WIP - 2001 Dale Earnhardt Daytona 500 NASCAR **FINISHED**

[TheCat]

This is going to be my first NASCAR build ever. I always wanted to build Dale Earnhardt's last race car for the last two years. It was not until my friend told me about Mike's Decals website that I finally found the decal markings for Dale's 2001 Daytona 500 Race car.

This is going to be a Tribute build for Dale Earnhardt Sr. I'm planning to build a few of his race cars. Plus I'm going to build Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr's 2001 Rolex 24 hours race car.

Ok, enough talk and lets go to the WIP pictures:

Here's the picture of the actual car in Daytona 500 2001

Here's what I've done so far:

Primed and painted the body:

Edited September 7, 2011 by TheCat

[TheCat]

After waiting a week for the black paint to dry. I painted the Silver on the rocker panels, front and rear. This was not as bad as I thought it may be. In fact, I'm enjoying building this NASCAR car.

After a day to let the Silver paint dry. I started to place the decals. Was not sure where to start, so I just started by applying the headlight decals. I have to say, those Mike's Decals go on very smoothly.

[TheCat]

Applied the # 3 on the headlight.

Then I applied the red stripe on top of the Silver trim.

[TheCat]

Added the grille decal and the RCR Racing decal over the driver side headlight. The car is coming along GREAT!!! I'm really having fun applying these decals.

[Dr. Cranky]

Looking very good. Keep it going.

[TheCat]

Here's the front end again but with all the decals that needed to be on there.

Added the front fender sponsor decals.

Applied the Good Year fender decals.

Applied all the decals for the rear of the car.

[Tony T]

Good job on the decals so far!

[Nick Winter]

Good to see a Build of one of the Intimidators cars, I'm a bit of a Dale SR nut.

Nick

Very nice decal and paint work so far.

[FuzionTheAce]

I need to build one of these soon.Great Work!Can"t wait to see it finished.

Edited August 30, 2011 by FuzionTheAce

[bbowser]

NASCARS will give you lots of practice on decals! Very nice job so far.

[Guest Johnny]

Felix! What silver did you use?

[TheCat]

Felix! What silver did you use?

Hi Johnny - I used Testor's Silver Metallic #1246 Spray Can.

[TheCat]

Thanks everyone for your awesome comments!! It's coming out pretty nice so far.

Well, here's more update pictures:

After putting the front fender sponsor decals, I applied the rear sponsor decals to give me a guide on how the rest of the decals will go on.

Then I applied the Goodwrench decal to set up for the rest of the decals.

Then applied the "PLUS" decal.

Then the "SONIC" decal.

[TheCat]

Then I applied the "SERVICE" and "SNAP-ON" decals. This will help me to properly place the #3 Decal.

While I was at it, I also applied the rocker panel decals

Then came the big moment... placing the # 3 Decal on the side. Using the decals and the actual picture of Dale's race car, I applied the decal. After I applied the decal I took a moment and admired it.

After admiring it for a moment, I carefully applied the other sponsor decals.

More to come very soon...

[TheCat]

Here's another update:

Applied the sponsor decals on the B Pillar:

Then came the time to apply Dale Earnhardt's signature decal.

Applied the decal onto the C Pillar:

Then I finally Applied the # 3 decal on the roof of the car.

[TheCat]

And Here's the finished Body. I really LOVE how it came out looking. Now, to work on the engine and chassis:

Also Applied the hood decal: And Mike's Decals do give you decals for the hood pins as well.

[Ken#5fan]

Looks Great!!! Can't wait to see it finished. That black has a nice mirror finish.

[3men2s]

got to love the black car....great job on this historic car.

[Guest Johnny]

Hi Johnny - I used Testor's Silver Metallic #1246 Spray Can.

Thanks!!

[RS Sport]

Very very smooth and clean work. This is going to look awesome...scratch that, it's already looking awesome.

[TheCat]

Thanks everyone for the kind comments... Well, here's another update:

Engine detailed

Engine Cabin

Chassis detail started

[TheCat]

Tire Detailed

Driver Compartment getting detailed

More driver Compartment and chassis detail

[Models by Bear]

Looking good, I was a big fan of his. I have all the models they made of his even the clear one I just can't seem to opem them to build them .

[TheCat]

Did some more work on this build during the long weekend. Not as much as I wanted, but I don't want to rush this build.

Here's what I've done:

Detailed the dashboard

attached the engine onto the chassis and the tires as well

attached the muffler system, rear axle and suspension

Edited September 6, 2011 by TheCat

[Tony T]

Coming along nicely!