jdcar32

So I was given a 1986 vintage Tamiya Honda F1 kit 1/12 scale. I'm a life long modeller and the 12 page instruction manual is comprehensive, BUT, it's printed in Japanese. I'd like to follow the painting instructions and any special notes, so I'm wondering if anyone has advice on interpreting or finding interpreted instructions. Thanks !

those are from Modelhaus Tire #194

Hello, next project will be a conversion of the AMT Cutlass hardtop kit to an F-85 sedan 442. Question is that I see 3 different box covers, are they different releases, are they all the same content, are there any differences in kit content ? For sure want the W-30 tri carb engine. Thanks !

I must admit the rad part numbers are a kit decal, Revell kits are very good.

The free form windshields remind me of Elvis's rod in ' Loving You' which was a bitchin hot rod. Nice touch !

Another car that would be in my 1:1 collection if daddy was a rich man. Started with the Revell kit, opened doors and trunk, flocked carpet, detailed dash, door cards detailed, O.E.M. style tach, simulated window frames. Frame and floor pan were separated for ease of detailing and painting. Added some wires to engine area, clutch and tranny linkage, brake lines, wire coil springs. Added the MCG photo etch set except for the grill, I opened up the kit grill. Paint is actually Rustoleum 2X that laid down pretty well just requiring some sanding and polish. It's a close match to the O.E.M. Roman Red.

looks like the Franklin Mint '32 roadster bar, Doane Spencer style

Hello, still wondering about a partially finished 1958 Pontiac sedan I sent Tom Coolidge a gift, one of his resin kits. Wondering if it ever turned up anywhere, and also wondering what became of Tom. He was ( is? ) a credit to the hobby. Thank you. Jon

Very sharp little Mopar ! You'll want to print some Monroney ( window ) stickers for the cars on the transporter. That's a big project !

This guy came along in 1963, courtesy of Ed Roth. So I've known him a looooong time. Finally built him from the Atlantis kit. Acrylics mostly with a hobby lobby base.

The 1st on had a warped body. Amazon's web site made it easy to arrange a replacement ( my choice ) which came today. The body on this one is straight. I'll take the damaged kit to a local Kohl's for return to Amazon.

Tamiya gloss black is under the Rustoleum Chrome. The best I've found, I don't have an airbrush so Alcad is not an option and the new Revell chrome paint is too much $$$ !

Another challenging build completed. Building the old tool AMT kits into something equal to the modern kits is something I enjoy. This one has had the doors opened, seats and dash detailed, and carpet flocking and mats added. AMT wipers were removed and replaced with wipers I built up with aluminum and shrink tube. Parking brake and hood release cables are guitar strings. The chassis of the AMT kit is molded one piece so it was trashed and replaced with a Revell item. Kit chrome parts are bad and needed rework and were painted with Rustoleum Bright Coat Chrome. Engine is the AMT original. Paint is Tamiya Mica Silver that represents Corvette Sebring silver. The kit grill was opened up and taillights/exhaust reworked. MCG photo etch emblems add a nice touch. Tires are Modelhaus 1" whitewalls, spinners where separated from the kit hub caps. A lot of engine details were added, the AMT kit lacks quite a bit. Shown also is a comparison photo of the 'Vette and the '63 Avanti, another fiberglass car. The Avanti wheelbase is 11" longer than the Vette.

Just about anyone can build up a decently engineered kit. This build shows skills and a mind set that is above the average builder. It's gratifying to make something special out of a 'sow's ear', right ?

Your build is very clean. You might want to check A4 Garage on YouTube, he did this kit with additional features. His other builds are noteworthy for their extra features.

I just finished this kit and yes, it needs a lot of love. This build got some love !

Nice, clean work....

Bored so I experimented with photos of some builds that lend themselves to a vintage vibe in black and white.

great replies here regarding the Revell snap kit !

Looking for original style hubcaps for the AMT 1963 Corvette coupe. I prefer the hubcap to the turbine cast wheels in the kit. I believe the old original issues had the hubcaps but those are pretty rare ( $$$ ) . Maybe there are resin copies out there or another source I'm not aware of. I've tried the usual net search with no luck. I'd like to do a shelf model Split Window IF I can find the hubcaps ! Any leads would be appreciated.

Looking for original style hubcaps for the AMT 1963 Corvette coupe. I prefer the hubcap to the turbine cast wheels in the kit. I believe the old original issues had the hubcaps but those are pretty rare ( $$$ ) . Maybe there are resin copies out there or another source I'm not aware of. I've tried the usual net search with no luck. I'd like to do a shelf model Split Window IF I can find the hubcaps ! Any leads would be appreciated.

Very nice to see this kit being built, a blast from the past for sure. Nice job too !

So this old tool kit offered some challenges ! The wonky AMT hood and door hinges were upgraded. The trunk was opened. After detailing the engine I found that it didn't fit well but a little carving remedied that. The stock seats weren't right so they were widened. Console switch gear and dash knobs added. Window garnish moldings and an acetate windshield fitted because the kit windshield was too small. After the bumpers and headlight rims were smoothed they needed re-chrome. I don't have an air brush so Rustoleum Bright Chrome paint was applied, it looks OK. Most of the engine compartment accessories and wipers were scratch built and stretched sprue wiring was added. The chassis was detailed, new sway bars front and rear, e-brake lines, and the floorpan was finished to resemble raw fiberglass, like early Corvettes. The paint is Tamiya Competition White. I like the factory optional Halibrand wheels supplied in the Round 2 repop kit so those were added. Had to have that beautiful swan neck mirror so I fabbed one. Finally, clear/red lenses were added all around.

I would really like to hear more about this build, specifically the scale and parts sources. So clean and crisp.... Ok , found the original buils thread, it's just as impressive as the finish product. Dedication that most of us don't have....

that's a great story !