Kmb0319 Posted December 7, 2017 Posted December 7, 2017 This started out as a nostalgia build, as I built this model when I was in high school and wanted to do it again. Also, I don't have any Buicks in my collection, and this was the ultimate muscle Buick, so it was perfect. (it will be alone until someone releases the boat tail Riviera) I didn't want to do the GSX... first of all, I'm not a fan of yellow. Second, while the graphics and rear spoiler don't look bad, they are a little ostentatious for a Buick, so I wanted to build a Stage 1 that also fit the brand. In doing a little research, the photos that stood out to me the most were the cars in Turquoise, so I decided to do that. The only worry was that I had Testors Model Master Turquoise, which was a good match, but was an enamel. I've had a few problems with enamel finishes myself, but read lots of nightmare stories that have kept me away from using the stuff. Like any other enamel finish, the paint was a little thicker and thus went on heavier than I preferred, but I didn't have any major issues. Once on, I was a little frustrated at a few dust particles settling in, but had to live with them, as my experience with enamel is that it can't take wet-sanding. However, after letting it sit on the desk for a good three weeks, it was finally gassed out. Instead of trying to polish with sanding pads, I just grabbed the rubbing compound, and BAM.... it buffed out to a nice looking finish before I even added clear. Once a few coats of clear were added, I was amazed... I ended up getting one of the best finishes I've ever gotten. I wired the engine and added a few hoses here and there, but there wasn't much else to do with this kit, as it's pretty strong as-is. I made seatbelts, but only in back, as most pictures showed the fronts retracted below the sides of the front seats. I also raised the rear, as the biggest drawback of this model I have seen is the rear end drooping and the tires sitting too far inside the fenders. Finally, a set of Fireball Modelworks tire decals finished her off. This was just one of those builds where most everything went right. It started out as just a fun build of something I first did 30 years ago, and ended up being something that will have a place of honor on the shelf. Hope you like it. Thanks for looking! Interior: 455: Had to get a couple reflection shots to show the paint on this, inside at night and in the sun:
donb Posted December 8, 2017 Posted December 8, 2017 Great looking Buick. Interior is really nice too. Nice job!
carman1 Posted December 8, 2017 Posted December 8, 2017 Beautiful Buick ! I love the color, excellent job !
1972coronet Posted December 8, 2017 Posted December 8, 2017 WOW !! That is definitely one of the nicest builds of this kit I've seen ---- that turquoise is outstanding !!! Buick's A-bodies were always the nicest ; you've done this one right .
kelson Posted December 8, 2017 Posted December 8, 2017 Love the color choice as well!!,a very good looking build.
unclescott58 Posted December 8, 2017 Posted December 8, 2017 (edited) Very, very nice. I too like the "regular" GS to the GSX. Much cleaner. Muscle with Buick dignity. Speaking quietly, with a big stick. Buick GS with the Stage 1 package. All one needs. Edited December 8, 2017 by unclescott58
Hmann68 Posted December 8, 2017 Posted December 8, 2017 Wow, looks great! Your paint turned out nice! Love that color choice!
bbowser Posted December 8, 2017 Posted December 8, 2017 11 hours ago, unclescott58 said: Very, very nice. I too like the "regular" GS to the GSX. Much cleaner. Muscle with Buick dignity. Speaking quietly, with a big stick. Buick GS with the Stage 1 package. All one needs. I totally agree! Very well done model.
drodg Posted December 8, 2017 Posted December 8, 2017 Great looking model. That was a nice adult muscle car in it's day.
Jim N Posted December 8, 2017 Posted December 8, 2017 You did a great job! I built this kit a couple of years ago, and like you, did not want to do the GSX version. I painted mine purple metallic and it is one of my favorite builds.
Alan Posted December 8, 2017 Posted December 8, 2017 19 hours ago, Kmb0319 said: This started out as a nostalgia build, as I built this model when I was in high school and wanted to do it again. Also, I don't have any Buicks in my collection, and this was the ultimate muscle Buick, so it was perfect. (it will be alone until someone releases the boat tail Riviera) I didn't want to do the GSX... first of all, I'm not a fan of yellow. Second, while the graphics and rear spoiler don't look bad, they are a little ostentatious for a Buick, so I wanted to build a Stage 1 that also fit the brand. In doing a little research, the photos that stood out to me the most were the cars in Turquoise, so I decided to do that. The only worry was that I had Testors Model Master Turquoise, which was a good match, but was an enamel. I've had a few problems with enamel finishes myself, but read lots of nightmare stories that have kept me away from using the stuff. Like any other enamel finish, the paint was a little thicker and thus went on heavier than I preferred, but I didn't have any major issues. Once on, I was a little frustrated at a few dust particles settling in, but had to live with them, as my experience with enamel is that it can't take wet-sanding. However, after letting it sit on the desk for a good three weeks, it was finally gassed out. Instead of trying to polish with sanding pads, I just grabbed the rubbing compound, and BAM.... it buffed out to a nice looking finish before I even added clear. Once a few coats of clear were added, I was amazed... I ended up getting one of the best finishes I've ever gotten. I wired the engine and added a few hoses here and there, but there wasn't much else to do with this kit, as it's pretty strong as-is. I made seatbelts, but only in back, as most pictures showed the fronts retracted below the sides of the front seats. I also raised the rear, as the biggest drawback of this model I have seen is the rear end drooping and the tires sitting too far inside the fenders. Finally, a set of Fireball Modelworks tire decals finished her off. This was just one of those builds where most everything went right. It started out as just a fun build of something I first did 30 years ago, and ended up being something that will have a place of honor on the shelf. Hope you like it. Thanks for looking! Interior: 455: Had to get a couple reflection shots to show the paint on this, inside at night and in the sun: Very nice ! I am doing one as well. Have done all the Stage I and Stage II decals. They will be available soon. Alan
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