Stickers on

 

Now we are at the really fun stuff. Well, mostly. Putting the decorative stickers on the car. Making it come alive!

First up were the wings. I bought a couple of sheets of Becc vinyl checkered flag. Two, just in case things went wrong. My plan was to make a card template for the wing, then transfer this to the vinyl. Peel the back off, and stick it on. Simple. 

Not simple. The card guide didn't take into account the subtle shape changes, and also the non-straight edge against the body. There are millimetres in it, but enough to be annoying. I also managed to cut mirror images of what I wanted a couple of times, because I am an idiot. 

After a little struggle, I remembered that heating the vinyl with a hair dryer would make it more pliable - it does. Changing the sheet from flexible, to the consistency of bubble gum, or cling film. Yes, it bends better, but pull too hard and you distort things. I have a feeling experimentation with lower heat would bring results, but in the end, just before I ran out of vinyl, I finished the job.

It's a long way from perfect, but id I really wanted, I could get more sheet, peel what I have off, and have another go. On the other hand, this is a rough-and-ready car, not a show queen. It's possible, the vinyl will get damaged anyway, so I'll have another go then. In the meantime, it looks the part from a modest distance. 

Advertising stickers came with the kit, but I've augmented these with more Becc material, as I really want my car to be personal. The BP is a tribute to my Dad Brian, who has been enjoying seeing my efforts with this build. 

Finally, the numbers I had to hand, but these may get replaced, if I can find something I like better. A round, white background would help them stand out a bit. 9 is my racing number, so this is non-negotiable.  

Anyway, it's looking pretty. Time for the finishing touches.