charlie8575

I like it. I've been toying with getting one of those trailers, too. Charlie Larkin

Very nice work, both of you. This kit is on the "will get soon" list. I wonder if some of the resin bodies designed to work with the AMT kits will work on this one? Charlie Larkin

Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to finish my GTO before Tuesday. I ran into a couple of assembly snags and very severe time deficit. I will, however, post pictures when it gets done, which I'm hoping will be sometime next month. I've enjoyed watching all your builds everyone, and was glad to take a small part in it. Charlie Larkin

I just hope things straighten back out enough for me in time to purchase a new Grand Marquis. That way I can say a. I owned one new car in my lifetime. b. It was something I actually wanted. By the way, Harry, I liked that Cougar. I agree, although perhaps not a "huge" seller, I think enough would've been sold to justify the tooling. Charlie Larkin

Hmmm, I may start keeping an eye open for those Monogram metal kits. I always did like boattail roadsters. Great, and informative post. Charlie Larkin

The Old Car Manual Project 1976 Pontiac Brochure The instrument panel was pretty much the same from 1975-76, the shape certainly didn't change and I don't think any of the details did, either. This is a good clean shot of nice Grand Ville convertible. This will definitely give you the general idea. Somebody's Flickr Album Charlie Larkin

That's coming out nicely Nick. For masking, try the painter's blue tape; it comes in 1/4"-2" widths and works very well. It seals tightly and removes easily if you take it off within a couple of days, otherwise it can leave adhesive residue. I look forward to more. If you want to replicate Grandpa's Masonic emblems, you can get pictures of most of them (or very similar) at Harry Klitzner Co.'s Website. The Harry Klitzner Co. Charlie Larkin

Craft paint is the least-aggressive solvent, you just may need a few coats to achieve the desired depth and evenness of color, although I've been told you can airbrush it if you're so inclined. I've used it a little. It takes a lot of getting used to, but it's good for little details and has a nice variety of colors available, which can come in handy for interiors. Be sure to shake it very thoroughly before attempting to apply it. Charlie Larkin

G.M. should've done this along with the Olds. I like it. Charlie Larkin

For those not wishing to rob other kits, MCW makes a 260 to put in this kit. I think it's with a Ford-O-Matic. They also have some other bits and pieces to use with it, too. Kitchen Table resins has the six-cylinder engine for those so inclined. I remember reading that the rear wheel-houses were still tubbed. Is this correct, and does anyone have some ideas on how to fix this without making a mess of the rest of the chassis? Charlie Larkin

Too bad the Caprice doesn't look as good as the rest of them! I have a 1991, and I always thought they were a bit odd looking. Mine's a wagon, though, so the extra roof helps the shape a little. Charlie Larkin

Very good, Nick. It looks quite realistic. Charlie Larkin

Nice work; just need the American Flyer up to use those on. That gas station is especially intriguing. Are there any examples of those still up? Charlie Larkin

WOW! On everything! Simply fantastic! Charlie Larkin

Simply amazing brickwork! I like the idea of the foam panels for doing that. I've toyed with doing something similar but I could never figure out how to paint it without melting the foam or causing some other problem. Great job. Charlie Larkin

The idea of an early Hemi is an interesting one; I can probably scrounge one up from a kit someplace, and adjust as needed to make it look reasonable, if not 100% "right." As already discussed, in the world of real trucks, any combination of motors, transmissions, etc. is within the realm of possibility. Charlie Larkin

Neat piece of work and an interesting concept. It appears to be mostly foam-core for the walls and the base? Charlie Larkin

Very nice work, Bill. The dark green and white will look very nice on that car. Charlie Larkin

That came out very nicely, Johnny. Something about 1970s full-sized Fords in brown or light green that just looks right about them- perhaps all the appearances on TV shows in those schemes? Well done. Charlie Larkin

I have one of these. That cream roadster in the link is pretty. I'm leaning towards two-tone French/navy blue with cream striping. The idea of the painted wheels is actually rather appealing. I may do that to mine. Burgundy/Ivory with a light brown or tan also has some appeal. This is one car that's almost impossible to screw up color-wise. Build what makes you happy! Charlie Larkin

Well, at least you're not chasing skirts, drinking, drugs, etc. My ex and I (we didn't quite make the wedding) set up a very simple solution. Half of each of our paychecks would go into a joint account- that's used for common bills like mortgage, electric, etc. We keep the other half and that's our money. Any money left over at the end of the month in the joint checking account would be put into savings and used for emergencies (i.e., dead major appliance, plumbing trouble, etc.,) we felt it was fair and reasonable, so we went with it. The problem I see many people run into who are married or co-habiting is that they worry way too much about what the other is going to think. Sometimes I think simply going out and just doing something is the smarter solution. If it becomes a problem, stop. Charlie Larkin

I've used alcohol to thin their paint, and it does flatten it out a little, which actually improved matters for the color I was spraying- I always thought their s/g black was a little glossy. 91% alcohol is best for cleaning your airbrush, and Mike is 100% right. Do it immediately after painting. 70% will work also, but might take a little longer. The goal is to shoot alcohol until it comes out clear. Charlie Larkin

Most of the Bonnevilles I've seen were 4-door hardtops. I'm not even sure a sedan was available in the mid-70s, although I do know one was offered in the late 1960s-about 1970. One other thing, Kevin, Collectible Automobile did a very nice article on the 1971-76 full-size Pontiacs a few years ago. It might be worth your while to get a back-issue from them for photos, dimensions, and so forth. Also, don't forget to use the brochure located at The Old Car Manual Project for some additional reference photos. Charlie Larkin

Recently I've seen several models whose chrome and stainless trim were replicated with a silver Sharpie marker. I thought it looked pretty good, better than paint, and I'm thinking of trying it on a couple of cars that are nearing completion. My question is can you put any kind of clear over it to protect it from rubbing off, or even worse, smudging, or will it run on contact with anything like that? Charlie Larkin

Very cool. And it's pretty, too. Charlie Larkin