*WIP* Revell 1969 Nova Part 3

[Len Carsner]

The Nova is really beginning to take shape. This time we're doing the interior and rolling stock, as well as getting it up on all fours.

Lots of pictures in this one so I've broken it up into two sections, the second section will be in the first reply.

1

This is as good a time as any to start referring to some solid documentation on 69 Novas. I find enthusiast books and magazines a great source for such details. I got this Nova SS Muscle Car Color History softbound book at a recent swap meet from Craig’s Hobbies and Crafts ( HYPERLINK "mailto:celmorejr@bellsouth.net" celmorejr@bellsouth.net) and articles from month magazines like this Muscle Car Review are available on just about any newsstand.

2

Before attaching the Brake Booster, I hit it with a little Metalizer Aluminum. Once in place on the firewall, I gave it a liberal coating of Tamiya Clean Yellow to give it the appearance of an anodized finish.

3

The raised Delco lettering on the battery’s top surface helps add visual detail by carefully scraping away the black paint leaving the white lettering exposed.

4

Once the windshield washer bottle was sprayed flat white and the cap brush painted matte black, I mixed some light blue with flat white and applied it to the bottle as shown to give the appearance that the bottle contained washer fluid.

5

The engine compartment is beginning to take shape with some detail painting and the addition of major components like the brake booster, master cylinder, battery and washer bottle.

6

From this angle, we can see how the assembled radiator wall/radiator/shroud is attached to the frame rail horns at the front of the engine compartment.

7

The platform-style interior lens itself quite nicely to in-depth detailing. Always scrape away paint from any two surfaces to be joined together with glue as shown here in preparation for attaching the driver’s seat in place. The side panels attach nicely with slots and tabs and the steering shaft is positioned to the dash with a locator hole and pin.

8-9

From any angle, the completed interior is taking on a look of realism.

Continued in reply below.

Len C.

[Len Carsner]

10-11

I recommend before applying primer or paint to the body shell, a quick test fit of the chassis and especially the engine compartment is important. This is a time to check fit and alignment, which appears to be spot-on with this new Revell 69 Nova kit.

12

The Nova wheels are attached to the front and rear axle using a small metal pin that passes through each wheel back and slides firmly into each axle end as show here. I did have to make some minor adjustments in tread width to get the tires up inside the fenders to my liking.

13

The Nova kit tires are a “no-name†brand. There are many options available in the after-market as shown here, dry transfer lettering and pre-printed red lines.

14

A thorough test fit of body, chassis, interior with everything up-on-all-fours shows the fit and alignment so far on the new Revell 69 Nova is excellent.

15

Don’t forget to check out the fit and alignment from the underside of things as well. At this point everything is looking fine as we prepare for the next step: priming, painting and detailing the body.

Weather permitting, painting will get done this week and we'll be wrapping this part of the project up. Watch for our next update in about a week.

Len C.

[MrObsessive]

That's lookin' great Len!

While I like the earlier Novas a bit better than this generation, I'll definitely be picking this one up because it looks to be done so well!

Good idea about not painting the body until one makes sure everything fits well. I got strange looks from some folks years ago when I told them that's what I do.

Nothing's more frustrating than getting the body all prettied and painted up, only to find out to your chagrin that it's IMPOSSIBLE to get the body on without scratching/damaging something!

[stump]

Oh man...the more I see you work on this Len, the more I need to get my hands on a couple....

The overall fit and finish looks spot on judging by what I've seen so far...Thanks.

cheers

Greg

[Gregg]

Mama Mia!

Great so far.

Always impressed with your work.

Plus, you're a really a great guy to boot!

[Len Carsner]

Oh man...the more I see you work on this Len, the more I need to get my hands on a couple....

The overall fit and finish looks spot on judging by what I've seen so far...Thanks.

cheers

Greg

I can't take the credit for the build - that goes to Bill Coulter. I'm just the web-geek doing the posting.

Glad everybody likes the build. Keep watching, we'll have the finish soon then Bill's going to go back anf throw some great extra detail to it.

Len C.

[stump]

I can't take the credit for the build - that goes to Bill Coulter. I'm just the web-geek doing the posting.

Glad everybody likes the build. Keep watching, we'll have the finish soon then Bill's going to go back anf throw some great extra detail to it.

Len C.

Ah..all good, both Bill and you're doing us a great service, and I (and I'm not alone..) appreciate your time Len. Thanks.

One thing...the wheel attachment via a steel pin....it is a good tight fit..?

Seems reminicent of a similar style used by Japanese manufacturers over the years...They slid the pin into round plastic grommets recessed into the backs of the wheels....Just curious..Thanks.

cheers

Greg

[Bill Coulter]

Ah..all good, both Bill and you're doing us a great service, and I (and I'm not alone..) appreciate your time Len. Thanks.

One thing...the wheel attachment via a steel pin....it is a good tight fit..?

Seems reminicent of a similar style used by Japanese manufacturers over the years...They slid the pin into round plastic grommets recessed into the backs of the wheels....Just curious..Thanks.

cheers

Greg

[/quote)

Hi Gregg...

Give me an email and I'll answer your question off-line...

Thanks...

BC

[crispy]

Bill and Len, great work. This Nova kit is going to be a hit. It looks great, details well and looks easy to build. Great Job and continue to post these great shots.

Chris

[george 53]

Bill & Len, The kits comin out great!It's makin me antsie for one (or a couple) of my own! But to repeat Greg's question,Is there some trick to attaching the front wheels that an answer can't be givin on the forum?Not that I wouldn't E-mail Bill,But it seems easier to me to just answer the question than to flood Bill's E-mail with questions. After lookin at the build-up,I'm wonderin how hard would it be to make them steerable.But I'll still try.

[kelson]

Nova WIP looks awesome!,i can't wait for this kit to arrive ,nice to see a positive review and not the complaint that the window mouldings are a hairline to small or a fender lip is not as rounded as it should be,etc keep up the good work and i'm looking forward to the next installment .

[stump]

Hi Gregg...

Give me an email and I'll answer your question off-line...

Thanks...

BC

Thanks Bill, you got mail.

cheers

Greg

[stump]

Thanks again Bill..

Kickin' back, beer in hand..cough cough...I mean coffee....now, where'd I put the popcoen...Waiting on paint...

[Len Carsner]

Bill & Len, The kits comin out great!It's makin me antsie for one (or a couple) of my own! But to repeat Greg's question,Is there some trick to attaching the front wheels that an answer can't be givin on the forum?Not that I wouldn't E-mail Bill,But it seems easier to me to just answer the question than to flood Bill's E-mail with questions. After lookin at the build-up,I'm wonderin how hard would it be to make them steerable.But I'll still try.

Not really a big deal, just a little fiddlin' to make it fit the way Bill wanted. Nothing that made it a "deal breaker" if that's what you are wondering about. We'll get into that more when we come back later with the followup piece on adding extra detail.

Keep watchin', it's gonna be good!

[Len Carsner]

Thanks again Bill..

Kickin' back, beer in hand..cough cough...I mean coffee....now, where'd I put the popcoen...Waiting on paint...

He's got the body painted, waiting on it to cure before clear coating it. Wanna see a sneak peek?

[bazs]

Wanna see a sneak peek?

of course! let's show it!

[Len Carsner]

of course! let's show it!

Ask and ye shall receive.......

It's not clear-coated yet, this was just a trial to see how it would look.

Pretty good, eh?

Len C.

[Rob Hall]

Looks pretty sweet...what is that color..reminds me kind of the Odds and Ends Cream that I painted an AMT '67 Cyclone back in the '90s..

[stump]

Pretty good, eh?

Len C.

Pretty good......you betcha.....I really like that a lot.

Sorry for the delay getting back here...had 'puter dramas...

Thanks again Len and Bill.

cheers

Greg

[a2race]

just have one question about the kit.......is there any "ss" badging on the grille or rear valence panel??? thanks, adam

[Maliburacr]

just have one question about the kit.......is there any "ss" badging on the grille or rear valence panel??? thanks, adam

There's a pic of the chrome tree under kit reviews , looks like the SS emblems are molded on.

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11562

[Len Carsner]

just have one question about the kit.......is there any "ss" badging on the grille or rear valence panel??? thanks, adam

Yes there is, and the next set of pictures will show that.

They should be posted this evening. Watch for "WIP Pt#4" in this forum.

Len C.

[cruz]

Thanks for sharing this my friend. Does Model Car Garage already have a PE Detail Set for this kit???? I hope so, I will not be doing mine until purchasing the set....

[Len Carsner]

Thanks for sharing this my friend. Does Model Car Garage already have a PE Detail Set for this kit???? I hope so, I will not be doing mine until purchasing the set....

Not sure about MCG, but I've heard that Keith Marks is working on some alternate decal sets for it.

More info later.....

Len C.

[mikelo]

Thanks for all the great pictures and review of this kit. I now have you to blame for having to have to get this kit! Great job so far. I can't wait to get my hands on a couple.