55 Bel Air mild custom. (New pics Jan 11th)

[geetee66]

I've had this on my shelf for a couple of years, always planning to build it stock.

But I found a flame mask I bought a while back and I've got an urge to try it out.

I found some deep steel wheels, in my parts box and some nice tyres, too.

 I'm using the custom suspension included in the kit and I don't think I'll need to cut it about to get the ride height I'm after.

Edited January 11, 2018 by geetee66

[geetee66]

I gave the wheels a shot of black gloss, followed by AK Interactive chrome.

The chrome paint dries really fast and 10 minutes later, I popped the tyres on.

[geetee66]

Hmm, the photos aren't uploading in the correct order...

anyway, I also decided to give it a frenched antenna 

[espo]

Your Kustom is off to a great start so far. What other body modifications are you thinking and the Interior ?

[Slotto]

Looking good Guy. I like the antenna hole.

[geetee66]

Thanks chaps

It's going to have either a Corvette or tube grille.

I'll probably give it Bellflowers, skirts and Appletons.

Mica white roof/trunk with purple flames on a lilac base (if I can mix the paint right!)

[Spex84]

Digging this project so far!

That chrome sure is dramatic, wow. And fast-dry to boot. I like it!

[Modelbuilder Mark]

Great start to a cool project 

[Sledsel]

Looking cool, love the wheels. 

Odd they did not do the fender/door trim like the rear quarter trim

[geetee66]

I sprayed the roof/rear section mica white, then added a drop or two of the purple I'm using for the flames. I got a nice lilac mauve pearl colour, which will contrast nicely, with the purple flames.

 I really wish I'd got an airbrush, years ago...I love it!

[geewhiz]

Very nice color combo is looking good!!!  I'm anxious to see how the flame mask works.  I love flames but I've never tried to do them myself...????????

[El Caballo]

Neat, looking forward to seeing more progress pics.

[Lovefordgalaxie]

Loved the wheel and tire combo. Can never go wrong with some Wide Ovals. 

[geetee66]

I've been itching to get home this evening and do the flames.

They were relatively easy to apply. The only tricky bit, is lining up the two side panels, with the one on the hood.

I think I could have got better adhesion from the mask, if I'd given the colour coat a bit of clear. The slightly grainy surface of the mica paint, made it difficult to get some of the edges to stick.

Overall, I'm quite happy with the results. I'll need to touch-up a couple of spots, but it's nothing major. 

 

[maltsr]

Excellent work Guy!  Looks great!

[geetee66]

2 minutes ago, maltsr said:

Excellent work Guy!  Looks great!

Thanks Maltsr

I'm pleased with the symmetry I got when lining up the sides with the top ?

I did the seats and door panels, while I was at it 

[Greg Pugh]

I've heard some horror stories when it comes to those flame masks but you seem to have had a pretty good go at it. Looks great!

[geetee66]

1 hour ago, Greg Pugh said:

I've heard some horror stories when it comes to those flame masks but you seem to have had a pretty good go at it. Looks great!

Thanks Greg

It's a bit daunting, at first. Knowing that if you place it incorrectly, you won't get a second chance.

However, as the mask is sort of transparent, lining it up with reference points, such as the hood centre and edges, is actually quite easy.

I think I might have to tape some edges and tidy up a couple of places with the airbrush.

 I was considering brushing on some of the lilac, to cover the purple overspray, but I think masking and spraying will probably be a better idea.

 I would recommend these masks. 

So much easier than making your own.

 

[Greg Pugh]

Good to know! Thank you!

[Slotto]

That is off the chain! I love love love it. Can't wait to see more!

[Mercuryman54]

Looks great, I'll be watching.

Dennis

[espo]

Your flames turned out amazing. I wouldn't normally do a Flame Paint job on any of my builds but seeing how this turned out I think I would like to try at least one or more, just don't call the Fire Department just yet.    

[El Caballo]

Are you going to pinstripe the flames?

[geetee66]

3 hours ago, El Caballo said:

Are you going to pinstripe the flames?

Thanks everyone

 

Hmmm...

 I don't know. I'm worried I might lose the clean edge. Also, the pinstripes would need to be extremely fine, to be in scale.

could be done with tape, but I'm not sure it needs it.

What colour do you think I should use, if I pinstripe the flames?

[Mr. Muppet]

You could do the pinstripes in the same white that's on the body or maybe some kind of lavender or violet, kinda in between the Lilac and the purple.