Metallic model car, best outdoor protection long term

[FizbanTheFabulous]

A close family member died who was very special to many, as a idea and tribute a metalic car model of the general lee is planned to be set out for him. It was special to him from my understanding, and surviving family members are wondering what can be done to perserve it as long and best as possible. Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated. It is in Maryland and will be exposed to elements related to that area snow etc. Mainly that the apperance isn't completly destroyed within a year as it would be in current condition. Main ideas so far is to have it clear coated by a body shop, or enclosed in a plastic bubble of some sort as well(not even sure how that would be done).

Any helpful suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Edited June 12, 2012 by FizbanTheFabulous

[JamesW]

Enclosed in a case is a good idea, but it will still be exposed to sunlight, so the paint will fade. Even using an automotive clear it will still fade, just not as fast.

[FizbanTheFabulous]

Kind of what i figured from common sense, just wanted to see if anyone had a better idea than what we had thought of. (I do some models but no where near the experience of 99% of the forum users).

Any ideas on paint types, or anything specific like a link to a vendor that sells outdoor cases etc would be wonderful.

Edited June 12, 2012 by FizbanTheFabulous

[CadillacPat]

Just search online for Acrylic DieCast Cases

CadillacPat

[Guest]

I would get one of the display cases and paint the ends,one side and the top. If possible,face the open side of the case towards the north. That will minimize sun exposure. You will also want to do some theft prevention.

[jamesG]

I would get one of the display cases and paint the ends,one side and the top. If possible,face the open side of the case towards the north. That will minimize sun exposure. You will also want to do some theft prevention.

you can get plastic display cases at hobby lobby a dab of clear silicon under the tires will keep it from rolling around and you can silicon the case shut. But short of building a case of steel and bullet proof glass there's not much you can do about theft. There are all sorts of uv resistant coatings out t,here but the paint will eventually fade so I would go with rogers idea sorry I couldn't be more help.

good luck with the model and sorry for your loss.

[sports850]

Firstly , I'd like to offer my condolences to you and your family .

My thoughts for this is perhaps to talk to a fiberglassing company about casting the model inside a cube/pyramid/sphere of something like this , http://www.smooth-on.com/Urethane-Plastic-a/c5_1120_1156/index.html (I have no idea on this product , just found it by google) , perpaps with the sunward side (here the northerly side cops most sun damage , is it the southerly side for you guys ???) painted or shielded in some way for more protection ?