1963 Studebaker Avanti

Sorry, Peter, but it's another car. But the 1963 Studebaker Avanti is one of the more unsual looking models I've run across so it was worth building.  

Taking a bit of work to ensure that the wheels sit flush to the ground.  

This is the toughest undercarriage I've had to assemble. Is the engineering that poor or have I just been spoiled by simple NASCAR kits?  

Took awhile to get back to business, but now the interior is largely built and the first coat of Titan Gold has been applied to the body. One of the doors got a bit of thinner on it and has to be repainted.  

A final coat makes a big difference. Just need to lacquer this to keep it from scratching.  

A couple coats of lacquer clear coat before painting the trim. Always dread putting in the windows. Doors don't fit perfectly but are hinged for opening and closing. 

A view through the passenger window. I really enjoy painting interiors.... they're my "zen". 

Of course, when you take the photos you see the imperfections - the slip on the rear side window and the driver's seat slid back off the brace. The seat is an easy fix - the window not so much. 

I find a lot of cars kits have trouble with the engine compartment. The radiator simply wouldn't fit, so the hood will remain closed. There's a little bit of lift to the front end and the hood here as well. 

 

Not perfect, but I took too long on this kit as it is. I model mostly for myself, so I'm okay with the imperfections. I learn from them and try to do better next kit rather than get bogged down trying to fix every detail.