{"id":3765,"date":"2017-10-10T18:30:56","date_gmt":"2017-10-10T23:30:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/importnut.net\/models\/?p=3765"},"modified":"2017-11-20T00:08:15","modified_gmt":"2017-11-20T06:08:15","slug":"132-scale-split-window-bug-ls-wip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/importnut.net\/models\/132-scale-split-window-bug-ls-wip\/","title":{"rendered":"1\/32 Scale Split Window Bug – LS"},"content":{"rendered":"

While pondering life’s greatest mysteries, I realized that I really wanted a model of the VW split window bug. I searched the internet and discovered that there weren’t many options. There is a large scale version and this 1\/32nd scale LS kit. I don’t collect larger scale model kits which left me with this option.<\/p>\n

For the most part, the body is shaped well. There were virtually no panel lines for the hood and trunk. I carefully scribed several new panel lines to help improve the look of the kit. I also elected to shave the trim on the hood as well as a few other small details that didn’t look quite right. One other detail involved moving the locating indentations\u00a0for the tail lights. They weren’t in the right spot. After filling them in, I did my best to eyeball the correct location using reference photos and drilling shallow holes to locate the tail lights after paint.<\/p>\n

I chose Tamiya’s racing white after I saw another build in the same color. The kit wheels aren’t cast very well on top of the fact that they look small. Since I don’t tend to work with 1\/32 scale kits, I don’t have any spare wheels and tires to use. I decided to use a set of 1\/24 scale VW bus wheels to give the bug an over-sized aftermarket wheel look. The next challenge was finding a tire that would have the same overall diameter but the correct inner diameter. I found what I needed through Jel Claws slot car tires. The tires do not have tread but I wasn’t concerned. I did have to trim the width to make them fit in the wheel wells properly. One last detail that I felt was important to tone down the size of the wheels was to pant the rim white. In doing so, I’ve simulated a white wall tire.<\/p>\n

Adapting the new wheels and tires required new axles. The kit supplied metal axles were too short. While preparing new axles, I carefully bent the rear axle to add camber to complete the lowered appearance. I simply drilled the chassis pan to move the axles into position.<\/p>\n

Once all of the details were complete, the bug came together nicely. Although there were several shortcomings in this kit, I think I did a nice job of correcting a few of them while adding detail that make this little bug stand out. I’m happy to add it to my collection!<\/p>\n

Completed: September, 2017<\/p>\n