Body Width: AMT '67 Corvette vs. AMT '63 Corvette

[blizzy63]

I have a question about the body dimensions between the AMT '63 Corvette fastback/coupe and the old AMT 1967 Corvette fastback/coupe kit bodies.

AMT completed the annual kits of the C2 Corvette, fastback and convertible, in 1967. After that, the kit was re-issued three more times before AMT back-dated the kit to produce a '63 spit-window coupe (A163, 1973).

Was there a dimension difference between the '67 coupe body and the later '63 coupe body?

I am currently building the AMT/Ertl 6520 '63 Corvette coupe kit (1988) as a box art build to appear much like the '67 drag 'Vette [AMT T238 '67 Corvette coupe (c.1971-72), pictured below].

I've noticed while fitting the body onto the chassis with the 427 engine and side-exit headers, the headers stick out widely and cause the '63 body to bulge out behind the front wheels.

The Big Block engine and headers were derived from the '67 kits. Was the the '67 body wider? Was the '63 body adopted in 1973 narrower?

Even the '63 firewall is struggling to fit.

[Mark]

You'd have to compare the two bodies in question.  The revised '63 could be thicker on the inside, which would cause that problem also.  I'd also check the fitment of the long block and the headers.  You could trim the headers on the far end and get them to fit also.

[blizzy63]

I found an old AMT '65 Corvette convertible annual and I measured the width of the body between the rocker panels along with the chassis.

I compared it to the latest releases of the AMT '63 Corvette coupe and convertible kits.

All are 2-3/16" wide.

I had the headers off the engine again and trimmed the ends off a bit. The firewall was still struggling to find its place. The "Race" (supercharger) hood opening is a bit too forward, I tried to trim as best that I could.

Anyways, I've called her done!

Edited February 27, 2024 by blizzy63