AMT '58 Plymouth Belvedere - Improving that side trim

[Smitty]

Much has been written about the infamous AMT '58 Plymouth and it's incorrectly curved side trim. Some modelers have pointed out other problems with the body in this kit, but I decided that the side trim was the one thing I could not live with. The most obvious solution would be to remove the crooked trim and recreate it. I didn't have the confidence in my skills to pull that off and achieve satisfactory results, so I thought I'd see if it was possible to use the trim that was already there - but straighten it. 

I made a series of cuts with the back of a #11 xacto blade through the sides of the body and pulled the trim down into a straight line and glued it there. Then I filled the gap above the trim with slivers of styrene and CA. There's lots of putty and sanding to come, but I believe I'll be happy with it when it's done. The body issues aside, this is a nicely detailed kit in my opinion. 

I'll post more pictures when it's finished.

 

[moparfarmer]

16 minutes ago, Smitty said:

Much has been written about the infamous AMT '58 Plymouth and it's incorrectly curved side trim. Some modelers have pointed out other problems with the body in this kit, but I decided that the side trim was the one thing I could not live with. The most obvious solution would be to remove the crooked trim and recreate it. I didn't have the confidence in my skills to pull that off and achieve satisfactory results, so I thought I'd see if it was possible to use the trim that was already there - but straighten it. 

I made a series of cuts with the back of a #11 xacto blade through the sides of the body and pulled the trim down into a straight line and glued it there. Then I filled the gap above the trim with slivers of styrene and CA. There's lots of putty and sanding to come, but I believe I'll be happy with it when it's done. The body issues aside, this is a nicely detailed kit in my opinion. 

I'll post more pictures when it's finished.

 

You've done some pretty extensive work on that side trim..Looks much better..

 

[Ace-Garageguy]

Very ambitious, and looking good so far. 

[bisc63]

Interesting approach, and appears to be working nicely! I'm working on one of these as well, but opted to remove the side trim completely and modify my bumpers to more closely resemble the cheaper body styles. Can't wait to see your results! Following along...

[Can-Con]

An elegant solution to the problem. Good thinking and very nice work. 

[Zippi]

Looks 100% better.  Going to be a nice build.  

[espo]

 I'm impressed with your plastic surgery.  

[MrObsessive]

Despite the other foibles with the body, this makes it look sooooo much better!

This car was on my to-do list at one point, but since I got one of Harry P's Danbury Mint '58 Fury's (his daughter was selling it on eBay), my '58 Plymouth urge has been satisfied for the moment.

You showed a very clever way of fixing that side trim! I was going to take a completely different approach which would have involved pretty much re-engineering the car from nose to tail. This is much more feasible for someone that doesn't want to go through a lot of trouble.

Keep up the great work! ?

[Smitty]

Thanks everyone for your very encouraging words! This modification has turned out to be a bit more difficult than I anticipated. I'm finding it a little challenging finishing the seams because they are so close to the side trim. I'm trying not to damage it. I'm just about there though, and I'll likely be spraying on the colour coats this week. It's going to be Tamiya TS-59 Pearl Light Red with a white top. I'm really going to try and wrap this one up before the new year. While waiting for the putty and primer to dry I've been keeping busy on the chassis, engine, and interior.

Bill G., if I was lucky enough to get my hands on a Danbury mint '58 Fury I think this itch would be scratched too!

[bisc63]

Hang in there, it's just plastic! You've got it going your way, that engine bay is looking nice, as is the interior. Lay some masking tape on your trim (a layer or two) to protect it from sanding the body right up against it. Just watch for wear on the tape.

[Smitty]

Thanks Rusty. I took your advice and taped the trim up to protect it. Also, you're right, it's only plastic. I'm going to make that my model car mantra. Gotta remember to have fun!

I have the body painted and polished and some of the foil started. I hope to be posting this one in the 'Under Glass' section soon.

[bisc63]

Good job; that is SUCH an improvement! Love that color choice as well!

[Jonathan]

I was gifted this kit for Christmas and recently came across this thread.  Really great work in tackling the side trim - have you made any additional progress?

[Smitty]

On 1/25/2022 at 9:32 PM, Jonathan said:

I was gifted this kit for Christmas and recently came across this thread.  Really great work in tackling the side trim - have you made any additional progress?

Thanks Jonathan! I’m really close to finishing this one. Just a few more small pieces of foil, and some chrome pieces to be added, then I’ll take some pictures. It’s been extremely cold here in southern Ontario for the past two weeks but the forecast is calling for milder temperatures. I’m going to shoot for that timeframe.