Bob Ellis

I believe those wheels are the stamped steel Cougar wheels. Something happened to the 302 engine after ERTL did two versions of the Cougar in the '90s. Somebody may understand the story better than me.

The '72 Cuda convertible is finally looking like it should. The primer helps see how it looks. The turn signals deleted by MPC, had to be put back. Rear pan fits great with the chassis now. I had to slice some material where there was a rib keeping the chassis from sliding in. Oh yeah, apparently The Brady Bunch had a '72 Barracuda convertible too. I would have to use a flat hood instead of the shark hood. It will stay as a Mannix 'Cuda.

I have to admit, that resin SE body looks pretty nice

carrucha, you are correct. It has 283 emblems and a lot more neat stuff too.

I broke my cardinal rule; make sure everything fits perfect before gluing well. The fire wall needs to move forward a little and I forgot that the grille insert goes in from the back, which it can't now because the radiator is in the way.

I am taking the advice and removing about 1/8 " off the length of the frame; the AMT Challenger is a little long. I got the cowl to fit better. Cud promo glass drops in perfectly now over the Challenger cowl.

When I first posted this, my intent was to make people realize that the kit prices aren't that bad after all, and should be happy about the way things are. Obviously, there are market conditions that come into play besides inflation, such as supply and demand. In 1971, the minimum wage was $1.80. That means it took more than an hours work to buy the $2.25 kit. Considering taxes, it was actually higher. Ask yourself today, how many hours do I work to get that kit?

It's true, if they made another run as a '70, they would still sell a bunch. I would buy one, or two. If AMT heard selling 5000 of selling a kit was good back in 1964, they would be rolling on the floor laughing. They made millions of kits (total) during the year.

Wow, that Revell kit builds a very nice '67 SS396.

It's like a 1950 Studebaker; hard to tell which way it is going.

I wouldn't say MV lenses are cheap either. But, they are nice.

Charlie, maybe next year on a totally stock one. There is a guy who might produce the photo etch set for the standard Impala next year.

Whatever people say negative about that kit, you have proved them wrong. It looks great.

The TBird looks nice. I didn't write BLAH BLAH. The computer or site did.

Decals, like tires, are best the day they are made. The do get old. If they get old, even a few years, spray clear lacquer over them. Always apply decals over a glossy paint surface. Use a sharp Xacto to pin BLAH_BLAH_BLAH_BLAH air bubbles and a decal set solution to make it settle down to contours. Use a clear gloss or dull to cover the decal and seal it in place

Everybody thinks kits cost too much. A $2.00 model kit in 1964 is $15.38 in 2014. But in 1964, AMT made millions of models. There was an economy of scale (no pum intended). The volume is so low today. Plus, the car companies helped subsidize the tooling. The extra $10 is a reflection of that.

Any new kit is a welcome addition

This AMT trailer originally came with the '60 Ford and Chevy pickup trucks until '61? The bulkhead is an added piece. Was a ERTL Blueprinter kit too later on.

I am going to buy the Revell Torino, and maybe a few. It looks pretty good despite the complaints. I think many are going to be combined with 72 race bodies to make stock 72s

Chris, time for sad stories...... AMT and MPC were having a contest to see who could destroy more stock tools than the other. Case in point; Modified or Super Stockers. MPC Fundimensions and ERTL restored the Cuda to sort of it's former glory. The fender openings have a little waviness, but I will just say that's when Mannix had the accident.

Got some color on the 72 Elky. Will have a black vinyl roof and interior.

Chris, the duster head lights look good. What are you using for the turn signals below the grille?

Dyno, I can only say that the 1972 Plymouth Cuda convertible is the only one I know Chrysler had, besides the '72/'73 Challenger convertible they made for the Mod Squad TV show. According to the story, Chrysler made this '72 Cuda made in April 1971. http://qualityautobodyshop.com/1/gallery-view/1972-cuda-convertible-mannix-show/

Joe, it's funny you mentioned that. I used to have 2 1/25 diecast ERTL Dukes Chargers. One was made in the USA and the other made in China, I think. Both were different tools. Not sure if the would use those tools.

Its subtle, but you can see the flag in one, and not in the other. Now that I think about it, I think Warner Bros made them remove the flag. Maybe somebody remembers the story better.