1/12 L-88 `67 Corvette

[Hawk312]

Ok, first a little background on the subject. In `67, you could order a vette with several engine options, but rarely was the L-88 option selected, as it was basically a racing engine installed in a street car. It was notorious for it`s overheating issues and was just plain unfriendly to the average buyer. But it was fast. In all, a total of 20 L-88`s were made in `67, and many of them became race cars. If you have a real one of these today, there is no way you would accept anything less than $million for it.

So, this one is a little unique compared to what you normally see from me. I`m sorry guys....I must be driving you crazy with all the 1/12 Corvettes and Camaros. :icon16:

Anyway, I took the L-71 tri-power 1/12 `67 Corvette kit and converted it to an L-88. I also wanted a rare color scheme, and to my knowledge, only 1 L-88 was made with this color scheme, and only 4 other non L-88`s were made in these colors. Since the kit doesn`t come with blue decals, I had to mask these off and paint them on. You`ll have to forgive my photography skills. For some reason I can`t get my camera to properly capture the blue stinger. It is much more blue and less aqua in real life.

There were alot of modifications needed to convert this kit. The radio details had to be sanded off, and since it is in such a tight location, it was really difficult to do this and not damage the dash. I sanded and puttied and primered it like 4 times to get it right. The firewall needed to be modified since these cars came without heaters. The overflow tank was scratch built. The radiator needed modifications and the radiator shroud was correctly not installed. The filter on top of the carb required more creative scratch building, and took forever to get right. The foam around the edge is real foam. And of course, wiring and plumbing with "text" were added, and labels and chalk markings were added to the chassis.

And, as usual, a correct `67 window sticker and license plate were added. Please let me know what you think!

[arick]

Beautifull!!

Tell us about how you painted the car, it looks perfect.

[Len Woodruff]

Beautiful job on the car!! Where could I get a list of the colors for the 67 L88 that were coupes?

[James W]

This should go in the Real or Model section.

Nice work on my favorite year Corvette.

[old-hermit]

Freaking awesome build, but I question the blue wall tires.

Didja forget to wash the blue off the white walls ? heh heh heh.

[Harry P.]

Your paint is about as flawless as I've ever seen. Tell us your process step-by-step. What brands/types of paint, how many coats, polishing kit? How do you get such a perfect finish?

[Ira]

Beautiful Build! It looks real to me...

[RodneyBad]

Holy Cow!!!

Thought those were real pics of a current build.

But the Huge Plant gave it away..

Looks Fantastic..

Paint is Flawless and incredible detailing..

Excellent work..

[Hawk312]

Thanks guys!! You all are too kind! And the antenna is being removed.

Your paint is about as flawless as I've ever seen. Tell us your process step-by-step. What brands/types of paint, how many coats, polishing kit? How do you get such a perfect finish?

Thanks Harry. I really don`t have any real secrets other than just follow the same process as you would with a real car. Typically on this kit I will use all duplicolor paints and primers straight from the can. The one exception this time was the blue stinger, which is testors laquer. So I usually start with bout 3-4 coats of primer, sanded with 1000 grit when dry. I try to sand in "X" formations to keep it as flat as possible. If I am concerned about bleed through from the red plastic (I was on this one with the light blue), I will follow up with a couple coats of silver. Otherwise, I usually follow up with about 6-8 coats of color, sanded with 1500 when dry. Next is the clear, another 6-8 coats at the very least, sometimes up to 10 or 12. I usually allow it to cure for a month, then wet sand carefullly starting at 1500 then moving to 2000. Follow that with 3M rubbing compound, then meguires swirl remover, then tamyia compound. Thats pretty much it.

Edited November 21, 2009 by Hawk312

[Hawk312]

Here was the inspiration for this model guys:

http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/2007-rm-au...88-corvette/#11

[voljeepx]

Beautiful Vette, Hawk. You should be very proud! That paint is flawless and the details are great! Good job!

[Build Up Boy]

HAWK-

I could've sworn that I saw your L-88 at this years Bloomington Gold in St. Charles, IL. But I could be wrong. As a 1/1 corvette owner and a member of N.C.R.S. I think you did an OUTSTANDING job on this car! From the photo's it looks like you even used the correct Argent Silver on the rallye wheels. Once again........OUTSTANDING! Love your builds, keep em coming.

Marty

[Matt P]

Beautiful build Hawk. My dream car right there. I love the color combo, and is that a window sticker I see? great touch if it is!

[Ron Hamilton]

That car is drop dead georgeous. I have one of those kits, and I may do mine as a L88. I did a Revell 1/25 Corvette coupe in the reversed exterior color, but I am not going to hijack your thread with it.

Your model is exquisite.

[Duntov]

HI:

This is one fine piece of craftsmanship......only one observation though....L-88's were radio delete cars as you have here......but you added an antennae.....minor point but beautiful car anway.

Regards

Bill (Duntov)

[Hawk312]

Wow. All my old threads are coming back up!

Yeah, I originally started this as an L-89. Prepping the body is the first thing I do since I put so much clear coat and drying times are usually in terms of weeks. It was an oversight.

BTW, this one will be in the May/June issue of MCM, if it ever comes out. Can I say that?

[Harry P.]

Wow. All my old threads are coming back up!

Yeah, I originally started this as an L-89. Prepping the body is the first thing I do since I put so much clear coat and drying times are usually in terms of weeks. It was an oversight.

BTW, this one will be in the May/June issue of MCM, if it ever comes out. Can I say that?

You just did!

[Romell R]

Beautiful work keep it up.

[baddgass]

WOW

[Gregg]

Poster Perfect :-)