Production Line this week.

Well folks, another week and my bench gets new occupants. While the 1959 Impala is getting its finishing touches. 5 new pieces of "profitable work" are getting their start. Since school is still in session, I have to work limited. It's a pain because it means I'm making less, therefore my car gets less parts; 1970 MGB GT Layla. But, hey, graduation in 20odd days!

Anyways, here's the roll call.

1961 Impala convertible
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/49806561Impala_start.JPG

1st gen Miata
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/456501Miata_start.JPG

Saleen Speedster
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/422694Saleen_start.JPG

1960 Ford Starliner
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/355150Starliner_start.JPG

1962 Ford Thunderbird
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/721316Tbird_start.JPG


Here's the build schedule. I promise to have pics each day.
On Monday: Engines
On tuesday: Chassis
On Wednesday: Interior
On Thursday: Bodies
On Friday and Saturday: Final assembly.

My next post will outline the "concepts" behind the builds. Enjoy.

I always look forward to your next projects!!:cool:

Okay. Here's the "concepts".

1961 Impala Convertible: Lindberg's kit is decent, though the packaging sucked. Net result; had to bend the windshield posts beck into shape. Not an easy feat with that "bubble top" roofline of the early sixties GM fullsize cars. Though the box art shows "Daytons", I'm going with Shinoda wheels and Goodyear Eagles from a Shinoda Boss Mustang snapper kit to get a more contemporary look. Expect another one of those extra-glossy nail-polish paint jobs on this one, possibly two-tone.

1st gen Miata: A wheel & tire package with serious brakes is a must for this little car. Fujimi or XS Tuning will more than likely supply those, depending on what I can find in four days. A 16'' BBS or OZ style wheel is what I'm hoping for. Also, take note of the already attached Racing Beat airdam. The engine will receive a custon cold-air kit and K&N air filter, while a new exhaust with aluminum tip from a Fujimi MR2 will adorn the chassis. There's going to be a scale 1'' drop at all corners, and the interior will pick up some pleasant accents. Look for either a dark green or pearl white paint job on this little beastie.

Saleen Speedster: Screamin' Yellow paint, flocking, and plenty of metalizers for paint detailing. This one is just going kit stock. It's nice enough as is, in my opinion. Plus it'll force a quality build.

1960 Ford Starliner custom: Oooooh. I love a challenge. First off, this kit has stellar detail through and through. Got to love the included fuel lines to the dual four barrels. This side oiler is getting full plumbing, while the chassis is getting dropped. Lower profile rubber Goodyear ZR40's on those sweet Torq-Thrusts (they're chromed in the kit, regardless of the box top) will help a great deal. She'll be two-toned Purple pearl iridescent nail polish and baby blue roof. Plus a wild two tone interior. Keep an eye on this one.

1962 Ford Thunderbird: Replica stock build with wiring, plumbing, factory correct finishes, and a nicely done interior. Nothing too fancy.

So, what's the verdict? Though I know you'll honestly withold that until you see the builds.

Originally posted by Octagon
Okay. Here's the "concepts".

1961 Impala Convertible: Lindberg's kit is decent, though the packaging sucked. Net result; had to bend the windshield posts beck into shape. Not an easy feat with that "bubble top" roofline of the early sixties GM fullsize cars. Though the box art shows "Daytons", I'm going with Shinoda wheels and Goodyear Eagles from a Shinoda Boss Mustang snapper kit to get a more contemporary look. Expect another one of those extra-glossy nail-polish paint jobs on this one, possibly two-tone.

1st gen Miata: A wheel & tire package with serious brakes is a must for this little car. Fujimi or XS Tuning will more than likely supply those, depending on what I can find in four days. A 16'' BBS or OZ style wheel is what I'm hoping for. Also, take note of the already attached Racing Beat airdam. The engine will receive a custon cold-air kit and K&N air filter, while a new exhaust with aluminum tip from a Fujimi MR2 will adorn the chassis. There's going to be a scale 1'' drop at all corners, and the interior will pick up some pleasant accents. Look for either a dark green or pearl white paint job on this little beastie.
Saleen Speedster: Screamin' Yellow paint, flocking, and plenty of metalizers for paint detailing. This one is just going kit stock. It's nice enough as is, in my opinion. Plus it'll force a quality build.

1960 Ford Starliner custom: Oooooh. I love a challenge. First off, this kit has stellar detail through and through. Got to love the included fuel lines to the dual four barrels. This side oiler is getting full plumbing, while the chassis is getting dropped. Lower profile rubber Goodyear ZR40's on those sweet Torq-Thrusts (they're chromed in the kit, regardless of the box top) will help a great deal. She'll be two-toned Purple pearl iridescent nail polish and baby blue roof. Plus a wild two tone interior. Keep an eye on this one.

1962 Ford Thunderbird: Replica stock build with wiring, plumbing, factory correct finishes, and a nicely done interior. Nothing too fancy.

So, what's the verdict? Though I know you'll honestly withold that until you see the builds.



cant wait!

You might start turning them out faster than the Kiwi Bot :eek: Looking forward! :)

Nah, how could I compete with sophisticated hardware like that. :D

Besides, this is what I do for a sort-of living. I have to turn them out beautifully and constantly or else I don't have gas for my 1:1scale car.

Can't wait for some progress

:eek: You are going to be busy.
Nice to see you have it all planed out as to your builds...hope they all go well and look forward to seeing progress.

Originally posted by Octagon
Here's the build schedule. I promise to have pics each day.
On Monday: Engines
On tuesday: Chassis
On Wednesday: Interior
On Thursday: Bodies
On Friday and Saturday: Final assembly.How do you leave the bodies 'til so late? When do you polish them?

Well, I can leave the bodies so late because I use nearly exclusively nail polish. The stuff gasses out to a rock hard, wet-sandable finish in about a half-hour. This means I can paint, wet-sand with polishing cloths, and wax with The Treatment within the space of five hours.

Man you have a real deal assembly line on your hands there, got some good picks also. I will be waiting to see your results impatiently:D

Originally posted by Octagon
Well, I can leave the bodies so late because I use nearly exclusively nail polish. The stuff gasses out to a rock hard, wet-sandable finish in about a half-hour. This means I can paint, wet-sand with polishing cloths, and wax with The Treatment within the space of five hours. Very cool. Wouldn't mind seeing a pictoral about painting w/ nail polishes, meself... ;)

As far as nail polishes go, are they mostly enamels or lacquers? Do you have trouble finding 'plain' colors?

Most, if not all, nail polishes are lacquers. That's what makes them layout so even on the body (SO LONG AS YOU PRIME!)....

"Normal" colors like plain red, blue, and such aren't as easy to find as, say, metallic lime green. But, when you start to think about how expensive enamel hobby paints, or automotive lacquers in hobby sizes (like MCW's line) and then consider that you can pick up a bottle of nail polish at the dollar store for a buck, it becomes well worth it.

So did you get the engines finished yet? :o

I'm behind schedule, I'll admit to that. My friends "HAD" to drag me off to this new game shop that opened near here so we could negotiate to get nights in their game room for our RPG club. I'll be up late, but I'll finish them.

At the moment, I'm waiting for the Ford Engine Blue I airbrushed onto the blocks to dry. The Miata engine is more troublesome than I anticipated. Because of the way it fits in the engine bay, I have to wait until final assembly for the cold-air setup and K&N conical air filter. The 409 in the Lindberg Impala is the easiest at the moment. Especially since it's getting the least amount of stuff and I've built so many 409's. Don't worry. The eight-sided one doesn't know when to quit. :angel:

cant wait for progresss

P.S. dont do the sallen when u arent in a god mood,it will piss u off even more:finger:

Here's proof of what's going on as we speak. The Starliner engine has been moved off of the drying stand to make room for the Miata engine-transaxle piece which is about to be metalizer aluminum.http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/363924engines.JPG

The trannies still need to be painted and there's all sorts of little odds & ends to go on. But there will be five engines done tomorrow and five chassis done after that.

Dude, I'm getting high just thinking about all those fumes! :smoker2:

Be careful out there man! My luck I'd get confused and grab that can of brake cleaner and melt something!

-Rick

Originally posted by rhmatt
Dude, I'm getting high just thinking about all those fumes! :smoker2:

Be careful out there man! My luck I'd get confused and grab that can of brake cleaner and melt something!

-Rick :spit: :hehehe: :hehehe: :hehehe: :hehehe:

What do you use as thinner for these nail polishes ?
I think these nail polishes are quite "thick".

Thanks

Originally posted by fredo
What do you use as thinner for these nail polishes ?
I think these nail polishes are quite "thick".

Thanks 50/50 mix of lacquer thinner/nail polish usually gets the job done.:cool:

ARGH!!!

I am so freakin' behind schedule it isn't funny. I hope my stepbrother likes his room, because my stepmother got the idea to repaint it.

Anyways. The Starliner's engine is finished. Take a look.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/179546Starliner_engine1.JPG

I know. I need a camera that can take close-ups. As soon as I can afford it, I'll get one.

Nice!! :cool:

Here's more pics of the "not yet but almost finished" engines.

On the left is the 61' Impala's 409 w/single 4barrel. On the right is the Miata's engine-transaxle assembly.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/178917engines_1.JPG

And in this one, the Saleen S351 engine is on the left, while the 390 from the T-bird is on the right.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/677710engines_2.JPG

Chassis completion will be bumped to tomorrow because of current circumstances. But I'll have 'em done by Sunday.

By the way, I've found that listening to Joe Walsh's "The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get" while building helps speed progress. Don't ask why though.

Originally posted by Octagon
On the right is the Miata's engine-transaxle assembly.Transaxle + Miata? :confused:

Sorry; I'll STFU! ;)

In the Miata kit, the engine, driveshaft, and front half of the differential are all one piece. I'm just not wording things right. It's pretty convincingly detailed. As you can see here.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/876821Miata_engine.JPG

Anyways, I took one look at the weather report and decided that I wouldn't get any better day for low humidity. So, into the body shop!

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/462443miata_color.JPG
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/128057Saleen_color.JPG
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/607665tbird_color.JPG

Unfortunately, to borrow a phrase from "A Car is Reborn" (one of my favorite shows) the Starliner and Impala are pants. The Impala has some of the WORST fit I've seen for its front and rear valances. The amount of sanding and puttying needed would take at least another week. I'll have to crash course something else in its stead, but it's going back on the pile. The Purple used on the Starliner turned out to be hideous and too thick, so it's going to be sanded down and reshot with a different color, but again; it's pants.

Well, down to three. :(