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Post by tatocorvette on May 16, 2019 18:26:43 GMT -8
Hello, After finishing my Ford GT and having it parked next to one of my Corvettes, it occurred to me I need one more All American powerhouse 2 seater: a Viper. I like the first and the last generation Vipers. Actually my favorite is the 1994-96 GTS coupe. I like the looks of the last gen that unfortunately it was discontinued in 2017. Since there are no kits of last Gen Vipers, the only alternative is a 1/24 diecast. I found this abused puppy on ebay and rescued it. Now I know what they mean when they say "from smoke free home" in some items. This one didn't and as soon as the package was opened, the smell of smoke and cigarette hit me like a freight train! YUCK! So this baby is missing the mirrors and it is all scratched up. But the most important parts; the "glass" (windshield, rear window, headlights and tail lights) are in good shape. Just dirty. So this is how it came in the mail: Typical diecast, the gaps are awful, no brakes, stance can be improved and the "engine" is a joke so it will be shut for good. Within minutes it looked like this: It will soon be chemically stripped and reworked. I have no idea where this is going except that it is not going back to original and it will be blue. Thanks, Ismael
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Post by tatocorvette on May 17, 2019 7:12:34 GMT -8
Hello, The stripper did the job... Wait, that doesn't sound right.... I mean..... Thanks, Ismael
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Post by tatocorvette on May 17, 2019 15:54:15 GMT -8
Hello, This kind of project comes out of nowhere and next you know you are immersed in it! Filed a lot of material from the front of the driver's door to align with the front fender. Added material to the back of the door. Quick burst of primer shows the gap is still uneven but moving in the right direction. Once tweaked will concentrate on the front of the door. Thanks, Ismael
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Post by Chris K. Hale on May 17, 2019 16:53:45 GMT -8
What did you use to strip it> Chris
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Post by tatocorvette on May 18, 2019 8:39:12 GMT -8
Hi Chris, I used ZEP aerosol paint remover. I think I got it from Auto Zone or maybe Pep Boys. It works very well and it is not as harsh as aircraft aluminum stripper. Thanks, Ismael
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Post by Chris K. Hale on May 18, 2019 9:58:12 GMT -8
I picked up this Audi Avus 1/18 car for $6. so I already switched the Ugly, oversized tires and wheels with some GMP 's that look 100 times better, But the chrome is corroded and peeling so I am going to strip it and paint the same Red I used on the 64 Vette.. add some carbon fiber decal here and there and I should have a cool looking ride..Chris
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Post by Ben_B on May 18, 2019 14:38:55 GMT -8
Hard top Vipers look great in metallic blue! Watching this tutorial. I have a 1/24 Lotus Elise that I want to paint a different color someday.
Ben
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Post by tatocorvette on May 18, 2019 20:05:24 GMT -8
Hello, Some Apoxie Sculpt to help align the panels. Heavy grinding on the door to make it align with the body. This is why I prefer plastic models... Thanks, Ismael
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Post by tatocorvette on May 19, 2019 6:22:33 GMT -8
Hello, May not seem like much but the door is now aligned to the rear panel and the gap is more uniform. This is not something we typically have to worry about in plastic models. I still need to work the bottom gap and the front of the door. And fill that massive mirror hole. And, do this all over again for the other side. Thanks, Ismael
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Post by Joel_W on May 20, 2019 11:16:23 GMT -8
Ismael, Talk about one tough restoration. But I've got complete confidence in you and your abilities to pull off another masterpiece. The door looks 100% better. Can't wait to see all the seams reworked as needed.
Joel
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Post by tatocorvette on May 24, 2019 18:54:18 GMT -8
Hello, Sorry I haven't been around this week. Very busy. Very small update: So the door tried to put up a fight. And you know what happens to doors that put up a fight: They get into isolated confinement and submitted to obedience! Thanks, Ismael
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Post by tatocorvette on May 25, 2019 3:39:29 GMT -8
Hello, While the putty on the door is drying, I turned my attention to the hood. The air intake is typical diecast thick so I thinned it out by filing from the inside. May still need some tweaking but looking better already. Before: After: Thanks, Ismael
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Post by Joel_W on May 25, 2019 6:10:09 GMT -8
Ismael, You'll beat those doors into submission 1-2-3. As for the hood vents, that's a major improvement for sure.
Joel
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Post by tatocorvette on Jun 4, 2019 19:14:32 GMT -8
Hello, Not much workbench action in weeks, but I got this in the mail today: 2013 Viper GTS Blue Very little work in the last few weeks, but I've found this is way too much work for only half decent results. Thanks, Ismael
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Post by afx on Jun 5, 2019 2:49:29 GMT -8
An original GTS passed me on the highway several years back. I sped up to follow it for awhile. Is was low, curvy and ferocious looking, bad ass car for sure! Wish we could get a plastic kit of the GTS-R that dominated GT racing for several years.
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