Exotics_Builder Posted July 2, 2016 Posted July 2, 2016 Okay, Murphy’s Law bit me multiple times on this one. Maybe it’s because MOPAR’s are not my thing. Anyway, after damaging the finish, stripping it, needing a new set of decals, taking several months to get said decals, and then getting back on it, I am calling it done. From the photos and views of a real car at a cruise-in, this model seems to be a very representation of the actual car. Besides the usual detailing, I dug into the parts boxes and used Magnum 500 wheels with redline tires. The kit has nice engraving, but the outside scripts are very “shallow” and just about buried after primer and base coat. I am sure they’re prototypically sized, but need either the kit decals or the recently available Model Car Garage PE set to bring them out on the finished model. I did my usual detailing of the interior and engine/engine bay. Moebius did a great job on the platform interior including adding door lock knobs. The engine definitely benefited from wiring and linkage, even though the large air cleaner covers a lot of the manifold. I used Model Car Garage PE linkage and detail pieces plus Morgan Automotive Details distributer cap and wires fitted to the kit’s distributor base. I also added a non-working dip stick I fabricated. On the interior, I detailed out using BMF and added seat belts using Detail Master seat belt hardware. Also, the model does NOT include the interior lights that are on the C-pillars (fairly conspicuous) but did include molded in sun visors. To address the lights, I dug into the PE stash and found some round street rod taillights that were about the right size. I added Testor header flat white in the center and coated with Testor clear liquid cement to build it up. I then attached to the C-pillars during final assembly. Some other things I noticed on my kit. There was no included decal for the center console tachometer. I dug into the decal bin to find one that fit. There are no instructions or decal to decorate the center of the grill with the red/white/blue motif. I used header flat white and red and blue sharpies to get the effect. The rear chrome panel does NOT include the machined aluminum insert of the real car, but it is hardly noticeable. To be fair, neither AM or Revell have included machined aluminum decal or trim on their 62, 63 or 64 Chevy Impala SS’ either. I am experimenting with doing a decal version of this (to be applied over BMF) but have not gotten far enough along to be satisfied. It will have to wait until after the move. The vent windows apply from the inside, but front and rear glass from the outside. The front window was a good fit even with the BMF applied. The rear needed some finagling. I do like the effect though. I liked the way the headlamps were structured. It gave a very realistic appearance. Finally, the grill grid was pretty shallow and was difficult to get a wash in it (I normally use Tamiya Clear Smoke). I painted the interior black and the exterior Copper Metallic supplied by Scale Finishes. It seems more gold than I would expect, but the replacement (for spill I did) comes up the same. I have not seen a real car with the color, so it stands.
Ron Hamilton Posted July 2, 2016 Posted July 2, 2016 That is a very nice build Gerry. I had a friend who had one just like that, except that his was a 383/ 4-speed, and had Cragar S/S wheels on Blackwall tires.
Harry P. Posted July 2, 2016 Posted July 2, 2016 There seems to be quite a large gap between the hood's rear edge and the cowl. Is that a problem with the kit, or is it just that the hood wasn't properly in place when you took the photos?
espo Posted July 3, 2016 Posted July 3, 2016 Great looking build. The color looks very much as I remember from that era.
Exotics_Builder Posted July 3, 2016 Author Posted July 3, 2016 There seems to be quite a large gap between the hood's rear edge and the cowl. Is that a problem with the kit, or is it just that the hood wasn't properly in place when you took the photos?It was not properly. The hood slides real easily. I didn't put on the hinges since it would keep the hood always open. The hinges are prototypical, but once placed on the hood, you will have a permanent open hood. I haven't experimented with anything to see if they can be "tacked" on.
American 185 Heavy Posted July 3, 2016 Posted July 3, 2016 (edited) Great build and fabulous color choice. I am in the process of building one myself, and walked away from it for a while, as the kit is annoying at times. The decals on the hood and the trunk would not adhere properly to the lettering, and once clear coated seemed to self destruct. The hood hinges are useless. I have no intention of displaying it open and if you use them that is what you get !!! On mine, the plastic windshield and rear window were a smidge too small and proper placement was an adventure in stupidity. Looks 95% correct but a trained eye would know it didn't fit correctly. Moebius should really play closer attention when casting, and their customer service is a far cry from that of Revell. Edited July 3, 2016 by American 185 Heavy
Mr Stock Posted July 6, 2016 Posted July 6, 2016 Very nice Gerry, I still havent seen too many of these kits built up yet, looks great with the Magnums and a great period colour choice.Funny you mentioned about the hood sliding off easily, the Moebius Ford pickups suffer the same problem, no positive location point for the hood.
Exotics_Builder Posted July 6, 2016 Author Posted July 6, 2016 Very nice Gerry, I still havent seen too many of these kits built up yet, looks great with the Magnums and a great period colour choice.Funny you mentioned about the hood sliding off easily, the Moebius Ford pickups suffer the same problem, no positive location point for the hood.I thought about pinning the hood such as some kits have a "peg" to fit a corresponding hole. I also have a PE working hinge set (actually several). But, since this has languished due to aforesaid issues (of my own making), I didn't do either. I need to do a couple of touchups, so I may pin the hood. Haven't yet decided.
jjsipes Posted July 6, 2016 Posted July 6, 2016 Looks great. Great color. I for one love this kit. Great suject and great execution by Moebius. Thanks for sharing.
tbill Posted July 7, 2016 Posted July 7, 2016 great looking build, and the color really suits the car, well done.
drodg Posted July 18, 2016 Posted July 18, 2016 Looks very nice. I bought the same color for my kit. Thanks for the photos
Sixties Sam Posted July 18, 2016 Posted July 18, 2016 Beautiful model! Excellent detail on the engine and interior! Nice work!Sam
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