This car started out as a #43 Dodge. The body had been repainted prior to this, and both times 90% alcohol was used to remove the original paint and decals as well as the repaint layers.
Once all of the old paint was gone, I used model putty to fill in the splitter section. I made a rough shaping of the putty before it got to stiff to work further. Once dry, I let it go overnight, I shipped it with the sanding drum of my Dremel. I also hogged out the unneeded plastic inside of the body where the splitter once was. Wet sanding up to 2000 grit was the final step of the conversion.
After a light keying of the plastic, the body was cleaned with soap and water. To start I used a coat of Tamiya fine Surface Primer the body was ready for color. This car was a simple, just black, background and a rattle can of Rustoleum did the trick.
Decals are from my favorite down under site, Pattos Place. Clear coat is Rustoleum clear enamel. I put down a light coat first, then a wet coat. Color sanded, being careful to not get into the decals, and re-coated. The spoiler on the back of the car was a donor from a newer Carrera COT.
This was my first time attempting a full "panel" decal from Pattos. One of them split on me, and while a spare side was included I decided to let it go. I was impressed with the way the black background did not wash out the decal colors.
I have built a few other 3D printed chassis from CGSlots and Slot.it, so I didn't have any surprises. CB Designs 15x8 stock car wheels with 1403 super tires (zero grip on the front) provides great mechanical grip. I did use slot.it spherical bushings on the front axle this time (haven't used these before) and it did make for a smoother feel. For the motor I just picked one from the spares box. My club doesn't go for big motors, so an NSR Shark 25 was chosen as a preliminary power plant. A slot.it sidewinder motor pod with a 33tooth 18mm spur gear and a 11tooth pinion transfers the power smoothly to the rear wheels.
My initial impressions of this chassis are as I expected. It is very smooth and will take a "slower" and difficult to drive car and make it drive like a boutique manufacturer.
