model car questions

[87boosted6]

for those of you that are in the model world. first of all, im building a custom datsun 510 with GN drivetrain, and i was wondering how to make a grill that you can see thru because i want to have a f.m.i.c and i want it to be visible, how would i do this??? also, how would i make plumbing for the intercooler?? ive thought about using old random exhaust pieces and stuff for it, but i dont know. any info you can give me would be great. thanks in advance!

87boosted6
Brian

 

[olds443]

I have been modeling since I was about 7. My father is an avid modeler and has some exellent award winning cars and dioramas he has built. There is nowrong way to do what you want to accomplish. If you have a hobby shop nearby (check out the yellow pages) they will have some of the parts you need, even if they don't carry model cars they will still have some of the supplies. For the intercooler plumbing you can use the styrene trees the parts come on or exhaust components from different kits. Another better idea is to use tubing from the hobby shop or a craft store like Michaels. Aluminum is available and can be polished or left as is not to mention is easy to bend to make it work.
As far as the grill, use your imagination. There are several companies that make custom parts from thin aluminum/etc that youus to detail your models with. The main thing with models is to keep your eyes and mind open and ideas will come to you. Everyday stuff will take on new applications when you are in the midst of a project. I once used a screen used for sanding (can't remember what it was for..) as a grill in a 69 Camaro race car. Painted it black and glued in from behind, looked perfect as it had holes and you could see through.
Well this was qut long but I hope it was of some use.
I don't know of any sites out there but I know there are several magazines available at the book stores and the guys at the hobby shops should be helpful.

 

[87boosted6]

wow, i dint know we had a pro here. anyways, thanks for the info. i actually tried to ask them and they had no clue what i was talking about. i think im going to go to some craft stores to look now. thanks again and take care.

 

[bob86gn]

See through grille.

I built an 87 GN for a friend wedding cake and spent aboout a week scarping the back of the grille with an exacto No 1 blade until all that was left was the "bars" in the front. I took a ton of time but it looks incredible!

For the intercooler and piping take a look at the Tamiya formula ! car models. The turbos and intercoolers look incredible.

Model Car Garage makes some photoetched hose clamps that make good IC pipe clamps. I would use the aluminum tubing discussed above but be careful bending it since it kinks. The brass is a little better but needs to be painted.