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Everything posted by Bills72sj
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I suggest you check off these boxes. Display shelves that will keep dust off of completed builds for when you are sanding on a current project. A large stash storage that can be closed off (at least until you overwhelm it). A dresser full of drawers to stash parts and supplies. A WELL LIT bench with LOTS of outlets. If it has a pullout keypad drawer, you can pre-stage your rotary tool and/or micro drill to keep disruptive power cords OFF the bench. An upper shelf above it for quick access to items without having to get out of the chair. An office chair with MORE than 4 legs/casters. A paint booth compatible with your window.
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Just a Street Racing Street Freak Gasser Vette
Bills72sj replied to OldNYJim's topic in WIP: Drag Racing Models
Way cool build. Following. -
Caboverdose
Bills72sj replied to Rockford's topic in WIP: Model Trucks: Big Rigs and Heavy Equipment
When I built my Freightliner day cab dual drive for an extended flatbed, I took advantage of the longer frame for a chain box/headache rack. -
Home made decals. Advice needed !
Bills72sj replied to Bugatti Fan's topic in Model Building Questions and Answers
I have been making my own decals for years. I have used both clear and white decal paper designed for inkjet printers. I look for artwork, on the web, in the highest resolution I can find. That way when I shrink it, it will be crisp and clear. To eventually get the exact size I want, I use old school MSPaint program. It has the ability to reduce PRINT size as opposed to FILE size. Reducing the file, and/or "resizing" the file, KILLS the clarity and in most cases "pixelates" it. To conserve decal paper, I first print on regular copy paper so that I can finalize the eventual size of the decal AND adjust the left margin to place it slightly spaced from it neighboring decals. I print each individual decal in a row via multiple passes through the printer. I let the ink dry for 12-24 hours. I then cut the now completely printed portion from the sheet and transparent tape it to some dust free backing that can tolerate overspray. For clearing, I used to use Testors clear 9200 but it is no longer available. The odor of it lends itself to being an enamel clear. I spray a "mist" coat and let it flash for 10 minutes. I do not worry about the rough texture. I then spray a "wet" coat while holding the sheet vertical. I quickly lay the sheet horizontal ASAP. If I get the all the artwork covered in gloss, I quit while I am ahead. If I have some rough patches, I spritz those areas with the clear as soon as I notice them. I let the sheet dry, for 24 hours, undisturbed, in a dust free environment. I cut/trim each decal very precisely. I prep the painted surface with white vinegar on a cotton swab. I use a drop of Dawn dish soap in the decal water and let them soak a minute or so until the decal can just be disturbed from the backing paper. Once laid on the surface, the dish soap buys me a LOT of time to slide it into its precise location. I DAB (not wipe) away excess water with a (or multiple) dry cotton swabs. The dabbing method also assists in laying down the decal over curved or creased surfaces such as emblems. I find the "fresh" decals VERY tolerant of being pushed around, without breaking, even if I accidentally fold it over itself. Here are some examples: -
Help with tires
Bills72sj replied to James2's topic in WIP: Model Trucks: Big Rigs and Heavy Equipment
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Oldsmobile Quartet
Bills72sj replied to GMasterG's topic in WIP: Stock Cars (NASCAR, Super Stock, Late Model, etc.)
I often do similar builds in a batch as well. When I run across an issue, the solution is easy to implement across the rest. Also there always a task that be accomplished while something dries or cures. If one build is failing I can kept my motivation rolling on the other two or three. I do Day 2 Muscle Car builds so it also gives me the privilege to mix and match options on each build to keep them unique. (i.e. I engine swapped 3 of my 4 Mustang builds). -
I may have attempted your task with mini magnets. Assuming they have enough strength to accomplish the alignment part.
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Thanks for the trade. 🙂
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The closest I have come to catastrophic failure was replacing a 400 Pontiac with a mildly built 455. The TH400 handled it just fine. The 10-bolt GM rear was not up to the frequent barking 2nd gear with 295/50-15s. Eventually, I got what sounded like a U-point going out, as the sound was that frequency. Changed both U-joints. The sound was still there. Pulled the rear end cover to discover a chunk missing from the pinion that encompassed 1.5 teeth (tooth?). The piece fell down into the only empty pocket in the housing. Amazingly, no shrapnel whatsoever. Cobbled together another '66 A-body 10 bolt rear with too long '71 axles. Had to use 2-1/2" wide front drums to cover the 2" shoes on the rear brakes. The car met its demise due to car fire not to long after. (not related to rear end issues).
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Tape Residue Frustration
Bills72sj replied to That Plasticated Guy's topic in Model Building Questions and Answers
Thanks everyone for your input. I am about To embark on a couple of projects with two tone paint jobs. My favorite edge mask is Para-Film. Though It is not designed for large surfaces. -
I just looked into my Gone Fishing Ramcharger. It does not have them.
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I noticed they were 8 lug instead of 5 lug. My kit is still sealed so I am not yet inclined to crack it open.
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Thank you for your reply. I do not have either of those kits.
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PM acknowledged
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I new have a project that requires these wheels to accomplish. OR... If someone knows of any other kits that used the same "wagon" wheels.
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What to build?
Bills72sj replied to Jordan White's topic in General Automotive Talk (Trucks and Cars)
Search the internet for photos of any 1:1 versions. Sooner or later, you will find a color combo that is to your liking. -
I am approaching retirement too. I am currently healthy and like my job. The work is fine, the people are great but the software we have to use is as annoying as hell. A couple of years ago I was unemployed for a month. I did not like being that idle during that time. As mentioned above, I have some back burner projects around the house but they would all be done in no time. When I used to service residential HVAC systems, I got to talk to a lot of retirees. I learned a couple of things. DO NOT WASTE AWAY WATCHING TV. It was sad seeing the state of the folks that did that. On the positive side, one fellow said, "before you go to bed. have a goal for the next day. Do not wait until morning to figure out what you are going to do". I am seriously thinking I would volunteer to be a crossing guard for the elementary school down the street. It would make me get out of bed and see some young faces every week day. I would never have to work holidays and I have summers off for 1:1 car shows and stuff.
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What to build?
Bills72sj replied to Jordan White's topic in General Automotive Talk (Trucks and Cars)
Nope, I usually have a plan shortly before I open the box. Sometimes plans get altered if I research an example online and I like it better. But that is still BEFORE I start to build. -
Resto Rod Autocar
Bills72sj replied to Gary Chastain's topic in WIP: Model Trucks: Big Rigs and Heavy Equipment
I did a triple drive on one of my Freightliners. https://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/148169-brbo-2020-triple-drive-white-freightliner-coe/ -
Replied.
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What do you use for flat and satin black?
Bills72sj replied to LennyB's topic in Model Building Questions and Answers
For those two sheens, I go with big rattle cans too.