MiniWerks

Fine Handbuilt Models from around the World

Latest Models

Lexus LFA Tokyo Motor Show 2009 Whitest White

One Only! Lexus LFA Tokyo Motor Show 2009 Whitest White. Limited edition #39/80 as shown. Brand new.

Welcome to MiniWerks Online!

The focus here is representing high–end 1/43 scale handbuilt models from the World’s top brands, as well as pieces from internationally renowned independent builders.

MiniWerks Updates

MiniWerks Forum

Username:	Password:
Save Password

All Forums

General

1/43 scale Handbuilt Models

Ferrari 250 GTO 3527 GT Graber Modified

New Topic

Reply to Topic

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

Page: of 3

PeterW

USA
1216 Posts

Posted - 10/01/2011 : 18:02:20

A new project has been mapped out over the past few days. I recently got together with a previous owner of 3527 GT [to have a chat about the GTO Prototype project I have underway]. We ended up discussing his old Graber modified GTO with great intensity.

The car is unique in that it was transformed by Graber to a road going version and this gentleman [Don Nelson] aquired the car in 1973 and kept it as it was until he sold it about 11 years later. During his ownership he was able to register the car in GB as "6 GTO". The car features a full leather interior and specially installed speedo.

We are going to offer a limited edition miniature of his car as it was during his ownership and will include an actual valve spring from the original motor included in each display along with Don's signature and certificate of authenticity. A limited run of 6 will be realized based on the Esprit43 kit with all of the modifications approved by the owner of the car during that time period. At the moment 5 are available for reservation. Contact Mike if interested.

This thread will also be continued as a build diary so all can see this to it's fruition. Enjoy!

Edited by - PeterW on 10/01/2011 19:12:38

Blanchimont

Belgium
85 Posts

Posted - 10/03/2011 : 12:12:34

This is a marvellous project Peter. I'm very looking forward to se the building stages.
Good luck.
Eddy

PeterW

USA
1216 Posts

Posted - 10/05/2011 : 05:56:25

This is a must read:

http://www.insideline.com/ferrari/250-gto/the-ferrari-250-gto-makeover.html

christian

Austria
443 Posts

Posted - 10/05/2011 : 12:34:42

a GTO with good race history is already 30.000.000 Dollar

rumors say that one of these toys was sold for 33 M this year

PeterW

USA
1216 Posts

Posted - 10/05/2011 : 15:42:58

The base kits will arrive tommorow and the plan is to start the modifications next week.

I may consider the restored car as a future project if there is enough interest.

In the meantime here is some more eye candy:

http://www.forum-auto.com/marques/ferrari/sujet1803.htm

Thanks Eddy!

PeterW

USA
1216 Posts

Posted - 10/10/2011 : 19:52:45

Preliminary presentation study with the actual valve spring. The model will also feature a real leather interior w/headliner.

4 of the 6 models are available for reservation. Contact Mike McCormick for details.

Edited by - PeterW on 10/10/2011 19:56:26

PeterW

USA
1216 Posts

Posted - 10/20/2011 : 13:04:07

Work starts on the first 3 models. Modifications to the bodies will include rear end spoiler,wheel well flares , minor nose changes and bumperettes.

Wheel flares and rear spoiler are created using thin brass sheet and solder. Once the rough shape is correct it will be refined with putty.

A lot of material is added then slowly removed so that it becomes one with the white metal. This is much better then putty alone. The brass sheet will fall away from the wheel arches [it's just a form in this case] during the shaping process.

The front flares are very slight. These are made by forming "ZAP-A-GAP" around a blue tape form and then sanded smooth.

Edited by - PeterW on 12/08/2011 20:40:08

PeterW

USA
1216 Posts

Posted - 10/21/2011 : 13:52:13

Basic changes to the body in a side by side comparison. More refinements need to me made before color coat is applied.

The radiator opening is slightly wider and the brake duct openings are also enlarged.

Note the more robust rear fender "humps" and spoiler. Also the very subtle flares.

Edited by - PeterW on 10/21/2011 13:54:39

PeterW

USA
1216 Posts

Posted - 10/25/2011 : 13:35:22

Adding two more bodies to the iron...

Edited by - PeterW on 10/25/2011 13:41:18

Blanchimont

Belgium
85 Posts

Posted - 11/17/2011 : 12:25:18

This should be one of the rarest GTO's.....never seen in model building..

PeterW

USA
1216 Posts

Posted - 11/22/2011 : 07:19:19

Back to work on the body modifications. Once they are all complete I will shoot the red base coats and move on to the interiors. The interior mods are extensive.

Edited by - PeterW on 11/29/2011 15:05:30

PeterW

USA
1216 Posts

Posted - 11/30/2011 : 15:21:36

The link below will give you an idea of what the Graber interior looked like in the original car. It is missing the speedometer that is mounted by the gear shift which my model will include. I am also told the carpet was tan, not black.

http://www.amalgamcollection.com/en/product/image_popup.php?image=M5376_1311088730.JPG&PHPSESSID=4b8345c41266d364790ecbde01cd26c0

Edited by - PeterW on 11/30/2011 15:23:09

PeterW

USA
1216 Posts

Posted - 12/06/2011 : 14:25:23

Body Mods are nearing completion on the first 3 models. Epoxy putty will be used to refine the wheel arches and rear spoiler changes. These are pretty labor intensive models. It is so similar to making a real GTO in that each one of these will be unique and special. That's the advantage of hand made.

Parts for the chassis and interior are laid out.

The chassis plates will be soldered together and the dash boards will be filled to replicate the road going dash. The center console will be modified with the correct cross hatched leather pattern and corrected gear shift gaiter block. The wheels have been drilled for valve stems and will be sprayed with a very light blue metallic paint with polished edges as the real car sported. The exhausts will be assembled for paint at this stage as well. Steering wheels will be pre-assembled from the photo etch sheet. New door cards will have to be scratch built and door winders and latches will be added.

Edited by - PeterW on 12/07/2011 19:03:39

PeterW

USA
1216 Posts

Posted - 12/07/2011 : 16:14:49

Epoxy putty is used to create the padded dash. The air vents will be placed into a recess that will be milled into the putty once it has hardened.

The two chassis plate components are soldered together for added strength.

A vac form is made of the center console to act as a "press" to form the leather around it...just an experiment at this point.

And the basic concept works.

Edited by - PeterW on 12/07/2011 19:06:05

PeterW

USA
1216 Posts

Posted - 12/08/2011 : 14:23:33

Exhaust pipes are assembled and painted a black/jet exhaust color. Wheels are painted with an aluminum w/pale blue tint. The tint is hard to see in this photo . The edges will be polished after the cure time.

This photo shows the wheel tint better.

Edited by - PeterW on 12/08/2011 14:30:31

PeterW

USA
1216 Posts

Posted - 12/27/2011 : 08:35:59

Moving into the home stretch on the first 3 models.

Milling the recess for the dash vents and placement of the vents into the recess.

Don Nelson who owned the Graber GTO in the UK signs the plaques.

Page: of 3

Topic

New Topic

Reply to Topic

Printer Friendly

MiniWerks :: Fine Handbuilt Models from around the World :: Contact MiniWerks :: MiniWerks on eBay

Snitz Forums 2000