impcon

Looks good!! Your efforts mirror thoughts that I had a few years ago about converting this car to a stock version but I decided that it was a project well past mymodelling skills. I never understood why when they tooled up such a rare body style, they didn't do it in a way that would have made a stock build possible, but as we know, the powers that be chose to produce what they did. I think that I have a resin stock '60 sedan delivery body stuffed in a box somewhere and I know that I have a resin '59 sedan delivery. I'm interested to see what you do with this kit but it is a huge project IMHO unless you stick with the body as it comes out of the box. A stock build of this would make an awesome Fire Chief's car, police K9 unit or coroner's rig. Keep up the good work..

Thank you for the help - I really appreciate your taking the time to post this information. but maybe the "auto save" feature could be expanded to include just regular posts? This is only a heartfelt suggestion. I do apprciate having this site regardless of whether I seem to be just complaining.

Just wondering who else out there would really appreciate an automatic "save" feature on emails or messages that are being typed where at a preset interval of every few seconds, what ever is being typed into a message or a post would be automatically saved as a form of back up in case of a power outage or as what has happened to me here tonight. I was in the midst of composing an important email to someone when I had to leave for a few hours. I just came home to find that my computer lost the web page - perhaps some reboot because of an update (???? ) but the browser window that contained my email and everything that I had typed is now gone. I have had this happen not just with emails or messages but also with posts if the MCM site is accidentally closed before the writings are uploaded. This is incredibly frustrating!!!. I have been on other much smaller and less frequented sites where the typed text is saved like a sort of draft until it is properly submitted to the appropriate thread. To the powers that be, this feature would likely be welcomed and if other websites that are smaller than this one have it, do you not think that it may be something that would be appreciated and made use of? If I seem a bit ticked off, it is because I am because what I had typed before I was called away took me a lot more than a couple of minutes to type out - only to lose it. I know that it would be best to type a post or email out in Word pad but the technology is out there to rectify this problem. Administrators - PLEASE give this some serious consideration. And anyone else who agrees, please chime in here and make this need more apparent.. I appreciate the site and I appreciate the fact that it did not just materialize out of thin air and it took time and money to construct it and it takes time and money to keep it going. But please... this is a hear felt plea.. In the infamous words of Captain Jean Luc Picard, "Make it so" but with a sincere "please!!!" added on to the phrase...

Agreed! Change will come only when the manufacturers begin to grasp the fact that the consumer willl not settle for "That's good enough". They can produce a better product but if they can pass something flawed off without being made to acknowledge their errors, then why fix it? It doesn't cost any more to mold some accurately right atthe start than it does to do a slip shod job.

Now THAT is so cool!!!! If you added a couple of wagons ( resin conversions? ) and stock roof Rancheros - maybe a convertible or two, you could indeed pass that scene off as a Ford dealership circa 1957. Nice collection.. very nice!

Evil Benny and I just completed a trade - I'd highly reccomend dealing with Ben as thngs went absolutely perfect and I am totally, 110% pleased. Thank you Ben - it has been a pleasure and we'll do more trading in the future. Gary

I'd ost certainly, at the very least, leave the blue coupe alone but I'd likely leave the others too. The old Ford looks like it was built by the same person that built my 58!!! The El Camino looks like it is right out of an early 60's custom and drag magazine!!!!

I've finally dug into an old travel trailer that was gutted and had shelves installed and the back of the trailer was modified to accommodate a pair of doors. What is in that trailer has been in there for close to twenty years and it was a trade with another board member that sparked me to try to find what he wants and I know that I have - but I never made it through a quarter of what is inside the trailer. I found models that I am pretty sure I have never seen before in my life.. and I discovered that while I knew that I had some built ups, I actually have a lot more than I thought. It was sorta like Christmas morning going through those boxes and I've barely started. My point in sharing this is not to brag or seem boastful, but rather to say that while I have not barely looked though the boxes of built ups that I moved from the trailer into my shop this morning, I can honestly say that I did not see anything that held the charm and - well - radiated the love and effort that only a young boy could put into a model. From what I saw today, most of the built ups will probably be cleaned up and displayed as they are but I know that I have some that will be stripped and redone as I want them should I ever live long enough to do them. Some were clearly adult built although poorly done and some are in need of repairs and parts like windshield frames and such. I have a built '88 Dodge Polara convertible that is gooped with paint but the windshield frame is broken. So, I bought what the car needed to be a nice model from Modelhaus and it will get the treatment that it deserves. I have a 59 Lincoln that is the same - rebuilt and a mess, but it's just that - a mess. That old 58 Chevy somehow rises head and shoulders above the rest and I was thinking after starting this thread - "Just how awesome would it be if whoever built that car was on this board and saw his old model???" It is, after all, a small world. I guess that I can no more identify with those who would chop something like that up for parts or strip it and redo it than they can understand why I feel as I do. No, a difference of opinion does not make anyone a bad person - it just means that we see things differently and we have different priorities, believes, likes and dislikes in some areas. The world would be a pretty dull place if we all thought alike. As I believe I said, for myself, there is far more enjoyment and satisfaction in saving an old model and rebuilding it than there is in building something right out of the box. Something old is a link to our past and I remember a grade school teacher saying to his class that "he who has no interest in his past, has no interest in the future". Now don't go taking that wrong and think that I am implying or suggesting anything about anyone. But to me, the past is very important and needs to be preserved as much as possible and not simply discarded and forgotten as seems to be the trend with so many these days. Something as intimate and personal as that old model really does reflect a time gone by and can be used as a benchmark for how things have changed. This is all just my opinion....

This is kind of a shot in the dark, but I am wondering if annyone out there has a distressed '64 Mercury die cast - 1/18 scale - that they may have a rear bumper that they can spare. I bought a gorgeous convertible off Ebay and the rear bumper was broken during shipment and the car is much to nice to just discard it. I may have something that you need to trade.. Or does anyone know of anyone who sells parts for bigger die casts??? Any help will be appreciated.

Most definitely a beautiful build of my all time, absulute, favorite truck!!! The colors do the truck justice and your time and effort is obvious as the quality of the build is outstanding!!!AAAA++++

For what it is worth, I do not see Trumpeter as being any worse than big time kit manufacturers when it comes to accuracy on a model although I agree that their products are really somewhat over priced. An AMT kit retails for $28.00 here at a local hobby shop and a Moebius kit, sells for $38.00. Trumpeter kits are even more which is why I refuse to buy them, given the issues that they seem to have.... Based on what I have seen and heard about Moebius products and the steps that they have gone through before casting some of their truck and car kits, I would respectfully suggest that they are the standard by which all should be judged. I've seen some pretty sad attempts at producing a model from AMT, Revell and Monogram - and all are issues that in this day and age with the computer assisted capabilities - one has to wonder why, for instance, the '58 Plymouth was ever marketed given the major flaw in the body lines. Trim levels are screwed up as is badging and even items like bumpers and grilles - the original AMT '66 442 for example. Anyone who could be bothered to do any research would have picked up on the difference between the Cutlass and the 442 air intake system. Maybe they need to hire people to do their research that actually love and know something about cars as opposed to who is doing at least some of the R&D. Now there's a job that I'd give my left... uh - baby finger, to have! Having said that, I for one, am grateful that we have the kits available to us that we do have. Having the privilege of saying no and not buying a model kit because there is something that you do not like is still better than not having any options open to us at all. But that doesn't excuse the refusal by manufacturers to correct obvious, glaring issues with a kit. Another point to be made is that some of the models released back in the sixties such as the old AMT '57 Ford hardtop and the '59 El Camino and even the old Trophy Series '34 Ford pick up were better representations of their respective subject matter IMHO, than some of the stuff released in the last few years. Even some of the Johan kits that came from what was really a sort of a small time operation were superior in many ways to some current releases. With the ability to scan and 3D print things that are accurate to within ridiculously small parameters, it would only seem to be reasonable to expect the models and in particular, more delicate and fine things such as grilles and scripts to be accurate and not look like an after thought. And lastly, I am inclined to agree with the train of thought that would suggest that were things manufactured here where there is a more of a sense of pride in what is produced, we'd likely have to pay a bit more for the product, but at least we would be supporting North American workers and the quality would be better than it is. I do not blame the workers over there nearly as much as management here and over there. However, on the other hand, we have a responsibility to let management know that unless they pull up their socks and start producing a better product, they will have to sell what they produce in China because we wont accept it here. Then let's see how good sales are... There is, in my ever top be humble opinion, no excuse aside from simple greed at the upper levels, that the kit manufacturers in general can't fix some of the issues with older but popular castings and give us a better product for our money as opposed to just grinding out the same things from half worn out dies without changing anything except for the box art. They add a few trinkets from some older releases and make a big deal of it. Why not just improve on what they are already making?? As long as we keep buying without expressing discontent and paying the executive's bonus packages with ever increasing kit prices, they will keep shelling out what is often a second rate reproduction. I know that it costs money to do all that is needed to create a new release kit, but if you are going to do it, then for goodness' sake, do it right and do your best. Just my humble opinion..

You certainly created an outstanding, clean and beautiful replica of one of Fords best attempts. I've owned a '66 GTA and I painted a 1"1 '66 Xl for a friend a few years ago. I REALLT like these cars in white and yours is a beauty! I plan on doing a replica of a 1:1 66 XL that I painted for a friend many years ago now. I really do like the Fairlanes and if what I build looks half as good as yours does, I'll be happy. Sometimes, a model can be just as nice without all of the added on detail and yours proves that. I'd give yours a AAA++++

WOW!!!!! Super sharp and the color is perfect!!!!! What a gorgeous build.. That is a forgotten but truly classic marque and you sure did it right!!! If I was grading your build for clean and unique.. it would be an A++++++!!

Thank you for responding. Sometimes it feels pretty lonely in here. Yeah, it appears that no one wants the job. Oh well.. Maybe I'll have to take your advice. this truckis something that has been in the back of my mind for years and I would really like to do two versions - one as it was when a company truck and another as it was when my dad owned it.

Sorry Charlie - I must have had another senior's moment..*sighs*

Hi Charlie, NICE PROJECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW! I had a 1:1 convertible with a hardtop parts car and a complete and running wagon a number of years ago. I sold them in a moment of wekness and near as I know, the guy that bought them just let them all sit and never did anything with any of them. The three cars were all very restorable and pretty solid given the rust issues that so many Mopars had back then. The hardtop was powder blue with a white rook and it was such a pretty car - swivel seats and all. I amnot meaning to condemn, but shouldn;t the dashboard be the darker blue - or at least the dash pad? I recall mine having at least a darker colored dash pad and these photos seem top verify that to some degree..http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z1947/Plymouth-Sport-Fury.aspx That will be a striking odel when done - you really have a way with those fifties cars. Like yours truly, they were such a part of youth and the love for them will never die or fade. Again, please forgiveme if I seemed to be critical.. some more color would really bring that dash to life though - IMHO anyways.

Just wondering how other guys tend to look at and regard an old glue bomb or built up when they open the mail and find themselves holding what really is an extension of some other unknown person's life and dreams? Do you ever look at the model and see a sort of quaint charm in the efforts of some youngster from years gone by - someone who you will never know and who may or may not even still be alive? Let me put this into perspective as to how I sometimes feel when I get some gooped up old relic whose survival, given it's general appearance, is simply the luck of the draw when you consider how many really nice build ups of all ages go to the landfills every day. Many people have little or no concept of the importance or value of these little plastic cars and trucks and simply toss them into the garbage. I love old things and especially old model's. Below are some photos of an SMP '58 Impala convertible that I bought with the express idea of tearing it apart, stripping it and trying to make something of it. The model really is a better candidate for restoration than the photos would seem to indicate as most of the "stuff" is glued onto the paint, and not the plastic body itself. When I received this car in the mail a number of years ago, it struck me in an odd way that here was something created by some youngster half a century ago and what I was holding and seeing was what to his young mind was as close to his perception of the ultimate Chevy convertible as he could build. I could imagine him carefully selecting which model he wanted from the store shelf and then choosing a bottle ( or in this case - maybe two *smiles* ) of that Testor's blue ( which really is almost my least favorite blue ) at the store and thinking, :Yeah - that's the color!" and then scurrying home on his bicycle with the box in the wire carrier basket on the front of his bike. I can imagine him opening the box and dumping all of the fresh light blue plastic and the gleaming chrome out before him and see that happy smile on his face. How carefully he painted and assembled and then how proud he must have felt as he gazed upon his newest model car. The decals were carefully and lovingly applied and oh yes - those cool cruiser skirts really would look so much better in silver! So I ask myself exactly what inspired this unknown youngster to build this car in the style that he did - was it because some cool "big guy" from down the street drove a blue '58 Impala and it really caught that boy's heart? Or did he see a customized car like this at a car show or in a magazine? These are questions to which I will never know the answer and while they seem to be trivial questions in themselves, they none the less exist and I can only imagine why he built it like he did. What a "bitchin' ride" that little car must have represented to him and it took it's place alongside others on a dresser or a shelf until one day, that young boy grew up and didn't want to look at or play with model cars any more. So along with the rest of the young man's "collection", it was put into a box and stored and forgottten about for many, many years. Eventually, someone discovered it, saw some hope for it and it was offered for sale on Ebay where a new home was sought for it. I have bought a lot of old built ups and never had any issues redoing them but there is something about this little car that begs to be left just as it is - and so it shall be. I love old stuff and as I just shared with someone else, I derive a lot of pleasure and satisfaction out of taking something that no one really cares about - be it a 1:1 old car or a toy - and preserving it and giving it another chance in life. So what I am wondering is this - does anyone else ever have these thoughts or ideas - or am I just kinda strange? No! Don't answer that last question - not out loud anyways.. Sometimes, I believe that there are things that should just be left alone and as they are. Once I leave this old planet and someone else acquires this little convertible, they can do with it as they wish but frankly, I hope that they allow it to remain as a link to the past that is really very personal and reflects some one from another generation's perspective.

I have several of these - a couple of built ups and one or two new ones. Having a 1:1 '59 Ford Fairlane 500 hardtop kinds makes any '59 Ford model a must have. Not to steal anyone's thunder, but if you want a '59 Ford 2 door sedan, Tom Coolidge ( Promolite Models ) sells a resin kit that'll take your breath away! It is without a doubt, the nicest and best detailed kit that I have ever seen for the money. I could not believe the fine detail - I do not think that he missed a thing! It's not the cheapest kit out there you get what you pay for and in this case, you get even more. If you really want quality and lots of extra goodies that came to me as a total surprise, ( police radio, siren, even a police dog!! and more )the model is well worth every cent and more. I was a local hobby shop recently and Moebius kits are over $40.00 after taxes and I'd put Tom's products up against any other manufacturer any day. I do not know why Tom's name doesn't appear more often on these boards because he is on par as a businessman and a person with the very best that are ot there and definitly head and shoulders above the average..

This thread shows a man of patience, perseverance and a true love of old cars because only love would enable a person to have the patience and determination to keep the little car as near original as possible. Charlie, you and I seem to think alike except you have more patience than I do. I started to rebuild a glue bomb Camaro to replicate my son's '81 Berlinetta and the freezer trick really worked for me but it took multiple visits of the body into the freezer to get the parts loose - especially the glass. The Camaro was to have been a Christmas gift for him two Christmas's ago - I really need to get back on that one. I admire your determination to save the original chassis and parts as I'd be doing the same thing. I know that for removing decals off of die casts, lighter fluid and some Q Tips are the way to go. I kind of think that lighter fluid may be harmful to styrene but maybe it may work for other applications. I'm pretty partial to glue bombs because I love 1:1 old cars and it's the same sort of thing. It is much more satisfying to me personally, to save an old model and rebuild it than it is to build one right out of the box. I've revived a few 1:1 equivalents of your Buick and yeah - it's a pretty special feeling of accomplishment once you have waded through the quagmire of challenges, broken and missing pieces and the grunge. Lookin' good - keep up the good work,

Ah yes.. the old greed factor kicking in yet again. ******* lawyers...

http://www.the-coatings-expert.com/painting/aluminum.html

I was unaware of the hood being different between the Chevy and the GMC. One would think that with 3D printing, conjuring the odd stuff and conversion kits up would be somewhat easier. I don't know that much about the process but after seeing the '30's race car made with the 3D process, you'd think that the smaller scales would be easier. Once the car has been scanned and the information is on a computer, making new masters for resin molds would theoretically be quicker and more cost efficient. But again, I do not know that much about the process.

Both models are very nicely done but the wagon sorta overshadows the McLaren big time! It's always noce to see a wagon as they are without a doubt, much underappreciated. We need more wagons to be available in the hobby, that;s for certain!.

That is correct regarding the engine style. The 235 style engine that was used on the pre-63 GM cars and trucks was very much different in appearance to the '63 and up 250 and 292 six cylinders. I seem to recall some resin caster(s??) who offered the proper style engine for your van. The older 230/250 and truck 261 engines looked more bulky and heavy duty than the 230/250 and truck 292 engines. Didn't some Chevelle wagons come with the newer six cylinder as well???? They did put V8s in that style of van but I am not sure what year they starrted to do so. A friend of mine had one - I believe that it was a 1968 model, and it had a small block and an automatic transmission. Man, would that thing smoke the tires!!! A first generation Econoline would be a cool kit as will the Chevy that you are wanting to cast. There were lots of both style of van around and many were used by contractors - electrical contractors especially in this area. I think that in some areas, they were also used as ambulances as well. Your ideas offer tons of possibilities for projects.. I hope that you follow through.

I think that there is a real need for some of the more obscure stuff like a 1954 conversion ot a complete cab. There is also a real lack of Chevrolet to GMC conversion stuff that would probably sell fairly well if it was available. I have to wonder how many guys look for and would buy- say a 60's GMC grille and dash board and so they can't find it, and quietly settle for what is available - a Chevrolet. Perhaps GMC scripts, hub caps and emblems could be added to the Chevy truck photo etch stuff??Just my opinion...