Modlbldr

I was having a crappy day! So I sat down to start a new project working on a 77 GMC but got sidetracked cleaning up the mold lines and body lines on this 63 Starfire. Got this from a local friend for $15 missing the tires and wheels. The C-pillar trim has nasty mold lines around them. On the driver's side the lines are indented and on the passenger side they are proud. Makes for some delicate work. Still have a bit on the passenger side. I also worked on the lines that are proud on around the nose when they should not be. They should represent a separation between the fender and headlight surround. I nice hour of work spent on these two issues. Hope you all are having a good day. Later-

Getting a look at what it's starting to look like. Later-

Seems to be a thing with me. I did manage to get the dash panel made and installed. Changed my plan with the floor. I found one from a 29 that had the ribs underneath. Going with that now. Progress is slow because they are actually expecting me to do work while at work. Later-

Yes, the spider caps were placed just to get a visual of what they would look like. I have since removed the lugs and nuts so they won't be there. Unfortunately, these spider caps are a hair small and don't quite reach as far as the bolt pattern was. But since I have repainted the wheels you probably won't be able to tell. I spent some time.today making a floor for the cab out of a piece I found in my parts box. Had to go back and modify the firewall a bit. I may have gotten ahead of myself by painting the body already. Oh well. Later-

Thanks Sam. Got some flat light blue grey for the bed cover and parts of the interior. Later-

I got the front suspension changed out and looking better. Wheels and body getting the first few coats of Silver blue metallic. Later-

These are the paints on the ends. Later-

Been working on this today. Made some changes in the front suspension. Trying to figure out a color for the body. The chassis and such will be Wimbledon White but I am hung up on a color for the body and wheels. Here are my options. What do you think? I am leaning towards the second one from the left ( Testors Silver Blue Metallic) or the last one (Testors Lime Gold metal flake). Later-

Roger and David, Thanks for your comments and suggestions. I can't wait to get back to work tomorrow to make some changes on this build. Later-

Beautiful build Scott. I really like the correct choice of color for the fender flares and grill. Ive been taking notes on how you built yours. Mine should be showing up tomorrow. I need to order my wheels from SU. Later-

Wow Roger! That really turned out great. I like that you removed the markers and trim also. I think I'll send the rest of them to you and have you build them for me. Lol Later-

That is stunning! Looks so real. Your friend does amazing work. Later-

Funny that you mention this. That was actually my first thought when I started the front suspension. I thought having the spring mount attached to the brass spreader bar would be a little dicey in 1:1 but went with it. I think I might go back to that idea though. Makes more sense to me, structurally speaking. Later-

Got this forlorn little kit delivered off of eBay yesterday. Complete and slightly started but only cost me $16 delivered. Looking to get some other resin VW wheels for it. Nice little kit. Later-

Not a bad idea Sam but I may not have to if I remove just the step down portion of the cross member. Should give enough room for everything. Later-

Like this... Again, any comments or suggestions? Later-

So, here is the engine I am planning on using- Parts Pack Pontiac. I need a tranny tailpiece though. I am going to make my cut at the Xacto blade and attach the tail. That should make it short enough to fit. Second pic is the cross member. I am looking to remove a portion of it or all of it. If I remove all of it, my plan is to make a new one farther back, say, under the tranny. I'm sure in 1:1 it would need one as the spreader bar at the front would not be enough. Any thoughts? Photos of similar set ups or the right way to do it? Later-

I'm having a bear of a time coming up with an engine for this thing that is short enough to fit between the front frame cross member and the driveshaft. I want something that, I feel, is not the norm. I found the Pontiac 421 from the Parts Pack and I am going to splice on a tranny tailpiece from the parts box. I have to admit that the engines are the area that I have no experience in. I usually focus on the bodywork on builds and not on the running gear. I am going to post some photos of what I have in mind and I am looking for any advice as to whether it would work in 1:1. Would it be reasonable and feasible to remove the crossmember and replace it with something thinner? If I could do that, I could go with a couple other engine options. Later-

So, it has traveled more than any of us lately! Good to know who made it. I'm glad I have it now. I look forward to seeing what I can do with it. I was thinking of trying to build it a bit more close to stock, at least with the suspension. Would a LR Express frame or a LR wagon frame be more appropriate? Later-

Scott, That looks sooo nice! Great colors for this. The gunmetal accents are a nice touch. Definitely one to be proud of. I have thought about getting one of these for a long time but never did. Your build has convinced me. I bought a partial kit off of eBay last night for $16 shipped. It is only missing the tires and wheels. I have a set of the tires and wheels already that I got in a trade last year. I am.set, although I may need to get a set of those SU tires. Those look nice! I'm thinking Tamiya Mica Red for mine. Later-

Oh, I like that! Got to find one now. Later-

It is a resin 60's Dodge. I'd like to find some info as to a maker, if anyone knows. Also, got the Dino 246 blown apart this morning to put in the purple pond. It came apart fairly easily and I managed not to break or lose any pieces. I see that it has a poorly repaired windshield frame. Later-

So, got the body and suspension lowered. Still not as low as I wanted but not going to mess with it any more. I now have to find an engine for this thing and figure out a color for it. Later-

That is a beautiful car and I love the color! Very nice work on it. Later-

Got home to find this waiting for me. It's been semi-poorly started but it looks complete at first glance. Got it for $17 shipped from Ebay, so I don't feel bad about it. I'll see how well it cleans up tomorrow. Later-