Some
of the trees were painted as needed, between the body and
chassis parts. Although I don't like using flat black on
models (boring!) for interiors, our original RX3 wagon had
a black vinyl interior. So this coupe gets the same treatment.
Black interiors don't allow much detail, it's hard to see
inside. So using a brush, I painted the various chrome trim
and used gloss black to try and highlight some areas.
The nose piece probably took as much time as the rest of
the build. Although the directions say use flat black around
the headlights and taillights, I found that on the real
cars, that doesn't appear correct. The parts appear more
of a metallic charcoal color and texture. (many Asian market
cars seemed to use this, a Datsun B210 comes to mind...).
I was able to replicate this to my satisfaction by using
a can of Rustoleum #7754 "Anodized Bronze".
I spayed it into a loose cup, and brushed it on carefully.
It looks much better than flat black would have, and more
accurate.
The rear tail-lamp assemblies received the same treatment.
The rear lenses are clear, so I used Tamiya Clear Red to
bring them to life. Testors Parking Lamp clear paint was
used on the front parking lenses.
Installing the wheels and tires was for the most part uneventful.
These use the soft clear round attachments like most Asian
made kits. I know our family's RX3 had better looking rims
or hubcaps, but I don't remember what they looked like.
These stock examples with the kit are begging for an aftermarket
upgrade.
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