FIrst build

[FoxRob]

Just getting back into building models after a 20+ year break.  Seen Christine at a local Micheal's and had to buy it huge fan of the book and movie(rare since I usually dislike movies from books).  But I'm not building it as a Christine, yes still going to be red and white but a Metallic Red and Pearl White.  For the interior I've gone with a black and tan.  I also ordered a set of Torque Thrust wheels and disk brakes for it.

 

Time for pics

[FoxRob]

Was playing with wheels from a few old Viper kits I've never assembled and a Prowler I never assembled. 

[FoxRob]

Wheels and brakes I ordered

[Geno]

That's gonna be sweet.

[Mustang Madness]

It's looking great Robert...  can't wait to see the completed photos! 

[James2]

Welcome back and your first in 20 looks good too!

[GTJUNIOR]

Looking good so far!

[FoxRob]

Thank you everyone, now I just need the weather to be better so I can spray it already.

 

Does anyone know a good way to trim the wheel centers, I need to move the wheels @ 1/8" in to clear the quarter panels and fenders.  I am thinking if trying to use a cut off wheel on my Dremel but think the wheel may be too large.

Edited December 28, 2015 by FoxRob

[FoxRob]

My wife bought me a 85 Mustang SVO I already started on it(already needing to be sprayed)  But it will be a stock build since both my brother and I had silver ones in the past.  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10208232137186974.1073741858.1408891098&type=1&l=eebf74efdd

 

My current real Mustang

Edited December 28, 2015 by FoxRob

[James2]

Thank you everyone, now I just need the weather to be better so I can spray it already.

 

Does anyone know a good way to trim the wheel centers, I need to move the wheels @ 1/8" in to clear the quarter panels and fenders.  I am thinking if trying to use a cut off wheel on my Dremel but think the wheel may be too large.

A dremel and wheel might be the best choice, just grind off a small amount and test fit often!

[FoxRob]

That is what I'm thinking

[FoxRob]

One thing I wish I researched more was how to lower the front end, the rear was easy I was going to just make a set of drop blocks since the rear suspension is a spring under design.  I might buy another one to mess around with lowering it, I was thinking I could have just flipped the steering knuckles from left to right and relocate the steering arms.  I didn't want to do all that much work but looking back I wish I did it already.  I might be OK with it once it is finished.

[talon63]

Depending on how much you need to lower it, one technique I've seen is to remove the front pins from the disc back, add and shape a layer of styrene to make up for the kerf, and reposition the pin higher on the disc. 

[James2]

If the axle points are offset the easiest way would be to simply flip them over and switch the left and right. Moving the pin upward is an option also 

[FoxRob]

I already fitted the wheels and glue them to the chassis, I did consider flipping them but the steering linkage wouldn't line up. 

[FoxRob]

Started to spray the actual colors on the body.  Sprayed the roof in pearl was going great then I noticed dark spots in the pearl.  I was using a craft paint thinned with washer fluid.  What would be my best option to fix this issue?  I'm thinking of just stripping the roof and starting over.

[FoxRob]

I'm about to give up on using this paint and go back to a regular enamel or lacquer based paint for the pearl white roof. About to strip it down to primer again. 

[Deathgoblin]

I've worked with acrylics a lot, but never tried to paint the main colors with them.  You might try acrylic enamels, like Testors Acryl line.  They work really well and dry quickly.  Their spraycan lacquers are really good, too.

[espo]

Nice build. A thought on the paint issue. You might want to strip the paint and start over. Try and stay with one brand of paint products to minimize any future issues there. On lowering, the method that has worked best for myself is to try and use the same methods that 1:1 builds follow. You can take the front spindles and move the wheel attachment point up almost to the top of the upright. The attachment in the kit I believe is smaller than the wheels you are using anyway and this would be an easy way to adapt the two together. It looks like you may be getting into a personalized "Christine" and if this is the way you're going you might look at changing the rear wheel openings. With the model sitting so low you almost don't see the rear wheels. Consider making a paper or tape template of the rear wheel opening and move it up to just under the side moldings. Using the stock shape with the raised opening you would see the rear wheels and tires without loss of the OEM look.       

[Dogfish_7]

Welcome back Rob. Your build is looking good. Hang in there.

[FoxRob]

I spent this afternoon sanding the body down to the white base coat. I picked up some Testors white and pearl so I'm thinking of respraying it white then masking off the body and try an shoot the roof again with the restore pearl. The base was Testors rattle can white as was the primer. My problem wasn't the paint sticking but more like not coating evenly. Not sure it I over thinned it or if it was still to thick to spray.  

 

Yes it is not a traditional Christine but I didn't lower it leaving it stock height I did have to shave the rear Quarters to clear the tires but i'm loving how it is looking with the wheels. 

[FoxRob]

Off to dinner so to minimize dust and finger oils time to wrap it up. 

[FoxRob]

Aggghhhhh I cannot get this roof painted for BLAH_BLAH_BLAH_BLAH, looked like it was covering well then I figured I could spray a wet coat and it just goes to BLAH_BLAH_BLAH_BLAH. Do pearls need to be sprayed thin until you get to the desired coverage?

[FoxRob]

Back to square one on the roof. I hope I have enough primer left. 

[CometMan]

Welcome back Robert! Looks like you haven't missed a beat! Also, very nice to see a 58 Plymouth that's NOT built as Christine!