Box art grill, without too much work
Status: How To Guide
Date: 12-Mar-2011
Comments: 12
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I have a project going, I can't believe it myself, but anyway. I wanted to make a box art and more realistic front grille for my VLB. I started with an ULTRA FINE Sharpie pen, but that would not reach into all the small crevices so I went to the art supply store to buy something better. I came home with these pens and they are better, just a little more expensive, but at least there is no paint brush clean up.
First step, get grille. Second step, 'paint' the grille with the marker in a series of strokes, if the ink isn't dry, sometimes it takes up what you just put down. Third step, paint with orange marker the turn signal lenses. Fourth step, admire work, have beer or any other think you like. Fifth step, install on body and enjoy.
I have included some shots from the interweb thingy that helped me out with just how much of the grille needs to be black and how much should stay chrome. The VLB has a small integrated 'nudge' bar, so I left that chrome, but I think I added tiny amounts of depth by shading it here and there where shadows would occur naturally. I am sorry for the lackluster photos as it is difficult to photo chrome bits at night with only a lamp or flash from the camera.
Enjoy,
Chris








If you liked those pictures, you should see these...
I think it is finally done
Comments
Renco5012
Neat stuff cos no one ever paints that bit. That big van isn't the 'real' VLB, there was one back in the 80's (I forget its name) that I have on an old VHS tape. There's also an F-100 (Pumpkin) and Bullhead style truck on it. The real Lunchbox even has the stripe up the side.
Crash Cramer
I knew that, just thought it was a funky cool homebuilt van with almost 'normal' tires on it.
Renco5012
Hey it might be its on road tires, y'know for saving gas...haha.
Crash Cramer
You might have a point there, gotta save every drop these days and I have seen the MONSTER TRUCKS use some very teeny looking tires when they are on a trailer being hauled from event to event.
JWeston
Great to know that Indian ink works. Will pop to our local 'rymans' to see what they have
J
kalsh
That looks cool Chris - Nice work.
jeffy
Great tip there I must remember the beer and admire bit
Dam 10
Nice detail. Love the last pic....
Crash Cramer
Thanks guys. So far the India ink is working, but I haven't tried to wash the van yet.
ShayD
Gonna have a go at my Lunchie ...
DImblum
Nice work on the grill. Never thought of using anything except a sharpie for detail like this. Nice to know there are some better options.. Can't wait to see the finished VLB
lupogtiboy
that last picture is a monster version of Napoleon Dynamite's uncle's van! Great tip tho, I find myself resorting to marker pens a lot to cover up mistakes I've made, or cover around windows where the stickers are too small!
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