Pontiac GTO 1967 (MPC 1/25 scale)… a NIGHTMARE build…

[Tommy124]

Hi there,

this kit has been fighting me since I started it around 2 years ago.

I had to strip the paint twice, since both times there were unwanted chemical reactions between the base and clear coats I used. The front part of the body (the one where the grille is inserted) broke off in the stripping process. I managed to repair that but wasn’t willing to proceed the build at the time. 

So I put it aside in its box for most of the time until some weeks ago I checked on it and decided to give it another chance.

I used Tamiya TS-55 Racing Blue as a body color the third time around and covered it with spray can clear coat. Since I had decided that the car should have a vinyl roof and glued the strips and trims back then accordingly, I painted that black.

The bad streak was not over when I was quite happy with the paint work, but dropped the body so it hit the floor and a part of the front bumper broke off. Again, I resisted the urge to crush it with my feet and I really managed to repair the damage using the excellent Tamiya epoxy 2-part putty.

There were other let-downs in the process, but in the end I managed to pull myself and glue the kit together.

I have to say that, even though I like the kit‘s body, this is probably the worst US car kit I have come across so far. The fit of the glass parts and the bumpers is a desaster, for example.

As I wasn’t pleased with the choice of wheels contained in the kit, I made some modifications and used the Hurst wheels from the (much, much better) 66 GTO Revell kit. They do look nice with the kits redlines, I think.

It‘s really sad that there is no better kit for this great vintage GTO yet. Until then, this unsatisfactory build will sit in the showcase with it’s brothers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 14, 2024 by Tommy124

[karbuildr]

You did a really nice job on a very difficult kit. And persevering through all the trials you experienced says a lot for you as a builder. Beautiful color, very nicely detailed. Congrats for sticking with it.

[STU111]

Some builds go together beautifully……and some you just feel like doing “Hulk smash” on. Perseverance and determination paid off in this instance as your GTO looks awesome. Nice tidy vinyl roof as well. ( I’m working up the courage to try one on a build). Thanks for sharing this one .??

[Nacho Z]

That is a beautiful Goat, Thomas!  Your perseverance really paid off.

[70 Sting]

Hey Tommy, that kit may have kicked your @ss, but you showed it who's boss in the end by producing a beautifully finished model. ?

[rrb124@sbcglobal.net]

Way to win. That is a great look GTO. The 67 has good lines and your paint and vinyl top is super. 

Thanks for showing this work. 

[Bills72sj]

I had heard these wee a pain to build. Thank you your perseverance. At least now I know it CAN be done.

[charger74]

Very well done 

[XYHARRY]

Well done Tommy on persevering and producing a very clean GTO. 

Cheers, 

David. ??

[ChrisR]

Looks great.

 

[Zippi]

Turned out really nice Thomas.  Love that blue.  

[David G.]

It's a fantastic looking build! Well worth the heartache.

David G.

[Jim B]

Great looking GTO.  Very well done.  All of your hard work paid off in the end.  But, hey, in reality, it's an MPC kit.  What did you expect?  Sometimes it seems that with AMT/MPC kits fit is optional.

Edited September 17, 2024 by Jim B

[Tim W. SoCal]

Bitchen' '67 GTO, Thomas. LOVE your choice of Hurst wheels with redline tires and colors. Nice '65 GTO convertible, too!

[PappyD340]

Looks fantastic in spite of the issues!!

[ncbuckeye67]

In spite of all the problems, managed to build a beautiful goat! That blue looks amazing, and the interior color looks great.

[drodg]

Isn't if funny how some kits seemed doomed for disaster.  Anyhow you did a great job on a very difficult kit, congratulations.  

[carrucha]

Nice build making a lousy kit look good.  

[Mike 1017]

Fantastic work I had problems with the grille, headlights, and taillights. 

Mike

[Supernurd]

You did a great job on it.  ?

[espo]

The finish and color on your redo look great. Clean body trim. Like the contrasting interior color along with the wheel & tire combination. 

[TransAmMike]

As has been said, in spite of the issues the GTO came out looking great Tommy.  ?

[DJMar]

That blue is so tasty! Great looking Goat, congrats on seeing it through to the end. ?

I agree, the kit is a bit of a bear to build. It's got quite a few fit issues.

[Coyote_6]

Way to persevere!  Turned out beautiful!

Steve

Edited September 17, 2024 by Coyote_6

[happy grumpy]

Well, it certainly turned out well despite all the bugs. MPC kits are always easy to be polite. But you nailed it, the greater the pain, the bigger the reward.