Revell Diablo VT

Firstly, I'd like to say what a great place this forum is for advice and tips. The people are exceptionally friendly and are very good at coming forward with tips and clues to help one another out... Well done peeps.

Secondly I have a little issue with a car i have been putting together for quite some time..

This Diablo, is all out of shape. The main body section is distorted all along one side of the car.Although it's not so noticable in the image,It can be seen when i try to persude the windows into place..

I would love if someone could give me some tips for getting the best result from this car. Possibly it will never be 100% but im very happy with that.

Your good advice would be very warmly welcomed.

Thanks.

http://m1cro.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Diablo VT.jpg

if you could, get us a picture with the windows mocked into place so we can see exactly what the issues are. We will then be able to better assist you! Welcome to the board, enjoy your stay and be sure to post your work. You obviously have the photo skills to show it off properly

I recently fixed a similar problem with a Fujimi kit, and here's what I did.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=502/2825fixing1.jpg

I found some stuff that could serve as a jig. Then I heated the body with hot tap water, inserted the jig as I test-fitted, and let the plastic cool down. In my case, hot water wasn't quite hot enough, so I ended up using a hairdryer instead.

Now, Fujimi's Diablo body is made of ABS while Revell one is styrene, so hot water might be good enough, I don't know. Be careful and try not to overheat, or you'll worsen the problem.

Also, Revell's diablo doesn't have opening doors, so you'll probably have to use the windshield and engine bay openings. Another important thing is to keep the bottom of the side sills level, so you know that the entire body doesn't get warped.

You'll have to repeat the process of heating, bracing and cooling several times, but the problem is fixable with patience.

Good luck.

Thanks for the quick replies guys,Also thanks for giving some good tips.

May I add that this Diablo shell is twisted very very similar to the image that Hirofkd has included. Also Please notice that this shell has already been prepared and sprayed,white primer followed by 2XYellow and laquered several times to provide a thick gloss finish. Im not sure what to do about this as I have already tried twisting it back into shape and fastening it in this position,Which i left for several days,which was Previous to spraying.It did improve slightly but over time it has returned to it's distorted position.Would It be best if the window component was cut into 3-4 sections then glued into place.? Or should i attempt using a stronger bonding solution to bring the body back to its original position? and maybe adding an extra support inside the car.?

I guess this would best have been dealt with before any paint was applied.

Live and learn :P

Thankyou.

Im not sure what to do about this as I have already tried twisting it back into shape and fastening it in this position,Which i left for several days,which was Previous to spraying.It did improve slightly but over time it has returned to it's distorted position.Would It be best if the window component was cut into 3-4 sections then glued into place.? Or should i attempt using a stronger bonding solution to bring the body back to its original position? and maybe adding an extra support inside the car.?

Like the other members have mentioned... use heat. Glue will give in to the pressure over time. If the warping isn't too bad you should be able to reshape it without ruining (note: I said ruining.. the paint will be effected some way by the heat) the paint. HTH
Steve