65' Chevelle

[Gizzy]

I just picked up a Revell 65' Chevelle SS.I'm just planning a simple box stock build.Are there any hidden surprises in this kit?

[Snake45]

I own several. Haven't built one, but I don't see any problems. 

Some don't like the shape of the roof. Others don't see a problem. 

Biggest drawback to this kit is it ONLY builds a Z16 and can't be built (without considerable modification) as a common Malibu or SS Chevelle.  And the real Z16s were only built in three colors--red, yellow, and black (though I've seen some with black vinyl tops). So if you want to build it box-stock AND accurately, you're limited to those three colors. 

[espo]

I have built a couple of them and they are actually very nice kits. As Snake45 pointed out some modifications would be needed to make a more main stream model. I have a future build of a standard SS with a small block. The trunk lid just needs the upper trim molding added between the tail lights, the engine call outs on the fender removed, and I'll be using the Small Block from the Revell Nova SS to complete the conversion. Beyond that the differences are minimal. Good luck with your build, I'd like to see what you do with it.   

[Oldcarfan27]

On 5/7/2018 at 6:50 PM, Snake45 said:

Some don't like the shape of the roof. Others don't see a problem. 

I agree with that, I haven't built one because of it. It looks too rounded. I've thought of using the roof from a GTO to correct it. Haven't done it yet.

I did use the roof with a 65 wagon to make a pretty accurate 4 door sedan. It has the right shape for that.

[Snake45]

1 hour ago, Oldcarfan27 said:

I agree with that, I haven't built one because of it. It looks too rounded. I've thought of using the roof from a GTO to correct it. Haven't done it yet.

I did use the roof with a 65 wagon to make a pretty accurate 4 door sedan. It has the right shape for that.

Too rounded? I thought the complaint was the upper window line was perfectly straight instead of having a slight arch, as it should. That's what I see there, anyway.

[Oldcarfan27]

Look at the rear of the roof top, now compare it with the monogram GTO. Thats where it bugs me. The back window is either too small or the roof curves down too much, not sure which. 

[Ron Hamilton]

6 hours ago, Oldcarfan27 said:

Look at the rear of the roof top, now compare it with the monogram GTO. Thats where it bugs me. The back window is either too small or the roof curves down too much, not sure which. 

Remember the Monogram GTO is 1/24 Scale, while the Chevelle is 1/25 so the comparisons are not exact. I am going to use my AMT 65 Malibu SS and 64 Olds 442 as guides to correct the Revell 65, which I have yet to build as a Hardtop. The first one I built was a convertible conversion, using the boot from the AMT 65 GTO and homemade dog legs. Richard is right about the side window profile lacking the graceful curve at the top.

The Revell 65 Chevelle Z16 is a nice kit, which I bought several. The car has a special significance to me as a 65 Chevelle was the first car I bought with my own money. I was in college and couldn't finish it, and had to sell it off. I am going to build a model of the car I actually wanted it to be if I had the time or the funds.

[Oldcarfan27]

To me the back window area looks more like a sedan not the hardtop. I can easily correct the driprail curve, so thats a non-issue for me.

[Snake45]

16 hours ago, Ron Hamilton said:

Remember the Monogram GTO is 1/24 Scale, while the Chevelle is 1/25 so the comparisons are not exact. I am going to use my AMT 65 Malibu SS and 64 Olds 442 as guides to correct the Revell 65, which I have yet to build as a Hardtop. The first one I built was a convertible conversion, using the boot from the AMT 65 GTO and homemade dog legs. Richard is right about the side window profile lacking the graceful curve at the top.

The Revell 65 Chevelle Z16 is a nice kit, which I bought several. The car has a special significance to me as a 65 Chevelle was the first car I bought with my own money. I was in college and couldn't finish it, and had to sell it off. I am going to build a model of the car I actually wanted it to be if I had the time or the funds.

To my eye, the AMT '64 GTO, '65 Cutlass, and '65 Chevelle have the roof shape right. Their '65 GTO is probably right. The Polar Lights '64 GTO and Revell '65 Chevelle are just wrong, in different ways. I've never taken that good a look at the Monogram '64 GTO but nothing wrong about the roof has ever jumped out at me on the dozens of built examples I've seen over the years.