fury3

Mark at "Best Resin" has re-started his old website, and looks to be accepting orders again, after being shut down for well over a year. Yet, he has not filled orders placed two years ago, and has accepted payment for them. I normally try to find the good or positive in everything and/or everyone, but in this instance, I can not. I sincerely hope that all members read my detailed reply concerning dealings with this business in the "General" topic under the title "Best Resin", dated 12/28/2007. I suppose I should consider myself lucky in that I have never been the victim of theft and deception when dealing with any business in our hobby...until dealing with this man at "Best Resin" almost two years ago. He is still promising to fill my order, AND refunding my money. All of this was said within the last 30 days, as well as over one year ago. Please read my warning. If you do place an order, I hope the outcome is brighter than what I have experienced. Fury3

WARNING! I normally try to post positive comments and replies out of courtesy. This is a topic that I honestly can not. I had placed an order by mail with a personal check (along with my address, and phone number)for a "Jo-Han" 1966-1969 Rambler American factory stock hood...in March of 2006. My check was processed, but the order was not filled. After sending polite inquiries by e-mail, no reply until he posted that his wife had been ill and orders were being delayed. I sent a letter indicating my understanding and hope of receiving the order "soon". After a few unanswered e-mails over that summer, I finally received an e-mail from "Mark" (the owner) in August that his wife had recovered, but now was facing 90 degree temperatures and it was too hot for "an old fat man to cast resin". (Also that he was re-locating and starting a new job.) Again, I tried to be understanding and patiently waited. Another e-mail sent. He now "is back up filling orders and mine is the next order to be filled. He is going to send me TWO hoods because of the delays. I replied, that's fine, but to please make the second hood for a 68-69 AMX. His reply?....they are being shipped now. November, I e-mail again (no order yet) asking for a refund, like he is consistantly offering on his website. No reply. December, politely request refund AND send written letter through postal service. No replies. March, 2007. Sent him a "Happy Anniversary" greeting, as it's been one year since he processed my check, and has made many excuses and unkept promises. No reply and website has been shut down. (Ended up purchasing a styrene hood from "Okey Spaulding" for the AMX at the October 2006 Toledo show.) "Mkowa" helped me modify the Rambler American hood to stock with "Micro-Baloons". Late this year (November?), I find the "Best Resin" website is up and running and accepting NEW orders before filling old PAID orders. I sent one more e-mail. He does reply, stating that he did ship my order (but has no paper trail documentation or specific shipping/tracking information...or date!) and will fill my order...as "it is the only one that did not get filled". (Not according to many members on the "other forum" back in 2006.) I gave him until December 31,2007 to fill the order...aprox. 20 MONTHS since placing my order! I guess I haven't been patient enough, huh? This is a really sad situation and even though the order was under $10.00 (with S&H), he still processed my check without providing the product promised.That (to me) is out right theft, and he has consistantly lied to me in the few e-mails he replied to. He lists some wonderful products...especially being for "Jo-Han" kits which I build and restore on a regular basis, but they are useless if they are not obtainable. I am no longer bitter about this situation, just dissapointed. I've been spoiled by the other fine resin casters such as Modelhaus, Model Car World ("MCW"), Time Machine Resin, by their excellent quality products, customer service, and ethics. I strongly suggest that all members refrain from placing ANY orders to this man or business. Sorry for writing such a long reply...but if it can prevent one member here from being a victim, it was worth writing. Fury3

I too appreciate any kits that Dave can "bring back to life". However, I do tend to enjoy the old annuals of the 50's, 60's, and 70's. Here's my sample, or two cents worth. There are MY wants, and not necessarily kits that would be profitable sellers, if they are even still existant. 1962-1963 Ford Fairlane 500 1963-1965 Plymouth Valiant Signet 200 1977-1980 Plymouth Volare' (MPC) 1975 Plymouth "Small Fury" Road Runner 1967-1968 Ford Galaxie 500XL 1968-1969 Chevrolet Impala SS 1969-1972 Pontiac Grand Prix 1960-1969 factory stock Ford Falcon 1960-1963 Mercury Comet 1960-1966 Imperial Crown Since I build mostly factory stock...I would prefer the option of that type of build. I do realize that many of these kits were "compromised" into renditions that would prevent them from being restored. Fury3

If you desire the exact match for these cars, "MCW" (Model Car World) does indeed carry the color in 3/4 oz. and 2.0 oz. premixed air brush lacquer. The ordering number is 2002 "Gold Metallic". He also offers it in 4.5 oz. aerosol lacquer, #2692 "Gold Metallic". According to MCW's Reference guide, this color is indeed the idential paint mix formula as the infamous 1965-1966 Pontiac "GTO Tiger Gold Metallic, AND 1967's "Coronado Gold Metallic". Fury3

You may be aware of this, but thought I'd mention it anyway. (I tried to e-mail you but the message I get back on the forum states that I am not allowed to use the "Messenger" here. ?) When you paint the rear bumper of the kit, the vertical bumper guards that attach to the rear body valance panel remain plated...they are not covered with the elastomeric material. Since they are molded as part of the rear bumper in both of the Revell 71 'cuda kits, I'd BMF them or "Alclad II" them. I've seen other modelers add these body colored bumpers to their factory stock builds, and they usually incorrectly paint the guards. See...I AM "nip-picking" again! Fury3

What a wecome change of pace, not to mention a fine build! That color looks to be real close to "Echo Green Metallic," P23. Is it aerosol, air brush, "MCW", "Testors", etc? You've done this 50 plus year old Jo-Han kit justice. Didn't Rambler still use the old L-Head six in these? I know in some years of the early 60's you could select either the L-Head OR the new overhead valve six....just not sure of the year the OHV engine was introduced. I'm sure your grandmother is proud! Fury3

"LVZ2881", that combination could have been ordered, but the white exterior quarter stripes were labeled as "not recommended" with the color you mention ("Hemi Orange Metallic" was the Dodge Division's name...Plymouth Division called it "Tor-Red Metallic", both using code V2). The white stripe could be ordered but would be unusual...black was the recommended choice by the factory according to the "71 Color and Trim Book". My feelings are...build whatever makes YOU happy. It was fairly easy to get Chrysler to build "off the wall" orders compared to Ford and especially the "General". Many have labeled me as a "nip-picker" on details, but I'm not really. This doesn't bother me, but I felt I'd better point it out before someone "calls me out" about it..... (Can you tell I used to be at the "other" forum? LOL!)....The elastomeric bumpers had a slightly different shape/design if compared to the standard plated bumpers. Okay, I said it. If it were me, I'd strip the kit bumpers and paint them...and be happy with it. FYI...Since you are trying to be different, for this year only, Plymouth offered a striking orange and black interior trim combo as well, on the Barracuda! What wheel/tire combo have you selected? Be sure to post progress of your build...sounds as if it will be quite attractive! Fury3

I will try to answer some of your questions. My information comes from original factory publications that I obtained while employed by Chrysler Corp. as a Technical Service Training Instructor, and from my actual experiences gained during my career. I don't used modern publications, as too many errors seem to be written in them. 1. In the past, I have e-mailed Keith Marks at the address listed in his website. He has given me current pricing in promptly returned e-mails, and I simply mail him a personal check for my needs. He is great to deal with, and my orders are always professionally wrapped, and arrived within two to three weeks. 2. In 1971, the Barracuda 'cuda (okay, "Harrypri"?) model was NOT available with the "Super Commando 440" single 4-bbl. engine. The only 440 cu. in . engine available was the "440+6" 440 cu. in. 3 2-bbl. engine. It used an unsilenced air cleaner with the standard 'cuda exclusive "Sport" hood with the two non-functional hood scoops. The "Air Grabber Shaker Hood" option was optional at extra cost on this engine, and was standard on the 426 Street Hemi. (note: The "Super Commando 440" single 4-bbl. engine WAS available on the 1970 'cuda, but was deleted for the 1971 model year according to these publications) 3. The "Elastomeric Bumpers" were available as a front bumper only, in option group one. The second option group included both the front AND rear bumper. The elastromeric rear bumper was not available seperately. They were coded as a regular production option, but were obviously color coded. They were restricted to specific color availability. The same goes for the color keyed grille, which was standard and available on the 'cuda models only. The color keyed grille was available in nine colors only. (The vehicles without the color keyed grilles received the standard grille, as the on the base Barracuda and Gran Coupe models.) I do not have my 1971 order guide available at my home at present to give you the actual color restrictions of the grilles OR the bumper groups. So sorry! (Maybe some other more knowledgable member can assist here with the factory documented information?) 4. The "Road Wheel" option was available in 14" size only (magnum 500's). The "Rallye Wheel" option was available in 14" and 15" sizes. The 14" painted steel wheel/hub cap/tire combo was standard with the 440+6 engine option, with the 15" combo being optional. (15" wheels/tires were standard on the 426 Street Hemi option) I will try to get you the paint information eventually, if no one else beats me to it. All of this information has been obtained from the "1971 Plymouth Barracuda" sales brochure, dated 9/1970, and the "1971 Plymouth Salesmans Data Book", dated 9/1970. Hope this helps a bit! Fury3

WOW! When I first viewed this build, it just about knocked me off of my chair. Beautiful build! That body design just pops when done in black. I had a friend special order a 70 Fairlane 500 formal hardtop with the 351 Cleveland Cobra Jet with cold air induction, 4-Speed, Traction Lock, rectangular dash tachometer....and all black like your Cobra. He had a very hard time getting Ford to build it and almost had to take them to court to get it. The car is still around, has never been in the rain, with only aprox. 17,000 original miles, from what I've been told. Your build has brought back fond memories. Now I'll have to build my Cobra like yours! Fury3

"Plumber", thanks for posting the additional photos. The engine compartment looks flawless as well. FYI...In 1968, Chrysler had an interior color it used on interior components called "Bahama Blue". Hmmm? Yes, members here seem to conduct themselves in a more respectable manner...a welcome and refreshing change! What are you going to do for an encore? LOL! Fury3

"Plumber", I've been watching your progress on this build. As with all of your factory stock builds, your research and attention to the many proper details is second to none! Outstanding, and "Bravo"! How about posting some engine compartment photos as well? Thank you for sharing. Hopefully, we can stay in touch on this forum, LOL! Fury3

Beautiful build...a real testimony to your building skills and the advantages of using "MCW's factory paint! I was 12 when these cars were new (I was into Chrysler Corp. though, even then) and I do remember that it seemed many 67-70 Pontiacs of all series seemed to be painted this color. According to my publications, this color was exclusive to the Pontiac Division, and not available on the other GM divisions. Exceptional detailing! Fury3

Not meaning to sound disrespectful or rude in any way, but I'm seeing a 69 Dodge Coronet Super Bee 2-Door Sedan and a 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Hardtop. Where's the 1968 Road Runner? By the way, both of the builds you have posted look great...but the 68 Plymouth Belvedere line happens to be one of my favorite vehicles. Fury3