Tetsujin Super Rims: Great product!

The Tetsujin Super Rims have been out for a while, but I am just getting around to getting some to try.  I didn't care for the initial style they produced, but when they came out the the "jasmine" and 'southern cross" styles, I had to pull the trigger.  They are really well made, and go together easily.  The molding is very precise, and that makes them fit together perfectly with zero slop.  They run very straight and true as well.  Having the flexibility to change styles and offsets easily is really nice.

Here are the jasmine style centers in flat black along with chrome rims on my RX-8:

HPI RX-8: Finished and Sitting on the TT02 FRD

Seems like I have been working on the HPI RX-8 for a while, but I have had a few breaks along the way while working with the TT02 FRD.  This body is pretty simple overall, and I intended for it to be that way.  It will be the primary runner for the FRD, but I still wanted it to look nice.  I used many of the decals that came with the body for window trim and other body details.  They actually look pretty nice if you take the time to trim them cleanly.  The wing and struts are from Speedway Pal, the splitter is made from scratch, and the mufflers and tips were turned from aluminum on a lathe.  You can check out the rest of the pics after the jump.

Carbon Effect Hood: HPI RX-8

It takes a little bit if effort, but I really like using the carpet tape method for simulating carbon fiber body panels.  Start things off, by tinting the panel with Tamiya PS-31 "Smoke".  I use 3-4 light coats depending on the desired color at the end.

Next, starts the hard part...The carpet tape is VERY sticky and can be tricky to work with, and apply.  I like to plan all the strips out (it takes multiple strips to do a panel) using paper templates that match the width of the tape roll.  Be sure to make them slightly over sized around the borders of the panels.

Wheel Choices: HPI RX-8

I am currently looking at two wheel options for the RX-8.

 MST G25 in Black Chrome:

Mikuni ULTIMATE GL in Purple:

The body will also end up having a side graphic that will coordinate with the wheel color.  The black chrome goes well with the carbon fiber hood and wing, but I think the purple adds a little more visual interest.  Right now I am leaning towards the Purple GLs.

Starting the Painting Process: HPI RX-8

The next order of business is starting the painting process.  For this body, I am using Tamiya Silver as the main color.  It is backed with some Tamiya Black.  I typically like to paint the inside of my bodies with black once the other colors are done.  It helps give it a finished look.

I also started the process for making the carbon fiber hood.  It all starts by using some Tamiya Smoke Tint.  I used 4 light coats to get the shading that I wanted.

The next step is the most difficult part...applying the carpet tape underneath.  I will detail that process in my next post.

New Body: HPI RX-8

I started working on a new body.  It will be for the new Eagle Racing TT02 FRD that I am expecting to be released soon.

After trimming it out with a fresh razor blade, I tape up the things that shouldn't get painted.  The window masks that come with the bodies are usually not very good for producing a quality job.  I like to use the green 3M tape that is used for autobody work.  You can cut a nice edge with it, and the paint does not bleed under the edges like most masking tapes do.

I masked off the hood as well.  I plan on simulating carbon fiber using the carpet tape technique.  I will document that process along the way.