AMC Gremlin

[Mike F.]

Hi all,

I'm fairly new to this forum. Just been lurking for a while and commenting on occasion. Really enjoying some of the talented work I've seen and picking up many good tips.

I started posting this build on FineScale's forum, but it seems the vast majority of members there are into military modeling, which is fine, as I occasionally build military planes.

However, after discovering this forum, decided to start a progress thread here, instead. Hope you enjoy.

 

The model is AMC's Gremlin X. Going to be Black Metalflake over Candy Green. Going to be a combination of the street and strip versions. Below are a few starting photo's.

 

A bit of primer to start

 

 

Chose a medium dark green for interior color. Trying a bit of upholstery for the first time.

 

 

 

And a bit of carpeting.

 

 

Color scheme looks ok, I guess. Going to ditch that space save spare cover and just have full-size spare.

 

 

Engine coming along nicely

 

 

More to come......

[lordairgtar]

Good start so far.

 

[Mike F.]

A bit of an issue with the headers. Not sure if I did something wrong, or if the kit is a bit off.

Either way, the side pipes did not line up with the header pipes outlet, so I had to make some adapter pipes.

Also, the headers almost touch the ground. Probably because I elected not to use the rear slicks provided,

which would have raised the back slightly. I did not use them because I dis not want to cut out the rear fenders.

[FLHCAHZ]

Looking good!  I usually glue the headers on then set the engine in the chassis with the exhaust to make sure everything lines up. 

[TransAmMike]

Ditto what Chaz said. Need to test fit to be sure everything lines up.

[Tom Geiger]

Caution is good - I understand the Gremlin kit has some fit Gremlins!

[slusher]

Michael you can skip Photobucket and past you pitchers directly here now...

[Mike F.]

Thanks for the tip slusher.

Yes, this kit does have other issues. For one, there is no brake cylinder. I'm going to try and make my own.

[Mike F.]

Painted lower half of body. Ended up with a couple spots of spydering, which surprised me, since I primed an lightly sanded first.  Sanding them down now and will repaint. I do like the color though.

 

[thomascoffey1959@gmail.com]

never spray lacquer over enamel. 

[Mike F.]

Another good tip.

Thanks Thomas.

[Mike F.]

Lots of progress on engine, chassis and interior.

Finished up some wiring and a bit of plumbing

 

Interior is almost complete, aside from a bit of touch-up.

 

A bit sloppy on the dash, but not bad considering my shakiness.

 

And  for your reading pleasure, I threw in a couple magazines.

Edited March 8, 2021 by Mike F.
Remove identical image

[bisc63]

Coming right along!

[David G.]

You have some good detail work going there.

David G.

[thomascoffey1959@gmail.com]

that cloth interior looks great !, I tried that Once

[Mike F.]

47 minutes ago, thomascoffey1959@gmail.com said:

that cloth interior looks great !, I tried that Once

Thanks guys for the kind comments.

The cloth seats took a few attempts before I got it to my liking. 

I used pieces from an old pair of thin PJs.

[FLHCAHZ]

Really looking good!

[Mike F.]

So, A bit more progress. I finished the body paint job, with exception of a bit of touch-up work followed by clear coat and polishing. Will try my hand at foiling after that. Tried once before, but I shake like crazy, so will be a challenge.

 

A few trial fittings:  I'm going to have to relocate the Tachometer. Or punch a hole in the windshield. JK

 

 

 

 

I'll have to work on seating the body on the frame a little better, as there is a gap at the front of the dashboard.

 

Hard to tell in my crappy photos, but I think the color combinations worked out well, interior / exterior. Although now I'm thinking that I should have gone green over black.

Maybe overthinking.

 

Edited March 10, 2021 by Mike F.

[Bainford]

Cool look. I think the black over green is the right way to go. Looks aggressive. 

[thomascoffey1959@gmail.com]

 Don't close that gap at the top of the dash ,you'll need it for windshield clearance.

[Mike F.]

3 hours ago, thomascoffey1959@gmail.com said:

 Don't close that gap at the top of the dash ,you'll need it for windshield clearance.

Thanks for the tip!

[bisc63]

Could relocate tach to the hood, GTO fashion!

[Mike F.]

8 hours ago, bisc63 said:

Could relocate tach to the hood, GTO fashion!

I was thinking the same thing.

[Mike F.]

Been a couple months since I posted on this build, as I have been struggling with trying to do foil. Just does not want to stick for me. Even tried to do a thin film of glue and let It dry until just tacky, then apply foil, but the foil would not stick then either.

After becoming frustrated, I decided to mask off the trim and paint with spray chrome. I even did the clear spray first, which worked well for the two tone body.

Turned out to be a disaster. The chrome spray paint worked it's way under the masking in many places. Going to have to wet sand the body and start over.

I was able to do foil on the area below one door.

[FLHCAHZ]

That’s a bummer for sure, but it will be better next time