Monty

I've been nuts about these cars since I first discovered them decades ago. Despite the fact that they never made it into production, they showed what AMC could do with limited funds and a lot of creativity. I'll continue to hold out hope that someone like Moebius will take these on as full-detail kits (maybe they should consult with you) but in the meantime, your project will provide fascinating reading for fans of this car.

That particlular kit is probably from the '80s based on its Centerline wheels. https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQvp_DnMoS6XhGyhN7sLqj3Bc3CeGAzIi2MRdPNnJRlpPpVAN_j MPC had a couple other '67 'Vettes (The Streaker & The Night Stalker) but neither had the wheels you're asking about. I assume MPC did a '67 annual, but I can't find anything on one. I brought up the AMT wheels because I've never seen any MPC wheels with 4 kidney bean-type holes. Let's see if Mark B will check in again. He's got an encyclopedic knowledge of this stuff.

Well, now I'm curious. My info came from an article about George Toteff (MPC founder) by one of the hobby's better-informed writers.* He said Toteff wanted MPC's first kit (the '64 'Vette) to be leagues above anything the competition had in terms of detail - hence the metal coil springs. I can't seem to find anything definitive about the MPC '64, but I did find this about the Mako Shark they released in 1966: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MPC-Corvette-Mako-Shark-Plastic-Model-Car-Kit-Vintage-1-25-500-200-/151161081074 Kit #500-200 issued in 1966. Original kit included: hinged roof opens, independent rear axle, authentic treaded vinyl Indy tires, head rests, optional rear window (clear or louvered), full front end swings open, working front end suspension (with actual metal springs), one-piece hollow tires, front wheels turn, 25-piece transport trailer (with operating hinged loading ramp), disc brakes, retractable rear bumper and 427 engine. MPC didn't seem to update these chassis very often, which might explain why the metal springs were stil in the '74-ish kits. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1975-MPC-Model-Corvette-Kit-1-7506-Corvette-Looks-Complete-/331160378052 While they look neat when done correctly, I'm guessing I wasn't the only young builder who thought the metal springs made assembling the front suspension much more of a PITA than necessary. * The name escapes me at the moment, but he's recognized as an authority on model history.

The MPC '64 Vette is a pretty rare kit, but I believe the best way to tell it from the AMT kit is to look at the chassis. The MPC chassis is fairly detailed and IIRC had actual metal coil springs as part of the front suspension, whereas the AMT '63 kit was stuck with a 2-wire-axle promo-type chassis with pretty much everything molded in. I've never seen an actual AMT '64 Corvette chassis, but it's highly unlikely that they retooled it much, if at all. If you don't mind an educated guess from someone who's been in the hobby for over 40 years, the 4 hole kidney bean wheels are most likely from an AMT kit. The small divots you describe are also on many of their 5-slot wheels; I'm told it's a molding issue. For a while there, they were sticking them in everything from street rods to Corvettes. I hated the look of those 4 slot wheels (to this day I've never seen a 1:1 car with them on it) and I never bought any of the kits that had them. I hope something I wrote will prove helpful in identifying what you have.

Exemplary work! I had no idea that kit could turn out that nicely.

Fred, I love where this project is going! Where did the Motorwheel Spyder wheels come from?

Does this kit come with poseable steering or did you do some modifications?

For once I'm glad someone resurrected an old thread because I must've missed this one when it was originally posted. It wouldn't have occurred to me to use a Grand Sport-type paint scheme on that car, but wow does it work, especially in that shade of blue. I'd love to see some engine and chassis pictures too, if possible. Nice work, Thomas!

"Get Over It"

Here's another option & the paint is dirt cheap! http://www.activepowersports.com/testors-28105-model-master-spray-grabber-orange-3-oz/?gclid=CKS8l9vDrr0CFWXl7AodTVUAHw

Edward, looks like you're off to a fantastic start. I think I'm going to follow this project. Couple questions if ya don't mind: 1) What specific paint did you use on the engine? 2) Where did you get the alternator bracket? Hope to see more pics soon!

Harold, if you could tell us what you're trying to accomplish (tire lettering etc) we might be able to give you a little more help. In the meantime, here's a link to a reliable vendor who has some Shabo stuff in stock http://www.hobbylinc.com/shabo_plastic_models HTH

Ah, my favorite Eldorado. Love that color. Glad you were able to rescue this one!

Way to go! That'll show him! Erik, stick to your guns on this. They're your pictures and if feel they need to be protected from theft, by all means do so.

If you had the opportunity to own a real version of any of these variations, which one would excite you the most?

Another phenomenal build from Yuri? I'll buy tickets to that show any day of the year! What else can ya say? Fantastic work again! Gotta ask: 1) What kind of paint did you use on this one? 2) What techniques did you use to get the vinyl top to look that way? Thanks!

Dark red. I'm beggin' ya.

My younger brother has a 2nd shift job as a welder. Years ago, when he lived in one of Dallas' sketchier neighborhoods, he'd occasionally come home after midnight to find some "visitor" parked in his assigned, covered spot. These spots were convenient, being the closest to the buildings, but were clearly marked as "reserved" with signs indicating that violators would be towed. The violators got bolder over time because the apartment management folks left this part up to the renters. It got to the point where if he found a car in his spot, he'd just find a space in visitor parking then go inside and call the towing company. After four different people had been towed*, his assigned spot was never invaded again. *I'm sure the process is the same in most places, but Dallas seems to have a terrible reputation for high towing and impound release costs. The majority of people in this neighborhood weren't exactly loaded, so I'm guessing most learned their lesson the first time. Some apartment complexes now advertise the use of towing companies assigned to remove violators

I'm going to be replicating a JoHan Superbird street machine build I did in the early '80s except this time I intend to use a much more accurate chassis that doesn't have everything molded in. If you've done this conversion, please let me know which chassis works best as well as any other things that'll need to be done to make the swap successful.

Makes me long for the subtleties of The Proclaimers.

I've heard that Revell got everything but the date right on this hi-po small block, and since the kit's been out a while, I assume many of you have actually gotten a lot more done than just gluing the engine block halves together. I'm primarily interested in the factory-stock look, but if you built one that doesn't deviate too much, feel free to post your pics as well. Overall, were you happy with the parts fit and the details? Any improvements you'd suggest? (Is there an actual brace, or does this engine have a magic, floating alternator?)

Years ago, Odds & Ends actually offered a pewter, but they are virtually impossible to find now. (Can't even find 'em on ebay or Amazon). There are also some home-decorating paints (Rustoleum, Krylon) that have a pewter shade, but also feature a hammered finish, which is not what I'd want for a car model. So, any suggestions? I prefer to work with enamels, but I can deal with acrylics and lacquers as well. Part numbers and pics of something painted in your suggested shades would be greatly appreciated. This paint is intended to be the sole body color for a future build & should look something like this.

Looks like Erik just redefined "sinister" for us. What a knockout! Beautiful paint, modern power, and a sinfully suggestive stance. Add in Chief Joseph's wheels and tires and you can pave your own path to perdition with molten rubber and tire smoke. Erik, did you modify the stock suspension or use the lowrider's setup?

Scott, if you wouldn't mind elaborating, what aspects of this kit gave you fits?

First, congratulations on finding a complete grail kit @ such a reasonable price. That's the dream most of us have. Second, a couple questions: What's the secret for applying black & getting results like you did on your air cleaner and valve covers? Is this done with enamel or acrylic?