Need some opinions about finishing an old build.

[atomicholiday]

I need some opinions about this project.

I started this kit sometime in the mid to late 80’s.  At that time it was hands down the best work I’d ever done, but I ran into a snag.  I screwed up and peeled off some of the decals on the side panels after a botched masking job.  That was enough for me to stick it back on the shelf.  Of course back then, “on the shelf” was under the bed.

About a year ago I dug it out and stripped the paint from the side panels.  My plan was to just redo them and finish the model without going back and redoing anything else, preserving that little slice of my model building history.

Here’s my dilemma.  Originally it was sprayed with all model master enamel, and MM clear coat.  Over the years it’s yellowed some.  My other possible issue is the replacement decal sheet (from the 80’s).  It’s yellowed and has a black stain on part of it. 
 

So, do I bite the bullet and strip the other body parts and start over?  I doubt I’d be able to match the yellowing.  
Also, are these decals salvageable, or should I start looking for a new set?

Here’s what everything looks like today.

Thanks for your input.  

[Can-Con]

I'd strip it and start over since you already have stripped some of it.

As for the decals, I've heard some have had luck tapeing yellowed decals in a south facing window and letting sunlight fade the yellow back out, but I have never tried it myself. I'd bet some time under a UV light would do the same thing though.

Edited May 14, 2023 by Can-Con

[Bills72sj]

It depends on you eventual goal and what flaws you are willing to live with. If the paint is to you satisfaction, leave it be. Otherwise, strip it. If the decals on the model are to you liking, leave them be. Regarding the flawed, unapplied decals, I would hi-res scan the entire sheet. I would fix the artwork file to remove the flaws or do copy and paste with the portions that are good to replace the flawed. I do my decals on an inkjet using the color limitations of using transparent or white background paper. If you are going to attempt to use the old decals, I would cut out a piece that would not be used, and see how tolerant it is of a mist, then wet overlay, of gloss clear enamel. I would MAKE 2 sheets of decals and only use limited portions of the original based on any colors I could not duplicate.

[Mopar maniac 74]

I have 2 answers for you.

If you want to preserve your modeling history I would finish it as is. I have several I built as a kid and its a look how far I have improved type of thing.

If you want it to match recent projects then use the advice above to strip and make new decals.  Then build it to your current standards.

[atomicholiday]

I found new decals at Indycals, so that solves that problem.   

Still need to decide if I want to strip everything or not...

[Lunajammer]

If you don't mind repainting, do that. Your painting technique on your old build is pretty good. Does it mark such progress in your development that you'd like to preserve it?  My point is, I keep my crappy old youth builds for nostalgia and to reflect on my modeling growth. My later, better developed stuff is nothing I need to preserve as a growth marker. The clear coat yellowing would annoy me too. Of course, I would then ask myself, "then why not just build a new one?" So I guess this is a pretty wishy-washy answer.

[Bugatti Fan]

If you managed to locate new decals, why settle for an old paint job where the white has yellowed? 

[atomicholiday]

I'm leaning pretty hard towards refinishing.   After reading all your responses and thinking about it, it makes more sense to me. 

If this was a completed build that I was restoring, I could totally see leaving the finish as is.   But since it never actually made it that far, it's still just a work in progress.   It should be finished to my current abilities. 

Thanks everyone for your opinions.   I truly value the insight I gain from this forum. 

[Pierre Rivard]

I would make the same call Jeremy. Trying to match the newly painted sides to the original yellowed paint...might work but has some risk to it. IMO better to do a complete redo since you have new decals ready to go.