Another WIP (Work in progress)

[mikevillena]

Hey gang,
Looks like everyone is very busy with painting their entries! Cool. Aside from Tazio, I started another project. It's a Tamiya Ford Focus. I wanted to try my hand at a multi-color (more than one solid color) paintjob and I also decided it was time to learn (or try to learn) how to mask. I used 3M regular and Pro? (lime green) tape. I also wanted to try Avery's Sticker material to make the mask for the Ford logo. Anyway, here are the pictures.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/mikevillena/Focus/Focus005.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/mikevillena/Focus/Focus007.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/mikevillena/Focus/Focus003.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/mikevillena/Focus/Focus024.jpg

[LandSharkGT]

I hate fords, but that Focus look awsome so far!

[mikevillena]

More pics
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/mikevillena/Focus/Focus035.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/mikevillena/Focus/Focus044.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/mikevillena/Focus/Focus043.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/mikevillena/Focus/Focus042.jpg

Anyway, I used DupliColor Light Metallic Blue backed with Pactra Silver and White. Despite my sanding and prepping the bodyshell, the paint lifts very easily. It could be due to several factors including too thick a paint layer, etc. I also had problems with the Avery Sticker material as it doesn't conform too well to contours. I initially planned to have a great deal of super details including a full interior but I had to scale back my plans because I can't glue anything substantive to the paint layer. Much of the external details were actually attached to "trays" attached to the chassis front and rear bumper mounts. I'll post more as I make progress. Thanks for checking it out.

[mikevillena]

I hate fords, but that Focus look awsome so far!

Hey Landshark!

lol........Thanks! Maybe that's why the paintjob isn't sticking...its a GM color on a Ford! lol!!!!!!

[FESTER2004]

looks good so far.what did u do with the avery sticker material?

[PitStops]

mike,

What you want to try next time you use non lexan specific paint try this stuff called "Flexible bonding clear: it's made by a company called SEM you can get it at most automotive paint supply stores. it will help the paint sitck and flex with the body more.

Bryan

[Piggy89373]

Mike,

Design looks great! Darn shame about the peeling up issues. Since you've used duplicolor before with little problems, your lifting issue by be due to reaction with Pactra lacquers. Lacquers are pretty harsh to use on any paint, even other lacquers. It could also be the layers were too heavy. I'm sure you know this, but you might want to look into spaztix colors to see if they strike your fancy. Adrcracing is the absolute guru with those paints, so he might be able to help you find the colors you're looking for. Tamiya or pactra may also have the colors you're after, but I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.

Before the paint has cured, you can remove any bleeds using a round toothpick to scrape bleed areas. It'll remove the paint without gouging the lexan and let you obtain those smooth lines and contours you're after.

Using stickers as opposed to true masks can be a bit tricky. Best way I've found to use them is with an airbrush. This lets you lay incredibly light coats that won't react with the stickers and greatly reduce the chance of bleeding. Instead of putting 4-6 light coats on, you'll need to do 8-10 coats to keep the integrity of the sticker. It requires more time, but can be done. An expensive airbrush isn't necessary for this, just a brush you can dial back the amount of paint pushed through.

I also had another design idea for you, (sorry bud, day late and a dollar short), but a carbon fiber hood would have looked great. The pinstripes would still be there, only on a carbon fiber background.

Just a thought.

Awesome scratch built spoiler!!!

[Aluma]

This guy never ceases to amaze me with his skills. Close up of the carbon please! Looks insane!

[microrcdude]

haha, as i said on RCD, its gonna take a master to get that sideways

[mikevillena]

Hey guys,

Fester - I printed the "Ford" logo on it (reversed) using my printer, cut it out and used it as a mask. It worked well on really flat surfaces but didn't conform well around or into tight and small radius corners.

Bryan - Is it anything like "Bulldog" Adhesion Promoter? I saw this stuff at a Wal-Mart and was curious if it would work. I don't know if it stays clear which would be an important issue because we collectively paint our bodyshells in reverse order from most conventional paintjobs. I don't think there are any automotive paint supply places around here (very small town) but I'll try to look into it. However, I should simply bite the bullet and order some Spazstick paints, not worry about paint adhesion and concentrate on actually learning how to paint!!! Thanks :D

Piggy - You have several valid points. Part of the problem was that I inadvertently sprayed on too thick a coat. I used a rattle can and was spraying outdoors around sunset. I know, that was very stupid. It was somewhat hard to see. I did attempt a "carbon fiber" hood (that was what the thin strips of masking tape on the hood was all about). This was my first attempt at masking and it was a challenge trying to cut masking tape evenly let alone trying to lay it down evenly spaced. I also tried some DupliColor "Viper Graphite" along with black. It turned out so, so. I'll try again but with better masking and perhaps a color changing "bronze/black" paint. Oh well, typical newbie mistakes. I'm glad that I didn't use the same paint on "Tazio". On a side note, I was checking out how much a replacement Tamiya Fiat Abarth bodyshell would cost. I found a couple with prices of around 170.00 USD. each!!!!! Ouch! I had fun building and designing that rear spoiler. I think I went through five designs before I settled on it. Overall, I wanted to emphasize the shape of the car and reflect that in the paint scheme, the stance of the car and the rear spoiler's endplate. I think I did pretty well for a painting newbie. :D

Aluma - Thanks bro! Okay, here's a closeup. It turned out just so so :( because I botched the spacing. Oh well, I'll do a better job next time! ;)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/mikevillena/Focus/Focus041.jpg

Micro!!! All hail the "Drifting God"!!!!!!!! Ha, ha, ha (lol) So you're volunteering to drive this monstrosity? :D

[Legend_Car]

that carbon fiber hood effect is awesome. i think i would drive any body you did there all awesome

[Piggy89373]

Mike, you definitely captured the contours of the body. Surprised you didn't outline the Ford graphics in Ford blue. All in all, it turned out pretty well. The spacing of your carbon fiber isn't bad.

175 bones for a lid?!?! :eek:

[LandSharkGT]

Hey Landshark!

lol........Thanks! Maybe that's why the paintjob isn't sticking...its a GM color on a Ford! lol!!!!!!
Now thats funny!

[LandSharkGT]

Kool fab work man!

[elcid4300]

It's sickenning how much patience you have :p . You kick butt :p

[Farwar]

I love all the little details you put into your cars. I'm not fond of the import stuff though but the quality looks good.

[^j!nx^]

great work as always. Send me a body so I can photograph it :)

PS: sell me an intercooler. I have zero modeling skills :P

[mikevillena]

Hey gang,

Legend - Thanks. I think I will try CharlieB's technique as it looks better and is easier than trying to lay a gazzilion (that's alot) tiny strips! lol
Piggy - Thanks, bro. I thought about replicating next year's factory RS rally car paint scheme with some big blue ovals and fades, but I wanted something very subtle and understated. Sort of like "controlled aggression" as one would see in a samurai poised to strike. The overall look is still deceptive as I have yet to finish cutting the inside black mylar "screen" that you see in modern car glass. Then I will tint the windows using limo tint film. That would emphasize the glass area and bring more black into the composition. Oh, and I did see that price on several Tamiya Fiat Abarth bodyshells that were on auction at E-Bay. I just checked and they were gone. I hate speculators as their greed drives the prices beyond reach.

Landshark - lol!!! Yeah, call it "mutual transplant rejection"! Maybe when I put this puppy down on the track, I'll look for a Chevy with Ford paint and I'll trade paint with it!!!!! Thanks!

elcid - Yo, thanks man. Where's your entry for this month's paint comp?

Farwar - Thank you kindly, sir. You know, I've been thinking of doing up a Mustang since you entered that nice 2005 Mustang in last month's Concours. Perhaps a vintage 'Stang by HPI. They even have the correct wheels and tires! Hmmmm...

J!nx!!!! Bro! Thanks. I might take you up on your offer when I build something worthy of that honor. Hey, why don't you publish an R/C car calendar? Your photography is simply awesome. So you want an intercooler, eh? Hmmm....tell you what, since I do this for fun and not for money, if you donate something towards that Katrina Hurricane Fund or even volunteer your time at your local Red Cross, I'll be happy to build you custom detailing parts. You'll have to provide me with the specs (size, color, etc.) and pictures.

I've finalized the shape of the front airdam/undertray. I think this relatively simple design will work:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/mikevillena/Focus/Focus051.jpg
Okay, gang. See you later.

Peace, love and crisp mask lines
Plastic Buddha

[Rain Man]

Holy crap!!! That looks good. Can I get some more rear shots of the defuser thingy? :D

[TRF Drive Hard]

Sweetlord be jesus, my friend jason would kill for a body like that! thats awesome work there man!!

[Piggy89373]

Mike, you should do a vintage 'stang. If you can make a hopped up pinto look that good, I'd like to see what you can do with a true muscle car. Something with ghost flames and a carbon fiber hood...maybe a huge chrome blower sticking up, monster slicks in the back, something that says, "I'm gonna smear your cheap monkey a$$ all over the pavement!"

[cnroman]

Great work with the rear wing, diffuser and splitter.

[mikevillena]

Hey gang!

Here's how things look after a coat of black primer on the aerodynamic add-ons. I've also started blocking out the headlight bucket and the headlight configuration....
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/mikevillena/Focus/Focus053.jpg

Rainman - You mean like this.....
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/mikevillena/Focus/Focus031.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/mikevillena/Focus/Focus032.jpg
The rear diffuser was built around a "tray" that was screwed into existing holes on the TT-01's rear bumper support plate.

TRF Drive Hard - OH MY GOD!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: You mean "ADMINISTRATORS" really do exist and are not just myths??!?!! Whoah....kind of like Zeus, Apollo, Mars et al showing themselves to mortals saying, "Okay, we are real. Now get back to work you slackers!" :p lol
Sorry about the poke. Thank you for the compliment. I would be happy to do a custom job on your friend's bodyshell in exchange for his donating to the Red Cross' Katrina Fund or Pitstops' Hurricane Fund. I would be happy to do the same for the magazine. :D

Piggy - HEY!!!!!!!!! I happen to drive one of those "hopped up pintos"!!! (snif, snif... making fun of my car... :( ) At least it's a ZX3 as I couldn't come up with the scratch for the SVT version. I still miss my 5.0 Mustang GT (with straight pipes and sounded glorious on the over-run). I think I will order the HPI bodyshell from Tower today. And more plastic (of course)! ;)

cnroman - Thank you. :D

[Farwar]

Oh man if you did a muscle car, that would look sick. Give it a classic hot rod look and make it look mean. What type of plastic do you use and where do you get it? Also how do you attach the spoiler or body kit to the body or chassis?

[Silent Scope]

tint the windows and it will look 50% better

[howielong]

Holy hell mike. it looks so great now since the last time i saw this on RCD.

[maxxenitout]

tint the windows and it will look 50% better
I think he has plans for the interior ! :D If i'm right I can't wait to see it. :)

[RealJDMman]

looking great mike!!

i love black wheels

[harley1874666]

where do you find time to pull off this kind of amazing detail? i'd never even think to do some of the things you do.

[mikevillena]

Oh man if you did a muscle car, that would look sick. Give it a classic hot rod look and make it look mean. What type of plastic do you use and where do you get it? Also how do you attach the spoiler or body kit to the body or chassis?

Hey Farwar,
Yeah, I'm thinking the same thing as you and Piggy are! As a matter of fact, I've already got plans for the HPI Mustang; I'm going to do a "Streetcar named Desire", a obvious play on and tie in with New Orleans. I'll donate the finished Concours bodyshell to Pitstop's Auction/Disaster Relief Fundraiser. Keep at eye out for it soon. Almost forgot, I use Evergreen Styrene Plastic. It comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and thicknesses. Here's the link
http://www.evergreenscalemodels.com/ I screwed the front and rear spolier/diffuser assemblies onto the bumper supports on the stock TT-01 chassis. I glued the rear spolier onto the rear glass with two tiny spots of Goop Automotive Adhesive. :D

Silent Scope - Already tinted. I tried some tinting film from Wal-Mart. I had a lot of problems with this stuff. A basic issue is that our polycarbonate bodyshells actually have a slight texture to it. Applying window tinting film allows tiny air bubbles to get trapped in these tiny pock marks. I tired everything from soapy water to a hairdrier but I still got a lot of bubbles. I wouldn't recommend this to anybody. Stick to spraying window tint instead.

Howielong - Thanks, bud. What's your handle on RCD?

maxxenitout- Thanks for the compliments, dude. Because of the peeling paint problem, I won't doing a full stroke interior because that would require a lot of glueing onto the faulty paint. :( At this point, I am just trying to salvage the project and finish it as a "curbside" shelf queen.

RealJDMan - Thank you. I think the black wheels work well with the overall theme. :D

Harley - Man, I wish I can do this for a living.... as it is, it's just a hobby at this point.

Okay, I made some more progress. While handling the bodyshell, I dropped it (because of the high CG caused by the huge rear spoiler) and broke the rear spoiler into several pieces. After an hour of re-aligning and glueing, I was back in business. Since I decided a while back that this will be a "curbside", I felt free to try out some ideas that I had. I made internal glass "screens" out of some black mylar sticker and I applied them on the inside. I ran into a lot of problems with tiny bubbles. The same thing happened with the window tint film. In the final analysis, applied stickers and films on the inside (to be seen throught the lexan) are not compatible with polycarbonate bodyshells because of the surface texture. Using glue or painting works because it fills in the tiny pock marks. Anything else ends up trapping air bubbles with or without windex.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/mikevillena/Focus/Focus070.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/mikevillena/Focus/Focus062.jpg
The window tint came out darker than I wanted but still worked okay. I think I've finalized the design for the front headlight buckets and in black. I wanted to go with the "Stealth Fighter" look. I'm also playing around with the outside rear view mirror. I think it's mounted a little too high.....

Later gang :D

[maxxenitout]

Sweet looking ride Mike!!! To bad on the paint, but just makes me more excited about the muscle car project you have been talking about. :D
Keep up the great work!!

[mikevillena]

Thanks maxxenitout,

I'm still trying to figure out what engine to build for "Streetcar named Desire", should I go with Ford's 427 Nascar, the rare dohc "Indy" engine they used on some GT-40's or should I stuff a modern Cosworth V-10 Formula One engine into it? Too many choices......
Anyway, I moved the outside mirror and I will be building the rest of the external details next and hopefully wrap up this very frustrating project, light some incense and hope for better vibes for the next:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/mikevillena/Focus/Focus071.jpg

[calvin3]

Nice job.

[Silent Scope]

I love it.. doesnt look like a rc car anymore.. im a big fan of your work ..

[mikevillena]

Calvin3 - Thank you.

Silent Scope - C'mon, man....you're making me blush...

Okay, more details....working on the tailight buckets. Did the wipers and designed the outside mirrors. I'm just sorry that I couldn't go ape with this car....

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/mikevillena/Focus/Focus074.jpg

Later gang!

Peace through scratchbuilding!
Plastic Buddha

[Rain Man]

Moving the mirror to the door made it look alot better.

[Piggy89373]

Mike, I suggest the 427 Nascar engine. The point is to make it a muscle car, while the DOHC one used in GT-40's would work, I don't think it fin in with the overall muscle car look. A good candy color on it would look great...maybe a candy red or dark blue (with ghost flames).

[mikevillena]

Hi Piggy,

Yeah, I'm kind of leaning towards the 427 Nascar motor. I need to collect a lot of refence photos to do the engine justice. Maybe some vintage Junior Johnson site? I'm not really up on sixties Nascar sites. I would appreciate anyone's help in researching "Desire's" motor. I've got the bodyshell (HPI 1965 Shelby GT350 ) on order from Tower and should be getting it sometime between the 21st and 23rd. I opted not to order paint as I still have to analyze my spray painting ability (or lack thereof!), the paints I should use and the techniques that would be compatible with doing a full-stroke, bring the bling "Concours" badass. I would love to hear opinions from our most experience painters as to the most durable paint to use as I plan to fully stress the paint adhesion because of the many structures that will be bonded directly to the paint (not the lexan). I will try my hardest to pull a ghost flame because of the challenge it poses to a newbie painter (me) and I will have to fully study our masters' techniques and notes. Thank god for the 'Archives" section. If any of our painting Masters are reading this, please chime in at anytime. :)
In the meantime, I can begin to plan and build all of the structures using the clear bodyshell mounted onto a chassis. This is tricky as I will be utilizing every bit of spare room between the TT-01 chassis and the bodyshell to get every last bit of internal detailing as possible and still have a fully functional r/c car. I'll post a new thread on "Desire" as soon as I get the bodyshell. In the meantime, please feel free to post your comments and suggestions as they are most welcome and appreciated. Thanks gang.

Peace
P.B.

PS. It may sound ambitious, but I intend to make my Miata look like a pile of .......... sitting next to "Desire" I didn't sign the Miata but "Desire" will definitely be a "Signature" work. :D

[howielong]

Hey Mike V. I'm "Steven" aka Howielong. I'm a support over there. Guys in red. :) Looks really great. Can't wait to its done.

[mikevillena]

Hey guys (and gals)

Thanks, howielong. Now I recognize you :D . Have you started doing any scratchbuilding yet?

Okay, made a little more progress and several decisions. I finished the tailight buckets, prepped and painted them Alclad Chrome. They turned out great. I still need to refine my technique with the "facets" on the tailight lenses a little more. They're hard to see in the photo. I decided not go with any outside mirrors to preserve the clean lool on the sides. I just have to finish the left headlight bucket, the radiator and the rear wiper and that should be it. :D

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/mikevillena/Focus/Focus075.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/mikevillena/Focus/Focus076.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y293/mikevillena/Focus/Focus078.jpg

Later gang!

Peace..
P.B. :D

[BudJ63]

Hey Mike!

Check it out!

http://www.meter4it.com/427_Tunnel_Port.htm

http://www.geocities.com/infieldg/v8sohc427.html

Or... If you want to do a Cammer! Spend $30 and work from a model.

http://www.themotorcompany.com/product.php?productid=16166&cat=4&page=1

[mikevillena]

Hey Bud, thanks for the excellent links! 12.5:1 compression?!?!!!!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: Whoah! No "pump" gas for that monster!!! :D

[howielong]

I started one of my own FMIC a long time ago. But the styrene i use i think is a different size then yours that you used. I'm thinking of placing a order with towerhobbies soon or with my LHS to get some new styrene but at the moment i'm tapped out. Just placed a order on tower for some new rc parts. I'm really loving the rear tail lights. Look so real.

[Divman]

U must have the patience of a saint...

I have to say tho, this looks brilliant, congrats on a 11/10 job :)

[mikevillena]

Hey howie - Thanks, bro! How did your intercooler turn out? Post some pics. I finally figured out how to replicate the "facets" on tailights (they refract and spread the light)!!! I also figured out two ways to make the reflectors for both the head and tail lights (concave and parabolic). At least all of the frustration was worth it!

Divman - Thank you! 11/10???? Whoah...that's very, very kind of you :). Wait till you see "A Streetcar named Desire".

I finally closed the book on this project and submitted the pics into this month's competition. Despite all of the glitches and problems, I still learned a lot and I hope to gain even more insight from the judges' and forum member's critiques. Thanks gang!

[Bunsincunsin]

Wow! You do some very impressive work. Great job. I was, wondering what do you make everything out of, like the spoiler, body kit and side mirrors. And where do you get it?

[mikevillena]

Wow! You do some very impressive work. Great job. I was, wondering what do you make everything out of, like the spoiler, body kit and side mirrors. And where do you get it?

Bunsincunsin,

Thanks dude! I use Evergreen Styrene Plastic. It comes in different thicknesses, shapes and sizes. Here's a link: http://www.evergreenscalemodels.com/
You can use your regular plastic model glue and building techniques with this stuff. I usually order my stuff through Tower as there isn't a hobby shop nearby :( . You can find it in any well stocked hobby shop. Plastruct also makes styrene (make sure it's not ABS as that requires a different cement/glue). Hope that helps you. Have fun!! :D

[Bunsincunsin]

Cool, thanks. I wish I could do as good of detail as you do. Keep up the good work! :cool:

[howielong]

Hey mike this is an old photo of my FMIC. Need to get some more styerne i think. Other then i think it looks half decent.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/StevenCole/FMIC/DSC01657.jpg

[mikevillena]

Hi Howie,
Looks really good to me. Have you painted it yet?

[balang_479]

awesome stuff Mike..

i thought i would bump this thread as your back.

[elgordox1]

Awesome stuff man.