The Art Model Car--Have You Ever Built One?

[Dr. Cranky]

Over the weekend I had lunch with Pat Covert and he reminded me of something that gave me the idea for this thread, and that is the use of different (really different techniques) builders have employed to create some highly original model cars that would be considered more art or craft than the standard plastic model.

In the early 90s, Mr. Covert utilized a technique where you hold a car body under water, you then spray or drizzle different enamel paints on the surface and when you bring up the model body the paint sticks to it. You can never achieve the same "swirl" effect twice, but the results are very interesting.

Also, I have seen model cars adorned with beads, etc . . . I would love to see examples of models done using different art techniques and products, and I hope that if you have them you will share them here.

[Draggon]

That "swirladelic" was done by Hank Borger in several Car Model Magazine articles in the 70's. I was never able to get as good results as he did. Heres a link to a beautiful job done by one of our members, Chris in Wilmington. http://www.modelcars...showtopic=37122

found this spectacular one on the net done by 1320Wayne

[Dr. Cranky]

Glenn, thanks for sharing that picture, it is indeed a great example of what can be done with these different techniques.

[Dr. Cranky]

I guess in this category too would fit all the model cars built out of anything that IS NOT styrene. Like wood, metal, beer cans, etc . . . lots of those are often seen in flea markets.

[Mercman]

It's called the Swirldellic paint job. First done be Hank Borger back inn the late 60's early 70's. Car Model mag had a how to back then on how he did it. The subject was a Mustang called the Moonwind. I used it on this one for a gift for my wife. When we got married I sold my car, and she had a Maverick.

[Austin T]

Just testors Enamel paint?Can someone post a link to a tutorial?

[Dr. Cranky]

Junior, I love that effect. I've tried to do it a couple of times and both times I failed. Do you have a SBS on how to do it?

[uncle potts]

It's really quite simple. Use one of the colors as a base coat, for example I did one using silver and green, the silver was my base coat. This keeps you from having bare spots showing through. Next get a container, I used a 5 gallon bucket, plenty big enough to ompletely submerge your model you are building. ( just the body, not the whole model) Fill with warm water, this is important, it will help keep the paint from setting up too quickly. Then spray the two colors you are using on top of the water, gently stir, not too much so that the colors mix togeather and form one butt-ugly color you don't want then insert your model. Sorry I don't have pictures of the one I did, They are all in storage and I have no clue which box it may be in. These things happen when grown kids move back home.

[Jantrix]

I'm going to have to try this.

[Lunajammer]

found this spectacular one on the net done by 1320Wayne

Of the many times I've seen this done I've been left a little vacant. But as an accent used like this, WOW!! That's truly exciting!

[Dr. Cranky]

For accents I get similar results using marbelizer paint from House of Kolor.

[crazyjim]

I scanned the article and it's at my Photobucket.

http://s544.photobuc...razyjim/Tiedye/

Here's a Nova I did -

Edited March 27, 2012 by crazyjim

[Dr. Cranky]

Fantastic find, Jim, and thanks for sharing it . . . they make it sound easier than it is. But it's a very cool article.

[crazyjim]

And it's very old. I don't recall the exact date, but the pages are kind of yellowed over time.

[Hoosierfarmboy]

A few years ago I was servicing a copier at a firm near New Palestine, IN. that used a process like this to make wood grain covering for plastic parts they made for auto manufacturers. It intrigued me as this does. Will being 60's psycodeklc painting I guess. Thanks for the article .

[torinobradley]

Might have to try this out to make a burled walnut dashboard. I know my daughter uses fingernail polish tecniques that use this method.

[Dr. Cranky]

Wow, that looks very cool, Jim.