1958 Pontiac project.... "Marlowe-ish!"

I'm lovin' how this project is progressing!  Very nice, indeed!  When the model is transitioning from the image in my head to reality, I have always found this point to be one of my favorite stages in a modification.   It's almost a shame that it cannot stay like this.  ALMOST!  LOL!  

@chris thanks Chris. I'm having trouble smoothing out the filled roof on my long term 1/24 Bugatti Royale project. Just checking their website it seems USC Red Glazing putty maybe a solution?

https://www.uschem.com/en/products/finishing-glazes-and-putties/

@geoff-jowett That's great stuff - and what it's I use - HOWEVER, glazing putty should ONLY be used to fill small & shallow holes.    For ANYTHING deeper, use either Tamiya putty I posted (as I posted ) OR actual Bondo  auto filler.     

- Whatever YOU decide, make sure to build up the layers.....  too thick, and it won't dry properly.    Two or three THIN layers will ALWAY be better than ONE thick layer.   

- Also, use wide scrappers or blades to apply putty on wide areas; don't use a narrow applicator on wide areas (like painting with a brush ).     

- For scrappers (applicators ) on scale models I use old, cut down credit cards/gift cards, etc....       Wider at one end, narrower at the other.   

- Good luck! 

@chris thanks Chris, I'm on the hunt for it now

PART 7:

Not much to feature here, just wanted to show that I filled those unsightly gaps above the vent windows.   

The roof angled upwards a bit too much toward the windshield, so I simply filed down the drip rails, filled the gaps with plastic & putty, sanded to shape, added new drip rails, and, well, the gaps are now filled in and the roof line, above the doors & vent windows, is now straight & level.

would never know there were 'holes' there Chris

@geoff-jowett Thanks Geoff, that's the idea.....  still much to do, but the goal is to make this diecast '58 Pontiac look like it's ALWAYS been a hardtop.  😀 😀    The "3 P's - plastic, putty, & primer" -  can cure many ills!"  😉 

Really interesting to see your photographic progress Chris.  Thanks!

Looking good Chris. What will you use for the chrome trim on the rear part of the top that also divides the two tone paint on two tone cars? As you probably already know, this was not on the Impalas but only the Bonnevilles.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

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"As you probably already know, this was not on the Impalas but only the Bonnevilles."

Quite right sir.... normally, I would've attached those tiny "hook trim"  pieces long ago, and either painted them silver or used BMF AFTER the model was painted.    However, they actually lay flat, there's no raised area (to paint or scribe with BMF ) so this means they'll have to be "chromed"  BEFORE they go on the model - MAYBE!

OK, now here's the real story:   I'm very lazy, and I have 3 other projects going, therefore..... I'm thinking I might just make a "1960's era"  drag car out of this - similar to this '58 Chieftain 2-dr sedan.

Going this route eliminates the need to fabricate rear seats, rear interior side panels (convertibles were different - as YOU know ) AND I won't have to paint anything, I can leave it as is, in primer, red & white.    I re-install new chrome trim of course, add some decals, etc...

- It's the "lazy man's"  way out.  🤔 😏 🤨 

PS,

I should've fabricated a '58 2-door sedan from the start.   I could've extended that Impala's roof, added a B-pillar, door frames, etc.....  but it's TOO LATE now.      SORRY FOR THE LONG answer Bob....  but YOU asked.  😉 😉 😏 😏 😏 

@chris Don't stop now as the work you have done so far is outstanding. Perhaps you might use solder wire on that roof trim piece?  No painting or BMF needed.

@bob-jackman +1  I agree with Bob....I would love to see this project carried through to stock version completion.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

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"Perhaps you might use solder wire on that roof trim piece?" 

Solder won't be necessary and per-painting that oh-so-tiny plastic trim AFTER I paint the car is just more labor. 😫 😫     But, as you noted, I've thought about using polished & buffed thin metal strips - actual shiny metal trim.  😉 😉 

- Thanks for the kind words, Bob, Jack.    If I decide to go "the full route,"  my #1 color choice would be this blue, #2 would be this green.    If I take "the lazy way out,"  I'm 90% done now!  😉 😉 

@chris HANG IN THERE BUDDY....AND THINK GREEN!

Absolutely beautiful Chris, I'm diggin that green also.🤑