Cato

David, Do you tape the raised sharp edges to not break through the clear when polishing?

You can skim through my current WIP here: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=86520 My big Rolls has use and wear patina throughout the chassis, drivetrain and interior. Many tips for you there.

How about 'mesh' decals in PS Harry?

You need to shoot a real guide coat. On top of a coat of regular primer, MIST a coat of contrasting color primer or flat black. Do not make it a solid spray color - just sprinkle a fine mist you can see through. Then sand in cross pattern. The low spots will show the top primer and be sanded off the flat areas. Re-fill with Bondo, slightly raised above surface and repeat until all flat.

A great review and primer for enthusiasts. I thought that only a highly skilled builder could get these kind of results and I'm right. Built OOB, there are too many landmines; even for the Benz-afflicted like Jordan.

I'm not sure it's accurate to 1:1 but how would you rate this Minicraft kit Harry? Tooling, engineering, material quality? I think what I mean is, are you making up for the kit's shortcomings with pro builder methods?

Yeesh! The history of the automotive world is there. And Roz Russell's chest too.... Thanks for that Skip.

I'm late to this party but thanks for sharing Skip. My build would be hard pressed for detail without your great references. You are Doctor Archive...

Danged if that's not tan on my screen. Forget silver - do 'em tan like your seats. Will look vintage and great.

Nice and nice tan wheels too.

Man this thing is a BMF nightmare! It's everywhere and maybe 1.5mm wide. Just beautiful, tedious work. Don't care what you say Harry, scraping paint, wicking glue and having to hold pieces in place while that's happening is a recipe for disaster for mere mortals. You make it look too easy...........

Tip: Increase the tie rod length so the front wheels point straight ahead.

You are a (much) better man than I....

The valve covers may need reshaping unless your client's not concerned with accuracy: http://www.ebay.com/itm/CUSTOM-BUILT-482CI-427-SOHC-FORD-CAMMER-ENGINE-650HP-PUMP-GAS-STREET-ENGINE-/221511705282?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item33932062c2&vxp=mtr

What was the 'tensest' part - not snapping the thin strips or getting glue smears? And BTW, why not clear enamel or Future as adhesive? How did your fav liquid cement stick to the red paint? I'm sure you didn't scrape or sand gluing areas.........

Tip: We only post our successes here - not our failures.........

Lately, I'm getting my tail kicked regularly my friend. My Mrs is now facing an uncertain and rocky medical road ahead. As her sole caregiver, that means a million daily actions away from the workbench. And mental issues no one wants to deal with. I'm not the complacent retiree any more. I meant that this portion of the build, with fabric and leather, comes to me with great difficulty. I chose it now thinking it will be a relaxing change from the tedious detail and engineering overcome much more easily, earlier. Then the roof fell in and I turn to it for far less time but for a bit of relief from our stressful situation. I still love the Sedanca project and will not abandon it assuming things take a positive turn for my mate. There are masters of this upholstery stuff like you and Harry, but I'm shocked at what a struggle I'm having with it - I think I just stink at it. My hope, as I flounder around looking for a 'look', is that I don't let down the rest of the car. I do appreciate your encouragement and taking the time to write and push me on.

Don't worry - Harry may start his big Fiat any time now. That will be a giant tutorial.

Sadly Rick has not continued on the forum. Nearly a year now.

Welcome Greg; need your support and feel free to bash when necessary. Your kind words are very nice but I may still cock this up anyway - I'm a bit over my head just now.

Never fear; I welcome feedback and I'm used to getting yelled at. This is (the interior) truly a work in progress. I'm over my head here and must change things on the fly because I don't see them right away. The mechanical side was cake compared to this for me.

Understood and agreed. Yes I've made it but if I raise the cushion (probable) I'll have to make another.

Great detail shots Skip. It may in fact be a 'courtesy light' to enter the cabin at night - one per side. The front seat notch for the levers is something I'd like to do but doubt my skills for that. Several of Marvin's custom models have that - with spectacular leather work.

I've seen similar on some Bentleys and RR's from the '30's. I think it's a decorative rosette, like on house furniture of that period.

That 'step' is a relief to allow 1/64 ply, covered with skin (made but not shown) to be inset there. This is all balsa, It fills some of the plastic ridges in the original shell. Was going to make a new shell from styrene but still trying to make this work. I've guessed at the side arm rest height by eyeball to the photo. I cannot exactly replicate the photo-I ain't that good. But I'm trying to suggest it as much as possible. I may raise the balsa base a bit so the cushions wind up in the right place. No idea about the covering yet and will cut scrap cloth for best templates. I'm trying for seams and not edges. Trying to avoid piping. I'm making this up as I go and may yet screw it all up.