Chris V

Texas 3D Customs have several different 572's available in 1:16

"Ghosting" is a common phenomenon caused by differences in the density of the plastic from the injection molding process: As the molten plastic cools from the outside, microscopic pores form towards the centre of the part. By trimming/sanding off bodywork details, you expose material that was originally further from the outer surface and thus more porous/vulnerable to solvents in the paint than the immediate surrounding area. By giving the area a gentle wash of liquid cement you essentially saturate the porous plastic with solvent and binders, causing a controlled "collapse" of the area prior to paint. This allows you to fill in any cavities left as the cement evaporates and sets. Always allow the plastic ample time to thoroughly dry and set before proceeding with the surface preparation and paint. The severity of the ghosting varies a great deal depending on the type of plastic and the paint you use. Some automotive type lacquers contain highly volatile solvents, and in some cases ghosting can even happen on surfaces which have been thoroughly prepared: Edit: These images illustrate one of the most extreme cases of ghosting I've ever experienced. The surface had been meticulously prepared, using the liquid cement method described above, and then left to cure for several months. However in this case the unusually "hot" solvents in the lacquer (Zero Paints automotive lacquer basecoat) were able to penetrate the primer and react with the brittle old sixties' plastic underneath.

Spotlight Hobbies now offer true model kit "chrome plating": Chrome Plating

If you mean the staggered offset Cragar wheels, the answer is no - They’re unique to this kit. Other kits have similar, but not identical mag wheels. If you’re referring to tires, the Firestone Wide Oval front tires are available in a multitude of AMT kits - especially those issued in the mid-late nineties. As another member has alteady pointed out, the Mickey Thompson rear tires have only appeared in one other kit: The “Allison Thunderland” late sixties’ T-bird.

You and me both! Also the dual carb fuel blocks…

The Drag City Casting "flipnose" body you got is based on- and intended for use with Revell’s “New” line of Willys kits, which was originally introduced around 2000. There’s a Pro Street and several different Gasser versions - All with blown 1st. Gen Hemi engines. The Pro Street version has a short tailshaft Chrysler 727 automatic transmission whereas the gasser has a B&M “Hydro Stick” (GM) transmission. The Pro Street has a nicely detailed “tubbed” chassis and modern interior. Some people prefer to modify the suspension in order to drop the car lower to the ground, though. The gassers are all identical parts-wise - Except for the “Big John Mazmanian”-version, which inaccurately has all of the windows and headlights molded in dark red translucent plastic (tinted windshields weren’t allowed per the class rules). Neither of the gassers are truly accurate representations of the actual cars the depict, and all are incorrect in the sense that they only include a single seat (passenger seat was required as well). Don’t let any of these minor flaws keep you from basing your build on either of the new Revell kits, though: Their accuracy and parts fit is miles ahead of both the old AMT kit and Revell’s own old Stone Woods & Cook “Swindler B” Willys kit from the sixties. The new Revell Willys kits also lend themselves very well to kitbashing, and I've even thought of building an improved version of the old Revell SWC Willys based on the body and frame from the new gasser kit and the engine/transmission from Revell's 1950 Oldsmobile Custom.

Though widely regarded as one of Revell's worst kits in terms of bodywork proportions, this one has EXACTLY what you're looking for:

It was never kitted, and to my knowledge the body and decals have never been available from any of the aftermarket suppliers.

Good catch! Looks like the old AMT kit still has some relevance for those of us wanting to build the Jack Chrisman Comet.

It entirely depends on how you want to (re-)build the car. If you’re looking to do a more or less box stock restoration, grab a copy of the fairly recent MPC “Streaker Vette” reissue. It even appears to be based on the same basic tooling as the original “Cosma Ray” kit. If you want to do a full detail build, the Revell ‘67 is your best donor, but be prepared to modify the parts to fit the build.

Me too! I'm really keeping my fingers crossed that they'll include a flat/stock hood as well...

Besides the finnish Air-Trax resin kits, there are several 3D-printed Volvo kits available. "Entz Hobbies" on Ebay has several different bodies available in various scales: https://www.ebay.com/str/entzracingcomponents Theres also the swedish company "Ghostman 3D Parts and Models" on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084534827752) and swedish auction site Tradera.

I recently acquired another one of mine: The original issue Revell “Highway Pioneers” 1:32 1932 Ford Roadster from 1954:

Only the 1963 Corvette Convertible annual kit and "The CAT" custom Corvette kit had swiveling headlights. In an effort to save money, the tooling for the annual kits was usually updated to reflect the changes of the 1:1 cars. The bodyshell for the current AMT 1963 Corvette Convertible kit was tooled up in the late eighties if I remember correctly.

The "Tan and Tron"-series 😂

Has anyone dealt with Keith Marks recently - or know if he has gone out of business?

I recently ordered several decal sheets directly from Rays Kits in Netherlands. The communication with Ray himself was great and the order was swiftly processed. I was pleasantly surprised that the 1970 Plymouth Superbird sheet (there's two separate sheets in a set) almost includes enough graphics to do two cars with a bunch of accessory decals to spare. Since the delivery issues discussed in this thread have been traced to the stateside retailer, perhaps the original topic starter @Joe Lange could edit the title of the first post, so people don't get the wrong impression?

Gravity Colors also has a range of finely textured interior colors that might give you the desired finish as well.

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I was absolutely stoked to see the announcement of a full-detail 1964 Mercury Comet, as I had already gathered parts and decals for a replica of Jack Chrisman's Infamous "Sachs & Sons" Comet, expecting to build it from AMT's old Craftsman kit. A dedicated Pro Touring version is wonderful news! I can't wait to see how well the new '64 Comets lend themselves to kitbashing with the current '65 Comet kits.

For those seeking an even nicer compass cutter, I can strongly recommend DSPIAE's premium version!

Atlantis Models did acquire the sixties' Revell '55 kit and has already announced that it will be reissued. No release date yet, though.

The recent discussion of the MPC "Super Charger" kit has given me a strong urge to build the "Phantom" Dodge Charger Sedan Delivery option from the 1973/74 annual kit. Does anyone happen to have a spare roof extension, rear window and interior tub extension from either of the kits?

Yes; The frame horns have two oblong slots to seat the front bumper brackets. It's such a shame when people put tons of effort into building a beautiful fenderless rod and forget to attend to the "voids".

Oh, and if you do build it fenderless/bumperless, remember to fill in the bumper bracket slots on the front frame horns. Most people forget…