1963 Monogram 55 Chevy Restoration/Rebuild

[disconovaman]

Well I've talked myself into rebuilding this old Monogram 55 Chevy. I got this in a built up collection last year. The original build took place sometime in the mid 60's and despite all the years of neglect it managed to survive.

It's an old survivor and I should've just cleaned it up but I know I wouldn't be happy with it. I also have a tendency to react on impulse and the reality is I could've passed it on to someone who could appreciate it as the time capsule it was. But I took alot of before photos so that's good for me.

I want it to look like brand new when he first finished it. My plan is to rebuild it as closely to his vision as I can while making some small changes to satisfy my building techniques. 

Here are photos of when I got it, mid-disassembly, and after a few nights in the Dunker 9000 stripp-o-matic tank.

Sorry If I disappointed anyone by undoing all that history but I promise it will live on for another 60 years. ??

 

[stavanzer]

I like it! Sometimes it is Ok to restore a kit. 

[espo]

At least you have the photos showing what it was. I would have one of those in the background when you show it when you're done. 

[Plowboy]

It already looks better!

[THarrison351]

Looks like a great project! You can see the DNA of Tom Daniel's Badman.

[Lucius Molchany]

Nice save!

[slusher]

Looks like it could use a rebuid!

[ozmodeler]

You made the right choice.The build was quite O.K. by 60's standards but it will be cool to see it resto'd with a quality build.

 

[mustang1989]

I'm looking forward to this one.

[Zippi]

Good looking 55 hardtop.  It should clean up nicely.  

[disconovaman]

Thanks guys! hopefully I can do the car some justice. It's gonna need some work and repairs, address the Tire Melt and paint removal overall reshaping and smoothing the body.

The thing I was most disappointed by was the removal of the signature 55 Bel-air trim... albeit well done, it's still upsetting to see it gone. The stock wheel openings on the quarters are refreshing to see though and when I think about It's like a moment frozen in time where the Badman seizes to exist.

I love what the Badman represents but rather than altering a classic tool Monogram should've just retooled the Gasser body... Who else agrees with me?

The hood is another vintage part too. but it also needs filler work to address the Tire Melt... this car laid in box full of other neglected build ups in a barn in Farmville Virginia for over four decades. I'm quite shocked that it survived honestly.

It should be a rewarding build when I finished and who knows? I might have it at the IPMS or MDA next year... ? 

[Bullybeef]

I have zero problems with restoring an older build, it’s the same in the 1:1 auto world. After all you are preserving the kit, you are breathing new life into it. 

[disconovaman]

The bodywork has started and the Tire Melt has been taken care of. I was able to sand out and fill the sunken areas, thankfully it was limited to only the hood and top. 

Another thing about the car that disappointed me was the missing front valance pan? bumper filler? It was carefully cut off the original body... gotta give it to the guy though, if you didn't know the kit you would swear it was originally a separate part. I can only imagine how long it took him to cut that off considering it being a Monogram kit (Harder, thicker plastic) not to mention tools were probably not the best back then I assume...

The discussion at my local club meet was that the car had kind of an identity crisis, meaning some of the things customized didn't match the 60's custom style. For instance why not go for one of the custom grills instead of the stock grill? why cut off the front end? If you were gonna reduce weight you would remove that part for racing sure, but not for a custom look, I would think... anyways I'll be building a custom valance roll pan. Stay tuned ? 

[espo]

You mention being disappointed about the Bel Air body side trim being removed. The side trim can be recreated using different sizes of moldings from Plastruct or Evergreen styrene strips. They both offer a wide verity of sizes and shapes. 

[disconovaman]

8 hours ago, espo said:

The side trim can be recreated

I get what you're saying and I had given some thought to adding it back because honestly my favorite 55 Belair is a two-tone 55 Belair.

The thing is since I'm building it as a replica of his, I think with this style with the chrome reversed wheels with simulated knock-offs, the lake pipes, and custom pinstriping the absent trim match the 60's era pretty well.

No doubt if he would've left the trim on the build would be going in a different direction. I'm gonna try to stay true to his original plan. I've got plenty of 55 Chevy kits to build in two-tone colors anyway. 

[disconovaman]

Slow goin right now because I'm currently working on my CBR entry and is it just me or does anyone else have the problem where they go digging into the spare parts bin and find them selfs building a completely different car... like instantly? 

Anyway, I'm wanting to figure out what the seats are from that he used on the 55 also? Anyone know?  The build was from Around 65-66 so that may narrow down ideas.  The pattern is pretty simple and he cut the inner sides out to clear the 55 console no head rests either, may or may not've had them...

Someone on FB trying to help said 65 Elcamino but I compared those and not a match...

[geemoney]

love the subject, i had this body in the early 80's, i put the roll pan on my badman, question: was the large box convertible released in the late 90's early 2000's from this tooling?

[disconovaman]

1 hour ago, geemoney said:

was the large box convertible released in the late 90's early 2000's from this tooling?

No it wasn't... Sadly this tooling was modified to become the Badman TD Drag car..  the kit you're thinking of was a brand new tooling for 95 ish... I think. and then later reissued as the Pace car in 1997. Then in 2010, from the same tooling, much like the original Monogram it became a 2 door hard top Belair. A little bit of history repeating itself. 

[disconovaman]

I've been working on the Chevelle and CBR Wrecker... and the 55 all at once... usually that's how I roll ? I'm finished stripping paint and I'm thinking about the new color(s) the main body color will be Tamyia TS54 light blue metallic. The top and interior will be TS7 Racing White with baby blue accents.

The original blue was fairly bright before all the tar and nicotine stains, it can be seen on the firewall. I think the TS54 will be a close match. 

I managed to get away to the monthly local club meet and here are the results for ya to look over, thanks for following along hang in there, more progress ahead.

[mustang1989]

On 11/22/2022 at 4:24 PM, disconovaman said:

Slow goin right now because I'm currently working on my CBR entry and is it just me or does anyone else have the problem where they go digging into the spare parts bin and find them selfs building a completely different car... like instantly? 

 

All the time. Alot of times, I'll be building along and the build will just take off in a whole new direction.

[mustang1989]

BTW....progress is coming along nicely. That Lawman 55 Gasser looks bad A$$!! I may have to source the cals & wheels and build that one. WOW

[Bainford]

Some cool builds at the club meet. I'm really digging that Barracude pickup (Rampage?).

[disconovaman]

18 minutes ago, mustang1989 said:

That Lawman 55 Gasser looks bad

Thanks! Yeah, the Lawman Gasser is a good looking car. I think it's a play on words to the Badman. It would be easy to replicate. I had the idea to build it myself. The wheels are Hildebrand spokes and polished slots. I can't think of what kit they are in?... someone can help me remember I'm sure. I had them on a Studebaker Gasser I traded it off mid build, big mistake. 

[disconovaman]

6 minutes ago, Bainford said:

Barracude pickup

Yeah we think it started out as the Hemi Under Glass kit. A member in the club acquired if from a build up collection it's pretty well done too.