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'56 Bel Air


Slotto

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I bought this kit around 2002. I planned on working on it with my 2 year old daughter. Well, things didn't go as planned and I learned I need patience. So, In the closet it went. Fast forward to October 2016. I pulled it from the closet and gave it a revisit.

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The more I fiddled with it the more I saw what I wanted to add or subtract. I wanted to do some things I've never done before like cut open the doors and trunk. Since I've never done these things before, this kit taught me quite a bit. The things I can do, the things I can't do and what to do when things go wrong. Lets get started...

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I knew at the very minimum, I wanted this stance and these Boyd Wheels from the Shezoom kit. I love the look from this view.

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To get the low rake in the front I flipped over the front spindles so they sit atop the frame rails instead of below. Then I smoothed out the firewall.

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Then I deleted the emblems on the rear quarter, the hood and trunk. I also removed the door handles although this pic show them.

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Then I added a new way to open the hood. It was stewing in my head for 3 days before I acted on it. It works pretty well. Also you see the spare HEMI that came with the Charger kit. I cut off the mopar transmission and mounted the GM one in place of it so the motor sits better. I also had to create motor mounts.

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Next I cut off the doors and trunk. This is where I begin learning. Hinges are tricky and what I finally ended up with, I'm not entirely happy with. I was just tired of working this step over and over and trying every option over and over. I quickly began to realize that I've created multiple weak points because they kept snapping. It occurred to me that I saw a video once on youtube about repairing guitar nuts suing baking soda and super glue. This trick works very well for model kits too. It hardens like concrete.

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Then I started thinking what if I made the lights functional. At this point I started thinking that I am never going to finish this kit.

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As you can see, there is plenty of room in the engine bay of a shoebox for a HEMI.

Stay Tuned...

 

 

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I got the dash painted up and decided to light up the instruments.

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Next I painted up the doors and engine. I wired it with some pieces I found in the jewelry making aisle in the craft store.

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Then I built out the door. Keep in mind I've only built box stock models before and this is all new to me. Trial and error.

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Testing the light in the dash. Also added a TV. Bonus points if you can name the movie.

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After fighting with the paint (Rustoleum enamel) I finally ended up with something I can live with. Shown after applying Future.

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Mounted the suspension

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Added a switch for the electronics.

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Hollowed out the grille

Stay Tuned...

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After months of working this paint job, I finally got something I can work with. This car has been stripped and repainted at least 4 times at this point.

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Lights installed

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BMF added and the interior installed/ First coat of Future has been layed at this point.

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After the second coat of Future

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Flip side. At this point, I am in a holding pattern until I can get my battery holder. This build has plenty of issues but as I said, I'm doing things here that I've never done before. I am extremely happy with the finish This is hands down the best paint I've ever layed -it's so deep. If you look at my other threads you will see what I mean. So far the body has snapped in multiple places and the finicky paint has cracked a bunch of times.

Stay Tuned...

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  • 1 month later...

Well, sir, very nicely finished and the modifications will get easier the more you do them.  I love the lighting.  Where did you source your lighting kit from???  Looks so kool with the lights on!!! gb ????????

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Thanks guys!

Well, sir, very nicely finished and the modifications will get easier the more you do them.  I love the lighting.  Where did you source your lighting kit from???  Looks so kool with the lights on!!! gb ????????

Greg, not a lighting kit, just 5 LESs. 3 white and 2 red. Both are rated for 3V. If you run them in parallel (all + together and all - together) there is no problem.

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Thanks for the info on the lighting.  I think even I could pull that off so I think I'll try that out on a future build!!!?????????

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