Psychographic

I looked in the bag of parts for the Beatnik Bandit and found almost a complete front suspension in decent shape. The interior tub looks like it might be of use and the frame was a mess. After cleaning up the frame, it needed to be narrowed about 1/4", the only crossmember in the frame was broken and a mess. I'll start with a simple X frame to start. I like the way the stock front suspension looks, I'll proabably make airbags to replace the springs. I'd like to go IRS on the back, I just need to dig something up, or make something. I might have to shorten the frame a bit, I won't know until I find a rear for it. The frame,

Thanks Ira, You did notice the sponsor on the front wing, didn't you?

Thank you all for the kind comments. Here are some more pics. The build thread can be found here, http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=51227

I had a deadline of the 31st to finish this. I challenged a fellow member on another board to a build off. We decided 6 weeks would be enough time to finish. Other than the driver figure, which was stolen from a 1/12 scale RC car. there are only pieces of 4 parts from an actual kit. The parts are from a Gullwing Mercedes, and I defy you to find them, they resemble nothing of what they started as. I've estimated at least 500 pieces of styrene where cut shaped and glued to make this model, there was no ruler or measuring device used in making this either. Yes there are plenty of things crooked, but it IS a cartoon. The rest of the pics have a surprise for my opponent visible, as he is also on this forum,. I'll wait till tomorrow to post the rest of the pics.

The pieces needed to finish the blend from Bandit to Fiat.

I glued the Bandit to the Topo right at the body line, so although not stock, it follows a stock line. This left the fenders too low for the cowl. There are "bullets" that run from between the headlights to the back of the fenders. I sliced the body along the outside of the bullet, from the back to about 1/2" shy of the front of the fender. A small filler piece was cut and glued in place and now the fender lines up with the cowl. Most of the Topolino body is trimmed way where it overlapped the Bandit body. The nose had to be narrowed about 1/8". The easiest way to do it was to cut the grille off and then glue it back in place.When the headlights are done, you will never know it's narrower. I also didn't see a purpose for the bullets and removed the front of them but left the hump in the fender, Some Mock up shots

Well, it will be fendered, but I'm not sure you would call them full. Randy is so close, nope not a Silhouette, this time it's a Roth creation and it fits the Topo perfectly, it's the Beatnik Bandit. Now I didn't narrow the little Fiat, it's already pretty small, I did however have to narrow the Bandit about an 1/8". My first cuts and mock up.

If you were a big fan of Topolino bodied fuel altereds of the 60's-70's, and you aquired just the shell of the Fiat body from the Double Dragster kit. What would you build? Better yet, what do you think I will build?

She's done. It will be unvieled on the 31st.

The deadline for this build is the 31st. It's approaching fast, but then again, so is the progress. It's very close to being done. At least stage one of this build. I would like to "Dirty it up" a bit, but don't feel comfortable trying it on this build. I'll practice and learn, thn come back and finish this up. Where it stands right now.

The rock screen is done. The Belly pan is on.

The tape pulled up the residual gold and I have the first outline color on.

Thanks guys. The numbers, The numbers are 22 karat gold. First step after layout, putting on the Gold Size, it's basically a clear glue for the gold leaf. Once the size sets to the proper tack apply the gold., then brush off the excess gold. The gold should only stick where the size is, as I'm working with fresh enamels, they're grabbing the gold in spots. Hopefully I can pull it off with tape. I use a soft make up brush to remove the excess gold. This is what you are left with. Now to give it the brilliance of reflections. You spin the gold with velvet. I had to make a tiny spinner from some velvet and 1/8" rod. What a difference. You can see my spinner in this pic.

The front suspension is in.

Thanks Bob. It's getting close. Some of the detail work is getting done and assembly has started. I set the tires under a heat lamp to dry on one of the first paint attempts. I distorted the beadlock pretty bad. I sanded it down the best I could and added the bolt heads to both front and rear beadlocks. Attached the "bead" fittings and braided line to the calipers and wing cylinder. The engine is in. Along with most of the rear suspension.

Beautiful!!! The stance is perfect, spot on detailing, the color is great and the craftsmanship is superb.

Now you're talking, only lets go one step better.

Have you thought of notching the windshield posts top and bottom then just leaning back the windshield? The angle of the windshield might give it a more sleek look. Either way, it's looking very good.

And round 4 of the graphics. Next is the inside of the top wing and then numbers and lettering. After that is final assembly.

And redoing the point system to make it look close than it actually was.

I've always had a soft spot in my heart for C cabs. I like what you have done so far.

Martinfan5, Can you explain what it is you don't like about the COT? I've heard this as a major complaint a lot. I actually thought they looked better as to me they look more like the real cars without that sloping nose the old cars had.

Round 3 of paint.

Because if you do, "You make an,,,,,,,,,,wait a minute that's not how you spell assume". Nevermind.