Chevy van

[iamsuperdan]

This one was the Dirty Donny Vantasy kit, but I knew from the start i wouldn't be using any of that custom stuff. I just wanted a plain white work van.

I think this kit is another case of a manufacturer rushing a release, and not trying to make it better. The flashing on the parts were ridiculous. Spent more time sanding and smoothing that I have on most other kits.

I also didn't like how the engine fit into the front. Kind of a moot point though, as you can;t see any of the engine when the kit is done. So I'll be honest, I totally half-assed the top half of the engine. I'm not even sure I painted the air filter or installed a battery.

Also, I had a heck of a time trying to paint that front grille. For whatever reason, it was just a nightmare for me.

The fit of the rear axle was bad too. As I do with most kits, I mount the wheels last. Not sure why I do this. Anyway, the rear wheels were not centered. I tried flipping the rear springs, as the instructions were vague as to what direction to mount them, but that didn't work with either. So I ended up cutting off the mounting points and just positioning the axle wherever I could to make it centered. Had to add a few mm of styrene to the driveshaft so it would still fit.

Body is actually Tamiya white fine primer, with Tamiya clear gloss over it. Gave the van that sort of grungy, not quite pristine finish work vans should have.

I know there are no mirrors or windshield wipers on there. I'm not happy with the ones that came with the kit, so I'm coming up with another solution for those. Will update pics when I have those mounted.

In the meantime, I'm staying away from these reissues of old tooling kits. Between this one and the Ford truck I'm working on, I'm just not happy. Takes the fun out of the build for me when I have to fight with the kit due to flashing, poor instructions, poor fit, etc. 

Not my best finish, but I'm reasonably happy with it.

 

[Jay's Customs]

It is a very simplistic build, I like it!

Jay

[Jim B]

Nice looking work van.

[slusher]

Nice van...