1957 Chrysler

[The Creative Explorer]

Nice paintjob Jim! I like it, I no it is not your theme, but it has a bit Mexican feel to it, (or maybe I am off because of the licenseplate haha)

[Wheels]

Very cool colors! Love the interior!

Your buddy may have told how to do it, but give yourself some credit, you laid down a beautiful paint job!!

That's the cool part when everything comes together!!

I have a 57 that I'm working on and I hope to have it done soon.

Edited December 29, 2011 by Wheels

[crazyjim]

Thanks guys. The license plate is a representation of the Vietnam Service Medal. I served in the Vietnam War and am proud of it, so I show my "colors" on all my builds.

[The Creative Explorer]

Oops, forgive my ignorance, didn't mean to offend you by calling a vietnam service medal a mexican flag

But I have not noticed it was on all your builds, nice touch though!

[crazyjim]

No offense taken, Erik. Us old Veterans are still trying to educate the public. The Vietnam Service Medal has become the Vietnam Medal in the Veteran community over here. We put a version on our vehicles, bracelets, necklaces, shirts, patches, etc. Other Vietnam Veterans see the colors and are able to quickly identify another Vietnam Veteran.

My builds have been seen at shows I've attended and I've been approached by other Vietnam Veterans because on my build(s) and we were able to talk. Mission accomplished.

[The Creative Explorer]

It is kinda cool to have a little sig on each build, what is only recognized with a small crowd. Somewhere unfortunately. Since I am foreign, for us we don't see it at all. Only a bunch of coloured stripes and hence the mix-up with a mexican theme.

Do the colors also mean something?

[crazyjim]

The colors are from the South Vietnam flag and are set in deliberate vertical pattern, and have also been used on a horizontal position as well (like the tattoo on my arm). Let me give you a quick history. The Vietnam War became very unpopular in the USA in the late 1960s. Unfortunately, American citizens took their anger and put it on us Veterans. People spit on us, movies always portrayed Vietnam Veterans as drug/alcohol abusers, lazy, no good bums, baby killers, etc. They did us very wrong for a long time. That attitude started to change in the early 1980's to where it now popular to be a Veteran. People fly flags again and treat our present day servicemen and women with the respect they deserve. It's been an uphill battle, but Vietnam Veterans have been able to change the whole country's attitude towards Veterans.

We wear our "colors" with pride and try to make it easier for fellow Vietnam Veterans to recognize each other.

[sinicle]

thank you Jim

[promo55]

Nice build! That car resembles a real one built by Richard Zocchoi in the late '50's or early '60's. I love the colors!

[crazyjim]

You're welcome, Doug. For what?

The paint is very similar to the kit box art, Ronnie. I liked it so much that I wanted to try and come close to it.

[geetee66]

Hey Jim, massive respect to you mate. You have tons of skill.

That is one beautiful automobile! I really dig the paint and the chrome button grille is a tasty detail.

Thanks for the info about the licence plate, too. I like learning new facts and I won't forget that one.

I'm going back to have another drool over it now and to dream about owning a 1:1 version!!

[crazyjim]

Thank you for the very kind comments, Guy. It never hurts to dream, does it?