“How To” Project- Futura to Batmobile: A Conversion

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-“How-To” Project-

Converting the JL Futura to the Most Recognized Super Hero Car in the World

Author:       David P. aka lt. falcon  

Vehicles Needed:     JL Classic Gold Series 18 50’s Futura Concept Car

Special Tools:     Drill, Wire Cutter, Jewelers Saw

Materials:     Glue, JB Weld, Body Filler, Masking Tape

Rating:     Novice

#1 This project started with a stock JL Classic Gold Futura Concept Car.

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#2 After drilling and dis-assembling the car, the square wheel wells were cut to resemble the small round wells on the car. This can be done with a grinding bit on a Dremel or with a Jeweler’s saw.

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#3 Once the wheels wells were cut out, the body was stripped.

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#4 The window center post was then enhanced with styrene and black paint to better resemble the original car.

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#5 This is a side view of the center post once completed.

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#6 The Turbine “after-burner” hole was drilled in the rear of the car. This is centered between the tail lights as on the original.

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#7 The rear “fins” were then adjusted to reflect the scallops of the bat wings.

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#8a Since the Futura Concept’s side fins start behind the door – they were extended using JB Weld and then filed and adjusted to size.

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#8b Side view.

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#9 .The nose was then started – filling the center portion of the grill to reflect the Bat Eyes. As well, notches were put in the hood per the original car.

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#10 The putty was filed and detailed to get to the perfect look.

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#11 The wheel wells were enhanced with cowls made from JB Weld to finish the side detail on the car. JL Cragar rims were also added as they most closely resemble the original “raiders” on the car.

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#12 And a small piece of brass tubing – roughly 1/4″ in diameter was inserted and attached to the rear of the car for the Turbine afterburner.

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#13 Some finish sanding, blending, filling and detailing brought about the last checks before painting.

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#14 Once painted, the completed car is now ready for crime fighting – or joy riding!

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Comparison between the original and the custom – GREAT job David!!

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