I had a thought regarding a new GM A-Body tool...

[LVZ2881]

As far as I know, we havent had a '70 Olds 442 kit since the original Johan issue...

and that bothers me as I would really would like to build a few, including a Rallye 350 version.

We also havent had a '70 GTO and/or Judge since the AMT kit, and I think a '70 Judge is just about the sexiest '70 model..

I would also love to see a '70 GS455 kit...

so heres a couple thoughts...

with the success Revell had of modifying the old Monogram '70 mustang tool into the Mach 1 , I think Revell might get similar success modifying the Monogram '70 Buick GSX tooling into a normal GS455, as long as the original GSX tooling is not destroyed in the process. The GSX tooling has by now been well paid for, so the expense of the modified tooling would be less, therefore more profit....

My other thought is this:

A new tool '70 Olds 442 with W-30 options, fiberglass dual scoop hood, rear spoiler, and option for the Rallye 350 version. That same tool could be the basis for a new '70 GTO/Judge kit....

on the '70 B.O.P. cars, the frame, front and rear suspension,drveline components, floor pans, glass, exhaust, radiator and core support, firewall and accessories, rear spoiler on 442 and Judge versions, are all the same parts and would interchange, therefore lowering tooling costs. The only parts that would require a seperate tooling cost is engine, wheels, decals, and 75% of the interior parts.

seems like a good idea to me, and when money start falling from my backside and I buy Revell, I'll do it....

[Dave McFly]

I would love a 70 442 kit so i can do the car from Demoltion Man

"Now THAT is a thing of beauty."

you gotta love seeing a 70s muscle car tearassing through 21st century L.A!

Edited September 27, 2008 by Dave McFly

[Marc @ MPC Motorsports]

It would be nice to see new ones of these, especially in 1:25 scale. As much as I would love to see them, it probably won't happen any time soon. In the meantime, you can still build them in scale.

The JoHan/Testors 1970 442 kits are plentiful and reasonably priced still today. I've stocked up on them and have the Modelhaus parts to build 1971 and 1972 versions. Modelhaus also has the correct W-30 hood and rear spoiler for these too. For more detailed chassis, the AMT/MPC '69 442 is your best bet for the upgrade. Remember, the JoHan bodies were spot on back in the day.

For the 1970 GTO. look no further than Reliable Resin for a resin 1970 GTO and the spoilers necessary for the Judge conversion. I did the master on this one from a promo body, so I know it's nice. Get the 1972 GTO kit for the chassis and interior parts or upgrade with the 69 442 chassis. I also did the master on the new 1970 GTO shaker hood.

Keith Marks and Fred Cady make decals for both cars.

I know these aren't new tools, but with a little kit bashing and detail work, they will be awesome replicas.

Edited September 27, 2008 by Marc @ MPC Motorsports

[george 53]

Hate to sound like a foo, but weren't the spoilers on the 70 442, an 70 Judge completely different? The GTO spoiler went down on the ends towards the trunk, an the 442 spoiler ends curved up away from the trunk.At least thats the way I remember them, but I'm an ol fart, an mebbe I'm the one who's wrong( but I don't think so).

[Marc @ MPC Motorsports]

  george 53 said:

Hate to sound like a foo, but weren't the spoilers on the 70 442, an 70 Judge completely different? The GTO spoiler went down on the ends towards the trunk, an the 442 spoiler ends curved up away from the trunk.At least thats the way I remember them, but I'm an ol fart, an mebbe I'm the one who's wrong( but I don't think so).

They were different, George. I did the masters for the Reliable Resin GTO parts and Modelhaus has the correct 442 parts. Sorry, I wasn't more specific. I'll edit my previous post.

[LVZ2881]

The '69 Judge spoiler ends came down to meet the quarter panels..

the '70 judge and 442 spoiler is the same...

[george 53]

Marc, no big thing about the spoilers, But didn't you say you had a 25th scale 70 Buick GSX? Was it the one from R&R resins? Is there ANY kinda chance you could make copys of it? I Called Steve Kohler at Star models an he said Ray Parsons din't send him anymore, an din't know when he would get anymore. Could you be of any kind of help in this? I'd Sure give just about anything to have one(I'ma real scale bigot) I'd even buy more than one!!! Just think about it, I'm sure I'm not the only one.

[rollinoldskoo]

  Dave McFly said:

I would love a 70 442 kit so i can do the car from Demoltion Man

"Now THAT is a thing of beauty."

you gotta love seeing a 70s muscle car tearassing through 21st century L.A!

too bad oldsmobile didn't really make it into the 21st century

on this topic.... why can't they make a stock nose for an 86 monte carlo or conversion for the grand national to be a regal with chrome bumpers.....

[Dragon7665]

  rollinoldskoo said:

too bad oldsmobile didn't really make it into the 21st century

on this topic.... why can't they make a stock nose for an 86 monte carlo or conversion for the grand national to be a regal with chrome bumpers.....

Yeah No Kidding with Olds

[Roadkill2525]

  rollinoldskoo said:

too bad oldsmobile didn't really make it into the 21st century

on this topic.... why can't they make a stock nose for an 86 monte carlo or conversion for the grand national to be a regal with chrome bumpers.....

or cast the parts for the GNX again

[Dave McFly]

  rollinoldskoo said:

too bad oldsmobile didn't really make it into the 21st century

holy ###### I forgot about that , well you never know the future part is set in 2032, 24 years from know who is to say that they didn't come back ?

[Marc @ MPC Motorsports]

  Bluesman Mark said:

Not sure how "plentiful" or "reasonably priced" those Johan kits are. I just searched online at 7 sites, (including ebay), & came up with a total of 3 of the kits. Dean Milano had this listing: "1970 Olds Cutlass #C-1670 $75 Original issue, stock, custom or funny car. On ebay there were 2 buildups listed I didn't look at, & one seller had a pretty good "bargain", 2 complete 442 kits, a set of Fred Cady 70 442 Indy pace car decals, & an old MPB resin w-30 hood in a package deal. Opening bid was $39.95. One box was damaged slightly & both kits were being sold "as is". The kits were molded in white.

I bought a molded in orange 70 442, (likely one of the reissues under Seville Enterprises), at a swapmeet back this past February, & paid $40 IIRC, maybe less.

They are out there, but not real easy to find & not real cheap.

As you know, Ebay runs hot and cold. I've bought two Johan 442's via Ebay in the last year for $25-30 per kit. The original issues with the funny car option are more expensive. But until these kits reach the stratospherical prices of MPC Dodge Demons, '68-69 Coronets, '70 Hemi Cudas and the like, they will still be considered "reasonably priced" to most of us. Watch for the Testors versions too, they tend to go for good prices.

I also look for decent builders, although pictures can be deceiving. As long as Modelhaus is around for replacement parts for a vast number of vintage kits, they can be a viable alternative. I also get a kick out of restoring built kits.

With new releases from Revell topping the $20 retail mark and what Japanese kits sell for, my perspective on "reasonably priced" kits changes every day.