A Complete Look At Creating A Resin Casting Master Body
*** by Mark Thomas ***
Mastering A Body Part 2
Well I decided I didn’t like the looks of the nose, so it was removed. This one is a four piece deal, it was a bit more work, but I’m much happier. Also decided to cover the grill opening. The two new fender extensions have been cut and installed.
The two front side dam pieces, and two center pieces installed.
Inside look, and the two air intake ducts cut out.
I’ve decided to attempt rather than cast with a void area in the front nose, to go ahead and add a grill mesh into the mold. Figured this way for a slot car version it would add strength, and if one wanted to model the body, there would be a nice outline to remove and add real mesh.
After the two pieces were cut and glued in place, I used scotch tape to seal the screen from the back so the rubber won’t seep through. Then I covered the entire nose area with another piece of plastic for added strength.
Here the gas fill neck was installed, and filled.
Fender flare strips are cut from .040 styrene, I taped them around this Teflon rod, then placed in a pan of boiling water and let cool.
After cooling and removal from the tape, I have a perfectly formed half circle that I was able to, without much effort glue into the wheel openings.
Here all fender flares have been puttied and sanded, also the spoiler and A posts have been added.
Body is pretty much completed as far as adding elements, and is now ready for allot of finish filling and wet sanding.
First prime and a little putty added in a few areas .
First prime sanded, looks pretty good to me.
Added hood/trunk pin plates, a final prime, and a wet sand.
Next I have put three slick clear coats over the whole unit and a 2000 wet sand and polish.
It is now time to get the body ready for mold preparation, I use 3M green body shop tape 3/4″ & 1-1/4″ . I have found this tape sticks the best for me as I’ve had no silicone break through yet. I cover each window opening separately and use a large paint brush handle tip to burnish all around the opening.
