Claude Thibodeau

Hi! Thanks for the comments! The most complicated part was "folding" a new glass... Ended up using thin acetate, to conform to compound curves in both axis... Gluing it in place was the worst. Used BONDIC UV setting glue pen. It held up well for 2 years now. As per Mike's request, more vies below. Including the concept sketch. Apologies for my pictures... I'm not good at that! CT

Hi! The great Steve Stanford authored a Rodder's Digest feature story titled RIVIERA REVERIES. He imagined a 66 Riv, with the rear window treatment of a 71. I gave it a try, using a 1/20 RC 66 Corvette rear window as a donor. Mucho modifications, but looks the part, I think. Hours of fun with styrene! CT

Hi! Thanks for the quick reply. I see it is the VANTASTIC issue... Very well done! CT

Hi! Your top mash-up is nice... it looks "factory". Interesting overall combo! CT

Hi! Great mash-up idea... turned out well! If I may... what is the yellow Ford pick-up in the background of one of the opening pix? Looks like the Testor's Boyd Smoothster nose/fenders with a cab... Mash-up or kit combo? Just curious, it looks sharp! CT

Hi! Fantastic work! To your point about hard lines... At Michael's, I found beading wire that is soft and pliable, and avail in copper and nickel shades. Just the right size for fuel lines in 1/24-1/25. This seems to be a "new" item. The sheen makes it even more accurate once in place. Keep on! CT

Hi! Your chassis might look a bit like this, if I understand you correctly... CT

Hi! Sweet ride. Great idea for the chute cords... Now I know what to do with those I saved last year. Thanks! CT

Hi Bob! Thanks for the comments. Actually, it was NOT the intended color... I had started a fade from light yellow to dark red (front to back)... but my airbrush sputtered a few damning specks, and I canned it. A looming contest called for a "safer" paint job due to time constraints, so here it is. The color remains one of Tamya's great, so... I was blessed to have it appear in 2018's Contest cars. You never know! CT

Hi Jim! It is not that difficult to build and modify that way. On a scale of 10, I'd say it's a 6 or 7. Go for it! Thanks for the comments. CT

Superbe! Quel lustre! CT

WoW! You made the most of a basically simplified promo-type assembly. Masterful. Bravo! CT

Hi! Attending Bonneville is on my bucket list. In the meantime, trough my Flat Earth Society fleet of vehicles, I keep my fantasy alive! Revell's Vette Agin, with a scratchbuilt chassis/platform derived from the Hay's TBird. Molded body, custom tonneau cover and glass canopy, detailed trunk, cabin & engine compartment, with scracthbuilt gas tank, pumps, rear mounted radiator, etc. Fully wired and plumbed. Custom made decals and wheel discs. Finish is Tamya's lacquers, with Testor's Wetlook clear. Remain calm! I know it's a Chevy with a Ford engine.... Evens out the field of Ford bodied cars with small block Chevy engines, doesn't it? Hours of fun with styrene! CT

Thank you Peter! Actually, the ample space underhood made it surprisingly easy to adapt the Viper engine from the Dodge concept truck. As to the hood hinges, you are right. I was in a pinch, and my stock of Plastruct rods was limited. A bit overscale, I agree. Upside is: the will never desintegrate! CT

Hi! Great combo. I suggest a very LIGHT colour, because I painted mine a medium brown, and the small windows let surprisingly little light in,,, As you can tell, you can't distinguish the details. Just a suggestion... CT

Ah, Bonneville... Inspiring site. Here's to the salt! Keep going, it will be interesting! CT

WoW! And that paint... Bravo! CT

HI! Thanks. To Geoff's point... When you start with timeless designs, it is easier to get interesting results. The 68 300 is such a gem. Only problem is the amount of panel edges, that make polishing difficult: easy to rub trough down to the primer. It needs a gentle touch, even more so on the side "coves" running along the flanks. CT

Hi Al! Thanks for the info. They look good, I will look for them at the next show. Vendors should have a few of those. CT

R.I.P..... CT

Hi! Thanks for the comments. Your 56 looks great. Are the wheels from a late model Challenger? They look the part... CT

Hi! Since a friend of my Dad had one, it made a strong impression on me: the 68 300C Chrysler IS the best variation of this body/platform. This one has: Johan body, forward swiveling hood, 57 Chrysler floor pan, scratchbuilt frame, Dodge Concept truck much lowered IFS & IRS, fully detailed Viper powertrain, Cadillac SUV seats (modified), scratchbuilt door panels & console, parts box rolling stock, nail polish finish with ghost flames & Testor's Wet look clear. Hours of fun with styrene! CT

Hi! Very nice, color coordination is attractive. What is the exact color/paint for your upholstery? Did you use washes to accent the pleats? CT

Hi! Thanks for the comments. To Jeffery's point: this very color is great. Much like the Harley Sturgis' color I was talking about yesterday! CT

Hi! Interesting project! Your roof treatment should be a stunner. One question: did-you re-contour the front fender wheel opening, or is-it box stock? CT