traditional Posted December 5, 2011 Posted December 5, 2011 These customs were built a few years ago, and were my first foray into trying to work with diecast starting material. They both began as stock mainstream diecast models bought at WalMart for somewhere between $14 and $20. I learned quickly that working with diecast substrate is a bit different from the plastic processes that I was more accustomed to in that any major modifications like chopping, channelling and shortening etc. has to be fastened mechanically if there's going to be any durability. The familiar plastic solvent-weld technique had to be replaced with 'drilling and pinning' before any filling and blending could take place. The advantage of diecast is that you can easily use standard automotive fillers, primers and paints and ,delightfully, the models have much more longevity with these automotive materials. Over time you don't get those minor 'sinks' that seem to appear as plastic solvent-welds shrink over time. Both these models use felt as carpeting and they both have engine swaps to go along with the bodywork....the '50 Ford uses a modified Oldsmobile engine and the Ranchero has a modified Cadillac. They both have lots of engine detail including the usual wiring and plumbing. The undersides are finished with polished aluminum exhaust systems and all brake-lines and fuel-lines etc. I had a lot of fun building these models and because they're kept in display cases, they've maintained their integrity over the years.
groo12 Posted December 5, 2011 Posted December 5, 2011 Yhey are both very classy. Love the side opening lid, never seen that before.
geetee66 Posted December 5, 2011 Posted December 5, 2011 Very sleek and kool! I love the little touches of detail, like the scallops on the underside of the car. Very neat. The paint is also amazing. Really deep shine. I've not been building kits for long, so I'm a bit concerned that you mention shrinkage and potential problems with styrene. I had no idea this could happen. I do try and keep my builds in a stable environment and always under glass. I hope they don't suffer over time. Anyway, that aside...I love these builds of yours. Very clean. Loads of skill.
Dr. Cranky Posted December 5, 2011 Posted December 5, 2011 Those are fantastic although I imagine working with metal has to be slightly more difficult than plastic. Beautiful work.
deathskull59 Posted December 5, 2011 Posted December 5, 2011 those 2 kustoms looked liked they rolled rite out of the die cast model factory. very clean builds you got there i bet it was very hard to modify die cast model like that. and yet they look very cool. than how they came out of factory.
Greg Pugh Posted December 5, 2011 Posted December 5, 2011 How about some more shots of the '50? That thing is gorgeous!!!
Mr Dedo Posted December 6, 2011 Posted December 6, 2011 Whoa! The blue finish is terrific! My nephew would say, "sweet".
jeffs396 Posted December 6, 2011 Posted December 6, 2011 Wow, keep these awesome builds coming Clifford! Do you have a scale version of your HHR panel & trailer combo???
W-409 Posted December 6, 2011 Posted December 6, 2011 Great Customs, just like 60's style. Like them both, paintjobs are really great. They both look very good with no big mistakes. I like the style on both too. Very nice pair, Concratulations .
traditional Posted December 6, 2011 Author Posted December 6, 2011 Wow, keep these awesome builds coming Clifford! Do you have a scale version of your HHR panel & trailer combo??? Hi Jeff, No, I don't have any examples of an HHR model at all (other than a 1/64 Johnny Lightning), but if anyone decides to make a kit, I'd be 'all over it'. Bye-the-way, my wife has an HHR (windowed version) as well....it's a year-round driver, but my panel goes away for the winter. I assume by your avatar that you're an HHR fan yourself.....I think that they're one of GM's best kept secrets....smooth, comfortable, and economical. I knew that I wanted a panel version as soon as I saw it...no practical reason,,,I just love sedan deliveries.
Jantrix Posted December 6, 2011 Posted December 6, 2011 Whoa. Those are just fantastic. They look soooo authentic. That '50 is perfect!
Guest Posted December 7, 2011 Posted December 7, 2011 Man! I love both of those! Stunning paint jobs on both! I never would have thought diecasts could be made into builds that look this nice. Excellent work on both of them!
Sixties Sam Posted December 8, 2011 Posted December 8, 2011 Those are both beauties, but that 50 Ford is one of the best models I've ever seen! Incredible work! The paint is amazing! Sam
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