So I had a 1:18 scale diecast 1965 Ford F-100 pickup that had a damaged windshield and a couple of missing parts and wasn’t fit to display with my other diecast models in that condition, so I decided to try my hand at weathering the model and turning it into an old abandoned beater instead. I have been building model kits since I was about 5 years old, but I had never tried my hand at doing weathering effects before. A friend convinced me by pointing out that if I used water-based acrylic paints, I could always wash them off and start over if I made any mistakes and wasn’t happy with it. I started with this red Sunstar 1:18 scale diecast 1965 Ford F-100 pickup model.
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I disassembled the entire truck, every last little piece, and stripped off all the paint from the metal body. I then detailed the glass pieces first, since the windshield was already damaged anyway. I used a soldering iron to create the hole in the glass and an X-Acto knife to make scratches simulating cracks. Then I used acetone to “fog” the glass around the edges. (I didn’t document every stage of the build with photos unfortunately, just the major milestones.)
Then after coating all the metal body parts in a rust colored primer, I laid down the base turquoise paint with an airbrush and added lighter “faded” paint in the appropriate areas.
Then I moved on to the hardest part, creating the rust effects. I tried first using an airbrush, but that didn’t work as well for me as using a sponge and brush, so I did it all by stippling paint with the sponge and adding highlights with the brush by hand. I started with the hood to test my skills before proceeding with the rest of the truck.
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Then I moved on and applied the technique to the rest of the truck body parts. When I was finally happy with the look, I coated it all with a clear flat sealant to preserve it. I did end up making a few slight changes to it even after sealing it though and had to seal it again. LOL!
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Then I applied the same rusting techniques to the chassis. I also tried to simulate fluid leaks and exhaust blackening in spots.
Then I began putting it all back together, added a few more effects and highlights, and got my first look at what I had created. I still can’t believe I did this!
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I then made some custom decals to add to it. Actual vintage 1965 Missouri truck license plates for the front and rear, a 1965 Missouri state vehicle inspection sticker for the lower driver’s side corner of the windshield, and a vintage 1960’s Route 66 tourist decal for the back window.
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Oh, I also made custom worn seat effects by gluing foam pieces to the seat and painting them yellow foam color.
Hello!
I like your conversion a lot! That rust is very convincing.
I think some missing badges or lights would make this even better.
Thanks for sharing and have a nice day!
Paweł
Nice work. The vintage colour looks spot on. All the patina and rust work you’ve done looks very realistic. I’ve never done anything with diecast, but this makes me want to find something at the thrift shop or garage sale and just let loose.