This 1:8 scale Ghostbusters Ecto-1 partwork build-up is the most detailed model of its kind. It is based on scans of the actual screen-used Ectomobile that was recently restored by Cinema Vehicle Services. However, for a model that costs upwards of $1500 USD you would think it would be perfect, but you would be wrong. There are definitely some shortcomings you will find as you build it and they may or may not drive you crazy.
Luckily, there are communities of fans who, like myself, are passionate about the movie and the car. Some of them have produced some amazing custom modifications (mods) you can add to your Ecto-1 model to give it more accuracy and detail.
Some mods are very affordable and others are quite expensive. It is totally up to you which ones to install. Every build is going to be slightly different no matter what, so do what you want!
On that note, here is a list of the mods I have chosen for my car. Details on and where to get each mod can be found on their individual pages.
My Custom Mods
| Modification | In Stage(s) |
|---|---|
| Painting the Engine | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 |
| Painting the Spark Plugs | 8 |
| Stiffening the Hoses | 9 |
| Stiffening the Spark Plug Wires/Correct Firing Order | 12 |
| Painting Chassis Parts | 13 |
| Painting the Rear Partition Details | 51 |
| Rerouting the Rear Partition Flex Tubes | 51, 54, 55 |
| Hiding the white gap of the Rear Partition | 52 |
| Painting the Switch Panel | 53 |
| Painting the Oscilloscope | 53 |
| Detailing the Guidance System | 54 |
| Painting the AN/PRC-41 Radio Set | 55 |
| Creating a custom coiled H-33 Handset Cord | 55 |
| Painting the Martin Marietta Power Control Unit | 58 |
| Painting the Martin Marietta Power Distribution Unit | 60 |
| Removing the Rear Speakers | 61, 62 |
| Rerouting the Right Headlight Wiring | 69 |
From Model Modz:
| Direct Product Link | Used in Stage(s) |
|---|---|
| Strobes Mod (not released yet) | 2 Dedicated Page |
| Power Mod | 35 Dedicated Page |
From Mike Lane:
| Direct Product Link | Used in Stage(s) |
|---|---|
| Hood Vents | 1 Dedicated Page |
| Die-cast Licence Plates | 3 |
| Magnetic Wheel Caps | After the wheels are installed (16, 17, 32, 34) Dedicated Page |
| Delco Battery Sleeve | 26 Dedicated Page |
| Footwell Carpets with Heel Pad | After 45 Dedicated Page |
| Front Seatback Covers | After 48 Dedicated Page |
| Mini Cable Ties | 51 |
| Rear Carpets, Metal Grille and Metal Trims | 52 Dedicated Page |
| Rear Seatback Cover with Metal Trims | 56, 57 Dedicated Page |
| Door Transfer Kit | 80, 91, 102 Dedicated Page |
From Partwork Upgrades:
| Direct Product Link | Used in Stage(s) |
|---|---|
| Ghostbuster Proton Pack - Stow Gun Upgrade | Special #1 Dedicated Page |
From Scaled Modz:
| Direct Product Link | Used in Stage(s) |
|---|---|
| Interior Mod Set 1 | 41, 42, 45 |
| Honeywell 6000 | Anytime after 52 |