Backdating Revell’s Corvette into a 1961.

[Superbird McMonte]

Here is a pictorial for anyone who wants to backdate Revell’s 1962 Corvette into a 1961. 
 

This was my second attempt at doing this conversion. The first one came out fine, but final assembly was a bit of a chore. The reason being, when I did the first conversion, I sectioned two bodies in half and married the two together. Using the front half of a 58 Corvette in the back half of the 62. It looked OK even after paint. The problems arose when trying to install the grill and bumperetts. All of the 62 front chrome work did not interchange with the 58 body without sanding out all of the openings. So the second time around, I only swapped out the sides. Although I haven’t installed the chrome work yet, test fitting was perfect.

[espo]

Pretty major body surgery here. Is there any difference in the Grills between the '61 and '62 model year ? I think the general shape is the same, I'm thinking more about the Grill Bars or design. With the major issue being the side Cove moldings wouldn't it be easier to add the moldings with some Plastruct of the correct width ? 

[Superbird McMonte]

2 minutes ago, espo said:

Pretty major body surgery here. Is there any difference in the Grills between the '61 and '62 model year ? I think the general shape is the same, I'm thinking more about the Grill Bars or design. With the major issue being the side Cove moldings wouldn't it be easier to add the moldings with some Plastruct of the correct width ? 

The grills are the same. My concern about Plastruct chrome was the shape of the chrome at a point at the cove, and the step b the chrome. Plus getting the cove scoops to be open like it is on the other kits.

[espo]

3 minutes ago, Superbird McMonte said:

The grills are the same. My concern about Plastruct chrome was the shape of the chrome at a point at the cove, and the step b the chrome. Plus getting the cove scoops to be open like it is on the other kits.

I agree about the sharp turn at the end of the rear of the cove. The only reason I mentioned it is that I have added trim moldings in this way and found it trying but doable. I have built one of these Corvette kits with the Coves being a separate part. While it's a little fiddly it adds to your ability to detail the body. You mention the opening. This area can be removed in advance of mounting the Cove piece and take great care of the chrome spears on the Cove. I'm not as brave as you I guess when it comes to chopping up a body like this.  

[Superbird McMonte]

11 minutes ago, espo said:

I'm not as brave as you I guess when it comes to chopping up a body like this.  

I love the challenge!??

[Kenmojr]

That's a lot of work which you pulled off like a pro. Did you ever finish the car?

[Whosurdaddy209]

I’ve been wanting to do this conversion for a while. I was thinking about trying to do the chrome on the coves as a first resort before cutting up a 58, but I have a 58 in reserve in case it doesn’t work. I’ve redone the cove trim once before on a 57 flip nose, but that was almost required due to how bad the fitment was on that body

[espo]

13 hours ago, Whosurdaddy209 said:

I’ve been wanting to do this conversion for a while. I was thinking about trying to do the chrome on the coves as a first resort before cutting up a 58, but I have a 58 in reserve in case it doesn’t work. I’ve redone the cove trim once before on a 57 flip nose, but that was almost required due to how bad the fitment was on that body

Great looking trim. 

[Superbird McMonte]

On 9/12/2022 at 8:14 PM, Kenmojr said:

That's a lot of work which you pulled off like a pro. Did you ever finish the car?

This is the second one I did. The main purpose was to post here. Here are some pictures of the first one.

[Superbird McMonte]

43 minutes ago, espo said:

Great looking trim. 

That came out very nice too!

[Whosurdaddy209]

That came out amazing.