59 Imperial - mild custom

Here's my latest: the Model King reissue of the 59 Imperial. I think AMT have just re-released this kit.
The body was ok. I had to fill some sink marks and mask the badges before paint, as the details were light.
I'm going for an early 60's custom look, with Bellflowers, zebra upholstery and riding low on wire wheels. I decided against the spare tyre bulge in the trunk lid, as I don't like the way it spoils the swooping lines from the rear window to bumper.
Paint is a nod to Larry Watson, who was one of the best.

Got the paint on, today. Nail polish thins nicely, so it dries pretty fast. Glitter colours can be a pain, though. They're prone to clogging and can leave a sandy surface. But a bit of elbow grease solves that problem.

Here's a close up of the roof. It sparkles more to the naked eye

Great work fogging in the panels.

More great paint. Have you put flake in the paint?

Oh MAN, that excellent paint work!!!! Thanx.

Beautiful start! The model is so very unique and the paint is simply magnificent.

Thanks chaps!
I ditched the zebra seats idea, (decals were too small)
Had a lightbulb moment and remembered I had a sheet of upholstery decals, by Scale Motorsport. The colour matches the body well, so I went with that.

Nice decals. They're a great color match for the exterior. I wasn't even aware they made interior decal material. Thanks for that.

Got the interior put together, today.


I used a parts box Impala steering wheel, as the kit item was garbage. I also added a dash-mounted mirror and carpeted it with white embossing powder on double sided tape.

It's all looking great Geoff but I particularly like the fades in the paintwork.

Beautiful work! Those interior decals turned out fabulous and I echo Al on the body paint effects.

Man, those interior decals are gorgeous. They add a new level of realism to the seats. I'm going to have to try it soon.

Thanks everyone
I'm glad you approve.
Did a mock-up to check fit issues. Got most of the chrome on, too.

These wheels have nice fine spokes.

Things DID seem to go well on this one, from mental planning thru to near completion! Kudos on putting so much creativity and work in on this one. It's one of the few "outrageous" Detroit designs that lends itself to stock-as-custom as your paint job and wheel choice demonstrate.

Gorgeous work! The mock up looks fantastic, love the wire spoke rims. And once again I am completely taken by that paint job, totally fabulous.