Mr. Metallic

Even way back then you were so good at sourcing just the right parts. I figured you would just use one of your two ? current billet projects to join this build-off. I hope starting another doesn't take you away from finishing those sweet 29's

I agree. That firewall and floor are pretty incredible pieces, especially for 30 years ago. And the polish job on that gas tank will blind a guy. You really need to get this thing done.

I could be wrong, but to my knowledge these are not offered by ModelhausTires.com, even though the Modelhaus did do the tires for Galaxie Ltd when they issued the Long John. Which is a shame because they are really nice. They appear to be mastered off the old Monogram tall slick offered in their early kits like the 6n1 30 phaeton and the like, but with the sperate whitewall. The tolerance on the interface between the tire and whitewall is so tight they appear to be molded as one piece, but in reality snap together and are VERY hard to pry apart.

Just to let you know Dennis, the Bodacious Billet Build-off has been started. It's buried down in the community build area where nobody goes. (mods moved it. I get why, but I'm going to have to figure out ways to draw attention to it in the more well travelled areas of the board)

Thanks Eric for getting the ball rolling. Hopefully that will draw some interest all the way down here in the bowels of the forum where few fear to tread ? (mods moved the topic)

Some of us have been inspired by recent activity around the boards of builds based on styling trends from the 1980's. I figured it would be a fun way to get the juices flowing and focus on a retro style that isn't seen around here very often. Your build can be based on any kit or resin you like. And I'm sure once the ball gets rolling that the specific trends from that era will surface. And it doesn't have to feature billet, the name just rolls off the tongue. So, have at it fellows. I may take awhile before I actually jump in the pool myself, but feel free to get started and post away. Lets have the deadline be Nov 1st, 2021, but it can be an open ended thing as well. But I'll start the official finished Build-off thread on that date.

Dang, that replica of Alexander Bros Limelighter 60 Pontiac is pretty nice for the time it was built. Cool stuff

That sounds like a great idea. Maybe open it up to more than just 29 A pickups? The 80's Retro Billet Build-off? I'm intrigued.

I keep bouncing around in my head whether to do a faux-vivor from the late 80's of stuff that was only available back then and what I would have done at the time, but finished to my current skill level. Or doing a full detail build throwing the full gamut of parts and techniques currently available. They may sound the same to everyone else, but to me they are quite different things, and I just don't know what to do. The faux-vivor should be a relatively quick build, so I may lean that way.

Anyone remember who made this body? I've been after one for years. Morgan Automotive Detail (or one of the other Detroit guys) made a chopped wagon body, but it was based on the woody kit. This is all steel. Tom Kren did a beautiful build with that body way back when, and now seeing Gerry's beautiful build it has reinvigorated my search.

Thanks for taking the time to do this. I think a lot of the differences in the rear roofline and lower window contours has to do with the slightly different angles that both photos were taken. even 1-2 degrees will make a difference. Notice how all the upper surfaces of the blue car are higher than the red model. Or I could be off my rocker. I'm still buying one

Can't wait for vindication on this if this kit is truly made up of a few "parts packs" like it sounds. I've been saying since Atlantis bought the R/M molds that weren't in China, that the parts pack tools were probably in the purchase. And that releasing them as kits instead of separate packs was the better idea with regards to potential sales. I guess we'll wait and see when more details arise.

Purposeful alterations to the basic kit, well executed.

Thanks for sharing the side by side. This is close enough for me, I'll be purchasing the new kit for sure

That wheel/tire combo is excellent, especially the fronts. And you nailed the stance. Great looking hot rod you have there

Dang it Dennis, you're killing me. In the back of my mind I've been toying with the idea of doing a billet-ed out 80's/early 90's street rod for awhile now. Like you, that time period was when I was just getting into the hobby and it was all the rage. This build may just push me over the edge into actually doing it. I've already started gathering parts in my head, and I may just have to pull together a mock up over the weekend. But almost certainly I'll be using those wheels from the first issue 37 Ford. That kit was huge for me in my formative model building years, and even now I still think they're a great looking wheel. Which is why I'm glad you decided to switch to them for this project. As an ode to the man that provided so much inspiration to us over the years. Yer killin me.

Never the one at the back of the stack either, because that's where news stand readers try to stash their evidence ?

I dig the rear tires. May I suggest a slightly deeper offset wheel for the rears if you have any available.

Jimmy Flintstone offers the panel truck body.

Exactly my point. And the fact that people will continue to miss that point or deflect it into a different meaning is why I knew while I was typing it that it was a pointless endeavor. But I posted it anyway because I am just expressing MY opinion too.

So, after all of this, what is the actual point of a thread like this? I don't like this thing, who else doesn't like this thing? How does a thread like this enrich the community? Sure, it sparks debate (obviously). But all it really does is ... 1-reinforce the opinions of people who agree with the opinion 2- identify those who are opposed to said opinion and most importantly, though usually not the intent of the person who starts a thread like this... 3- alienates people who happen to not agree with said opinion. It's not about everyone liking the same thing or that nobody can have a difference of opinion. What it is about is developing an air of exclusivity on what is supposed to be a general interest automotive model forum. If it is a niche forum or board where it's clearly defined that only certain types of models are discussed, then sure, exclude away. Because those parameters are set. But for a general interest board for a hobby that is struggling on it's own to be inclusive of younger/new members to completely dismiss what many of them are into is just shooting ourselves in the foot. How do you think a lurker, or incoming person would feel if they can see that what they are interested in is looked down upon. Even if it is by a vocal minority, someone coming in doesn't see that. All they see is the negativity. Opinions, everyone has one, and is entitled to one. But I just fail to see the purpose of a thread like this. And jamesG, this is not directed at you. it's just my take on this type of thread as a whole that has been present since message boards and forums became a thing 20+ years ago. +flame suit on+

It's hard to tell because of the weird angle of the pic, but do you think the body could have been moved back on the frame to create more room for the engine? Thereby exposing more of the rear wheel opening? I know that's not really a typical mod, but i thought I'd throw it out there.

It all depends on what type of paint(s) are on your stand. Super Clean won't do anything to most lacquers. I would do what gotnitro suggested, since you're not stripping paint off part and just rub down your paint stand with lacquer thinner until it's cleaned up to where you want it.

896- Cobra Chopper Trike 897 - Torque Custom Trike The final 2 choppers to complete the 6 chopper series? These should be the two that haven't been seen since the original issue, right? I'm guessing the Torque Custom Trike is the former Black Max? If it is I wonder why they couldn't use the Black Max name. I'm sure it's a copyright issue. And the Cobra Chopper trike is obviously this one

Look up Speed and Kulture. They bought out all the backissues of the old mag, so you can fill in any holes in your collection.