44 replies to this topic

[Mark]

Most people who are seriously into these cars will have at least one of each version issued. For two identical seats, build every other version with the second seat from another Willys kit. The ones you took the seat from could then be built with different seats, either aftermarket castings or from some other kit. Revell had to make the kit "generic" so that it could be issued as several similar cars. But the little details (wheels, valve covers, seats, roll bars, headers) differ to some extent on each car. You'll want to switch a few things around to make each one in your collection look more like the 1:1 car it represents.

[Greg Myers]

. . . and Mark hits the proverbial nail on the head.We're modelers. Don't like it? Fix it.

[kitswapper]

YEP..

[Rusty Sierra]

I'm building one right now and perhaps it's because I'm used to building mostly muscle cars but I found the rear suspension fairly difficult to put together. The motor is beautiful though and with the exception on the rear suspension, the kit goes together real nice.

[larrygre]

My two cents? It always was a beautiful kit, whether it be the Big John Mazmanian, Stone-Woods-Cooke, or KS Pittman version. Details can always be worked out with a good "spares box", donor kits, or access to aftermarket parts. For example, the Pittman car originally raced with a blown Olds hooked up to a B&M Hydro - a combination that can be gotten from the vintage AMT '40 Willys gasser kits. That would free up the gorgeous 392 Hemi for other applications.

The only real complaint I have about the kit is the matte finish decals. I apprised Revell's Ed Sexton of this at NNL East and he said he is looking into it. Good thing Slixx has an alternative, for now.

[Michigan Madman]

Didn't one of these new-tool Revell Willys kits come with an Olds engine? Or am I thinking of the old SWC tool from the '60's?

[Greg Myers]

Only the Early everything opens (doors, hood) Revell kit and the very old AMT flip front coup and pickup kits.

[Dr. Cranky]

I haven't seen that grill . . . I would love to have one.

[Greg Myers]

I think all of the first issue Revell Willy's kits have the grill. http://public.fotki....0-vi.html#media

[Michigan Madman]

Thanks Greg! Thought it may have been only in the original kit.
I also believe you are correct about the two-bar grille in the original version kit as well- If I recall, it also came with a 'drawer pull' adorned version as well.

[larrygre]

Didn't one of these new-tool Revell Willys kits come with an Olds engine? Or am I thinking of the old SWC tool from the '60's?

Chuck, only the 1960's vintage Willys gassers from both AMT and Revell had the Olds engines. The new tool Revell kits all have the 392 Hemi.

[Dr. Cranky]

I'll have to look into it just to have for the next one.

[TooOld]

Interesting comments about a great kit . Personally I don't care how many seats are included . Unless I'm building box stock , I'll probably do something different anyway .

[jbwelda]

there was complaining about only one seat in the new willys? its a race car...and there is only one raised area on the floorboard for the seat. its supposed to only have one seat...

[High octane]

there was complaining about only one seat in the new willys? its a race car...and there is only one raised area on the floorboard for the seat. its supposed to only have one seat...

WRONG, "back in the day" in the Gas Coupe & Sedan class, the gassers were street driven hot rods and had to be "street legal" with two seats, fenders, exhaust systems, front & rear lights, batteries,starters, etc. I hope this clears things up for you.

[Dr. Cranky]

Interesting comments about a great kit . Personally I don't care how many seats are included . Unless I'm building box stock , I'll probably do something different anyway .

Hey Doc ! Where's the unboxing video ? I didn't see it at the link you provided . Maybe I should look again !
BOB .

Bob, here it is again:

WATCH VIDEO HERE:

[TooOld]

Thanks Doc ! I didn't see the PE Grille in Greg's photos . That's a nice extra . I will definitely pick up a couple of these !

[jbwelda]

i didnt know a car had to have two seats to be street legal. still dont.

hope that clears things up for you.

ps: buy two kits...then you gots two seats.

[Casey]

Here's a decent feature article on the (I'm assuming) restored K.S. Pittman '41Willys gas coupe, with a nice low-angle engine shot:

http://www.cartechbo...ittmans41willys

[Mark]

i didnt know a car had to have two seats to be street legal. still dont. hope that clears things up for you. ps: buy two kits...then you gots two seats.

NHRA Gas class rules at the time required two seats.
The Willys kit has one seat because the first issue was modeled on the John Mazmanian car, which was frequently match raced at a lower weight, and with a larger engine, than NHRA Gas class rules allowed. When match racing, the rules are whatever the participants agree on. The second issue, the black Stone-Woods-Cook car, was match raced as well and many pictures of it can be found with one seat.

Here's a decent feature article on the (I'm assuming) restored K.S. Pittman '41Willys gas coupe, with a nice low-angle engine shot: http://www.cartechbo...ittmans41willys [attachment=18232:ks2.jpg]

The Pittman Willys is restored to the 1963 season version. For 1964, Pittman built a '33 Willys with a Chrysler engine. In 1965, while match racing with the '33, it was wrecked. Pittman then "un-retired" the '41 that he still owned, installing the Chrysler engine and making some other changes. The '41 was used through mid-'66, when another '33 Willys replaced it.