Monty

I happened to see Helix's '69 Riviera on here (if you haven't seen it, it's definitely worth a look) and I remembered that I have this kit stuck away on my back shelves. I intend to build it using one color for the body with a contrasting color for the vinyl roof. The problem is the ventilation vents at the base of the rear window. Whether I try to make a vinyl roof using masking tape or use the method where you spray an adhesive for texture followed by color coats, it seems these vents are doomed to be obscured if not completely covered up. (Keep in mind that they're 1/25 scale vents) So...any ideas how I can pull this off?

First, congratulations on a fantastic build. I love it when someone demonstrates how sweating the details pays off big. Kudos also on your clean building technique (assembly, paint and BMF). Lastly, great choice of tires*. Just giving yourself an option to the standard polyglas tires makes it stand out even more. PS Just for clarification, are you saying you shot the scoop with standard Testors silver and got that shade? I'm asking because it looks like pewter in the picture, which would be correct. Again, great job on this build. Can't wait to see what you create next. *For those of you who aren't aware, Fireball Models offers two pages of waterslide tire decals, so you've got a very good chance of being able to replicate quite a few different manufacturers' tires from the past (at least via sidewall). What's even better is the guy behind fireball Models is our board's own Chief Joseph.

Glad to see you addressing all the kit errors and adding all that detail. Between this and your Peterbilt, we're seeing some impressive work.

I see a lot of incredible scratchbuilding going on here. The engine's going to be fantastic and the cab hydraulic cylinders will be a major improvement over the kit pieces. Can't wait to see this finished. When are you going to show these guys the scratchbuilt 1/16 Detroit engine you built?

Given all the aftermarket wheels the kit mfr had to choose from, I'll never understand why they chose the ones they stuck in the kit. That design always looked like it was made for custom vans as opposed to street machines. The chrome reverse wheels you've changed over to are a much better choice for this car.

Ford-itude!

I always enjoy seeing what talented modelers can do with some of these older, simpler kits. Between the lowered stance and the nice paintwork, this turned out very well.

What a fantastic collection! This looks so much like small-town America in the '70s, and the "gravel" really lends to the authenticity of the diorama. Glad to hear you have more great ideas for 2014.

Since all the good superlatives have been used, I'll just say congratulations on one of the finest model paint jobs I've seen in years. Remarkable work.

Congratulations on such a prolific year! I enjoyed seeing these and look forward to seeing what you come up with in 2014.

Great variety of subjects and fantastic work on each one! Like so many others, I seem drawn to that Ambassador.

What a great array of cars, Andy! Can I talk you into telling me what paint was used on the Studebaker? That's incredible.

If there's another hobby paint that you think would look as good or better than a Metalizer for this purpose, please post a pic & state the name of the paint.

David, thanks for sharing the pic of your Charger with the Modelhaus tires. They appear to be the the exact size I'm looling for.

I'm looking for wider redline tires than the ones Revell included in the '69 Charger kit. In this instance, I'd also like to do this without tire decals. I'm pretty sure Modelhaus still offers a tire like this, and I think someone else big in the aftermarket industry (Replicas & Miniatures?) does as well. I'd appreciate a couple pics showing the width of the tire. Not looking for huuuuge, 'cuz it still has to fit in the stock wheelwells, just something bigger.

Impressive work!

Welcome to our board, Colin! Always nice to see one of my favorite race cars built and painted so nicely. For someone who says he's got a lot to learn, it looks like you're leagues ahead of most beginners.

I'm curious where you heard this rumor about Testors & whether the person who told you usually has their facts together.

I remember them being popular in the mid-'70s but I can't recall any kit ever having them. The ones in the AMT '66 Mustang are slightly similar, but not the same.

Welcome to our board! This may be one of the best weathered projects I've seen this year. I hope you'll favor us with engine, chassis & interior shots as well. Once this project's finished, maybe you could post a brief outline on your use of oil paints in our Tips, Tricks & Tutorials section.

I'll give you style points just for having the Raiders cup in the background. Any chance you could enlarge these pics? I'd really like a better look at that paint.

Chris, let me start by saying "Thanks!" for not painting this red or blue. The color you chose enhances your meticulous assembly techniques, and your detailing is very well done as well. (Wish your pics weren't disappearing so everyone would get a chance to see this build) I hope we'll see more work like this from you soon.

Chris, I love the way that Lincoln turned out & I'm also interested in finding this paint. Could you give us a mfr name & P/N?

I love it when an accomplished modeler refuses to settle for "good enough". Fixing all those issues must've been time consuming, but as we can see, the payoff is a much better build. Thanks for listing your solutions, Jürgen. I'm sure they'll benefit others who'd like to address those same issues.

So many things to like, but even if I had the money the styling would deter me.