Ron Hamilton

Bill, Thanks for the comments. The body on this one is not an old annual. It does use a modified roof panel. The resin body on this one was meant to be used with the new tool kit. I want to use the chassis and running gear on a Square Bird. I have a 1960 Convertible built-up that I want to do this with. It's not in too terrible shape, but it is begging for some detail. I also have a 1966 Town Coupe promo that I want to open up, using this kit as a basis.

I didn't do any extra detailing to the engine other than paint, and adding the photo etched air cleaner lid.

This car was built to represent one of the 1962 Hardtops equipped with the M-Code engine, and Kelsey Hays Wire Wheels, which were factory installed on the car. I built this one combining the excellent AMT Sports Roadster kit, the Model Car Garage Photoetch set, and the Time Machines Resin body. In building this one, I had to fabricate a rear package shelf, and procure a rear window from a derelict promo, as they were not included with the resin body, and not available from the aftermarket. As I am on a very tight budget, I painted this one with some Testors' Model Master Lacquer Paint from the spray can. The color is actually a GM color (Regal Red), but it a very close match to Ford's Rangoon Red from that era. I used most of the pieces from the Model Car Garage Photoetch Set, and Bare-Metaling this car was an absolute pain in the you know what, but it was worth it. I used to drive one of these in high school, so the car has a special place in my heart.

Marcos, It seems to me that the Ross Gibson engines are 1/24 scale in most cases. Every one I've had has been larger than the comparable engine in the kit, but thay have very nice detail, and will build up beautifully. I like the direction you are taking with the Vega. Which ever color you choose, the result should be georgeous. I have a two Vegas, one I intend to do as a Cosworth, and one which will be done as "Grumpy's Toy", as soon as I finish the research on them.

You know that you are your harshest critic.

Didn't you do that one already????

That is definitely a "Harry Car". Beautiful.

All you have to do is ask.

A quick story about the Citroen DS. In the winter of 1964, my dad took my two sisters and myself to the Auto show. At that show was the Chrysler Turbine, which was running in the building to show off the fact that the exhaust fumes wouldn't kill you. Maybe not, but the heat generated by that car heated a big area of the armory. Never the less, my dad went over to the Citroen display, and told us that he was considering trading in his 1962 Oldsmoble Starfire Convertible for a DS. He was intrigued with the car's silky smooth ride. Of course my sisters and me gagged over the proposition that my dad would be driving a car that looked like a toad. Of course he was kidding, but he did see the car he wanted at the show, a Navy Blue 1965 Oldsmobile 98 Luxury Sedan with a Black Vinyl Roof and Blue Cloth Interior. He told me that the salesperson was very rude towards him (probably a racist) when he asked if the car was for sale. On Easter Monday, 1965, we saw the Starfire for the last time, as Dad came home with a Navy Blue 1965 Oldsmobile 98 Luxury Sedan with a Black Vinyl Roof, "with all of the buttons", the "Starfire" Engine (425 Cu. In./370 H. P.) and the coolest sounding radio you have ever heard, as it had a reverberator on it. I know it was not the same car at the auto show, because it had the top of the line wheelcovers on it, where the car at the show had the one step up wheelcovers. He got his way after all. Those cars of the '60's were so cool, but I missed the '62 Starfire.

What do you mean Factory Stock???? I started to do it Factory Stock, but I just had to change it up ever so slightly. I do like pin whites and Dayton Wires, trick paint (Metallic Orange Lacquer wiith a blue to orange flip flop). Ok it has a Factory Stock body with no mods. 396/325 V8 with a Turbo 400 Trans, and a Sport Steering Wheel. I love yours too, Nick.

Now I turned it into a Chevy!!!!

Bob, It looks like you have a nice one there. I have an old '69 Bonneville Hardtop builtup too, in similar condition to yours except that mine was never painted. It will be a while before I do mine. My car will probably be Verdoro Green with a White Cordova Roof and Interior. I am going to put Rally II's on mine too. These restorations are becoming sore satisfying than either a resin or new kit build to me lately. Good luck on your build. It may make me start on mine. By the way, the '69 Impala I have will be turned into a convertible per your suggestion. Ron

and if you want a set of Rally Wheels without the trim rings or center caps, you can't beat the MPC '73 Corvette.

I see that you used my suggestion, Cruz. I use Dawn Power Dissolver to remove all of the old enamel paint jobs from my old restorables. It works better than anything else I tried on enamel. The stuff will rip your skin off if you don't use gloves. I'm waiting to see what color you go with now. Ron

Because it's a much better kit, that's why. I had one of the original MPC flip nosed '57's and I was thoroughly disgusted with it. The roof was too low (It's profile was closer to a 2 door hardtop than a 2 door post sedan). It's obvious that Revell has sweated the details in this kit. While it is not perfect, it is an excellent source of raw material for the subject matter.

I bought mine, and I am not disappointed. Bill and Len did a masterful job with their builds. Mine will probably be Traopical Turquoise and White, with American Torque Thrusts, and a subtle rake.

Beautiful build, Bob. I recently picked up a '63 Z06 full detail transkit. Historic Racing Miiniatures (Harold Bradford) has a '63 Corvette Z06 Transkit which is based off the Revell '63 Fastback, which adds a full detail body with opening hood, and the parts to do either a replica stock or race car. It has an accurate 327/360 Fuel Injected engine, a detailed interior, Finned Aluminum wheels with 2 and 3 ear knockoffs, Steelies, a tank cover for the 36 gal tank. It is designed to be a transkit for the Revell '67 kit, using either the Vintage Racing Miniatures Corvette decals, or the Model Car Garage Photoetch Set. For the work it will save, it is worth every penny.

I got my "widow" today, and it is fantastic.

The Modelhaus '64 Wildcat windshield frame is correct for the JoHan Cadillac, and it has sun visors moulded in Use the vacuumformed glass from the 1963 Buick Electra from the Modelhaus. I used it on a '63 Olds Starfire I'm working on.

I have a few unbuilt '63 Olds Starfires in my stash (including 2 original convertibles) as well as an evergreen '63 Convertible project. I was going to use the '62 Chevy Impala SS chassis and guts for it, making a mild custom out of it, but I was never satisfied with it, but I never tossed it out. Didn't the Revell 41 Willys have a Olds engine in it? That may be a basis for the engine you want to do. I know the original kit had a simple rendition of a 394 Olds engine. The air cleaner and valve covers were accurate, but the rest left a little to be desired.I may try it again, using the amt '62 Pontiac Catalina as the basis, and adapting it to the Olds body, and scratchbuilding the rest. By the way, I would love to see a '62 Olds Starfire Convertible in scale.

Yes they did. the American Dreams kit has a correct 1968 standard interior (door panels and seats), with the exception of the rear seat.

It builds into a beautiful model. Model Car Garage still carries the photo-etch set for it, and I'm sure that you know who can set you up with some nice wires. I prefer the replica stock look myself.