Lunajammer

Those are all valid points and I appreciate them. Per above, the trunk lid will be re-scored along the mold separation line which will not only clear the bumpers but lighten the lid. The rear window has already been rounded some, the pic was taken while glue was setting. @you and Mike 51, I'd seen what you see and sent the parts back to the box, but I wanted something dramatic for the otherwise flat headlights but didn't want to just french them. I've gone back to the hideous pointy buckets. I think I can work out something acceptable. All you guys, thanks for the honest comments and insights. Keep it up.

In that case, they're locked in.

Like a Grateful Dead concert, bootleggers welcome.

Oh, I forgot... I want to try something like this...

Changing up the C-pillar to take out the forward jag that's always bugged me. I've also rebuilt the rear bumper from an upside down Corvette piece. It not only adds a little more interest but reduces the visual weight of the stock slab bumper.

I've never cared for the notchback c-pillar in the mid 50's so I'm changing that. I'm not specifically trying to make it a Chevy 210, but it can't help remind you of one. To lighten the front and rear ends, I've cut up a Corvette bumper, flipped it over and widened it at the middle. Gives it a little more grace than the stock slab bumpers. The front may have separate, unjoined, similar pieces, I'm still fiddling with those. The trunk will be re-scored pretty much where you can almost see the mold seam line.

That's a nice look and good work. Pleasantly unique.

Most certainly. NNL North is in a few weeks, I'm starting there. If no joy, then I'll go begging.

I was considering the lateral section AND shortening the trunk, I think it would look more proportional, but I also know that's about the tipping point of how much I want to do here and I'd end up losing interest and... and... zzzzzzzz.

This is my entry into the Cannonball CBP down below, but as a matter of a searchable record I want this presented here in a separate, comprehensive thread. Like many Monogram models of that era ('69 Camaro, '57 Nomad), the 53 is so disproportionate it welcomes body mods. The trunk is too long and I considered sectioning that but, nah. A scale 6-inches ready to be cut laterally throughout the car, which includes the interior bucket and engine compartment. Quarter inch tape demarcates well. Just enough room in the back to get away with it. I wanted to do this on a relatively low parts count kit. Fewer parts to cut and fewer headaches over fiddly stuff. The rounded rear fender will be the achilles heal. I'm also not going to try and preserve any side trim. There are one or two places that make sectioning intuitive, like in the interior bucket. The cut will be easy to hide. The deep draw of the lower engine bay also is forgiving of taking out a quarter inch.

...And it's getting sectioned. Haunting memory of Jantrix saying months ago, "...you'll have your work cut out for you." That's why I like doing this kind of thing on a (relatively) low parts count kit. Fewer parts to cut and fewer headaches over fiddly stuff. The rounded rear fender will be the achilles heal. I'm also not going to try and preserve any side trim.

After months of consideration, I'm in. I went back and forth over if and what I should build and almost went with a 61 Dodge Phoenix on a Dodge 330 chassis, but I kept coming back to this. Winter dragged on which gave me time to research, consider and start into a new project. It will be a 53 Chevy custom, stock inline 6 which, of course, MUST have the split manifold. I'm parts hunting for a modern tri-carb set up to mount onto the existing intake and keep tucked under the hood without any scoops.

Absolutely. I remember putting them on my first car because they were sort of "in." That's what make them so dated. When I built this one I tried for the most early 80's colors I could use.

Fantastic photos Howard. Thanks for the time and effort of sharing them.

Yeah, I'm definitely guilty of keeping quiet rather than ruffling feathers. It's the path of least resistance. It's so much different face to face where there's room for an engaging discussion, especially since we're mostly talking about young and/or novice builders. Online, it's a little more delicate.

Nobody likes criticism. Most people want a little reward for their efforts. Yet, it's those critiques that clang around in your head and dog you when you know they're right. On the next project, when you reach that same weak step, that criticism arises like a zombie and makes you think people are watching over your shoulder, even if you never present your project publicly.

Yes, but today they're "whiteprints," not the light sensitive blueprints. My dad was an architect, and I grew up with blueprints. My brothers and I loved drawing so we were always hitting up for more blueprints for drawing paper. The slightest change in an architectural drawing meant blueprints were continuously being updated, with old ones getting trashed. That's a lot of big drawing pads. I still have one true blue blueprints with blue base and white drawings.

I sure like what I'm seeing here guys. Super clean Rob.

Two words: Box Art. The price, the parts count and especially the box art is what got me to buy them in grade school. The crushing disappointment with fit and look is why I quit after two models (I'd given them a second chance you understand).

I dig it.

Very nicely crafted. I like everything about it.

Vacant news for Ed Sexton, I'm afraid. One would hope when the dust settles, the new owners will recognize his expertise and invite him back... if he'll take it. European members of this forum commonly speak about how desirable American automotive subject matter is and how pricey it is to get. Perhaps the German owners have taken note and will be expanding the existing product line to service that demand.

Pat, I'd say you're learning well from the tank guys.

From the Tribune: Former business partner Alan Corbeth said during Bell's 2008 induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame that nobody was better than Bell at understanding "how to create theater of the mind..." Though I wasn't a fan, I loved that quality about him. He would have some real whacked out interviews with kookie people, but you couldn't tell if he was a true believer or playing along. Regardless he had that priceless radio quality to hold your attention, even when you said to yourself, "I can't believe I'm listening to this guy."

Correct. However he does make it clear when all parts have been inventoried and accounted for. It's still pretty clear that open kits may not be complete. I don't see any funny business.