making your own body/ engine parts

[topher5150]

I've been throwing some ideas of a couple of models that I want to build, both based off of the 1/16 AMT/Ertl 1964.5 Mustang instead of buying two of those mustang models, and a cobra model is there an effective way to make the body at home? I've seen people take parts and make molds of the to make duplicates, but I don't think I've seen any one do a large scale body.

[Ace-Garageguy]

One very effective way to build a large scale model when a kit doesn't exist is to use the same old-school methods employed by real industrial and vehicle designers. This 1/10 scale clay model in my shop of a proposed rebody-kit for a full-scale MR2 is being sculpted over an armature made of wood and metal. You have to have accurate reference materials (drawings, dimensions, etc) to work from and you have to have a grasp of the math required to get your measurements in the right scale.

It's not hard (but it does take quite a bit of effort) and if you're really interested, I'll post more information and a list of resources where you can get the correct clays, etc.

Edited May 28, 2013 by Ace-Garageguy

[rel14]

I've craved Gulf wax to make a mold, then used 3/4oz. fiberglass and epoxy.. works great for body

panels

[Tom Geiger]

I've been throwing some ideas of a couple of models that I want to build, both based off of the 1/16 AMT/Ertl 1964.5 Mustang instead of buying two of those mustang models, and a cobra model is there an effective way to make the body at home? I've seen people take parts and make molds of the to make duplicates, but I don't think I've seen any one do a large scale body.

The Mustang is only a $15-50 kit on eBay (just looked) and you will spend much more than that to buy the supplies to cast a body. Never mind the time and money you will spend learning how to make the mold, and learn how to work the resin before you get an acceptable body out of it.