So here we are, the final update on the Corgi Ford Consul restoration.
To recap, I bought the car in 1965/1966 from a small toyshop in Bridgend Town.
As a child, I didn't like the original colour scheme, [a cream body with a red roof, which I still don't like] It had got significantly toy-box chipped, so in 1967, I decided to remove the remainder of the paint by literally scraping the rest off down to the bare metal! Unfortunately, I didn't like the end result either, it then languished in with a box of old toys for 58 years until I rediscovered my Dinky Interceptor which was restored in 2023.
As per the earlier photos, there was some further detailing, together with a replacement window unit needed to complete the project, the original has some very bad cracks in it. I also ordered a reproduction box to display it on, because the car is quite small in comparison to the other die-cast's in the cabinet.
Two things I did decide to leave as they were, was the base. You can see how bad the original condition of the paintwork was before 1967. And, as a small reminder of how the car looked prior to the restoration, I left the inside of the Bonnet unpainted.
The chrome areas of the car were carefully masked around and gently dusted with the spray can of 151 Chrome. Some areas were touched up with a brush. The red tail lights were painted on and then it was left to sit on its box in the display cabinet. Lastly, a quick wash of my precious supply of Johnsons Klear to seal the silver sections and the jobs done.
So here we are, the final result... I'm generally happy with it. Although the position in the cabinet where it currently is displayed means you can't see too much of the car, as it's a few inches above eye level. So as everything will require a re-arranging when the Dinky FAB1 is restored it'll be moved to a lower shelf.
The next restoration will be the Corgi 437 Superior Ambulance on a Cadillac Chassis.
Bill Everatt
UK
Marvelous restoration of a truly beautiful (I think) vehicle. Can't wait to see what you do with the Corgi 437 Superior Ambulance, a toy I had as a kid and dearly loved. SFZ
ReplyDeleteSpiffing work!
ReplyDeleteThat restoration is perfect!
I'd been reading about modelmakers using Johnson Future floor polish to fix transparent plastic parts. When I looked to buy some, I discovered it had been discontinued. So I assume that is why your personal supply is so precious!
Nice repro box too.
I bought a CD Rom of a wide range of scanned box art, which I printed out for my Corgi Thrushbuster. And a clean box really adds to a display model!
Thank you both. I bought my supply back in 1994 when I visited a model fayre at our local leasure centre. I recall having a long conversation with an expert model maker about how he was able to get the silver paint to set so completely. Because up to then, my silver paint would still be tacky weeks and months after application. This fellow very kindly explained that as it stood all silver paint would never completely set!
ReplyDeleteHis best solution was Johnsons Klear floor polish! I stood there absolutely agog at this revelation... He allowed me to handle his beautiful and perfect models. To quote him, just brush it on and it'll set like concrete. So I had a go at building an Airfix Luner Module, painted in its authentic livery and not matt white. Once the silver paint had dried overnight, I sloshed on the Johnsons Klear and he was right. In 20 minutes I could run my fingernails over the silver and it was rock solid.
I've still got the model on display, and it looks as if I laminated it with cooking foil, the result was so good.
Because its been used so sparingly I have more than three quarters of a large bottle left. So pretty much a lifetimes supply. It's kept well, stored in a dark, cool place and as effective as the day I bought it.
Great work Bill. The car looks like new. Fab advice from the expert too. Looking forward to the Caddy ambulance. I adored mine as a kid.
ReplyDeleteJust lovely Bill.
ReplyDeleteThe colours feel so right.
Thank you Mish. This appears to be a shade and colour scheme that was popular in the 1960s.
ReplyDelete