Ferrari 288 GTO (in Giallo Modena)

Hey gang,
I just started my fujimi 288GTO. (pics up soon) Question though, does anyone have a good technique for prepping the photoetched parts for paint, and subsequently putting a 90 degree bend on the vent fins?? Any 288 builders, your advice tips is welcome and anyone else for that matter. Again pics up soon..:bananasmi

Bend before painting. Get some metal primer (tamiya makes some), and spray that on the parts before you paint any color.

Also, many game and comic stores that sell metal miniatures carry metal primer either in a bottle or a spray can.

Also, many game and comic stores that sell metal miniatures carry metal primer either in a bottle or a spray can.

Hmm I never thought of that!!! Great idea Hirofkd..

Bend before painting. Get some metal primer (tamiya makes some), and spray that on the parts before you paint any color.

BVC500, how would you recommend polishing them??

I've wondered myself whether you can polish photoetch enough to look like polished aluminum or chrome.

I'm not sure you will be able to get away with an additional coat of primer on some of the finer pieces. Just scuff the surface of the parts with 800 or finer sandpaper and shoot the thinnest coat of paint you can get to cover the parts. I like lacquer for this.
Chrome trim is the reason most automotive PE is stainless and not brass. It is pretty easy to polish pieces to a chrome like finish with a 3 way polishing stick.
Which PE set are you using? I've been looking at sets for the 288 as well as the Daytona.

Hi mate. cool that somebody is building fujimi GTO. I have crazy modeler PE set for it. are you going to use this or from KA? because I played with hood wents and it seems to be quite tricky and I am afraid how it will fit if I cut out stock ones
Good luck

Hi mate. cool that somebody is building fujimi GTO. I have crazy modeler PE set for it. are you going to use this or from KA? because I played with hood wents and it seems to be quite tricky and I am afraid how it will fit if I cut out stock ones
Good luck

Hey Turbo32!! long time no talk!! LOL The Fujimi Kit I purchased has the PE set in it already and from what I know, THERE IS ALOT OF PE IN THIS KIT!! including chrome x-fers. 250+ parts!!!! Ive cut out the vents already and now just need to prep the photoetch so I can begin to bend and paint.
:2cents:

:D it seems like we switched car brand. take some pics please. I am very curious on this build and I know u will do it justice

So I had a peek at my Fujimi 288 GTO kit tonight and noticed the molded vents look really good. Why replace them with photoetch? I notice the photo etch makers did the same treatment for the Fujimi 512 Boxer too. Is the photoetch somehow easier to paint or something?

and I agree with Turbothirtytwo. This thread needs pictures ha ha!

So I had a peek at my Fujimi 288 GTO kit tonight and noticed the molded vents look really good. Why replace them with photoetch?

and I agree with Turbothirtytwo. This thread needs pictures ha ha!

That's exactly what I was thinking. Just leaving the plastic louvers would look every bit as good, and be much easier than messing with PE. Never use a PE part when a plastic one will do as well. Just thinking about replacing them gives me a headache....

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NCTKUEHu-jQ/RzpPXcV23MI/AAAAAAAABpg/IGNCSh2URGc/Ferrari%20288%20GTO.%2C.jpg

PE parts are thinner which is actually better but there is a question if it will fit nicely into hole. and for example in my kit there is badly cast front trunk lid and fins are bent. not to mention they have incorrect shape. they should be straight and fujimi kit has slight curve. I will take a pic if MAXIMA dont mind:)

Turbo, if your vents are distorted you likely have no choice but to replace them. I now see that subtle curvature in the center vent you mention but it doesn't bother me enough by itself.

Maxima, I think you asked an interesting polishing question that didn't get addressed. I believe each vent is comprised of two pieces of photoetch which represent alternating slats. I would explore trying to do it this way:
1) lightly sand each piece with 1000 while still attached to the fret to round the edges a bit. I think they will look more realistic and may help prevent burn through when final polishing.
2) carefully bend the parts and temporarily install as a test fit
3) flatten, metal prime, color, and clear the vents
3) polish vents while still flat.
4) bend vents a second time to proper angle and final assemble model.

This assumes you've confirmed before hand that the metal can withstand 3 bends! Of course you risk cracking if the metal (or paint) is hard and brittle. Experiment before attempting. Maybe a paper pattern is all you need to prove the part will fit on final assembly.

In any event, replacing the vents with photoetch is going to take a bit more work. Post some pics of your progress Maxima. I'm really curious to see what you guys discover.

EDIT: I forgot to mention something. With all the work you do on drivetrain and front compartment detail it's likely the panels will be displayed open. Will the photoetch vents look as good from the backside? They are going to get a lot of exposure.

CrateCruncher there is a slight problem I think. joint between fins and frame is so thin that it cant withstand any manipulation nor polishing or sanding. I would glue it together adjust fins angle, paint and clear nothing more

:useless:

WOW some great techniques guys, thank you.. I will be posting photos up this weekend for you all to see,.... stay tuned:grinyes: