tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43728443790887589502024-03-14T17:27:56.820+08:00Gee's GarageEugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-73800239912773239712011-01-30T22:01:00.003+08:002011-01-30T22:18:29.999+08:00Collection: Hot Wheels '09 Corvette ZR1 & Ford Mustang FastbackThe Corvette ZR1 is basically the car that is made to go faster than the car its based on, the Corvette C6. Like an E63 AMG to a regular E-Class, or the 430 Scuderia to the F430. Capable of going 0-100km.h in 3.3s, its pretty quick. What I like most about this car is that its able to go round corners as impressively as its straight line speed, which earned the 2009 Performance Car of the Year from Top Gear.<div><br /></div><div>Which is impressive I must say, for an American car. American cars are only known to be good to go quick in the straight lines, and are rubbish round the bends. Which brings us to the other car that gave rise to this reputation, the Ford Mustang Fastback.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mustangs are exceptional for going in straight lines, and this one is no different. Labelled the Fastback because of the shape of the car by Caroll Shelby, this car was also meant to be the high performance version of the original Ford Mustang.</div><div><br /></div><div>I got most of these cars of the pegs, which wasn't too hard and the exclusive recolours off a trade with a collector from Singapore.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06011.jpg" width="320" /></center><center><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06013.jpg" width="320" /></center><center><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06012.jpg" width="320" /></center><center><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06014.jpg" width="320" /></center><center><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06015.jpg" width="320" /></center><center><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06017.jpg" width="320" /></center></div>Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-5559308804642980222011-01-22T10:00:00.000+08:002011-01-21T17:25:11.077+08:00Collection: Hot Wheels Nissan SkylineKeeping with the JDM theme from the last post, I will be featuring the Nissan Skyline this time around. One of the first few castings that lured me into collecting Hot Wheels, this casting is a thing of beauty. This car needs no introduction, and if you do not know this car, you should really not call yourself a car enthusiast.<div><br /></div><div>This R32 casting made its debut in the Hot Wheels line in blue and white along with racing tampo, and a huge APT across the side. For the next recolour in the basic car line, Hot Wheels was on top of its game producing the casting under the Dropstars Series. And as if that was not good enough, the Treasure Hunt version one year later was even more fantastic. Orange, white and a very well detailed racing design has made it a huge hit amongst collectors, notably those on the east side of the world. Unfortunately, the flame tampo in black and gold recolours after that was less attractive.</div><div><br /></div><div>I managed to get most of these R32s by means of trades and buying them off other collectors. I think being in a community of other collectors has helped me expand my collection greatly. I have yet to obtain the T-Hunt$ for the Skyline, can't wait to get my hands on one!</div><br /><br /><center><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06027.jpg" width="320" /></center><center><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06066.jpg" width="320" /></center><center><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06034.jpg" width="320" /></center>Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-73732409159606178092011-01-14T10:00:00.000+08:002011-01-14T10:00:01.142+08:00Collection: Hot Wheels Honda Civic Si<center><img src='http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06018.jpg' width=320></center><br /><br />The Honda Civic Si, one of Japan's many automobile icons. Now in its 8th generation now, the car is still popular as ever if not more. This line of cars under the Honda badge has served as a race car, a rally car, making it into a popular drift cartoon and simply a family car ferrying people from point A to point B. Hot Wheels made this new casting to replace the older Honda Civic Si casting from 2001.<br /><br />I have completed my First Editions of Honda Civic by Hot Wheels nearly a year ago, together with the three All Star recolours in 2008. This casting has also been customized by me twice already, another testament to its popularity. Ironically, it was this casting that got me started in customizing 1/64 cars.<br /><br />We all know that there is a SEMA version of the green FE Civic. Since I couldn't afford nor find one off the racks, I decided to make my own, spraying the hood and bonnet flat black. <br /><br />Now that the Honda Civic Si has evolved from this model, perhaps Hot Wheels should follow Matchbox or Tomica and update its Civic too?<br /><br /><center><img src='http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06019.jpg' width=320></center><center><img src='http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06020.jpg' width=320></center>Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-56384733257595866982011-01-11T10:00:00.001+08:002011-01-11T19:38:18.317+08:00Collection: 2003 First Editions Enzo Ferrari<center><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/IMG_1470.jpg" width="320" /></center><br /><br />To be honest, I am an avid First Editions collector. I have this obsession for being first, I guess. : P<div><br /></div><div>Anyway, this came in the mail today, courtesy of a click and a few keystrokes online. I enjoy collecting Ferraris and First Editions, so seeing this one a good price was too good to pass up. I have been looking on and off for this piece for a while now, and prices have been pretty high. I'm pretty happy I got it at less than half the prices listed. : )</div><div><br /></div><div>So thats another Enzo off my list. Joy.</div><br /><br /><center><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC01378.jpg" width="320" /></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">On a side note, Hot Wheels do make a lot of red Enzos don't they?</center>Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-84550546928839078712011-01-07T10:00:00.001+08:002011-01-11T19:37:52.478+08:00eBay Watch: Hot Wheels 2011 Happy New Year VW Drag TruckOn the last eBay Watch article I wrote about how a peg warmer can increase in value over time. In that case, the Chevy Silverado took more than 3 years before it appreciated in value. As collectors, besides the value of your collection appreciating, we also look out for bargains. And on eBay, we always hunt for bargains.<div><br /></div><div>And in this 2011, are you looking to step up your game and start collecting those collector chase models? </div><div><br /></div><div>Like, say a VW Drag Truck?</div><div><br /><br /><center><img src="http://southtexasdiecast.com/hwguide/images/holidayhotrods/V1442.jpg" width="320" /></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">2011 Holiday Hot Rods Chase: VW Drag Truck (image from southtexasdiecast.com)</span></div><br /></div><div>A highly sought after model and a chase piece in the series, one would imagine the price to be pretty high. Surprisingly, that's not always the case. Looking at the prices that this VW Drag Truck has been selling, they have been sold from as high as <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Hot-Wheels-2011-Happy-New-Year-Volkswagen-VW-Drag-Truck-/140490165888?pt=Diecast_Vehicles&hash=item20b5ddce80">US$10</a> per piece (equivalent to RM31) to as low as <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Hot-Wheels-Happy-New-Year-2011-VW-VOLKSWAGEN-DRAG-TRUCK-/220715369895?pt=Diecast_Vehicles&hash=item3363a945a7#ht_1094wt_1137">US$4.46</a> (equivalent to RM13.70). Not too expensive, considering that the Ecto-1 First Editions are going for US$10 (equivalent to RM30).</div><div><br /></div><div>So keep an eye out for pieces like these on its initial release, when they are still on the pegs they go for a pretty reasonable price and increase in value over time pretty rapidly. As I write the Buy It Now prices for these are around US$8 and the bids are holding steady at that amount too. If you are looking to start collecting VW Drag Trucks, that piece may just be the starting point for you.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>P.S.: There are even cheaper VW Drag Trucks if you look hard enough, such as <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HOT-WHEELS-CLASSICS-VW-DRAG-TRUCK-ANTIFREEZE-/350425655038?pt=Diecast_Vehicles&hash=item5196ff26fe#ht_500wt_1156">this</a> and <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HOT-WHEELS-CLASSICS-VW-DRAG-TRUCK-PURPLE-/350425654717?pt=Diecast_Vehicles&hash=item5196ff25bd#ht_500wt_1156">this</a> and <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HOT-WHEELS-CLASSICS-VW-DRAG-TRUCK-ORANGE-/350425654399?pt=Diecast_Vehicles&hash=item5196ff247f#ht_500wt_1156">this</a> and <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Hot-Wheels-Phils-Garage-Volkswagen-Drag-Truck-/230565705492?pt=Diecast_Vehicles&hash=item35aec97714#ht_500wt_1156">this</a>.</div>Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-955210975395357162011-01-04T10:00:00.006+08:002011-01-04T18:53:33.582+08:00eBay Watch: 2007 First Editions Chevy SilveradoHere's a new column that I will be adding to my blog. We all know that one of our favourite spots to purchase our Hot Wheels online is eBay (or also known as evilBay to some of us). People look at eBay to find those cars they cannot find on the pegs, be it Walmart/Kmart Day Exclusive Recolours, Super/Regular Treasure Hunts, other series not available locally, older basic cars no longer in production or simply cars that are supposed to be on the pegs but they are no where to be found.<br /><br />Today I will be featuring a car that I have seen regularly on the pegs back home in Malaysia two years ago when I just started collecting: 2007 First Editions Chevy Silverado.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://southtexasdiecast.com/hwguide/images/2007/2007_020.jpg" width="320" /></center><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Hot Wheels Chevy Silverado (image from southtexasdiecast.com) </em></span></div><span><em style="font-size: 85%; "><div align="left"></div></em><div align="left" style="font-size: 85%; "><em><br /></em></div><span class="Apple-style-span" >The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular pickup truck in America, selling in excess of 800,000 units worldwide yearly. I would imagine the sales figures would be hard for Hot Wheels to replicate since I have seen many of these on the pegs. Hot Wheels have manufactured this model with a motorbike model on the rear trailer in four colours: Dark Orange, Dark Red, Black and Blue.<br /><br />Over the last two weeks, this First Editions Chevy Silverado has seen a rise in price. The Dark Orange variation was sold for <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com.au/CHEVY-SILVERADO-20-2007-New-Models-Hot-Wheels-Lot-2-/110625166058?pt=Diecast_Vehicles&hash=item19c1c612ea#ht_993wt_903">US$6.50</a> (equivalent to RM20) to <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com.au/hot-wheels-2007-FE-20-CHEVY-SILVERADO-COPPER-NMC-LITE-/390273271801?pt=Diecast_Vehicles&hash=item5ade1987f9#ht_2651wt_903">US$8.50</a> (equivalent to RM26), and the Black variation sold for <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com.au/2007-HOT-WHEELS-FIRST-EDITIONS-CHEVY-SILVERADO-/120662394993?pt=Diecast_Vehicles&hash=item1c180a0871#ht_1021wt_1137">US$5.50</a> (equivalent to RM16.80). The lowest of which is now equivalent to a majority of regular T-Hunts on the market, and a whopping 500% gain in value from retail price. Not bad for a local peg warmer two years ago, I'd say.<br /><br />Currently, eBay sellers are selling these starting from <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com.au/CHEVY-SILVERADO-LOT-2-First-Edition-2007-20-36-Rare-/260714089884?pt=Diecast_Vehicles&hash=item3cb3c54d9c">US$4.88</a> and there are active bidders for it on the market.<br /><br />Do you have a 2007 First Editions Chevy Silverado in your collection? Share your thoughts with me in the comments section!</span></span>Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-86196421698853888222011-01-03T15:19:00.002+08:002011-01-03T15:30:57.643+08:00Happy New Year from Gee's Garage.Happy new year you guys, to those who has been visiting this sit for the last 10 months and found this site dead: I'm sorry! I decided to take a year's break away from Hot Wheels collecting and customizing since I lack time due to commitments. Also, I felt that I was a bit burned out on ideas and the 2010 line of cars weren't really exciting to me. I guess that happens when I don't pace yourself in collecting, and see too much of the cars.<br /><br />Anyway, this year I hope to be able to bring more customizations and share more of my collections here. I have a new column in the works as well, I'll trial it out and see how it goes from there.<br /><br />I have been shopping the past few days and got myself up to speed with the latest cars and got those that I missed out last year. A lot of places are having sales for these basic cars over here in Australia, with Big W selling AU$1 for one basic car (this equates to RM3.15) and Crazy Clark selling AU$1.60 per basic car (equivalent to RM5). So I got a couple for collection and another few to be ripped apart later for customizations.<br /><br /><center><img src='http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/IMG_1465.jpg' width=320></center><center><img src='http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/IMG_1462.jpg' width=320></center><br /><br />That's all from me for now. Happy new years to everyone, and especially those who still visits!<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Eugene.Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-44444086874285568832010-03-13T21:44:00.004+08:002010-03-13T22:00:57.889+08:00Collection: Hot Wheels '65 Volkswagen Fastback & Volkswagen Drag TruckSorry for the long hiatus! I have been busy moving house and settling down in my new home. I just recently got internet (hurray!) and I'm able to update a little more on my collection.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view&current=DSC06139.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06139.jpg" alt="vw fastback" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view&current=DSC06135.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06135.jpg" alt="vw drag truck" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br /><br />I have previously blogged about my VW Fastback collection and I am happy to have included another VW Fastback for 2009. It is from the Hot Wheels Garage Series, under Phil's Garage. Designed by Phil Riehlman, this car also sports the new 5-spoke rims which can be found in the 288 GTO and super TH Chevy Camaro.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view&current=DSC06140.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06140.jpg" alt="vw fastback" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view&current=DSC06141.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06141.jpg" alt="vw fastback" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view&current=DSC06142.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06142.jpg" alt="vw fastback" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />The other one as per title is the VW Drag Truck. A definite favourite amongst collectors, due to its weight and funky design. It is quite good amongst customizers too, since there is a lot of space to work with. Despite debuting only in 2004, it has already been reproduced under the RLC Club Car, Japan Custom Show Car, made it to Mail-In Offers twice just to name a few.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view¤t=DSC06136.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06136.jpg" border="0" alt="vw drag truck" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view¤t=DSC06137.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06137.jpg" border="0" alt="vw drag truck" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view¤t=DSC06138.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06138.jpg" border="0" alt="vw drag truck" border="0" width="320" /></a></center>Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-14244452192298712002010-02-20T16:27:00.003+08:002010-02-20T16:44:32.942+08:00Collection: Hot Wheels Ferrari 288 GTOI am back in Australia! Since the beginning of the year, Mattel has followed up the highly successful Larry's Garage series with Hot Wheels Garage. This is a series of cars that feature designs by notable Hot Wheels designers Wayne Scott and Phil Riehlman on top of Larry Wood.<br /><br />One particular car that really caught my eye in this lineup is the 288 GTO. First debuted in the First Editions as the Ferrari GTO, it was originally red and then had two recolours: yellow and copper. The 288 GTO appears again in 2010 under the Phil's Garage, and everything about it is awesome. The new rims, the paintjob, the detailing, everything!<br /><br />So after seeing fellow collectors in Australia purchasing the model, I managed to get one myself after I came back. Enjoy the pics!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view&current=DSC06076.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06076.jpg" alt="288 gto" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view&current=DSC06077.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06077.jpg" alt="288 gto" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view&current=DSC06078.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06078.jpg" alt="288 gto" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view&current=DSC06103.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06103.jpg" alt="288 gto" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view&current=DSC06104.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06104.jpg" alt="288 gto" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view&current=DSC06105.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06105.jpg" alt="288 gto" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view&current=DSC06106.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06106.jpg" alt="288 gto" border="0" width="320" /></a></center>Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-40714162317171285622010-02-15T23:38:00.002+08:002010-02-16T00:07:56.536+08:00Collection: Hot Wheels '65 Volkswagen FastbackSince I posted the touch up on the VW Fastback, I have received quite a bit of comments on the casting. In my personal collection, I have these three. The casting itself, has been pretty well done on the outside and inside. Details, tempo and flamework on the exterior, the interior has a roll cage, engine, one bucket seat (with seat belts), fire extingusher, etc.<br /><br />They put so much effort into this casting, that when it was distributed into the cases there was only ONE piece in 72. That's as rare as a Treasure Hunt! The weight (everything except roll cage is metal), the history of the VW Fastback, and the limited numbers made this casting a very sought after piece.<br /><br />Right after the initial First Edition release in 2008, the VW Fastback was a Toys R Us Mail-In promo item in the US for 2009. I was fortunate enough to have received help from a fellow collector to get my hands on it. In 2010, the VW Fastback has been reproduced under the Hot Wheels Phil's Garage, but is a US Target exclusive. Anybody has got an extra to trade? : )<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view¤t=DSC06081.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06081.jpg" border="0" alt="vw fastback" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view¤t=DSC06082.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06082.jpg" border="0" alt="vw fastback" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view¤t=DSC06084.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06084.jpg" border="0" alt="vw fastback" border="0" width="320" /></a></center>Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-71884150127928927542010-02-13T15:40:00.003+08:002010-02-13T16:17:46.502+08:00Kustom Restoration: '65 Volkswagen FastbackJust a small touch-up in the interior for this one. A friend of mine had recently acquired a Hot Wheels VW Fastback with a faulty wheel so he swapped it with rubbers. When he shown it to us at our local Friday gatherings, I couldn't help it but to ask him if I could detail the interior and exterior for him.<br /><br />So yeah, I did. The rubbers wheels and the casting would not be justice without detailing, full stop. The interior was very well moulded, with an engine attachment, roll cage, fire extinguisher and bucket seat amongst others.<br /><br />Time for pics!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view¤t=DSC06057.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC06057.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view¤t=DSC06058.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC06058.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view¤t=DSC06050.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC06050.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view¤t=DSC06051.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC06051.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view¤t=DSC06054.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC06054.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view¤t=DSC06055.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC06055.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view¤t=DSC06056.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC06056.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center>Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-8744045175074276532010-02-10T16:31:00.005+08:002010-02-10T17:09:52.884+08:00Collection: Hot Wheels '09 Corvette ZR1It's been a while since I updated my collections! However, I find that with the low figure and promotions in Australia, I have swayed a bit from my original aim in collecting. I initially aimed to collect First Editions/Premiere/New Models of cars I fancy, be it supercars, japanese imports or american muscle.<br /><br />Today, I will feature the Corvette ZR1 by Hot Wheels. Released initially in the iconic metallic light blue colour, Hot Wheels has since produced 3 recolours for the 2008 FE (metallic red, silver and a K-Mart exclusive yellow) and 2 recolours for the 2009 FTE Series (copper & green). As I collect primarily First Edition cars, I have skipped the FTE recolours since they do not offer anything more than just an extra black hood.<br /><br />Currently one of the fastest and most powerful production vehicles in the world, the ZR1 was designed to be a high performance version of the Z06. Initially codenamed as the Blue Devil within GM, it does not disappoint. Featured in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9nLvvT1HB8">one episode of Top Gear</a>, Jeremy Clarkson's joy in driving this machine speaks volumes for this supercar.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view&current=DSC06011.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06011.jpg" alt="ZR1" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view&current=DSC06012.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06012.jpg" alt="ZR1" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/?action=view&current=DSC06013.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/HW%20Set/DSC06013.jpg" alt="ZR1" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><br /></center>Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-21119969956512490902010-02-04T14:18:00.004+08:002010-02-05T04:23:24.494+08:00Kustom RideZ: Lamborghini Murcielago<center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/?action=view&current=KRz.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/KRz.jpg" alt="Kustom RideZ" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />It's been another long hiatus, but I have been travelling a lot and also helping out the very first Hot Wheels Club Malaysia (HWCM) dinner and custom competition! We had some massive fun during dinner and also judging the custom competition with my friends danielh and enyomic. Kudos to HWCM!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Okay, back to the topic. This custom was made for cham2020, as he suggested an exchange custom. We will both do a Lamborghini Murcielago custom and then we will swap once we are done. He has completed his custom ages ago, whereas I just finished mine today. Sorry bro!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03455.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03455.jpg" alt="lambo murcie" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br /><br />The highlights of this custom would be the wing from a Lotus Esprit and the front bumper from a Lamborghini Gallardo. This casting of the Murcielago was when it still had the old-fashioned bumper and nowadays the intakes in front are slightly more squarish, ala Reventon. This is evident in the Murcielago LP640, Gallardo LP540/4, F430 Scuderia.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03456.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03456.jpg" alt="lambo murcie" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><div style="text-align: center;">Holes drilled for the wing.<br /></div><br />Erm, this part is rather embarassing. Unfortunately, I have accidentally wiped out the other production photos for this custom. I thought that I have saved them somewhere, but turns out I didn't. Many apologies! : ( Do feel free to ask me any questions, as usual, and I will try my best to get back to you.<br /><br />So, fast forward to the completed photos then! The custom Murcie is pictured together with a hauler, the original card and cham's exchange custom Murcie that he has completed and sent to me.<br /><br />Cheers! : )<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC05987.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC05987.jpg" alt="Custom #15 - 04/02/2010" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC05988.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC05988.jpg" alt="Custom #15 - 04/02/2010" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC05989.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC05989.jpg" alt="Custom #15 - 04/02/2010" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC05990.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC05990.jpg" alt="Custom #15 - 04/02/2010" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC05991.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC05991.jpg" alt="Custom #15 - 04/02/2010" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC05992.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC05992.jpg" alt="Custom #15 - 04/02/2010" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC05994.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC05994.jpg" alt="Custom #15 - 04/02/2010" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC05995.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC05995.jpg" alt="Custom #15 - 04/02/2010" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC05996.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC05996.jpg" alt="Custom #15 - 04/02/2010" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC05997.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC05997.jpg" alt="Custom #15 - 04/02/2010" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC05998.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC05998.jpg" alt="Custom #15 - 04/02/2010" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br /><br /><br /></div>Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-76622939290375804632009-12-18T01:03:00.003+08:002010-02-04T15:21:54.071+08:00Kustom RideZ: 2009 Nissan GT-R (again!)<center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/?action=view&current=KRz.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/KRz.jpg" alt="Kustom RideZ" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />The second part of the Nissan GT-R is completed! For this GT-R, the key parts were the hood and front bumper modification. Besides that it was the usual disassembly, paint strip, repaint and wheel swap.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03419.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03419.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03420.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03420.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center>The hood modification; parts fabricated using the card from the original hot wheels car<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03421.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03421.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center>Some parts of the front bumper chopped off.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03439.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03439.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center>The bonnet is raised using putty.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03440.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03440.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center>Some more bodywork using card and putty on the chassis.<br /><br />And the rest they say, is history! Here are the completed photos.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view¤t=DSC05954.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC05954.jpg" border="0" alt="Custom #14 - 10/12/09" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view¤t=DSC05956.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC05956.jpg" border="0" alt="Custom #14 - 10/12/09" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view¤t=DSC05955.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC05955.jpg" border="0" alt="Custom #14 - 10/12/09" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view¤t=DSC05957.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC05957.jpg" border="0" alt="Custom #14 - 10/12/09" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view¤t=DSC05963.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC05963.jpg" border="0" alt="Custom #14 - 10/12/09" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view¤t=DSC05958.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC05958.jpg" border="0" alt="Custom #14 - 10/12/09" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view¤t=DSC05960.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC05960.jpg" border="0" alt="Custom #14 - 10/12/09" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view¤t=DSC05961.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC05961.jpg" border="0" alt="Custom #14 - 10/12/09" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view¤t=DSC05962.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC05962.jpg" border="0" alt="Custom #14 - 10/12/09" width="320" /></a></center><br /><br />Hope you like! Leave any comments or questions in the section below. :-)Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-59761559403330108092009-10-31T19:01:00.005+08:002010-02-04T15:22:28.422+08:00Kustom RideZ: 2009 Nissan GT-R<center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/?action=view&current=KRz.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/KRz.jpg" alt="Kustom RideZ" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />Two weeks since I put up a work in progress notice, and the GT-R is done. I have had less time due to preparations for my upcoming exams next week. I have been customizing as a method of destressing. :-)<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03325.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03325.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br /><br />Anyway, as I mentioned this was a co-custom build with <a href="http://danielhmodelmeister.blogspot.com/">danielh</a>. My plan was to build a street version of the GT-R, whilst he builds the track version. In this version, I used putty heavily to mould a wide body kit.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03326.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03326.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />I started off by paint stripping the GT-R, then proceeded with cutting off the rear wing.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03334.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03334.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03337.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03337.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />The next step was moulding the putty to get the shape that I wanted for the body kit. Basically, it was:<br /><br />1. Knead.<br />2. Shape.<br />3. Let it sit.<br />4. Sand.<br />5. Repeat.<br /><br />Then repeat until you get the desired shape. I used a dremel and the sanding stone attachment to get shape the putty into a smooth and flat surface. Then I use sandpaper to further refine the surface.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03341.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03341.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03338.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03338.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03342.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03342.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03349.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03349.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03350.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03350.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03344.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03344.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03360.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03360.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03361.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03361.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />Then next step was to fit the replacement wheels I got from Maisto for it. Since the rear wheels are larger, I had to make a larger wheel well.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03365.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03365.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03362.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03362.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />The following steps should be elementary if you have followed my customs so far. Primer -> Paint -> Decal + Detail -> Gloss. If you need more info, click on the Kustom Methods tab located on the right sidebar.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03366.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03366.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03368.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03368.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03369.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03369.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />I detailed the interior, painted the rims, painted the chassis fabricated parts and painted them.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03373.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03373.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03378.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03378.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br /><br />And then, voila! The end result!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_7050.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_7050.jpg" alt="Custom #13 - 31/10/09" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_7049.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_7049.jpg" alt="Custom #13 - 31/10/09" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_7051.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_7051.jpg" alt="Custom #13 - 31/10/09" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_7053.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_7053.jpg" alt="Custom #13 - 31/10/09" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_7052.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_7052.jpg" alt="Custom #13 - 31/10/09" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_7054.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_7054.jpg" alt="Custom #13 - 31/10/09" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_7055.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_7055.jpg" alt="Custom #13 - 31/10/09" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_7056.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_7056.jpg" alt="Custom #13 - 31/10/09" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_7061.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_7061.jpg" alt="Custom #13 - 31/10/09" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_7064.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_7064.jpg" alt="Custom #13 - 31/10/09" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_7065.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_7065.jpg" alt="Custom #13 - 31/10/09" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_7066.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_7066.jpg" alt="Custom #13 - 31/10/09" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />This is not the last of the GT-R customs, danielh and I will be rolling out another one each after this! Stay tuned!Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-69835769133207733752009-10-13T17:09:00.003+08:002009-10-14T16:48:37.933+08:00Work In Progress: Nissan GT-R (Co-custom build with danielh).After my recent foray (albeit quite unsuccessful) into 1:24 scale modelling, I'm back to customizing 1:64 cars! This time, I have decided to be slightly ambitious and I'm going to do the Nissan GT-R.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03325.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03325.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03326.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03326.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />Check back soon for updates, or you can track my progress on the <a href="http://hwcmalaysia.forumj.net/hot-wheels-customs-f6/gee-s-garage-t1099.htm">HWCM thread</a> as always. Cheers!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03321.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03321.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">P.S.: This Nissan GT-R customs will be part of a joint venture with a fellow customizer <a href="http://danielhmodelmeister.blogspot.com/">danielh</a>. You can follow our builds on <a href="http://hwcmalaysia.forumj.net/hot-wheels-customs-f6/wip-two-way-co-custom-build-gee-danielh-s-nissan-gtrs-t2026.htm">this thread</a> in HWCM.<br /></div></center>Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-50020370219764580032009-10-06T01:30:00.001+08:002010-02-05T03:24:47.748+08:00Fujimi Subaru Impreza (M20b Tommy Kaira Tuned)Greetings! Thanks to a lot of poison (mostly from Cham), I have decided to start on plastic model kits. Hence I purchased three kits for me to start my model kit journey. The first of which I want to work with is this: the Subaru Impreza WRX. This is one of my favourite cars, and I see it as no better candidate to start.<br /><br />2/09/09: As this is the first kit, I decided that I should build it out of the box with a little changes in terms of colour in parts. The first thing I noticed was that the rims which was supposed to be gold, was a little dull. So I sprayed the rims with a brighter shade of gold. Then I proceeded to paint the front brake disc and calipers.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03280.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03280.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />Then I painted the front suspension springs. I wanted to paint only the rings red, so I cut 1mm masks using a knife to tape the insides. I was once told that the longer you spend to mask, the shorter your touch up work later on.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03281.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03281.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03282.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03282.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />After the paint has dried, the masks are removed. Then I glued both the wheels and suspension onto the chassis.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03283.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03283.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />While the glue dries, I have begun work on the body. I sanded off the mould lines and washed the body. Then the body is sent to primer, and left to harden for a week.<br /><br />3/09/09: Painted the rest of the brake calipers and discs, then fitted the exhaust, muffler, rear axle and wheels onto the chassis. Proceeded to detail the chassis.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03284.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03284.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />After the silver has dried, i weathered the chassis by washing the silver with smoke and using cotton buds to rub thinner on the black areas of the chassis.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03286.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03286.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />9/9/09: The primer have been sitting on the body for a week now. Wetsand tomorrow and then spraying the colour on! Haven't got much time for the interior, university group assignments are eating up lots of my time.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03287.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03287.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03288.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03288.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />13/9/09: Sprayed Tamiya TS-7 (Racing White) onto the body, giving it a milky off-white colour. Turned out pretty good, except for two or three spots with specks of dust. Its pretty darn dusty here in Australia. :-\ But anywho, still pretty happy with the end result! Will proceed from here by detailing the exterior bits before decals and gloss. I'm missing a few colours too, like clear orange and clear red for the lamps. I shall let the paint sit for a few days, while I work on the interior and get the colours I need. :-)<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03291.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03291.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03292.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03292.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03289.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03289.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03290.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03290.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />14/9/09: Did some work on the bucket seats today. I painted the wings (is that what you call it?) near the shoulders red and made a template for fabric using masking tape. First, I masked the area I want to cover in fabric, using strips of masking tape. Be careful not to crease the tape, the idea is to use small patches to go over the uneven contours.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03296.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03296.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />Then, using a hobby knife, I cut out the excess using the side contours of the seat as guides. Then the same step is repeated for the top half of the seat. This masking piece will serve as a template which i will stick on the fabric.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03297.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03297.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03298.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03298.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />After obtaining the template, I purchased this iron-on-mender from a local grocery shop for $3. I stick the masking on the fabric and cut it into shape. Then I glued the two pieces onto the seat, using PVA glue. I chose PVA glue because it will become clear when dry and thus leaving no stains. An alternative glue is white glue, though I don't think it will clear when dry.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03299.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03299.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03300.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03300.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />Then for the floor of the interior, I flocked it with bicarbonate soda, or simply known as baking soda. Flocking is simply sprinkling the bicarb soda on the interior after you have put glue on. Here, I again chose PVA glue, which i laced the bottom with and then sprinkling bicarb soda to give it a carpet effect. I will leave it to dry and harden overnight, before I do touch-up and paint over it.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03293.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03293.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03294.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03294.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03295.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03295.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />18/9/09: The bicarb soda completely dried, and so I painted the soda with flat black acrylic paint. It turned out very nicely.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03301.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03301.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />Looks quite like a carpeted flooring, I would say. Although it must be noted that it is very rough, I shall aim to make the flocking smoother next time round.<br /><br />Fitted the dashboard together, nothing major here. Just small detailing and decals for the tachometer.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03302.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03302.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />Once everything has dried, the interior is glued together. And with that, the interior is completed! Work on the body will be up next, and the car will be done. We're almost there.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03303.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03303.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03304.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03304.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />6/10/09: I know its been a long while, but I got some time on my hands to continue work on this Subaru. And today, I rushed it all! Painting the window frames, lamps, radiators and holes, washes, decals, everything! As a result of that, I botched up quite a number of jobs. :-( Some of the decals were accidentally touched, the body was slightly scratched when masking the window frames causing the black paint to bleed, some washes was too light and some washes were washed over. Looks like I have quite a lot of touch up on my hands. So basically the things left to do:<br /><br />1. Touch up.<br />2. Gloss.<br />3. Assembly.<br /><br />Then I should be done. I hope. :-)<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03311.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03311.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03310.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03310.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><br />12/10/2009: I have pieced the whole car together, without the gloss coat. The thing is there were some smudges after I painted the window frames, and I cannot touch up the white paint without masking everything again. I also couldn't paint a small area since the racing white was not available in acrylic. And I tried masking up to spray some areas with white but apparently even that is too thick. Moral of the story? Buy an air brush or use paints that are available in acryllic.<br /><br />Also, I stuck the decals for the headlamps upside down. Gosh. Never will I rush again,<br /><br />Here are the final pictures, although it is highly likely I will redo the exterior.<br /><br />The pictures below shows the final car, and closeups on my flawed exterior. Do leave any comments or suggestions!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03313.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03313.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03314.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03314.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03315.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03315.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03316.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03316.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03317.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03317.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03318.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03318.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03319.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03319.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03320.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03320.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" width="320" /></a></center>Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-92042321797138563172009-08-17T21:44:00.004+08:002010-02-04T15:22:51.825+08:00Kustom RideZ: Tri & Beetle Me<center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/?action=view&current=KRz.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/KRz.jpg" alt="Kustom RideZ" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br />Hola! Welcome to Gee's Garage! I am a Hot Wheels customer and I also like to customize my Hot Wheels. In this attempt, I used two castings: Hot Wheels Custom Volkswagen Beetle and Hot Wheels Tri & Stop Me. Actually the Tri & Stop Me was an accidental purchase, and I wanted to customize the VW Beetle for a long time but didn't know what to do with it!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03243.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03243.jpg" alt="custom tri &amp; beetle me" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br />Initially I intended to custom both together, but as I fiddled around with the pieces it struck me. They both fit <span style="font-style: italic;">really well</span> together! Since I have just recently bought a second hand cordless Dremel, I decided to make full use of the cutter.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03246.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03246.jpg" alt="custom tri &amp; beetle me" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03245.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03245.jpg" alt="custom tri &amp; beetle me" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03255.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03255.jpg" alt="custom tri &amp; beetle me" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03262.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03262.jpg" alt="custom tri &amp; beetle me" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br />Cut the front portion of the chassis and rear boot lid off. I liked the mould of the rear engine, so I decided to use that as part of my emphasis. Chopped off the rear exhaust pipe, made some room at the bottom of the beetle interior so it sits on the tri & stop me chassis.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03256.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03256.jpg" alt="custom tri &amp; beetle me" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03263.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03263.jpg" alt="custom tri &amp; beetle me" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03265.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03265.jpg" alt="custom tri &amp; beetle me" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br />Test fitted the interior and chassis, fabricated floorboards and filled the gaps in between with putty. While the putty dries I worked on the bodyl stripped the paint and sprayed primer.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03273.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03273.jpg" alt="custom tri &amp; beetle me" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03270.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03270.jpg" alt="custom tri &amp; beetle me" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03271.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03271.jpg" alt="custom tri &amp; beetle me" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03267.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03267.jpg" alt="custom tri &amp; beetle me" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03276.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03276.jpg" alt="custom tri &amp; beetle me" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03274.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03274.jpg" alt="custom tri &amp; beetle me" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br />I then painted the interior to bring out the details from what I thought was a very good mould (why did they make the boot lid stuck shut to cover this detail in the first place, i wonder). I googled a picture of a vw beetle turbo kit attachment and using that as reference, I scratchbuilt it with leftover guitar strings. Once the putty had dried, I painted some portions of it flat black. I didn't paint it smooth to try and create a worn texture.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03278.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03278.jpg" alt="custom tri &amp; beetle me" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br />Painted the body two tone colours: Flat black and faded green-yellow. Put on some decals, attached a hinge for the body shell and chassis, then it is complete: The Tri & Beetle Me.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_7650.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_7650.jpg" alt="Custom #12 - 17/08/09" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_7649.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_7649.jpg" alt="Custom #12 - 17/08/09" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_7646.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_7646.jpg" alt="Custom #12 - 17/08/09" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_7645.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_7645.jpg" alt="Custom #12 - 17/08/09" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_7647.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_7647.jpg" alt="Custom #12 - 17/08/09" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_7648.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_7648.jpg" alt="Custom #12 - 17/08/09" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_7651.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_7651.jpg" alt="Custom #12 - 17/08/09" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_7653.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_7653.jpg" alt="Custom #12 - 17/08/09" width="320" border="0" /></a></center>Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-16632142188856749682009-08-10T10:13:00.002+08:002009-08-10T10:16:19.103+08:00Work In Progress: Tri & Stop Me, VW Custom BeetleI have disassembled the VW for a while already, and I have got no ideas as to how to custom it. The name already says its a custom beetle haha! Ah well, I got an idea now so I'm gonna work on it along with the Tri & Stop Me. Check this space for the completed work, or go to HWC Malaysia to check out the <a href="http://hwcmalaysia.forumj.net/hot-wheels-customs-f6/gee-s-garage-t1099.htm">WIP thread</a>!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view¤t=DSC03243.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03243.jpg" border="0" alt="custom tri &amp; vw beetle" width=320></a></center>Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-37487362135119598162009-08-07T12:00:00.001+08:002010-02-04T15:22:55.515+08:00Kustom RideZ: Canyon Carver<center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/?action=view&current=KRz.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/KRz.jpg" alt="Kustom RideZ" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br />Greetings from the land of Australia! If you have noticed, since the turn of the new year I haven't been up to much customs. The last set of customs I did was for the HWC Malaysia; I had to spray paint the body of 80+ VW New Beetle Cups for the purpose of distribution as their club cars.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC02935.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC02935.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC02952.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC02952.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC02965.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC02965.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC02966.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC02966.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC02991.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC02991.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03027.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03027.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03026.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03026.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03024.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03024.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br />So that was my last custom work before I jetted off in a nutshell. I have not seen the completed VW New Beetle from HWCM since, hopefully they'll get to distributing it soon!<br /><br />Now to the main event, the Canyon Carver. This was supposed to be a group build on HWCM, the title being Hot Wheels Originals. I chosen the Canyon Carver because of one custom I saw of a Honda bike, and I decided to do one myself.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk278/1por64_fotos/Canyon750F-1.jpg" width="320" /></center><br />Sweet looking piece of custom yeah? Inspired by that photo, I set out on my own custom Canyon Carver.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03221.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03221.jpg" alt="custom canyon carver" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03222.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03222.jpg" alt="custom canyon carver" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03223.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03223.jpg" alt="custom canyon carver" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br />As usual, the removal of rivet and paint stripping is the beginning.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03224.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03224.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03225.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03225.jpg" alt="custom canyon carver" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03226.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03226.jpg" alt="custom canyon carver" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Next is the primer coat, then followed by the main colours. Initially I chosen yellow on the front shield, flat black for seats/handles and blue for the main body colour.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03228.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03228.jpg" alt="custom canyon carver" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03233.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03233.jpg" alt="custom canyon carver" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03230.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03230.jpg" alt="custom canyon carver" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03232.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03232.jpg" alt="custom canyon carver" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03234.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03234.jpg" alt="custom canyon carver" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br />Next was tempo work, I used some 1/12 <span class="g-asm">Honda RC211V-05 Movistar decals (whichever that could fit) and carbon fibre decals, both from Crazy Modeller. </span>The decals were very high quality, both in terms of transfer and print. Because the yellow didn't really match the body well, I repainted the front shield blue.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03235.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03235.jpg" alt="custom canyon carver" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03237.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03237.jpg" alt="custom canyon carver" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03238.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03238.jpg" alt="custom canyon carver" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br />So yeah, that was about all the work that was done on it. The completed pics, enjoy!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_2601.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_2601.jpg" alt="Custom #11 - 07/08/09" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_2602.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_2602.jpg" alt="Custom #11 - 07/08/09" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_2606.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_2606.jpg" alt="Custom #11 - 07/08/09" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_2607.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_2607.jpg" alt="Custom #11 - 07/08/09" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_2610.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_2610.jpg" alt="Custom #11 - 07/08/09" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=IMG_2612copy.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/IMG_2612copy.jpg" alt="Custom #11 - 07/08/09" width="320" border="0" /></a></center></div></center>Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-46754609174535372612009-08-05T16:07:00.002+08:002009-08-05T16:11:47.216+08:00Work In Progress: Canyon CarverHi! After (another) long layoff, I'm back doing customs. This one was supposed to be for a group build in <a href="http://hwcmalaysia.forumj.net/forum.htm">HWC Malaysia</a>, themed Hot Wheels Originals. However, the deadline was the 15th last month since the group build started a month before that.<br /><br />No matter, I'll do it anyway since I haven't done something in a while :-)<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view¤t=DSC03223.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03223.jpg" border="0" alt="custom canyon carver" width=320></a></center>Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-46739659367397623392009-06-06T14:13:00.005+08:002010-02-04T15:23:24.520+08:00Kustom Method: Tempo<center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/?action=view&current=KM.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/KM.jpg" alt="KM tag" border="0" /></a></center><br />In this post, I hope to be able to cover as much as possible for tempo on your cars. As before, there are various ways to produce tempo for your cars. I found that, I am usually limited by two things:<br /><br />1. Money.<br />After spending so much (for paint, wheels, tools), how much more are you willing to spend for tempo? Sometimes, a clean looking car with detailing is good enough.<br /><br />2. Availability.<br />Customizing your die casts, as you found out by now, has no hard and fast rule to go about doing it. Nor is there a detailed step by step process to do one thing after another (like building a Lego set). Some materials are available in certain countries, and with some scouting and hunting, you will be able to find the thing that suits your needs. For example, decal paper is not available in stores locally back in Malaysia so I had to make do with other alternatives.<br /><br />With that, many people use many alternatives to put tempo onto their cars. One method I have seen on a forum is using temporary tattoos (which is a pre-printed decal paper). Basically, you transfer the tattoo onto your car just as you do onto your skin, and then spray a layer of gloss on top of it.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03229.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03229.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Looks pretty good, doesn't it? If you happen to spot some nice temporary tattoos, you can make them a permanent tempo for your car instead!<br /><br />Another method is just simply painting on the tempo yourself! Provided you have the skills and some extra paint lying around. Just whip up your paintbrush and start painting away! While browsing through the Flickr photos, I found that this was an impressive job since its hand painted.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/703934807_1fe1a9176f_o.jpg" width="320" /></center><div style="text-align: center;">Credits to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sjorstrimbach/">Sjors Trimbach</a> for this image.<br /></div><br />From my previous works, you may have noticed that I am a fan of tuner decals. I love dressing up my cars with company logos, and I have been asked many times how do I do it. So here goes, I hope you guys can come away with something that will help you on your way in designing tempo for your cars.<br /><br />First of all, I always google up some logos I want (eg. ADVAN, HKS etc).<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=logo.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/logo.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br />Usually, I'd pick one that has a white background. This makes it easier for me to edit later on. Then, on Adobe Photoshop, I'll put them all together, resizing them so that they are almost the same size.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=logo2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/logo2.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br />Once I am satisfied with the size and position, I will print it. As I mentioned above, I couldn't find decal paper but I found a good alternative in my local stationary shop: transparent sticker film. So I print on the film, cut it out and then stick it onto my custom.<br /><br />As for printing, you will want to grab a ruler and measure roughly how big you want the printed decal to be. This is the beauty of photoshop, you can specify the image size before you print. Just click on File, then Print with Preview.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=logo3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/logo3.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br />Once in the settings, look under the "Scaled Print Size" and set it to the size you want. Usually, it is very tiny and for this one I set a height of 1 cm. Also, a tip to save paper, you may want to put your print to the top corner so you can reprint using the same paper again next time, but different position since you will be cutting out the part you printed. :-)<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=logo5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/logo5.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br />Then just click OK!<br /><br />Usually, since my paper is a sticker, all I have to do is cut the shapes out and stick it to the appropriate places. It's that simple! The same method probably applies for decal, but you may have to reverse the wordings since it is transferred upside down.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03019.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03019.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center>Cars after detailing and before applying tempo.<br /><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03022.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03022.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a><br />The tempos are printed out on transparent film, and cut out.<br /></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03024.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03024.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC03026.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC03026.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a><br />Finally, stick them on the car and you are done!<br /></center><br />There are many more ways to apply tempo onto your car. Do you have one? Please do share with me! Also, feel free to drop any comments or any questions in the comments box. Cheers!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Next post: Reassembly</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Previous post: <a href="http://thesecondofdecember.blogspot.com/2009/04/kustom-method-wheel-swap.html">Wheel Swap</a></span></center>Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-49208413896063359412009-04-26T02:25:00.002+08:002010-02-04T15:23:27.783+08:00Kustom Method: Wheel Swap<center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/?action=view&current=KM.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/KM.jpg" alt="KM tag" border="0" /></a></center><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After a long layoff, I hope you haven't abandoned your customs but have been trying out some of your own ideas. Anyway, I am back with this post and although I haven't been doing much customs here, I hope that with pictures that I have previously will help me help you in your die cast customizations. :-)<br /><br />Okay! So the order of today would be wheel swapping. So the bulk (or almost all) of my customs have been for Hot Wheels die casts, and through my experience I have discovered a few things:<br /><br />1. Not all wheel axle lengths are the same.<br />2. Hot Wheels die casts' wheels are pretty much the same, so you may have to end up buying a more expensive brand just for the wheels to make your custom work. Sometimes there are better looking wheels that are cheaper, so if you can find those all the better then.<br />3. You may end up locking the wheels on the first time trying. I did. Its normal, and it doesnt mean you failed.<br />4. Die casts with metal base are a pain in the butt to swap wheels, try to avoid them unless you have proper tools.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC02832.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC02832.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br />What tools do I need, you ask? I will first tackle on the matter of removing wheels from a die cast with a plastic base. Assuming you have removed the rivets (by hook or by crook), and got the base open, you will need just a normal blade cutter.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC02833.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC02833.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br />Then simply just use the blade to cut off the plastic tabs holding the car in place.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC02835.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC02835.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC02836.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC02836.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br />Here's another example, I removed the wheels off a Dairy Delivery:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC02973.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC02973.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC02974.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC02974.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC02975.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC02975.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br />By now you may or may not have noticed this method will not work for a die cast with a metal base. So for example, if I wanted wheels from a 16 Angels Super T-Hunt for the Dairy Delivery, how will I remove the wheels?<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC02976.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC02976.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br />I would recommend you to use a rotary tool with a cutter for this, which is ideal since you can grind away at the metal tabs. However, I do not own a rotary tool of my own, so here's my best suggestion: Use a small handsaw or the blade of a handsaw. It is much cheaper, but you will have to get a bit creative on how to saw the metal tabs.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC02977.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC02977.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC02978.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC02978.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br />This method is a lot harder, since it will take some patience and a lot of effort to get the metal tabs off. However, if you have no rotary tool, this is the next best thing that I can recommend to you.<br /><br />Now, the point of wheel swapping is to give your die case a better or more realistic wheel. Just keep your eyes peeled for various wheel sources in your local toys department. You do not always have to get wheels only from Hot Wheels or Matchbox. I have used wheels from various brands: Jada Toys, Maisto, High Speed. Granted, they may be more expensive than the Hot Wheels basic car that you bought, but investing in the right wheels will take your custom to the next level!<br /><br />Here are some of the wheel donors for my previous customs:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC02197-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC02197-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a><br />Wheel source: Maisto.<br /></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC09893copy.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC09893copy.jpg" alt="Custom #1 - 26/8/08" width="320" border="0" /></a><br />Used for custom: Honda Civic Si.<br /><br /><br /></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC02274-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC02274-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" width="320" border="0" /></a><br />Wheel source: Jada Toys.<br /></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC00821.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC00821.jpg" alt="Custom #3 - 12/10/08" width="320" border="0" /></a><br />Used for: VW Golf GTI<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Here's how a simple wheel swap can drastically improve the look of a die cast. I simply swapped the worn out wheels with a Jada Toys' wheels for this Dairy Delivery.<br /><br /></div></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC02607.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC02607.jpg" alt="restore dd" width="320" border="0" /></a><br />Before.<br /></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/?action=view&current=DSC01517.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/Gees/DSC01517.jpg" alt="Restoration #2 - 12/11/08" width="320" border="0" /></a></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;">After.<br /></div><br />Already looks better, don't you think so?<br /><br />Now, when you look for other wheels besides Hot Wheels wheels, you may have noticed that they are not the same. Wheels can be generally categorized into two types:<br /><br />1. Free-wheeling wheels.<br />This are the type of wheels that you can find on Hot Wheels, Matchbox and Tomica die casts. They are independent of the axle and can rotate freely even when the axles are locked in place.<br />Pros: Easy to work with, available everywhere.<br />Cons: Many wheel axle variants, hard to adjust axle widths to suit the base.<br /><br />2. Anchored wheels.<br />These wheels are locked onto the axles, and rotate as the axle rotates. Basically the whole wheel system rotates together (both wheels and the axle). Most of other toy cars besides those mentioned above carry these type of wheels.<br />Pros: Axle widths are easily adjustable.<br />Cons: Wheels may not be able to rotate after reassembly.<br /><br />As mentioned above, there are problems with both wheel types. If possible, for free wheeling wheels, try to get donor wheels of the same axle length. If they fit, simply place the wheel back into the channel and glue where the metal tabs used to be. I would not recommend using superglue for this, for reasons I will explain below. If the axles do not fit, I have a solution, but it is not really recommended. However, in real life nothing is ever ideal so this is my best solution to the problem.<br /><br />What I do is I cut the axles into half and trim them until they fit. Then i suspend the base high enough while I glue both parts of the axle back on the base. Make sure as the glue is drying, the base is suspended in such a way the wheels are aligned straight. This is because when the glue has not harden, the axle may tilt and move. For glueing wheels back into place, I recommend using Epoxy, not superglue. This is because superglue tends to run and it may seep to your wheels and end up locking the wheels on the axle. Epoxy will take a longer time (5-8 hours) to harden completely, but it is much stronger and it doesn't seep or run down the channel.<br /><br />As for anchored wheels, shortening axles is easy. You just have to remove one wheel, cut the axle to the appropriate size then replace the wheel back into the axle. If the axle is too short, you may have to find some metal bits that will replace it as an axle. I use paper clips to do this, as I bend the paper clip straight and cut the length I need for the axle. If the channel is too small for the axle, you may have to saw it using a handsaw or sand it using a low grit, rough sandpaper. Since the wheels are anchored you do not glue the axle to the base. Hot Wheels die cast, in my experience, are usually made in such a way that when you have glued the base back onto the casting, the two pieces usually clamp the wheel axles. So you simply have to glue the car back together for this type of wheel. This does not apply for all cars so do remember to check out both your custom and donors' wheels and axles before deciding on what type of wheels to use.<br /><br />Unfortunately I do not have photos to show these processes, and I apologize. Usually it takes quite a bit of concentration and precision so I always forget taking photos. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments box though, I will gladly answer them. Cheers. :-)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Next post: <a href="http://thesecondofdecember.blogspot.com/2009/06/kustom-method-tempo.html">Tempo</a></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Previous post: <a href="http://thesecondofdecember.blogspot.com/2009/02/kustom-method-painting-exterior.html">Painting (Interior)</a></span><br /></div>Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-29422005786090900022009-03-24T14:27:00.002+08:002009-03-24T14:39:15.442+08:00OZ land.Okay, first of all I apologize that I have been away for a long time. Well, since I have been away for about a month or so I have shifted locations. I was based in Malaysia but then I am currently in Victoria, Australia to further my studies. I would like to thank you guys for all the support in my segments so far and I'd like to be able to contribute in some way here in Australia as well. :-)<br /><br />As far as I can be sure now, I will not be doing customs for a while since I do not have the equipment readily available as it is when I am back in Malaysia. However, I will try to complete the Kustom Methods segment to those of you who have been following it thus far.<br /><br />I will however, continue to collect and share my passion for Hot Wheels cars. The basic 1:64 range is focused mostly due to budget and space constraints. As usual, leave any comments that you wish for me or anyone else on this blog to read. I always love to hear from you.<br /><br />As you know I am mainly a Hot Wheels collector, and since Australia does not have Tomicas in stock I will pause the collection of Tomica Limiteds for now. Here's the stuff I have purchased in Australia to add to my collection.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/?action=view¤t=IMG_0297.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/IMG_0297.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=320></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/?action=view¤t=IMG_0298.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/IMG_0298.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=320></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/?action=view¤t=IMG_0299.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/IMG_0299.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=320></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/?action=view¤t=IMG_0300.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/IMG_0300.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=320></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/?action=view¤t=IMG_0281.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/IMG_0281.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=320></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/?action=view¤t=IMG_0294.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/IMG_0294.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=320></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/?action=view¤t=IMG_0282.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/IMG_0282.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=320></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/?action=view¤t=IMG_0277.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/IMG_0277.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=320></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/?action=view¤t=IMG_0278.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/IMG_0278.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=320></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/?action=view¤t=IMG_0263.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/IMG_0263.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=320></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/?action=view¤t=IMG_0248.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/IMG_0248.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=320></a></center><center><a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/?action=view¤t=IMG_0283.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/XXelgeeXX/HW/IMG_0283.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=320></a></center><br /><br />More to come in the future, till then cheers!Eugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4372844379088758950.post-32410890030041110222009-02-21T07:57:00.003+08:002009-02-21T08:05:45.678+08:00BRB<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Yt50q569PKk/SZ9EzUaXNLI/AAAAAAAABUs/ZiANhnpHlss/s1600-h/492654242_93e9db0f58_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Yt50q569PKk/SZ9EzUaXNLI/AAAAAAAABUs/ZiANhnpHlss/s320/492654242_93e9db0f58_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305034534509032626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75227299@N00/492654242/">Which way Twister</a> by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75227299@N00/">rt44man</a></span><br /></div><br />This blog will be put on hold for the time being as the author of the blog has recently moved and needs time to settle down in new surroundings. It will be back soon enough, check back in a month or so. :-PEugene T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12431468018943175174noreply@blogger.com0