This is the Valvoline T-Bird driven by Mark Martin, I called it the
1996-97 because the markings and body were virtually the same for both
years! Besides I didn't feel the need for building 2 just for the sake of
having one with an Earnhardt bar!!! Though I might some day go back and
install one in this model...maybe...maybe not!
The kit was a 1996 Monogram T-Bird with decals from slixx. This is
basically the same scheme that's been on the car in both 96 and 97 and is
much the same as it was on the car for the 1995 brickyard race! It has
the usual body treatments for a 1996 and later T-Bird ...slab
side...skirts...jack posts and front airdam extension!
Painting and Decals:
The chassis and body interior are standard light grey. The exterior was
first painted gloss white then I masked the area from the corners of the
windshield back down along the sides and painted it dark blue! I once
again used a template which I made from a tracing of the decals for the
sides and rear bumper for marking a masking line! Once the paint on the
body had dried sufficiently (at least 2 days) I applied the decals.
Starting as usual with the large roof #6 and the Valvoline logo on the hood
then the Cummins logo on the trunk! I usually do the hood separate but
this time I used a piece of tape (on the inside) to hold it in place until
I got the decals that run from sides up onto the hood in the corners in
place so that I could trim them properly! Once the decals that swoop down
and across the body sides and around the rear bumper on and set I then
applied the #6 side numbers and contingency decals along with the rear
quarter sponsor decals. This sheet had a clear decal strip with the
fasteners for the airdam extension printed on it which makes for a nice
touch on the front of the model! Once all the decals were set and dry I
applied the usual coat of testors high-gloss spray enamel. I then mounted
the body on the chassis, painted and installed the windshield and clear
parts, and applied the tire and wheel decals. Lastly I painted the
center caps. The paint scheme for 98 is going to be a wild one! Be sure
to look for it here in the coming months!
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!