Dan Helferich

I saw the Pat Foster driven car several times. A much more dominant car than with Kelly Brown behind the wheel. Great looking start to a build of one of my all time favorite funnies!

I remember reading that Smokey watched the tech guys measure for engine off set by measuring the distance between the shock and the number 1 plug. Smokey offset the engine AND the shock without being caught.

1. 1966 4 speed 360 hp 396 Chevelle just like the one I had in the early '70's. 2. 1930 Model A closed cab pickup, fenderless, chopped, channeled with a 392 Hemi and a 4 speed. 3. 1963-65 Corvette coupe, FI 327, 4 speed. 4. 1969 Mustang 428 CJ 4 speed fastback. 5. 1932 Ford 5 window, fenderless, channeled with a built early Buick or Olds and a 4 speed.

His products are as good as anyone's and He is a very nice guy. great customer service!

You're supposed to do something with the parts and kits you trade for?

Nice save and great paint! Back in the early '70's I bought 2 of the last issue AMT '29 Model A kits that you could still build 2 cars from. I got them discounted, planned on building 1 and keeping 1 for later. When I opened the first one it had the chrome, tires glass and instructions for the Model A's with the non chrome parts for the '37 Chevy coupe. I always think of some poor guy buying that kit sealed today for $40-$50 and opening it in horror. Back then it was no big deal at 88 cents each.

Beautiful wagon Rich. I have one of those die casts, never would have thought of this modification. Take a bow, you did good!

Great news! They had many sheets I wanted.

Very nice! You almost never see this one built. I would guess we will now, inspired by your excellent build.

If you pick up one of the plentiful AMT '63 Coupe kits you can use the chassis, engine, tail lights, glass and flat hood for your project. If you get the anniversary issue you'll find both up tops for the '63 roadster in the box as a bonus. I'm glad it's being preserved!

Nice work Rich! I like them all. '58 is one of my favorite years for cars.

Bullit is my favorite. I'm surprised no one has mentioned The Seven Ups. Stunt driver Bill Hickman drove the "bad guy" car in both movies.

Great build Rich! Nice details and a perfect color. And,Happy Birthday!

I agree with Rich. Art Anderson also lives in the Indy area. I'm sure he could point you towards some qualified judges.

Two great looking Plymouths. I like the upholstery inserts in the '57. I like your black furry buddy there too.

Well, you got my attention with your B so I had to ask. With the right surroundings it could pass for real.

Nice job Kevin, it makes me want to cry! Are you the same Kevin Kovach who used to compete in the model contests at Riders Hobby Shop in Madison Heights, MI? If you are I'm sorry I never got to meet you. I worked there part time from '93 to '01 and I remember some of your builds. They always had that "gotcha" factor where you had to go back and keep looking at them.

Here's my workbench. It came with the house as well as built in wood shelving on the back wall. The bench is in 1 of 2 rooms in the finished basement that I store models in. My spray booth is also in this room. I have a lot of parts because I've been doing this a long time. The bench is hardly ever this cleaned off. I do a lot of my building on a TV tray in the living room so my wife doesn't feel abandoned.

Happy Birthday Donn! Thanks for your contributions to our hobby. I hope you're out having fun!

That dash is amazing. You're doing this kit proud. It's fun to watch someone turn an average kit into an excellent model.

I recommend Donn Yost's painting video. He teaches his method but he also teaches basic prep and set up that can be used for any painting method. He also has a building and detailing video. http://www.oldmansmodels.com/

Looking good Rich. Your extra effort on the detailing paid off. They are beautiful big boats. '58 was a banner year for GM styling.

Very well done John. You are the master of convertible top fabrication. You should have it cast!

Very nice! I agree, the foil looks good to me. I like the grill too.

Small paint? How big does paint get? Nice booth!