VW Dave

Those are only nominally larger dimensionally than a Type 1(Beetle/Ghia etc) motor, they're just larger displacement - from 1.8 to 2.0 liters from the factory. The 'pancake' cooling fan arrangement made them appear much larger, and an upright cooling system swap is all that is required to put one in a Beetle.

If the motor you're replicating is based on a stock VW case with larger 'slugs and jugs,' you can go from a stock motor for the measurements. The bore has no bearing on the outside dimensions, unless you're dealing with one of the completely aftermarket motors by the likes of Pauter. Here's a newly-shipped 2.3 liter VW Type 1-based long block(image borrowed from TheSamba.com): Here's one of Pauter's "big block" super pro long blocks, which is available up to 3.5 liters(215ci):

....and what was the interesting comment your brother-in-law made?

IMO good reference material is the best place to start. Check out Ebay auctions, image searching with Google, or actual print books(from places like motorbooks.com) are my favorites.

I rarely prime, unless there's a potential coverage problem or I've got mismatched colors(either in parts or if heavy body mods were done). As far as what primer to use, I always say use what's compatible with the paint you're using on top of it.

Davin - I'm a big fan of those mid-60's Mopars, and I like what you're doing with yours for sure. I'm also calling you a bad influence, as you've made me dig out the same model(also in black) from my stash and add it to my 'to do' list. I'm hoping you do shorten that hood scoop a tad, as it reminds me too much of Paul Teutul Jr.'s nose :

I like it a bunch, and I'm looking forward to more updates.

Harry - you should let us know how you really feel, stop holding back. I like to say that 'DONK' is the sound of an overstressed GM balljoint breaking.

Cool project!! If it helps, I can get lots of detailed pics of a 1:1 '56 Caribbean that belongs to a local guy(he's also a model builder, so I know he'd be into it). PM me if I can assist.

....and I thought Barrett-Jackson charged too much for Mopars.

We were without power for a day and a half(got it back last night), and lost a few trees & related limbs......I am counting my blessings for sure. Like everybody has already said, Allen: I'm glad you and your family got out safely, and thet rest is just stuff to replace.

I Googled this pic from another board, and the builder said they were Modelhaus paddles: Bruce - I have another option for you: I have an early 80's(maybe earlier)) AMT 'Sand Dragon' dragster that came with paddles on it, and I was going to Ebay it as a built-up; PM me for pics and we can maybe talk trades

After finishing my own T earlier this year, I was reminded how much I like that kit....and yours has me wanting to start another ASAP. I like it!

Use what ever is compatible with the paint you have already used on the model, or just go with the Tamiya TS-13 clear if all you're covering is decals on plastic. Model Master enamel clear is destined to turn amber over the course of a few years, so I'd avoid that. A light, misty inital coat will help revent the decals from 'floating;' beyond that, add as many coats as needed and polish to achieve your required results.

Skip, lighten up a tad...it wasn't meant to bunch your panties up that much. I was just making light of the fact that you called upon only the master painters for paint stripping advice....wouldn't it make more sense to ask the bad painters how to strip paint, as the masters generally don't have to do it? All kidding/jabbing aside, I'd try either CSC or the Power Dissolver idea; follow that up with a mild polish for plastics, like Meguiar's 'Scratch X' or Bare Metal's plastic polish.

I think I know it...PM sent

Kinda hard to tell by the über-blurry pics, but I'm guessing AMT Dodge Stealth R/T. If the engine looks anything like this one, I'd say that's it:

If memory serves correctly, didn't Gunze-Sangyo(now 'Mr. Hobby') do a 1/24 London taxi a number of years back?

Very clean & accurate build indeed, and now I'm jonesing more than ever for a Hemi Dart kit

Took the words right outta my mouse. I like it a bunch overall, and IMO the color choice is a home run

In all my years on the roads of NY I never thought I'd say it, but that's a great looking trooper car! I have forwarded this thread to a buddy who is a trooper in Troop F(Ulster County), as I know he'll dig it.

I really like it, from the color(NOT the typical B5 blue), to the capless steelies and redlines.....that's a machine that means business. I wish somebody told the owner of this one it isn't 'realistic' enough...I bet he feels foolish now. Now I remember why I trade all my Mopar models away, rather than build and post pics of them.

I was going to offer advice, but I'm no 'master painter;' just a talentless hack

It's entirely possible...In the name of safety and coolness, my friend Brian gave his oval Beetle a suspension & wheel/tire upgrade after he bought it as a 'barn fresh' car: And I drew heavily upon that car for inspiration when I did my '56:

Very nice weathering on the truck, and the dio is very well thought out. Me likey!