Dave Darby

While it fits well, the Gen 1 Fairlane shares absolutely zero structural compoments with the Gen 1 Falcon / Comet. In fact, they don't even really look similar. If accuracy is your goal, the Moebius 65 Comet should be your first choice, followed by the AMT 67 Mustang / Shelby for a "chassis" donor. Gen 1 Falcon Note the Horizontal A Frame bolts that utilize shims for camber adjustment. Gen 1 Fairlanes have vertical bolts that allow the A frame to slide back and forth. Gen 1 Fairlane Gen 1 Fairlanes have vertical bolts (accessed through the slots - you can see the fron slot in the photo) that allow the A frame to slide back and forth. The bottom of the underbody is just as dissimilar. I can tell you this, because I've owned several of each, and did all my own work, including suspension repair and engine swaps.

I found the Mod Rod reissue, a great source of parts for both restoration of originals, but a great source of vintage speed parts, with the bonus of a really nicely done 29 Model A Roadster. Like Craig said, there are a few parts in the new tool kit that are useful as well. I used the front tires on my Dusty Rose Pearl 29 Model A roadster. I wrote a history of the Ala Kart, and a review of the new tool for Bonediggers about 20 years ago. For those interested: https://www.bonediggers.com/2-3/alakart/alakart.html

That's correct. The 64 and 65 had mag wheels only. The 66 and 67 annuals also had the stock "Turbine"? Knockoff style wheels. The 65-67 annuals all had the working spring front suspension (as did the Cosma Ray show car kit based off of the Corvette annuals. When the 67 came back as the Streaker Vette in 1973 or 74, the old 1964 annual style suspension (and interior tub) returned. And no stock wheels.

The rub is that it's much less expensive and complicated for us to do the kit bashing than it is for Round2 to modify tools, and that is weighed against ROI. I dont have a problem with the old promo style chassis, nor with kit bashing to get the extra detail. That's what separates the builders from the assemblers. I almost never build a kit box stock. Even when it's a replica stock.

Makes sense to me. And if they don't weld too many gates closed that will leave options open for a standard fastback as well.

It appears the last reissue of the Ranchero was in 1995, with made in USA on the box. My guess is Atlantis likely has it, along with the "60" (really a 59) Corvette.

We were speaking of Atlantis, however. Not Revell. I don't foresee any totally new automobile tools from Atlantis anytime soon. They have a big tool purchase to amortize. Unchopping the existing Ranchero, with its simple 2 piece tool would be much less expensive than an all new tool.

Great source of period parts, if nothing else. I'm in.

Man that is lovely. Looks like it belongs on the cover of The Rodder's Journal.

My guess is the Kandy Scarlet. Could be the Purple. I doubt it's Dusty Rose. Whatever it is, it looks great! Here's my AMT Model A in Dusty Rose pearl.

Pow! I like it.

While the modern style monochromatic style street rods run counter to my taste buds, this sure is a sweet build. Super nice job, Steve.

You are correct to not take much stock in Scalemates linage and history, as the actual re-issue date for the Revell 57 Ranchero was 1975, along with the 59 Skyliner and the '1960' (really a '59) Corvette. What they called a rebox was more than that, as the Moon disks were retooled to work with the newly added vinyl tires. And they also added newly tooled one piece windshield and backglass that didn't have to be cut from acetate. This was followed up later by the Advent reissue, which IIRC lacked plating for the chrome. I'm not so sure the Eldorado would have been the best litmus test for reissues of the multi piece series, as it is said to have some proprtional issues, but I'd like to get one. I think the 59 Corvette would be a winner, particularly if they went trough the tool to see if the stock wheel covers and plastic tires are still in there. Back to the Ranchero, the two cheapest options (short of unchanged re-issue) are the unchopped top, or a plain station wagon. But keep in mind that door lines are the hardest thing to restore.

When I visited the Revell plant back in 2002, I suggested they unchop the top on the Ranchero. I don't recall getting a response. Why they did id it and why they didn't undo it is beyond me. I agree completely about the accuaracy issue. Yes the doors are too short. If Atlantis has the tool (where was it produced last?) They could do one of four things. Reissue it as is, Unchop it, make it a plain fordor wagon, or re-engrave the squire paneling.

Hi Jacob, I did do the box art builds the D50 pickup. Both stock and custom versions. As you can see from these photos, (I wish would have had a better camera back then!) the custom version was neon pink, with a clearcoat. Both trucks were built straight out of the box, with no modifications (other than I probably shaved the emblems on the custom pickup. Hope this helps.

Actually, the side trim on the AMT 53 Corvette does not run uphill. I think (IIRC) that was Bill Coulter who made that (incorrect) observation. Actually, I believe he thought the bottom of the body incorrectly ran down hill, and he pie cut the body on his build to correct it. However, if you look at a plan view of a real 53-55, the 1:1 body does run down hill to the front. So in that respect, both the body and the side trim on the AMT body are correct. That said, the Danbury Mint 53 is nicer than both the AMT and the Monogram.

I agree with you.

Uh-oh! Which article(s) had the spelling errors?

I like your thinking. Except I prefer the 74-up grille on the Dodge van.

I actually have one of those full tops in my stash.

Round 2 reissued that with flipped box art (Gas Man on top, green custom on side) as the "Gas Man" coupe not all that long ago. Hopefully it still has those nice skinny cherater slicks with the wide whites.

There was an earlier issue with the same box art called "Iron Lady".

Speaking of the AMT 32 Sedan, here's one to our right of Greg's head in a December 1969 episode of the Brady Bunch. Not of what the one on the left is..

Hi Tim. I had a Revell Henry J in the early mid 70s (molded in maroon) , and I recall mine having that same color of window tint.

It may had something to do with Jim Keeler leaving Revell.