KWT Posted February 5, 2023 Share Posted February 5, 2023 (edited) Over the last 10 years, I've made a few lifelong friends at work... very few... One of these being the maintenance supervisor. He is an older gentleman, planning to retire in the next couple years... a godly man.. a mentor.. a pastor.. a genuine good friend. We have bonded over the years and had several conversation about life, cars and everything in between. He's often said he wished we had been closer in age so we could have hung out back in the day. He's always been interested in my model building and has said on several occasions, "I'm going to get you to build me a car one day." I always responded, "Robert, just say when." Right around thanksgiving, he told me he was thinking about leaving the company for another job offer. We talked about the pros and cons for days.. he prayed on it. Talked to his wife about it. And get my feedback daily... He eventually took the offer and two weeks ago, we all said our farewells... On his last day, he brought me a beat up box of the AMT 70 Camaro "Orange car" and a pretty terrible picture. He said, "This is the one I want you to do. Just like mine. This is the only picture I have of my car. Mine was full bumper though. And those wheels don't match mine either." I told him, I'd try my best.. His reply, "Yeah I know. But I ain't worried about it. This way, at least we'll have to get together someday." Since his had a full bumper, I dug my full bumper kit out of the stash... I really never expected to build this car... but... Here's where we begin... and the picture I have to work with... I hope this turns out good... All other builds are probably on hold, except one I'm about to button up probably this weekend... Stay tuned... Edited February 5, 2023 by KWT 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bullybeef Posted February 5, 2023 Share Posted February 5, 2023 A noble cause for a build! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stingray wes Posted February 5, 2023 Share Posted February 5, 2023 Great story, will be tuned in for this one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
espo Posted February 5, 2023 Share Posted February 5, 2023 Like the back story, not enough people in this world like your friend. I'm sure you will make something very special for him. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve H Posted February 6, 2023 Share Posted February 6, 2023 These are my favourite type of build, ones with a meaningful back story. I’ve done a few, and even if they aren’t my best builds, they hold a special place in my heart. I will definitely be watching Jeremy, and I’m certain you will do a great job. I look forward to hearing about the reaction you get from your friend when he sees it. Those wheels should be reasonably easy to find, hard to tell in the photo, is it burgundy? Have fun with it!! Cheers, Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slusher Posted February 6, 2023 Share Posted February 6, 2023 Good story, Jeremy I will be following along. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KWT Posted February 6, 2023 Author Share Posted February 6, 2023 (edited) Thanks for following guys.. A couple weeks ago, I asked for what to look out for... that thread is here... https://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/178248-amt-70-camaro/ Lots of good info came in. Gave me some ideas on what headaches I had in store for me. On big issue brought up was the dash/windshield area needing to be dealt with. The interference between the 2 causes the chassis to not seat properly. NOBLNG (Greg) provided this photo I took the ideas on how to address this first issue and decided to try the suggestion of trimming the dash. After the initial mockup, the back of the dash isn't really visible. So after trimming, this is where we stand... Not a bad way to start... Hope I chose the right "fix" for this. Also, started addressing some issues with the body... oddly enough, there were several... got an initial coat of primer on to check my work... back to sanding again... After this I'll make some time to try to address the exhaust Joe brought to my attention... stay tuned... Edited February 6, 2023 by KWT 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KWT Posted February 8, 2023 Author Share Posted February 8, 2023 I know it's hard to tell from the photo, but anybody have any idea of a direction to go for the wheels/tires? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOBLNG Posted February 8, 2023 Share Posted February 8, 2023 (edited) 17 minutes ago, KWT said: I know it's hard to tell from the photo, but anybody have any idea of a direction to go for the wheels/tires? Glad I and others were able to give you a heads up about some issues Jeremy. Could those wheels be centerlines? I know I have a set somewhere…but I have no idea what kit they belong to. Edited February 8, 2023 by NOBLNG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KWT Posted February 8, 2023 Author Share Posted February 8, 2023 I do appreciate the insight you guys provided. Yes sir, he did say centerlines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve H Posted February 8, 2023 Share Posted February 8, 2023 Hi Jeremy, I have a set of centrelines somewhere too, but like Greg, can’t remember where from. I think maybe an old gasser Vette? May I suggest putting the picture in the “questions” area. Someone will have an answer for you I’m sure. Seems that it shouldn’t be too hard to find a set. Nice fixes on the fitment issues! Cheers, Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve H Posted February 8, 2023 Share Posted February 8, 2023 Just did a quick search. Ted’s modelling marketplace has some centrelines, as does Texas 3d costoms. I’m sure there were many kits too. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slusher Posted February 8, 2023 Share Posted February 8, 2023 Jeremy, I have a set if you need them. Just send me a pm, I don’t mind helping out.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KWT Posted February 9, 2023 Author Share Posted February 9, 2023 I'm hoping to get a chance over the next few days to dig through some boxes and see if I can find some. If not, I may just take you up on that. On 2/5/2023 at 10:21 PM, Steve H said: hard to tell in the photo, is it burgundy? I asked this question.. he said brown. I asked if it was metallic or anything. "Nope. Just Brown." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KWT Posted February 10, 2023 Author Share Posted February 10, 2023 Minor update... While looking for paint today, I ran across these in a box... I don't have a clue where I got these, or why for that matter, but I think they may do the trick. Also, got some sanding done on the primer coat. It was a tad more uneven than I had figured, so I ended up sanding back more than I expected. I think it's mostly the way it sprayed that day. It was windier than I usually do, but I wanted to get started smoothing the body out... so I ran with it... Just finished spraying a new coat. Hope to smooth it out maybe tomorrow. One final coat should do it... maybe... I also sent him a picture of this can of TS1. He's says, "Yep. That's close to it."... So it looks like that's what we're going with... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belugawrx Posted February 10, 2023 Share Posted February 10, 2023 This is Classic Copper ..my buddy's '70 Camaro was this colour....very fine metallic..when it was dirty, it was brown..lol Love the back story Jeremy..I'll follow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsummone Posted February 10, 2023 Share Posted February 10, 2023 1 hour ago, KWT said: Minor update... While looking for paint today, I ran across these in a box... I don't have a clue where I got these, or why for that matter, but I think they may do the trick. Also, got some sanding done on the primer coat. It was a tad more uneven than I had figured, so I ended up sanding back more than I expected. I think it's mostly the way it sprayed that day. It was windier than I usually do, but I wanted to get started smoothing the body out... so I ran with it... Just finished spraying a new coat. Hope to smooth it out maybe tomorrow. One final coat should do it... maybe... I also sent him a picture of this can of TS1. He's says, "Yep. That's close to it."... So it looks like that's what we're going with... From the looks of your picture I’d say it had the typical 70’s Camaro tire setup. Either 70’s up front and 60’s on the rear. Or 60’s for the front and 50’s for the rear. Either way, the rear wheels are going to have a deeper offset than the ones you found. I have a set of unpainted grey centerlines that were donated to me by Mike on these boards. They would look perfect with a coat of aluminum paint and I’d be happy to donate them for your project. If you want them DM me and I’ll drop them in the mailbox. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KWT Posted February 10, 2023 Author Share Posted February 10, 2023 (edited) 1 hour ago, Belugawrx said: This is Classic Copper ..my buddy's '70 Camaro was this colour....very fine metallic..when it was dirty, it was brown..lol Love the back story Jeremy..I'll follow That's exactly what I expected it to be... and thanks for the pic and following along 29 minutes ago, dsummone said: From the looks of your picture I’d say it had the typical 70’s Camaro tire setup. Either 70’s up front and 60’s on the rear. Or 60’s for the front and 50’s for the rear. Either way, the rear wheels are going to have a deeper offset than the ones you found. I have a set of unpainted grey centerlines that were donated to me by Mike on these boards. They would look perfect with a coat of aluminum paint and I’d be happy to donate them for your project. If you want them DM me and I’ll drop them in the mailbox. Dave I appreciate it, but currently I'm gonna hold off.. These are different sized tires for the back.. after I can get to mocking up the stance now I've found them, we'll see how they look. Edited February 11, 2023 by KWT 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KWT Posted February 14, 2023 Author Share Posted February 14, 2023 So I got some color on it... I sent him the pic and he said "THAT'S IT!" We chatted back and forth for a couple minutes. He told me he likes his other new job, but sometimes wishes he had just stayed... I told him I wouldn't be sending anymore body pictures, I don't want him to see it til he gets it. Got to get back to the guts and stuff now... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KWT Posted March 7, 2023 Author Share Posted March 7, 2023 Small update... Got trim done and decals on yesterday... 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluestringer Posted March 7, 2023 Share Posted March 7, 2023 Looking good so far. The AMT 55 Chevy Bel Air has a set of centerline wheels in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KWT Posted March 7, 2023 Author Share Posted March 7, 2023 Much appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David G. Posted March 7, 2023 Share Posted March 7, 2023 A good reason for a build if I ever knew one. It looks good so far, I think your friend will be pleased. David G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KWT Posted March 12, 2023 Author Share Posted March 12, 2023 Got a little done this weekend between family functions... Still have to do some detailing to the engine to liven it up some... Stay tuned... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David G. Posted March 13, 2023 Share Posted March 13, 2023 Good vinyl look on the seats, nice engine weathering. David G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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