Mark C.

I’m a little surprised that one of the Japanese kit manufacturers hasn’t taken on the Dajiban subject, TBH, given its popularity.

All I’m saying is that I think some of you guys are taking this way too seriously. It’s a hobby after all, and FWIW the info that Chris V gave was adequate enough to figure it out. The internet is also awash in negativity, and it would be a better place if there were less of it. Regardless, enough has been said, let’s all have a group hug and move on…

Yeah, I was wondering if anyone might be expecting a catoonized model (like I’ve been seeing in 3D prints), and be disappointed when they find the old ‘57 flip nose in the box.

Looks nice!

C’mon guys, we’re all modellers here. Some ideas were given by a fellow modeller to get you started. Buy the kit, measure yourself, and cut appropriately. Figure it out. I see no point in taking the guy to task when he is only trying to help… I’m glad that I am now aware of the issue, but would want to check myself before making any cuts, just because that’s what we modellers do!

I thought the Valiant emblem was an early model year thing that was gone partway through the 1970 model year production run.

He said he narrowed it down to 67mm, which I interpret to mean its total width will be 67mm. Just my take.

Great pics! Does it have hood pins on it? Also it looks like the back of the hood is raised slightly? To let some cooler air under the hood maybe?

Mostly vs OEM, but all inclusive actually. My decision: no biggie! Cheers as well! 👍🏻

I asked earlier in this thread if someone could define the difference, but all I heard was crickets… I guess if I have to ask and I don’t get a bunch of answers, it must be so subtle that most people don’t notice it… so I’m not going to let it affect my decision to get one. Sounds like it should be just fine, but I’m still hoping for a flat hood…

All I can see is that there is more of a gentle curve at the top of the quarter window.

Will definitely be picking up one of the ’32s. Reading the posts from the fine contributors on this forum has pushed me over the line. It’s now on the list.

Yup, probably why most of the stories you read are told by some unconnected third party who “heard something” from some unnamed source… Honestly, when your life’s work is dedicated to a job you believe in, why would anybody want to disrespect it by telling stories on the internet for hero points? Stuff happens in every job, but IMHO it’s always best to use good judgment and take the high road. Just my 2 cents.

For those of us less well-versed on these cars, could you elaborate on what’s wrong with the C pillars? When I look at the pics, the only obvious thing that jumps out at me is that the roofine/window opening seems to slope downward from the A pillar to the C pillar, whereas it should be parallel with the top of the door. Might just be photo distortion from the closeup camera angle, not sure, and I don’t have a kit at arm’s length.

That looks really really great! Do you still sell your castings?

The illustration of the '57 doesn't look like any I've seen before. It looks decidedly toy-like, and seems to depict a cartoonish 2 door hardtop. Presumably the kit contents will actually be the ubiquitous MPC Spirit of '57 kit, which is a 2-door sedan body?

I don’t think overall height would be the best measurement to use, given the potential variables of tire size and spring height (due to wear or other reasons). IMHO it would be better to use measurements that don’t have the potential to change, like door to roof, etc. That said, as Steve mentioned, it’s been discussed many times. Personally, I’m just happy that we got a ‘58 Belvedere kit.

Again, likewise.

Likewise, because I’m right! lol Actually despite the norm of the internet these days being to argue anything and everything, even a comment that was just meant to be an amusing anecdote that hopefully someone would find interesting, I really don’t like to argue. I hate it actually. So… I’m sure you’re right, Steve. I concede.

Well, yeah, it said “Free Spirit” on the side of it, but IIRC that was the slogan that Buick was using at the time. Young aspiring gearheads like myself knew that it was a pace car replica and would tend to refer to it as that. I used to spend a little time at the dealership back in the day, when my Dad would take me there, so I wouldn’t call myself unfamiliar with Buick stuff from the era… though I was admittedly more of a Pontiac fan at the time.

That’s amazing. When they were new, my dad worked for a Pontiac/Buick dealership (in Canada), and he had one of the street replicas as a demonstrator for the whole summer. Being a car nut I was thrilled with it. As a side note, everybody who saw the car called it the “Free Spirit”, not the Indy pace car replica…

Did you have decals made for that one?

The reason a 4-door body was chosen for this particular car. Fun to think about though.

Sounds reasonable. I would definitely pick up one or more in this configuration. 👍🏻

You’ve piqued our curiosity… would love to hear your thoughts, but given your situation I wouldn’t expect to. 🙂