ToyLvr

I agree with Mark's assessment. Although I don't have the MPC '64 Vette (wish I did!) in my collection, I do have an example of '69 through '76, and Mark's info is correct. I also have an unbuilt '64 AMT Vette kit, and I can tell you that it's definitely the old "screw bottom chassis" design that uses metal axles and has limited detail. See attached photo of the AMT '64 kit for comparison.

If it would actually "run", then I'd have to get one to power my Dremel tool ;-)

The "Golden Rule"....He who has the gold, rules.... ;-)

Gorgeous!

Yeah, this looks good! I LOVE '62 Chevys. Anyone know if this is a new tool???

I've had the same challenge, and did some experimenting. Likewise, I only paint with rattle cans. Try these: Model Master #28136 "Fabric Tan" lacquer - I think you'll find this one to be really close. Model Master #1954 "Light Earth" enamel - a bit darker look. Model Master #2910 "Sand Beige" enamel - different shade, but in the same family. All the above were obtained at my LHS. Hope this helps....

Gary, you put it into more eloquent words than I could; I agree with you 100%. I've done exactly the same thing, and now have a small collection of these "time capsules". I know some of the other folks on this Forum, especially Tom Geiger, do the same thing. Even better, my older brother (age 71 this year) bestowed his collection of built-up model cars on me a couple of years ago, some of which dated back to the "Golden Age" of model cars in the late 50s/early 60s. So, now I have some of these oldies where I *do* know their history. Sadly, his kids and grandchildren probably could care less about the model collection, but to me they're priceless family heirlooms..... Attached are some pix of these builts when I displayed them at a local club meeting. Not only am I amazed that they survived over 50 years, also the build quality considering no BMF and rattlecan paint.

X2

I checked the original AMT '65 convertible that's in my stash. The seats are separate. Like Raoul's, my original '64 convertible has the seats molded in.

Good thing that it didn't find its way to the Corvette museum!

I've mentioned it many times before on similar threads; there's *nothing* like an original issue, made when the tooling was fresh, and with good ol' USA styrene. Ever notice how the "new" plastic being used on these china reisues seems more "rubbery" than the original? I find it harder to work with. Of course, I also must admit that I like the nostalgia of the original box art, etc. That's why I always try to trade for or buy originals when they are reasonable (and sometimes even at *unreasonable* prices). By the time you've spent hours-n-hours cleaning up the flash, "blobs", etc., on these new reissues, the price for a clean unbuilt original doesn't seem so bad after all. Still, I guess we should be happy that some of this old tooling still exists, whatever its condition, and that the younger generation can get a shot at building these oldies.... Just my 2-cents worth.

And their early Corvair....

Joe's right. Can't y'all just get a Learner's Permit for a while? ;-) When my daughter got married in '09, we had a big wedding for her. First thing hat happened at the reception is that the chocolate fountain got knocked down! Cake almost got it, too! So, watch out for the model.... GOOD LUCK!!!!

Another super nice build, Rich.

I love Model Master "Nassau Blue Metallic". Can't get away from that color; have painted several cars using it....

Yeah, should be common sense to ask all of these questions before buying, and most especially ask for photos! I love collecting the old "annual" kits, and have acquired quite a few over the years. I cannot believe how many I've seen over the years where folks pay big bucks for such kits, then dump them on a shelf without prepping them for storage. My suggestions for what to do for preservation: 1) if it's a "new" enough kit to be sealed in plastic, consider opening it and checking for the aforementioned problems, especially if you really intend to build it some day; 2) look under the box "flaps" for loose parts, then bag them. I keep different sizes of zip-lock bags for that purpose. I also bag the glass and chrome in their own bags to help prevent scratches; 3) always bag the tires separately! This has been discussed in other threads re: "tire melt" from vinyl tires; 4) place the decals in a separate bag, if they are still looking good and usable. There are special "sleeves" made for old film negatives that are great for this purpose (certain other plastic materials emit chemical fumes that can "eat" the decals"). Consider storing them separately from the kit box in a climate-controlled place. Some folks make a digital scan of the decal sheets, too; 5) store the kit in a cool, dry place. Heat & humidity are not your friend. If you're considering buying or trading for an old kit, ask questions based on my list. Finally, those of you with a bunch of kits - new or old- should consider carefully cataloging your collection and talk to your home insurance agent about coverage for your collection, Sorry to hijack your thread, Alan, but this stuff is one of my pet peeves...

Got these recently, but just got around to snapping some pix and posting them. The built-up Corvair is an original '66 AMT. It is unpainted, except for some silver on the "trim". Should be an easy restoration. The '65 Galaxie is an unbuilt original AMT kit. And no, you guys can't have the tail light assemblies...

X2

Maybe this is why they also fell apart on the showroom floor... ;-) Seriously, it would seem that this sort of transport position might put undue stress on a unibody. IIRC, Chrysler designed their "K" car at a certain length so they could squeeze more onto a standard railcar.

I had a friend who had one back in the day, but I cannot say for sure if it came from the factory with the six-banger.

Did anyone at Fiat/Chrysler think to contact Joe Bortz? ;-)

Once again, another idiotic decision by suits in a corporate office, this time most likely over in Italy. BTW, not to get too far off on a tangent, but if you take time to locate and read Steve Lehto's excellent book, "Chrysler's Turbine Car: The Rise and Fall of Detroit's Coolest Creation", you'll find that "import tax" wasn't what sent the Turbine Cars to the crusher. Corporations crushing rare cars, sink holes eating Corvettes....what's this world coming to???

Absolutely wicked!

As Gary mentioned, perhaps I too am a sentimental old fool, but I think you've got a priceless time capsule giving you a peek into your Dad's youth. Glue the loose parts back on, sit them on a shelf, and enjoy the view....

The Six Million Dollar Model?