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I've always been hobby kind of guy, so creating a model of our '11 GS has been on my list since we bought our 1:1 version back in April. With some searching here on CF, I was introduced to a 1:12 R/C model. The only downside, it only came in blue or yellow and ours is Torch Red. Have no fear! With a little work, we're on our way to a matching model.
This is the 1:12 model I started with. I failed to take before pics, so this is a stock photo from the site I ordered it from.
From there, I removed 8 screws from the chassis, about the same from the underside of the body, disconnected some wiring for the lights, and using a hobby knife, trimmed away the plastic welded flashing from all the added on details (in the parts bin below).
From there, the blue painted body parts went into a bath of 91% alcohol. It easily strips the paint and is far less caustic than other options out there.
Next up was the initial coat of Torch Red paint. I chose not to prime the body since it will be a static model and the paint adheres to plastic really well. I did, however, wipe the parts down with some melamine foam dampened with the above mentioned alcohol.
I plan to wet sand and apply the final coat of color this weekend, weather permitting. Sadly, it looks like lots of rain this weekend. We'll see.
I was able to get the final color coat on over the weekend. Unfortunately the model is too large for my spray booth, so I had to do it outside. That, of course, caused quite a bit of orange peel. No matter, it'll wet sand out and polish up just fine. More to come...
I was able to get everything color sanded and ready for clear coat save for the rear fascia. The paint was too thin in a couple spots so I had to spray it again. And because I can't stand to wait, I went ahead and cleared everything else. I'll re-sand the rear fascia today and get it cleared as well. The orange peel in the pics looks way worse than it is, but it is going to get polished out anyway so no worries. Progress!!!
the key to smooth clear(and color) is to lay it on heavy enough for it to auto level, most people spray/mist it on too sparingly.
This is true. I usually do several mist coats and a final wet coat, however, because the body won't fit in my spray booth, I had to do it outside. So I was fighting the wind, humidity, and 90 degree temps. Not so good for spraying fast dry acrylic lacquer.
I was able to get the final color coat on over the weekend. Unfortunately the model is too large for my spray booth, so I had to do it outside. That, of course, caused quite a bit of orange peel. No matter, it'll wet sand out and polish up just fine. More to come...
how big ( or small? ) is your spray booth, that it won't fit a scale model car?
is it sized for a hot wheels car?
how big ( or small? ) is your spray booth, that it won't fit a scale model car?
is it sized for a hot wheels car?
Pretty much Hot Wheels sized. No, really, it is wide enough but it is a bit shallow front to back so the body hits the back when on the carousel. I could hold it and spray it but I like knowing that I can't drop the model when it is mounted to the carousel. No biggie. It's all good.
Pretty much Hot Wheels sized. No, really, it is wide enough but it is a bit shallow front to back so the body hits the back when on the carousel. I could hold it and spray it but I like knowing that I can't drop the model when it is mounted to the carousel. No biggie. It's all good.
just poking fun at you. it is looking pretty nice though.
08-17-2018, 11:52 AM
2011 Grand Sport 1:12 Matching Model Project
No biggie. It's all good. 
