Cars
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Tamiya 1/12 Nissan Fairlady 240ZG Build
warreni
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South Australia, Australia
Joined: August 14, 2007
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Posted: Monday, December 15, 2014 - 03:38 PM UTC
X-14 is a far better match for the block.
foenetik
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Rhode Island, United States
Joined: September 07, 2014
KitMaker: 52 posts
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Posted: Monday, December 15, 2014 - 06:48 PM UTC

Quoted Text

X-14 is a far better match for the block.



Yeah agreed. I ran out but had the bottle so i got it close as i could to sky blue with what i had. From the google image I found i got pretty close.
foenetik
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Rhode Island, United States
Joined: September 07, 2014
KitMaker: 52 posts
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Posted: Wednesday, December 17, 2014 - 06:16 PM UTC
Small update. Added the carbs and air inlets. The inlets are aluminum pieces, they give the engine a really nice detailed look. Keep in mind i haven't touched on any weathering yet (im looking at you, white white fan).

I've since painted all the bolts the titanium silver color, with the exception of the valve cover, those are black. Everything is going together swimingly thus far. Next up is more linkage, steering components, and bringing the drive train together.












Szmann
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Netherlands Antilles
Joined: September 02, 2014
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Posted: Wednesday, December 17, 2014 - 08:01 PM UTC
Hi, Tony.
I was following up your impeccable build since the beginning... very well done. I have just a little concern about the thickness of the fan blades: they look to me a little over-scale. It could be the camera effect though... Warm Regards. Following your topic with great interest.
foenetik
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Rhode Island, United States
Joined: September 07, 2014
KitMaker: 52 posts
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Posted: Wednesday, December 17, 2014 - 09:35 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Hi, Tony.
I was following up your impeccable build since the beginning... very well done. I have just a little concern about the thickness of the fan blades: they look to me a little over-scale. It could be the camera effect though... Warm Regards. Following your topic with great interest.



Ya know, i didnt notice it until you mentioned it. I think you are right. But it is under a shroud so they wont really be seen. And i ca glued it so im not sure i wanr to risk damaging the pulley system cause that was a pain for me to paint. If I come up with something clever ill be sure to share.
DaveCox
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England - South East, United Kingdom
Joined: January 11, 2003
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Posted: Wednesday, December 17, 2014 - 11:09 PM UTC
Great looking build.
I like the look of this kit so I've bought one myself! May not arrive until after the holidays but I've got plenty to keep me going.
foenetik
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Rhode Island, United States
Joined: September 07, 2014
KitMaker: 52 posts
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Posted: Wednesday, December 17, 2014 - 11:50 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Great looking build.
I like the look of this kit so I've bought one myself! May not arrive until after the holidays but I've got plenty to keep me going.



Awesome! you will definitely enjoy it. I am partial to Tamiya kits to begin with but this one is no exception. Its quality is just as good as their Lexus LFA kit, and beyond (thats my favorite, non "detail-up kit" car kits).

I'm glad I possibly showcased it well enough to help you decide to build one. I feel like ive done my job
VonCuda
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North Carolina, United States
Joined: November 28, 2005
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Posted: Thursday, December 18, 2014 - 05:03 AM UTC
Looks great Tony. That valve cover looks awesome. Not too shiny, not to dull, just the right amount of weathering.

I see now why there is no fuel pump on the side of the head. I didn't realize that kit came with triple Mikuni carbs.

She's looking really good man. Very, very nice.
foenetik
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Rhode Island, United States
Joined: September 07, 2014
KitMaker: 52 posts
Auto Modeler: 48 posts
Posted: Thursday, December 18, 2014 - 09:54 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Looks great Tony. That valve cover looks awesome. Not too shiny, not to dull, just the right amount of weathering.

I see now why there is no fuel pump on the side of the head. I didn't realize that kit came with triple Mikuni carbs.

She's looking really good man. Very, very nice.



thank you! i really appreciate it.
AussieReg
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
#007
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Victoria, Australia
Joined: June 09, 2009
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Posted: Thursday, December 18, 2014 - 01:02 PM UTC
Beautiful work so far, love the finish and weathering. Really nice attention to the details.

Cheers, D
foenetik
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Rhode Island, United States
Joined: September 07, 2014
KitMaker: 52 posts
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Posted: Monday, December 22, 2014 - 11:59 AM UTC
Thanks!

So i have a favor to ask. Can anyone find me a wiring diagram or a good pic of an engine bay? this model has no battery wires or wiring harness and i want to add some wires. I have the battery wired but not sure where they routed any wires. i cant seem to find any good reference photos (google search). it would be greatly appreciated.
foenetik
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Rhode Island, United States
Joined: September 07, 2014
KitMaker: 52 posts
Auto Modeler: 48 posts
Posted: Monday, December 22, 2014 - 12:48 PM UTC
more progress!

As i mentioned above, planning on adding a wiring harness and battery cables, as i feel given the scale, and detail of this model its needed. plenty of space.

Battery. Used two different metal colors on the connectors. Hard to see but the post and bolt/nut are more of a light aluminum. The yellow is intentionally splotchy as i wanted to show some wear over time.


Pedal Box. This is a pretty neat feature. The pedals have a mecanical spring in it (rubber piece) so they actually push in, and return to base.


Here is a link to a video showing it in action.
http://vid124.photobucket.com/albums/p4/djfoenetik/AM%20Fairlady%20Z/Build/IMG_7380_zpspjp57m0z.mp4

Engine is installed.I know one of the caps is missing. I droppped it while cleaning and its nowhere to be found. Ill have to fab something up to cover it. oops..



Spare tire. I weathered it a bit. I find mildly sanding model tires gives them a more realistic finish than the shiny rubber they typically are.


Exhaust Installed.



Closeup of the underside of the business end. Shaping up nicely.


Just some closeups of how i painted all the bolt heads that Zinc Dichromate color.



All in all the car is shaping up nicely i think. Havent hit any snags or issues that are worth noting. Most of the time taken is waiting for paint to dry. Thanks for looking in!
AussieReg
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
#007
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Victoria, Australia
Joined: June 09, 2009
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Posted: Monday, December 22, 2014 - 06:30 PM UTC
Great work Tony, progressing beautifully.

Cheers, D
Szmann
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Netherlands Antilles
Joined: September 02, 2014
KitMaker: 1,977 posts
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Posted: Monday, December 22, 2014 - 06:44 PM UTC
That's a nice build. Following with maximum interest. warm regards.
warreni
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South Australia, Australia
Joined: August 14, 2007
KitMaker: 5,926 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, December 23, 2014 - 12:52 AM UTC
That exhaust looks deceptively simple but is a real pain to install. Well done. Is this the Rally Car version of the kit?
foenetik
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Rhode Island, United States
Joined: September 07, 2014
KitMaker: 52 posts
Auto Modeler: 48 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 23, 2014 - 03:38 AM UTC

Quoted Text

That exhaust looks deceptively simple but is a real pain to install. Well done. Is this the Rally Car version of the kit?



I have to agree. Its not as easy as it looks. At least to line up and keep straight. This is the "street custom" version
VonCuda
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North Carolina, United States
Joined: November 28, 2005
KitMaker: 2,216 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, December 23, 2014 - 09:48 AM UTC
I wouldn't have thought that painting the bolt heads would have made that much difference, but it really makes everything stand out. Super job on everything so far.

You guys are making me want one of these kits!

foenetik
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Rhode Island, United States
Joined: September 07, 2014
KitMaker: 52 posts
Auto Modeler: 48 posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 24, 2014 - 06:06 AM UTC

Quoted Text

I wouldn't have thought that painting the bolt heads would have made that much difference, but it really makes everything stand out. Super job on everything so far.

You guys are making me want one of these kits!




Thanks! yeah i mean i didnt paint the sides cause i didnt want to mask or repaint since i installed everything (was an afterthought) but i agree it makes things pop.

its a realy nice kit so far (i expect the 2nd half to be the same) so id say its definitely worth it to get. Especially if you like these cars.
warreni
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South Australia, Australia
Joined: August 14, 2007
KitMaker: 5,926 posts
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Posted: Friday, December 26, 2014 - 02:26 AM UTC
Warning!!! Warning Will Robinson!! (imagine robot waving arms around)

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT TRY AND USE SUPER GLUE AND ACCELERATOR WHEN GLUING YOUR FRONT BLINKER LENS IN PLACE!!

If you do they will shatter.. ask me how I know.. I dare you...
VonCuda
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North Carolina, United States
Joined: November 28, 2005
KitMaker: 2,216 posts
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Posted: Friday, December 26, 2014 - 02:54 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Warning!!! Warning Will Robinson!! (imagine robot waving arms around)

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT TRY AND USE SUPER GLUE AND ACCELERATOR WHEN GLUING YOUR FRONT BLINKER LENS IN PLACE!!

If you do they will shatter.. ask me how I know.. I dare you...







I'm not laughing at you brother, I'm just laughing. I used to have a small pile of broken plastic kits in one corner of my model room. Every time I made a serious mistake on a model I'd fling it across the room where it would hit the wall and fall to the floor with the rest of the "mistakes".
warreni
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South Australia, Australia
Joined: August 14, 2007
KitMaker: 5,926 posts
Auto Modeler: 116 posts
Posted: Friday, December 26, 2014 - 06:34 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

Warning!!! Warning Will Robinson!! (imagine robot waving arms around)

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT TRY AND USE SUPER GLUE AND ACCELERATOR WHEN GLUING YOUR FRONT BLINKER LENS IN PLACE!!

If you do they will shatter.. ask me how I know.. I dare you...







I'm not laughing at you brother, I'm just laughing. I used to have a small pile of broken plastic kits in one corner of my model room. Every time I made a serious mistake on a model I'd fling it across the room where it would hit the wall and fall to the floor with the rest of the "mistakes".



I have only taught one kit how to fly.. an ancient Frog thing that is now packed away somewhere..

Wouldn't have a clue why the blinker lens disintegrated...
foenetik
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Rhode Island, United States
Joined: September 07, 2014
KitMaker: 52 posts
Auto Modeler: 48 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 27, 2014 - 03:19 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Warning!!! Warning Will Robinson!! (imagine robot waving arms around)

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT TRY AND USE SUPER GLUE AND ACCELERATOR WHEN GLUING YOUR FRONT BLINKER LENS IN PLACE!!

If you do they will shatter.. ask me how I know.. I dare you...



Yikes. Noted! Im actually rebuilding the steering column. I accidentally put glue inside the column and when i turned it it wasnt dry and cause it melts styrene it ruined the connection inside. Then i was going to ca it but it wouldnt turn then. So rebuilding it. Fun fun. Thats weird it did that. I also now realize you are building one and to re answer what version im building.. I wasnt aware there was diff versions. I know it has the parts of the regular car and then they added the street custom stuff. But i didnt do any research further than following the instructions. so if me saying street custom above sounded like im oblivious to what you asked.... Its cause i was and didnt know what you meant haha. Im just following the directions and taking a few artistic liberties.
foenetik
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Rhode Island, United States
Joined: September 07, 2014
KitMaker: 52 posts
Auto Modeler: 48 posts
Posted: Tuesday, January 06, 2015 - 05:58 AM UTC
dash complete. No major issues. The gauge decals are a little bit bigger than the surface they adhere to but nothing that ruins it. Other than that it went together well.





Seats. I went for the one racing seat and one bucket. Maybe the owner is a weekend racer. Plus i wanted to use the 5pt harness. Painted the bolts with chrome to make them stand out a bit.









Interior. Since this is a driven car i did some minor distressing throughout. Just some light chips and such. nothing major.





Trunk. So the spare tire goes under this floor thats a vinyl material (like the sidewalls pictured) and its a the size of the whole trunk. I thought it would be really hard to get it out to show off the spare so i cut it like a more modern car would have and i wrapped it in fabric. im pretty happy with it, and its easily removeable to show it off. When its in place you can barely tell its cut. it shows up more in the pics than in person.





Door Skins. One thing to note, the directions say theres no need to paint these vinyl ish parts but on mine the color was really uneven so i coated them lightly with semi gloss to even the color out. then i just did some minor wear. again, it shows up more in the pics than in person.





One thing id like to point out... The mirror sticker doesnt match the shape of the rear view mirror. im going to either paint it with alclad chrome or try to cut my own. not sure if theyre all like that but wanted to mention it.



Heres some pics of everything assembled. I did some minor wear on the strut tower brace. again, i will weather the car later when its all together (before i attach body) as i dont want to waste any paint. This car took enough as is..











I have mostly everything painted. I just need to do all the body painting. This will take some time cause i want it to come out nice so im sanding each coat of primer. Im working on an electrical harness as well (which is why the battery isnt in yet). So far so good though. Nothing major as far as kit issues other than the rear view.
warreni
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South Australia, Australia
Joined: August 14, 2007
KitMaker: 5,926 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, January 06, 2015 - 01:35 PM UTC
Just use a bit of left over chrome sticker from the mirror one. Easy to trim with the raised edge.
Szmann
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Netherlands Antilles
Joined: September 02, 2014
KitMaker: 1,977 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, January 06, 2015 - 06:14 PM UTC
Very accurate. A joy to see you at work. Thanks for sharing.