Chrysler 300 B - by the book (almost)

[customline]

I built this kit a few years back  but it was to immortalize a 1:1 from my mis-spent youth, a '56 Desoto Firedome Seville 2 door hardtop, as it was, rust and all back then- around 1975. I liked the kit a whole lot and wanted to build it box stock so I grabbed another kit and I'm finally getting around to starting it. Below is the Desoto. The  Moebius Chrysler kit was used along with a really nice 4 door Fireflite sedan promo I had to butcher and the optional engine rocker covers from the AMT '53 F100 and a few scratch items.

[customline]

But now it's the OOB build I want to document . The kit I used for the Desoto was bought fairly early in the life of the tooling. You may recall the '55 showed up first. When the '56 came along I ran out to the LHS and couldn't wait to dive into the conversion and I recall how impressed I was with the detail and the colorful instructions.  Time passed and the kit I have today was purchased over a year ago. It seems to have suffered a little from years of production. The crispness is not there and I am discovering its really not the way I remember it. But it's still a great kit and I really wish Moebius would convert this Chrysler tool into the Desoto Adventurer pace car. Anyone with me on that? I posted the following photos for those who have not seen the contents of the box.

[customline]

I haven't had an opportunity to paint the assemblies that are ready but have done a few things by hand. Everybody likes a mock-up so this is what I have so far. Pay attention to the front seat. This sort of thing makes no sense. They molded the rocker arms which, in most cases, will be covered but the back of the front seat looks like they thought no one would see it ?. I thought about opening the doors but between the seat and the lackluster interior of the 1:1, it doesn't seem worth it.  The dash will get attention  but the engine will not get spark plug wires, just paint detailing and the provided decals. The interior will get foil and Molotow detailing. The body has, at this point, been cleared of parting lines and the low relief scripts on the rear quarters have been shaved as well as the outside door locks. The decal sheet has the scripts and other interrior and exterior details. They do not, however,  provide decals for the center of the full wheel covers.

[customline]

I like to use those little strontium magnets to keep hoods in place and sometimes they can be hidden but not this time. The service they provide outweighs the ugly (for me, anyway.) The bottom of the fan shroud has been cut away to facilitate assembly on my terms. The instructions spell out the sequence of assembly but instructions never seem to acknowledge the painting situation. I know, they are just suggestions ?.

Check back from time to time if you are so inclined and your comments are welcome as usual.

[customline]

After much deliberation,  I decided to go ahead with this thing the way I originally intended. I fixed the front seat first and was happy with it so it seemed OK to maybe open one door?. I glued some 1/16" brass rod to reinforce the minimal rocker panel (why do they call it that? ). Then I attacked it with my #11. It was exhilarating ?. That's as far as I got today. I also scraped away the molded area on the nose and trunk medallions where the decals will go. I will also be opening the trunk unless someone tries to stop me, at which point I will knuckle under very quickly.  Lots of chores are not getting done until the hinges work perfectly. 

 

[customline]

Oh, and then there's this other Ithing with the front seat. Gotta figure out how to fix THAT. At least they left me with a nice flat foundation to build on.

and just for kicks, look at this very cool chopper I found in the ether. It's got me ? thinking...

Naaaaah. ☺️

[1972coronet]

Great work! Ever seen a 300-B with the 3-speed manual? Rare as.

The Powerflite (A-466 two-speed) and Torqueflite (A-488, 1956-1961) were cast iron. The aluminium-cast 904 came along for 1960, with the aluminium-cast 727 coming along for 1962.

Edited December 30, 2022 by 1972coronet
*TYPO*

[customline]

2 hours ago, 1972coronet said:

Great work! Ever seen a 300-B with the 3-speed manual? Rare as.

The Powerflite (A-466 two-speed) and Torqueflite (A-488, 1956-1961) were cast iron. The aluminium-cast 904 came along for 1960, with the aluminium-cast 727 coming along for 1962.

Thanks John. My old Desoto had the "Juke Box Drive". It was a Firedome with the 2 speed. I'll be painting the tyranny on this build with  dark gray metallic that resembles cast iron. Do you know if those transmissions were painted at the factory? I've researched this Chrysler a bit but I guess I need to check on that situation.  

[customline]

I did a little more tonight. It's getting a little scary.  I had to "tack" the interior parts together so I could figure out the hinge positioning and other door panel issues. A tiny dab of CA does the job.?

Edited December 30, 2022 by customline

[1972coronet]

7 hours ago, customline said:

I'll be painting the tyranny on this build with  dark gray metallic that resembles cast iron. Do you know if those transmissions were painted at the factory?

Not that I've seen, other than factory 'promo' photos (a common practise).

[mustang1989]

Turnin' out a real beauty with this one. I don't recall ever seeing this kit.....but it looks to be a good one.

[customline]

6 hours ago, mustang1989 said:

Turnin' out a real beauty with this one. I don't recall ever seeing this kit.....but it looks to be a good one.

It really is, Joe, and the subject isn't one that appeals to everyone so it's not surprising that you're not familiar with it. Moebius has a pretty good catalog now and their quality seems quite good. I could pick at a few things I don't like about this kit but overall it's well designed and I will probably try one of the Hudson kits at some point.

[Joe Lange]

Good looking project Mike.  I like the magnet idea for the hood.  Cutting open the doors?  Yikes!....I glue mine closed because of all the alignment issues.  Have you decided on a body color yet?  

[customline]

After a few attempts, I got the hinge made. I don't do a lot of this so it was a tad frustrating. I had to go back and watch the videos on YouTube. Sometimes a refresher helps. I haven't decided to open the other door ?.  Yet. I dunno.  I got the chassis and the floor pan painted in basic black. I can now assemble it and paint some details . ? Still a lot of work ahead on the door jamb,etc. Back to youtube....

 

 

Edited December 31, 2022 by customline

[customline]

4 hours ago, Joe Lange said:

Good looking project Mike.  I like the magnet idea for the hood.  Cutting open the doors?  Yikes!....I glue mine closed because of all the alignment issues.  Have you decided on a body color yet?  

Thank you Joe, I do the same thing on kits with opening doors, especially the Revell '31 Sedan. The hinges on that kit are so tiny.....I don't have the patience. The type of hinge I am using is pretty standard now. It swings the door open in a natural way and the panels remain removable because you don't glue the wires to the tubing. This also allows the panel to slide back into adjustment. You can add resistance by pinching the tube where needed and when you add rare earth magnets in the jambs the doors can self-align themselves well as staying closed. It's a system! I used it years ago on the AMT '69 GTX convertible kit and it worked beautifully.  As far as color goes, I want to stay with one of the very few colors that were available for this somewhat limited model.  There were no two-tones for the 300B. It was black, white or red. Period. It's going to be a while before I'm ready to paint but I have a can of Tamiya white pearl I've been saving that just may find purpose.

Edited December 31, 2022 by customline
Added pix

[Joe Lange]

4 hours ago, customline said:

Thank you Joe, I do the same thing on kits with opening doors, especially the Revell '31 Sedan. The hinges on that kit are so tiny.....I don't have the patience. The type of hinge I am using is pretty standard now. It swings the door open in a natural way and the panels remain removable because you don't glue the wires to the tubing. This also allows the panel to slide back into adjustment. You can add resistance by pinching the tube where needed and when you add rare earth magnets in the jambs the doors can self-align themselves well as staying closed. It's a system! I used it years ago on the AMT '69 GTX convertible kit and it worked beautifully.  As far as color goes, I want to stay with one of the very few colors that were available for this somewhat limited model.  There were no two-tones for the 300B. It was black, white or red. Period. It's going to be a while before I'm ready to paint but I have a can of Tamiya white pearl I've been saving that just may find purpose.

Yes! That will look VERY NICE!  The white pearl with white walls and the chrome wire wheels!  Want to see this finished.

[ModelcarJR]

Your work looks fantastic, Jim! The magnets are a good idea that I have never tried but want to some time in the future.  I love the Tamiya paint and use a lot of it. But I had a bad experience with their Pearl White. It was really thin and just didn't have the body to cover well. I had the same experience with their flat white.  Maybe its Tamiya white or maybe its just me. Good luck with the rest of your build! ??  

[customline]

1 hour ago, ModelcarJR said:

Your work looks fantastic, Jim! The magnets are a good idea that I have never tried but want to some time in the future.  I love the Tamiya paint and use a lot of it. But I had a bad experience with their Pearl White. It was really thin and just didn't have the body to cover well. I had the same experience with their flat white.  Maybe its Tamiya white or maybe its just me. Good luck with the rest of your build! ??  

Thanks, John, for your compliments and your warning.  Actually I prefer to use the airbrush for this one and, since this one is totally stock, a solid color would be more appropriate. 

I love those little magnets. I use them mostly to hold hoods down even if it compromises the authenticity of the engine bay. If you use the "sliding wire in tube hinge" on a hood the magnets can help realign the hood upon closing. If you use individual display cases, the hoods will stay in place instead of falling off on the way to the shelf (how many times has that happened?  ?)

[customline]

9 hours ago, Joe Lange said:

Yes! That will look VERY NICE!  The white pearl with white walls and the chrome wire wheels!  Want to see this finished.

I am currently using the full wheel covers for this project but that could change if I can't find tires that I can use on those nice wires. They look reeeeeeealy nice on a kustom (which is why I'm using the full wheel covers ?) .  I was just warned off the pearl white so the jury is out on that one. Thanks for your interest, Joe.

[espo]

Build is looking good. Like the Pearl White color idea. Just a thought, if you haven't already planed the paint work yet. I would suggest considering Tamiya white primer and maybe even a light coat of Tamiya TS-26 Pure White before the White Pearl coats of paint. Like most Pearl paints, the Tamiya Pearls are a little a little thin on coverage.  

[customline]

3 hours ago, espo said:

Build is looking good. Like the Pearl White color idea. Just a thought, if you haven't already planed the paint work yet. I would suggest considering Tamiya white primer and maybe even a light coat of Tamiya TS-26 Pure White before the White Pearl coats of paint. Like most Pearl paints, the Tamiya Pearls are a little a little thin on coverage.  

Thanks, Dave.  As far as paint goes,  I'm still kicking it around. I use Tamiya white fine surface under the color coat for all projects now. I have never used Tamiya colors from the rattle can (or otherwise, for that matter.) Maybe you could advise me on this stuff; is it lacquer? ?.  My son has used it and he assured me it's the best rattle can on the planet. If it goes on like the primer, I should be good, right? I thought maybe I should decant it but my airbrush may not be better for a poor coverage paint. I worry about a streaky finish. The correct color for this car is, I think, Cloud White.  MCW has it and I may go with that. Anyway, it's a ways off. Lots to get done before I commit to any color. I have some Alclad II gloss black lacquer base for chrome hanging around that would look reeeeealy good on this beast. ? 

 

 

 

[chryslerjunkandstuff]

Oh man, I have several of these kits, both the '55 and '56 versions, and I love em to death. Probably my favorite kits ever after the AMT '57 300 C..

That being said, you're spot on in saying how great it would be for Moebius to tool these up as DeSoto Fireflites and Adventurers..

They should turn the '55 into a..'55 DeSoto..which would be pretty cool..

But changing the '56 into a pair of..'56 DeSotos, a convertible Fireflite to FINALLY have a kit of the '56 Indy 500 Pace Car, and a hardtop Adventurer..

A hardtop Adventurer was the 1956 Pikes Peak Hillclimb official Pace Car, so Moebius could decal one up and have even a third version too..

I'd buy and build at least two of each..

Also, each their Hudson kits are top shelf..

Anyhow dude, yer doing awesome work on yer build here, A-1 stuff in my opinion, can't wait to see what's next..

[customline]

26 minutes ago, chryslerjunkandstuff said:

Oh man, I have several of these kits, both the '55 and '56 versions, and I love em to death. Probably my favorite kits ever after the AMT '57 300 C..

That being said, you're spot on in saying how great it would be for Moebius to tool these up as DeSoto Fireflites and Adventurers..

They should turn the '55 into a..'55 DeSoto..which would be pretty cool..

But changing the '56 into a pair of..'56 DeSotos, a convertible Fireflite to FINALLY have a kit of the '56 Indy 500 Pace Car, and a hardtop Adventurer..

A hardtop Adventurer was the 1956 Pikes Peak Hillclimb official Pace Car, so Moebius could decal one up and have even a third version too..

I'd buy and build at least two of each..

Also, each their Hudson kits are top shelf..

Anyhow dude, yer doing awesome work on yer build here, A-1 stuff in my opinion, can't wait to see what's next..

I don't know if you read this whole thread (sometimes I just browse) but I modelled my '56 Seville from this kit a few years ago.  It was my all- time favorite daily driver (in the early-mid '70s.) So I had to immortalize it in styrene. I have wanted to get one of the Hudsons but I'm kinda backed-up now and will probably kick the bucket well before I get there. ☺️ I would love to see more '50s MoPups in 1:25. Buick and Olds too.

 

 

 

Edited January 1, 2023 by customline
Added thoughts

[chryslerjunkandstuff]

5 hours ago, customline said:

I don't know if you read this whole thread (sometimes I just browse) but I modelled my '56 Seville from this kit a few years ago.  It was my all- time favorite daily driver (in the early-mid '70s.) So I had to immortalize it in styrene. I have wanted to get one of the Hudsons but I'm kinda backed-up now and will probably kick the bucket well before I get there. ☺️ I would love to see more '50s MoPups in 1:25. Buick and Olds too.

 

 

 

Yup, I remember that DeSoto Seville build you did, it turned out real sweet..

Inspired me to try an hunt down a Jo-Han '55 DeS 4-dr promo to do a build of the crusty $800 driver I bought in 2000 just before getting out of H.S., but, still ain't found the kit yet.. 

As for this 300 yer doin, may as well open the other door, and the trunk too at this point lol..

[customline]

34 minutes ago, chryslerjunkandstuff said:

Yup, I remember that DeSoto Seville build you did, it turned out real sweet..

Inspired me to try an hunt down a Jo-Han '55 DeS 4-dr promo to do a build of the crusty $800 driver I bought in 2000 just before getting out of H.S., but, still ain't found the kit yet.. 

As for this 300 yer doin, may as well open the other door, and the trunk too at this point lol..

Look what's sitting on the lot of a muffler shop a couple of miles up the road from me