Lunajammer

...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.

...And the hits just keep on comin.'

I've done light weathering, mostly with chalk pastels and have enjoyed the results... But I have a lot of growing to do with paint weathering... I mean, the real Chuck Most/Dr. Cranky kind.

Full Metal Jacket was his big attention getting role, but his role in Boys In Company C I thought was a much more carefully crafted and honest bit of acting that really made an impression on me. Sad news.

That's a great tutorial Pat. Not sure I understand all of it but I'm sure it will all be made clear with a little noodling. Thanks for showing the products too.

A challenging project. Looks like you figured all the angles and they came together pretty well. Great job.

You are a mad scientist Chuck. Since anything different is good, then this qualifies as awesome.

Nice work Tulio, I like it.

Love your commitment to this and you're doing a stellar job. A frame off, 78 LTD restoration . Now there's a new one.

Reminds me of a joke Jay Leno told when I saw him live. He was ragging on the ridiculous prices university students pay for textbooks. "Before a performance I did at (whatever) University, I had the day to kill, so I went to the campus book store. I picked up a book that said 'Latin, 27th edition.' What could be new in LATIN?"

Handsome looking car.