VW Cabriolet

[Modlbldr]

I picked this started project up off of eBay recently for $16 shipped. Not a bad deal. I found a pic on line of what I want to build. I think what drew me into this 1:1 was the mirrors on the fenders. Anywho- planning on Tamiya Light Gunmetal exterior and, perhaps, an Oxblood red interior. I'll be doing this one as a curbside. I picked up some resin wheels from Fink's Garage. I think I'll be going with the ones on the left.

More to come.

Later-

[Modlbldr]

I got a primer coat of white on the body and then a barrier coat of Silver. I then sanded it with 3600 grit and shot another coat of Silver. Letting it dry before another sanding to smooth it out.

I soon found out that the chassis pan was warped. Not sure if it was from the floor pan being warped or the center console warped and pulling the floor pan out of shape. What you see of the build progress is the way I got it from eBay.

So, I flattened it on my desk and it cracked the console. By filling the crack with sheet plastic, it straightened most of the warp. I think from here glue will hold it flat once all put together.

Going to just have fun with this one (I hope!)

Later-

[Tom Geiger]

That’s a clunky old tool with lotsa cleanup! I remember one big issue at the back top edge of the left front fender. 

[Modlbldr]

Yeah, it has its issues, but I'm liking it so far. Not looking to do a highly detailed build. That's why I'm skipping the motor in it. I already glued the lid shut.

Later-

[Dann Tier]

That is looking GREAT, Bud!!!!.....love the look of those wheels on the left too!!!!

[Modlbldr]

Thanks Dann! I managed to get the interior parts primed and got the body painted in the Tamiya Light Gunmetal. Now to find some acrylic Oxblood red paint soon for the interior. Of course, I managed to lose one headlight and bucket. 

Later-

[espo]

Nice looking paint work. I like your color ideas for the interior also. 

[matthijsgrit]

Great color choices indeed.

Reminds me of the Kindig-it Ghia

[Modlbldr]

Thanks fellas!

Thanks to Tom Geiger for some replacement parts! Got most of the interior work done today. Also polished the body and painted the chassis and suspension. Moving forward on this one. At this rate I should have it done by the end of next week. Now that I look at the interior panels and seats I'm not real happy. I may respray them tomorrow with a light shot of the maroon.

Later-

Edited June 4, 2020 by Modlbldr

[gotnitro?]

Nice work so far! 

Agree the interior bits need a bit of darker color 

[Eric Macleod]

Ive wondered about this kit as I have always been a VW fan...and a fan of air cooled cars in general.  I am watching with interest. 

[Modlbldr]

Eric- this is not the best of kits, but for a quick build it is fine. 

I got a good start on assembling the interior today. Not sure if I'm missing the center console or if it is at home. Got to take a look for it tonight. I might have to scratchbuild one.

Later-

[Can-Con]

Look'n good Tom. Love the wheels you're using. The Jackman looking wheels  look cool too.

BTW, this kit never came with a console between the seats, just a shift lever and park brake lever.

[Modlbldr]

2 hours ago, Can-Con said:

Look'n good Tom. Love the wheels you're using. The Jackman looking wheels  look cool too.

BTW, this kit never came with a console between the seats, just a shift lever and park brake lever.

Thanks Steve. The shift lever and parking brake lever were the parts I was actually referring to. The parking lever looks like it had a small box surrounding it. Either way, I don't think they were in the box when I got it. I'll have to scratch something up.

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[Sam I Am]

Those colors go well together Tom. 

[Eric Macleod]

I really like the looks of this. 

[Modlbldr]

Got a bit more done today and got it mocked up on the wheels with the two different tops on. Got a lot of adjusting on the up top and the suspension to do to get them to sit right.

Later-

[Modlbldr]

Making some good progress on this one. Got the BMF done, mirrors made, the suspension lowered, taillights, and license plate installed. I also found a decent speedo decal to add. I realized that I was missing all of the door and trunk handles so I cut them from the thin strip of chrome that was supposed to accent to running boards. Just the perfect width.  Not much left to do. I don't like the kit bumpers, so I may try to scratchbuild some out of half round.

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[Spottedlaurel]

Good to see one of these in progress. Seen them for sale lots of times over the years.

Looking good, definitely better lowered.

[Modlbldr]

One last one for now.

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[Scalper]

Wheels look killer on that bug 

[Modlbldr]

1 hour ago, Spottedlaurel said:

Good to see one of these in progress. Seen them for sale lots of times over the years.

Looking good, definitely better lowered.

Thanks Nigel. Like you, I have seen many of these for sale or trade but I have never seen one built. Not a high quality kit but it doesn't look bad when built.

56 minutes ago, Scalper said:

Wheels look killer on that bug 

Thanks Andre. I got a few different sets recently from Fink's Garage. Nice stuff.

Later-

[slusher]

Looking sharp Tom!

[Modlbldr]

Thanks Carl.

I got some need style bumpers made up and installed yesterday. All that's left is to paint the wheels and fiddle with the top. I'm thinking that I can airbrush the wheels with Molotow chrome and then flow some acrylic gloss black into the centers. Fortunately I have some extras to test my theory on.

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