The Classic 1950's Automobile Group Build Starts 4-16-07

why not i havent built a car in a long long time would be a little break from military modeling . put me down for a 1957 Chevy hard top. probably the AMT 1/25th scale . unless anyone knows where i can get a metal body model of a classic car (that isnt pre finished).

kenny

Heya,

Put me Down for a 57 Chevy Bel Air. My father-in-law will be happy and the wife is going to kill me I purchased more kits today hehe. All I need to find a good kit and paints.

Guido

Cool Kenny...I'll add you to the list.  Sorry I can't help you with the metal body kit.

When I think of the cars of the 1950's I think fin's...I think a GB badge incorporating a "fin" would be cool...what do you think?

Nice Bgrigg...I'll get you added also.  I thought about building a Nomad also, glad you're going to do one.

hey grandpa here is an idea for the GB badge hope you like it

or this one easier to read

kenny 

Sweet badge!

BTW Welcome to all, I guess this did take off on its own . Glad it did.

Guido

There still is a lot more room for people in this build.  I still want someone to jump in with a Studebaker and/or a Plymouth with big fins.

I'm actually going to have a shadow build during this build.  I scored a Lindberg '52 Chevy Coupe (a fastback for you younger guys) in 1/32 scale.  It's a 1979 vintage kit.  Straight OOB build just fixing sink holes, seam and alike.  Shouldn't be a tough build as it only has 31 parts.  Also as a warm up I'm working on an AMT Ertl '57 Chevy Hardtop.  I'm building it as a hot rod.  Found this kit at a thrift store for 75 cents so I thought I would experiment a little and expand my modeling skills.

Well I got my kit today...waiting on the PE I ordered from MCG...guess all thats left for me to do is my taxes...

ah grandpa i am the opposite of you my taxes were done and mailed in the first weekend of febuary :) now i have to order the kit and the pe...... shhhhhh dont tell the wife lol

by the way what is mcg they have a web site ?

kenny

kenny_conklin wrote:

by the way what is mcg they have a web site ? kenny

Model Car Garage...they have aftermarket and detailing supplies for car models.  I have the PE set, some misc flocking and ingnition wire coming from them.

BTW...I just take a big evelope of papers to my CPA, just a matter of knodding my head and saying uh huh a couple time. Then she charges me a couple hundred (which you write off next year) and tell's me how much to send to my uncle...Uncle Sam that is...

poor man you need to find a new accountant i pay him my $175 and i usually make money back

the wife went to an accountant one year and the lady said she owed $4000 back to the govt. brought them to my accountant he redid them and man the lady really messed up she recieved over $3000 back from good ole uncle sam :)

i may ask alot of questions during the build i have been doing military so long i forgot how to do the good ole classic cars :(

thanks for the MCG they have lots of cool stuff

kenny

Ask away Kenny, we all learn new things along the way.  Your welcome for the site.

We're two months today away from the official start date, plenty of time to find a kit and join the build.

Hey everone! Count me in on this, I still have to double check the stash - pretty sure I have a '59 Caddy in there hiding. If not then there should be enough time to scrounge one up from somewhere!

picked up my 57 chevy hard top today :)

kenny

lol no the kit wasnt expensive now getting all the do-dads to go with it thats another story :) seen so many things you can get for cars maybe pulling me away from the military scene abit.

kenny

I think I'm ready to go, except for the tax thing.

Received my photoetch set, flocking & ignition wire from MCG today for my '58.  I think I have all the paint I'll need.  I think I'll do a white/black color scheme.  Build it up a little rodded.

Ok...now just waiting for April 16th. 

Still plenty of time for more people to sign up and find a kit.

I guess I will join if that is okay with you. I wanted to start a 59 Chevy impala lowrider anyways. I will be adding a few things to the impala, but I was going to more experiment with opening the doors and adding a super detailed interior. Its good to see car builds starting to appear on Finescale.

Hi Dan,

You talked me into it. I'd like to enter your group build with a '53 Chevy. Don't know just what I'll do with it yet, but I'll give it the OLD school try.

Jim

Great Jim, got you signed up, glad to have you on board!

I think I'll go with something based on the 1950 Chevy pickup, I've got one of the AMT/Ertl kits and it offers alot of options for me. It will be some kind of fire apparatus when I'm done with it, maybe a water tender but I'll decide for sure in April.

Hi Dan,

Started digging thru my stash for parts for the '53 Chevy. I thought I had a lot of STUFF, but I found that I really had A LOT OF STUFF. Found a Computer paper box Full of bodies. Cigar boxes full of engines, bumpers, chrome parts. custom parts from 3 in 1 kits, you name it I found it. Also found some Old PE steering wheels, gauges, taillights and even a set for making window nets for Nascars. Have come to the conclusion that I'll build my '53 as a street rod. I can even use the picture of my first car (a '53 convertible street rod) to go by. Did all the work on the original so I guess I can do all the work on the model. For the record, I'm starting with an old Monogram 1/24 kit. It has enough pieces left in the box for a start.

Jim 

Hey Jim, sounds a lot like the '57 I'm working on right now.  Its was a kit I picked up at a second hand store. It probably had enough parts in the box to build it up but I couldn't resist building it as a rod from the spare parts box.  It will have to go on the back burner as I've got some GB's coming up.  But it's ok, this kit been waiting a few years to get finished.  Plus I need to figure out something for the tail lights.

BTW, the '53 Chevy is just a great looking car, wish I had one in the garage.

Hi Dan,

Wish I still had it in my driveway now. It was a fabulous car. I used to drag race it at 2 local tracks and 2 shall we say non-official strips. Won a couple of trophies at the tracks and one night I won the pink slip for a '53 Ford. Felt sorry for the guy and gave him back the pink slip. Never did that again.

Half of the kits in my stash have been scavanged for parts. Then there are all the parts left over from all the cars I built over the years (and there have been many years and many, many cars). 

Jim

Hey Guys,

I just picked up my 57 Chevy Bel Air kit today. I am working 2 other projects at the moment but will jump on the Chevy berry soon.

Guido

Hi Dan,

Just have a couple of quick questions for you. How do I get the "50's Group Build" emblem on my threads? The other question is how do I put a small picture on the left side of the thread under fox (like the station wagon you have on yours)? I haven't figured all this stuff out yet. It seems that the first thing to go is...............is...............is already gone and I have a hard time getting it back in spurts every now and then.

Jim 

Guido, no problem working on your other GB's, we're still a little over a month away from the official start of the Classic 50's GB.

Jim...let me see if I can help you.  You can copy the GB Badge (designed by Kenny ) from my post by "right clicking" on it and the save it to your "my picture" file or where ever you store your pictures on your computer.  Then you can "unload" it to your photobucket page and copy the 3rd line of code.  Then click on "update profile" here on the forums.  It is in the upper right corner of the page, you must be logged on.  Find the box marked  "signature" about mid-way down the page and paste the code into the box.  Then click "save changes" in the lower corner of the page and you should have the badge in all your post.  You can also type in the box like I have to add your signature to all your posts.

The small picture to the left is called an avatar.  First you must create a small image, about 100 x 100 pixels and save it in your picture file were you can find it.  Find the avatar box in "update profile" its a couple boxes below your signature box, then in the avatar box check "yes" to enable avatar, click "browse" and find the small picture you saved, after you find it click the "update" box right next to the browse and then go to the lower right corner and click save changes again and you should have it.

Hope I helped.

Hi Dan,

Followed your instructions and everything worked like a fine Swiss watch. Thank you very much.

Jim

Cool Kenny...OOB will be just fine.

Jim, looks like you did great, glad I could help.

Quick update on the build.

I've gotten my taxes back from my CPA, can you say "refund!"  However the wife already said I can't buy models with it.  Have to save it for our vacation.  Wonder how many hobby shops I can find on our vacation?

Still plenty of time to find a 1950's car kit and join this build.

I'd like to join in on this build, I'm signed up with another build but the start date is a little down the road on this one and it's going to take me a while to choose a victim anyway.

 Ron.

I think I'm going to do a '56 Ford Victoria. I built one about 15 years ago and really enjoyed it. Good thing about AMT is I know the kit hasn't changed so I'll enjoy it again. Anyway, it'll be done as a mild custom.

Ron.

Seventeen more days to go!

I saw a Studebaker at the LHS. I might just switch from the Nomad to that...

Hi,

Have an OLD AMT 1/25 '53 Studebaker 3 in 1 in my stash. Checked out the box weeks ago when you wanted to see one in the build. Started to build it about 20-25 years ago and made a real mess out of it. Nothing left in the box but the messed up body(tried to build the Bonneville version with tons and tons of some kind of putty) and the custom parts. No frame, engine, or other goodies. Shoved it back in the box and put it in the closet with the rest of the stash figuring I'd work on it later when I had a LOT of time to spare. Thats why I went with the Chevy.

Looking forward to the start of the build.

Jim 

Yeah, that's the kit! Now it's called Classics. Picked up the AMT 1953 Studebaker Starliner Coupe today. I'll build it most OOB with some BMF and my first attempt at flocking, maybe some better tires.

Model Granpa, can you switch my entry for me? Thanks!

Bill 

Bill, I'll change ot for you right now.  Looking forward to it.  This will also be my first attempt at flocking.

Still time to pick up a kit and join this build.

Hi there,

Got my workbench cleared off and ready to start the build.  Hope we're still a go for the group build.

Jim

I'm ready, the past two weeks have been very busy so I'm trying to get caught up on some other GB's I'm in but I'm looking forward to this one, the hardest part will not be starting today since I'm actually off and have plenty of time.

I'm really thinking about doing the 50 chevy truck as a Salvage Corps truck, like the Insurance companies used to run along side the fire department in some cities.

Jim, everything is still a go! Aaron, go ahead and start if you like, I won't throw a penalty flag.

Guys, I will be out of town Tuesday thru Monday this week, an unexpected trip came up.  I will be out mining for gold for the week (one of my other hobbies).  So just jump in and get going on the build.  If anyone new joins the build I will get you added to the list as soon as I get back.

Everyone have fun and post along the way.

I'm not starting, but I thought I would start with a pic of the kit box and sprues. I'm working tomorrow, and have obligations I must fulfill tomorrow night, so it might be a day or two before I actually glue anything together.

I'll add the group badge in as well, now that it's close to starting! 

Ok, I spent a little time searching for 1950's salvage vehicles. This is a rough draft I did with MS paint to give some idea of what my concept is. Hopefully the model will look a little better than this.

I'll be starting on schedule (I hope). I like Bgriggs idea. Soon as I figure out exactly what parts I'm using from what kits I'll post a pic. Using the '53 as the basic car but using parts from 5 other kits plus some out of my parts boxes. When I thought this up it was a great idea. All I have to do now is.....is.....is oh yea remember what those plans were.

Hope everyone has as great a time as I know I will.

Jim

I'm using the AMT/Ertl 1950 Chevrolet 3100 kit to build a Fire Department salvage wagon. The primary job of these trucks was to protect the property inside a fire building from water and smoke damage as well as securing the building after the fire. These vehicles are not very common anymore as most of the Insurance company funded Salvage Corps or Fire Patrols were disbanded by the 50's / 60's. This truck will be for my fictional 60's era fire department.

I started by extending the chassis frame about 1" since the kit represents a short bed and I'm putting a 9' body on the truck.

Here is the body, I'm doing better than most builds because this is actually the second body, the first looked to much like a rescue body so I set that one aside for another project and started this one last night.

Wow, that body is off on a great start!

I went and caught a cold, and it's kept me away from the build table. I'm going to give it a whirl tonight, but my vision is still blurry. Not the best time to build!

Aaronw, the chassis looks great. Can't tell where you added the 1". The body looks good too. I started on my '53 tuesday night. Been busy filling dents in the frame and getting it ready for a front clip from a vette and also a rear one. They are both independent suspension set ups that have real springs and hopefully they will work. Sanding all the chrome off the body and making some modifications to it. Hopefully I can post some pics tomorrow night.

Bgrigg, sorry to hear about the cold. Would the blurred vision be a help? 

Jim

fox wrote:

Bgrigg, sorry to hear about the cold. Would the blurred vision be a help?  Jim

LOL, with this old AMT kit, it's might be. When I looked at it the other night it the midst of the worst vision it looked pretty good. But now I can see all the problems! Lots of places where the styrene slumped in the molds, or perhaps it's sat in the hot LHS too long. 

Bgrigg, I have an old AMT '53 Studebaker kit 3 in 1. It has a white Mr Speed Bonneville racer version on the top. I'll put a pic of it on tomorrow. I started the racer version many years ago but set it aside for some reason. If I haven't cannablized it too bad, maybe I'll build it after the GB is done.

Jim

Bgrigg, Here's a pic of the '53 Studebaker kit that I have.

I also have a pic of my build so far. Aaronw, I don't know how you got that frame that far so fast and looking great. Do you give lessons?

Jim

Jim,

It's the same kit. I'm building mine stock, but it comes with that hood and the twin blown race engine. Yours looks older than mine. The one I have, the details are very soft and the mold has shifted on the bucket seats, messing up the pattern.

I've managed to put much of the engine together, but haven't yet painted the block. With my cold I can't handle the smell of the glues and paints. So no more pics until I finish the paint and detailing.

Bill

Bgrigg, Mine is probably a  LOT older than yours. When you reach my age, the first thing that goes is.....is.....is Oh well I think I've had it since ...................were dinosaurs still around in the 60's? Forget what the first two numbers are. Anyhow, I think it was somewhere in the 60's because in the 70's I switched totally to racing R/C sailboats till in the late 80's and I've only bought 2 or 3 kits since the late 80's and that is not one of them. My stash is made up of all old kits I bought back when I was building and doing some local competeing in the 60's.

My dad had a good cure for the common cold. Make a HOT cup of tea and put a double shot of your favorite whiskey in it and drink it while it is still as hot as you can drink. Then you go to bed with a good heavy quilt covering you. You will sweat like crazy and it will sweat the cold out of you. Don't get out of bed during the night or you might catch pneumonia. He did it during the 50 years he worked for the same refinery anytime he felt a cold coming on. He was never out a day sick in 50 years.

Jim

LOL, I just drink the whiskey (single malt scotch) without the tea. Doesn't seem to help with the cold, but who cares?

You got that right. I'm a double Dewars on the rocks man myself. I hope I spelled that right. I haven't had any for about 20 years. I forget what it tastes like.

Jim

Hi guys! I'm still in but haven't got much done. Been laid up for about a week and a half, I had a bad fall at work and wound up with my leg messed up a bit. Problem is my workbench is in the basement and I can't do stairs too good. I managed to get down there yesterday and did a little messing around. I started fixing all the little casting uglies and since it's going to be a custom the chrome trim was removed and will be replaced later with something else.

Ron.

Builds are looking good so far.  Back from my trip to Nevada and hope to get started on my '58 soon.

Sorry to hear about your injury Ron, hope you recover quickly.

I am in the process of building a Futura, it is abot 80% complete.  If I knew earlier about this GB I would have waited. Unfortunately, I already have other several other projects I getting ready to start which won't fit this build.  I would have liked to have joined this.

I have a few reference shots for the kit I am building.  I just have to figure out how to do the fender skirts.  Anybody have suggestions?

The method I use is to first glue some mounts inside the edges of the fenders so the skirts have something to keep them flush with the fenders. Then use some Evergreen sheet styrene the same thickness as the fender to cut the shape you need, file the edges until it fits. Don't bend the part because it has a memory and will try to return to it's original flatness, instead, if a curve is needed, laminate the sheets together where the curve is needed and file it to shape. I'll see if I can find some pictures to make myself a little clearer and post them later if you like.

Ron.

Okay, cold is mostly done and I've started work on the engine. I'm not going to wire or plumb, as the AMT kit is, well an AMT kit, so the hood will remain closed for the most part. Here's what is glued and painted so far:

Been filling and sanding, filling and sanding, filling and sanding, and the body of the '53 Chevy still looks bad. The frame is even worse. It looks like they tried to put the plastic in the mold when it was almost cold. The only thing glued together is the skirts to the body and the scoop to the hood. I'm molding them into the body. Anyone out there know where I can get green putty by the 5 gallon bucket? Oh, oh, oh, just got an idea. I still have a can of Bondo that's still in good shape. That should work. 

Bgrigg, glad the cold is done and you are back to the build.

Jim

Thanks, Jim!

I see a couple of spots that need to be touched up. The camera eye does not lie! I'll be adding a wash to the filter to knock the white back a bit more, and whoever put the fan belt on must have cut themselves as there is some blood on the belt!

Bill 

Hey Bill, the blood on the belt looks realistic. I'd leave it in. But, the sterling silver fan belts is stretching it a bit.

Jim

Ron, the car in your pic is really great. Having trouble figuring out what car you started with. Looks somewhat like a '50 or '51 Chevy? Great job. Love the subtle flames in the paint job. Do you give lessons??????

Jim

Got it primed but its been raining the past couple of days so I'm kind of stuck until the weather improves. I'm thinking about painting it red overall with white doors.

Wow...you guys are off to a great start.  Aaron your rig looks like it coming along nicely.  Keep up the good work everyone...and hopefully the GB fearless leader can get started soon.

Hey, guys...just surfing through some GB pages and I felt compelled to give you all a

There are some great looking cars in here!

Can I still Join this group build.  I have not done a automobile in a while, sounds like fun.  Also can I add hydaulics.  I was planning on doing a lowrider truck or car with hydraulics.  The only thing is that the motors take the space of the interior.  If not no big deal, I can just drop it and try some new paint colors that I bought from an AVON catalog.

Thanks 

hey guys only another couple of weeks and my move will be completed and off to the races to catch up on all the GB's i am behind on .

all the work here looks really great guys

Hi guys everthing looks great.  Sorry I haven't posted in awhile, my computer crashed.  Finallly back up and running here are some picts of the Futura:

I still have to fill slight gap in body and spray body one more time and finish assembly

Hi Dan,   I would like to make a little statement then ask you a question. Here's the statement. Almost all of the parts of the '53 that I am building have sink marks, ejection pin marks, lots of flash, and parts that didn't line up in the mold giving you parts that don't match side to side. In almost all of the kits that I have in my stash (all bought in the 60's and early 70's) the situation is the same. As I said in my thread of 5/3, I am telling the truth when I say I need a 5 lb. can of bondo per car. I have not bought any new ones since the early 70's. My question is this; Are the newer kits in the same shape or have they refined their processes to cure these problems?    I also have this problem with the planes and ships in my stash. 

Been working on the '53 since tax day and I'm still filling and sanding, filling and sanding, filling and sanding. The only parts that are together are the skirts in the rear fenders, the hood scoop, and part of the engine. The rest look like refugees from the green putty factory. I've made up my mind not to quit, no matter how much putty it takes.

Jim

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't been around lately, computer problems. Jim, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but in my experience all the Revell /Monogram kits from that time span with the coloured plastic are the most aggravating to work with. The plastic is so brittle I once snapped the body of a genuine 'Lil John Buttera '26 Ford sedan in half just pulling it out of the box. And if you try to paint them without primering first the body colour shows through on all the high spots. About the best suggestion I can make is to try to do all your bodywork with strip styrene or stretched sprue and super glue.

Ron. 

fox wrote:

Ron, the car in your pic is really great. Having trouble figuring out what car you started with. Looks somewhat like a '50 or '51 Chevy? Great job. Love the subtle flames in the paint job. Do you give lessons?????? Jim

Thanks Jim. I started with an AMT '51 Chevy Fleetline. The body's been sectioned about 3/16" and the top's been chopped about 3/16" too. When I chopped the top instead of lowering it straight down I cut it so I could push the roof forward. That way it made the roofline sleeker and I was able to keep the stock rear window.

Ron.

Hi Ron, Thanks for the info. Guess I've just been away from the cars for too long. Spent the last 30 or so years working on fibreglass sailboats and wooden sailing ships. The glass boats were 4 to 8 feet long and you worked on them like you would a real car (lots of muscle). The other ships you made your own parts so if one was no good you made another one.   I'll keep sanding away keeping your info in mind plus all the other great tips I've gotten from the guys on this forum.

I finally got the chassis together today. Was trying to graft the front and rear clips from a corvette stingray to the '53 chassis. That would give me independent suspension. Gave me so much trouble I finally decided to just take the two clips and make my own frame. Ended up with a stretched corvette chassis. Looks like it will do the job. Only get a couple of hours a week to work on it so progress is slow. Will get pics as soon as it looks like something.

Jim 

I am sorry for not being involved in this group build, but when I started cutting the doors open I came to the conclusion that trying to open up doors on the impala is not as easy as it seems, definitely for my first try. Long story short, the car body is now in 5 different pieces, and is beyond repair. It looks like my first attempt at a group build failed miserably.

I am again sorry for having to drop out of this group build, but the good news from all of this is that I learned that the saying "haste makes waste" really is true.

Hi Basic,         I just said the same thing about my car the other night. Check out my thread above yours. First I tried to use a '54 Chevy frame and no mater what I did, it didn't seem to want to work. Then I tried to use the front and rear clips from a vette on the '53 frame and . So, I finally just added pieces to the clips and stretched the vette frame.          

 How about piecing it together with styrene strips on the inside then only having the drivers door open? This is my first car in a very long time so I'm only going to have the drivers door open. I'm sure some of the other guys could come up with a bunch of ideas. Hang in there.

Jim

Finally found my kit I wanted to build in my stash.  I will be entering my AMT/ERTL 1950 Chevy Pickup Truck.  It's an old kit I bought back in 97 at a garage sell for $2.  I built one  years before with a lifted bed and droped with spoke rims. 

For this one I plan to still drop it, but bust out with a kick butt paint scheme.  I will keep that a suprise.  I am excited to build this one since I have been building planes lately.  It should be a nice change to build something different.

Good choice painklr, I added you to the list.

I have been a bad, bad boy. I haven't touched styrene in weeks, but that doesn't mean I haven't been busy building!

Three weekends I go I built a chin up bar for my kids. Multiple heights (in fact I've added more!):

Then two weekends ago I built a new desk for my office space: 

And finally today we bought and assembled a trampoline:

Man, styrene is a lot easier on the pocket book and back!

I promise to get back into the swing real soon now! 

I got a bit done on my '56 Vickie on the weekend. I thought I'd go a little wilder than I originally planned. I sectioned .100" out of the body. The cuts are a bit rough but when I get the dimensions right I'll fill them with Evergreen strip plastic.

Ron.

Got some more done this weekend. The sectioning was fairly mild but the proportions of the body look a lot better even without the top being chopped.

Ron.

Just wanted to jump in and let ya'll know I am working on my car. Just took a couple of pics to show what's done (or part done) so far. Have taken parts from a Corvette, '57 Chevy, '54 Chevy, '59 Chevy, and of course the main star of the show(maybe soon) the '53 Chevy. Also took parts from my stash of parts left over from all the kits I have either built or butchered since the '60s. I am still working on the body to iron out all the dents and mold in the headlights and tail lights and grill shell. It will be a "Flat Rod". No gloss paint to be used. The drivers door will be opening in suicide fashion. Hopefully, the engine will be wired correctly(all I have to do is search through a mountain of Street Rodder magazines). No chrome trim. I think in the magazines they call this type a "Rat Rod". Between the magazines and my recollection of cars and parts from my racing days in the 60's, I JUST MAY BE ABLE to keep from making a total  out of myself. SSSSOOOOooooo, here are the pictures I took tonight. They're not much, but you'll get the idea.

Well, its 16 days later and I've gotten a little more work done on the car. Put the first coat of primer on the other day to see where I need to do more work. Boy the camera hid a lot of scratches and places that still need filler putty. Just a little bit of work done on the engine. Still searching the Street Rodder mags for the right set-up. Have started on the interior too. Nothing much to show yet.  Test fit the radiator just before taking these pics.

Well its been awhile but I've got a little more done. I've also built a ladder and a load of lumber for the back of the truck.

OK. Its 3 months later and I have done a little work on the Chevy. So, here are the pics.

Jim

Sorry Guy's, been forever since I've checked in.  My only excuse is my body decided to get Diffusse B Cell Lymphoma so between being ill and chemo I haven't done much building.  Hopefully I get some building in soon. 

Looks like some nice progress since I last checked in, keep up the good work.

Holy Crap, Dan!

I sure hope you are on the road to wellness.

My camera died, and I'm slowly getting closer to completion without being able to take WIP pics. I am trudging along, and find that now winter is coming that I have more time to spend at the bench. Hopefully I'll be able to borrow a camera to take some pics before the kit's finished. 

Hi Dan,     Sorry to hear that your body is not playing fair. Sounds like the brain is in good shape though. Hang in there. Glad to have you back. It looks like all of us have been working slow, so you won't have far to go to catch up.

Jim  

Hi everyone. A couple more weeks have gone by and I've got a Little more done.but I have made changes to the frame, engine, and body many, many times. All of the pics and hints on the forum have really done a number on my mind. They have pushed me to try things I have never done before or do better than I have done. Can't seem to be satisfied with the way it looks but I'm getting there. Here are a couple of pics as the car sits now. Had it propped up to get road height. Seems to look right as there will be long lakes pipes on the sides. Luckily I had three kits of the '53 as I ruined two of the interiors. My solution: Build it from scratch. Have it started but it looks like a mess with all the green putty on it and in it. Finally got exhaust manifolds that look OK and fit after about 20 tries. Brake lines in up to the splitter. Gas line in from tank to engine compartment. It will be hooked up to the block when the engine goes in permanently. Working on spark plug wires. Several tries didn't look right. Made up a set of wire looms like one I saw in Street Rodder. Looked good there but didn't look good on my engine. Hope you don't find anything wrong but in a way I hope you do so I can fix it and make it better. Have fun.

Jim

Looking good Jim, she going to be a nice build. 

Hope to get some build time this weekend.  Was feeling pretty good until chemo today. The plus side is only three treatment left and Dr. say's "I'm doing great."  Bummer that it had to happened the day before Thanksgiving but getting healed is more important then a major pig out right now.

Been getting my builds prioritized and the '58 Chevy & a "wingy thingy" for another group build are at the top of the pile.  Going to set aside an hour or so a day when I feel good and get caught up.

I'm sorry but I'm pulling stakes and moving on. I've had too many run-ins with one particular member on these forums, and I've reached the end of the rope.

Sorry for not being able to finish the group build. I wish you all good building.

Model Grandpa, I hope your treatments kick the cancer. You're a good man.

So long all!

Bill Grigg 

Sorry to here this Bill. This shouldn't happen. It's only a hobby (sorry, to some it's a business). Still shouldn't. Very sorry to see you go. Keep building those great builds.

Jim

Guys, I've had second thoughts. I've received a huge outpouring of support, and the admins have taken care of my problem.

If you'll let me, I'd like to pick up the pieces and get back to the build table.

Sorry for the trouble!

Bill 

Plain & simple. WELCOME BACK BILL (even though you never really left). LET'S BUILD.

Jim

fox wrote:

Plain & simple. WELCOME BACK BILL (even though you never really left). LET'S BUILD. Jim

I was gone a WHOLE DAY! It was agony!!

Thanks navypitsnipe for the compliment. I have 3-1/2 months to finish it. With the freight trains always going by under my workbench the going is slow. I'm also trying a lot of things I've never done before. Learned a lot from the forums and trying to use it on this model. The interior is giving me the most trouble. Have ruined 3 already. Gave up and am now scratch building it from my humongous stash of parts. Good thing I had 3 '53 kits to pick from. May have some more pics later this week.

Jim

Hi there. There is only a little more than a month to go so here is where I stand. I'm ALMOST finished. The future on the windshield and rear window is curing. Used the best of three windshields from three kits. First one was cracked down the middle. Second one had 3 large bubbles in it. This one has I small bubble in it but I don't have any more kits to steal from. The interior is finished except for the side panels which should be done this weekend. Finish to paint the bumpers, install dashboard, drop body on frame, complete the wiring of the engine and install the side pipes. The upholstery is supposed to represent a southwestern flame-stitch blanket. Seatbelts are painted masking tape with thinned tips from kit belts. Front bucket seats swivel. All comments and crits welcome both pro and con. Pics below.

By the way, where are all the rest of the guys that signed up

Jim

Whoops, forgot to take a pic of the dashboard. Will post later.

Here's the pic of the dash. Hope everything shows up.

Jim

Well guys, here it is almost TAX DAY and I've completed the '53 Chevy Street Rod. Didn't think I'd make it. Things just kept going wrong and this is what I felt like. SSSSOOOOOOOO glad that it is done.  Kept track of the time it took to build - 246.5 hrs. Would have been a lot less if those freight trains would have stopped going by under my workbench all the time. Took a whole bunch of pics and will post them below. Hope you like my first time building a car with this much detail. Everything was painted by hand with the exception of the body (Rattlecan). All flats. Krylon Int.-Ext. Ultra-Flat Black (Body). Craft Store Acrylic flats. Testors(.25),MM, and Pactra flats. All comments welcome.

Jim

The original point and click interface was a Smith & Wesson.