body kits

[emufarmer]

just 1 question for any1. how do u make body kits. what do u use and where can u get the stuff for it. thanks



sean

[mp3z24]

building body kits on 1:18 die cast cars is pretty much like building them on 1:24 plastics...

1. decide if this is going to be a kit that goes over the existing bumpers / skirts, or if it is going to be a replacement for the existing parts.
1a. if you are replacing the bumpers / skirts, you need to remove them. i use a dremel and a cutoff wheel. dont destroy the parts too much since you are probably going to want to use them as reference.

2. find reference picutres of what you are trying to build. or, have a drawing or sketch, or something to keep you on track. it is a lot easier when you are trying to use another design. it is harder to come up with your own as you go along.

3. use styrene sheets (available at hobby stores) to construct the base structure of the body kit. this is where a lot of meauring is going to be important. the styrene sheets are not going to be the final shape of the kit (unless it is a long flat section). this is also when you want to get the fit between the kit and the car as close as possible.

4. use an epoxy putty (i use tamiya polyester putty) to build up the areas that require more detail. the putty can be sanded and filed to smooth out the globs that you will end up with. build up the putty so that you will take some off to create the details. try to apply the putty to a clean, but roughed up surface. it will bond better.

5. using sand paper, and files (i use needle files or jewelers files) remove excess putty to create the shapes of the body kit. you can always add more putty if you make a bad move and remove too much.

6. if you are making a body kit that requires attaching it to the car, then you are going to have to bond it to the body somehow. in the plastic world, u can use the model adhesive. but for die cast, i would say to use JB Weld, or Bondo on the back of the body kit and the back of the body... that way you can bond the 2 together. ( i have never done that yet, so im out on a limb there)

6a. i would recommend stripping the paint from the model before u attach the body kit. Castrol Super Clean takes off paint, as does Brake Fluid (NOT BRAKE CLEANER!!!). CSC is usually the safest, as it is unlikely to damage plastic. Brake fluid is harsher to plastics, and may signifiacntly weaken them. remove any parts from the body that you dont want to strip the paint off of, including chrome pieces.

7. after the kit and the body are together, you will probably want to smooth the gap between the body and the kit... fill it with putty and file or sand it smooth.

8. make sure all is as you want it. make sure the surfaces are smooth. then spray on a couple light coats of primer. if you see imperfections in the surfaces, fix them, prep the body and do the primer again.

9. when the body is smooth and you area satisfied with the kit... spray it with a final light coat of primer, and then paint it. several light coats work best. add clear coat if u want.

that is the quick and dirty way to build a body kit. there are tons of details i left out, but hey, i would be here all day if i typed them all... best way to learn is to experiment... thats what im doing and im learning all the time...

~Mike

[Gafoto]

Bust us out some pics!

[18scalecustoms]

i have made a wide body kit for a viper and it sick email me if u want to know how to do it or the supplies [email protected]

thanks justin

[Gafoto]

Thread is 4 months old. Let it die.

[18scalecustoms]

i know email me [email protected]

[IImportSupra]

Originally Posted by 18scalecustoms

i know email me [email protected]

No,Playdo+SuperGlue= Disas ter...