2t2 crash:
If you can locate a copy of this book it has all the answers you're looking for.
BUILDING and DETAILING SCALE MODEL CARS - Bill Coulter - ISBN 0890241139
Published by KALMBACH Publishing
I checked the online shop for Kalmbach, unfortunately they are no longer offering it for sale it seems. Check eBay for a copy that's where I got my copy.
To assist you before you get the book.
Turning the wheels. You will have to cut the axle on each side at the angle you want the wheels to be turned. Don't just cut the end off at an angle. Cut at an angle slightly behind the mounting pin that the wheel will attach to. Re-attach your cut pieces by drilling a small hole in each piece and pin it with thin wire to provide strength.
You will have to extend and shorten the turn link as well. You can do this with sprue from the kit. If you do not have a lathe, chuck the piece in a hand drill and sand it to the correct size with sanding sticks or needle files. Then remove the kit piece and attach your new piece.
To make the U-joints use lead foil from a wine bottle or the foil safety top off a pill bottle.
To make your kit grill look more realistic you can do one of the following.
1. Cut and file all the openings with your needle files and a small drill bit
2. Paint the squares with flat black to simulate the shadow of the openings
3. If it is a "mesh" style grill visit a fabric store and pick up MOURNING VEIL it is used to make wedding veils and widow veils usually in black and white. Cut it to size and glue it in from behind. If your engine is going to be visible with the hood open you may have to slightly frame the veil material in with thin plastic strips.
To make the modifications of removing the drive train and to fill in the tail light openings you will need some thin plastic and some body putty. You can use BONDO from the auto department or you can use any of the available modelling putties. Simply cut the plastic to cover the hole with enough around each edge to glue down. Attach from the rear. Fill the opposite side with the putty and sand smooth.
A lot of information to take in. However if you get a copy of the book above you'll see exactly what I have described. Kalmbach published numerous books on automotive modelling and each is full of great references. I am primarily an armour modeller, however I bought all the available references on auto modelling because they had "how-to" tips I could transfer to armour for detailing engines and interiors of vehicles.
I hope this helps. Post photos of the finished kit. I am sure your Dad will be really excited to receive it.
Cheers;
Gregory