How to do molding, casting, sculpting, or scratch building to customize an old metal Hubley kit

Hi Will! 

I've never done any work on metal cars either but I think if you go to the "Autos" section of the forums you will find some help. That's where all the car builders hang out and they are very knowledgeable and ready to help.

Hope that this helps.

Stay safe.

Jim 

Thanks, Jim! Great idea.

Will

Do you need to cast in metal, or would urethane plastic be okay?  There are several youtube videos on making molds and casting urethane in them.  Personally I never make a mold with any surfqaces open to air.  Those surfaces will not harden properly.

Thanks for the suggestion!  I'll do some searching on YouTube. Urethane would be fine for casting, I think. I still have to figure out whether I will need to do post-cleanup/sculpting on pieces after it's set up. That's interesting about not making a mold with any surfaces open to air. I hadn't thought that far ahead. I have seen open molds in a props molding and casting book (bigger things on a stage), but I didn't know that a surface open to air will not harden properly.

Zocane

but I didn't know that a surface open to air will not harden properly.

Depends very much on your materials. As a builder of industrial modeIs back in the days before 'fancy' materials and 3-D printing, I used to make silicone molds of parts, then cast them with stuff called "Durham's Water Putty," a mix-your-own filler commonly available at hardware stores and home centers. Hardens a treat open to air, easy to work, light weight and inexpensive.

Just another alternative. 

missileman2000

incredibox

Do you need to cast in metal, or would urethane plastic be okay?  There are several youtube videos on making molds and casting urethane in them.  Personally I never make a mold with any surfqaces open to air.  Those surfaces will not harden properly.

 

Urethane molding may be suitable depending on your needs. Please note that the open mold surface may not be properly treated.