AMT 1970 LT-1 Corvette

[mustang1989]

When I started this project back in April of last year, I knew that this kit was a somewhat problematic build as far as getting the stance right. I spent a good couple of months in the planning phases, building up a complete unpainted model of it to help with the positioning of the wheels & tires relative to the wheel openings as well as getting all the mods necessary for pulling off the correct stance. All of that paid off in the fact that the stance came out exactly how I wanted it on the "real" build. 

 Starting with the engine I detailed it out as much as I could get by with using the OOB base engine and then working from there with some aftermarket and scratchbuilt items. I also didn't like the molded in details on the engine bay sides so I sanded all of that off and fabricated vacuum and electrical harnesses to replace that with. 

When it came to the interior I wanted to jog things up a bit by displaying the drivers seat back in the forward position and opening up the battery compartment and displaying a set of tools necessary to remove a battery with. Tool kit was from spares along with the PE wrench. Red rag was fabricated from red tissue paper and given "the treatment".  Some other areas that got some "lovin" was the replacement of the molded in park brake handle with an actual handle made from a needle and some electrical wire insulation for the handle, the replacement of the stock radio with a CD player, and the addition of foot pedals. The whole OOB toeboard with the foot pedals molded in were removed and PE parts and fabricated swing levers were swapped in. Instrument panel faces were drilled out and decals placed on plastic backings were installed from the rear of the dash to create a more convincing IP. The steering column and steering wheel ring are the only OOB parts used on that part of the interior. An AM steering wheel, ignition lock cylinder face and ignition keys were used from the Model Car Garage PE set for this car. The door panels were upgraded by adding PE window crank and door handles (that were modified to look a little more convincing).  OOB shifter was cleaned up (A LOT) and utilized and shifter plate details picked out with a Prismacolor Silver Lead pencil. Battery compartment lid bottom saw the addition of scratchbuilt latches, retaining straps with PE screws and fasteners. Battery was taken from spare parts I had laying around. 

 I was going to use some AM Bf Goodrich T/A radials but they proved to be GROSSLY big for this car so the OOB tires were used with Bf Goodrich T/A Radial decals that I had and I picked the details out on the OOB wheels and used those. Color is Bridgehampton Blue from MCW with Testors Wet Look Clear that was decanted from the can and shot through the airbrush. I know it's not a factory shine on the car but I just couldn't help but to make this car shine and Wet Look does a great job of that. PE scripts from the Model Car Garage set was used for the emblems.

In any case, here is the results of 9 solid months spent on this car. Many thanks goes out to those who looked in on and/ or took the time to comment on this build along the way.

Edited January 29, 2024 by mustang1989

[Classicgas]

Joe how many times do I have to talk to you about posting pictures of real cars and saying they're your models??? Seriously, another stunning build.

[catpack68]

Awesome work Joe! The best build of this kit that I have seen yet?

Edited January 29, 2024 by catpack68

[Moparman18064]

Absolutely fabulous, you couldn’t have picked a better color. Your details throughout this build are top notch!

[kelson]

Turned out perfect!!?

[happy grumpy]

Great build, the interior detailing is beautiful. I like it, even more so that it is my favorite gen.

[TransAmMike]

Ohhh yeah Joe, another great one by you. As a former C3 owner and 'Vette lover you get 3 thumbs on this one up Buddy ???

[espo]

In addition to the beautiful color and paint finish the added interior details add to the realistic look of the interior. 

[Can-Con]

Looks great. I built one [almost] the same color when they first came out.

BTW, I built mine strait from the box and was impressed at how perfect it sat without me having to fiddle with it. 

Edited January 29, 2024 by Can-Con

[Rattlecan Dan]

Sweet. Very nice-looking build. Good job!

[GoodbuildNY]

I’d say you DEFINITELY nailed the stance ! Looks awesome 

[ismaelg]

Gorgeous!

Joe, I need it to use it as a reference to restore my 1:1 in the garage 

[Keef]

Definitely a home run over the center field wall !! Absolutely beautiful work, that color really POPS!!

[Dragonhawk1066]

Outstanding looking Vette! I love all the extra details!

[Jim B]

Beautiful Corvette!  Really well done.

[Yeah Nah]

Superb build Joe! 

[Bainford]

Absolutely gorgeous Vette, Joe. A high degree of realism. All round top notch work. 

[charger74]

It looks really good ????

[Duddly01]

Beautiful build and great color choice!

[slusher]

Stunning Corvette'

[Misha]

Stance and interior detail is bang on Joe, Congrats!

Cheers Misha 

[Mattilacken]

Beautifull build! Love the little details!

[louis Carabott]

Beautiful build Sir ?

[ChrisR]

Looks great!

[atomicholiday]

Every time I see this build, I’m in awe of that paint job.  Great job Joe!  You nailed it.?