restoman Posted June 8, 2020 Posted June 8, 2020 An Airtrax resin transkit, using the '71 Charger as the basis. I swapped out the Charger's big block engine and 8.75" rear end, and replaced it with a resin copy of an E58 small block ('71 Duster) and a more-correct 9.25" rear end. As there is no catalytic converter in the Charger kit, I'll say this 300 represent a very early '79 build. The wheels are widened Super Coupe-ish resin copies based on Fireball's excellent police car units, with his BF Goodrich TAs. Finished in Chrysler Cool Vanilla automotive base/clear, with Humbrol burgundy for the interior. The windshield is heat-formed PEP plastic, and the side mirrors are from Revell's '70 'Cuda. Bumpers are done in air brushed Molotow. I wanted to use Alclad, but an unfortunate butter finger episode didn't leave enough to get them done. I can't say as I'll miss mucking around with this. Been at it since 2017, and it's really been a fight all the way. This is my first complete resin build and it's been a learning experience. I'd like to think I now know a little better what to look for and what to do/not to do for any future resin builds. At least, I hope so: I have their '69 300 transkit that I'm anxious to get going on. For better or worse, it's done. Except for the terrible fitting and twisted front bumper, the twisted hood that refused to straighten, and the headlight bucket that broke as it was being installed, I think it looks ok. A friend says that he thought I captured the era perfectly, with all the flaws that the real cars had back then. Lots of flaws, yup, but it's safely tucked away in it's own little display box, so what is there, stays there. Comment s always welcome.
stavanzer Posted June 8, 2020 Posted June 8, 2020 It looks great from here! Your friend was right. That captures the Malaise Era MOPARS perfectly.
smellyfatdude Posted June 8, 2020 Posted June 8, 2020 "By Design, for ' 79". That was Chrysler's advertising slogan that year, here in Canada. And yes indeed, your build captures the look of those cars perfectly!
unclescott58 Posted June 8, 2020 Posted June 8, 2020 Very nice. I actually liked those cars when they were new. And still do. The perfect "300" for the time.
drodg Posted June 8, 2020 Posted June 8, 2020 Well it looks pretty darn good. I was working for a Chrysler dealer in 79 and just loved the 300. The dealers son and I took a new one out one day and it would break the rear tires loose. I don't think many cars in 79 would!
espo Posted June 8, 2020 Posted June 8, 2020 Your build turned out great. I know you have been chipping away on this for sometime but it was all worth it.
Merc-57 Posted June 9, 2020 Posted June 9, 2020 I think You did a great job on the model. Resin kits are a great challenge and really pay off when You get them right. Like You did here. It's very sad that the real model kit makers almost completely overlook the seventies. Especially the land yachts. Luckily there's resin casters around, making accurate models like these... And skilful builders putting them together
beeRS Posted June 9, 2020 Posted June 9, 2020 Your first ever full resin, and you used an Airtrax kit! That is very brave. You did a magnificent job. Sounds like you experienced all the usual issues expected with one of their kits. This came out lovely. Thanks for sharing.
restoman Posted June 12, 2020 Author Posted June 12, 2020 Thanks for the comments! I should clarify a bit: this was a fun challenge, and the flaws won't keep me from building another Airtrax product. I'll just know a little bit more about what to expect. This was a car I've always liked, they offered it, and I'm happy that I jumped in. It does look good in the cabinet,and that's what I was looking for. Thanks again.
restoman Posted June 12, 2020 Author Posted June 12, 2020 On 6/8/2020 at 10:10 AM, michelle said: looks nice what scale is it It's 1/25 scale. I used the '71 Charger for the chassis and suspension stuff.
michelle Posted June 12, 2020 Posted June 12, 2020 Just now, restoman said: It's 1/25 scale. I used the '71 Charger for the chassis and suspension stuff. cool
restoman Posted June 12, 2020 Author Posted June 12, 2020 On 6/8/2020 at 10:48 AM, drodg said: Well it looks pretty darn good. I was working for a Chrysler dealer in 79 and just loved the 300. The dealers son and I took a new one out one day and it would break the rear tires loose. I don't think many cars in 79 would! I owned a '76 Charger (same basic car) with a 360 two barrel, and it,too, would spin 'em no problem.
restoman Posted June 13, 2020 Author Posted June 13, 2020 On 6/8/2020 at 11:48 PM, Merc-57 said: I think You did a great job on the model. Resin kits are a great challenge and really pay off when You get them right. Like You did here. It's very sad that the real model kit makers almost completely overlook the seventies. Especially the land yachts. Luckily there's resin casters around, making accurate models like these... And skilful builders putting them together Yeah, a few more from the seventies would be very welcome!
Bucky Posted June 13, 2020 Posted June 13, 2020 After seeing how well this one turned out, I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on an Airtrax '76 Cordoba. I owned a black one, with red interior. Sold it too soon, too. I wasn't finished enjoying it! LoL
MrObsessive Posted June 13, 2020 Posted June 13, 2020 Very nice indeed! I remember when these were new and it was one of Chrysler's bright spots for '79 when there wasn't much else to be excited about. Now looking back, I'd have to say any car from 1979 in good shape would be collectible as there's very few on the roads any longer.
Geno Posted June 13, 2020 Posted June 13, 2020 I always liked that bodystlye, you captured it to a T. Very nicely done.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now