1957 Chevy Bel Air - Boyd Coddington "Chubster" Almost

[modelcarjr]

I started this build a couple of weeks ago be taking the AMT Boyd Coddington kit and eliminating the door handles, all the scripts and Vs and incorporating the chrome hood bar and hood bar extensions onto the body and hood and then painting everything Dupli-color Bright Red with a lacquer clear. I rubbed out the body and then added the foil. I think this will cover all the body changes to the 57 Chevy. Of course, the "Chubster" had a custom interior and a custom LS2 engine. I won't be able to make those modifications but at least the exterior may be close. I'm going with a standard red and black Bel Air interior and the 409 engine with the air induction from the 69 Olds. I am also going to see if I can use the PE rear fender inserts without scripts and badges from the AMT Pro Shop kit. Here are a few photos of the almost finished body. Thanks for looking! 

[406 Silverado]

I always look forward to seeing you post your work JR. Fantastic painting and BMF skills at work here. Just beautiful.

[garydavis]

Man JR.....that really looks GOOD! Great job on the body mods, paint and BMF. Super clean for sure.

[Leon]

Nice work on the body and paint!

[buddho]

Gorgeous! Love it.

[modelcarjr]

Thanks, All! I completed the engine, chassis and interior. The engine is the 409 in the kit with the 283 intake manifold, fan belt and fan. I used a round piece of scrap plastic as an alternator. I used a carb and air cleaner from the parts box that I think came from a Plymouth Belvedere. The interior is the standard red and black Bel Air interior. I removed the column shifter from steering column, added a turn signal indicator and added the steering wheel and floor shifter from the parts box. I am using a toothy grill with the turn signal from the light bar attached to the grill. The actual car uses a modified light bar with the Boyd Coddington signature plate in the center. Since I can't duplicate that, interior or engine I made my own modifications. Thanks for looking!

[garydavis]

The chassis and interior really look great! Nice and clean work.

[Joe Rix]

That is some truly beautiful work JR. The paint and foil are flawless. Like how you've gone about with your detailing and modifications. Just looks stunning all around.

[modelcarjr]

Thanks, Gary and Joe! I appreciate your comments!

I didn't like the big wheels with the rubber band tires so I changed them out to regular size tires and wheels from the 33 Ford that look like the American Racing wheels with spinners that I have on my 1:1 57 Chevy. I like these much better. I've also completed the front end. Only the rear and fender inserts left to go! Thanks for looking!

[406 Silverado]

Dang JR!!! I missed that the update prior to this one but I sure saw the latest. Love the stance and wheel/ tire selection on this one. Paint shine and BMF work are impeccable!!! Really putting on quite the show with this red beauty buddy. Looking forward to more progress on this one.

BTW....what color and brand is this paint you're using here for the body?

[70 STING]

Very cool ride. I don’t get the voodoo of Bare Metal Foil. Looks perfect.

[406 Silverado]

May 5, 2023 8:13:49 GMT -5 70 STING said:

Very cool ride. I don’t get the voodoo of Bare Metal Foil. Looks perfect.

Me either....at least with JR here. This guy can apply BMF like no one I've ever seen.

[garydavis]

JR...personally, I like the wheel change. They go with that style of car. This 57 is off the hook!

[modelcarjr]

Thanks, Joe, Sting, and Gary! I appreciate your comments! I've worked with BMF for years and my method is to cut in lengths and width that fit the piece of trim I am working on (using a ruler and eyeball technique) apply it with my fingers, rub it down with a cotton swab and a toothpick. Trim any extra foil. Its a really pretty simple method.

This one is done. The rear fender inserts from the AMT Pro Shop kit were a little smaller than this AMT body. So I first used some Matte Aluminum foil in the space and placed the PE insert in the middle so that the foil is visible on both the top and bottom of the PE insert instead of leaving a red border. I also shortened the PE insert about 1/16" with a scissors. The kit bumpers have some mold lines that I tried to remove and replace with chrome pen. Other than that it turned out pretty well! Thanks for looking!

[garydavis]

That my friend looks GREAT!

[modelcarjr]

Thanks, Gary! I appreciate your comment! Joe, I forgot to answer you on the paint. Its Dupli-Color Bright Red out of the can. Krylon clear Lacquer for gloss.

[406 Silverado]

May 6, 2023 8:51:36 GMT -5 modelcarjr said:

Thanks, Gary! I appreciate your comment! Joe, I forgot to answer you on the paint. Its Dupli-Color Bright Red out of the can. Krylon clear Lacquer for gloss.

Such a beautiful result and I can't believe that this is Duplicolor Red right out of the frickin CAN??!!! Dude.....You've gotta be frickin' KIDDING me!!!

Such a beautiful result on the paint and then the dang shine. Your efforts on this beauty are to be commended JR.

[modelcarjr]

Thanks, Joe! I appreciate your comment! I am pleased to report that this build took 2nd place the Houston IPMS contest in Customs and Low Riders. Unusual, since a few of the Low Rider builders didn't show. Its better to be lucky than good, sometimes!

Unfortunately, its been raining for the last 4 days, almost all day, so I am not making much progress on my next build.

[406 Silverado]

May 10, 2023 21:15:10 GMT -5 modelcarjr said:

Thanks, Joe! I appreciate your comment! I am pleased to report that this build took 2nd place the Houston IPMS contest in Customs and Low Riders. Unusual, since a few of the Low Rider builders didn't show. Its better to be lucky than good, sometimes!

Unfortunately, its been raining for the last 4 days, almost all day, so I am not making much progress on my next build.

A BIG congratulations is in order for your win in Houston JR. That's RIGHT.....the show was this past weekend wasn't it? I missed it ...............again!!!

Hang in there at the bench. The weather should be clearing by next weekend. lol. Looking forward to your project.

[dannimal]

The Outlaw II wheels definitely look the best on it!