charlie8575

The molds were updated for 1969-7-71-72, then turned into some horrid 1970s pimp-mobile custom, which was later re-released as a tie-in for Welcome Back, Kotter as I think "Sweathogs Dream Machine" or something like that. In any event, the molds are almost impossible, if not impossible, to return to a stock body and interior. For this reason, Grand Prixs are quite expensive, and if you find an unbuilt one, be ready to spend a lot of money. I'd like to find a '72 and build it to replicate "The Banana Boat," which we nick-named a friend's '72, which met a tragic end with an engine fire. R&R casts one of these model-year GPs in resin. The casting can be a bit hit-or-miss, but it's the only game in town that I know of if you're on a budget. Charlie Larkin

Not exactly my style, but I must say, I do like the color combination. Very nicely done. Charlie Larkin

Your building is admirably clean. Charlie Larkin

Very nice job on that. You can almost hear it sitting there idling. Pretty color on that, too. Charlie Larkin

I know that crazy glue mentality....I work in a junior high school. Charlie Larkin

Scott, I remember in 2006 when you started to work on getting that body ready, and I'm thrilled to see you're finally going live. As soon as the stock body is ready and I have a little extra money, I can promise you will have at least one more sale. You will have the stock interior for that as well, I hope? As a couple of suggestions for additional products- some stock wheelcovers for that Futura would be nice, or the cast-aluminum wheels (which I always thought were very nice-looking, too), and a period-correct intake/VV carb/C-whatever goes behind a 302 for that would be a nice offering. Barring that, I'll probably order one of Ken Kitchen's 200/C-whatever it is. If you really want to get tounges wagging- how about a Fairmont wagon? A lot of my friends had those when I was a kid and they bring back fond memories, as do the Fox-bodied LTD/Marquis (perhaps another product for down the road)? The products look great. You have worked for, earned the right to, and I sincerely hope, will have a great deal of success. Perhaps enough to make this your full-time job. Just remember the downfall of a lot of aftermarket providers- lack of communication. If you hit a delay, let people know immediately, even if only a few days. Over-communication is better than none. Best wishes to you for much success and happiness with this venture. Charlie Larkin

Unfortunately, I can't make NNL-East this year; one of my closest friends from high school is getting married that day, so I have other plans. That said, Kevin, between this, the Hawk and a couple of other things, you're going to be getting plenty of money from me over the next few months anyway. Charlie Larkin

I would love to see for additional tooling: 1. A GOOD 1956 Sport Coupe, and if they did it with optional trim spears to build a 210 or Bel-Air, even better, but I'd be happy with either, although my thrifty half Yankee via the Maritimes/half-Armenian traits tend towards the 210. 2. We NEED a good, modern tool '57 Nomad. I have the 1980-or-so Revell kit downstairs, but I never have the courage to try. Perhaps someday. 3. Just for something cool and a little different, I'd like to see AMT or Revell tool up a 1955 DelRay. The interior, which is the only difference between a DelRay and a regular 210 2-door sedan, is so intricate and complicated, that, at least with me, all the putty and Evergreen in the world wouldn't allow me to do it right. 4. I wonder if Model King could be talked into doing a police-issue 150 like he's doing with the '57 Ford? I'd buy one. 5. Again, under the heading of "different", and as mainstreamers are coming more into vogue, I'd like to see a non-Nomad Tri-5 wagon. Perhaps something like a 150 Handyman or even...*gasp* a Townsman/Beauville (the 4-doors). Charlie Larkin

Dad sent this along. It's from FDNY Cheif Kelon in 1926. It's very cool, particularly the second video, which demonstrates how a c. 1926 callbox and paging system works. http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/watch-what-might-be-the-worlds-oldest-dashcam-footage-from-1926/#continued Charlie Larkin

This came out very, very nicely, Raoul. I like the color and the overall execution. Charlie Larkin

I have a small stamp collection. This will be a must-have set for me. Thanks for the heads-up. Charlie Larkin

Supreme Holiday coupe? Sign me up! I won't be able to make NNL this year, but you'll be getting my order as soon as funds are available. Charlie Larkin

If Sean Svendsen says you did a good job, you did a GOOD job. The color, finish, appearance. Beautiful. The only detail I would add would be to paint the molded-in headlights with aluminum paint and then put a thin coat of white glue over them, to add a little dimension, and some custom-printed license plates. You can find those here. http://www.worldlicenseplates.com/ http://www.15q.net/usindex.html http://www.leewardpro.com/articles/licplatefonts/licplate-fonts-nam.html http://www.licenseplates.tv/ Scale the plates to 0.46875" long by 0.234375" high (6"x12") and print on your color printer. Affix with white glue. I'd use an index card to print them on for a little extra thickness. This is one kit that needs to be either fixed from the abomination it became or a new tool cut. This is one of GM's all-time best styling exercises released for public sale, and your model illustrates that very nicely.

Even with the couple of un-anticipated problems, Mike, that's a beautiful model you have nothing to be ashamed of about. Very well-done. Charlie Larkin

That radiator cap is very cool, Alyn. I can't solder well at all, and haven't worked much with metal, but that's well done. For the sight-glass, perhaps you could use something like white glue or epoxy in the middle? Charlie Larkin

VERY nice work on that sedan delivery, Mike. Which Metallizer did you use for the headlight retaining rings? It looks close enough to kit chrome to work well for the small parts. Charlie Larkin

I would suggest using Dominik's idea, Jim. Those I know who have used tarps have used more-or-less this technique and it seems by far the most popular and workable. As an alternative, you could also hit a craft or fabric store and get a piece of fabric with a weave that looks like what you want to replicate (blue plastic, canvas, etc.), and paint it to match. The cloth will have a natural drape. I would still recommend using some type of water/glue mixture as a fixative so it will hold its shape, however. Charlie Larkin

I don't ever remember seeing that anywhere. I'll keep half an eye open for it. Charlie Larkin

Very nice wood-working. I would suggest Krylon or a similar antique white or ivory as a way to paint that massive area economically as the base color, with details picked out by gray spray and brush paint. Charlie Larkin

Hmm...now that you mention it, I don't ever remember seeing one of those in plastic. A nice kit in 1/24 or 1/25 would be very welcome by me, too. Charlie Larkin

That looks like one of the pictures I took of it. I never found out who built that (I think it was one of the Classic Plastic guys), but it's really impressive. Charlie Larkin

Chrome handles. This looks great! Charlie Larkin

Nice wheels, and this will be a nice model. Charlie Larkin

I'm glad your grandmother is encouraging your building, and wow, what a present. That's said to be a very nice kit. And you're doing a good job on it so far. Charlie Larkin

Motor City Resin also offers a nice '68 Fury wagon, based off the Jo-Han kit. A lot of police departments had wagons for carrying equipment, evidence, etc. Charlie Larkin