Dale Earnhardt 1987 Wrangler #3 Monte Carlo

[chops1sc]

I picked this guy up a few weeks ago and I couldn't wait to get it started!




I went ahead and stripped the chrome off and started on the engine. It's just sitting there for now. I need to paint it and I might modify the valve covers. I don't believe they looked like that back then. I might add some wiring also. Stay tuned for more!

[chops1sc]

Got some more work done! I hope to get some paint on the roll cage this week.

[chops1sc]

I modified the pulley assembly for the engine to match this picture I found.

[chops1sc]

Filled the door seams on the body (sorry, no pics yet) and primed with Ultimate grey.

Painted the headers with Vallejo black grey and tried to get a "well used" look without being too rusty using Tamiya brown panel line and Vallejo pigments.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Nice rusty pipes
Good job

[chops1sc]

Thanks! I haven't done a car in a while but I'm trying to apply as much of my armor techniques as possible.

[DrSprue]

Cool, love Nascar super auto's. Got the Revell 44 Hot Wheels Kyle Petty Grand Prix (1997) not only in the stash but started the engine a while ago. I believe this was from the 500th Winston Cup series. Cool stuff, ill be watchin.

[chops1sc]

Thanks! I built a bunch of these back when I was a teenager. I think I still have them in a box somewhere, I need to dig them out.

Finished the engine, I may still add more detail. Added more roll bars to the cage. And I hollowed out the exhaust pipe (didn't get a before shot...).

[Twokidsnosleep]

Engine looks great!!!
If you hit those recesses with a bit of pin wash/panel line/ oil wash whatever, it makes all those details really pop!!
Just like the washes on planes and tanks

A F40 engine as an example

[chops1sc]

Thanks! I did put some Tamiya black panel line wash on it but I think I wiped too much off, LOL! I'm debating on whether or not to try some ignition wires. I've never done any so it would be new territory for sure.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Oh totally go for it!! The realism jumps like crazy
You might have to modify the distributor and drill 8 little holes in it, then some wire, fishing line, tubing whatever you can find in scale
Have a peek online, there are tons of tips

[kpisnuts]

That engine is awesome.

[Ij001]

New around here, but this is the first build that catches my eye. Love the engine work, very nice indeed, looking forward to following this build as it progresses.



Ian.

[chops1sc]

Thanks! I was able to do some more work but forgot to take pics. As soon as I can I will post an update!

[HIghAltitudeScale]

One of my favorite Earnhardt schemes. Thanks for sharing and I cant wait to see the rest of the build.

[chops1sc]

Got the radiator assembly painted and together. Added a little wash on the fins.



Painted the rear suspension assembly.



And added a little more wash to the engine.

[chops1sc]

Forgot to add this one. Trying to fill the door gaps!

[Twokidsnosleep]

See there you go!!!
Those rad and engine washes look great.
You are on a good tack right now with this build

I am a car builder and ISM was predominantly tanks and AFV’s when I joined. But so liked the weathering and painting methods that Paul was doing on tanks and thought how it could be brought to autos to stop them looking so plasticky

[chops1sc]

Thanks again!

I am waiting for some Tamiya Blue (X-4) to arrive so I can start painting the roll cage and eventually the body. I originally thought Model Masters Cobalt Blue would be the right color but it seems to be too light. You can see it on the under-carriage part that I painted. Hopefully the Tamiya blue will be closer to the right color.

[exmoor]

Doing a great job there love the exhuast weathering

[chops1sc]

Thanks!

I got my new Tamiya blue and I think it will work out much better.

[chops1sc]

Got some Ultimate white primer down after another coat of grey.


Got to paint the roll cage, too! It was difficult getting all the nooks and crannies but it’s done!


Tamiya X-4, Badger Patriot AB

Just a few more parts to paint and I can start assembling!

[DrSprue]

Oh thats looking cool now!

[Jacklans111]

There are not enough cars on this site. This one is looking great! Sweet kit and looking good so far!

[chops1sc]

Got a lot done tonight! Got the interior pretty much assembled completely. I also got the engine and drivetrain done. I don’t know what if any weathering I will do. I’ll probably weather the engine bay and the underside of the chassis.







I just have to get the wheels and tires done and paint the body! Thanks for looking!

[chops1sc]

Gloss coated the roll cage.

[chops1sc]

Got the tire letters painted and installed on the car!




Tried to get the camber right like the circle track stock cars use.


Now I just have to paint the body.... NO PRESSURE!!

[chops1sc]

So I was finally able to get the colors down on the body!



Next comes the decals!

[demarcation]

Nice work so far!!

[DrSprue]

Yup, startin to look like Earnhardt's Car... Love Nascar!

[GaryDavis]

I read this thread from the start and I'll say you're doing a good job on this car. That chassis looks ready to hit the track In the pic of the body with the paint scheme on it...the paint looks like flat. If so..don't forget to shoot clear on it first before putting on the decals. That will keep them from silvering. That's if you didn't know that already... This is really looking good...I can see Dale Sr. giving the lopsided smile right now!! LOL

[chops1sc]

Thanks guys!

I read this thread from the start and I'll say you're doing a good job on this car. That chassis looks ready to hit the track In the pic of the body with the paint scheme on it...the paint looks like flat. If so..don't forget to shoot clear on it first before putting on the decals. That will keep them from silvering. That's if you didn't know that already... This is really looking good...I can see Dale Sr. giving the lopsided smile right now!! LOL

Yeah, it now has a nice coat of Future and is awaiting decals.

[chops1sc]

Finally finished up this guy! The colors don’t quite match the decals but it doesn’t look too bad!