Documentation
Once a car is located, the fun begins. It may take several days to fully document a car. Documentation involves measurement, photography and authentication. It usually takes 300-400 detailed pictures to fully document a car. Details specific to a make or model need extra attention.

Detail pictures of textures and patterns are also essential. This involves close-ups of seat patterns, grain textures, headliner detail, carpet textures, dash textures, engine metal textures such as those found on cast parts versus a polished part. Details such as dash knob wording, radio and gauge faces also have to be photographed and scaled so they can be reproduced later as art film.

If color selection has been determined, colors can be matched to color samples. Industry standards use, Munsell, Pantone or TOYO color match systems. In addition, custom color chips are made for unique colors.

Measurement is also very critical. Overall pictures will usually be shot with some sort of size gauge. This allows the model builder to scale his model appropriately.

Probably the most fun in this process is watching the team photograph the car. I have witnessed the GMP team do this. Their China factory will send a staff to accomplish this and sometimes the process itself becomes quite innovative.

In order to properly document a chassis, the photographer will lie on a creeper and will systematically roll around under the car, which is on a lift, and shoot many pictures of the underside. Once the shots are developed they can then "assemble" the various prints and make a complete chassis.

If certain parts prove difficult to photograph or interpret, a quick sketch with hard measurement is indicated. For instance, a complicated exhaust system may require more than just a photo. In addition, ingenious ways are developed in how to shoot certain views of a car.

Many times, the team from China will have never seen a muscle car or know what it's all about. This is when it gets real interesting. It's most enjoyable to watch some of the Chinese engineers as a muscle car is being hammered! I know first hand that they really enjoy this part of the project, too!