custom Batmobiles

[dr_cyclops]

Over the years I've collected a couple of Shadow "Thunder-cabs" from the Kenner line. I always thought that it was the perfect car to convert into a 40s Batmobile. Later, I found a photo on-line of someone who had done the same thing (see photo below). My idea was to make a vehicle for the Kenner "Retro-Batman" figure. Since the Shadow figures were bigger than the "Animated Series", I thought the extra room would only add to the "realistic scale" that is often missed in toy lines. The main goal is to make the "fin" attached to a pivot at the back bumper, that allows the "front seats" roof to open for figures to fit in.
NOTE: This is not my work! Just a photo I found on the web.

By dr_cyclops at 2010-02-06

[jessica]

I love the old fashioned lines of that car. Beautiful!

[Emgee]

I have this picture saved myself. Can't recall from where I'm afraid. Thought it was a great job on making the old Mego Batmobile a bit closer to the TV style. I thought the figures were nice too.

[Meule]

My custom Barris Batmobile

[thunderbolt]

If I ever find a used Bratz FM Cruiser, I will have my Batmobile.

[Bizarro Amy]

The 40s Batmobile is my favorite. I was poking around the hobby shop looking for something that would work as a base. For those of you who have customized vehicles, what do you do for windshields? I need to find/make something that will fit my Pocket Heroes one.

[LonnieFisher]

If I ever find a used Bratz FM Cruiser, I will have my Batmobile.

I have one I was planning on making one out of. I got it at goodwill for like two dollars.

[dr_cyclops]

For those of you who have customized vehicles, what do you do for windshields? I need to find/make something that will fit my Pocket Heroes one.

The ideal method for making windshields would be a Vac-U-Form set. There are instruction on line for making your own. Back in the 90s Toymax reissued many old "Mattel toys for making your own toys". I've been looking for their Vac-U-Form for years now.

[Meule]

The 40s Batmobile is my favorite. I was poking around the hobby shop looking for something that would work as a base. For those of you who have customized vehicles, what do you do for windshields? I need to find/make something that will fit my Pocket Heroes one.

I cut the windshields from a Coca-Cola bottle

[thunderbolt]

I have one I was planning on making one out of. I got it at goodwill for like two dollars.

Lucky dog. I'm still hunting it at garage sales and thrift shops.

[dr_cyclops]

If I ever find a used Bratz FM Cruiser, I will have my Batmobile.

I found a pic on-line and was wondering what style of Batmobile you are interested in customizing it into.

I've seen a Resasaurus Mach 5 converted into a Batmobile. It inspired one of my current projects; Hot Wheels "Second Wind" into a 70s Batmobile. I'll post pics soon.

Meule, Fantastic Barris Batmobile!

del, as for a "40s Batmobile base" I'll guess you mean a car model kit? I have been on this quest for years. Keep in mind that I've only looked through the stores around Seattle area. I've got a Ford kit, the model of which escapes me at the moment. Next time I can dig around the garage, I'll look for it. If a car model kit is not what you are looking for, than I guess the question would be, what scale do you want it in?

[thunderbolt]

^^^^ My own style Batmobile.

[Bizarro Amy]

!

del, as for a "40s Batmobile base" I'll guess you mean a car model kit? I have been on this quest for years. Keep in mind that I've only looked through the stores around Seattle area. I've got a Ford kit, the model of which escapes me at the moment. Next time I can dig around the garage, I'll look for it. If a car model kit is not what you are looking for, than I guess the question would be, what scale do you want it in?

I mean those outer shell-type things they sell at hobby shops. You can get all sorts of parts to customize. I think most people buy them to make custom RC vehicles. There were a few that looked like they'd be big enough for a Mego to sit inside.

[dr_cyclops]

I mean those outer shell-type things they sell at hobby shops. You can get all sorts of parts to customize. I think most people buy them to make custom RC vehicles. There were a few that looked like they'd be big enough for a Mego to sit inside.

Yeah, don't have any help to offer there. Sorry.
I met a guy at a toy show once who had this clear plastic 66' Batmobile shell. He claimed it was an old slot car shell you buildt yourself. It was the size that surprised me. Up til then, the only slot cars I'd ever seen were in the Aurora to Hot Wheel scale. This was longer than my hand. Apparently, it was to be painted on the inside so that the plastic shell would protect the paint job. I could only imagine how difficult doing all the detail painting on the inside first before adding the black base color.