'69 Torino Cobra Chassis Misalignment

[mrmike]

I have the AMT '69 Torino Cobra model kit No. 31745-1HD and I decided to look at the kit and I discovered that the chassis does not line up with the fender openings.  If I line up the rear of the chassis with the fender openings, the front holes are off by 1/8 inch and vise-versa.  Has anyone else come across this?  I have had this kit in the stash for a while now and the store that sold it to me has long since gone out of business.  I do have a solution to this issue and I will implement it when I decide to build the kit.  Has anyone else discovered this?

[Curt]

Yes, I have encountered this when I built one for a magazine article.  The chassis is short as you point out.  I didn't notice it until final assembly and then it was too late to address it.  I'd be interested to see your solution if you decide to build it.  You'll note it says "GT"; I converted the Cobra to a GT.

Edited October 26, 2022 by Curt
Added explanation.

[Mike 1017]

Thanks for that info. I have one waiting to be built. 

Mike

[Plowboy]

If you want a better chassis, the AMT '66 Fairlane's is almost a drop fit. IIRC, I just had to some trimming on the transmission/driveshaft tunnel on the Torino's interior tub. 

[mrmike]

15 hours ago, Plowboy said:

If you want a better chassis, the AMT '66 Fairlane's is almost a drop fit. IIRC, I just had to some trimming on the transmission/driveshaft tunnel on the Torino's interior tub. 

If I have to modify a chassis to fit, I might as well go ahead and use the kit chassis.

[Plowboy]

26 minutes ago, mrmike said:

If I have to modify a chassis to fit, I might as well go ahead and use the kit chassis.

You don't have to modify the chassis. The transmission tunnel on the interior tub just needs some trimming. Plus, the wheelbase is right. 

[mrmike]

Ok Roger!  But, I call trimming as modification.  Besides, I don't have an AMT '67 Fairlane in my stash.  It has been built already.

[bill-e-boy]

Built this kit recently and had to move the rear attachment points for the wheels about 3mm backwards and a little less for the front end. Both ends are misaligned This shows as a misalignment if you look at the chassis but as the rear end and front end are moulded in you cannot move these. I was not too concerned on how that looked - my main focus was topside. I did not have a 67 Fairlane GT(A) to hand so I did not concentrate too much on the chassis.

I believe the kit has origins as an annual from 1969 and most probably a promo as it looks like it may have had screws to attach the chassis to the body

With the dodgy chassis wheelbase alignment "fixed" my version came out OK

[mrmike]

Thank you guys for the responses!  Bill Redwood,  good job on a nice model!