1970 Challenger T/A

[THarrison351]

As I stated previously in a "What did you get today?" thread, I was always put off by the wheel choice for the M2 Machines 1970 Challenger T/A. Instead of using the more popular rally wheels used on the "Cuda and Challengers previously released, they chose to use chrome steel wheels and chrome dog dish hub caps with huge chunks of sprue attached. They look terrible as is to me and I never bought any. So, a couple of weeks ago I was in Walmart and saw this orange T/A and liked it's looks. If I could just paint the wheels a little, maybe it would appeal to me. After I got it home and out of the package, I realized it needed more help. I'm guessing the worker was unfamiliar with how round headlights look as far as indexing is concerned. In fact the whole model is full of sloppy faults. I almost took it back, but it was the only one and I liked the orange color. The front valence  was mangled and bent so the spoiler had a gap under it. the fuel filler cap was glued in sideways and there was brown paint all over the steering wheel spokes and drivers door. I painted the wheels and hubcaps. A good decal would have been better on the hubcaps, but I'm OK with them. At least they're not solid chrome. There should be a deep dish trim ring on each wheel and the wheels should be staggered with wider tires in back. I straightened the mangled valence as best as I could, removed or painted over all the brown spots inside. The headlights were so heat sealed on the back side, there was no saving them. So they're going to stay as is. I did attempt to add a trim ring around the inner grill, but you can barely see it. I did get the fuel filler cap in straight. I also hit the back of the lens posts or what was left of them with white paint per Snakes advice. They do look better. Overall, I'm happy with how this turned out. Quality sure needs to improve at M2! I don't remember any of my older M2 cars looking this poorly built as these last couple.

Before

Before

Before

 

[Gramps46]

I am saddened to hear of the issues with the M2 Challenger T/A.  I had a pretty high regard for the M2s but will take a closer look now.

[Snake45]

Very nice! I can really see your improvements. Brown Belt in Snake-Fu awarded! Well done and model on!