I agree, very nice clean job. Just shows you don't need anything but paint and patience to turn out an excellent replica. Look forward to seeing it finished.
50's to 70's factory stocks since that's the era I grew up in and remember fondly. NASCARs got me back into the hobby in the 90's and lately I'm on a kick of 60-70's stock cars.
There's a lift like that in the Fujimi 'Garage & Tools' set in 1/24 scale. I doubt that it functions but with a little ingenuity....? (It's not shown on the box but it's in there)
Wow. I've never attempted casting anything, looks like you're doing very well for a beginner. Great start on the Petty builds, looking forward to their progress.
I would think it would be fairly easy for AMT to tool just a new body to fit the existing COT chassis. You're right the aftermarket has slowed but there are still folks out there like Dave Van doing decals.