even the Lone Ranger can use some help.

[Metal Masher]

Some may have seen LoneRanger's Bronco scale build and his attempt at making an aluminum body like the ones i do.

1:10 Scale Bronco Build

Well he did a great job for being a first timer to this type of work but alas he got a bit over his head and came to me for some help finishing the molds.

The first step was to get them to me so they were stuffed in a box and safely arrived at me place.



then i looked into the areas LR needed help with. He used the ProLine Verson to make the molds but was not happy with the proportions of the rear fender opening, so he trimmed the fenders and roof to his liking and did a superb job of it





Now where he felt uncomfortable was bonding the pieces together. I had played with using the resin as a bonding agent on smaller pieces and figured it was the best option for these as well.

to get the best bond possible, i drilled holes in each half then clamped them together and drilled down right at the seam to give me a place to pour the resin into.





Next i needed a way to hold the parts together and contain the resin as it is poured because it has the consistence of water.

After some thinking the solution was amazingly simple, Tape.



The tape sealed the surface keeping the resin from messing up the detail and created a dam to contain the resin as it cured.



now before i went any further, i looked at the other parts and noticed some bondo. a little prodding and found what i expected. there were voids left from the molding process.



the bondo filled the voids fine but it's soft and doesn't hold up well to forming especially in a deep draw area like the top of the grill. So i cleaned it out a prepped it for resin filler.

with everything prepped i poured in the resin.





and when the tape was removed i had just what i was looking for.





the seams sealed up nicely and all that's left is some finish sanding.

oh and the top of the grill filled in nicely as well.



once everything is sanded i'll form some parts i get some shots of the finished panels

[Lentsnh2012]

I cannot wait to see the outcome!

[LoneRanger]

Man those look sweet! At least I do have one full set of panels I made myself! But you have the 20+ years experience over me! haha its the dang fender flares that got me more than anything! (and the rear corners).
thanks for the help!

L.R.

[Dextroyer]

This whole process is so fascinating. I have seen a couple of LR's panels and this build is getting bonkers!