av405

I myself just purchased and am waiting for the Modelhaus Impala. Therefore I would definitely be interested in your Caprice, but would probably only purchase one due to the high price. Depending on the detail, I might even go for a second. From what I can see of the grill, that appears to be a 1980-1985 Caprice Classic. Is that what you're going for or will you be making the 1987-1990 Caprice? I can see the latter one definitely having much more appeal, as that was the police model.

Got it Before I go into more detail, what is this car supposed to be? A traffic car? A gang/task force car with all the bells and whistles? Or just a detective's car?

I see. What I was asking though was if you wanted me to tell you how you could make the car look correct, like one of the LASD cars of the era. I don't recall many unmarked units being used during that era, apart from the detective ones. Uniformed officers mostly seemed to have gone around in marked cars in those days, unlike today where many specialized uniform officers drive around in unmarked patrol cars.

I just received two sets of the Modelhaus CV dog dish covers and a set of Caprice 94-96 steel wheels. I can tell you that they are beyond accurate. You won't be disappointed.

I don't know how much accuracy you were striving for but if you were interested in doing some minor touch ups to make it accurate, I could tell you how. I worked with the LASD in a volunteer capacity for many years. Hell, I even did a ride-along in an LASD 1997 CV back in 2007 so these are still fresh in my mind.

Those are indeed clear lenses. Since these light bars originated in the 80's, the yellowing is probably just from sun exposure. Replicating the yellowing should be fairly easy.

https://www.google.com/search?newwindow=1&es_sm=93&biw=1280&bih=699&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=code+3+LP6000&oq=code+3+LP6000&gs_l=img.3..0j0i24l3.11188.12060.0.12370.4.1.0.3.3.0.111.111.0j1.1.0....0...1c.1.44.img..0.4.132.gy3saPSc3hI

In that case you should get in touch with Dave Panek. He makes some top notch light bars: http://8957700.weebly.talkiforum.com/20111128/dave-panek-lightbars-1054960/

The lightbar you're looking for is this one: http://www.policecarmodels.com/1stliformopo.html For some reason, they have it listed as a Street Hawk light bar but the picture shows the right one. If you're interested, you should email Jeff at the site just to be sure it is what you're looking for. He's a great guy to deal with. That light bar originally came with the Classic Metal Works Crown Victoria.

They're all in this link, just scroll down to the bottom: http://www.policecarwebsite.net/fc/statepdcars/fla.htm And as I said, the Lindberg CV is a 1996 or a 1997, not just a 1997. Your car looks great though, I love your attention to detail!

Julian, the dash on your car is fine as is. Due to the steering wheel, the Lindberg CV is specifically a 1996-1997 model. Only the 1992-1995's had the wood grain strip on the dash and the "CROWN VICTORIA" letters on the front side fenders, next to the front doors. As for photos of FHP CVs from that era, here you go:

By the way, I'm currently starting to look at Bill's Merc build on his fotki account. Thanks for the heads up!

Gentlemen, thank you so much for taking the time to reply back. Bill, I will definitely take your advice to heart. I have at least one junk body lying around somewhere so I'll give it a shot with that when I find the time (and space!).

Excellent car, you really got the light set up correct for an LAPD car. If you want it to be even more realistic, you should paint the side door moulding black as LAPD ordered their Crown Vics of this vintage with black side moulding.

Guys, this is all great info! I will definitely utilize the tips you guys have mentioned. So, if say I'm deleting the front door moulding of a sedan I would start off with the 220 grit and slowly build up? How exactly would I know when to switch off to a higher grit? And Mike, about the wet paper, I would do that all throughout or just with the final 800 paper?

Hello everyone. Before I get to my question I just want to say that I just signed up because as a long-time lurker I have grown to appreciate and respect your guys' skills as modelers. I'm a 20 year old guy who has been interested in models for years and have slowly amassed a respectable collection of supplies and kits, some of which I've began working on. However, I want to learn to hone my skills and build up some good models which is why I'm here. As for my question: For a semi-noob like myself, what would you guys recommend I get as far as sanding sheets/supplies go? I'm interested in being able to sand cars down of excess plastic for a smooth finish before I do any other work and in some cases be able to delete side door moulds and that type of thing. So what grits should I buy to get me started and hopefully cover from beginning to end (when I paint and hopefully polish). Also, what type of sanding paper do you guys recommend and from where? Thank you all in advance.