New Member, need help with a very special personal project

This is my first post here and I discovered your forum while looking for a particular model. I grew up putting together model kits for cars and warplanes as a kid. I havent done a model kit in YEARS. Recently I had my best friend pass away and I would like to put a model together, place it in a display case and set it on his gravesite. He had a 2000 Saleen Mustang GT (S281) that his parents got him when he was 15 and he loved that car to death. He put every bit of his money into it and when he died (age 23) he had done everything he wanted to the car. Supercharger, intercooler, all sorts of suspension upgrades, sound system, internal motor work, exhaust, etc etc.

It was a 2000 Saleen Mustang S281. Silver, # 995.

I realize that there is not a model kit available for this particular model or anything like it. I was searching the web when I ran across 'tigeraid's' 2000 saleen customer project. I realize that mine prob wont turn out quite like his but im going to try it anyway. I have no problem buying a couple kits to make this work. But im gonna need your help, guys.

Where can I find a good base kit for this to get started?
What materials can I use to custom fabricate parts and what tools will I need? I see styrene sheet on tigeraid's post but will this deteriorate in the sunlight at the gravesite?
Best paint/glue/primer/clearcoat?

i've been researching and will continue before I make any purchases. I have watched/seen a few how-tos on resin casting and using styrene to fab parts so I will just ask when I have a question on that. In the meantime, can you guys just point me in the direction of a good kit to start with? Some type of 1999-2004 mustang model kit and I can start from there...im having some trouble finding a suitable base kit.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Revell-Monogram-1999-Mustang-Cobra-1-25-Model-Kit_W0QQitemZ280438868846QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item414b758b6e is the kit you need to start out with.

Oh I'm so sorry. That's nice that your going to do that for your friend. I don't have much advice but, http://cgi.ebay.com/FORD-MUSTANG-SUPER-STALLION-MODEL-KIT-SEALED_W0QQitemZ400089870758QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_ DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5d2736f1a6, http://cgi.ebay.com/REVELL-SALEEN-FORD-MUSTANG-S281-SPEEDSTER-MODEL-KIT_W0QQitemZ190292984269QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item2c4e5881cd
these ones might help. I'll post more if I can find any.

http://www.revell.com/model-kits/cars/muscle.html http://www.revell.com/model-kits/cars/85-2589.html

Since you are not extreamly skilled at modeling I would go with one of these instead and modify it. (ride hight, rims, color, motor, etc.)
http://www.toywonders.com/ProductCart/pc/RC2-ERTL-Elite-Mustang-Saleen-S281-Hard-Top-2004-1-18-Black-39278-p5362.htm

Unless you can find a resin kit of the car. Otherwise your going to be doing alot of custom work that you may not be ready for.
But thats up to you.

Sry to hear about your friend, thats way to young to go.
Im also working on an important model for my brother for christmas. Its a 67 stang that belonged to my father who passed away about 12 years ago. I got lucky and found a resin kit for the one I'm building.

WIP/Story: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=969953

Good luck with your project. :wink:

Hello. I really respect your desire to build this particular model for your friend who passed away. I just want to point out that, if i understood you correctly, the car will be displayed at the grave? Unfortunately it will melt the first day the sun shines on it. It will warp and get out of shape very quickly. Maybe you're better of buying a diecast (if available) and modify that? Or is it just for display at the funeral instead of (or in addition to) flowers? Maybe giving it to his parents to display at home?

My feelings are with you, I also lost a friend recently who passed away at only 37.

I'm really sorry to hear about your friend, but this should be a nice tribute. As others have mentioned, maybe giving it to the family would be better, because it'd be a shame for your hard work to get attacked by the elements and sun.