Bob Ellis

Chris, I cut part of the chassis too. I failed to mention that, so it's good you did. The AMT chassis is not a drop in with a MPC body. I cut the chassis a little different, but the end result similar. The MPC 72 grille is a little tight in front where the chassis / radiator meets. Even if you build a hardtop, the model looks way better with a chassis up grade. I am curious what the Revell result would be. I used the AMT because they were incomplete kits and cost less. Maybe the result not as good as Revell, just don't know yet.

I am dropping the Revell parts pack 283 in this Impala. I had to split the metal axle rod because I couldn't put a hole through the engine. Also had to make an engine support.

With this parts pack, you can put a turbo in the 'Vair

I don't see the point of re-doing a tool that fit the bill. This doesn't seem any different. Maybe somebody knows why. They might also sell pre-decorated ones as well? The Duke's last Charger 1/25 issue had the Confederate flag airbrushed off the box original artwork. Can't remember if the decal was in the box. The movie company or Round2s lawyers probably nixxed it.

I had a left over parts kit '70 Challenger, and a built up junk '70 Challenger. I have a feeling that even if I used the new Revell, fit issues woul hve ocurred since I needed to use the MPC '74 body. A Revell would be a great place to start '70 Cuda convertible. Not sure if Mannix had a '70 (think he had a '71). He had a '68 Dart convertible customized by Barris.

Did your kit come with the rubber band to hold down the hood? My '61 Ford kit had it. Instructions should say too.

I was thinking all the SEs had leather seats?

Wow, nice

Philo, I would like to see a side photo. Chopping isn't easy.

Got some primer on the body and worked parts. Helps me see what is good and bad. I have Sovereign wheels on the right and something else on the right.

I m curious how the Alclad bumper will look

Tom, I think the problem all comes back to the fact an AMT '64 Impala was designed as a promo model. I am sure they wanted production as fast as possible back in the Fall of '63. Molding a console in place would have saved time.

When you make up your own models out of 2 or 3 kits, you find things don't fit. I spend a lot of time trying to get things to blend. The MPC Cuda kit and the AMT Challenger kit are fighting each other. But, I am winning as you can see here.

Here the roof is cut off, hood from Revell Cuda, and sitting on a '70 Challenger chassis

Chrysler stopped selling convertibles in the end of the 1971 model year. At the time, Mannix was a very popular show and it featured a Cuda convertible. Chrysler still wanting to maintain a presence in the show, decided to update a 1971 Cuda with 1972 sheet metal. This car still exists. I used a ERTL MPC 1974 Cuda promo, and a ERTL AMT 70 Dodge Challenger. I could have used a Revell Don Johnson Cuda if it was 1/25. But I used it as a guide.

Luc, the '77-'79 TBird is a Torino. Or, a LTD II. I owned both a '72 Torino and a '77 TBird 1:1 and even the dash boards were the same. Ford decided to down size the TBird rather than keep it the same size platform as the Lincoln Mark Continental. Also, they lowered the price because it became a Torino with new sheet metal. So, here is the $64,000 question; will Revell or a Resin kit company make a body to fit the Revell Starsky and Hutch Torino?

Thanks James. The flat floor interior AMT '58 Impala saved me. Even the Revells have molded in consoles. Hopefully, Dig Derange will make a non SS trim etch set by next year. If I did another of this car, I would use his set and save time.

For a 1965 issue kit, it builds like a modern kit. Very nice. Those details are great. Is that Tamiya Mica Red?

Since the AMT 64 Impala has molded in console, the option of fixing the floor meant removing it. I used a 1958 interior floor and bench seat to make the non SS interior. 1958s are common frame cars with the 64 anyway. I decided tuck and roll as this is a lowrider.

I used 0.010" x 0.030" Evergreen Styrene to make non SS side trim. I also decided skirts would be a nice touch. Internet photos gave me an idea about style. There were a couple. here is one type.

I decided that I have too many 1964 Impala SSs. So, I converted an SS to a Standard Impala. First step, remove the SS side trim.

I think they could restore this one. I replied and suggested that if they are restoring the body, they might as well do a first year '64 442 instead of a Cutlass. I was wondering if it would be a good idea if it had a roof like the '65 GTO where a convertible a hardtop possible?

Good idea about the MV lenses. They have part numbers but I have found it difficult to figure which size to use, so another good idea to bring the part to the store.. A really good model train shop should have them.

Looks great

Looks great