BUBBLEBUG
REVELL/MONOGRAM PREDICTA AND NEW VW BEETLE
KIT BASH
BUILT BY IRA DAHM (10/04)
MORE COLOR PHOTOS BELOW!
The Bubblebug is based on the Classic Predicta
Show Car and the New VW Beetle. I have been wanting to build something like
the Bubblebug, for a long time. I finally got it started for the "SHOWRODS.COM
- Bubbletop Contest", but it took almost a year to get around to finishing
it. I totally, missed the Bubbletop Contest Deadline, but it's ready for
the next contest! I think inspiration to build the Bubblebug, came from
the "Bubble Cars" in the Woody Allen Movie "Sleeper"
and "Futuristic Concept Cars" of the 50's and 60's.
Here's how it was built. First, I cut off
the VW top. Next, I sectioned the VW body about 1/4", then shortened
it 1", and re-attached the body parts with CA Glue. The next thing
I did was to cut out the Predicta body area around the bubble top. This
Predicta body piece was then attached to the VW body, and then ground down,
with a Dremel Tool, to fit as close as possible. The Wheel Well Skirts,
and, Front and Rear roll pans were made from sheet plastic. The Rear Wing
from AMT's 1966 Mustang, was narrowed 3/8" to fit the Bubblebug. Screened
vents were added to the front bumper and megaphone exhaust pipes were added
to the rear.
The interior was painted with Krylon Red
and the body is a Pearl White from Plasti-kote called "Classic Metals
- White Icing". I am very happy with the Bubblebug, it looks like a
wild bubbletop Custom Street Rod that could double as a Flying Car of the
Future!!!
