AMT '68 Shelby GT500 - What problems did you encounter?

[atomicholiday]

Hey guys!  I haven't posted for a while, but then I haven't been building for a while either!  Long story.  (No, the Tiger Shark isn't done yet.)

Anyway, I'm starting work on the AMT Shelby GT500, and before I get to into this, I want to hear what issues people have had to deal with when building this thing.  Also, how did you fix the problem?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mark]

It's actually based on the original AMT '67/'68 Mustang annual kit (conversion to the Shelby version was done in '68) so it goes together pretty easily.  I built one in the mid-Eighties; the only thing I remember was that the body had a few sink marks in various places.  The first couple of issues had separate clear red taillight lenses; later issues have the taillight detail engraved into the chrome surround panel which doesn't look as good.  Copies of the original parts are available in resin though.  The front inner fender detail (in the engine compartment) isn't correct.  The AMT '67 Shelby GT-350 kit has a more accurate chassis, you might want to take a look at one of those to see what the inner fenders should look like.

[vamach1]

The grille may not fit flush with the front end.  Sand it down until it fits.  Also note that the piece should be body color except for the edges with the grille flat black and the bumper of course chrome.  I detest the engine compartment and have built some versions using a resin inner fenders and a more realistic radiator and added a pair of horns.

[atomicholiday]

Any issues with ride height?  I have the version with the blue car on the box and the model on there looks like it sit a little low in the tail.

[vamach1]

Use the leaf spring "helpers" included in the kit.

[Monty]

Like Mark, I thought they could've done better with the chassis.  If memory serves, it doesn't have true poseable steering, although it wouldn't have taken a whole lot more effort on their part to get there.  Depending on your abilities, you could modify their setup by finding a way to attach a tie rod etc.  If not, the stubs and mounting points can be glued to simulate steered wheels.  

Seems like anything other than a skinny stock tire will protrude out past the wheel wells (front and back), and while that might've been a good "street look" back in the day, it doesn't look as realistic in 1/25 scale.  

Also, I'm not convinced the "stock" wheels in this kit are correct for a '68 Shelby Mustang.  AMT's '66 Mustang coupe has a set of wheels that have the appearance of '68 Shelby Mustang wheels, but they lack the scale depth that the 1:1 units had, and are a mediocre substitute at best.  There used to be an aftermarket wheel and tire combo you could buy that looked right, but the supply seems to have dried up.  

Lastly, at the risk of crossing over into nitpicking territory, the headlights need to be replaced with something better.  AMT's engraving looks like a rush job and, if installed without modifying the pin/hole setup, the "lenses" will be skewed.

Here's an example of the headlight issue (not my build)  

Edited July 12, 2016 by Monty

[Monty]

Anybody got pics of their AMT '68 Shelby Mustang(s) that they'd like to post to show what all can be done with this kit despite its limitations?  With the talent on this board, none of the "issues" listed should be difficult to overcome.  

[vamach1]

I have posted several pics of this finished kit (GT500 and GT500KR) on this forum as well as the HRM GT350 version that uses parts from the 67 GT350.  The engine compartment does not look anything like the real car.  I cut out the fender wells and put in inner fender panels and separate radiator, shock tower braces and horns.  Other things that could be added are a master cylinder and windshield washer container.  If you build a GT500KR you'll need a ram-air style air cleaner.

Great detailed photos of a real GT500 can be viewed at https://www.mecum.com/lots/PA0716-250477/1968-shelby-gt500-fastback/?utm_source=InfoNet+Master&utm_campaign=d3a91a0223-PA16_S957_12_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fa410e9114-d3a91a0223-112302805

 

Edited July 13, 2016 by vamach1
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[MrObsessive]

There used to be an aftermarket wheel and tire combo you could buy that looked right, but the supply seems to have dried up.  

GMP once upon a time sold a '67-'68 Shelby wheel set that looked like these...................

This is on a 1/24 '67 Shelby diecast I have from GMP, and I have a set of those wheels that look exactly like this. Unfortunately, these wheels are practically unobtainium, as I've NEVER seen them turn up on eBay, and if they did-----be prepared to probably break the bank!

The set I have is going on my next WIP..........the '68 Shelby "Green Hornet", and while these wheels are not 100% totally accurate, they're miles ahead of what you get in the '66 Mustang kit. If I get the nerve someday, I have a set of those '66 kit wheels-----I'd like to play around with them to see how if at all they can be corrected. That's something that's sorely missing in the aftermarket!

 

[MrObsessive]

I want to add that if I were building this '68, there are some changes I'd make to the body alone. First is that front end! The grille shape never looked right to me, and there's something about the overall shape of the roof scoops that doesn't sit right with me. As was mentioned, using AMT's really nice newer tool '67 Mustang kit would be the way to go if you want a nice '68 for the chassis and engine compartment bits and pieces. 

That would be what I would do, but not everyone's as insane as I am!

[vamach1]

Shame on GMP - that lower trim should be chrome and not body color.

[Joelle]

I can't read the numbers on the silver parts