Scale-Master Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 Older Monogram original issue kit I intend to just build Out-Of-The-Box. It is molded in that hard high-gloss low-impact plastic from that era of Monogram kits. It had a few cracks that I fixed fixed with CA, and a few dings too, surprising to me since the plastic is so hard. They too were filled with CA. The mold lines were not too bad, but there were some issues around the door lines and nose that needed extra attention, and the body needed to be blocked out over all. The scuffed areas are the ones that required the most attention.
Len Woodruff Posted April 25, 2012 Posted April 25, 2012 I look forward to this build. I have a real 78 L-82 Silver Anniversery in the garage!
Monty Posted April 26, 2012 Posted April 26, 2012 I've died and gone to Heaven - Mark's gonna do one of the later C3s! Popcorn and notepad are in place and I've clicked the appropriate button so I can follow this thread.
Jdurg Posted April 26, 2012 Posted April 26, 2012 Can't wait to see the progress. As almost a strictly Corvette only model builder, I love seeing Vette builds. Got me a large scale '88 Convertible in progress as well. (Though with that one I'm a bit irked that a line I had filled many times and can't physically feel, keeps showing up). Looking forward to this one!
Scale-Master Posted April 26, 2012 Author Posted April 26, 2012 After priming and more sanding I fitted the hood, nose and rear to the body. All parts needed a little smoothing of the surfaces, but the fit is quite good.
Monty Posted April 26, 2012 Posted April 26, 2012 Looks like Monogram put a little more effort into their '78 than MPC did. Dashtop and windshield wiper tray are far more accurate, and Monogram even took the trouble to show the roll-up cover tarp in its retracted form. Internet pics of builds also indicate that this kit features the more powerful L-82 engine, as opposed to MPC's base L-48. I can't wait to see how you do the mirrored t-tops. Hint: for accuracy's sake, you'll need to show that they leak profusely in heavy rain....but I'm not bitter.
Scale-Master Posted April 26, 2012 Author Posted April 26, 2012 I wasn't planning on using the T-tops, I was just going to leave it open Monty, after all, it is Southern California... The interior tub is one piece plus the seat bottoms molded in. I sprayed a bright silver lacquer base and masked then sprayed a lightly textured acrylic silver-gray mix for the carpet. The rest of the trim/details were hand painted by brush.
Scale-Master Posted April 27, 2012 Author Posted April 27, 2012 The engine/trans is a traditional two halves affair and rather simplistic and low on molded in detail. I textured the block and transmission but left the oil pan and timing cover smooth. The overspray on the bell housing is intentional; as is the seam I left on the trans to replicate the casting line. I textured the heads and exhaust manifolds too, at different levels of coarseness.
Scale-Master Posted April 30, 2012 Author Posted April 30, 2012 It turns out the body was not as nice and smooth as I originally thought, not really bad, but lots of little imperfections that are hard to hide with silver or black paint. After several days of sanding-priming-sanding, I shot a base coat of Gloss Aluminum and a top coat of Mica Silver for the bottom areas of the two tone paint job.
Monty Posted April 30, 2012 Posted April 30, 2012 I'm enjoying watching this take shape. Quick question: did you remove the marker lights yourself or did Monogram tool it up that way? I can't wait to see your technique for masking off the wheel arches.
Scale-Master Posted May 1, 2012 Author Posted May 1, 2012 I textured the intake manifold, alternator and A/C pump… The lump that is supposed to represent the Rochester carb will be hidden by the air cleaner, (thankfully).
mikelo Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 I am really liking this one so far. I did not realize the Monogram kit looked so good. Very impressive. Well, until I got down to the carb. It will get covered though, so no biggie. Or I could just replace it. I like the interior co0lors as well. I remember sitting in one of those and that silver vinyl/leather. Mike
Scale-Master Posted May 1, 2012 Author Posted May 1, 2012 The engine is complete and ready to be installed into the chassis…
Haubenschild Posted May 1, 2012 Posted May 1, 2012 Absolutley amazing work on the engine! Are there any P/E parts on the engine/tranny?
Scale-Master Posted May 1, 2012 Author Posted May 1, 2012 Absolutley amazing work on the engine! Are there any P/E parts on the engine/tranny? Thanks. But that gave me a little chuckle. You have to remember this kit was produced in 1978, PE was just beginning to show up in cottage industry moldels, (mostly as windshield wipers, pedals and wire wheels), it would be quite some time before PE made it into major production kits. This is a very simplistic kit.
Scale-Master Posted May 2, 2012 Author Posted May 2, 2012 I thought you had read the first sentence I posted stating it was an "Older Monogram original issue kit I intend to just build Out-Of-The-Box". OOB would negate adding any non kit parts.
Monty Posted May 2, 2012 Posted May 2, 2012 I thought you had read the first sentence I posted stating it was an "Older Monogram original issue kit I intend to just build Out-Of-The-Box". OOB would negate adding any non kit parts. I'll admit I thought you fabbed up the brackets for the alternator and the air pump since I couldn't imagine your mind allowing the existence of unsupported items as seen on most AMT/MPC engines. It just seems strange that Monogram would include that kind of detail & then do such a mediocre job on the manifold, which reminds me of Trumpeter's piece for the Falcon engine. I also wondered if you had replaced the belts with something better. Did you just thin them from underneath?
TheCat Posted May 2, 2012 Posted May 2, 2012 WOW... Really nice work on this build. Love the engine detail and interior color combo.
GrandpaMcGurk Posted May 2, 2012 Posted May 2, 2012 Super clean, nice build...well done so far, please keep the eye candy coming!
Harry P. Posted May 2, 2012 Posted May 2, 2012 The ScaleMaster issue is being resolved. I'll lock this for now. Mark, if you want to continue this build here, let me know.
Harry P. Posted May 2, 2012 Posted May 2, 2012 ok, now back to our regularly scheduled program. And let's keep comments focused on the Corvette, please.
Scale-Master Posted May 2, 2012 Author Posted May 2, 2012 To those who emailed me directly and those who offered public support, thank you. Anyone who has questions about things discussed in this thread other than about the Pace Car are welcome to PM me directly. I'll be glad to discuss it, but let's keep this thread on topic and going forward please. The Dash and steering wheel are done… And installed to the finished interior...
Monty Posted May 2, 2012 Posted May 2, 2012 Did the kit come with gauge decals or did you make your own?
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