Is it just me?

[GrandpaMcGurk]

Just wondering why model car interiors especially small scale, seem to take a back seat to the rest of the build.

Yes, I know some folks super detail their interiors with paint, flocking and so on. Some even have fabric, leather etc,. but not so much in the way of modifications.

Anyhow.........thought I'd see if I could spark a little interest them, I'm sure you guys can come up with a lot more than I'm presenting here and more than likely do a much better job than I can.

This is typical of what I usually see.........

this tub is one I picked up already built, it's very well painted and assembled although the gloss black paint doesn't really look like auto upholstery unless it had been soaked in Amour-all (did I spell that right?) and buffed for days.

I'll take the same interior and let's see what we can come up with....here's the kit pieces laid out.

Edited September 5, 2011 by GrandpaMcGurk

[GrandpaMcGurk]

Please feel free to jump in here anywhere and post pics of you own or offer suggestions as I'm hoping some of what's posted in this thread will be useful to our fellow members.

I'll start by tossing out the rear bench seat in favor of two more factory buckets.

Here's the bottom of the interior tub loosely mocked up on the floor pan.

[GrandpaMcGurk]

I cut an oval shaped hole in the kick panel where the molded in speaker was.

A piece of fine mesh brass or copper screen will be used to form the speaker grille.

Push the screen into the opening from the back of the door panel to form the curved surface of the speaker grille.

Here's a photo of it in place.

[bandit1]

wow your actually doing it justice!

'

if i may ask what kit is that to?

[philo426]

Good point."50s and '60s interiors lend themselves to two or 3 tone painting that can make them stand out.

[GrandpaMcGurk]

wow your actually doing it justice!

'

if i may ask what kit is that to?

It's an old Momogram kit Sean, nice looking Chevy Philo.

Edited September 5, 2011 by GrandpaMcGurk

[XJ6]

"Wow" sure like what you did to the Door Panels (Speakers)....That i will try....Great Tip "Thanks"...Cheers..

[Nova-ss]

I like what I see going on here.I've always tryed to do better interiors,but don't know what to do to make them better.I do some on them,stuff I see in real life cars and trucks.good job and I'm going to watch this thread and learn.Thank you,Chris

[GrandpaMcGurk]

These are the materials I'll be using to "upholster" the interior.

The light tan suede will be used for inserts in the seats, door panels and the often overlooked headliner. The darker suede will be on the door panels and seat bolsters.

The black velveteen is for the carpeting and door kick panels.

The 36 gauge tooling foil is for the band that frames the seat (easily cut with scissors). I'll also use a little wood veneer on the console, dash and possibly door inserts.

[Mike Kucaba]

I'm sure that what ever you do to this interior will be fantastic,and I like the 4 bucket seat idea. The speaker you cut out though is really a fresh air duct that can be opened with a little rod on the 1:1

[Sport Suburban]

The interior gets no love!! At least that is what I see. I have done a few really nice interiors and nobody looks in there unless it is pointed out. If it is a convertible then it gets noticed. The paintjob stands out first and then the engine.

[GrandpaMcGurk]

I'm sure that what ever you do to this interior will be fantastic,and I like the 4 bucket seat idea. The speaker you cut out though is really a fresh air duct that can be opened with a little rod on the 1:1

True...but it's a speaker now, LOL.

[GrandpaMcGurk]

The interior gets no love!! At least that is what I see. I have done a few really nice interiors and nobody looks in there unless it is pointed out. If it is a convertible then it gets noticed. The paintjob stands out first and then the engine.

All good points Raoul and I agree....but that's no reason to just toss some paint at it and call it a day. It would probably draw a little more attention if it was a rag top.

Edited September 5, 2011 by GrandpaMcGurk

[GrandpaMcGurk]

I pulled one of the painted seats out of the interior tub I showed at the beginning of this thread to do a mock up on.......I didn't want to take a chance on screwing up on the ones I'll be using for the finished interior. Mostly, I just wanted to see if color combos I selected worked well together and didn't clash too much with the exterior body color.etc.

I hope you'll overlook the ragged edges and glue as it's just a test piece, I'll take my time on the finished ones.

Also, the photos are much larger than actual size, which makes the suede look like a fuzzy beach towel......not so to the naked eye.

Here's the back and side of the seat...the black that shows will be covered on the finished ones.

Here's a couple beside the body.

I drilled a small hole in the seat frame and pushed a straight pin through the hole to simulate a pivot point for the seat back. The aluminum will be thinner on the finished but I think this will give you an idea where I'm headed with it.

I'll also use the light tan for the often overlooked headliner.

Edited September 5, 2011 by GrandpaMcGurk

[Custom Mike]

I agree Don, interiors can really kick a build up a notch or ten! I've done everything so far with mine but seat belts (Just been too lazy to try 'em yet!), but I'll do some soon! Here's a few pics of interiors I've done over the years...

Revell's Acura RSX

And installed in the model.

AMT's 1967 Impala SS427, nothing but paint and a bit of foil!

And Revell's Shelby GT500KR...

And installed in the body, looks pretty good!

[Mike Kucaba]

True...but it's a speaker now, LOL.

And it definitely will get plenty of fresh air.

[GrandpaMcGurk]

Great looking interiors Mike.

I need to tighten up the wood grain a little more and do some clean up, but here's some photos of the door panel......

YIKES.......guess I'd better clean up the hobby room........where's the bug spray?

[GrandpaMcGurk]

It's been a very long time since I've built anything under 1/12th scale. I'd forgotten how small 1/25th is so I'm just kinda stumbling along with this '65 Chevy. Anyhow is going to be my attempt at a customized ride from the mid to late '70's.

I'll be using a '71 'Cuda grille with rolled pans front and rear, lake pipes and probably fender skirts......maybe even a continental kit just for giggles.

Edited September 10, 2011 by GrandpaMcGurk

[Nick Winter]

Should be a interesting build to see finished, I'll certainly be watching to see how that Cuda' grille looks with that chevy body.

Nick

[crazyjim]

Looking good, Don. Surprised to see you working on a small scale build.

I have to ask - what's the source of that thin suede?

What are you using to glue the suede?

[Custom Mike]

Jim, I was going to ask the same thing, where do you get that suede? And you've gotta let us know how you do the wood grain, that looks really good!

[GrandpaMcGurk]

Well, Jim at our last "FAST" club meeting you guys where just having way too much fun tinkering with these small scale cars and I figured I'd give it a try.

In all honestly they are quite a challenge (for me)......being so small. They tend to frustrate me.........'cause I can't use a hammer & wrenches on them I guess.

Slinging Bondo on big stuff and beating it into submission is one thing, but tweezers, magnifying glasses and tip toeing thru the tulips is a major adjustment for my digits.

You small scale guys do some incredible builds and my hat's off to all of you......I'm just playing catch-up.

In answer to your question about the adhesive.............

[GrandpaMcGurk]

Mike.........your query about the woodgrain.........do want the quick easy way or some that are a bit more believable & difficult?

[GrandpaMcGurk]

Jim, I almost forgot.......it's (fake) synthetic suede, no way am I going to try to skive the real thing to thin it down.

If you wander through any fabric / craft store you'll find tons of material in just about every color or print imaginable. I usually visit the remnant table, stuff is cheap as it's cut offs from customers orders. In fact, I got the black Velveteen I'm using for carpet at the Hobby Lobby where we hold our meetings.

Edited September 11, 2011 by GrandpaMcGurk

[crazyjim]

Well Don,

It just so happens that I got a 40% off coupon for HL today and the chrome Alclad should be in at Rob's. I've been looking for an excuse to get the bike out for a ride, so I might just scoot over there in the morning.