Mazda 787b (salvaged kit)

[Rider]

This is a kit I got off EvilBay for 10$. It had been started and painted the wrong colour. I soaked in Easy-Off for the past few days. It was then scrubbed,  I took apart what I could. It won't be painted the traditional livery of this car, this kit has been don to death. Given this is a salvage rescue it's the perfect kit to play with.

[Rider]

Hope you guys don't mind the multiple post. 

 

The kit was missing a few parts, lucky for me I have another kit with part off trees so I just made molds and cast what I needed.

 

[Rider]

[Rider]

The body has been prepped for paint and some PE bits added. 

I am toying with the idea of changing the paint colours, instead of the green and orange, I might do purple and orange. And instead of the white dotted lines I am trying to figure out how to do them in Chrome.

[Rider]

Spent a few hours doing some more cleaning of the old parts, drilling out broken locator pins and adding new ones. 
I also figured I would try adding some bolts heads here and there. No idea how they will look once done or even if they will be seen at all.

[Rider]

 Disks need to be touched up. Lots of detail painting still required  and of course the wheels and shell. 

This is the first kit I actually followed all the paint colours called out in the instructions. Some of the colours didn't seem quiet right so I took creative liberty and adjusted accordingly. 

The PE bits and the Zero paint I will be using are courteous  of Imster, thanks Imster. 

As for the body. Ever since I first saw this kit in a shop back in '93 I thought if I ever build it I want to take a crack at painting the white dotted lines. So, that is what I will be doing. 

Wish me luck.

[Rider]

 

Some minor assembly completed and the wiring started.

[Rider]

Bit more. 

I have always like the paint scheme on this car, one of my all ome favs.  However,  it has been done to death in the model world.  Fact is I am building it from a salvaged kit I got off evil bay I figured why not do something a bit different for the pant scheme. 
Given the popularity of the Walking Dead and Zomies I thought why not add in some creepiness to this build.

:47: 

[Rider]

A few of the faces have been rattached. They may be detail painted later.

Thanks for looking in guys.

[Rider]

A bit more work on the heads.

[Rider]

Getting back to working on this. 

[Rider]

Got the spring/rocker assembly attached today. Also got the wheels finished and the "colour" base down for the shell. 

[Rider]

 

From the very first time I saw this kit back in 92/93 I had always planned on painting the dotted lines this livery is famous for. 

I have started on this arduous journey of cutting 272 individual pieces, (according the decal count) each one has the dim of a width of 1.14mm and a length of 3.32mm. 

After cutting lengths the required width from a length of tape  this is the method I have come up with for cutting the individual lengths. No idea how long this is going to take.

Thanks for looking in.

[Rider]

Well I managed to get 230 some odd dashes of the 270 some odd dashes required cut yesterday. Tonight I started putting them in place. No idea how long this is going to take. This bit took about 30-40min. 

[Rider]

A small up date. 

I finished up the placing of the dashed today. How I achieved a "straight" line and even spacing was I laid a strip of 1/8 vinyl pin stripping mask for an edge guide then used the width guide I had used when cutting the dashes. The space between them is the same as their width. 

As for the actual lining up and running of the dashes, I took liberty and did them slightly differently then the actual livery. 

You must look closely at the real car or the kit to notice this.  The dashes that run from the front fenders across the roof and down the back of the car do not run in a straight line. I have run mine in one "straight" line. I have made other small changes too so the lines run straighter. 

Next step will be a clear seal coat then the colour masking and the real fun begins. 

[Rider]

 

The liquid mask treatment.
i
The black laid down

Some clear before the colour.

Next will be the candy colours.

[Rider]

 

The orange has been started, will have to blend in a few coats here and there to get the colour matched, but it's a start. I have to say I love this technique. The chrome/black looks just like pitted nickel or stainless steel that is ancient. 
Can't wait to get the green on it.
I don't know if I will bother putting the race livery on it or not. 

Thanks for checking it out. 

[Rider]

 

A little mock up, and some of the dashes masking removed (front right fender).

Not sure if I am going to follow through on the rest of my plan with all the decals. I am stoked with the turn out so far. I think the race decals and my planned decals will take away from this wild look. Still needs a few clear coats laid down. 

Thank you to anyone who took the time to look through this picture heavy post.

Edited March 12, 2017 by Rider

[bytownshaker]

Nice save, interesting paint and body accents should be cool when it's finished and ruffle the feathers of the LeMans purists lol.

[oldcarfan]

You might put Japanese license plates and street legal lights on it. Apparently it's a thing among wealthy Japanese to turn old race cars such as this into street driven vehicles.

[microwheel]

this is really interesting. Had this kit years ago and it sat un-built forever. I finally ended up selling it to a friend who was begging to build one. Your doing a great job. Love the custom paint work.

[Rider]

Nice save, interesting paint and body accents should be cool when it's finished and ruffle the feathers of the LeMans purists lol.

Thanks Edgar. If it ruffles some feathers at least I hope it makes them smile. 

You might put Japanese license plates and street legal lights on it. Apparently it's a thing among wealthy Japanese to turn old race cars such as this into street driven vehicles.

Thanks Gary, I've herd about that. Given it is a 24hr car it wouldn't take much to add turn signals. 

this is really interesting. Had this kit years ago and it sat un-built forever. I finally ended up selling it to a friend who was begging to build one. Your doing a great job. Love the custom paint work.

Cheers Jim, some guys can't build a kit stock, I can't seem to paint a kit one colour or normal.