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AMT/MPC 69/70 Charger (Parts Box Build)


Sledsel

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I usually do not do build threads, but maybe this will keep me from stalling out.

Well, I enjoy taking kits that everyone grumbles about and can get cheap and trying to do something with them. This kit is not super horrible, just an old simple MPC tool. 

Started life as a F&F Charger parts kit, but having the body glass and bumpers, I thought I would do something with it. First I cut some reliefs in the fenders and brought down the nose. At this point, the roof looked funny, so I cut reliefs in the "C" pillar and took about 3/32 out of the "A" pillar and pulled the front down which gave it a better look. Warmed the hood in hot water and gave it a bend to match the front end.

At this point I am moving to find a suitable suspension.

I  have no clue where this is heading, just winging it.

Comments and suggestions always appreciated

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Edited by Sledsel
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Well, with some looking, I found the AMT Grand Prix stock car chassis fits pretty well although the wheelbase is too short. I decided to lengthen it at the front rather than the middle. Engine will be the Charger kit Hemi and set back since the firewall is back also.

Still not sure where it is going, but it is not going to be a "race" car and it will be low.  

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  • 4 weeks later...

Okay, after the flu and a fall from a ladder, I have an update,

Got the chassis done, just need to do some paint touch up and details. Wheels are from the Monogram Heavy Chevy Chevelle

I modified the wheel wells for the tire fit and have started fitting some Revell interior panels.

Now, mind you, this is being built from parts box stuff. I have not started or used a complete kit, just leftovers.

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Edited by Sledsel
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Very minor update:

I decided to go with a Revell hood because it was much crisper than the AMT/MPC. Some work was needed FYI

Even though it is a 70's car, I didn't like the rear tires sticking out. If I had noticed, I would have narrowed the rear a bit, but I do not want to tear down the chassis, so I decided to flare the rear quarters a bit. 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Not much of an update. Been messing with getting the body right. I changed primer colors and the white showed flaws the red didn't. I did get the A pillars fixed a bit and new drip rails on. I also added a trim piece on the tail light panel.

Not shown in these pics, I added carpet using felt because of all the irregularities of the Nascar floor pan. Came out pretty good in my opinion

Some more wet sanding and it should be ready for paint. Once there is some color, I will finish other sub assemblies.

I have a color in mind, but anybody have a suggestion?

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On 11/23/2018 at 11:35 PM, Sledsel said:

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Use sheet plastic to add the chrome aero plates on the A pillars,  just like the real Daytonas. It's an authentic detail and it would add strength to that weakened area to boot.

I would also suggest adding the inner fenders to the front to strengthen that weak area above the wheelwells, before you paint and polish it - that area is very thin and will bend and crack, ruining all of your great bodywork. 

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  • 3 weeks later...

And the frustration begins...... I wet sanded again, had a color chosen, sprayed a test piece and all looked good. Few days later decided to spray the body, and the paint came out like I was spraying syrup. A lot of orange peal and thick enough for your pancakes. Let it sit, tried a wet sand and polish, but the paint still looked like it was dipped in a can. 

Off to the purple bath which took off most of the filler also.... back to body work. Sand, sand, sand. I am trying not to let it get to the "shelf of doom" 

 

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Edited by Sledsel
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Tragedy averted..... after having to re-do the body work, I laid some new paint on the Charger. Paint laid down nice. Gonna let it sit a few days because there are a few minor flaws that some wet sanding and touch up should take care of.

As can be seen, the tail light panel is gone. Replacing with a Revell panel. 

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Well, I worked out the flaws, got another coat of paint on the Charger and it laid down beautifully, but..... always a but. One bad spot showed its ugly face. Not sure how to deal with it at this time. Gonna let it sit in a case for about a month since it is enamel, then maybe wet sand and polish. Thinking maybe after wet sanding, dabbing paint in the bad spot with a brush and wet sand. Hate to have to do anything since the paint is so smooth.

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