Jon Cole

I like seeing these rare old kits refurbished to a nice street machine. Good job.

Looking forward to seeing this one finished!

I just read that there was a massive 8.8 quake in Chile, that is far more severe in magnatude than Haiti experienced. Also, Tsunami warning issued for all islands of Hawaii. Hope it is a false alarm for the islands.

Crazy hoonage at it's best!

Those examples look good, but I would require something more permanent. I plan on doing a model with mud, but I plan on taking it to shows. The mud needs to be permanent... adding more mud later on isn't a realistic option afaik. Maybe those who do dioramas would know if someone here doesn't know?

It can be hard to find the $$$ to buy a dehydrator. I bought mine at a yard sale. Actually I bought two as they were like $5 or whatever. Spring is (allegedly) coming soon, maybe give yardsales a try? People get things like that for gifts, but never use them, thus they make good yardsale fodder.

Oh. Well, in my own defense, I wasn't yet born in 2007.

Dang! That looks good! In fact it looks a lot like one that used to be seen around here in my hometown...

The AMT kits (both the 2008 & 2009) are "promo style", and therefore have "molded in" detail. The Revell kit, on the other hand, is a full detail kit.

Try this: Use a black, fine point permanent ink marker to blacken the BOTTOM of each opening in the wheels "honeycombs". This should not be confused with the sides, that you already pained gold. That will give the wheels some much needed depth.

That's another thing, if anyone builds the PL VW, cut the tabs off the 'fabric' sunroof cover, and fill in the related holes in the roof. The part doesn't fit flush, and both are visible after completion

I just want to see how they look on mussel cars!

This is a piece of fine grit sandpaper. It's not perfect, but at the time it's all I could come up with. I may try it again, but with some experimentation. Perhaps take a wire brush, and smack the sandpaper on the backside to give it some texture? It may work, or not. I like the dryer sheet idea. I also would try a dark grey flock material. It's threads like this that make this board so valuable.

Yeah... I'm just a monkey with a checkbook too! Coo-coo-ka-choo. I used to bug my eyes out of my head, drilling out nine holes in what was often a diameter of plastic rod that is thinner than a piece of sprue (and nine little 'nubs' sticking up) but after doing that routine many times, I did what any rational thinking man would do.... "There has to be a better way". And there is. Buy pre-wired distributors. I suggest trying to drill your own first. Be sure to use a magnifying lamp. When you had enough of that scene, come on over to the Dark Side. We have cookies.

Russell, Nice job on the Beetle. I built one, you managed to add the mirrors. I couldn't figure out how to add them And I wish I had shopped around for aftermarket decals instead of those pathetic stickers! At least you don't have to deal with that.

Nice "FERD" custom van! It brings back memories of the '76 Ferd I had

She needs to sit lower... too much space visible above the tires. That added to what others here have said will put that back on track. You're almost there.

Not only is this going to be a great "how-to" series, but after studying the photos, you should plan next on doing a "simulated wood" article! First things first though.

Charlie- I just checked out your products list...looks like something to consider. Besides, I notice you also have "T" fittings. That is something I have needed in the past, and most likely will again. What forms of payment do you take?

Chris- Now that will produce a stronger joint! That is what I need to do. What may happen is I will put this project aside until I am healed enough to go into my basement... no way can I do that fine detailed drilling without the use of my magnifying lamp.

No, thank you! The treat is ours! So that's what you been up to all this time!

Nice stuff you build there Mike! It must be an "All In The Family" thing! I'd say it's neat to have a son keeping right up with ya!

Nice work Alex! Imagine... learning the airbrush at 13! I notice that's a Pace booth... I like mine, I'd say they are worth every penny. I see that "Bad Medicine" has a longhorn skull... someone notify DamnCranky! That would look freaky in the grille of a 30's vintage ratty rod! Ahh! Another great idea by me! Great ideas and bad gas... if it was currency, I'd be a rich man!

Texture is the key, along with color. For texture, paint the manifold in a base color; while the paint is still wet, stuff it in a container of baking powder (or sprinkle it on). Tap off the excess. Others here have good ways to pigment. I usually just go with Testors Leather. Maybe use some Testors oily black for added flavor. Also recommend shaving up a stick of pastels, adding some to the surface for a nice dry rust effect.

That is clever! Looks good!