1966 Chevrolet Impala

[Simo5555]

Hi!

My Camaro is almost finished so i started with my next build 1966 Chevrolet Impala.

[STU111]

G’day Simo, I’ve got this one in my stash and I’m going to follow your build, as I’m interested to see what you do with it.?? l do like the mid 60’s Impala’s . 

Edited October 27, 2024 by STU111

[Zippi]

That will be a Great kit to build Simo.  Love the box art.

[Simo5555]

Day 1:
Interior

Interior is painted. Used the Tamiya XF64 red brown paint and some super smooth clear coat from mr.hobby. 

Then it was time for carpeting. I've usually done this with the white wood glue, but i've used up my last bottle. So this time i decided to try some random craft glue i had laying around. I've never actually used it on plastic so not so sure if it'll work. Luckily it should come off pretty easily if it goes wrong. So we'll see how it goes. 


I'll let it dry for a couple of hours before shaking the excess flocking off.

 

[Simo5555]

Did some more painting.

[johnyrotten]

Nice job so far. 

[Moparman18064]

Looking awesome so far.

[STU111]

Interior looks great, the flocking came out really nice. I think I’m gonna have to try it on some of my builds to get more realistic carpeting.

[TopherMcGinnis]

One thing you can do with your flocking is use the same color paint as the flocking used. Paint a section, then put the flocking on. That way if there's a light spot, it's hard to tell.

[Simo5555]

Day 2: Bodywork

So, time for some wetsanding.
At first, i was thinking of keeping the front bumper in chrome, but wheres the fun in that? So did a bit of masking too.


Then a light coat of primer and another wetsanding session

Then some more priming



After that, it was paintwork time! First, a couple coats of tamiya flat aluminium. Really liked the look of it - might do another kit with it.

Then, a couple (a lot!) of coats of tamiya clear red



Pretty happy how it turned out

Edited November 9, 2024 by Simo5555

[TransAmMike]

Wow Simo, I really like the color.  Gonna be prrrty!!

[Zippi]

I'm really diggin the color Simo.

[deuces wild]

😎👍

Edited November 21, 2024 by deuces wild

[DJMar]

I'm digging that red! ?

[Simo5555]

Been busy with work lately so building my models has been on pause lately. Luckily i got some spare time today so did a bit of building

The rear suspension is a bit of a pain to install. I had to use the slower drying revell glue for it


And testfitting the engine The engine compartment is going to be black

[Justin Porter]

Loving the look of this! I know from personal experience that candy reds work so very well on full-size Chevies.

[STU111]

Oh yeah, nice choice on the body colour.👍🏻. Looking great.

[Kenmojr]

Nice work...

[dino246gt]

We don't see many of the '66s built! This one's looking fantastic already! Cheers!

 

[TarheelRick]

Really like the looks of this build, that color fits the Chevy body style so well. Interior color should look just right for this build. I have this kit in my stash (older version). I have one question: what fills the floorboard area from the firewall back to the front seat? That is part of the reason mine is still on the shelf. Maybe I missed something when I looked through the kit?

[Simo5555]

7 minutes ago, TarheelRick said:

Really like the looks of this build, that color fits the Chevy body style so well. Interior color should look just right for this build. I have this kit in my stash (older version). I have one question: what fills the floorboard area from the firewall back to the front seat? That is part of the reason mine is still on the shelf. Maybe I missed something when I looked through the kit?

Sadly nothing. The underside of an interior tub will cover it. Doesnt look too awful, but could definitely be better. 

[Simo5555]

Note to self: Always install the exhaust BEFORE glueing the rear axle in place 🙃 Cant believe i missed that. Luckily the exhaust comes in two parts so after a bit of fiddling and some cursing i was able to get them in place. Did scratched up a bit of the underside, but it actually looks kind of cool this way. Might even do some additional scratches after the assembly  


I also noticed that i havent really posted pictures of the engine bays on my previous builds so i'm trying to do this one differently

So, i did some more work on the engine:
Installed the belts, starter motor, waterpump etc:
 

Then the alternator, power steering pump and the big ol' AC compressor
 
Not so sure about the black engine block anymore. Maybe i should've done it in hugger orange or red... But too late to change it now
Also did some work on the firewall and the radiator stuff:

  

[Simo5555]

Time for some decal work 🙃
Got the dash started

Then off to the body. The lines are a proper pain to install. Did the best i could - didnt turn out perfect, but good enough for me. So i'm happy  
Pro tip: Roll a couple of socks into a ball and you have a pretty good stand for your body to work on 😁 




 

[espo]

Interesting body pin stripes. Are those free hand or decals? 

[Simo5555]

9 hours ago, espo said:

Interesting body pin stripes. Are those free hand or decals? 

Decals from the kit