jdcar32

The 1st on had a warped body. Amazon's web site made it easy to arrange a replacement ( my choice ) which came today. The body on this one is straight. I'll take the damaged kit to a local Kohl's for return to Amazon.

Tamiya gloss black is under the Rustoleum Chrome. The best I've found, I don't have an airbrush so Alcad is not an option and the new Revell chrome paint is too much $$$ !

Another challenging build completed. Building the old tool AMT kits into something equal to the modern kits is something I enjoy. This one has had the doors opened, seats and dash detailed, and carpet flocking and mats added. AMT wipers were removed and replaced with wipers I built up with aluminum and shrink tube. Parking brake and hood release cables are guitar strings. The chassis of the AMT kit is molded one piece so it was trashed and replaced with a Revell item. Kit chrome parts are bad and needed rework and were painted with Rustoleum Bright Coat Chrome. Engine is the AMT original. Paint is Tamiya Mica Silver that represents Corvette Sebring silver. The kit grill was opened up and taillights/exhaust reworked. MCG photo etch emblems add a nice touch. Tires are Modelhaus 1" whitewalls, spinners where separated from the kit hub caps. A lot of engine details were added, the AMT kit lacks quite a bit. Shown also is a comparison photo of the 'Vette and the '63 Avanti, another fiberglass car. The Avanti wheelbase is 11" longer than the Vette.

Just about anyone can build up a decently engineered kit. This build shows skills and a mind set that is above the average builder. It's gratifying to make something special out of a 'sow's ear', right ?

They're on order from Fireball, thanks to all.

also needing door handles for the '63 'Vette, have you had any luck finding them ?

Time to beg again. Since I don't have my old kit stash anymore I don't have part resources or the ability to offer much in trade. I'm looking for a pair of door handles similar to the '63 Corvette items shown. My 'vette project is based on the old AMT tool and the molded in handles don't cut it and have been removed. Something close will do, finish not that critical since I'm already refinishing the other crappy AMT chrome parts. I'll surely send postage $$, does anyone have a set they can spare ? Thank you

Your build is very clean. You might want to check A4 Garage on YouTube, he did this kit with additional features. His other builds are noteworthy for their extra features.

I just finished this kit and yes, it needs a lot of love. This build got some love !

Nice, clean work....

Bored so I experimented with photos of some builds that lend themselves to a vintage vibe in black and white.

great replies here regarding the Revell snap kit !

Looking for original style hubcaps for the AMT 1963 Corvette coupe. I prefer the hubcap to the turbine cast wheels in the kit. I believe the old original issues had the hubcaps but those are pretty rare ( $$$ ) . Maybe there are resin copies out there or another source I'm not aware of. I've tried the usual net search with no luck. I'd like to do a shelf model Split Window IF I can find the hubcaps ! Any leads would be appreciated.

Looking for original style hubcaps for the AMT 1963 Corvette coupe. I prefer the hubcap to the turbine cast wheels in the kit. I believe the old original issues had the hubcaps but those are pretty rare ( $$$ ) . Maybe there are resin copies out there or another source I'm not aware of. I've tried the usual net search with no luck. I'd like to do a shelf model Split Window IF I can find the hubcaps ! Any leads would be appreciated.

Very nice to see this kit being built, a blast from the past for sure. Nice job too !

So this old tool kit offered some challenges ! The wonky AMT hood and door hinges were upgraded. The trunk was opened. After detailing the engine I found that it didn't fit well but a little carving remedied that. The stock seats weren't right so they were widened. Console switch gear and dash knobs added. Window garnish moldings and an acetate windshield fitted because the kit windshield was too small. After the bumpers and headlight rims were smoothed they needed re-chrome. I don't have an air brush so Rustoleum Bright Chrome paint was applied, it looks OK. Most of the engine compartment accessories and wipers were scratch built and stretched sprue wiring was added. The chassis was detailed, new sway bars front and rear, e-brake lines, and the floorpan was finished to resemble raw fiberglass, like early Corvettes. The paint is Tamiya Competition White. I like the factory optional Halibrand wheels supplied in the Round 2 repop kit so those were added. Had to have that beautiful swan neck mirror so I fabbed one. Finally, clear/red lenses were added all around.

I would really like to hear more about this build, specifically the scale and parts sources. So clean and crisp.... Ok , found the original buils thread, it's just as impressive as the finish product. Dedication that most of us don't have....

that's a great story !

Excellant excecution of an older tool, I can see the inspiration for the subject in your build. Very clean.

I like the wheel finish. What is it ?

I think you're right. It must have been a challenge to create a race spec Rambler engine, they surely did'nt have the parts and support the big 3 engines had.

In my continuing search for less expensive alternatives I found this Amazon item for $6.49 free ship ( member ) . Promoted for doing nails but it may work for carpet. I want to simulate a 'tuxedo' carpet - red with flecks of black. Has anyone used this product ? I will report results later.

That's the ' day 2 ' look sene on a lot of 1:1 resto's. I like the slapper bars.

Thanks for all the kind replies. It's gratifying to know your work is admired by your peers. There's not a lot of recognition for model cars outside of the hobby.

I use both size mandrels in this cordless Ebay tool to hold sprue. You can drill, sand, file, and turn with it. With a little practice it is really handy. The 2 slower speeds work well with plastic without any melt issues. And for carving its really handy, holds a charge well, a bargain for under $25