59 Imperial custom

[mr moto]

This is my take on the Model King's re-pop of the AMT Imperial. It's gonna be a long term project with slow progress since I just don't have the time to put in on model cars right now but I plan to post updates as I can.

The roof is from a 69 Riviera with a pretty good chop keyholed in and I plan to use the interior and wheels from the Riv also. The fins on the Imp just weren't quite enough for me so I stretched 'em a bit to suit some 56 Packard taillights from Replicas & Miniatures. The outrageous skirts come from the Imp kit. The hood's been louvered and the door lines are recut for a more custom look.

Next step will be molding in a sort of frenched antenna in the middle of the rear deck and then some primer so I can check my work. I hope to update soon.

Edited May 30, 2009 by mr moto

[GOTH KUSTOMS]

OH yea, great start, cant wait to see more of this one.

[MADmodelDOCTOR]

Wow! :ph34r: Pretty cool. Nice work.

[E St. Kruiser50]

WOW

BOY DID YOU GET MT ATTENTION WITH THIS

THIS IS JUST TOO WAY CRAZY COOL

[RodneyBad]

WOW, That looks Really Far out there Man.

Looks like it is ready for flight.

[59-Desoto]

Man thats going to be one sleek dude can wait to see a finish car.

[RodBurNeR]

very interesting! nice restyling here, keep it coming!

[Foxer]

That is looking fantastic! Love the roof and those Packard lights look like they were MADE for the fins.

[mr moto]

Thanks for all the positive feedback!! Like I said, this will probably be a slow moving project but with this kind of good response maybe I'll be inspired to stay on task. Thanks again. I really appreciate the support!

[Custom Hearse]

Well.... Here's more good response! That is the most awesome looking custom I have ever seen! Please keep working on it, 'cause this is gonna be great!

[mr moto]

Here's a little bit of progress on the old Imperial. BTW, back in the day any Kustom Kar worth looking at had a kool name (think Predicta, Mysterion). If anybody has any good suggestions for this beast, I'm all ears.

Anyway, there's a spot for a molded in antenna on the rear deck now. Here's how it happened.

First I drilled a 1/8" hole in the deck at a slight angle and installed a plug of 1/8 plastic rod for some good firm support for the future antenna.

Formed a little wire loop for shape and super glued it to the deck:

Next it was blended in with putty (Acryl Blue) and Mr. Surfacer:

Drill a hole for the antenna to go into and it's done.

I usually make antennas out of straight pins (look for the ones with extra small heads) or pieces of guitar string. That can wait 'til final assembly or it'll get lost!!

[Bernard Kron]

This is going to be a very striking custom when you're done. Going back a few steps, how did you louver the hood?

[stevegt738]

I`m liking how this is going, i want to know about the hood as well.

[mr moto]

Louvers? What louvers? Those are stairs!

[stevegt738]

Looks like i will be going to the local model railway shop soon .

[mr moto]

I've decided to name this creature after my favorite movie star... MOTHRA!

Here's some shots from the first up on wheels test fitting. As you can see it's in primer now. Time to get to work on the interior!

[Modellpularn]

Wow, a cool and mean looking custom! It's going to be awesome when you get some paint on it.

[Foxer]

Looks stunning in one color! Those Packard tail lights were MADE for this car!

[E St. Kruiser50]

I've decided to name this creature after my favorite movie star... MOTHRA!

Here's some shots from the first up on wheels test fitting. As you can see it's in primer now. Time to get to work on the interior!

LOVE THE FACT THAT YOU KEPT THE STOCK BUMPERS AND TRIM .

The car is so identifiable and yet still "OUTRAGEOUSLY DIFFERENT AND COOOOOL" .

Fender skirts just help the whole build come together and "POP".

GREAT EXECUTION OF ART, STYLE, AND SUPERB DESIGNING AND CRAFTSMANSHIP.

Hope you paint it a "BRIGHT COLOR" TO GET EVERYONE'S ATTENTION AT THE SHOW'S YOU TAKE IT TOO, for the "GOTCHA FACTOR".

[george 53]

WoW Manuel, that thing is REALLY far out there! It remindes me of those old Classy rides Popeye used to take Olive Oyl to the Royal Balls in! Really like the roof treatment.Wouldn'ta known it was a 66 Riv roof if ya handn't told me.NICE conversion job! Those small strakes on the roof,and the filled in 1/4 windows are perfect! GREAT JOB Daddy-O!!