Custom KITT - ERTL Diecast Upgrades

[KITT-Simulator]

Hi,

I just read a few topics of people custumizing there KITT model...
And i'm also gonna do it!

Tomorrow when i get out of school i'm gonna work my "head" off

But i might need some help...

Planning on making:
New Dashboard
New License Plate
(Open for suggestions!)

Here are the Before pics: (don't mind the dust)
Car:
Dash:
Dash:
Back:

Are there other people that custimized there KITT?
Please post the link to there topic here!

And any suggestions for my custimization?
Post it here!

And please tell me an easy way to get to the dash...


EDIT:

Thanks for the posts guy's!
Great licensplate indeed!
But how can i resize it to the proper scale? Any tips?
And i started working on the dash, but what are the correct sizes for the ERTL model?

Anyways, here is a little diary i'm making:

Day 1:
Yesterday night i try'd removing the chasis from the car, i took al the screws out, but i couldn't get the chasis of the car...
So i pulled, and pulled (Not to hard, cuz i was affraid to brake something)
But it didn't worked...
So i quited it, and went to bed

Day 2:
Today i try'd it again, and i found out the steering wheel was still connected to the tires!
So right now i'm trying to do it right

> Updates will follow <

[HungarianKnight]

I had some minor modifications on my Kitt. I printed new decals for the dashboard to get the fanfiction "G1" layout. I repainted the front side lights from orange to yellow and added a translucent red layer of paint to the scanner, than blurred it with a small piece of wool wet with acetyne, to achieve a foggy effect (it actually produced the missing fading effect of the red light...)

[Dave Knight]

I can help you with the plate, I made a more CORRECT plate. Its the more correct darker blue and the I in KNIGHT is also more accurate. You can see the plate I made It's my avatar as well, but I have posted the LARGER version. All you have to do is save it, and reduce it to the proper 1/18 scale.



and here is a version where i added some black highlights to make the lettering 'pop out' more, when reduced you dont see the black at all.



Hope that helps ya

as for suggestions, I have a few.

Exterior: fill in the recessed areas of the wheels that are silver, with some black paint, or you can do a 'wash' mix a drop of black paint with a couple od drops of thinner untill it looks almost like INK. Dip a brush in the wash and run it over the silver areas of the rim, then let sit for a few minutes, then take a qtip or cotton swap dipped in thinner (squeeze out the excess thinner) and run it over the raised surface of the rim. Follow that by a paper towel slightly damp, to wipe off the thinner residue. When this is done, your wheels will looks a LOT more authentic.
Interior: Correcting some mistakes from the factory. Remove the 'clutch pedal' its the pedal on the far left, cars with automatic trannys didnt have one , can be doen with a sharp hobby knife, its easier to do when the model is disasembled. Paint the rear area thats visible when the hatch is open tan, I suggest that you find a paint that best matches it, Testors Sand, and similar may work. Remember it doesnt have to be 100% match as its not visible when the tinted hatch is closed. I painted my rear area, as well as the whole interior in a matchin color. Also dont forget to paint the area between the seats that is black in the model the same shade of tan that you used for the rear deck. Be CAREFULL not to paint the lower console, just paint the 'textured' carpeted looking areas.

If you have ANY other detailing questions, feel free to ask.

[KITT-Simulator]

Thanks guy's!
First post updated!

I'm gonna start working on the model now

I'll post the progress

I'm still having problems with the steering wheel!!!
How can i remove the chasis without breaking it???
Thats the only thing that blocks me from getting the chasis off!

[andy-kitt]

To seperate KITT there is 6 screws as you have already found out (upon refitting the 2 smaller ones go inn the middle). Push down on the gull wing steering wheel towards the seat (easiest before model seperated). It will then click out of place.

I have made several KITT models from a basic upgrade to season 3 to a convertible model.

I do as mentioned above paint:
Paint tan colour the boot/trunk section & panel beside the rear seats tan, but also do the tailgate interior trim & door scuff plates.
Paint matt black between wheel spokes & end of exhaust, also started painting the tailgate, door & T-top seals in matt balck too.
Remove clutch pedal.
For the scanner lens I use a piece of red film (like from 3D glasses) over the outside of the lens & masking tape over the inside. This makes the scanner lens red, but also you don't see the LEDs, just the light which looks more effective.