Making police cars out of 1:18 scale diecast muscle cars

[JonW]

I like muscle cars and I like police cars, and I own both. I bought a 3D printer to have something to do during downtime over the last year, and thought I would try my hand at making spot lights, light bars, push bumpers, etc. to make fantasy police cars out of muscle cars. I start with a 1:18 scale diecast car, so I don't build the actual car. Then I add the police stuff. This is my first attempt. It's not bad and I learned some things doing it so that I'll be better going forward.

 

[Quaralane]

Definitely not something I'd want to see in my rear-view

 

[Hagoth]

Applying a little "Law and Order" to things seems like a good idea. I like the concept.

Gives me some ideas for "Policing" the ocean, skies, ...galaxy.

 

[JonW]

Here's my second attempt:

 

[JonW]

For the last two months, I've been experimenting with various aspects of this venture: designing, making and installing decals, printing objects with my 3D printer, trying various paints and clears, etc. The '66 Bel Air below has been my test mule throughout all of this, and I think I'm at about 90% of where I want to be. Because it was a test mule, it's pretty plain.

 

[JonW]

My latest effort, a '62 Bel Air

 

[Hagoth]

These are turning out nice once you go the printer and filament dialed in.

 

[JonW]

 

[urumomo]

 

[JonW]

 

[JonW]

For you Vanishing Point fans, Kowalski goes back to his roots.

 

[JonW]

 

[Hagoth]

Nice! I think you've got these conversions down!

 

[JonW]

One for the hose draggers. LAFD.

 

[the Baron]

Excellent conversions, Jon!

 

[JonW]

One for the Kelvinator boys. Kenosha PD.

 

[JonW]

I bought this model used off eBay, and unfortunately it wasn't in the best of shape. So I didn't spend a lot of time on it.

 

[urumomo]

So what all was wrong with it ?
Cuz it looks brand new now

 

[JonW]

Lots of scratches and swirls in the paint. Rubbing compound and creative lighting helped.

 

[JonW]

The boys in South Bend like to go in style.