Hi folks In retirement, I’m getting back to modelling. Hoping for info on what is available, and where to find, in terms of decals and detail parts. (The Google is not too helpful…) I remember, “way back when,” there being photo-etch emblems to “un-X” the Monogram kit… Any and all assistance or information appreciated. Three pics attached: Two 455’s I built years ago, for two GSX models, left in progress, as life, real job, 1:1 Buick, etc., took precedence… And my last finished model (previously posted in 2008)
The non-stage motor (closest to my heart...) has the closest approximation of a Q-jet I could find. (Don't remember where it came from...) I'm hoping (fantasizing...???) that the modelling aftermarket offers "better than kit" carbs, alternators, PS pumps... Building the model of my friend Patrick's '68, making a Delco Moraine brake booster was the second hardest part. (After the M/T headers... ) Twenty years ago I planned to "home resin cast" the "best" commercially available parts. I didn't, hoping that the "burgeoning aftermarket" might make that pointless...
Inspired, I'm digging up other "where I left off" parts. (Not shown, the auto console has been cut out from the other body tub, the hole filled, in preparation for a consolettelll) Kinda like it, if I may say so...
Dashes. (Contrary to a previous communication with Patrick, it DOES seem that I HAVE committed to the Apollo White 4-speed car having air...!!!) No doubt, some repairs needed...
The photos do not do justice, but I promise the climate control panels are appropriate air and non-air. (And the fonts are correct. Maybe original, but possibly the new repro woodgrain ... )
The '68 came from Perry's Resins in Canada. I believe it to be a resin copy of a long gone contemporary AMT kit. Starc acquired one a few years ago, I believe on the "secondary market."
Thread on Starc's 2018 acquisition... https://v8buick.com/index.php?threads/68-skylark-gs-resin-kit-for-sale.332735/
I have a brief Word doc on "How I built the '68." I tried to upload it here, but "no dice." Should anyone be interested, feel free to PM me.
Maybe I am wishing for too much…??? Maybe wishing that the car modelling world had continued in the way “it seemed to be going,” when I moved to an apartment 30 years ago…??? I do retain a (possibly irrational???) hope that “good aftermarket detail parts” might still be made, and available. I’m hoping that the difficulty in finding such is only a matter of such search being “unrecognized by Google…???” My last hope is to go to my last remaining Barnes and Noble to buy a hard copy of “Scale Auto Enthusiast.” For the advertising…!!! (I can only hope it is still published “in paper…???”) Should failure ensue, I believe I still have a ’69 GTO master cylinder, “combo” wiper motor and voltage regulator, and air cleaner, ripe for “home reproduction…” (I will need to make another Delco-Moraine brake booster for reproduction… )
Follow-up (maybe only of interest to “modelers…”) Having had years of interest in modelling “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,” the lack of “cross-pollination” disturbs me. In the ‘70’s, in the airplane modelling world, vacuform models were readily available for “unusual subjects.” While “surface detail” was/may remain a debatable subject in airplane modelling world, “smooth” vacuformed model cars would engender no such complaints…!!! The idea of building a model car from “NOS body panels” feels only right to me, and a bit of a fantasy… I do have one more Perry’s Resin ’68. I’d really like to cut it up to create molds for vacuformed “body panels.” (Granted, body seams would need to be “vacuum-friendly…”) Should I do such, I would share the “fruits of my work” generously. Getting back to “the lack of cross-pollination” in model building, building such would compare to the "expected skills" in building a ‘70’s vacuform kit of a XP-55… (“Advanced model building skills,” and multiple “donor kits” required…)
beautiful job on your modeling. I don't have your skill level, and I had no idea about such things as resin models. I tried to recreate my Wildcat and thought I would share. I used the old 69 Riv and a section of a Dodge charger.
Then I used a Dodge ram and 69 Firebird front end for the grill and headlight pieces. I don't like the end result the more I look at it, but it got me closer anyway
There are several aftermarket vendors for model car parts. Fireball is one. https://www.fireballmodels.info/ The detail on his parts, especially the carbs, is stunning. I bought a variety of them for my models. Check him out, look at the resin parts link on the left side of the page and scroll through. You'll need to click on the part link to see them but they are awesome.
gui-tarzan I haven't checked your links yet, but want to say "thanks," in advance, having possibly addressed what I'm looking for... Nick Quick update: I just saw the Q-jets! Bleepin' phenomenal!!!
Hoping my reply doesn't "hurt feelings..." The end result IS beautiful... A recognizable "Custom Buick Wildcat" at a World of Wheels...
From FireballModels/ gui_tarzan's link: In need of only "cad plating..." Thanks, "Gui..." To me, frickin' Dream Come True!!!!
I have placed a multi-thousand dollar order (in 1/24 dollars ) with Fireball, for reproduction door handles, carbs, and tires. The dual AFB’s are “numbered” for a Hemi application, but should be at home on a 425! To be able to test the new Quadrajets, I must remedy my having previously overlooked the “simple to add” bit of 3/8” fuel line between the pump and the frame… A further discovery of possible interest to some… With Google searches for possible variations of “model car parts” having failed, I searched, semi-specifically, for kits, by kit manufacturer, year, make, and/or model. Getting a “hit,” the bottom of the page “You may also like” offered modelroundup.com. I need to investigate further, but there seem to be some photo-etch and decals on offer…