2012 Corvette Grand Sport (Conversion)

[ismaelg]

Hello gang!

I'm BAAAaaack!!! Well, after 6 years away from the workbench I'm trying to get back to it. Life has been hectic and "interesting" for me. The hobby had to be sacrificed for a while. I'm trying to get at least a few minutes a day on the workbench. Many stalled projects I didn't even remember starting I feel like a total newbie starting from zero. So I'll start with something quick and easy. A curbside snapper just for warming up.... Or so I thought....
In 2010, Chevrolet introduced a new model in the Corvette lineup: The Grand Sport. Offered in both coupe and convertible, it had wider body cues from the Z06, performance suspension, Z06 brakes, but most importantly, distinctive side vents in the front fenders. The Grand Sport was made from 2010-2013. There are no model kits of this car. So, the best way to get a model company release something is to scratchbuild it yourself
To keep it "simple" (HA!) I will attempt to convert a curbside snap Z06 into a Grand Sport.
First of all: Pics of the real cars. I haven't decided on a color yet. Pictures from the internet (ebay motors)
http://images58.fotki.com/v448/photos/4/1233394/13429187/adersCam3LT1G1YW2DW5B510801211-vi.jpg

http://images108.fotki.com/v360/photos/4/1233394/13429187/_57-vi.jpg

As I said, to keep it simple, I'll just rework a curbside snap Z06. An all out conversion can be done using the Z06 and base coupe models but that would take a lot of time.

http://images45.fotki.com/v1431/photos/4/1233394/13429187/IMGP6630-vi.jpg
started hacking...... I'm officially back!!!
http://images20.fotki.com/v682/photos/4/1233394/13429187/DSCF0374-vi.jpg

http://images53.fotki.com/v716/photos/4/1233394/13429187/IMGP6662-vi.jpg

http://images60.fotki.com/v367/photos/4/1233394/13429187/IMGP6663-vi.jpg

http://images20.fotki.com/v1534/photos/4/1233394/13429187/IMGP6666-vi.jpg
Getting there, but still some fine tuning needed.

The side vents have been a challenge. I needed a material that would bend but hold the shape. I tried brass, but the piece I had was too thick. Then I tried styrene but it kept breaking at the bends. Then I tried aluminum from a soda can and it was better, but couldn't get the bend as sharp as I wanted. So I tried clear thermoformed plastic and it worked better than the previous attempts. I still think thin brass sheet should be the best option but I don't want to wait.

http://images53.fotki.com/v107/photos/4/1233394/13429187/IMGP6669-vi.jpg
Getting the vents identical in shape and size but mirror image left and right was also a challenge.

And this is where we are as of now....

http://images53.fotki.com/v107/photos/4/1233394/13429187/IMGP6674-vi.jpg

http://images20.fotki.com/v233/photos/4/1233394/13429187/IMGP6675-vi.jpg

Both sides look similar but still a lot of tweaking is needed. I need to decide whether permanetly attach before painting (prototypically correct) or work them as separate units (easier to work with).

I hope you like this. I'll keep you posted on the (slow) progress.

Glad to be back!

Thanks!

Edited January 23, 2023 by ismaelg

[hjracing]

Great start, I want to see more!

[mikemopar70]

This will be a nice conversion, keep it going!!!

[Len Woodruff]

Very Kool Ismael. Here is mine in Inferno Orange.

[ismaelg]

Hi Len,

That looks great!

Thanks!

[Len Woodruff]

Thanks Ismael.

[Exotics_Builder]

Looking good so far. If you need more views, I have a few shots in this album, start around page 8:

http://s150.photobucket.com/user/exotics_builder/library/2013-08-10%20Weekend%20Car%20Show%20Pix

High-res on my hard drive if needed.

Edited November 22, 2014 by Exotics_Builder

[ismaelg]

Thanks Gerry!

Nice album. Thanks for sharing. That's Carlisle blue, a 2012 only color. That is one of the colors I'm considering for this build......

Thanks!

[slusher]

Great project looking forward to more..

[Duntov]

I will be watching this one --- always wished they would do the Grand Sports ---

Here is a shot of my 1:1 2012 GS (6 speed car)---- One of the best balanced and fastest Corvettes I have ever owned!!!

Regards

Bill (Duntov)

[exesivefire]

Awesome start, watching this one, I have a z06 kit here to make my 1:1 grand sport

[ismaelg]

Hello,

Some updates and comments on this project were lost in the server change. So let's try to get it back on track.

After countless micro-adjustments, the side vents are getting there.

Before permanently attaching and blending them, the rest of the body was worked on. Mold lines were removed (some of them were really stubborn). Panel lines were carefully deepened and rescribed. Several coats of primer were applied (Plastikote T-235) and sanded smooth.

Now it is time to permanently attach the vents......

By the way, I need to pick a color!

I already have C6 Corvettes painted in Daytona Sunset Orange, Arctic White, Magnetic Red Tricoat, Velocity Yellow, LeMans Blue and I plan to paint a ZR-1 in Jetstream blue (my favorite) and a 2013 427 convertible in 60th Anniversary scheme.

If I were not working on a 60th Anniversary convertible, I would have gone for that scheme.

I'm not a huge fan of black or silver. So I'm considering Cyber Gray like the second picture in the first post.

What do you think?

Thanks,

Edited December 21, 2014 by ismaelg

[exesivefire]

Cyber grey or the centennial scheme would be cool

[Len Woodruff]

Side Vents look spot on Ismael.

[mustang1989]

I'm tuned in!

[ismaelg]

No progress since last update, but I think the color has been decided..... unless I change my mind again

Cyber gray with red interior......

What do you think?

Thanks,

[Len Woodruff]

I like the red interior.

[o-man]

Works for me, but it has to work for you.

[ferrari87]

Well you are just hammering out vettes arent you?

[ismaelg]

Hello,

The side vents have been permanently attached. The driver's side went a bit smoother but the other side is putting up a fight........

This is not a battle of force, but a battle of perseverance

What do you think?

Thanks!

[ismaelg]

After countless hours of fine tuning I think it is ready for next step.  Primer has been applied.  Next step is to sand the primer and check for any imperfection before paint!!!

By the way, during the process, the molded grille was cut out......

Like my other project, I feel as if it were finished!

What do you think?

Thanks,

[Jonathan]

Sweet!  It's good to see your update!

[ismaelg]

Hello,

  WOW! Three years for an update!  Sorry for that  

Finally got to sand the primer smooth and shot the first 2 coats of Scalefinishes Carlisle blue: a 2012 only color.  Very strong metallic content. It looks more silver in the picture but it is really a bit "bluer".  After it dries I'll lightly color sand it before a final wet coat.  The primer had 3 years to dry.  I hope the paint dries quicker than that  

Thanks,

[Gramps46]

Three years on the primer should do the trick!  The body is look really good.

[ismaelg]

Hello,

  Color sanded the body and applied a final wet coat, diluted 3:1.  The picture looks very similar to the previous one, but it is much smoother and "bluer".  The color is really hard to photograph. Once completed I'll take the official pictures with proper equipment and light.

Next step: Clear.

Thanks,