AMT car trailer that "originated" in the 64 Corvette

[Mr. Metallic]

I say originated in quotes because I wonder if there were actually two tools for this trailer. Let me explain.

Tagging in these parties due to their interest in this subject that we started talking about in the middle of @Kit Karson's build thread. I thought it would be better to continue it here. @chris chabre @foghorn62 @tim boydadding vintage kit part expert @Mark as well.

The trailer that first appeared in the AMT 64 Corvette roadster kit. Single axle, with matching ramps that had the same hole pattern as the trailer itself. 

 

The general assumption is that the tooling was for this trailer was modified with new parts to make it a dual axle, and the ramps disappeared. Not sure of the chronology of the dual axle trailer, but it has appeared in the Fireball 500, and a couple recent combo kits including the Piranha racing team (I will amend this as other kits are identified)

My question is, was the tooling truly modified after the 64 Vette issue, or is the ramp-less dual axle different tooling? I know this question may seem silly to some, and is posed here just for fun. 

 

[Mark]

Someone has stated that the trailers in the '64 Corvette kits (coupe and convertible) are different from one another in regards to the arrangement of those holes. 

As similar as the Corvette kits were, we now know them to be unique tooling with no parts shared between them.  The coupe exists today as the '63 coupe.  The convertible (what remains of it) exist as the soon to be reissued custom '68.

I have had both '64 kits but never at the same time.  I'm pretty sure I have one each body style now, but only one has the trailer.  I never bothered to check against the Fireball 500 trailer because I was never crazy about that trailer anyway.

[chris chabre]

I have an original 64 trailer as well as a fireball trailer. If someone reminds me, I'll dig them out and take photos later today. I was always told they were the same except for the dual axles and ramp removel. the fireball kit came with a single long metal axle, and the ramps went right on it. the single axle from my corvette kit even went right into place. Now I'm curious

[tim boyd]

OK you guys shamed me enough that I finally undertook a journey to the deep, dark cauldrons that hold my box art collection.  

Surprise....(to me, at least)....both the AMT 1964 Vette annual kits had the trailer.... #6924-200 Sting Ray Sports Hardtop Advanced Customizing Kit and #6914-200 Sting Ray Convertible Advanced Customizing Kit.  

Both show the trailer on the side panel.  The same illustration is used for both kits, other than that the top portion of the body (above the beltline) is personalized to each kit's content, along with the difference in the side pipes leading to the sidemount mulfflers (2 per side in the hardtop,, 4 per side with the convertible).  The colors are the same on both illustrations and even the AA/P 24" roundel livery is the same for both kits.  

Interestingly, the Vette box art illustrations omit the unique center mounted license plate with rectangular light below that is in the kits and shown in the instructions....parts that are found in the Vette kits but apparently not in the reissued versions, at least the Fireball and Piranha Combo kits I just looked at.  

As to the fenders and the vertical stops at the front of the trailer on my build pictured above, I have no idea where they came from.   But they are not in the Vette kit(s) contents, nor the above referenced reissues.  

Also, just compared an original 1964 Vette kit and Fireball 500 parts tree that has the basic trailer part (not the trees with leaf springs and other parts).  These Vette and Fireball parts are clearly from the same tool origin.  Each tree includes the main trailer and two fairly large wheel chucks.  The parts feed/trees are also identical, other than that the the forward edge of the Fireball tree (by the trailer hitch) was reconfigured slightly and there was no longer a feed point at the very tip of the forward trailer hitch.  

Awaiting Chris' photos which will hopefully confirm what I've relayed above....or not!  Still much to learn here... 

Best....TIM 

Edited February 9, 2022 by tim boyd

[espo]

I think the bases for these trailers go back to the late '60's with AMT. In some of their annual kits they offered what they called a display stand along with a few car show type do-dads. They also gave the builder the option of an axle to go under the stand and turned it into a trailer. The treads where the tires would rest were done in a solid pattern much like a diamond plate surface. As I recall this type of trailer is in some of the reissues of the '74 Chevrolet Impala/Caprice from Round2 / AMT. 

[Casey]

 

 

[Mr. Metallic]

32 minutes ago, espo said:

I think the bases for these trailers go back to the late '60's with AMT. In some of their annual kits they offered what they called a display stand along with a few car show type do-dads. They also gave the builder the option of an axle to go under the stand and turned it into a trailer. The treads where the tires would rest were done in a solid pattern much like a diamond plate surface. As I recall this type of trailer is in some of the reissues of the '74 Chevrolet Impala/Caprice from Round2 / AMT. 

That trailer is completely different from the one being discussed here.

[Snake45]

2 hours ago, Mark said:

Someone has stated that the trailers in the '64 Corvette kits (coupe and convertible) are different from one another in regards to the arrangement of those holes. 

That was me. I was shocked to discover it. 

And I don't know which one became the F500 trailer. 

[espo]

23 minutes ago, Mr. Metallic said:

That trailer is completely different from the one being discussed here.

Yas, I realize that but was just offering the information as to when AMT started offering a trailer and that is why I also mentioned the differences between them in hopes that it wouldn't be confused as being the same. Without a doubt the later trailer is a superior design. 

[Mr. Metallic]

Mods, feel free to combine this thread with the one Casey shared above. Sorry for the similar themed post

[chris chabre]

the white one is the original Vette trailer (at least that is what I was told), the other is the fireball 500. I personally opened the fireball box.

 

 

Edited February 9, 2022 by chris chabre

[Mark]

Left: Fireball 500 trailer.

Right: 1964 Corvette convertible trailer.

I do not have a complete '64 Corvette Sting Ray kit.  No trailer, only the car.  If indeed the two Corvette kit trailers are different, then the Fireball kit's trailer is derived from the one that was in the '64 Sting Ray, not the convertible.

Chris' photos above give the illusion that these trailers are different lengths.  They are the same length.

[Kit Karson]

You guys are awesome!