Making my 1:1 1:18-Shrinking A CORKER-Update 4/1-Coupe Body Dismantled

[Cody60D]

How early is too early to create a custom thread? Anyways my first serious project for a custom model is recreating my 330Ci in 1:18 scale. I am fortunate to drive a BMW 330Ci which was also coincidentally my first car (the BMW was the car that made the most sense for me to get from a repair logistics point and also my dad insisted I own the car that saved his life from someone who ran a stop sign 10 years ago).

Anyways, she's been a lovely automobile to own. I slowly started to change the rules I made when I got her as a lucky find right after I got my learners permit, such as no bumper stickers (Broke that a few months when I got a New York Mets sticker to honor a friend/mentor/teacher who died unexpectedly)

For my build, I bought a BMW 328Ci which is not only Titanium Silver Metallic like my car, but has the right BMW Style 68 wheels. However, it was a convertible. I was able to find one with a broken windshield frame which would be brutally cut apart for its wheels, motor, and exhaust. However, I needed a coupe for my build, as my car is obviously a coupe. I scanned ebay for a few days, looking for various E46 coupe models. Green and blue 328Ci's with tan interiors. I then remembered Kyosho made a 318Ci, with a piddling 1.8 liter inline 4. In addition, it was steel blue metallic. However, the interior is the right color for what I need-Gray. My plan is to send the body off to the man who runs www.modell-dealer24.de and have him repaint it Titanium Silver Metallic as I don't have the skills or facilities to do it the right way like he does. His website shows a resprayed 8 Series with a beautiful repaint job. My idea is to use the motor, exhaust, and wheels of the 328Ci and put them in my car. In the meantime I need to learn how to turn amber turn signals clear, make/find an automatic shifter, have my stickers reproduced as decals, and try and find someone who could help me get a decal/laser etch part of my car's badge all for a smallish budget.

Today, the 328i I bought for the Style 68 wheels arrived.



As soon as I opened the box I knew why I bought this damaged model-to hack apart!



The wheels are now off!



Here it is, with the interior removed.



Now, it's all apart. I am currently wondering if I can use the same undertray from the 328 Cab with the 318 body.

Those are all the posts I have on DiecastXChange up to now for the thread. When the 318 Coupe comes in I will post the dismantling and test fitting of that car before the stripping.

Edited April 2, 2015 by Cody60D

[kruleworld]

looks like a worthy project and good to see your progress so far. I've found when disassembling diecasts, a drill is a useful tool for removing the metal rivets/pressovers. you can superglue them back in and just use the rivet's pin as a locator. it's worthwhile taking photos during disassembly to provide a reference for the reverse.

[Cody60D]

That's a really useful tip! The funny thing about this Kyosho which is a higher end diecast is that everything is either glued in or screwed in. The doors are screwed onto their hinges and the same with the hood parts.

[Cody60D]

Made a test printing of the decals at the size I need them to be. Used an E46 M3 GTR model since it for all intents and purposes is just like my car.

[Roadrunner]

Great looking car you have. I'm duly envious.

[misterNNL]

This will be fun to watch.The concept reminds me of the scaled down mid 60's Impala shown at tyhe Detriot Autorama earlier this month.Cool idea!

[Cody60D]

Update for 3/30

I did a test earlier today-I peeled both lenses off my E46 328Ci and did a scientific test-A small jar of acetone, and a jar of denatured alcohol. Both given identical time to do their thing. The alcohol worked beautifully. Ends up that alcohol is the solution to my problems.

I have already repainted my test headlight to the appropriate shade for my needs. Who knows the fate of my 328 body!

[Cody60D]

The 318Ci arrived! Not being one to wait around, I cracked the model apart, but not without a few pictures first.

However, the model wasn't without it's small flaws. Nothing some Jasco paint remover couldn't remove or so I thought.

Ends up the motor from the Kyosho 328Ci convertible I bought wouldn't fit in the 318/328 bodyshell without major modification

No matter, as I quickly bought a correct motor for the molding.

After these photos were taken I texted my girlfriend that I spent my afternoon with a stripper, much to her bemusement.

I have had problems getting the paint off without steel wool. The clear coat came right off, but this base coat still remained steadfast.

No matter. I bought brake fluid to fix it.