My first WIP.... Datsun 280-ZX

[sportandmiah]

I found this at the local model show last weekend for $2.00, and although I would never buy it from a store, for $2.00 I figured why not. The front bumper in stock form in horrendously large and sticks out too far. Same with the back. I decided to chop them and shorten their depth.

[sportandmiah]

After they were chopped, both bumpers were filled with styrene, glued, puttied, and Mr. Surfaced and primed with duplicolor grey.

[Deathgoblin]

Looking Good!

[LAone]

haha, i built this kit as well. horrendous bumpers, i didn't use them on mine.

looking forward with what you do with this build.

heres mine if you want to see it.

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=45388&hl=&fromsearch=1

[charlie8575]

Those bumper are....out there?

Much better with the modifications.

Charlie Larkin

[Dr. Cranky]

Excellent foundational work.

[Tonioseven]

Looks great so far!!!

[crazyjim]

Good start. The bumpers look much better.

[surfjunke]

Good start so far. The modified bumpers look much better.

[sportandmiah]

Here's an update..duplicolor grey primer and duplicolor Italian red, sanded 1000,2000,6000,12000, and ScratchX for about 2 hours.

[crazyjim]

SHINY :) I like it.

[Dr. Cranky]

Wow, that's great paint. It looks miles deep and mirror-like. Keep it going.

[sjordan2]

That finish is beyond belief. More, more, more.

[sportandmiah]

Thanks guys for the kind words. The paint finish took awhile. I decanted the red, and airbrushed. I then sanded smooth with 6000, and used the can to spray on another 2 coats. It was today I spent about 3-4 hours sanding and polishing. It's not perfect, but it looks pretty good I think. I have Donn Yost to thank, as his techniques have helped me tremendously. Any doubters or naysayers of his method, I urge you to learn his technique.

[RodneyBad]

Holy Smokes

That is some Shinie Paint job..

Looks Fantastic..

Nice work on the rebuild of the bumpers..

Edited October 10, 2011 by RodneyBad

[brodie_83]

Lookin good! I wanted this kit when it was re-issued back in the 90's. Always had it at the local Ben Franklin store but never picked it up. Shame...

*EDIT* Nevermind...I thought it was an AMT/Ertl kit. That's the one I remember.

Edited October 10, 2011 by brodie_83

[Diesel Gypsy]

Beautiful paint & a great choice of colour too.

[W-409]

Amazing paintjob. Can't wait to see more. This Datsun is really nice looking car too, your model is going to look very good when it's finished. Can't wait to see more, keep it coming.

[sportandmiah]

Almost done. Need to address the vents...little too much paint buildup. Still need to attach the mirrors, detail the wipers, and a small paint chip on the hood near the vent.

[LAone]

wow, looks as if just rolled off the lot. great looking Z.

[charlie8575]

Wow, is that glossy. All with no clear?

I've seen Donn's stuff up close, and he does achieve a fantastic paint job, that's for sure.

Very nice job on that.

Charlie Larkin

[Chuck Most]

Not bad for two bucks.

Just ridding it of that big, honkin' cowcatcher up front makes all the difference.

[sportandmiah]

Thanks fellas. I did forget to add that I applied many coats of Duplicolor clear.

Overall I am pleased with the car, but I am still learning how to build these cars to a higher standard than I did 20 years ago in high school. Back then, as long as the paint and wheels looked good, I didn't care what the rest of the model looked like. I'm slowly improving, but I am striving for the perfect car. This isn't perfect, but I learn from each car I build what I need to improve on.

[Jeff Johnston]

Nice build. I haven't seen one of those in years in scale or 1:1