Rescaling and building a Resin car body

by Bob
(Chula Vista, Ca)

Hi, I am trying to recreate a 1980 Chevy Citation Funny Car. There is no existing model kit. I was planning to take a 1/24 scale Citation model and create a funny car body. Now I would like to scale it up to a 1/16 model.
How do I make a bigger model? I need to make a form in the bigger size so I can cast a body out of resin?
What is the best method to make a mold? Clay and plaster of paris? Foam?
Thanks, Bob

SMH Responds

To begin with Bob I believe you will get stronger and better looking detail if you start with a 1/16th scale Chevy Citation. I think you will be able to retain the detail of the grill and around the headlights better if you start with a model of the correct size.

Trying to increase the size if a 1/24th scale (one foot =1/2”) to 1/16th (one foot=3/4”) means you have to add about a quarter-inch of fudge to get to the size you want. (See Conversion Chart).

I think you will be a lot better off molding your funny car ideas onto a “core” that is the right size.

When it comes to molds for such an effort I can’t imagine anything working better than rubber. I have not done a lot of resin casting but I think you will learn a lot about the process and what you can expect for results by visiting with the pros.