I don't have many good things to say about this kit. The list of issues is lengthy resulting in a less than enjoyable build.
Body colour is Tamiya TS-41 Coral Blue, roof and bumpers are White Primer cleared with Pearl and Semi Gloss respectively. Chrome trim is decanted Revell Chrome Spray. Interior is Tamiya XF-19 Sky Grey. Wheels are kit chrome cleared with Semi Gloss and a light application of Tamiya Panel Liner.
Negative:
Chassis frame and interior tub were warped (badly). Used a heat gun to straighten them as best I could. The steering wheel was warped, too.
Required air bit of sanding to make the roof and hood fit flush to the body.
Most of the individual suspension parts had to have the mounting holes widened or locator pins sanded down.
Spent far too much time cleaning and prepping parts in this kit.
Firewall (separate part) had sizeable gaps on each side when installed... filled those with putty.
Could not squeeze the interior tub inside the body (an issue with this kit, made worse with the warpage) - had to cut the back panel off the tub to get it all the way up. It can't be seen when installed.
Body, truck bed and chassis install was no picnic... had to cut off the locator pins on the chassis as they were not gonna line-up.
Due to all the issues attaching the interior tub and body to the chassis, the front end sat way too high. I had to cut off the front of the frame and mount the front wheels with a 1/8" offset to get all 4 touching the ground... resulting in a weird stance. :^(
Decals broke apart and wouldn’t stick.
Some Positive:
Opened up the front grill which was easily done grinding only from the inside.
Added small brackets to the firewall for magnets to keep the hood in place as it sits quite loose if you choose the hood closed option (kit comes with hinges for hood open option).
First attempt at wood grain on the truck bed. The grain turned out ok, I went too dark with the colour (IMO), but a good learning lesson.
Wired the engine with a Yamamoto distributer and wires.
First time using Revell Chrome Spray. The stuff is definitely the most chrome looking product I've tried. I decanted and thinned it 1:1 with Mr. Levelling thinner (a must at that price!). From all I've read it cannot be cleared with any product. It seems to hold up to minor handling, though I wore off much of the shine while struggling with final assembly.
Conclusion:
With the price of kits and supplies in Canada, it wouldn't been right to trash it. Over all, I'm glad I didn't mail it in as it makes a decent 10-footer.
