Rereleased Revell 1957 Chevy Bel Air

[Jordan White]

Back on the bench after a long break, where I'll be building a slightly modified, updated version of the 1957 Bel Air that my dad built back when he was younger (going to be a birthday gift for him). His build was the original 1963 release by Revell, and really showed how tough the kit went together. I was trying to find the same kit on ebay, when I was lucky enough to find out that the recently released Ed Roth kit is the one I wanted, at retail price (surprised I haven't seen anyone else building it yet )

Here's a few pics of my dad's build:

My plans are to paint everything pretty much the same as his build, but clean up all the parts as best I can as well as make sure they fit great. I'm also stripping all the chrome so it's easier to clean up the parts, and I'll be coating them in Alclad chrome. I'm also going to use some parts box tires instead of the kit tires (even though they are one piece rather than the old two piece).

Starting with the chassis, I painted it all satin black and painted the gas tank and exhaust aluminum. My dad used the lift "shackles" from the drag version in the back, so I'm doing the same. Of course, this meant modifying the exhaust on the driver's side to fit properly since it originally ran above the rear spring perch.

[Byron5150]

Looks nice I have one of the old monogram kits.

It's painted just not finished I got bored of it :/

[slusher]

Great project. I will enjoy watching..

[Jordan White]

The biggest thing I've found so far is that it appears the molds are in real need of replacement. There is quite a bit of flash, and some parts have edges that are very uneven. However, I do enjoy the amount of parts that are included in the kit.

[Byron5150]

Here's my kit never finished it.

I'd say there's not many parts for this one at least.

I have to agree there was a lot of flash on these.

Edited July 17, 2014 by Byron5150

[Bob Ellis]

I bought the Roth issue 57 Chevy too. I also built the 63 and 75 version of the kit. I am sure you will have it looking great when you are done.

[TFchronos]

Nice project, it's always good to see builds like these, I'll be watching for sure.

[DynoMight]

I'm sure he'll like it!

[Jordan White]

Here's the rear suspension completed, along with the finished wheels and tires. Wheels have been painted with Alclad chrome, center spinners painted gold, and the tires are from the AMT Ford Ranger kit.

[Byron5150]

Great job on the wheels man!!

And suspension is looking good as well

[62rebel]

the '56 by Monogram is a completely different kit from the Revell '57. looking at the old build reveals that it does display pretty good proportions, better than many would admit given it's age....

i think the kit actually does a better job of representing the actual car than the AMT version of the same era. admittedly, it has lots of faults like fragile suspension and excess flash, difficult to install body chrome, and cast-in side trim.... but the prospect of working features like opening hood, doors, and trunk, raising rear quarter windows, and poseable steering make up for much of that.

[slusher]

Nice progress Great job on the wheels and tires.

[Jordan White]

Alright got some more done. Front suspension completed and wheels/tires mounted (still have to swage the spindles where the tie rod is attached). Due to poor molding, had to make new spindle posts to attach the tie rod.

Body on the chassis with door, hood, and trunklid resting in place.

[1 bad55 stan]

Thats looking good,Nice job so far...

[Jordan White]

Got some more done today. Engine has been wired and a dipstick added, transmission attached and mounted in the chassis. Also added in the driveshaft and rear transmission mount.

[philo426]

It would be cool to paint the floor pan body color and the frame black like this!

[Jordan White]

It would be, but keep in mind I'm building this as a replica of my dad's build with a few upgrades.

[philo426]

okay!

[slusher]

Looking really good Jordan...