This is the 1996-97 Citgo T-Bird driven by Michael Waltrip! The kit
was a 1995 Monogram T-Bird which I modified to appear as a 1996-97 car! I
added the usual treatments for a 1996-97 car...slab sides...skirts...jack
posts and front airdam extension, but I also had to sand and fill in the
entire nose so that I could apply the proper airduct decals! I built this
model before the new 1996 T-Bird kits were available in early 1996 so
that's why it was a 1995 kit! The decals are from slixx!
Painting and Decals:
As you can see this model has a roof cam which I installed prior to
painting the body (there is a little hole molded in the body for this which
you simply punch out with the tip of a model knife!) The chassis and body
(inside and out) were painted with bright red. This meant I had a majority
of the painting done at one sitting! Once the body was dry I applied the
decals again starting with the roof #21 then the trunk decal and the hood
decals then the 3 stripe lower body band (with white on the bottom) which
wraps the entire body and meant the softening setting solution had to be
used on the corners to get them to lay down! Once these were set and dry
I then applied the side #21's and the rear quarter Citgo's and the
contingency decals! Note: I should have mentioned this before but I
hadn't thought of it...I always apply the contingence decals first the door
#'s 2nd and the rear quarter sponsor logos last so I can make sure that
nothing overlaps!!! Once the decals were on, set and dry I applied a coat
of high-gloss enamel over the entire body to seal and give that slick
finish! I then allowed the body to dry at least 2 days before mounting it
to the chassis! I then painted the windshield and clear parts and
installed them on the body. Lastly I applied the tire and wheel decals
and painted the center caps! Don't forget the hood and trunk pins!!!
Complete instructions for painting and assembly of chassis, clear
parts, and construction of slab sides can be found at the bottom of the main page!