Amt 65 GTO taillight panel

[fender6575]

How to correct Amt 65 Pontiac GTO taillight panel? Is it possible to modify it for more prototypically correct factory stock look? There is seven very narrow chrome ribs continuing whole widht of panel . I think that kit part looks more like LeMans panel and taillights are too shallow. I have original annual kit bumbers and Modelhaus resin replacements. Front bumber is very acceptable but taillight panel needs some work. I see that I have to file rear quarter extensions more angular since they are too round  . Maybe I can add some plastic clear sheet to taillights and putty and file whole panel flush. Then apply printed clear decal with narrow ribs over it? What might be your advice? Foilcopy some ribbed panel and lay over smoothed panel? Tailights are hard.

I think that ribbed taillight panel is one of most awesome features of 65 GTO design but kit lacks the look here. There is other easier to correct flaws also in that kits, but taillight panel seems too difficult to me. Any help is appreciated.

( sorry my rather primitive English, it is over twenty years since my studies…)

Edited January 13, 2020 by fender6575

[Snake45]

I feel your pain, my friend. I recently wrestled with this very problem and know exactly what you're talking about. 

Here's a couple threads about what I did and how it came out. A long way from perfect, but better than what I started with, and I learned a lot I'll be able to use for my next one. 

 

[fender6575]

Thanks for your advice and sorry my late response! GTO Tailpanel looks so much better on your built. Side view is spot on now. Maybe taillights are possible to fit with clear styrene sheet filling the gaps?

In real GTOs there is ribbing over taillights also, almost looks like "hide-away" taillights. Maybe some clear decal over taillights with light chrome silver ribbing printed over?

There is also hint of fine moldings on Kits taillights, but are so faint that drybrushing does not work and it is not possible to bare,metal foil them and wash with clear red.

Ribs are too shallow.

Ill have to try your great modifications. Separating taillight panel from  bumber is also good tip. It works also in Revell 65 Impala kit.

[Snake45]

Last night I scored an original (Trophy series, Tiger box) AMT '65 GTO, started kit, might have some minor body damage but all the chrome bits seem to be present and unused (most of the chrome is still on the sprue). I'm given to understand that the rear chrome panel and taillights were more accurate on the promos and original issues; I KNOW the original headlights are vastly superior to any of the reissues. I'm interested to see what the original rear end looks like. When I get the thing I'll post some pics. 

Maybe someone here who has the capability to do resin could make a few copies of these parts, if they're better than what's available now. I'd be willing to lend the parts out for duplication to a trusted board member, and I KNOW there is some interest here in such parts--I think a dozen sets could be moved very easily. 

[Exotics_Builder]

2 hours ago, Snake45 said:

Last night I scored an original (Trophy series, Tiger box) AMT '65 GTO, started kit, might have some minor body damage but all the chrome bits seem to be present and unused (most of the chrome is still on the sprue). I'm given to understand that the rear chrome panel and taillights were more accurate on the promos and original issues; I KNOW the original headlights are vastly superior to any of the reissues. I'm interested to see what the original rear end looks like. When I get the thing I'll post some pics. 

Maybe someone here who has the capability to do resin could make a few copies of these parts, if they're better than what's available now. I'd be willing to lend the parts out for duplication to a trusted board member, and I KNOW there is some interest here in such parts--I think a dozen sets could be moved very easily. 

I have an original unbuilt 65 that I could check if need be.  Have to pull it out.

 

 

[drifterdon]

Will be following along this one.  I've been working off and on doing up a '65 hardtop.   I'll be using the headlights/front bumper that were leftovers in the box similar to this one.   Haven't really checked the tail lights and back panel.   Was just super happy to have headlights that weren't all bug eyed from the latest releases.

1 hour ago, Exotics_Builder said:

I have an original unbuilt 65 that I could check if need be.  Have to pull it out.

 

 

 

[Exotics_Builder]

Well I went down to the lower level and pulled out the original kit and one of the reissues.  

From the original, here is the taillight assembly (I just placed them into the bumper, no glue:

There is NO ribbing on the taillights in this version.

I then opened up the reissue kit #8201 and took a photo of its taillights:

 

 

There is ribbing on this one, but quite light.

 

 

 

 

[bisc63]

Looks like AMT should have just done the tail piece as one big chromed piece, and let us flow red between the ribs in the tail lamp area. That would be a nice one for a talented 3D printer to take on!

Snake, if you get those original headlight assemblies cast, you can put me down for a couple; I think they'd move quickly.