I like your notion of "lateral thinking". Thank you! CT

Thank you David. Much appreciated! CT

Thank you Carl! I try do do things that integrate both the old car's essence, while throwing a pinch of contemporary in the mix. I never know how it will play out in the end... CT

Thank you Dennis! CT

Hi Steve! Great fabrication. May I dare a question? On the Pierson Coupe. it appears the lower front edge of the skirt is actually parallel to the vertical cut line of the running-board-fender joint. Yours point slightly forward. Is-this an "editorial choice"? Just curious... CT

Hi Chris! Now, THAT is something I'd be honored to hear Mister Gibbons say! CT

Hi Kurt! As they say: If we can think of it... someone can build it! CT

Thank you Greg! Or, is-it a case of too much time on my hands? Don't ask my wife... CT

HI! ZZ Top frontman Billy Gibbons is well known for his love of unique Custom sleds, and has the collection to prove it! What if he fancied a 41 Lincoln Continental? This fantasy is based on Monogram's 1941 Lincoln, mashed with Monogram's 93 Camaro Z 28 greenhouse & rear viwe mirrors (both modified). The rear trunk was shaved down, and a custom interior scratch-built, as well as a lenghtened (integrating the cowl)front opening hood. Revell's 68 VW rear bumper with scratchbuilt rear lamps & front flashers relocated to the front bumper brackets body openings. Maisto Mustang rolling stock (modified). Tamya's Lavender & Wet look clear + Craftsmart Vanilla for the interior. Mister Gibbon's matching guitar was detailed from the Revell SRT Magnum kit. Will increase the value at Barrett-Jackson, right? Wonder what the Reverend Gibbons would think of it? CT

HI! Story has it that Henry was convinced to go along with the idea of his Australian managers, because after the world economic crash of 29, banks in Australia were lending money mostly to farmers, and only for "work vehicles". Hence the design, claimed to be a "utilitarian" vehicle. Never sold in US and Canada, according to many Ford experts. However, General-Electric had a run of 30 or 31 Ford custom-built for their refregirator retailers. It was a few hundreds, all white, if I remember correctly. Few have survived the saying goes... CT

Hi Steve! Nice survivor, brings back memories. 3 wives? Even I can't beat that... So I guess that makes YOU a survivor too? CT

Hi Les! Thank you. I had to cant the handlebars slightly... or they would have rubbed againts the roof! CT

Hi Lou! Thanks. Well, let's just say I remember SOME of it... Mostly the model cars part, back when a new kit at the pharmacy (!) was 2$... Memories! CT