1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 - Bayside Blue Godzilla

This build will hopefully take less than 10 years. Can’t promise though. 😊

Anyway….so after building that…lets call it “challenging” ABC Dino kit, I decided I needed to build something that actually fit right, didn’t have to be re-worked, and had plenty of reference material to build properly. So, old, well-fitting and nicely designed, trouble free Tamiya kit seemed like a good start, right?

Wanted something simple. Picked up this R32 kit on eBay the other day - always liked these Skylines, my brother had one back in the 90’s, and I currently am seriously considering bringing one to Texas. So this felt like a good choice:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1859/44350245751_305c0d53fe_c.jpg

The kit itself requires no introduction, it did however arrive slightly damaged, with roof squished in, and radiator support bracket snapped. Had to repair both pillars and the bracket before proceeding – turned out just fine, luckily was a clean break:

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Body was primed with Tamiya grey, artifacts sanded off, ready for color coat:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1891/43766741774_b13e9b0a97_c.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1862/43575650215_f6b2b91a66_c.jpg

I picked Bayside Blue for the color, had the paint from Zero Paints sitting in the box for 10 years. Stunning color. Cleared with Dupont Chromaclear. Polished with Tamiya coarse, 3M finish, and Treatment model wax for shine.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1899/43575645325_636fab33f7_c.jpg

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Had a few tiny specs land on the clear, but luckily was able to polish those out:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1865/43575649755_df299d1c04_c.jpg

Then long and tedious process of cleaning up all the parts – remove parting lines, fill the sink holes, cut the burrs – you know the drill. Bunch of black and aluminum/metal parts painted:

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Started with the engine. It’s a nicely designed powerplant, lacking detail by modern standards, but still good. I wish they would give the lettering in the middle of the cam cover as a decal, but they didn’t, had to paint it and well… I’m not very good at detail work anymore, came out ok I guess, filled in couple of letters there.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1843/42675688620_1378dfe1f1_c.jpg

Will spare you progress shots, but here are few pix of the engine before I stuffed it into the front subframe carrier – added some minor details like fuel rail, coil pack harness, couple of vacuum hoses, some hose clamps, etc.

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Surprisingly good level of engraving on some parts, but then its Tamiya after all. Engine is mounted on the subframe carrier:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1864/42675687010_5fe3020b9f_c.jpg

Next, I started working on the chassis. After studying several underside pictures, I painted it with some primer showing through in the mid-section, cause most cars I saw had that portion rustproofed or some such, and it was this grey-yellowish color, so I thought that was a good way to replicate that finish. Turned out great. Decided to add some heat shielding before installing the engine and suspension:

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Installed front subframe and other suspension bits in the front:
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Same with the rear suspension/fuel tank/exhaust :

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1856/43766735864_2f5c771aa7_c.jpg

Overall, I think it looks great, will still add few bits here and there, but I’m trying not to get carried away, as this was planned as a “box-stock” kinda build….

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1845/43766736754_8a26cb2ac0_c.jpg

Finally, couple of the shots of the engine bay as it sits right now. A bit bare, but there are still a few additions that I plan to fill up the empty spots. There are few little bits that I have already added there – drilled out front shock mounts and added strut stocks sticking through, battery cables, etc.

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So this is where I am at the moment.

Looks great so far. I was never a huge fan of the R32 but I do think they look good with the R34 bodykit

Wow, looking great so far!

Looks great so far. I was never a huge fan of the R32 but I do think they look good with the R34 bodykit

Strange that you mention it. I was always such a huge R32 fan, but even I have to admit, it does look a bit...funky and weird, in a Japanese weird sort of way, you know?

Thats quite a progres and it looks great :)

Strange that you mention it. I was always such a huge R32 fan, but even I have to admit, it does look a bit...funky and weird, in a Japanese weird sort of way, you know?

Yeah I know what you mean. For me it was always the R33 that was my favourite

:lol::lol::lol:

LOVE this one in Bayside Blue! :sunglasse

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb112/andrejmiller/RBG26-26.jpg

What a great kit to work on getting more of your groove back.

Terrific paintwork (as always), and the engine detailing looks great. But throw some BMF or paint or the like on that oil filler cap. It's crying out for something.

https://image.nengun.com/catalogue/1024x768/nengun-0097-01-nismo-oil_filler_cap.png

:lol::lol::lol:

LOVE this one in Bayside Blue! :sunglasse

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb112/andrejmiller/RBG26-26.jpg

What a great kit to work on getting more of your groove back.

Terrific paintwork (as always), and the engine detailing looks great. But throw some BMF or paint or the like on that oil filler cap. It's crying out for something.

https://image.nengun.com/catalogue/1024x768/nengun-0097-01-nismo-oil_filler_cap.png


I don't know man, yours looks more like Estoril to me....:evillol:
I'm sure its just different lighting, my pictures are actually a bit dark.

I thought about the oil cap. Its black on the actual car, but maybe you are right, it does sort of blend in like that.

Did you finish yours or is is still in the works?

Nah, genuine CobraColors Nissan Bayside Blue. Perhaps my photography skills have not represented it as well as possible. (I can tell you, looks spot on in person...)

Finished? Heh. Let's say it's poised for more progress. But there are some other projects in line ahead of it. Speaking of Estoril, I gotten my hands on some Techno Violet and have put it to good use. Perhaps I can manage some more crappy pics of another pretty color.

If you'd use it, I'd be honoured to send you a machined billet replacement for that oil cap- you'd have to drill out or otherwise remove the original.

Nah, genuine CobraColors Nissan Bayside Blue. Perhaps my photography skills have not represented it as well as possible. (I can tell you, looks spot on in person...)

Finished? Heh. Let's say it's poised for more progress. But there are some other projects in line ahead of it. Speaking of Estoril, I gotten my hands on some Techno Violet and have put it to good use. Perhaps I can manage some more crappy pics of another pretty color.

If you'd use it, I'd be honoured to send you a machined billet replacement for that oil cap- you'd have to drill out or otherwise remove the original.

Andy, appreciate the offer - I'll shot you my snail mail.

Speaking of Techno - I know you have a soft spot for E36, and couple of years ago I had a chance to buy a 1999 Dakar Coupe. The car was rough, but very original, so I took a chance (it was listed on Craigslist in San Francisco), so I bought it sight unseen over the phone!) and flew to pick it up and drove it for 26 hours non-stop to Dallas. What a car!

Me and my kiddo have since spent countless hours and lots of $$ to bring it back to former glory, restoring pretty much every area of the car. Its in immaculate condition now:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4516/24462981468_9f045c29e1_b.jpg

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So, needless to say, if I'm ever building an e36 kit - it will be Dakar!

That's a beautiful looking E36 Alex. I have a Boston Green 318is and an Estoril Blue M3 Evo myself. E36 owner group build for the future?

Sweeeet! That is gorgeous.

I still have my '95. Avus blue, the year before they went to Estoril. But I do have a recommendation if you need some Dakar. I had good luck with an online touch up paint service. Not the cheapest way to go, but a very nice match. Soon as I take some pics, I'll write up a review.

Thanks gents!
Yes, I would be all up for a E36-owners build! not sure how many would participate though, but we don't have to limit it to owners, but owners have to build replicas of their cars! I like the idea, even have Dragon kit of the M3 ready to go. Need to source some Contours, which might be a problem, though.

Andy, I have some Dakar left - I had some mixed up locally for touch-ups and stuff. And since it is a solid paint, no worries about using it on a model.

Why do I get the feeling you're trying to get me to post here again?

E36 Group Build? Fine- bring it! But I can't say I'll limit myself exclusively to E36s that I own.

I think that USCP might have done a set of Contours. I'd give Nosfer (www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=1143126) a PM. I got a set of these not more than a year or two ago for an E34, they look pretty good painted up.

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w500/Misha_Nosferatu_2/1_zpsdponkm5l.jpg

Done.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb112/andrejmiller/oilcap.jpg

I didn't quite realize how small it would be. :uhoh: :rolleyes:

I colored it with a red sharpie to give it an anodized look. You can clean it off and leave it bare, or go with whatever color you like.

That looks really good! I sent you a PM.

picked Bayside Blue for the color, had the paint from Zero Paints sitting in the box for 10 years. Stunning color. Cleared with Dupont Chromaclear. Polished with Tamiya coarse, 3M finish, and Treatment model wax for shine.

Thta's indeed a very nice blue color!

May I ask a question that I had in my mind for quite some time?
I read in many of your WIP descriptions that you paint your body parts, polish them, and apply some wax for shine, all more or less right at the beginning of the build.
Is that correct? Do you apply the wax before you continue the work with the body parts?
In my experience ( I use Tamiya wax however ) when I put on wax, the surface becomes nice and shiny, and is also kind of protected as dust won't stick to it, but also stickers, metal transfers, decals, paint etc. won't stick to it any more. I have to polish the loactions again, thus removing the wax, place the stickers, and wax again.
Therefore I don't apply the wax until the very end, to seal the complete finished car.
I wonder if you do this really so differently.

Thta's indeed a very nice blue color!

May I ask a question that I had in my mind for quite some time?
I read in many of your WIP descriptions that you paint your body parts, polish them, and apply some wax for shine, all more or less right at the beginning of the build.
Is that correct? Do you apply the wax before you continue the work with the body parts?
In my experience ( I use Tamiya wax however ) when I put on wax, the surface becomes nice and shiny, and is also kind of protected as dust won't stick to it, but also stickers, metal transfers, decals, paint etc. won't stick to it any more. I have to polish the loactions again, thus removing the wax, place the stickers, and wax again.
Therefore I don't apply the wax until the very end, to seal the complete finished car.
I wonder if you do this really so differently.


Umm, not sure what to say - been doing it that way forever. Yes, I wax body before assembly begins, to protect the paint right away. I do not use Tamiya wax, maybe there is a difference, but I have never had any problems with decals or stickers not sticking to the waxed surface.

One of the reasons I wax a lot of the things that I work with, especially painted body parts and glass, cause I use CA glue to assemble my kits almost exclusively, and parts do not fog when waxed.

With engine and chassis shaping up, I turned my attention to the interior. Very typical for 90’s kits from Japan, it’s a simplified interior tub, with almost no detail on the sides/door cards, one piece, with separate dash and front seats. Decided to go with regular Skyline grey color.

It was painted light grey, masked:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1881/29749309657_26b9e27b7b_c.jpg
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Then sprayed with a bit darker grey, and then flocked. Missed the color on the base coat a bit for the flocking, but it is close enough. Flocked rear shelf too.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1865/29749309187_081d7a73cd_c.jpg
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And then I decided it was too bland and too grey. It was time to spice it up. Dashboard was painted and decaled, seats fitted with seatbelt latches.

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Then I realized that I misplaced the shifter, and it was gone. Looked in my spares box for something similar, but all were ill fitting. So, I decided to make one.

So, if you scratch building something – make it as real as possible, right? Measured the opening, made a plastic base for the shifter just the right side.

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Skived some black leather, made a rough template for the boot. Then I tried to make a knob from a plastic rod, but then I thought, how about some polished aluminum knob?

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1891/30816287008_73892d0716_c.jpg

Solid aluminum rod was slightly re-worked with metal files into a GT-R knob shape, and then I clamped into my Dremel and polished it – turned out quite nice.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1846/44637660962_93b8c0751a_c.jpg

Shifter was assembled, and boot glued to the base, and the knob – turned out quite nice, and best part – it moves too, so if you are so inclined, you can imitate shifting!

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1869/30816286828_3d455451cc_c.jpg

Then I switched my attention to the seatbelts – it would have been crazy not to make then now that I’ve made a working shifter, right? Front belts on the real car are mounted on the side of the car (b-pillar) but since R32 does not really have a pillar as such (frameless door windows) it has this tiny strip of blacked out glass where the assembly can be hidden.

To make it work on a model, I made these strips of plastic slightly narrower than the window part, glued a wire loop to put the belt through to the top:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1842/44637660522_1a3c6c11c6_c.jpg

Painted them black, made some belt buckles. Looked in my spares for photoetched pieces, but then remembered recent conversation how a lot of PE parts look flat and not lifelike, and decided to go with a bit more 3D version.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1873/44637660272_5837544963_c.jpg

Decided to go with Motorsport red belts to break down the monotony of the black-grey boring interior. Glad I did. Front belts assembled.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1869/30816286328_934d75e2bc_c.jpg

Rear belts were easy – just glued to the back seat. I later made little belt retainers and glued them to the rear seat (seen later in completed interior pictures)

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1856/44637660002_1227d6fc0d_c.jpg

Next I needed to glue the fronts so they would line up properly to the side window strip. Constantly checking for correct placement and incline, I glued the belts to the interior tub:

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This is how it looks from the outside:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1885/30816285728_87ee3367af_c.jpg

Finally, I couldn’t stand bare door cards, but didn’t want to redo the whole thing at this point I simply didn’t have it in me! So, I made some door handles and little door pulls to make it look a bit more realistic.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1891/44637659062_f9969c0892_c.jpg

Everything was put together, test fitted, touched up – interior is now ready to go.

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fantastic WIP

So, I was looking into lowering the back end a bit as I didn’t like the stock ride height and noticed something I didn’t like – if you build the kit according to Tamiya – you should block the front air dam by this plastic piece that has mesh imprinted on it. I thought – well, easy fix, just put some mesh there and done.

But not so easy – the stuff that was behind it was not made to be seen – unfinished backside of the radiator and not much else. Not good to look at. I decided to scratch some of the components to make it look pretty, as there was no way I’d install that ugly block plate there.

So, that escalated quickly, I might say.

First, I needed an intercooler, which is what can be easily see in the lower part of that bumper. Used some old radiator piece cut to size, added some sheet plastic, putty, some kit sprue and made this:

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Lots of cursing to align these pipes to the motor and make the intercooler sit straight! Goodness.

Once was all done, painted aluminum, added some elbows and clamps to make it look a bit more realistic – even though most of the stuff will be hidden from view:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1893/42919184100_41aa467747_c.jpg

Well, next problem was that now I had this intercooler sitting in front on my radiator, that had nothing in the back of it, not even good imitation of the radiator mesh!

Real car has two electric cooling fans sitting in front, but I couldn’t find anything in my spares box that would fit or look right. I found some on eBay that would work, but it was $10 and made to order, so I was not willing to wait 3 weeks. Soooo. Scratchbuild them? Yup.

Lots of trial and error and solder and copper wire here folks.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1869/42919183530_3c26101c5e_c.jpg

Shrouds are made, now I needed the fans themselves! Made from tiny plastic bits for blades and slice of aluminum tubing for the core.

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Sourced photoetched radiator face from my spares box, attached the fans and the intercooler – looks so much better and no I can leave that front dam open!

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1896/44728328921_90f6b195aa_c.jpg

Detailing bug bit me hard and started scratchbuilding stuff to spice it up here and there – on the pix below you see hydraulic and brake/fuel lines for the engine bay and chassis with appropriate pumps/units these attach to:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1875/44728327751_a6f5b84b9b_c.jpg

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This is how it all connects in the back:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1884/42919180670_1c5f343d7e_c.jpg

This is the front. I also added some oxygen sensors, and some gearbox lines as well:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1841/42919179850_7593ee4b2c_c.jpg

I think this is it for the chassis:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1885/42919179010_6db29b79d8_c.jpg

And this is how the engine looked at this point:

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https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1895/42919177180_b1bb6247f5_c.jpg

With chassis and interior completed, it was time to put these 3 together. But before I could do that, I needed to paint all the trim – masked off and ready for paint:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1882/42919176570_116b2fe64d_c.jpg

Painted:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1899/42919175710_b0cb671e4c_c.jpg

Next were lights. Tamiya wanted me to paint the headlights silver and stick these, for the lack of better word, mushrooms (below in the picture next to the pack) as headlight high beam lenses. I guess that would have worked just fine, but I had these awesome convex lenses from HM for years and waited for the opportunity to use them!

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1871/42919175090_03bb1c38c5_c.jpg

They are really nice:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1889/30858120258_099ffe5b5e_c.jpg

Taillights and side markers were painted clear red and orange respectively, and reflective backing for the taillights was punched out from BMF with the handy hole punch:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1891/30858120058_387c08dfa7_c.jpg

Reflective backing in place:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1866/44728317661_2fdd601f4c_c.jpg

Taillights installed:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1887/43819665895_cfdd5a39ee_c.jpg

Headlights assembled. Can’t really see the convex lens in the picture all that well, but it looks quite nice in person.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1889/44728316791_760ca66851_c.jpg

Finally, the chassis and the body were married, and engine back got the last detailing bits – hydraulic lines, brake booster, various stickers and wiring, clamps, radiator cap, etc. Not a lot left at this point – I’m on a home stretch!

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Love the detail in the hoses and pipes

Well done! Good to see you haven't lost your eye for details!

Thanks guys, its slowly coming back to me!

Great work. A lovely looking build

great job so far, nice details

Thanks fellas! Almost done with this one.

Stunning!!! Great scratchbuilding!

Looks like your skills are as good as ever Alex. What's next on the list?

Would love to see you take on the new Tamiya NSX with detail sets like you did your Enzo's.

Or.. perhaps a Lamborghini? Aoshima has been cranking out great examples as of late.

Looks like your skills are as good as ever Alex. What's next on the list?

Would love to see you take on the new Tamiya NSX with detail sets like you did your Enzo's.

Or.. perhaps a Lamborghini? Aoshima has been cranking out great examples as of late.


Thanks!
I'm on old Japanese cars kick lately. Thinking about building something from the late 70-s or 80-s. We'll see.

You mean new NSX? I need to get that kit, love the car. Saw one on the highway the other day, looks stunning in motion.

Thanks gents.

This one is done. Few last pieces that go to this WIP, and then it will be in the gallery.

I decided to go with black wheels, so typical Skyline wheel emblems were too dark. I found an old PE fret with some GT-R emblems from my R34 build, and used that instead:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1951/44089221065_45510e871d_c.jpg

Turned out quite well:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1946/44089210475_e97e683ef3_c.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1976/44089209415_0632b28c7c_c.jpg

Put final touches and decals on the back, blacked out the exhaust tips, checked the stance, put decal on the hood:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1921/44089206585_de4b48f3df_c.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1916/44089205365_1b95404f32_c.jpg

And this one is officially completed:


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1922/44089200485_621b649753_c.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1950/43188461750_72e8e6dbfa_c.jpg

More pictures in the gallery soon!

What a beauty :wink:

A little stunner Alex, you haven't missed a beat!

Absolutely gorgeous. :eek:

The extra yard taken to add things like the belts, the under hood wiring and lines, as well as the great little intercooler...Stunning!!
And it truly sets the build apart from an otherwise "boring" stock build. :)
Great work Alex. :thumbsup:

Love the extra details, especially the shifter!

What a beauty :wink:

A little stunner Alex, you haven't missed a beat!

Thanks guys. Ray, pictures don't show how rusty I am!

Absolutely gorgeous. :eek:

The extra yard taken to add things like the belts, the under hood wiring and lines, as well as the great little intercooler...Stunning!!
And it truly sets the build apart from an otherwise "boring" stock build. :)
Great work Alex. :thumbsup:

Thanks. Once I realized I didn't want that stupid plate in the front bumper, I kinda had no choice! Plus, I wanted to keep the clear hood from the beginning, so extra engine detail was a must!

Love the extra details, especially the shifter!

I found the kit one when cleaning up the workshop after the model was done! :iceslolan

What a beauty. I'm very impressed with the chassis details like the lines and especially the exhaust heat shielding. Interior is a work of art. What a fun WIP.

Love the wip Alex. The chassis detail done in very smart way.

Is this clear hood, included to kit?


George

Thank you.
George, yes, clear hood is included in the kit.