Corvette Model Gallery

Custom C5 Convertible

 A little history:  Back in late 2000 I saw a magazine article on some aftermarket and modified Corvettes.  I fell in love with a Caravaggio modified C5 convertible and thought, "a model of that would be nice".  I started working on it without any clear plan, and it took a back seat to other projects.  Then in 2002, while talking to my good friend Felice from Venezuela, he said he wanted to start working on a modified C5 he saw, a Caravaggio coupe.  The stage was set and we started together on two siblings, a Caravaggio inspired coupe and a convertible.  Rather than a friendly competition, we actually helped each other with information and ideas.  Keep in mind we are located in two different countries!  Interesting fact is that while checking for the appropriate wheels, we browsed in the Hobby Link Japan web site.  There are well over 250 aftermarket wheels to choose from.  I carefully checked it and selected 50 possible, narrowing it down to 10, then 5 then 1.  Whitout knowing it, we chose the exact same set of wheels! We didn't realize it until we shared pictures of them. Felice finished his model ahead of me for almost a year!  

The model:
    I started with a snap and made body modifications

. Paint is Cobra Colors Nurburgring Silver Metallic, a Ferrari factory color.

I lost count of body modifications made.

The ride was lowered a bit for a more aggressive look 

Photoetched brake discs and resin calipers, with my own Wilwood graphics and valve stems

My favorite part of this model is the interiors.

The racing harness makes a strong impression

I used smaller mirrors and they were relocated from the stock location. VIN number added. 

Old photo trick. The model in front of a 11x14 print of my parent's house

Modifications:

Body
   - Hi rise hood
    - headlight covers removed
    - Scratchbuilt headlight assemblies
    - Front grille area extended and front license plate removed
    - Front bumper ground effects
    - Modified lower front bumper
    - side ground effects
    - shaved door handles and mirror mounts
    - Milliput molded rear spoiler
    - rear wheel flares
    - opened rear bumper grilles
    - mesh screen used in front and rear openings
    - scratchbuilt rear marker lights
    - Tuner style front marker lights

Interiors:
   - Photoreduced aftermarket gauge cluster
    - modified seats to accept harness
    - 5 point racing harness
    - added turn signals and wiper levers 
    - polished metal roll bar hoops
    - Windshield mounted mirror from parts box
    - Exterior mirrors modified from 1/32 units from parts box
    - flocking and custom paint scheme

Chassis
   - Paint detailed one piece chassis
    - Aluminum slanted exhaust tips
    - flame graphics in the underside
    - lowered ride height
    - Widened rear track
    - filled mounting screw holes

Wheels and tires
   - Aftermarket Fujimi wheels
    - Added valve stems to the wheels
    - Photoetch brake discs
    - resin calipers with my own Wilwood graphics
    - Corvette logo decals on wheel centers

Still pending:
   - I never consider a model finished, so I may fool around with a wash on some panel lines, backup light lenses, door glass and a racing hardtop.
 

Final comment:
   - This started as a weekend project over 2 years ago, and it became my most ambitious project to date.  Not perfect, but I'm satisfied with it.

If you have any questions or comments for Ismael, you can email him at  tatocorvette@hotmail.com

Click on the image to see the sister car

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Page updated  11/30/03