Post by jbwelda on Mar 31, 2019 23:18:29 GMT -5
Everybody probably knows how much this legendary early sixties show rod kit goes for, and I am certainly not one for paying three figures and up into the middle range of three figures at that for a kit I am going to, ultimately, build. But somehow I got the itch for this car ten years or so ago (that Buick nailhead got my attention even if the body tilt is a bit crazy, and I just like stubby little hot rods) and I have been attempting to pick up pieces here and there. Have actually ended up with quite a collection so the other day I dug through it with the instruction sheet, to see if I could find virgin or near-virgin pieces for everything. Pretty successful, I think only one little piece is questionable, and the body already has the inside roof insert firmly attached. It is my best of that major body piece though, so even though I have multiple clean roof inserts, I won't get to use them. There is a problem with the front axle, the radius rods have been solidly attached (but cleanly, and the chrome is still decent), but one front wheel was attached. I currently have it soaking in water and the old glue is responding so hopefully I will be able to cleanly detach it. Otherwise its a search for a front axle and suspension pieces, and that is gonna stall it pretty much right there...so I want to be able to save this suspension that I have.
The idea is, once again, to build this like I wished I could back in the days of original release. This is a relatively simple kit, not really that fiddly, but it does have nice detail, especially that kool nailhead engine. Some of the styling irritates some folks, but I always kind of admired it so have really wanted to try to put one together. Plus my friend Sean rebuilt one that his father originally built, and did such a nice job, that I told him I had to build one too to display with his and his fathers.
When I get done I think I will unload my spare parts and a box or two to try to recoup my costs over the years! I honestly don't recall exactly how much I have sunk into this, but it had to be close to 300 bucks. In other words: if I had just saved that money and bought a brand new one even at exorbitant prices, I would probably be ahead of the game and have all brand new pieces! But we all know how that goes...but maybe I can recoup my bread on the bay.
Here are some shots of the pieces I have assembled, I don't really plan to start on this one for a couple weeks, maybe more, but will update this thread when anything major happens. Meanwhile I am in a search for a candy tangerine in a spray can...anyone have any leads, I am all ears!
A look at the second release's box...the original had a woman in the car. Its also pretty amazing what just these boxes sell for! And I don't mean what they might be offered for by some pie-in-the-sky vendor, I mean actual bids and like 20 -30 bucks for a middling condition one!
An birds eye view of the pieces, I may use some of Curt Raitz's wire wheels instead of the kit's...it would certainly be an upgrade. Have to decide how out-of-box I want to keep it.
Here is a look at the body, a bit off in the distance behind the seats etc. One trick with this model is to be able to assemble and smooth the body for paint, and still be able to slip it over the chassis. The problem is the bit of plastic directly below the hole where the rear axle comes through, if you trim that as you see on this body, the body will slip on and off the chassis, and I believe will not interfere with the floorboard either. So I am going to do that: assemble the body sections, smooth the seams and then prime and paint. The roof will be flat or semi gloss black as per the real car.
Here is a closer look at Curt's wheels. He made me up some special small ones that I am hoping fit the kit tires, if not I will step up a size for some other tires I have. But I want to keep the front end down low too.
So, be sure to stay tuned for another Vintage Victim, and as always comments encouraged and appreciated! Its even ok to go on about how you hate this car, it certainly has as many detractors as it does admirers!
Here is a look at my survivor/gluebomb/potential rebuild table. I'm telling you, its serious!
jb
The idea is, once again, to build this like I wished I could back in the days of original release. This is a relatively simple kit, not really that fiddly, but it does have nice detail, especially that kool nailhead engine. Some of the styling irritates some folks, but I always kind of admired it so have really wanted to try to put one together. Plus my friend Sean rebuilt one that his father originally built, and did such a nice job, that I told him I had to build one too to display with his and his fathers.
When I get done I think I will unload my spare parts and a box or two to try to recoup my costs over the years! I honestly don't recall exactly how much I have sunk into this, but it had to be close to 300 bucks. In other words: if I had just saved that money and bought a brand new one even at exorbitant prices, I would probably be ahead of the game and have all brand new pieces! But we all know how that goes...but maybe I can recoup my bread on the bay.
Here are some shots of the pieces I have assembled, I don't really plan to start on this one for a couple weeks, maybe more, but will update this thread when anything major happens. Meanwhile I am in a search for a candy tangerine in a spray can...anyone have any leads, I am all ears!
A look at the second release's box...the original had a woman in the car. Its also pretty amazing what just these boxes sell for! And I don't mean what they might be offered for by some pie-in-the-sky vendor, I mean actual bids and like 20 -30 bucks for a middling condition one!
An birds eye view of the pieces, I may use some of Curt Raitz's wire wheels instead of the kit's...it would certainly be an upgrade. Have to decide how out-of-box I want to keep it.
Here is a look at the body, a bit off in the distance behind the seats etc. One trick with this model is to be able to assemble and smooth the body for paint, and still be able to slip it over the chassis. The problem is the bit of plastic directly below the hole where the rear axle comes through, if you trim that as you see on this body, the body will slip on and off the chassis, and I believe will not interfere with the floorboard either. So I am going to do that: assemble the body sections, smooth the seams and then prime and paint. The roof will be flat or semi gloss black as per the real car.
Here is a closer look at Curt's wheels. He made me up some special small ones that I am hoping fit the kit tires, if not I will step up a size for some other tires I have. But I want to keep the front end down low too.
So, be sure to stay tuned for another Vintage Victim, and as always comments encouraged and appreciated! Its even ok to go on about how you hate this car, it certainly has as many detractors as it does admirers!
Here is a look at my survivor/gluebomb/potential rebuild table. I'm telling you, its serious!
jb
Well you did post this on April Fool's Day .
It's an interweb thing.....