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I thought i had taken a pic of this model before starting on it, but apparently I didn't. Anyways i came across in my beater box while going through things the other day. It wasn't in the greatest shape..which is why it was in the beater box The model looked like it had been stepped on at one point, both of the canopy supports were completely missing, the rear triangle support was bent out of shape and the rear axle was quite bent as well. The model had the usual paint chippings and edge wear and the decals were all but missing. So i set about to see what i could do with it.

I was able to scratch build some new canopy supports using copper wire and a combination of super glue and baking soda, which was used to fit the wire parts together as well as to make the upper part of the canopy support. I made the twisted supports by Taking a piece of copper wire, heating it red hot to soften it and then hammering it from round to square. After that it was twisted to make the spiral form of the original supports.It was a bit like mini-blacksmithing.


I then set about to straighten the rear triangle, which I accomplished by using a pair of mini pliers and the rear axle which i had to remove in order to get straight. The axle was re-fitted and re- peened and once again the wheels were rolling true

I did not re-paint the model completely, just did some brush painted touch ups on the body and the canopy. I printed out some plain paper decals which were applied and fixed using some microscale micro satin clear finish.



So, a low budget resto that really didn't cost anything to do, other than time, but it was quite enjoyable to do. The model displays quite nicely and now resides in the display case that I have, for my rather small, Models of Yesteryear collection.

zBret

Very nice job! You can buy square wire in brass and aluminum in several sizes (in case you don't want to spend so much time making it yourself).

I admire the work involved in bringing that model back to life but I don't think I would have gone down the ''It was a bit like mini-blacksmithing.'' route. I would have used the already 'Squared' plastic rod and heated that up for a bit of twisting.

I am aslo in favour of mild restoration such has been done here with just some touching up rather than a whole new paint job as the final results can be just as pleasing.

Ghosthunter.

Thanks guys. Didn't know about about the square stock being available in in brass and aluminum or plastic for that matter. I think i will pass on the plastic though Ghosty, I can see it turning into a blob and then there would be the cussing
Having done quite a bit a metal work it only took me a few minutes to turn a round copper wire into a piece of square stock, so it wasn't very difficult for me.

zBret

Oh the thought of Eugene playing with blobs of moulten plastic and cussing makes me get hot and bothered...

Ghosty.

GHOSTHUNTER wrote:Oh the thought of Eugene playing with blobs of moulten plastic and cussing makes me get hot and bothered...

Ghosty.

You really have too much free time on your hands

You hang in there Ghosty ! we will find someone to take ya out for a night on the town!! it'll do ya a world a good

zBret

zBret wrote: You hang in there Ghosty ! we will find someone to take ya out for a night on the town!! it'll do ya a world a good

zBret

As long as She wears short skirts...I must see her legs

Ghosty.