51 Chevy - a rod with some history - update 4/6

[Jantrix]

Some hot rods will pass through a lot of hands from the time it rolls off the assembly line new. Each owner will do as much as their vision, ability and bank roll will allow. Some wanted a custom, others a hot rod or a drag car. What they didn't have is the ability to finish it before it was sold to the next guy. This is my plan for this rebuilder. To do a hot rod that has had lots of work done by lots of people over time, when I'm done maybe it will work as a whole and maybe it won't. I'll let you guys be the judge. This is an AMT 51 Chevy convertible that I got as a partial kit/rebuilder. With a little help from oldnslow (Robert Lightsey) I have just enough of the kit to create a whole model with my parts boxes to fill in the holes. I hope to do this as a quick build to break up my time spent on more in-depth projects. It will be mildly weathered and detailed. More soon.

Edited April 6, 2016 by Jantrix

[espo]

Looks like you're off to a great start. One thing that always bothered me about these AMT Chevys was the front window frames. They just seem to thick and the windshield seems like it's "tunneled" or something. I would like to see if you have any ideas on correcting this look.  

[MrBuick]

This will be neat...I love old cars that aren't restored to sit in a show somewhere and not be driven...as you mentioned, it's always fun to see what different people did to the car over the years (and talking to the current owner if possible). It's funny to see what the current owner wants to undo that the previous owner(s) did.

[Jantrix]

 I would like to see if you have any ideas on correcting this look.  

 

After a quick Google search I agree. But it seems to me that it's just the rear vent window frame and the windshield split that seem overly thick. The molded sun visors might make the windshiels frame look thick as well. I'm going to be removing the windshiels sprlit in any case, so I'll just work on the vent window frame a bit.

On a side note, does anyone know if anyone has made a carson top for this kit? I've been unable to find one.

 

 

Edited March 28, 2016 by Jantrix

[slusher]

Always follow your builds Rob. Chevy 409 power plant??

[Jantrix]

 Yep. From the AMT 57 Chevy.

[DrKerry]

This ought to be kool!!!!!

[Lizard Racing]

Great art!  This project addresses a little known (or little admitted) aspect of the car hobby.

This would make a great diorama.

[CometMan]

Cool idea Rob!

[Jantrix]

A little work done. Thinned out the door panel and added some stock to look like an unskinned door panel. Added a four barrel plenum to the three deuces. Added the radiator.

Edited April 6, 2016 by Jantrix

[bobthehobbyguy]

Great concept. Like the unfinished interior panels. Looking forward to seeing more.

[TarheelRick]

Going to be a fun build to watch.  As far as Carson tops, you may be able to finesse the top from the '50 FORD convertible kit to fit.  And just think a FORD part on a Chevy would have to give the Chevy some class.

[62rebel]

Aside from cutting the glass into pieces and hand-fitting them to the overly thick frames, the next best thing is to thin them from the backside. I've done this with varying degrees of success, but it's laborious and can be disastrous if the lines are allowed to wander. This series of kits was a great departure from AMT norm at the time, although some of the features are quite clunky and oversized to present-day standards. Those stovebolt sixes were jewels at the time of this kit's release. 

[Rotorbolt73]

 

 

 

 

On a side note, does anyone know if anyone has made a carson top for this kit? I've been unable to find one.

 

 

I used the one from the Revell 48 Ford kit.Custom version I believe. Fits pretty good.  Narrowed it slightly to fit.  I put it on a 50 olds body. Same basic shell as a chevy..I can post a pic of it to give you an Idea, if thats alright.

[Jantrix]

Sure post it up. I have a '50 Ford kit. I'll give it a try. Thanks guys.

[Rotorbolt73]

Sure post it up. I have a '50 Ford kit. I'll give it a try. Thanks guys.

Here it is. This is a custom I'm piecing together from left over parts.

 

[Jantrix]

A little bit of overhang. Not too bad.

[Rotorbolt73]

Shadow makes it look like that..I narrowed the top about the width of two hacksaw blades. one cut down each top seam... I should trimmed a hair more off before I glued it together..Its built from the parts box.. The windshield frame is actually from a 51 chevy HT..