View Full Version : Dell and Dollar Bugs


boss9
01-26-2005, 12:33 PM
First off- Happy New Year to all. This is the first day I’ve had to myself since the New Year, and that started off with some untimely issues.
I had major computer problems, which put me in PC nether world for over a week. Only PC available to me was the library’s. The new computer had an inherent bug (or glitch) in the software- pre-installed by the factory- no user access- multiple tech help baffled- no fix over the phone- possible return unit- hours on the phone- sorry for end-user-and- blah, blah, blah… I told them to "go to Dell" with all of it, and now have something a little more suited to my needs by the local PC wiz. Still fine-tuning it, though.

Along with that, a family member has health issues, which prompted an operation. We have been called to aid in rehabilitation, so I will be doing whatever is required for the next six weeks and adding about 350 miles to my weekly drive, so PC time will be at a premium.

I’ve been trying to catch up to the posts—reading bits here and there, and there have been a lot of good issues discussed here as of late and some brilliant customs shown. I’ve missed quite a bit. Before, I could just sit down comfortably, read the threads and take it all in—now it’s a mad dash all the time.

I’ll still hit the hobby bench when I can find the time, but work will be limited. Fortunately, just before the holidays, I got a good bit of painting done so it’s just a matter of assembly and detailing for several cars.

The other bug I picked up at the dollar store- when looking for the landscape trees- talked about here in a thread a while ago. They had sold out, so I went looking for the kids.
The New Beetle came with two other generic sedans that I gave to them (that worked out nicely!). It is a great piece and had to share it here for the price and ease of conversion. This thing was literally track-ready in less than five minutes. All that’s needed is the slightest removable of material from the extra thick running boards and to trim off the extra lower window molding, plus a little double-sided tape. The chassis used was and old HP-2 and the fit is almost spot-on. The detail is nice, size and proportions aren’t bad, either. I’ve seen a lot worse from the big guns, and at $.034 per, who could complain?
I polished out the semi-gloss black windows and the body, which was a dull battleship gray, but when brightened up, it turned out to be a gray metallic with bits of flake you can see right in the plastic. A bit of detailing, some decals, a HW’s spoiler (like the Civic 4-door a kid has down the road)—and it’s done.
http://photos.hobbytalk.com/data/511/8231Pict0014.JPG

http://photos.hobbytalk.com/data/511/8231Pict0018.JPG

http://photos.hobbytalk.com/data/511/8231Pict0015.JPG



Cheers!

noddaz
01-26-2005, 03:42 PM
You just hafta love them dollar stores...
looks great!
Scott

jack0fall
01-26-2005, 04:40 PM
Bossman, Sorry to hear about the family illness, Hope everything turns out ok for them. Also about the 'puter problem. I always thought "Dell" was a good name in computers. Guess even they have 'lemons'.

Glad to see that you are back (as well as that can be). The Bug looks sharpe. Guess it goes to show how well you can dress anything up with a few decals and a wing...:thumbsup:

Gotta run, will catch you later.

Jeff

AfxToo
01-26-2005, 09:40 PM
Hey Boss, we've been missing you on the board and chat. I'm very sorry to hear about your family health issues. Bummer about the PC woes too. Dell is usually pretty good, but when you're only one of a billion customers don't expect a reassuring helping hand when you have a real problem they need to fix.