This is engagement ring box based on Lightning McQueen, a character from Disney/Pixar Cars. I made this little model for Derek based on the look from Cars 2.
It was a diecast metal model, hard to cut and modify. I made a simple 2 parts block mold to make a soft plastic copy. I need a roof to be separated and hollow the body to create the ring compartment.
I achieved it in 2 steps. First I poured few layers of a small amount of resin just to cover the roof section of the mold. I removed it and trimmed the edges to create the finished roof part. I put it back to mold and covered with plasticine and shaped it to look like a box in the shape and size which fits inside the car. I closed the mold and filled with resin. I let it set for few hours and opened the mold. The plastic replica of the model was inside. Using the knife, I separated the roof from the body. It was possible because I earlier put a layer of petroleum oil on the edge to avoid resin bonding. I removed and cleaned the plasticine from the inside. I finished with 2 separate parts which fit each other perfectly with big enough void for the ring compartment. I drilled 2 grooves and glued the brass hinge, now it starts to look like a box.
The reference photo showed Lighting with rear wing and different wheel design. I made the wing with pieces of styrene and sculpted new wheel design with Greenstuff. I made a small mold and cast 4 pieces to have exactly the same tires. The paint job was red and grey bottom of the car. I created and printed custom decals on special paper from eBay. At the end, I sprayed it with few layers of high gloss lacquer to protect the decals and give it even shine. It will blend perfectly with the diecast Cars collection. It is almost impossible to recognize which one is customized so I was happy with the results.
The first model became quickly popular on internet. I was later commissioned to build Radiator Springs version. Fortunately I had the first mold saved so I could go back to the original shape before my modifications and complete another option of this ring box.
Old custom Cars model other than ring box
This model was not my first custom Car. A few years ago while waiting for the premiere of Disney Pixar Cars 2 ( In 2011) I decided to customize Mater one of the characters from the movie. He is a cheerful, honest and loyal friend of Lighting McQueen in the film, so I made him just the opposite, pure evil. My version features Joker with little tricycle girl at the gunpoint, waiting for Batman to rescue her. Original Mater’s smile inspired me to do that.
I started with Mattel die-cast toy
, re-sculpted its teeth, added hands on springs like a clown in the box toy. The tricycle is made of a paper clip, pieces of styrene and few spare parts from broken toys. The base is made of cut tire from the radio controlled car.
I built many more engagement ring boxes, you can check the whole selection here
