Post by coyotecrunch on Dec 28, 2016 7:49:30 GMT -7
Something else I have going on the other desk..... 
For those of you who know me, know that we often do many charitable events with our local police and fire department, benefiting an individual or one of many causes. Through doing these things over the years, we have made many close acquaintances of local firemen and policemen.
One of which is Archie Hutson. A really great guy, who ALWAYS goes above and beyond the call of duty. He is usually the first to step in when my wife initiates an idea to start a function to help out someone in need. Archie is one of those BIG cops, the kind you would not want to meet in a dark alley type of guy. BUT, he has a genuine heart of gold. He currently drives an un-marked car, but of course was in a normal street cruiser for the beginnings of his police career.
So, my wife and I decided that I should make him a die cast cruiser for his own. I have made, and sold these in the past, but there are times that I will just make one for our men in blue just to give them something as a surprise, to remind them that THEY are APPRECIATED.
I pre-made the matching decals years ago for our local cruisers, after getting access to a couple cars where I was allowed to snap some pictures to use as reference.
The closest die cast I can get to what the guys here still drive is a 2002 Chevy Impala.
I am always on the hunt for a more current, blank car to use, but for now, this is what I will use once again.
First off, removal off all the antennas and a complete tear down....
First thing I usually do is detail the interior, lights, and fill the holes in the trunk lid and rear quarter panel from the antennas, then sand and primer for paint.....
Next up is to dig out all my pre-made decals. Some on clear backing paper - these get applied to the white doors. Then the white backing decals that will get applied to what will be painted black. Also, I dig out a small 1/25 scale laptop to install in the car as they have here. Once I gather what I need, I cut out the decals needed to continue. Also, using a simple blue and red sharpie, I start the top light bar. Also, the base for this light bar I paint white for the upcoming yellow decals to show better
Next thing to do is to make a pole/stand for the laptop. Grabbing some old trees, (I never throw anything away it seems - LOL). Luckily, this time I had some thick black trees to choose from. Snipping off an area, sanding to fit etc, I drill a small hole in the area I wish this laptop holder to be - you must test fit this several times with the dash in place, until you have the location just where you want it and glue down in place. This I will later add even more glue, then paint to cover it up - last thing you want to do is make something for someone, and have parts fall off!!
Now it's time to mask off the car and make ready for paint. You will notice, part of the tail light gets painted as well - again to match our local cruisers
First, light initial coat...
Second mist / light coat...
Third, heavy wet coat...
Now, onto some decals for the doors - and then to follow, a nice, triple glaze clear coat.
Also, yellow decals applied to the top light bar and put the bar back together - readied to re-install on top
For those of you who know me, know that we often do many charitable events with our local police and fire department, benefiting an individual or one of many causes. Through doing these things over the years, we have made many close acquaintances of local firemen and policemen.
One of which is Archie Hutson. A really great guy, who ALWAYS goes above and beyond the call of duty. He is usually the first to step in when my wife initiates an idea to start a function to help out someone in need. Archie is one of those BIG cops, the kind you would not want to meet in a dark alley type of guy. BUT, he has a genuine heart of gold. He currently drives an un-marked car, but of course was in a normal street cruiser for the beginnings of his police career.
So, my wife and I decided that I should make him a die cast cruiser for his own. I have made, and sold these in the past, but there are times that I will just make one for our men in blue just to give them something as a surprise, to remind them that THEY are APPRECIATED.
I pre-made the matching decals years ago for our local cruisers, after getting access to a couple cars where I was allowed to snap some pictures to use as reference.
The closest die cast I can get to what the guys here still drive is a 2002 Chevy Impala.
I am always on the hunt for a more current, blank car to use, but for now, this is what I will use once again.
First off, removal off all the antennas and a complete tear down....
First thing I usually do is detail the interior, lights, and fill the holes in the trunk lid and rear quarter panel from the antennas, then sand and primer for paint.....
Next up is to dig out all my pre-made decals. Some on clear backing paper - these get applied to the white doors. Then the white backing decals that will get applied to what will be painted black. Also, I dig out a small 1/25 scale laptop to install in the car as they have here. Once I gather what I need, I cut out the decals needed to continue. Also, using a simple blue and red sharpie, I start the top light bar. Also, the base for this light bar I paint white for the upcoming yellow decals to show better
Next thing to do is to make a pole/stand for the laptop. Grabbing some old trees, (I never throw anything away it seems - LOL). Luckily, this time I had some thick black trees to choose from. Snipping off an area, sanding to fit etc, I drill a small hole in the area I wish this laptop holder to be - you must test fit this several times with the dash in place, until you have the location just where you want it and glue down in place. This I will later add even more glue, then paint to cover it up - last thing you want to do is make something for someone, and have parts fall off!!
Now it's time to mask off the car and make ready for paint. You will notice, part of the tail light gets painted as well - again to match our local cruisers
First, light initial coat...
Second mist / light coat...
Third, heavy wet coat...
Now, onto some decals for the doors - and then to follow, a nice, triple glaze clear coat.
Also, yellow decals applied to the top light bar and put the bar back together - readied to re-install on top
