I was searching the internet for pictures of the new Mustang's paint jobs and colors when I came across the new 2005 Nascar Pace Car.  In awe I knew that HAD to be the basis for my Marlboor custom. 

 

My original idea was to go with a stock car Marlboro design, either as close as the Diaclone or off a stock car paint skeme I found.  But 1, since Wheeljack is not a race car, and there isn't a race that devotes these kinds of cars I decided to go with the pace car.  But DAMN if the pace car didn't just fit that a normal person might some day own and drive (have seen Corvette pace cars around on the streets) and it avoids the problem of adding the white. 

 

At any rate, I am finishing up on the head and the arms so no robot shots yet. 

 

The decals I made through trial and error, working through lunch at work.  I used pictures from a web page and paint to make the horse, fire, and flag pattern printed out on full lable sheets.  Figured out what size was best, and cut them to fit.

 

Also made some second choice emblems, like a cool red white and blue mustang emblem, and one of the full hood decals, but not only did it not come out so hot, in different shots these cars have differend patches, so I figured less was better.

 

I regret I could not spray it red, so there are brush marks.  I hope when I do a final clear coat, they will cover up somewhat and the decals won't run.  I plan on testing that with the extra stickers. 

 

Check out the real car here

 

http://bradbarnett.net/mustangs/timeline/05/05/pacecar.htm

This is a really good idea and you did a really great job with it!  Do you have any images of him in robot mode?  I'd really love to see him in both modes!  Good job and good idea!  Looks great!

 

In terms of ideas for Wheeljack, this is my solution for making WJ a race car and also using an existing car.  All I had to do was create the label kit because the factory paint job of WJ lends himself to this deco. :tfgrin

 

I also really like that you wanted to make a "Marlboro" inspired WJ, (and while this particular deco isn't affiliated with Marlboro) you still made a custom that aludes to this idea (which is the idea behind the whole Alternators/Binaltech line - to have roots in G1 but not be a complete recycle of it). 

 

With my custom, however, I did run across Motorsports racing, which does race Mustangs and other such cars.  It's there, but it's just not as "in our faces" as say NASCAR is. 

I remember seeing that WJ, I could not remember if there was a kit for that on Repro.com or not.  I like it!  Did you paint his head all the way back?  I am so tempted to do that, or get the repro head and light it up. 

 

I waited and waited to do a custom MB Mustang, because I wanted to use a WJ, but they were scarce (till recently, have seen like 4 on shelves in the past couple weeks, as apposed to NONE till then) and I noticed the spoiler in the pace car was the same as Grimlock's, so I just bought one and used that instead. 

 

I am thinking about roof lights, but am not holding my breath for that.  And if I were to do anything like that, they'd have to split in 1/2 and become twin rocket launchers. 

 

Still painting the head.  Was rather tricky to make, and still have to finish the head wings.  I used the front 1/2 of the new Bruticus head (carved off the back and neck) and the back 1/2 of Grimlock's head.  Fuzed together, chopped off the face and sculpted my own, and extended the mowhawk vent all the way back.  Smoothed out the rough edges, and cut it in 1/2 again so I can attach it to the ball and socked joint.  Used glue and modeling clay to make it work, since one you remove the Brutes eyes, his head's hollow.  I figure the wings with their ability to bend will allow a better wing set. 

 

Its also a plus to have a custom Diaclone Marlboor and a couple repro heads laying around to help guide.  If you look close, he has a mouth and goat tee. 

Its not finished, but you can get the idea.  I need to put the head on better and paint the visor, adding the groves, and a clear coat would not hurt.  Also might paint the center of the sword red since the orange can shine through the side of the yellow edges I painted. 

Wheel Jack and Marlboro

looks good Backfire. I really like the decals you added. great work

I remember seeing that WJ, I could not remember if there was a kit for that on Repro.com or not.  I like it!  Did you paint his head all the way back?  I am so tempted to do that, or get the repro head and light it up.

 

This label kit is a custom of my own.  Reprolabels.com has a WJ kit, but it is G1 based.

 

I haven't touched WJ's head - yet.  I have a head from Ken (at Transrepro.com) on the way for the light piping effect. 

Also have some other things in store along those lines . . .

 

Anyways, again I say things look good!  Good work!

I made a first attempt at an Alternators Card for Marlboor. 

 

A little Japan Grimlock, with a little US Wheeljack.  Made the gun better, and put the sword on a upward stroke. 

wow that looks really good!

Nice one Backfire. Like to see detailed pics when you're finished. What color will you be giving the visor? (That's the one thing I don't like about it: the visor and the face being the same color.)