SCRATCH-BUILT CADILLAC SUV

[E St. Kruiser50]

Some may call this kit-bashing, but....??

Several years ago, about 5 or 6, a couple different things came together at the same time to cause me to build this somewhat unusual subject - at least for me.

Pontiac had just come out with the "VIBE, and Toyota the "MATRIX". I wondered what a full size SUV would be like with that same receeding roof-line to the rear.

The newer Lexus's and Nissan'' hadn't come out yet, so this was my attempt at a custom version.

I found a Cadillac truck die-cast for the front end, and bought 5 different truck and SUV kits, to create what I wanted.

At the same time I had been wondering if I still "HAD IT", like I did in the days of LANCER CO., and sculpting and mastering all those dozens of slot car molds.

Because REVELL hadn't created any of their CAD kits yet, the front end was hand shaped out of sheet styrene and EVERCOAT RAGE, and I used the narrowed die-cast grill/headlight assembly.

The side body panels, especially, and the rear valance, were where I put in the most effort to test myself. They're all hand sculpted with crisp "Razor-edge sharpness" in the style I like to create. It has that "Socal look" to it that has been so popular.

The paint is HOK metalflake, with a HOK Kandy tangerine top-coat and then HOK clear- coated.

The wheel/tires are scale 30"er's . THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT - LOVE IT.

This car has only been shown once and has never been contested. Many of my builds are just for my own enjoyment.

Here's some pic's - Hope you enjoy

Edited April 25, 2009 by Treehugger Dave

[Foxer]

That sure is, should I say, MASSIVE! you sure you didn't salvage a Dodge Magnum "chopped" roof for this?? The lower body panels never stop climbing up to the top of those tires....

All kidding aside, that's a great piece of work there, Dave. Looks great too.

[george 53]

A "closet" SUV? What's it REALLY wanna be? a Dragster?! Looks good to me,even if it is kinda outta your normal sphere of things.One thing fer sure, your the ONLY kid on the block with one!!! GREAT Build!