Datsun 240z BRE - Barn Find

 This Revell Datsun 240Z did not start as a planned "barn find" build.  I was going to build a nice, shiny racecar... but had some issues with the decals tearing.  My next thought was we'll strip it back down, and just make a "race inspired" street car.

After a first dip in the Isopropyl Alcohol that I use as a stripper... it only took half the decals off. After letting it sit on the work bench a couple of days... I started to think that's a pretty cool look.

Since I had already put the chassis together I decided to just finish it "as is".

I little extra grime, some rust, and a fine mist of flat tan made it look nice and dusty. Just like it had been pushed in to a barn and forgotten for years.

   

I had considered going for flat tires, and even more rust... but liked the way this one worked out.

Not totally rotted to where it was completely forgotten... just put away for storage, and took on some patina over time.

Still a "driver" with a little TLC ,and a definite candidate for restoration is where the look wound up. Sometimes a "happy accident" can lead to something fun and different.

Custom Hotwheels - Datsun 240Z - OFFROADER

 Here is yet another custom car from the local challenge.

This time it was Datun's iconic Z-car... the 240Z.

I don't have any before pictures... but decided to go with an off-road safari look.

This one was rather extensive in the changes I made.

Raised the suspension and added some big off-road wheels and tires from a Matchbox I had torn apart.

And even added a spare on the roof.

 There was an attempt made at a roof rack from bent brass rod.  I ran out of time, and it wound up more like a small ring... but it gave me a spot to mount all the "Daylighter" style offroad lights with their little yellow smiling faces.

Next up was the "snorkle" to make sure the engine can get fresh air while crossing rivers and streams.

A light misting of tan acrylic paint made it look nice and dusty... A careful brushing of two different colors of brown and tan behind the wheels and along the bottom looks like even more dirt, and some mud splattered there.

The last touch.. .which shows up a little better in this picture as to cut a mask for the windshield in the shape of where the wipers would have cleared the dust and mud off the windscreen.

This one was a lot of fun, and really liked the finished look.

Lots more to come!