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Post by tatocorvette on Feb 5, 2020 19:28:08 GMT -8
I know you already ordered, but HLJ (Hobby Link Japan) also carries MFH. I have ordered from them many times. Excellent service. Shipping is not cheap but reasonable. No idea how it compares to Spot Models.
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Post by arcticwolf on Feb 5, 2020 22:05:16 GMT -8
I know you already ordered, but HLJ (Hobby Link Japan) also carries MFH. I have ordered from them many times. Excellent service. Shipping is not cheap but reasonable. No idea how it compares to Spot Models. I buy from HLJ sometimes. Good guys, never any problems.
Shipping costs, for example (everything in CDN dollars): A Tamiya kit, by economy post - $17.00, by Fed Ex - $29.00 So $29.00 gets it to me in 2-7 days, compared to buying from, say California, where USPS costs $25.00 and takes 3 weeks.
So I usually buy from Japan, haven't had a problem yet (MotoHobby charges $22.00, takes 2 weeks).
Spot Models I only buy small stuff from, good guys but I find them a bit more money and 3-4 weeks to get it (for me at least).
A lot has to do with where you live, being in Canada I find I can get better international prices than you (US) guys can, but we seem to get the shaft if we buy from the USA. Maybe its the exchange rate, or customs duties, I don't know.
I sent a kit (normal size box) to a guy in Ohio and it cost me $23.00 by Canada Post, which is pretty outragious, the kit was only worth $25.00!
Hope this confuses you as much as it does me.
cheers
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Post by pnance26 on Feb 6, 2020 6:02:00 GMT -8
Thanks all! Will let you know of my buying experience with both Gemini and Spot. I am a virtual virgin when it comes to overseas purchases. I'd rather buy at home!
Wolfie, sorry to hear about how expensive it is to ship below the border. Maybe this new trade agreement will lower those costs. I am very skeptical and I think everything will increase in cost! But that's me...
Thanks for all the advice.
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Post by pnance26 on Feb 6, 2020 13:42:50 GMT -8
Finally have some photos to share... First that beautiful little Boxer V-12... all that fuel plumbing and ignition wiring was fun!
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Post by pnance26 on Feb 6, 2020 13:44:24 GMT -8
And the transmission with half shafts and u-joints...
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Post by pnance26 on Feb 6, 2020 13:45:29 GMT -8
Pieces parts
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Post by pnance26 on Feb 6, 2020 13:46:13 GMT -8
And a rough mockup...
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Post by pnance26 on Feb 6, 2020 13:53:53 GMT -8
Most all bodywork is assembled, primed and ready for paint. If only the weather would cooperate...
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Post by pnance26 on Feb 6, 2020 13:55:05 GMT -8
Michael from IndyCals had this period correct "houndstooth" cloth pattern so I gave it a whirl...
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Post by pnance26 on Feb 6, 2020 13:57:39 GMT -8
Now to my first hurdle... these are the kit original tires. I am not sure what the white dust is that has accumulated. It will not brush off... Can I just spray them with flat black? Also, was the lettering on the sides in white usually? And lastly, who knows a good way to get rid of that ridge of rubber from the mold separation? I will take any and all suggestions. Thanks in advance!
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Post by tatocorvette on Feb 6, 2020 14:10:01 GMT -8
That's looking great! For the tires, I put the tire in a dowel on the lathe and spin it not very fast. Then hold a sanding stick or a 400 grit paper on the tread. You can put some foam or tape around a drill bit to hold the tire from inside while spinning it with a drill.
Thanks, Ismael
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Post by pnance26 on Feb 6, 2020 14:28:56 GMT -8
That's looking great! For the tires, I put the tire in a dowel on the lathe and spin it not very fast. Then hold a sanding stick or a 400 grit paper on the tread. You can put some foam or tape around a drill bit to hold the tire from inside while spinning it with a drill. Thanks, Ismael Have to be a big drill bit! LOL!
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Post by tatocorvette on Feb 6, 2020 14:57:18 GMT -8
LOL That's why you need to put some tape or foam to make it big enough. I'm not home but as soon as I get a chance I'll take a picture of mine.
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Post by arcticwolf on Feb 6, 2020 15:15:42 GMT -8
Looking great so far. Nice job on the engine detail. I always scuff in my tires. I either take 200 sandpaper and do it by hand or take the dremel with the little sanding drum on low speed and just keep going around the tire until it looks right. I don't worry if I get a little "flat spot", it just looks more authentic! With or without the drill trick, its easier to handle if you mount the tires on the rims first. Won't the dust just wash off?
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mike_t
Full Time Ride
Posts: 219
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Post by mike_t on Feb 6, 2020 15:33:09 GMT -8
I think you'll be fine, sir! I've ordered from Spot Model at least 3 times and never had an issue. I've also purchased from Gemini, a seat belt for the 641/2 and tire stencils (which I never got to use because of the rotten tire fiasco) but delivery was not an issue. I can't remember exactly how long it was but I did receive it in good shape. In fact, now that I think about it and I believe I mentioned it in my 641/2 post, everything for this kit, including the kit itself, is from outside of Canada. I bought a couple of cans of paint from my LHS but other than that, Japan, Italy, Spain, USA is where it all originated. The only issue I had was with Thunder Valley (still having a problem there) but everything else arrived in good time and in good shape.
And to be honest, even with shipping, it's still cheaper for me to order from outside the country. As much as I would love to support the local guy (I still do but not as much as I should), why would I pay $75.00 for a kit downtown when I can get the exact kit for half of that, with only a wait involved? My wallet likes that idea.
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