Hi everybody,

It´s a project that I began in November 2008. The original idea was to participate in a local web contest but I did not finish it on time... It is still "in progress" but now I have two new goals: (1) To share my work building the typical mexican taxi and (2) it is a good opportunity to practice my english

So, let´s go! But, remember first: "a car is more than a simple way to move". Thanks in advance for looking!

MODEL DESCRIPTION


This model (Volkswagen 1303S Beetle) was made by IMAI in 1:24 scale. Its is an old kit but there have been some re-issues so, looking at the web, it´s possible that you find one for buying

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde00-1.jpg

The following image shows the content. As you can see, it´s a simply kit but I´ll try to make it interesting

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde01.jpg

I will use another kit (VW Beetle Convertible made by Revell, 1:25 scale). It not the same scale but... it is "almost" the same. I want to say in advance that "scratch pieces" will be needed

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/VWBeetleConvertibleRevellok.jpg

In Mexico, the VW Beetle is better known as "vocho" or "vochito" and this german car was extremely sucessful in my country... In fact, we built it for many years... I want to build a mexican legend... something similar to this:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVerdeok.jpg

PREVIOUS PROCESSES


1. WASH

A quickly wash with water and a soft soap is need in order to eliminate oil residues from the plastic injection

2. INSTRUCTIONS


To study instruction will be useful to avoid future mistakes

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/Ins01.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/Ins02.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/Ins03.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/Ins04.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/Ins05.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/Ins06.jpg

BUILDING PROCESS


It´s a display kit (there is not engine)... I´ll try to give it more value adding different details

That´s why, I´ll must do:
- Bodywork... Besides a poor quality plastic injection, it´s necessary to repair different damages all over the body
- Chassis work... External side has the minimum retail needed (it´s ok) but internal side must be built enterily

Firstable, we must remove the “battery container”. Plastic is very wide!

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde02.jpg

Then, we must to use putty, parts from auxiliar kit and styrene (a lot of styrene)


http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde03a.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde04.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde05.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde06.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde07.jpg

Let´s do a "test" in order to identify the work needed in every piece of our model


http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde08.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde09.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde10.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde11.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde12.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde13.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde14.jpg

I had to cut the back seat and I had to build a new one from styrene

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde15.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde16.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde17.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde18.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde19.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde20.jpg

Oh, my God! I made a mistake... There is not enough space for pedals! Let´s go back…

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde21.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde22.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde28.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde29.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde30a.jpg

looks like you have a lot of work on your hands. best of luck bro, can't wait to see what your come out with.

People in Mexico say that 70% of accidents involve a taxi. 50% of those involve two taxis. Looking forward to this build!

Gentlemen, thanks for your comments...

ROLLIN80S: Thank you for the good whishes sir! Yes, I have a lot of work to do

CARL63_99: Unfortunately, what you say is correct. But vehicles are not the problem, it´s the people who need to be educated in their way of driving

Thanks again!

Now, the bases for seats:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde31.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde32.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde33.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde34.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde35.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde36.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde37.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde38.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde39.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde40.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde41.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde42.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde43.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde44.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde45.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde46.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde47.jpg

I used pedals from “auxiliary kit” but I substitute plastic by metal

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde48a.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde49a.jpg

Now, as you see, we have enough space for install pedals but, firstable, we add some details by using wire

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde50a.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde51a.jpg

About the board, I covered stereo area with putty

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde52.jpg

As you saw in kit content, all “glass” pieces are injected in unique piece and it is very wide... The first step was to cut the entire piece (we´ll only use the windshield because the rest of “gass” will be replaced with scratch)

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde53.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde54.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde55.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde56.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde57.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde58a.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde59.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde60.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde61.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde62.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde63.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde64.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde65.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde66.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde67a.jpg

I removed chrome from wheels by using brake fluid (it is real easy way to remove it)

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde68a.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde69a.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde70a.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde71a.jpg

Now, some work on the chassis in order to close spaces between chassis and body and to align wheels. Chassis details were needed too

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde72.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde73.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde74b.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde75b.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde76a.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde77b.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde78a.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde79a.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde80a.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde81a.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde82a.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde83a.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde84.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde85.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde86.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde87.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde88.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde89.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde90.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde91.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde92.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde93.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde94.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde95.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde96.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde97.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde98-1.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde99.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde100.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde101.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde102.jpg

Now, let´s go back to wheels...

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde103.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde104.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde105.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde106.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde107.jpg

Now, wheels are finished

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde108.jpg

why don`t use the tamiya or hasegawa kit?

GHOUL_GH: Tamiya and Hasewaga´s kits were manufactured based on VW Beetle Mod 1966 and/or 1967 but what I am trying to build is based on a more recent model (1975-1980 aprox.). I could buy one of these two kits and adapt interior an chassis to my model but I didn’t want to spend money hehe (I prefer to put in practice my “unknown scratch abilities)

The seat again... We add primer to it in order to detect imperfections on surface. Then, we paint “black” (we use liquid mask to cover some parts) to ensure the deep for the following color (gray)

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde109.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde110.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde111.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde112.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde113.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde114.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde115.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde116.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde117.jpg

White parts belongs to the “auxiliar kit” but we won´t use it. Black parts (the good ones) are from my stock of built models…

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde117a.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde117b.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde117c.jpg

Now, let´s retail gearshift with a “Billiards ball” (typical thing in a mexican taxi)

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde117d.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde117e.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde117f.jpg

In order to detail “interior”, we add some elements (and flock to add a "used" style)

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde118.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde119.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde120.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde121.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde122.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde123.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde124.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde125.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde126.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde127.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde128.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde129.jpg

Most of the times, back seat has a cover made of cloth so this model too. And more details to the chassis…

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde130.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde131.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde132a.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde133.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde134.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde135.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde136.jpg

Holy you work fast man! The 8 ball shift knob is specially interesting.

KAHO: Hi sir, thanks for the comment about 8 ball. I did my best… I don´t work fast (because of my job), it is exactly the opposite side hehe. What I am uploading to that WIP is what I have done to this kit since November 2008. The following upgrade is the current status of my VW Beetle

To have another detail into our taxi, we add a fire extinguisher manufactured by “Detail Master” with a “used” effect

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde137.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde138.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde139.jpg

This aftermarket doesn´t incluye the fire hose. To accomplish that, we use a piece of styrene and a candle

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde140.jpg

Fire extinguisher is finished

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/JorgeCoyt/TaxiVWSedanverde141.jpg

wow, that's amazing. I would have thought to use a better kit to start with though. I guess you use what you have, and I have LOTS of these old kits that aren't worth anything to an OOB builder.

damn man, talk about CUSTOM, lol good job