60 Red Years Tribute - Ferrari 550 Maranello - WIP

Ok, I finally had the time to set up the pics, so, here is my contribution to this Awesome tribute, this model was started 2 years ago, but it come to a halt because of plastic pigments bleeding through the paint, I want this car white! (and it is red plastic) and after removing the paint 3 times, I put it in the box for a better time, but now, this tribute gave me the motivation to take this project back to the table, so here it goes...

The model, an old friend, the famous 550 Maranello, with all the corrections the kit requires, which I’ll describe later on…

http://images29.fotki.com/v1008/photos/1/113398/5554178/051101Maranello01-vi.jpg
This process starts with the chassis, the first step is filling those huge gaps between the chassis and the body, making extensions to the wheel wells, so, I use cardboard to make the patterns, cutting as required until they fit properly inside the body and then this patterns are transferred to plastic sheet and glued to the chassis.

http://images28.fotki.com/v1027/photos/1/113398/5554178/051101Maranello02-vi.jpg
Most of the detail is molded into the chassis, something has to be done…

http://images109.fotki.com/v773/photos/1/113398/5554178/060214Maranello04-vi.jpg
So, the central tunnel is removed and a new one is created with plastic sheet, but the original catalytic converters and central muffler will be used just adding new pipes and the propeller shaft.

http://images114.fotki.com/v962/photos/1/113398/5554178/060214Maranello07-vi.jpg
Extensions to the visible part of the clutch housing are added.

http://images12.fotki.com/v251/photos/1/113398/5554178/060214Maranello06-vi.jpg
An small extension to cover the gap in the rear.

http://images12.fotki.com/v251/photos/1/113398/5554178/060214Maranello03-vi.jpg
In the front suspension arms the anti-roll bar is added

http://images12.fotki.com/v240/photos/1/113398/5554178/060214Maranello05-vi.jpg
The rear suspension requires a little more work since the kit doesn’t include the upper suspension arms, which are made with small strips of plastic, the brackets for the shock absorbers are added.

http://images114.fotki.com/v962/photos/1/113398/5554178/060214Maranello02-vi.jpg
The main modifications to the chassis are finished, now the components have to be done and detailed.

To be continued...
Thanks for looking!

Can't wait to see this finished. Your work is awesome! Hmmm, white though? What interior color?

You´re not taking the mold apart to make the model more realistic, are you?? yep, you are. Fantastic and admirable effort. I can´t wait to see what else you have up your sleeves.

Hello,
Really nice job you did on detailling the chassis.
One question...:
Removing the tunnel and making a new one, deeper, OK. But are you shure the interior will fit? I guess you tried it already, so.....
Cheers,

Jamme

Nice work Ramon. I was wondering when I was going to get to see what you have done to that kit.

James Tester

looking cool.
Too bad you're not doing a full-engine conversion.

I haven't seen that done yet...

Either way, good luck on your endeavor, that's already well underway.

Olivier

I'm tuned in and ready to be amazed :popcorn:

Thank you BVC500, Robert, Jamme, James, Olivier and Stevenski, for looking and for your comments! they're really appreciated.

Hmmm, white though? What interior color?Yes, this one of the few Ferraris that I think looks good in white, and I was inspired by Kunta's Maranello, the interiors? they will be dark red, something like red wine color with black accents.

I can´t wait to see what else you have up your sleeves.Well, other than correct the kit inaccuracies, I'm opening the doors and using the Acustion PE.

Hello,
One question...:
Removing the tunnel and making a new one, deeper, OK. But are you shure the interior will fit? I guess you tried it already, so.....
Cheers,

JammeGood point, and yes, I checked that and there is no problem, the interior tub fits perfectly, I normally do this when I do modifications like this to avoid suprises later.

looking cool.
Too bad you're not doing a full-engine conversion.
I haven't seen that done yet...
OlivierNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL no please, do not provoque me!, well fortunately I'm in the middle of painting the body now, so no more modifications to it, LOL and if I do that I wont finish it this year. But it is a cool idea.

More updates to come tonight...
Thanks!

Ramon, this is an awesome project you've got going here. Let me, however, warn you that even though the interior tub may fit well on the chassis, it does not fit onto the body when the windows are installed. Basically it needs to sit lower on the chassis than box stock. Of course there are other ways to correct that (trim lower part of the windows or top part of the interior), but you may want to make sure now. Good luck with it!

Are you changing the seats and door panels to the correct 550 ones?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL no please, do not provoque me!, well fortunately I'm in the middle of painting the body now, so no more modifications to it, LOL and if I do that I wont finish it this year. But it is a cool idea.


Oh, sorry, didn't mean to be nasty, but it's going to be such a well-built modelcar, so eitherway I 'm going to look forward to it you know!

Show us more!
oli

Ramon, this is an awesome project you've got going here. Let me, however, warn you that even though the interior tub may fit well on the chassis, it does not fit onto the body when the windows are installed. Basically it needs to sit lower on the chassis than box stock. Of course there are other ways to correct that (trim lower part of the windows or top part of the interior), but you may want to make sure now. Good luck with it!
Thanks Alex, good point!, and yes I'm already aware of that, in fact it is already solved, I did the same thing I did on the Murcielago, I cut the windshield and all the windows as separated parts and adjusted them to fit exactly in their respective openings, the objective is that the windows be at the same level than the body, eliminating the inaccurate step between the window trim and the glass.

Are you changing the seats and door panels to the correct 550 ones?
The door panels yes, I don't like the 575's but I'll leave the seats, I like them, they're a little flat, but they're fine.

Oh, sorry, didn't mean to be nasty, but it's going to be such a well-built modelcar, so eitherway I 'm going to look forward to it you know!
Show us more!
oli
Please don't be sorry Oli!!! I was just kidding, it just happens that sometimes those kind of comments touch the crazy modeling nerve on me and I end doing extra things that sometimes result in very good things. Thank you for your comments!

And well, here I go with another update, still working on the chassis...

http://images30.fotki.com/v40/photos/1/113398/5554178/060223Maranello06-vi.jpg
The exhaust system is made with the original catalytic converters and the central muffler, some sanding is needed to give the right shape to these parts, and then, end covers were added to the muffler with plastic sheet, the pipes are made with Evergreen plastic rod and aluminum tubing is used for the joints.
http://images30.fotki.com/v477/photos/1/113398/5554178/060223Maranello07-vi.jpg
Here the complete assembly, special care was needed to ensure that the original shape of the system is preserved, also, several test fits in the chassis to ensure a correct assembly.
http://images109.fotki.com/v781/photos/1/113398/5554178/060223Maranello08-vi.jpg
Finally the assembly is painted with some shades to simulate burnt and oxidation proper of these parts, I’m not planning a weathered finish on this car, but the exhaust system get this coloration from the first start in the factory.
http://images30.fotki.com/v45/photos/1/113398/5554178/060223Maranello11-vi.jpg
The driveshaft cover is made with plastic and aluminum tubing and for the visible section of the transmission, part of the original kit is used, completed with plastic sheet and thin plastic stripes.
http://images109.fotki.com/v782/photos/1/113398/5554178/060223Maranello12-vi.jpg
The complete assembly is painted flat aluminum.
http://images30.fotki.com/v43/photos/1/113398/5554178/060224Maranello01-vi.jpg
The kit doesn’t include the coil over shocks, so these have to be made with plastic rod and wire coiled and cut to size.
http://images30.fotki.com/v40/photos/1/113398/5554178/060224Maranello02-vi.jpg
The painted coil over shocks.
http://images30.fotki.com/v473/photos/1/113398/5554178/060224Maranello03-vi.jpg
To the water radiator is added the photoetched screen from the AcuStion detail set and the refrigerating coil for the steering box.
http://images30.fotki.com/v472/photos/1/113398/5554178/060224Maranello04-vi.jpg
The brake rotors with the PE perforated discs, the calipers will be black with white lettering, you’ll notice that the rear brake rotors (up) are missing the handbrake calipers, I though this was a mistake in the kit, but no, this car uses a system with brake drums with pads inside the rotors for the hand brake.

Thanks for looking, for the next update I'll start working in the body...

Awsome your detailing is just Awsome!

You were born to model, Ramon. I hope you don't have to waste time in life doing stupid things like working?! :D

Fantastic plastic work :thumbsup:

Ramon, your scratchbuilding work amazes me. Everything is so clean and detailed. As a mechanic by day I must say your exhaust is the best I have ever seen the colors are perfect. Looking forward to more of your work.

Mike

Fantastic. I love the exhaust system! Assembly and paint are over the top. Keep us showing every tiny bit you´ve got...

Great WIP Ramón!
Love every step of it. Really inspiring modeling.
Thanks for sharing.

Ramon: superb! Plastic jobs has the same precision as metal machined parts: great.

Thank you, Vincent, Stevenski, Mike, godfather23, and Rodrigo for your nice comments!!
Ramon: superb! Plastic jobs has the same precision as metal machined parts: great.
That would be great! So I wouldn’t have to be saving for a lathe!, LOL thanks!

And well, after more than a week without updates here I come with some more…

http://images32.fotki.com/v1044/photos/1/113398/5554178/060205Maranello01-vi.jpg
After finishing the modifications on the chassis, next are the modifications to the body, trying to do something different for a change, I started thinking about opening the doors, and before giving it a second thought, I started cutting ith my photoetched saws until I got both doors separated.
The next step is doing the required parts to fill these new gaps, so everything around have to be assembled…
http://images32.fotki.com/v1058/photos/1/113398/5554178/060205Maranello02-vi.jpg
Using thin plastic sheet in 3 layers, the parts of the body that support the door latches are made.
http://images31.fotki.com/v1056/photos/1/113398/5554178/060205Maranello03-vi.jpg
Testing, bending and sanding until I got the required shape, the horizontal marks simulate the vents in the real car, they are not very convincing, so something has to be done.
http://images30.fotki.com/v1038/photos/1/113398/5554178/060213Maranello01-vi.jpg
The same thing is done with the running boards.
http://images32.fotki.com/v1058/photos/1/113398/5554178/060213Maranello04-vi.jpg
Some other minor modifications as the exhaust tips grills/screens which will be replaced with photoetched screen, later the rear bumper will be modified in the top to make the opening to handle the trunk.
http://images31.fotki.com/v1039/photos/1/113398/5554178/060213Maranello05-vi.jpg
Corrections in the front hood consist of extending lines, at the front, around the headlamps and at the rear, extending the longitudinal line up to the door.
http://images32.fotki.com/v1048/photos/1/113398/5554178/060213Maranello06-vi.jpg
The side vents have to be enlarged a little, and the side blinker receptacle is drilled.
http://images30.fotki.com/v1038/photos/1/113398/5554178/060213Maranello07-vi.jpg
The door also require some work, to begin, the door is extended to the front adding a thin plastic strip, this is aimed to reduce the gap between the body and door.
http://images32.fotki.com/v1058/photos/1/113398/5554178/060213Maranello08-vi.jpg
Then the rest of the door is made with plastic sheet, bent and cut to shape, the rods that appear on the picture are used to locate the interior door trim panels.
http://images32.fotki.com/v1062/photos/1/113398/5554178/060213Maranello09-vi.jpg
The left door, here, is easier to see the door extension and the hinges made with plastic tubing and plastic rods.
http://images27.fotki.com/v981/photos/1/113398/5554178/060213Maranello10-vi.jpg
The interior door panels, the ones included in the kit as we all know, are the 575 version, so new ones have to be made, using parts of the originals panels, some plastic sheet and epoxy putty for the window switches.
http://images16.fotki.com/v302/photos/1/113398/5554178/060215Maranello01-vi.jpg
The interior tub requires minor modifications, only some extensions to fill the gaps between the dashboard and body, the seat supports were eliminated as well as the handbrake lever which will be made later.
http://images31.fotki.com/v1054/photos/1/113398/5554178/060215Maranello04-vi.jpg
Several pre-assemblies are made to verify and adjust all the components.
http://images32.fotki.com/v1064/photos/1/113398/5554178/060215Maranello07-vi.jpg
The hinges are also tested to ensure that there are no interferences that can cause damage to the finish, the gaps between the doors and body are also verified considering even the future paint thickness.
http://images32.fotki.com/v1059/photos/1/113398/5554178/060215Maranello08-vi.jpg
Also the hinges are verified to ensure that the doors won’t hang or fall once opened, and that the angle of opening is the same for both doors.

Now that all the modifications to body, interior and chassis are done, it is time to start painting, this on the next update...

So, thank you for watching, and as always: comments are welcome, criticism is highly appreciated and corrections and help are thankfully received.

Hot dang, Ramon!!!! :eek2:

I have NEVER seen anyone add that much detail to a door jam before - this is why you are one of the best modelers I know.

Do you have a photo of how you attached the doors to the frame? i.e. the pin mechanism?

Hot dang, Ramon!!!! :eek2:

I have NEVER seen anyone add that much detail to a door jam before - this is why you are one of the best modelers I know.
WOOOW!! What a compliment!! Which coming from such a great modeler it is something!!! THANK YOU! (Even when I think I'm far from that, you'll see latter...)
Do you have a photo of how you attached the doors to the frame? i.e. the pin mechanism?
Well, once the doors are mounted, the hinges are completely hiden, but here the pics of them before assembly...

http://images14.fotki.com/v20/photos/1/113398/5554178/071031Maranello01-vi.jpg
Here part of the hinge that mounts on the body frame and the pin.
http://images114.fotki.com/v646/photos/1/113398/5554178/071031Maranello02-vi.jpg
The complete hinge assembly, once the door is mounted to the body the hinge wont be visible anymore, this because, as in the real car, when the door opens, the front part of it goes into the body.

Well, thanks again! and until the next...

Excellent, thanks. That is exactly what I was interested in :thumbsup:

Incredible door work...

:worshippy :worshippy :worshippy

Ramón that update was just amazing!
Great way of resolving the hinges, one that I'll steal for later on :uhoh:
Well at least I'm honest about it :icon16: Thanks

I really like your hinges!
:iceslolan :iceslolan :iceslolan
Really great job here!

Jamme

exellent work, looking forward to seeing more!

wow!!! That hinge door example is the best tip i've stumbled upon today. :) thanks for sharing. I can use this for my honda s800 :D

Very solid design! The doors seem to fit well too! Nice job!

Your door-hinge-system shows me how I should have done it? I´m quite sure yours is way better than mine! "Little voice inside of me: May be my way works as well as his does!" :screwy: :screwy: :screwy:

My god, Ramon... Seeing you working just with plastic sheets is Nirvana anticipation...

you=giant, no more words needed.

(I wanted to write something that have to do with sex but I guess they would ban me ROFL)

Wow, just wow and I thought that there is a problem with Revell kits, now I know that it is me who makes all the problems :D
Great work Ramon, so nice and clean.

Wow,

great and clean job so far

Wow this is turning out really great!!! I never knew that there were this many issues with this particular kit?!?!?!? Obviously you have taken care of it all and very well I might add!

Super work!
Last time I did door hinges it took me hours and countless efforts to get the hinges right and allow the doors to open without clipping the body! I really appreciate the work you've done here!

that looks awesome... great inspiration!

Terrific build Ramon!

I really like how you took the basic chassis and made it look so good. Your door jams are just as impressive also. This is a lot of work but you make it seem like a breeze and very enjoyable.

How you figured out the perfect dimensions of those hinges so that's theyd work the way you wanted, I'll likely never know. I understand the mechanics of it, but a slight difference in the size/dimension of anything would cause frustration. How did you get them to fit so nicely? Trial and error?

Thanks. Much respect here....

Murray

Fantastic build!! The way you work styrene you dont need a lathe!!:)

I still love your work man I'm goint to try making to door part my self I hope I can get thim to work like yours.

Excellent work, and most excellent styrene work, that tranny part was incredible, so were the hinges.
nothing more needed to say!

Hi, i'm new here...

good tips on the door hinges...i'd like to try your method on my fleet of cut-up ferraris!

thankx!

marc

Hello all, I'm sorry for the delay, but this Christmas shopping season had been a very busy one, and I'm one week away from going to Mexico for the Holydays!!
Well, first of all, thank you, Stevenski, Ben, Rodrigo, Jamme, Adam, Archerwin, CifeNet, Godfather23, Gio (funny comment! lol), Sasa, Micha, Jon, Rob, Dennos, Alex, Les, Dan66460, Vincent, WRC_413X, and Marc for your great comments, I’m glad, you liked the hinges, they are not difficult to make, so I hope to see more opened doors.
How you figured out the perfect dimensions of those hinges so that's theyd work the way you wanted, I'll likely never know. I understand the mechanics of it, but a slight difference in the size/dimension of anything would cause frustration. How did you get them to fit so nicely? Trial and error?

Thanks. Much respect here....
Murray Thank you Murray, and yes trial and error, first I figured out how to make them work, I observed how they work on real cars, I learnt that the pin of the hinge must be as closest to the door body as possible, then, trial and error, I think I made like 5 prototypes that I ruined in the process, until I found the right combination, it took too much time but it was worth it, this was the second time I make this kind of hinges, so I know they work, but, it is the first time I make them with plastic, and it was easier. (the first time I made them with brass).

And well, lets get into the next update…

Because here is where the drama begins…

http://images32.fotki.com/v1045/photos/1/113398/5554178/060217Maranello01-vi.jpg
I want the car white, the plastic is RED, so I primered with grey to correct surface irregularities, then white primer for a base, until this step everything went smooth, then applied white lacquer, then transparent lacquer, and when the paint was cured, I noticed a horrible yellow tint all along the car!!!!!! The red plastic bleed through the primer & paint!!!!!!
I didn't have the chance to take pictures of the finish, because after noticing this, I immediately covered the body with “Easy Lift Off” to remove the paint.
Then I took some pictures, here you can see the ELO working and it is possible to see also the yellowish in the lower part of the doors.
After this, I had to sand again and start over the body preparation and painting.
http://images32.fotki.com/v1064/photos/1/113398/5554178/060218Maranello01-vi.jpg
White primer was applied again and apparently without problems, and, while I was checking the finish, I found again the vents under the door locks which, as I mentioned before, were less than convincing, so I removed them…
http://images31.fotki.com/v1043/photos/1/113398/5554178/060218Maranello03-vi.jpg
And made them again with thin plastic strips.
http://images31.fotki.com/v1051/photos/1/113398/5554178/060218Maranello04-vi.jpg
Now they are convincing.
http://images32.fotki.com/v1061/photos/1/113398/5554178/060221Maranello01A-vi.jpg
While the last primer coat dries, I keep working on other parts, this time, the front grill, the one included on the kit is too thick, so I cut the inner part, to make it with thin plastic, to obtain the curved form, I used the original grill as pattern, and the assembly slits were made with PE saw blades.
http://images32.fotki.com/v1058/photos/1/113398/5554178/060221Maranello04A-vi.jpg
And this is the finished and painted grill, much better I think; bare-metal is used for the fog lamps.
http://images31.fotki.com/v1039/photos/1/113398/5554178/060222Maranello01-vi.jpg
The chassis paint process, while the body was painted, were painted also the lower body sides which are molded in the chassis, latter these sections were masked to apply the black paint.
http://images32.fotki.com/v1065/photos/1/113398/5554178/060222Maranello02-vi.jpg
Here you can see all the modifications made to the chassis, like the wheel well extensions, the center tunnel, the clutch housing, etc. the 4 white circles around the tunnel are to elevate a little the position of the interiors so they’ll fit better into the body, this because the transparent part that includes all the windows was eliminated since I cut all the windows to attach them separately to the body, I'll post pics of this step in the next update.

And well, until the next time, so, thank you for looking and as always: comments are welcome, criticism is highly appreciated and corrections and help are thankfully received.

http://images32.fotki.com/v1045/photos/1/113398/5554178/060217Maranello01-vi.jpg

Yet again you "serve" us with another interesting post, Ramon :lol:

Sorry to hear about your problems with the paint but you benefited with the new vents in the door post ;)

Sorry you had to strip off your paint work.
Are you shure it is the red plastic that came through?
Because if you have a yellow blemish, I would say it is the varnish (transparent laquer) that made that. What kind of laquer did you use?
I never had such a problem, using Automotive 2 component laquer, even on a white base.
Anyway, nice work on the door vents.

Waiting for the next UP.
Have a Merry Christmas and an Happy New Year!
Also have a nice trip and hollyday in Mexico.

Jamme

Ferrari on a silver platter nice! :grinyes:

Sorry to hear about the paint, it was goin so smooth till then!
The new door vents look awesome, cant wait to see more! :thumbsup:

It's too bad about the paint problems, luckily I have not had this bleed thru yet (knock on my head) but I couldn't imagine anything more frustrating. I really like how you did the vents, such a small detail but it's things like this that make a winner. I also like how you pre-made those round shims to lift the interior. Eliminating the excess window plastic is a great idea which usually gives me many fit problems at final assembly. Oh yes, the grill is perfect, I can't see how you could make it so precise being so small and with so many pieces. Great work for sure.

Excellent work. I don't think I've seen one of these in white so it will be interesting.

Looking very good! Wanting to see more!

my god,it´s awesome!
here in brazil we use automotive paint,i think it could be better for you!
You probaly may spray some kind off silver(with no pigment) before white,it could help to isolate red from the rest.

Good work until here,really amazing!

Happy new year!

Ok, back from some stressing holidays, it is time to relax with the real thing, and here I am…
you benefited with the new vents in the door post Thank you Stevenski, nice way to put it, and yes you’re right, something had to be done to make it worth… LOL
Sorry you had to strip off your paint work.
Are you shure it is the red plastic that came through?
Because if you have a yellow blemish, I would say it is the varnish (transparent laquer) that made that. What kind of laquer did you use?
Jamme Thank you Jame, yes, In this case, the bleeding of red plastic through light paint color is something that usually happens when very hot paint is applied without the right care or preparation, and no, unfortunately it wasn’t the clear coat, (In such case some sanding would take care of the situation) since the yellowish was very deep, not only in the surface (which had happened to me before also LOL) I’m using DuPont automotive lacquers for this car.

Also thank you WRC_413X, Les, kanedge, AllAlone.Gz and DjNightWolf for your nice comments.

And well, into the update…

http://images110.fotki.com/v1114/photos/1/113398/5554178/060222Maranello03-vi.jpg
It is time to apply some primer, starting with the door panels.
http://images32.fotki.com/v1102/photos/1/113398/5554178/060222Maranello04-vi.jpg
And primer is also applied to the body, again.
http://images31.fotki.com/v1099/photos/1/113398/5554178/060222Maranello05-vi.jpg
And the white color is applied, again automotive Dupont lacquer, I’ll let sometime before applying the clear coat.
http://images32.fotki.com/v1105/photos/1/113398/5554178/060223Maranello01-vi.jpg
Now it’s turn for the interior which still requires some work, here the rear panel for bags which had the molded bag belts removed, and I added the rear trim covers for the safety belts.
http://images33.fotki.com/v1070/photos/1/113398/5554178/060223Maranello02-vi.jpg
The seats, which I didn’t convert to the correct 550 version, (the kit includes the 575 version) since I like these ones, so I’ll just add the missing plastic trimming and seat and back rest controls, filling for the back rest and the PE Cavallino in the headrest.
http://images33.fotki.com/v1068/photos/1/113398/5554178/060223Maranello04-vi.jpg
In the center console, was added a little support for the gear selector plate, and the console was extended downwards so it sits properly in the center tunnel.
http://images32.fotki.com/v1089/photos/1/113398/5554178/060223Maranello05-vi.jpg
The handbrake lever comes molded in the interior tub, so I removed it and made a new one.
These are all the main modifications to the interior before paint, later I will add some more detail.
http://images31.fotki.com/v1095/photos/1/113398/5554178/060225Maranello01-vi.jpg
Once the interior is painted, the carpet is added, in this case I used flocked paper which results in a finer finish than using regular flock, to make this, I cut every section to the right shape using templates made with masking tape, so carpet is applied to the backrest, floor, center tunnel, footrest and rear panel.
http://images34.fotki.com/v1075/photos/1/113398/5554178/060225Maranello02-vi.jpg
Door panel, I just need to detail, the window regulator buttons and door handle.
http://images34.fotki.com/v1082/photos/1/113398/5554178/060225Maranello03-vi.jpg
Then the whole interior is assembled, I still need to add some washes to the seats to add some volume.
http://images32.fotki.com/v1105/photos/1/113398/5554178/060225Maranello04-vi.jpg
Another view.
http://images31.fotki.com/v1098/photos/1/113398/5554178/060225Maranello05-vi.jpg
Center console detail, the gearshift plate is PE and the lever is a metal part (Sakatsu).
http://images33.fotki.com/v1117/photos/1/113398/5554178/060225Maranello06-vi.jpg
Detail of the dashboard, I think it still need something else, may be I’ll add the dial bezels later.
http://images110.fotki.com/v1114/photos/1/113398/5554178/060225Maranello07-vi.jpg
Detail showing the carpeting, the covers for the rear safety belt support and the Cavallino in the headrests.
http://images34.fotki.com/v1081/photos/1/113398/5554178/060318Maranello01-vi.jpg
And the drama is still on! I was about to apply the clearcoat and I realized that AGAIN the white finish had that stupid yellowish in some areas!! So the red plastic is bleeding through AGAIN!!!!!
So I applied “Easy Lift Off” AGAIN!!
And the problem didn’t finish here, in the third try the bleeding appeared just after applying the white primer!!! So a third application of “ELO” was required, and to make it worst, after I let the body with “ELO” for more than one day, it seems that it couldn’t take anymore and now the plastic become brittle and very fragile!!!! So it started to fall in pieces!!! It ended with a big break in the top and the front fascia ended completely separated and in more than 5 pieces!! I had breaks everywhere!!
At this point I was about to throw the body against the wall (fortunately I didn’t)
The solution at this point was to buy a new 550 to use only the body, but the problem was that the 550 at that time was discontinued! So the one I got was kind of expensive (It is available now).
Finally the new 550 arrived, but before starting I reconsider the work done and doing everything again, especially the door opening (which I won’t do again) and I decide to do a last try to fix it (I almost abandon the project) so I joined the broken parts, fixed and filled all the breaks, and applied a coat of liquid cement in the inner part of the body with the intention of softening the plastic a little so it recovers its flexibility which it did after a week!
So I’ll try one more time!
http://images110.fotki.com/v1114/photos/1/113398/5554178/060223Maranello09-vi.jpg
And while the body cures and is ready for paint again, I'm back on the chassis with some modifications made to the rear exhaust tips, this because the grills in the rear fascia were removed to be replaced for PE ones.
http://images34.fotki.com/v1082/photos/1/113398/5554178/060224Maranello05-vi.jpg
The driveshaft and the transmission are assembled to the chassis.
http://images34.fotki.com/v1121/photos/1/113398/5554178/060224Maranello06-vi.jpg
And then the complete exhaust system is assembled.

And well, this is all for now, and until the next time, so, thank you for looking and as always: comments are welcome, criticism is highly appreciated and corrections and help are thankfully received.

Absolutely stunning work. It's very unfortunate that you've had so much of a problem with bleed through. Have you tried Zoom-Zoom's tip of using, I think it was Zinser B.I.N. Sealer after the primer coat? It's been mentioned here before, so a search might provide the right link. Also it was written in an article in a recent issue of Scale Auto Magazine. The examples he published seem to remove the problem.

My God, Ramon! You will be a Saint by the time you finish this project :lol:
I really admire your will to keep going :thumbsup:

I have an idea for you........change your color plans for the body - go with red :D

Apart form that, great detailing as ever. I really like your hand made brake lever - it looks really nice as do the seat modifications.

I love the detailpainting in your interior. How do you do that? Especially painting the heating knobs...
Sorry to hear about the body and the paint issue. I wonder about the reason for all of these problems.

Ramon, Great work everywhere on this project! I think I would have thrown the body against a wall.....

Very nice work on that interior.I really feel for you with the body and the red bleed through problems you are having.I had the same problem myself on a Hasegawa Mitsubishi Lancer and whatever I tried made no difference.Why don't model companies just mold body shells in white plastic it would make things a lot easier?

Holy Flock!

great detail all over that interior...

the thing that's a bit of a pity, IMHO, even though i couldn't make it better myself, is the lack of clear glasslike stuffs on top of the instrumentation decals...

there are many ways to do this, applying a little bit of clear glue easily does it for me...


eitherway, i m starstruck!

olivier

Great work as always Ramon. Sorry to hear about the paint.......again. I have used the Zinser BIN sealer and it really does work.

Can you tell me a little more about the flocked paper?

Thanks,

Mike

http://images31.fotki.com/v1098/photos/1/113398/5554178/060225Maranello05-vi.jpg


WOW! The interior looks really good!

Good job on weathering the exhaust too!

Simply incredible (the model and your persistence!!)
I would have put the model in a box and not touched it for a year :lol:

The interior came out excellent!

I definitely recommend the Zinser BIN route. use the non-aerosol and thin it for an airbrush, the rattle can loads on the paint.

Best of luck and Keep us posted! :grinyes: