Bills72sj

I enjoy this hobby for many reasons. The disconnection from all other things in life when I am concentrating on a build. The mental challenge of problem solving to create a vision. The eye-hand coordination training and skill acquisition. But, most of all, the sense of accomplishment throughout the build. Recognition from others is a nice benefit but, not a motivator in any way.

Attended SABA show in Milwaukie (Portland), OR yesterday. Brought some cash. Got some good deals.

I attended the SABA show in Milwaukie (Portland), OR yesterday. As is my custom, I bought 80 raffle tickets for 50 cents each. I came out WAY ahead for the cash invested. Most I want to build. Some will be donors and some may be traded at some point.

Thanks for sharing. They are top notch.

My bench is mostly organized. I HAVE to put parts in progress away when I leave the bench or they are at risk of disappearing thanks to my Wife's cat. My tools are generally parked at my right or right in from of me. I will often leave tools out of place but no mare than 5 at a time. I also use my bench for intermittent electronic work. Some of those tools are mixed in. While I see most of you build on a cutting mat, I build on a threadbare hand towel. Parts do not move and I can wipe my finger of paint or adhesive really quick. And no, it does not give me a lint issue. Every so often I take it outside and shake out all the accumulated styrene bits and shavings.

I am patient. I use Testors red for 80% of my build. I use Plastruct Bondene to thin it sometimes. CA glue is for stuff that I need to be able to let go of rather quickly and has no shiny surfaces to fog. I have purchased some clear 2-part epoxies but I have not actually used them yet.

It seems that Pontiacs and VWs are popular in this crowd. My project car is a 72 Grand Prix. It is a (51 year old) survivor with a going on 25 year old paint job. The original 51 year old 455 is still running well and the interior is all original except for the front seats being recovered. The "project" part of my car is the stereo system. Over the years, it has been "updated". I am now up to two music source units, 3 digital signal processors, 4 amplifiers and 14 speakers (though I only use 10 or 12 at a time). Surprisingly, I still have full seating and 80% of my trunk. I have a 2nd battery (deep cycle marine) to permit me to go and jam for 2.5 hours without having to run the engine. The volume level is the equivalent of a small night club but crystal clear with seat shaking (but not deafening bass). Until I get my spare 455 refreshed, I am running out of things to do to it.

I do the same. I do like getting the best price on something but I am not always at my PC to keep track of what I have bid on. If the price is what I willing to pay then I get it. I will pass on the disappointment of getting sniped at the last second to then have to take the time go hunting again.

Very nice. Great job on the emblems.

Nice IMPALA! My Dad had a 66 when I was a kid. The starter was bad so he would make the 4 of us kids push start it by popping the clutch. He also showed me how to upshift with out using the clutch just by matching the rpm.

That turned out quite impressive.

Me with my "other" hobby.

It depends on you eventual goal and what flaws you are willing to live with. If the paint is to you satisfaction, leave it be. Otherwise, strip it. If the decals on the model are to you liking, leave them be. Regarding the flawed, unapplied decals, I would hi-res scan the entire sheet. I would fix the artwork file to remove the flaws or do copy and paste with the portions that are good to replace the flawed. I do my decals on an inkjet using the color limitations of using transparent or white background paper. If you are going to attempt to use the old decals, I would cut out a piece that would not be used, and see how tolerant it is of a mist, then wet overlay, of gloss clear enamel. I would MAKE 2 sheets of decals and only use limited portions of the original based on any colors I could not duplicate.

Would it be feasible/possible to make a "stock" version? Or, does the master have permanent NASCAR mods implemented in it such as larger wheel openings and spoilers? A 73 Cougar kit could be a possible donor.

That did turn out sweet!

After dealing with some BMF with poor adhesion, I have taken to clear over BMF not for aesthetics but simply to seal it down (with any decals and or PE).

That is unique. Where did you get the kit/body?

That turned out very nice indeed!

I would go the route of the 69 442 IF I wanted a detailed chassis. The 72 GTO would work if I didn't. The 67 Prostreet Chevelle is a possibilty too. I fortunately have a Parts Pack Pontiac engine. When I get in the mood to build one, I will use this kit.

This microsecond my eyes saw the '56, my mouth automatically went "WHOA!" I can only dream of black that beautiful in my builds!

I hear you. Raising 3 boys and keeping an AWESOME wife on one blue collar income was hard. Once I had many fewer mouths to feed, I could step up my hobby spending. If/when I get to retire (5 more years to go), I have plenty of kits and paints to last a lifetime. The key will be if GOD keeps me healthy,

How is your adhesion with the acrylics? Do they come in scale appropriate metallic colors for car bodies?

I am with you. I hate parts bashing kits that make even one of them incomplete (with the exception of the prolific Pro Street kits). However I DO like kitbashing with swapping of parts. Fortunately, over the years I have accumulated enough engine bits to have a couple spares. Building slot car bodies for others, helps the engine stash as well.

Nice build. I have one of those yellow kits from the 80's to get to ...someday.

That sounds like a good plan.