smitty's SSC-LCG Slash 4x4 Build

Today's efforts are bumpers.
Here's the front.
These RPM's are perfect!

And here's the rear.
I had to trim the body some.

The RPM bumpers match that body really well Smitty.  Looking good!

Thanks to you... it's looking sweet!


I'm planning to print up some of the graphics and see where they will fit on the body.
There are so many vents and louvers on the Flo-Tek and that limit where the decals will go.
That should help determine the paint scheme.
My paint/decals test suggests that black will hide the transitions from decal to body her best.

This is what I've come up with to make decals that will be applied to the inside of the lexan body.
Materials Needed:  Avery #18863 Easy Peel Shipping Labels 2"x4"
Ink Jet Printer

• After deciding on the images and or print graphics using your photo editing software, flip them horizontally before saving them.
• Then using a downloadable template for the 2"x4" labels, copy or insert the pictures to the template.
• Print the label sheet.

Caution should be taken until the ink is dry.
Once dry use some un-printed clear labels to cover and protect the printed images.
This will also help keep the ink from reacting to the paint.


Note: these "clear" labels are actually translucent. But when the sticky side is applied to the inside of the lexan, the color is not cloudy.


I decided on black background because otherwise, matching the ink color would have been a nightmare.

The final step will be to carefully cut the decals out, peel and apply them to the inside of the body.

Well Alrighty Then!


Thanks to GPS and his OFNA ultra paint job, I've re-thunk (word?) the paint scheme for this project.
Besides that, I wasn't too happy with the results of the first whack at decals.


Oh, I still plan to keep the sponsorship agreement. I'm just going to exercise some artistic license.
I will incorporate some things I've seen done. Such as, clear panels, tinted windows and matte finish.

Do some of those decals say www. southernoregon.com?  Are you affiliated to them, or did they sponsor you?

Good eye.
Yup, it was a goof.
No affiliation, no sponsor.


I actually didn't notice the goof up until I was cutting them out.
But not to worry, it's corrected and I have begun the painting.

Hi Smitty ...

I'm looking at your decal making material and I just
can't quite make out the product number at the top
of the page, right after it says AVERY

Would ya mind giving me that number? That number
will help me find/order the material up here north
of the 49th.

Thanks bud
    [glow=blue,2,300]w00d[/glow]

Avery 18863 Easy Peel Shipping Labels.


Keep in mind the following:

• The printed (ink) side of the decals are matte and un-protected. that's why I covered them with a blank label.
• If you apply them to the inside of the body you must get all of the air bubbles out. otherwise they will show.
• Matching ink and paint colors will be tricky.

I'm going to try an alternate method by applying the decals to the outside and apply a clear coat on top of them.

Your a fine fellow indeed ...

Thanks for the TIPS and so sorry for sleeping on the job {d'oh}Yup you did post the number in a previous post {LMAO} Better I go back to sleep now

Thanks again

  [glow=maroon,2,300]w00d[/glow]

Paint job from hell-o!


I've been silent for awhile because progress has slowed to a snail's pace.
The complications have been many. Starting with an improperly cleaned airbrush, many attempts with the decals to get them right and finally a kind of writers block on a paint scheme.
All this is also complicated by the weather because my work space is in the garage.
(i'll post some pics of my man-space later).


My plan now is to have it completed by Nov. 12th.
I'll do an unveil at the RC Swap Meet.


On a more positive note... I did lay down the first color and have defined a direction.


I can see why single color rattle can paint jobs are popular.

Sorry to hear about your airbrush woes Smitty.  Can you tell me what brand and model number airbrush and compressor you have?  I am thinking to get into it myself and give it a whirl.

Golden Child and I, and possibly my girl, will be coming to the swap meet.  Yesterday we decided to leave Grants Pass at 7 AM and possible stop for breakfast on the road, or when we arrive in Roseburg.

I look forward to meeting you and seeing your truck!

I've got 2 air brushes and will have them available at the swap meet. I'm not parting with my compressor but I do have a water trap/pressure regulator. Don't remember the brands of the brushes, but I'll have them cleaned up before then.

Almost done.
Just need to do the cutouts.

I like the paint job Smitty.  I was considering a two-tone job like that also.  Can you tell us what colors you used?  Paint brand and color name?

Truthfully, I'm not proud of this paint job.
I'll fill in the details in awhile.


Ok, where did I leave off...
Oh yeah, this was the paint job from #@$$!


The FloTek body has very little flat areas.
All of the louvers make it a masking nightmare.
Then factor in the decals...
I tried them reversed on the inside and settled for them on the outside.
Due to the opacity (word?) of the label stock they worked better with the white background.
Don't forget about the difficulty with the airbrush.
I'm just glad it's over.


Will I paint another body?      maybe.
If I do, I'll use lexan rattle cans.


Colors and Paint:
This was a real mixed bag.
I started out using water based acrylic white on the hood scoop. Two or three coats before the airbrush and I decided to part ways.
I had a real difficult time deciding on the two tone scheme. I finally settled on where the tape led me.
I picked up a can of plactra lexan white, but was too cheap to pay $6+ for the blue.
This stuff laid down really well. Note: must use this outdoors, extremely odoriferous.
STINKS!
By the time I got to the final blue (Rust-oleum, Painter's Touch Deep Blue) the weather had turned too cold for a successful result. The resultant crackle finish actually looks pretty cool, except it's not uniform.
One feature that I do like is the clear panels on the rear.
I'd like to try a matte black with the clear panels.


When all said and done, after a few battery packs and some road rash, it will look just fine.

I think it looks pretty darn good on the computer . The blue and white look good together. Liquid mask really helps out on bodies like these with a lot of curves. It takes a little longer but is much easier in the long run and provides a great result that regular masking cant achieve. If I had to guess on the crackle finish I would think more of the problem with mixing 2 incompatible paints together than the weather. I don't think the Rustoleum is a polycarb compatible paint is it?