New Mini GT

03 July 2005:
For the sake of detailing, I drilled the big screw holes on the sides of the dashboard legs.

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I also drilled the countersunk holes on the door inner panels for better detailed looks.

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04 July 2005:

I decided that the New Mini GT should look more sporty and more muscular than the present. Designing a bumperless front panel, I think that this looks the way I want and also more loyal to the old Mini. Much sculpturing is predicted!

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08 July 2005:
I bent the plastic sheet to an approximate shape...

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...and glued it on the body.

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09 July 2005:
I cut and formed the frame for the front grille, from 2-mm thick styrene.

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I tailored the frame to the recess at the front; the lower part being flush with the body panel and the upper part protruding a bit from the hood.

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I did not like the clamshell hood, and also it would not be practical with this unitary-looking front panel. So I trimmed new separation lines for the hood, leaving the fenders as fenders.

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Then I applied automotive epoxy putty to where necessary...

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For the rear bumper, I glued in the bumper band and sanded it down to the bumper level, and applied putty.

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The first primer coat at last. Some number of places to be taken care of.

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Thinking about a good looking front grille pattern, I saw an oil trap grille for fryer tops. The immediate tool I handled was a pair of scissors!

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Here is the grille installed behind the frame.

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I drilled the front turn signal holes and glued pieces of styrene sheet at the back, to form a recess for the lens.

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