If you were stuck on an island...

[rsxs9400]

So this is my second model that I will be building. My first one was built box stock. I just got this 1972 nova in the other day, and its not exactly what I am looking to build. So I went ahead and ordered a 1955 pro sportsman chevy to use as a donor car. This is going to be my first time doing a frankinstein project and possibly some scratch building. So my question to you, what are some beginning essentials that you would reccomoend to me as all I have is some paint, a knife, and some glue. Also, I do not really have a LHS in the area, and deal mostly online. So if you could recommend some websites that would be helpful as well. I hope you all enjoy my build and I will greatly appreciate all the help i know you guys will lend to me.

Thanks,

Jeff

Ps:

Here is the first model:

Edited November 12, 2009 by rsxs9400

[Nick Winter]

So this is my second model that I will be building. My first one was built box stock. I just got this 1972 nova in the other day, and its not exactly what I am looking to build. So I went ahead and ordered a 1955 pro sportsman chevy to use as a donor car. This is going to be my first time doing a frankinstein project and possibly some scratch building. So my question to you, what are some beginning essentials that you would reccomoend to me as all I have is some paint, a knife, and some glue. Also, I do not really have a LHS in the area, and deal mostly online. So if you could recommend some websites that would be helpful as well. I hope you all enjoy my build and I will greatly appreciate all the help i know you guys will lend to me.

Thanks,

Jeff

Ps:

Here is the first model:

No offense but did you take that picture in a mirror or something, everything's backward on the box art? should be a interesting build though.

As for the essential's you've already got most of it, but some stuff that I find handy is a set of small files, sandpaper, some diffrent glues, a set of side cutters for cutting sprues, some small pliers, mostly you need needle nose pliers, but a bunch of clamps, some markers, both permanent and washable, pencils, Brushes of diffrent sizes, some bondo spot & glazing putty, or some type of model based putty, some tooth picks (don't laugh there handy for detailing), some pins, lots of diffrent ,masking tapes (I don't know how many times tape can be extremely handy) I think that's it. hope it helps

[rsxs9400]

I just used the camera on my computer, dont know why it showed up like that, but anyway.

I noticed you mentioned bondo and putty. When dry fitting some of the parts, I noticed ac couple of areas that need to be filled in. Do you have any recommended brands, and where to get them. Also, what is the difference between the bondo glaze and putty, and model putty. Thanks!

[Jared Roach]

I just used the camera on my computer, dont know why it showed up like that, but anyway.

I noticed you mentioned bondo and putty. When dry fitting some of the parts, I noticed ac couple of areas that need to be filled in. Do you have any recommended brands, and where to get them. Also, what is the difference between the bondo glaze and putty, and model putty. Thanks!

Ok, when I fill stuff I first adress how bad it is. What are you filling because some things can`t just be filled a call it done. I used to use regular old bondo but the other night I picked up some spot putty and it works great!! The difference between spot putty is that spot putty is made for real cars and it's (I think) better to use because it drys quicker. Model putty is good but most people use bondo or spot putty because you get alot more for your $! I find the only good model putty is taymia putty works GREAT but I can't find it anymore. Also for body work you want to get future floor wax so after you do your body work you put a coat of it on and your ready to paint! future is also good for putting on your final paint job so it shines and you can apply it with a brush!! Hoped this helped!

[rsxs9400]

Ok, when I fill stuff I first adress how bad it is. What are you filling because some things can`t just be filled a call it done. I used to use regular old bondo but the other night I picked up some spot putty and it works great!! The difference between spot putty is that spot putty is made for real cars and it's (I think) better to use because it drys quicker. Model putty is good but most people use bondo or spot putty because you get alot more for your $! I find the only good model putty is taymia putty works GREAT but I can't find it anymore. Also for body work you want to get future floor wax so after you do your body work you put a coat of it on and your ready to paint! future is also good for putting on your final paint job so it shines and you can apply it with a brush!! Hoped this helped!

It def. did help out. So you just goto your local auto store to pick up some bondo? And I guess Home Depot for the future? I will try to post some pictures of the area I am talking about.

On a side note. Does anyone have any link pertaining to preparing a body for paint? any tips? I would like this to be an eventual guide for noobs like me when they are just starting.

Thanks,

Jeff

[Ryan S.]

It def. did help out. So you just goto your local auto store to pick up some bondo? And I guess Home Depot for the future? I will try to post some pictures of the area I am talking about.

On a side note. Does anyone have any link pertaining to preparing a body for paint? any tips? I would like this to be an eventual guide for noobs like me when they are just starting.

Thanks,

Jeff

Check out This Link for some great tips on prepping and basic building techniques. There is a lot of good stuff here.

[moparmagiclives]

Cool kit but, even cooler boondock poster.

[Nick Winter]

I just used the camera on my computer, dont know why it showed up like that, but anyway.

I noticed you mentioned bondo and putty. When dry fitting some of the parts, I noticed ac couple of areas that need to be filled in. Do you have any recommended brands, and where to get them. Also, what is the difference between the bondo glaze and putty, and model putty. Thanks!

Ok here's my explanation, I recomend Bondo from 3M, it's really good stuff, you want to use spot and glazing putty though, not the stuff in the can. it's much harder to use do to the fact that you need to add the hardener and mix them, spot and glazing putty already has it mixed in the tube.

[envious8420]

but the spot putty WILL shrink and show through the paint over time.

any 2 part filler will work. bondo tends to be harder to work with the longer it cures. i would recommend evercoat metal glaze found at most paint supply shops, bondo also makes a 2 part glazing putty comes in 2 tubes on a card and like the evercoat is extremely easy to work with after any period of time.

[Smart-Resins]

I second what Nick says. I actually have this kit and the 55 prosportsman. Interesting concept there, though I was debating using that chassis on my 53/4 chevy panel. One thing you may have to do is fill in areas/ gaps on the chassis to fit the body. IN these cases, I like to use styrene to build these areas up then sand them tio match the contours of the body. Jody

[rsxs9400]

thanks for all the responses guys, should have the other model in on monday.

[rsxs9400]

Surprise surprise! It came in today. I took a look at some fitting issues and dug right in. Had to cut off the front clip on the nova.

then noticed that the fire wall was a little too tall, so I had to grind it down a little. Overall it fits alot better, but still needs a little work to the inner fenderwells.

here are the two bodies...

thats it for now.... any ideas for color???

[Nick Winter]

Surprise surprise! It came in today. I took a look at some fitting issues and dug right in. Had to cut off the front clip on the nova.

then noticed that the fire wall was a little too tall, so I had to grind it down a little. Overall it fits alot better, but still needs a little work to the inner fenderwells.

here are the two bodies...

thats it for now.... any ideas for color???

Nice I like it, and as for a color you can never go wrong with Red, Orange, or Blue

[rsxs9400]

got one of the front fenders on...its gonna need some putty in the gap at the top. the other side needs to be trimmed up in order to fit properly. Not too happy with the fitment of this model so far. but the only thing ill be using is the body for this one

here is how it will hopefully sit. maybe a little higher in the front

working on the frame and roll cage now.

[Corvette.Jeff]

also for filling gaps,even small ones, use as much plastic as you can. If you use ot much filler it will heat the plastic up so much it will eventually melt and fall apart.

When using spot putty( i use bondo brand tube putty) use small thin amounts, also wait for it to dry completley, it usually dries in a couple of hours, but i let it sit over night.

You do most of your stuff online? I would look into getting some evergreen sheet styrene then, i got a multi pack when i first started scratch building and highly recomend it.

Heres a link.

http://search.ehobbies.com/search?query=evergreen

also, if your looking for model kits, just do a google search for model kit.

JEff.