impcon

I have been looking at the Jimmy Flintstone 64 Thunderbolt wagon resin body ad wondering if anyone has any ideas as to what what would help put an interior together for a stock build? The 64 Fairlane two door sedan would supply much of the interior bucket bucket, but does any one have any suggestions for the front seat and rear cargo area? It's all just a thought right now, but if there is a way to make up a wagon interior, I can see myself going for this project in a stock, four door wagon.

Kinda neat reading this thread as I was just thinking tonight about what would be needed to build a base model 67 Camaro. Isn't the a Camaro that has the small dog dish caps -maybe a Baldwin Motion kit? While it is nice to see the Yenkos and Z28's, I find the plain jane, mundane cars bought as basic transportation to be equally as interesting and appealing.. I'll be following this thread. Thanks for the input.

Your truck must have had 16" wheels and tires then. With all due respect, the hubcaps in the drawing will not fit on a 15" wheel. I've owned many of that generation of Ford truck and my dad bought a 71 F100 brand new and the 15" wheels had the caps in the photos that mk11 posted. He is right about that style of cap being smaller than the car pictured on the model. I don't know how that error got past Moebius, but hopefully the model has the right caps which by the way, are the same as the dog dish caps on the 68 Ford passenger cars. The car and the pickup also shared the same "Custom" rear quarter scripts on the cheaper models. It was a friend of mine who spotted the eror and he too has owned more than a few F series trucks. I am not trying to start an argument but I know these trucks pretty well.

I saw that auction yesterday and as a guy who has a real appreciation of C body cars of the 50's through the 70's, I was thrilled and amazed to see that auction. I wish that i could afford it but even if I could, I can think of places where that amount of money could do a lot of good for others less fortunate than I in this world. As with the real cars, I see people paying huge amounts to restore cars and buy them and then as said, never drive them. There is a certain satisfaction in just owning something when it comes to certain things. I saw a '70 Challenger Hemi car that had been a race car from new and it had a short career, so it had literally no miles on it. It had been driven on the street once and other than that, what miles it had ( under 40 original miles if I recall rightly - it was a few years ago now ) were put on a quarter of a mile at a time. It literally still had that new car smell when the door was opened. The man who owned it refused to drive it and when he pulled it out of his garage to wash it, he used a wheeled jack and pulled it out and then pushed it back in. The car was like something out of a time warp. I understood his enjoying just being able to go out and look at it or sit in it because it was one of the most original Challengers on the planet and he wanted to keep it that way. I'd likely feel the same. As for paying hundreds for a plastic model - like I said, if the pockets are deep enough, then so be it I guess. It's no different than the insanity at a Barrett Jackson auction but as nice as Paul's builds are, I just wouldn't pay that for any model. The most I have paid for a kit was the '59 Ford Custom 500 that I bought from Promolite. The total cost with shipping was just over $100.00 U.S. but to me, it was worth it for such a quality and unusual product. I'll likely buy another next year as well as some of other Promolite models but for now, I just do not have the extra cash. But that is about my limit for prices of models. When I see what people are asking for some older ( and not so old ) kits on Ebay, I want to throw up because it's sheer greed - nothing else. I guess that it's a matter of perspective and priorities.

I second those wishes - been where you are several times and I am there again. It hurts to go backwards and live a lifestyle that is less than that which you have worked hard to achieve. I truly wish you better days ahead - real soon! I try to hang on to some beliefs and the words "This too shall pass".

The problem may be that you are laying the paint on too heavily. I use lacquer primer ( automotive from NAPA ) and while lacquer is damaging to plastic when applied too heavily, I mist it on very lightly in dust coats allowing lots of time ( 15 - 20 minutes or even more ) between coats for the thinners to evaporate. Before applying the colour coats, I will give it several days even though the thinners should be gone long before that. Once the surface of the plastic is all gray, then I apply it a bit heavier but still sparingly for the first two coats, making the third one my finish coat. I have used lacquer primer under automotive urethane, acrylic enamel, synthetic enamel and even base/clear. I'd suggest experimenting on a junk body and see what happens. Once the primer is on, the surface colour coats should not harm the plastic. Just an idea....

The hub caps are definitely 3/4 ton caps. Hopefully, the model will have the proper ones.

It's too bad that somebody doesn't step up to the plate and cast this truck again. They are unique and such a conversion kit would fill in another gap in the Chevy truck line.

Correct. See my post above; it was Revell kit # 6225, a snapper. Thank you for the heads up. I can't recall ever seeing that kit - ever, so it has to be very scarce, to say nothing of expensive. It's almost certainly beyond what I could pay for one, but thanks anyways. Snap kit or not, I'd sure like to have one of those to build for my son as opposed to having to try to make one. I am suspecting that the rear of the interior which has to be altered to accommodate the convertible top when it is folded down and the convertible boot will be my biggest challenges in this build. The rear seat will need to be narrowed and the top well panels made. Not sure how or if I can do a good job on that but we'll give 'er our best lick, as they say. I just found a a few pictures of his Berlinetta and I'm taking the liberty of posting them. The Z28 convertible pictures will follow as soon as I find them.. The model which I am working on a little at a time right now is of the Berlinetta - which is not his first car, but it is his baby. . Looking at the date of the pictures where it was when we found it, I am surprised to see that he has owned the car since 2005 - he was only 14 years old when he bought it. How time has flown past! He bought and paid the $400.00 purchase price for it himself and he still owns the car and enjoys it in the warmer, salt, snow and rain free months. The car came out of Nevada - need I say that it is incredibly solid?? We found it while on a road trip hauling a '65 Ford LTD four door hardtop back from the Kenniwick area in central Washington. My son, who was with me on the trip, spotted the back corner of the Camaro peeking out and barely visible from the highway as we drove past the old, boarded up gas station where it was sitting in Soap Lake, Washington. We drove around the block and after knocking n a few doors, we found out who owned the property and made contact with him. He was a pretty rough looking and talking guy but yes, the Camaro was for sale although it belonged to his brother in law. Thus began what turned out to be a nightmare of events that I would rather not discuss but in the end, after a lot of phone calls from home and uncertainty, Matthew owned the car complete with a Nevada title. Was it worth the hassle to obtain the car? Yes, because it made a young boy very happy and he did much of the work on the car himself getting it cleaned up, the minor repairs that it needed done and finally, inspected to become a B.C car. It now has a rebuilt 350 in it and other than the Z28 wheels that are currently on it, and a set of replacement ( but stock Camaro seats ), the car is untouched and still wears its original white paint. It seems to have a striping package that seems made for the car given how the tape is very obviously cut to conform with the lines of the car but we have not been able to verify that it was even a dealer installed option. But it really looks good on the car and the red and black contrast nicely with the white paint.. The first pictures below are of the car exactly as it was found - sitting in very poor company - much like a princess among bar maids.. No offense to you guys who are into imports, but you have to admit that if cars had feelings, that little Camaro would be feeling a bit awkward. The second photos are of the car at the Penticton beach Cruise where Matthew showed it the year after he purchased it. At not yet 15 years of age, he was the youngest vehicle owner in the show which boasts close to 700 cars. The convertible is the same color as the Berlinetta although unlike the coupe, the soft top has a blue interior. Hope you enjoy the photos and these give you a bit of an idea as to what I am trying to replicate.. Convertible pictures to follow..

Thank you. It depends which car you are asking about as the Berlinetta has the solid roof which is why I am doing the MPC rebuild. Camaros without the T roof option in styrene are not very common it seems and this one that I am working in is about as good as it is going to get without doing some serious kit bashing. The 1:1 81 Z28 that my son owns is one of very few conversions authorized by the general. No convertible left the factory in that year and the 50 or so conversions ( near as we can determine ) are all converted Z28 T roof cars. His is white with the blue striping and blue interior. I can post some photos of it ( if I can find them ) as it was when we brought it home if you like. it is a strikingly gorgeous and sporty car no matter what anybody who doesn't like the full rubber bumpers thinks. When you see a photo of the car in full dress striping and wheels with the top down.. yeah - it's sure a chick magnet. It was an insurance write off but very, very easily repaired and he has all of the components here to put the car back together. He is working out of province, so it has been sitting in dry storage for a year and a half now.

I've been thinking the same thing regarding the 70 1/2 kit. I've really been looking closely at the MPC kit that I have here and the chassis definitely can use some upgrading and a substitution for one with more detailing will make for a much nicer build. The dash is different in a 70 model as are the door panels but maybe there are other items from the engine bay that can changed out to create a more realistic build. I'm not really too crazy about the 70 1/2 body as there are enough differences in the later cars to IMHO, make them more attractive.

I am asking the opinion of people who have built or have actually owned model kits of the second generation Camaro - specifically the later years from 76 to 81 - as to which kit they feel is the best and most worthwhile kit to spend some time and devote some real effort into. I have an MPC built one that a forum member was kind enough to pass on to me for this project quite some time ago and after countless visits to the deep freeze, I have finally gotten it apart and now the last parts are in the Super Clean as I type these words. It's a 1/25 model but there are a few 1/24 ones out there. I have the several of the yellow Testors 1980 Z28 kits and they are basically garbage as far as I am concerned as the lit takes mediocre to a new and lower level of quality. Basically, IMHO, that lit is only a donor kit for a few pieces such as the glass and wheels. I suspect that there are more worth while projects out there than that kit in either 1/24 or 1/25 scale. The old MPC one that I have started on is a much better kit than the Revell one IMHO and it ( the MPC model ) is going to get built not as a Z28, but as a Berlinetta. My question is mostly because I want to convert another '80 - '81 Z28 to replicate my son's 1:1 '81 Z28 convertible and I really want a decent quality model although it will almost certainly involve some kit bashing. .Does anyone have any ideas as to what chassis from other kits that is well detailed will fit? I'd like to have pose-able wheels for example and a chassis that can be improved upon. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

I'm wondering who all here takes pleasure in seeing old paint/glue bombs and just old buildups saved and would really, truly appreciate seeing the model before its makeover? I just posted on another thread that seeing the transformation of what was once regarded as a mess, near write off or hopelessly mangled into a clean display piece is in itself inspiring and encouraging to many of us. I tend to think that we spend too much time worry ting about achieving the high quality of workmanship that we see in a lot of the builds here and feel intimidated to post and share the fruits of our labors. Seeing the supreme make over that transforms many models into things that can be enjoyed as eye candy is to myself anyways, very encouraging and there is a true appreciation for what meager abilities I have. I am curious as to how "before" and "after" pictures would be appreciated as well and equally so with works in progress threads and images and yes, I am aware that these images can be shared on the above WIP forum.. Feedback is anticipated and eagerly awaited.

That is one nice build and again, it warms my old heart to see another Dumpster escapee!!!! The car looks VERY nice and clean and I would like to ask if you would be so kind as to post some more photos and interior shots. The styling, color and wide whites give the car an elegant look that just is not found on newer cars. Congratulations on saving another oldy that others would have thrown away, chopped up or otherwise robbed of its original beauty and character. An excellent save and another quality build. And by the way, yes, it would be so appreciated to see the pictures of these models when you get them. I've found that we tend to forget how bad some of these models are when we first get them but progress photos help us to really appreciate within ourselves the transformation that we make possible. Even if I know that a project that I buy is a long ways down the list of priorities, I try to remember to photograph it as it is when it arrives and I take it out of the box. I wonder how many of us here would like to see the before pictures of the saved old buildups..??? I know that I always enjoy seeing the transformation from "street girl to princess and beauty queen". Thanks for sharing.

Thanks guys. the truck I want to build is yellow with black fenders and running boards and probably wheels. I'll try the Word program for fonts. I've had this project on my mind for years and have started it and shelved it a few times. It's important to me for my own satisfaction more than anything plus that truck that I am trying to replicate meant a lot to me back in my younger days and held lots of memories. I am still open to any suggestions though.

This project is one that I have been following and am in total awe of. Clearly, this is a labor of love and you evidently have some serious time invested here. looking at the real 1:1 roof on your car and the one on the model, it almost looks as if you have some room there to extend and properly shape that rear side window opening to closer resemble the real thing. A small alteration on that window would maybe bring everything else regarding your roof and door challenges more into perspective - or am I wrong? I realize that the plastic roof has more of a slope to the back side of it, but it may be worth considering altering that window on a piece of cardboard with an outline of the kit roof drawn on it and seeing what may work. Just a suggestion. The real car is stunning and looking at what you started with, you have my deepest respect for your commitment and workmanship to say nothing of patience and vision. your car goes to show what can be done if a person just perseveres and hangs in there and keeps on keepin' on. Outstanding!!!

Customs usually are not my thing but the quality of your work so far has me watching this thread to see what you come up with. I like the late 50's cars and any time I see a '57 Ford thread, I check it out. Nice workmanship and I am eager to see updates. I do like the color, by the way and believe that this will turn out very well. We - read that as :the hobby in general", need more people to express interest in cars and trucks of this era to encourage the manufacturers to step out of the box and think past the stuff that they keep reissuing. Keep up the good work..

And yet another heart breaker of a build!!! The choice of colors is very unusual but gorgeous and period correct. Man, isn't that wagon in the above photos sweet!!! You really have to appreciate the upholstery which adds a touch of elegance and class. I had a '59 Plymouth convertible and a hardtop parts car for it and a matching station wagon that I sold back when they were not demanding the prices that they do today and I bought a set of swivel seats from a wrecking yard in Springfield, Oregon for the convertible. Sorry - I wandered off topic - but back to the Chrysler wagon.. someone really needs to consider casting that hardtop wagon in resin.. I'd build it stock, but even I can see the potential there as a custom build... We've really lost something when it comes to car designs, haven't we? These were from a different era and certainly had their own styling whether you love 'em or hate 'em. Personally, I really do so enjoy things from back then.

She's lookin' good there Steve!!! It's really nice to see these old kits being so well done. Looking forward to the next updates.

You are making some serious headway on the Ford and it's good to see. I appreciate the tips on combining the Sky Liner pieces with the annual and the power windows - well, ingenious and a very nice added touch. I appreciate you keeping the stock look for the most part and this will be a very nice display piece that you can be proud of. I'm looking forward to more updates.. Thanks for sharing.

That is an awesome, clean and VERY realistic build!!!! I have to admire the patience and love that goes into a project of this caliber.. Your build is outstanding and inspiring! Thank you for sharing.

I can testify to Dan's product - it's top notch and the service well above par...

Just wondering if anyone can suggest a software program for making up decals for 1/24 and 1/25 scale trucks? I'm not that great with computers so I need something fairly simple to make lettering for doors and van bodies. One feature that is especially important and desired is being able to print a company name not just in a straight horizontal line, but to place them in a curved, arch-like configuration as on the truck in the picture. Also, is it possible to mix different styles of fonts from different sites to form one word or a name? Any suggestions are welcomed. Thanks for reading.. I have been doing some reading and have learned some important things but I'd welcome suggestions for a program that makes working with different fonts fairly simple. It seems difficult to find someone who does this sort of work on a small scale ( quantity wise ) so I'll have to try it myself, I guess. Any suggestions are welcome.

I have also bought some of his products and the subject matter that he offers is usually pretty unique. I was, for the most part, happy with my purchases and Curt seems like a reasonable person and treated me well. I have a big late 50's Chev cab and his '57 Meteor four door hardtop. The Meteor is really an off the wall subject being not just a four door hardtop, but also a Canadian only built version of a Ford and I was only too happy to get it. Personally, I'd buy from him again and almost certainly will.

Thanks Kris. I appreciate the information and will pass it along to my neighbor.