*FINISHED* 2012 Corvette Grand Sport

[tatocorvette]

Hello,

  I thought I had shared this one with you but it seems I didn't.  I started this project back in 2014 and still nowhere near halfway
I'll summarize it:

In 2010, Chevrolet introduced a new model in the Corvette lineup: The Grand Sport. Offered in both coupe and convertible, it had wider body cues from the Z06, performance suspension, Z06 brakes, but most importantly, distinctive side vents in the front fenders. The Grand Sport was made from 2010-2013. There are no model kits of this car. So, the best way to get a model company release something is to scratchbuild it yourself

To keep it "simple" (HA!) I will attempt to convert a curbside snap Z06 into a Grand Sport.

Here is a picture from the internet:

























Here is where it got interesting.  By 2018 it was going perfect until it was cleared with 2K. Long story short, the 2K came out rough and could not be salvaged. So I had to sand down to primer and go back to square 1.




White primer this time and here we go again....

Thanks,
Ismael

[tatocorvette]

Hello,

Fast forward to 2020. What makes this car a 2012 model year specifically? The color. This is Carlisle Blue: a 2012 only color. So here we go again. This is the strongest metallic content paint I've ever used. That's why the pictures look more silver than blue.
First mist coats of take 2:





A lot more to do but I will eventually go back to the good old single stage clear and elbow grease.


Thanks,
Ismael

[Deleted]

You amaze the heck out of me, Ismael. The conversions for one and then your incredible body work. I know first hand what it takes on that, you make it seem so second nature. You sir are a true perfectionist!!!

[arcticwolf]

I really like that colour!

[tatocorvette]

Hello,

Back from the dead, after been painted a second time, it was cleared with good old single stage clear. To hell with 2K. Don't care for it and I don't want to see it again.
Scalefinishes 500 series single stage clear. Mist, medium and wet coats.  Now let it rest for a few years before polishing. 










Thanks,
Ismael

[tatocorvette]

Hello,

Looking at stalled projects...  
Geez! When I said "I'll let it rest for a few years before polishing"  That was meant to be a joke! But it came true.

So this came back from the dead. Started polishing.  As mentioned before, this is the strongest metallic content paint I've ever used.  It has such a strong metallic content it seems reflections are hard to come by.  It behaves like a pearl paint or something. Kind of weird.
Started carefully with the polishing pads from 3200 to 12000.




And the roof was polished all the way in with Meguiars 9, 7 and BMPP plus elbow grease.



Thanks,
Ismael

[scooterer]

Gotta say the results are amazing.  Great color too. 
Oh, and I'm glad to have you join my "I'll get 'er done---Someday, but no guarantees" group. Now there's two of us.  

[tatocorvette]

Hello,

  Hours masking for literally 40 seconds of spraying 



Thanks,
Ismael

[tatocorvette]

Hello,

  Body polished.  Crappy cell phone video.



Thanks,
Ismael

[tatocorvette]

Hello,

  Emissions Inspection sticker and airbrushed the clear blue windshield band. Hard to see in these pics.






Thanks,
Ismael

[Ben_B]

Looking great, Ismael!

I like how your windshield shading turned out. I used the decals for that on my Tamiya RX-7 and NSX recently and they look like crap. You’ve inspired me to build up my courage and try spraying it next time.

Ben

[tatocorvette]

Hello,

  I started this project almost a decade ago.  Up until last week, the plan for the interior was to be all black box stock to disguise it and get over with.
Yeah, right. Take a look at how it ended up. 




















Thanks,
Ismael

[tatocorvette]

Hello,

  Brakes are as important as the engine in a sports car.  The "GO" power needs an equally effective "WOOHAA"  response 

All you see here is paper:

1. Paper disk of the appropriate size
2. Paint it silver
3. Added the cross drilled marks with a mechanical pencil and lots of patience
4. I cut 3 paper parts to hopefully resemble a caliper when stacked up.
5. Glue them together and paint 
6. I printed CORVETTE caliper logos. I'll try to trim and use here once everything is complete. 



This is not a new idea. I did this before on my 2016 Viper GTS, finished in 2020.  Now I'm building on top of that experience and making it a bit more complex.
 



Thanks,
Ismael

[tatocorvette]

Hello,

  Entering the home stretch. Still pending wheels, tires, brakes, mirrors, front grille and a final checkup.  *EDIT* Headlight covers! Those will be a challenge...



Thanks,
Ismael

[kyledehart5]

Really starting to come together now!!