Dr. Cranky Posted September 15, 2011 Posted September 15, 2011 Well, folks, after ruining not ONE but TWO beautifully painted bodies from a couple of years ago. Well, here, take a look so you can share my frustration: My Tiki 49 Merc . . . yes, ruined, and Both ruined because of frustration . . . anyway, in order to fight back, I decided to build one of my many unfinished project, so EYEGORE chose this one . . . A 39 Chevy I had started two years ago but lost interest . . . Here's the story: I have always wanted to build an early fat-fendered Chevy turned military vehicle. But what? What could it be, so after much "crankyfication," here's what I've got: An AREA-51 UFO TRACKER put into "secret" service in the general vicinity of the Southwest where all these UFO landings (circa early 40s) are taking place . . .so one thing led to another an here we are: Hope you enjoy it. Stay tuned in for pics of the build in progress . . .
Dr. Cranky Posted September 15, 2011 Author Posted September 15, 2011 So we begin with beautiful raw styrene, Revell 39 Chevy Coupe . . . I don't know what came over me in terms of turning this body into swiss cheese with all these holes (I guess I've never gotten over seeing Andy Johnson's amazing hot rod done like this). We put as many details as we could just to give it the right "look" to match what EYEGORE had in mind in terms of this being a "secret" type of vehicle . . . not too often seen . . . (hum a stealth 39 Chevy, now there's an idea! LOL)
Dr. Cranky Posted September 15, 2011 Author Posted September 15, 2011 Opened the trunk so that the UFO tracking technology and secret cargo would be glimpsed . . . Ah, the imagination is a terrible thing to waste, isn't it? To the rescue comes all these bits from my WARHAMMER 40K bits spares box:
Dr. Cranky Posted September 15, 2011 Author Posted September 15, 2011 Some of the parts (all for the interior) were modified with watch parts . . . just because it's fun, and CRAZY, yes. Here's a look at all the basic components in primer, oh beautiful primer:
Dr. Cranky Posted September 15, 2011 Author Posted September 15, 2011 The rust base coat with the usual DOCTOR CRANKY method: Oh, yes, I was crazy enough to add rivets to all the body panels . . . yeah that took a while and on the finish product it is hardly visible, but subtle and I am happy that they are there . . . How realist? Who cares, it's CRANKYFIED, you CRANKYHEADS, it's for the crazy fun of it. LOL!
Dr. Cranky Posted September 15, 2011 Author Posted September 15, 2011 The work continues . . . the chassis . . . all assembled and glued and will be painting using military builders' methods . . . for a much sturdier (and ease of) finish . . .
Dr. Cranky Posted September 15, 2011 Author Posted September 15, 2011 So you climb on the time machine and in a flash it turns into this: VERY INTERESHTING, says EYEGORE. (Who knew EYEGORE spoke with a German accent?) LOL.
Dr. Cranky Posted September 15, 2011 Author Posted September 15, 2011 This thing in the few years it was employed as a tracker, it rode through those desert nights, hid out of sight amongst the rocks and shrubs, and all those sandstorms really did a number on its once-beautiful paintjob . . . Hey, that's the story and I am sticking to it's madness!
Dr. Cranky Posted September 15, 2011 Author Posted September 15, 2011 Crazy desert cammo, I know . . . but it sure is fun doing this to a model!
Jantrix Posted September 15, 2011 Posted September 15, 2011 Well, folks, after ruining not ONE but TWO beautifully painted bodies from a couple of years ago. Well, here, take a look so you can share my frustration: My Tiki 49 Merc . . . yes, ruined, and Both ruined because of frustration . . . What happened? An issue clearing? Fantastic work Virg. What did you use to do the tiny rivets? Or are those small holes?
Dr. Cranky Posted September 15, 2011 Author Posted September 15, 2011 Hey, Rob . . . yes, when I re-cleared I had forgotten that I had waxed the vehicles and the clear fish-eyed and it all went bad after that. Which reminds me of why it is important to make notes on a build and leave them with the model so that you can glance at what has been done to a paint job. My fault all the way, and my impatience. But it did ruin a perfectly productive day. So it goes, right? You win some, you lose some. Yes, I made the rivets with a sewing needle, just taped the lines to keep the holes straight and then eyeballed the spacing . . . it looks interesting because the rivets feel like dimples, which is what they are . . . Anyway, thanks for the comments, buddy. I appreciate the support.
Skydime Posted September 15, 2011 Posted September 15, 2011 Wow! Rust on top of camo, that's just great! Way to layer different techniciques to get something wonderful.
GOTH KUSTOMS Posted September 15, 2011 Posted September 15, 2011 Another kewl and wild build, keep it going......
Foxer Posted September 15, 2011 Posted September 15, 2011 Sorry to hear about those 2 beautiful Mercs, I especially like those trunk handles! But, of course, I love the whole truck!
Dr. Cranky Posted September 15, 2011 Author Posted September 15, 2011 Thanks for the kind words . . . this one is taking it's slow time in getting there, but I think it will be worth it . . . yes, rust and cammo is tough, but the military builders make it look so easy . . . and they spend countless hours doing the chipping . . . with this one I used salt, and now I am going to do some rust streaking and other assorted (sordid? LOL!) weathering. Please stay tuned in for more progress.
LAone Posted September 15, 2011 Posted September 15, 2011 looks great doc. i like the concept and the idea of it being an area 51 tracker. very creative.
Dr. Cranky Posted September 16, 2011 Author Posted September 16, 2011 Thank, Luis. Yes, I've always been fascinated by that whole region of the country. I mean it's big country out there, lots of uncharted, unknown places . . . anything could go on or happen, and few people would know. Very intriguing.
Chillyb1 Posted September 16, 2011 Posted September 16, 2011 This is too much fun. Looking at the pictures inspires me to go to the stash, bust out a kit, and start Crankyfying it. Don't know if I will, but....
Wayne Buck Posted September 16, 2011 Posted September 16, 2011 Boy, you have one heck of an imagination, Cranky! I'm lovin' the way this baby is shaping up and can't wait to see what's in store for her next!
Dr. Cranky Posted September 16, 2011 Author Posted September 16, 2011 Thank you, Curtis and Wayne. These kinds of builds are just pure fun . . . and you can let your crazy imagination roam. At the end of the build, you'll feel depleted but rather complete and satisfied. EYEGORE sure loves rust too, right EYEGORE? LONG LIVE RUST! LOL!
Jantrix Posted September 16, 2011 Posted September 16, 2011 My Tiki 49 Merc . . . yes, ruined, and Hey Cranky, I just took a good look at this and noted that awesome Buick-ification on the front clip. Is that resin or did you do that with sheet and half round stock? Any WIP shots?
Mooneyzs Posted September 16, 2011 Posted September 16, 2011 Virgil... Your work always amazes me. I love following your builds. and man do they look great. Keep up the great work.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now