1960 Impala- My First Build

[Dave Ambrose]

Dave- I think I have some Citadel black wash somewhere, provided it hasn't turned to dust. Can you remember which particular areas needed work to aid fitting it all up? Out of curiousity, did you mount the interior tub to the body before fitting to the chassis like in the instructions or mount it to the chassis and trunk before fitting the body over the top?

The interior tub was just a little too tall. I fixed it by sanding on the lip of the dashboard, where it wasn't visible and I think I did a little sanding on the bottom of the interior tub. I didn't see any fit problems until I glued in the windscreen and rear window with Elmer's.

Truth be told, I didn't glue the tub at all. The assembly was sufficiently secure that I just trapped the interior between the body and chassis.

[MILD]

Thanks Dave. I did a bit of a test fit tonight and it's obvious the chassis sits a little lower than in should. Specifically the outer rail (almost the rocker panel) protrudes a bit.

I've attached some new photos of the test fit. The body will be polished and waxed once complete- obviously I've got a bit of trim to do and still foil a couple of areas. My first time foiling was a little hit and miss. The first bit went well and I think I probably rushed the rest. From a distance it's ok but it doesn't stand up to close inspection. This was with kitchen foil and white glue- next time I'll be using BMF as I feel the foil was a little too thick and the white glue didn't hold it as well as it could.

Apologies for the photos being a little washed out.

Edited August 24, 2010 by MILD

[MILD]

As the next photos of the car will appear in the Under Glass section of the forum I figured now was a good time to consolidate the things I've learnt this build. I am primarily doing this for my own benefit and to document my mistakes so I hopefully don't make them again. Hopefully if anyone else chooses to read this- especially new builders such as myself- they'll also benefit.

- Carefully inspect all parts early in the build- from the body shell through to minor detail parts. It was a little disappointing to discover some very obvious defects with the shell only after paint... a very rookie mistake and I guess next build might include a bit of putty

- In line with the above, test fit all parts before glue and next time I will be test fitting the body prior to paint simply to make sure it all fits up nicely without the need for filing or modification after paint.

- I will next time assemble a sub assembly before paint where ever most practical to do so. Plastic cement doesn't seem to like enamels and makes quite a mess. Where it's easier to paint on the sprue I will have to give the contact area a small scrape to expose the bare plastic beneath to help it adhere where it needs to.

- Don't rush. I think virtually all of the problems I had with this build are a result of being far to eager to slap the whole thing together. Things such as not cleaning each part correctly before assembly or not allowing brush painted parts the required amount of drying time. This was especially true of my foiling experiment- after the first part went on well I proceeded to rush the rest and do quite a shoddy job (and note to self- buy the real BMF next time!).

- Don't be scared to try new things. It might not always be perfect (and will no doubt often be far from) but experience is the best teacher and if you don't try you'll never learn. Although it went against some very well intentioned advice I couldn't help myself to try foiling and flocking and I must admit that I am glad I did so... sure, it didn't go so well this time but next time I'll have a good idea what not to do (I was quite impressed by my flocking though ).

Now I just need to find somewhere to rest the Impala so I can turn my attention to the Black Widow 57 that arrived in the post today. Thanks to everyone who offered kind words of encourage and advice throughout this project and I will be sure to draw on you all once again.

Thanks.

[MILD]

Just to prove it is actually done! The plan was to get some nice outdoors shots of it for the underglass section however the weather decided against that.

Good photos coming as soon as possible. Thanks again to everyone who helped throughout the build.

[Jim0205]

Just to prove it is actually done! The plan was to get some nice outdoors shots of it for the underglass section however the weather decided against that.

Good photos coming as soon as possible. Thanks again to everyone who helped throughout the build.

Very nice I will be waiting to see the out door shots.