58150 Opel Calibra DTM - rebuilding project

[Blitz Supra]

I bought last week a used Tamiya Opel DTM on Ebay. In this thread I will show you the rebuild. A TA02 was my first Tamiya model, I love this Chassie a true classic !

The Chassie is in good condition but dirty, broken is only a piece of the tub. It will take much time to clean everything.

The body is still good, but the stickers dissolve in some places, a good runner but nothing for the shelf. For shelf I have a new Body Parts Set, the building report I will also show here.

First step, disassemble everything and see what parts need to be replaced. Almost everything is still in good condition, I just need a new tub, new e parts and 4 ball bearings for the wheel axles.

[Blitz Supra]

All Chassie parts are cleaned and ready for assembly, dampers and ball bearings have got new oil.

A few new parts.

new tub

Body Parts Set 50635

New rims and tires, old rims and tires are in poor condition.

I will install a touring car cockpit set.

Next step is cutting the body and mask off the windows

[Blitz Supra]

The finished cut and masked body. The edges were sanded with sandpaper. Then I washed the body and have the window sticker attached. After the taping I have cleaned the inside of the body with Tamiya Polycarbonate Body Cleaner.

The area of the diffuser must be taped on the inside to paint it later with PS5. That was not easy.

The main color is finished, I painted 3 coats PS1.

Successfully masked.

The last step, the area of the diffuser was painted inside with PS5. I have painted the whole body with black, it will look good later with the cockpit and so the PS1 is 100% opaque.

The paintwork on the body is finished, but the protective film is still on it.

The next step is assemble the Chassi.

[Blitz Supra]

This evening I re-assembled the Chassie.

The gears got new ceramic grease.

The finished rear end.

Front gear

The finished Front End

Front End Rear End and the tub before assembling.

Looks almost like new. I am very satisfied.

New wheels with Michelin stickers.

For comparison, old versus new

The electronics come in the future.

Body and Chassie married.

Tomorrow is Decal Sunday

[Blitz Supra]

Today was Decal Sunday, nearly 100 stickers had to be attached.

To cut the sticker I used the Tamiya design knife. It works very well with the Tamiya Cutting Mat.

The largest stickers. He must be very accurately cut and fitted.

This area is composed of 3 stickers. I used a hair dryer to heat the sticker, so they are not as stiff and it is easier to attach the sticker to the body.

To straight attach the stickers I have fixed it with masking tape and made marks.

To remove the marks after attaching the stickers I use the polycarbonate cleaner that is very easy.

Small Stickers I bring with the tip of the blade to the body, it works better than using tweezers.

The black mirrors should be primed because they have to be painted yellow.

And here is the finished decaled body, only the mirrors have to be mounted.

The Calibra joined my Shelf ääh Table Queen Club

Next step is to paint the cockpit.

[kontemax]

Good job!

Max

[Tamiya Era]

I love your job mate...Excellent. ..:-)

[Blitz Supra]

Thank you!

And here is the finished touring car cockpit. It is no work of art, but hey I'm happy with the result.

Yes this is not Keke Rosbergs Helmet, but without Decals it is to difficult for me to paint his design freehand. So i decided to let the Helmet pure white with the Tamiya Stars, it looks simple and good.

The next and final step is put the cockpit in the car, and make good pictures. I Hope i can do it tomorrow.

[Percymon]

Fantastic attention to detail - makes all the difference int he finished article !

[Blitz Supra]

And here is the finished Opel Calibra DTM with the Touring Car Cockpit. The cockpit is made for this body, fits perfect.

[Celticbhoy1888]

Stunning job you've done there.

Very impressed !

[Sonic0620]

Sweet!! I just love those Opel race cars. Great job.

[Tamiya Era]

!SUPER!

[Blitz Supra]

Thanks for the nice comments and for watching this thread !

[SteveU30]

Fantastic, one of my all time favour trace cars, reminds me of my 1:1 cally I used to own.