'53 'vette (build scrapped)

[Mr. Show]

I am scrapping this build and starting another. I learned a lot of things, though, so it's not a total loss.

Well, first in about 15 years anyway. I tried building a few when I was 11-13 but lost interest when it came to little details.

Anyway I was interested in trying again, but all the kits I saw locally were a little pricey for a hobby to which I wasn't sure I even wanted to commit. On a whim I decided to check out the Goodwill. I found a new, unbuilt 1:24 1953 Corvette made by Monogram in 1977. It doesn't have many pieces (I think it's 70 or so) so it's perfect for a beginner like me.

I'm taking it slowly so I get everything right the first time. Some pictures:

I decided to go with a different color than the instructions suggest. Should look great on a Chevy. I've only painted the hood so far for color testing. After it cures I'll finish and clearcoat it, and if my experience with this paint is correct it should be extremely smooth and glossy.

Some pieces I've started on. The Laguna Blue seems a great match for the Blue Flame engine:

Hoping to start on the body today and will post updates as I progress. Any tips are also appreciated.

Edited October 6, 2010 by Mr. Show

[DRG]

I also just got back into this great hobby after a forty some odd years of being away from it.

Like you I found an older kit, actually several to start with.

Take your time and enjoy.

[Mr. Show]

I also just got back into this great hobby after a forty some odd years of being away from it.

Like you I found an older kit, actually several to start with.

Take your time and enjoy.

I told myself I would only buy one kit to start off with, but I've had so much fun with the Corvette that I bought an AMT '55 Nomad this morning and am leaving soon to buy my second-favorite car (you'll always be first in my heart, late-model Mercury Marauder,) a Buick Grand National/GNX. Now my only problem will be restraining myself from starting one of those before finishing the 'Vette.

[DRG]

I assure you I understand that problem.

[LAone]

off to a good start. a ford color on a chevy?! j/k

and i too understand the concept of buying more than one kit. you cant help it when it's there or get a great deal on it.

[ChrisPflug]

I've always thought the metal body Corvette kits were a bit ironic

[AzTom]

Welcome, Nice start.

That blue looks close to the 55 Corvette color, basically the same car. Get some Self Etching primer at least for the first coat on the diecast. That will help eliminate those little nicks on the edges.

AzTom

[davyou5]

I told myself I would only buy one kit to start off with, but I've had so much fun with the Corvette that I bought an AMT '55 Nomad this morning and am leaving soon to buy my second-favorite car (you'll always be first in my heart, late-model Mercury Marauder,) a Buick Grand National/GNX. Now my only problem will be restraining myself from starting one of those before finishing the 'Vette.

For starters its really great that you are back in the hobby. So Welcome Back! When I read your first statement about buying a car from Goodwill, I thought to myself "He'll love it and want more" well to my surprise scrolling down all the replies here, you are buying yourself another model, I knew you could not resist the urge , you know why? because I couldn't! . I also want to get AMT's 1964 Mercury Marauder, so let me know how well that kit has treated you when you finish building it. Any way I think that this model will turn out great! I can't wait to see if finish. Keep it Roll'in .

Edited October 3, 2010 by davyou5

[SSNJim]

(you'll always be first in my heart, late-model Mercury Marauder,) a Buick Grand National/GNX. Now my only problem will be restraining myself from starting one of those before finishing the 'Vette.

As far as I know, there isn't a model of the late-model Mercury Marauder. However, the current metal-bodied 1/24 Testors 2007 Crown Victoria (at least the black and white version) is a cross between a Marauder and a Crown Vic. The side molding and front bumper are Marauder pieces, and the interior is an upscale version - definitely not a police interior. I haven't been able to identify the interior yet as to whether it is a CV LX-type or another year Marauder than the one I compared it to. With a Marauder grill and wheels (I'm not aware of any available, though) and the rear bumper modifications, you should be able to pass it off as one - definitely better than the earlier conversions I have seen on eBay. Even if a conversion is above your comfort/skill level at this point, you may want to pick one up for future use before they disappear. Or not. It's just a thought.

[Mr. Show]

Thanks for all the replies and help. This is a great community. For a little update, I send you to this awful thing:

Ewww. Well, at least I can learn something from this. Mostly that I should have bought those needle files and not tried using a dremel with engraving bits and a sanding drum. I thought I had all the flash down, but you can always trust primer to light up your mistakes like a neon sign. It's just as well - it's 40 degrees today so I couldn't paint anyway. Time to break out the bondo and files.

Also SSNJim, that's very helpful. I love the Panther platform so will definitely be on the lookout for a Crown Vic that can be easily de-policified. Is there a single site people around here use to order kits?

Edited October 3, 2010 by Mr. Show