The 1989 Batmobile Forum

Update...

Ok so while we are having some nice rain and cold winds, I couldn't do too much...
But I did manage to start filling the new cutouts of the flaps / wings with the expanding foam...

First set was a little tricky as I had not used the foam in quite some time... So little rough but got the job done...
Here you can see all I did was lift the corners of the board as to create a small gap allowing the foam to expand to the other side too as I need about 3mm on either side...
And then the second set went alot better...
Can see the back ones that are done and front ones atill expanding...

Not sure if you’re only posting 3 images per post bc of past restriction. I think it’s changed to allow more than 3 attachments per post.
At least I was only able to post 3 attachments first time but was able to post more than 3 in the AI thread.

Big Bozo wrote: ↑Tue Oct 31, 2023 9:46 am Not sure if you’re only posting 3 images per post bc of past restriction. I think it’s changed to allow more than 3 attachments per post.
At least I was only able to post 3 attachments first time but was able to post more than 3 in the AI thread.

O havent tried posting more yet...
But will thanks, yeah possibly just use to the old forum...

But I try post as I go so will usually be 2 or 3 at a time anyway...
But good to know that we can do more if I get to something that needs a little comparison or different angles...

Hi all...

Ok so small update...
Been a busy week with kids school concerts and another one this coming weekend, but at least I got a little work done...

SO...

* This is where I need to take a minute and explain my insanity to some degree...
Firstly, you will see below that I am using a household crack filler instead of body filler... (Old trick we learned from custom audio installs and bodykits )
But the reason for this is as follows:
1. Its a tab bit lighter than bondo / body filler (Not that Im worried about that)
2. Its easier to apply and softer to sand. Yes sands 10 times easier than automotive filler... So better for basic shaping...
3. Its only the base of the shape that will be done like this to get me as close as possible to the end shape that is required.
4. Once I have the basic shape I need, I will then lay some fiberglass over that and do the proper filler and sanding...
5. Its about 1/3 the price, saves me time as well as effort of sanding...


Firstly I started by trimming all the excess foam off the wings / flaps... As can be seen in the top right corner...
I tried to cut them about 5mm higher than the board... As I still need to shape them...
Then Once I had them all trimmed, I started layering them up so that I can have a base to start with and shape...
I will try get a better pic to show you the curve and shape...
Then after each layer I left it for a few hours to dry out nicely before doing the next layer...
Ended up doing 4 layers of filler...
So as for now I will only be doing this one flap / wing to make sure everything will work out as it does in my head...
Hence why I also used one of the smaller pieces just in case its a flop, I have enough board to make another one...
And then the tricky part now come that I think I will install led lights on the edges of the flaps / wings, but need to shape it accordingly now... Most of the LED strips that I have seen are between 5mm and 8mm thick. So will have to make sure I have at least a 5mm / 6mm edge for the leds once the units are all done...

How's that flap turning out? I like the idea of LED's on it.

My own build will be limited by the original design, but I imagine Batman would modify the Tumbler over time.

I wonder how it would look close to 20 years later (if it hadn't been destroyed in the movie).

lilboatsman wrote: ↑Wed Nov 15, 2023 12:25 pm How's that flap turning out? I like the idea of LED's on it.

My own build will be limited by the original design, but I imagine Batman would modify the Tumbler over time.

I wonder how it would look close to 20 years later (if it hadn't been destroyed in the movie).

Sorry to derail the thread but just want to say lilboatsman you have a kick ass avatar pic.

Big Bozo wrote: ↑Wed Nov 15, 2023 8:11 pm

lilboatsman wrote: ↑Wed Nov 15, 2023 12:25 pm How's that flap turning out? I like the idea of LED's on it.

My own build will be limited by the original design, but I imagine Batman would modify the Tumbler over time.

I wonder how it would look close to 20 years later (if it hadn't been destroyed in the movie).

Sorry to derail the thread but just want to say lilboatsman you have a kick ass avatar pic.

He does have a cool one indeed...

As for the Flaps...
Well Ive been sanding and shaping alot this week and it is quite a bit of a challenge trying to get the top shape correct as well as work / sand down the front of the tips...
And then all that while trying to keep it all smooth and in line along the front curved shape...

So Ive been looking at a few other ideas to see how one could try and do this a bit easier...
But other that spending all that time to try and build up the shape and keep it consistent, would be to just use the flaps as is and not try build up the 3mm on either side and then just shape the tips a bit better...
But will get some pics this weekend and then it would be better to understand...

Big Bozo wrote: ↑Wed Nov 15, 2023 8:11 pm
Sorry to derail the thread but just want to say lilboatsman you have a kick ass avatar pic.

Hah, thanks. I "borrowed" the video from Youtube and Giphy made it easy to do the rest. Everyone can make their own distracting avatar if they so choose.

Update...

Hi all,
So this morning when I went out to do some work I picked up the small wing / flap that I was working on and man was it heavy...
I thought ok I know Ive added a bit to it so lets deal and move on...

So I continued sanding a bit and shaping...
Bit difficult to see the curve so nicely, but you get an idea...
Can see my lines in the tip area on where to follow the sanding...
And as you can see I still have a bit of a way to go to get to the actual shape...
But I keep sanding and building up again... Then repeat... And this is all still on the first piece that Im testing...
Need to finish the bottom side and then repeat all this on the other 5 pieces...

This post made me decide on Panini for lunch.