Well, time for my final update as the Bimmer just crossed the finish line. Since my last update all that was left to do were the various odds and ends of the build.

I started off by air brushing on Tamiya Matt Black XF-1 around all the glass. Good thing I actually read the instructions this time as the front and rear glass were painted on the interior side, while the side windows were painted on the outside. Once again I was smart enough to purchase the Decalas window masks. Every mask fits perfectly with just enough tack to stick, but easy enough to remove till I got each one correctly positioned. Once dry both the front and rear glass got sun glare decals. I glued on the side mirrors and then the glass to the body shell. To install all the glass pcs I used Testors acrylic glass glue for the 1st time, and boy was I impressed. Dries fairly quickly and dries clear, and doesn't eat through any of the paint, which was my 1st concern as that has always been a issue for me.

I then painted up the rear light lenses with Tamiya clear Orange, and clear Red, then installed them. The front grill was next with the lights and lenses added. Finally I slipped in the wire mesh radiator grill behind the front bumper. I didn't paint it black so that you could actually see it.

I cut off the plastic roof antenna from it's base and added a metal one which looks a million times better.

Then I gave the body a final coat of wax. While not perfect by any means, it looks a whole lot better then before. But I'll let you guys decide that.

Here's a few pictures of the Bimmer as she stands now. Of course what I couldn't see that needs some extra TLC like wax build up in some of the recessed panel lines, and the wiper that's to low, shows up in the pictures just fine. So I still have a little work left to do.

And thanks to all of you for following my build, as always it's greatly appreciated.

Joel

Joel, for all the issues you had, this looks simply great. I love the color and the stance is pretty darn nice too. What did you do to correct the rear track width issue?

In your touchups, if you haven't already, might want to hit the exhaust tips with some color.

Joel,
That's a fantastic job! She's a beaut!

Gaz

David,
Thanks for stopping by, and your thumbs up. It's always much appreciated.

The rear track issue has been corrected only about 90%. I want to do a little more till the stand looks correct to me. As for how I corrected it to this point, I removed both rear tires/wheels. The brake disc assembly has a molded on flange that I filed off so that the wheel would be moved in about an 1/8 of an inch on each side. I then had to cut the mounting beg till it didn't hit the disc. Not a hard job either. Like I said, still a little tight but it's almost there.

I had to laugh when you mentioned the exhausts needing a little dark gray with a lighter gray at the tips to represent carbon. It's on my list now of a few things to still get done. Another issue that I completely forgot about is the front and rear toe hooks, they're painted in Orange but should be bright gloss Red. So some careful hand painting will be needed.

Joel

That looks great Joel! I would be more than happy with that given your earlier troubles.
You might want to do a close of of the drivers name for Damian - Aussie legend Wayne Gardner!

cheers
Michael

Gary,
Just having you once again post on one of my builds just made my day. Hope all is well with you and your family down under.

So glad that you like my little Bimmer. This is about the only way I'll ever get one.

Joel

Michael,
Glad that you liked how she crossed the finish line. Like I mentioned to David, after looking at the final set of pictures, I've got a few more things to do before she's off to her display case.

Still, all things considered, I'm more then satisfied.

Joel

Good to see you too, Joel. We're all good, and I hope your family is doing well, too.

I too will never own a real BMW. Always have been out of my price range. I drive a Toyota Hilux. I had to buy this one to replace my 1998 model.


My first not-second-hand car! At 54 years old!

Gaz

Gaz,
She's a beauty for sure. Enjoy the ride.

Joel

Lovely build Joel. I had to look very closely to see any roughness and the residual wax you mentioned.

Another great tin-top in the display cabinet at Casa Del Willstein !

Gaz, great rig mate. My Kluger is the same colour, and my 5th Toyota. They make a great car.

Cheers, D

Beautiful build Joel. Love the Jägermeister livery.

D,
The roughness issue is still there, but a lot less visible. I've learned my lesson to never take a short cut or think that the problem will some how resolve itself further into the build.

I got lucky this time with another round of the Gravity two finer polishes and then my synthetic Meguiar's NXT 2.0 wax. BTW, the wax costs way more then the entire model build did.

Can't wait to tell my wife that we now live in the Casa Del Willstein, she'll just love it I'm sure.

Joel

Jesper,
Thanks so much my friend for those most appreciative words. As for the livery, I've been slowly collecting GT and TC car kits that I can do more Jagermeister liveries. I really do like it so much more then the all White with the same stripes Martini scheme that's been around even longer.

My all time favorite is the Gulf Wyler Blue/Orange scheme. Of course the Movie LeMans with Paul Newman played a part in that love affair for sure.

Joel

LeMans was a McQueen movie. Winning was Newman. LOL Grand Prix was James Garner.

David,
I have no idea what I said it was Newman and not McQueen. I can't even blame that on Old age.

Joel

You made me question my thoughts when you posted, so I had to go make sure he wasn't in it too and that I just didn't remember.

Joel! Once again you have excelled!

Congratulations on yet another great finish!

And thank you for sharing too!

Crack open a few and celebrate!

Russell,
Thanks so much for sticking with my build from the start to the checkered flag. I could always count on your for support when my mojo tank was getting mighty low. And of course thanks for the thumbs up. As always it's greatly appreciated.

Will be finishing up those little misses from my list, and trying not to tinker with the Cobra as yet. Still two days to go till the start of Dreams are Free GB.

Joel

Always a pleasure Joel