Claude Thibodeau

HI! I was honoured by receiving an email from the President of IPMS-ACME, telling me my So-Can Speed Shop 32 lakester was awarded the President's Award in their online model show (these are Covid times, after all). This novel format was well executed, and pulled-in thousands of inscriptions. Bravo! Many thanks to all involved. It makes the hours spent at the workbench all the more pleasant. Regards, Claude Thibodeau

HI! Two styles that you could argue are somehow "contradictory": My Speedwagon "à la Boydster", and my Rot 'N Roll rat rod. Hours of fun with styrene! CT

Thank you Dennis, I'm flattered! CT

Hi Bill! This is a truly impressive built, bravo! The oil field "shyline at sunset" (or is-it sunrise?) and black contrast on the flanks of the car is very appealing. CT

Hi Steve and Tom! I had a sneak peak at Tom's Anglia... and let me tell you it's going to be a truly creative mash-up! You know, the kind of built that makes you say" I know they changed something.. but I can't tell for certain what it is"... which is what a true sucessfull redesign should aim for. CT

Hi Paul! Bella's polish job on the PU deserves to be the pride of the family. She certainly carries on with the family tradition. Bravo! Her bright smile and even her white glasses are a perfect "match" for the white contrasting top on the Nomad. Nice pictures! CT

Hi Sam! Delicious project, bravo! I'm curious: did-you scratchbuilt the twin propane tanks? They look very convincing. CT

Hi Wayne! This thing should rule the track. Bravo! CT

Hi Jason! Look forward to enjoy your creations! CT

Hi! Well, gentlemen, it gives full meaning to the term "snorkel scoop". Bravo to both of you. There is never too many Bonneville cars! CT

Hi Steve! Interesting project. A friend had one in the early 70's, and I worked on it with him for some dragstrip passes. Good memories! I recently was roaming my kit stash for future projects, and noted that the Chevy Beretta Pro-Street kit (really Dobertin J2000) was almost a shoe-in for the AMT Gremlin. I take the liberty to mention it, because I see what I guess is Dobertin's yellow nose section in one of your pics. You said you wanted a simple project, but I could not help it tell you about it...although I'm certain you already tried such a mock-up. We'll watch your imagination at work with great interest. CT PS: isn't the Stanford take on the Gremlin a pure delight? I use it as a screen saver once in a while...

Hi Zack! Wow, talk about going back in time... The partitions behind the seats, mimicking glass bottles, just got me back sitting in my 64 Econoline. That was so typical of the era. Thanks for the memories! Bravo. CT

Hi Jim! This thing is just begging to be cast in a reality TV show about vintage rod builders... Very convincing. Bravo! CT

Hi Sir! Some have the Midas touch... But vou certainly have the "Caddy touch" ! CT

Hi Thomas! I might... if the border was not closed because of Covid. But I will try to attend Classic Plastic next year, if my schedule allows... CT

Hi Francis! Wow, that is fine brass work. I look at the whole engine, and wonder... What type of gaskets will you use on that beast: cork or steel with silicone rings? Just curious... Bravo, keep at it, but don't drop the distributor anchor bolt in the carpet! It would be a catastrophic event! CT

Hi Steve! This is a great acomplishment. What I mean, outside the fact that the car is a beauty, is that these cars are SMALL, and packaging is a major issue. You succeded in cramming a fairly big powertrain in a small british car. Bravo! Come to think of it: that is also what made Shelby famous, no? A big Ford V8 in a small AC sports car. Here's to you! CT

Looking at your car closely, I can see it is the first realease, which was later modified by Lindberg, reportedly because GM had licensing issues with the fact that the cowl/lower windshield was much more rounded than on the prototype. I can tell, comparing with my copy, that yours is the first issue. Maybe they improved on the upper grille also, adding the flashers that I see on mine? Any kit expert in the room? CT

Hi Gareth! Clean build, bravo! If you look closely at the top of the chromed grille unit, you will see the turn signals molded outboard. At least, on mine, they are there. I know because I'm finishing one also, and I detailed the grille last week... CT

Hi Eric! Thank your for the infos. I do a lot of 1/1 custom painting, and use mostly HOK Show Klear. It's more viscous, flows slowly, and leave enough for a good block sand and polish afterward. However, on surfaces I don't wish to sand and polish ( door jambs, inner doors, etc,) I use "commercial grade" clear from auto body suppliers. You are right to say it has a lower film build and flows shinier. Your spectacular results have me thinking about using it next time. We'll see... CT

Hi Sam! Wow, it's great, and it wets my appetite! From one food trailer operator to another: keep on! CT

Hi Cliff! Thank you. I have no talent to paint figures in a way that would satisfy me... so, I skipped. Next time maybe? CT

Hi Jason! Top notch work all over, again. Bravo! I build 1/1 street rods and Pro-Touring for a living... and I must say your steering rack is spot-on. Even the retainers on the pinion case are spot-on. World class, really! CT

Hi Tim! Well, this thing is ready for a world tour: I can think of the Museum Of Modern Art, and the Petersen... just for starters! Masterful. Bravo! CT

Hi Sir! Well, now I know. Thank you! CT