Of 1957 Chevy Bel Air's - 2024, which to buy?

[Jonathan]

So ... if you wanted to build a '57 Chevy, which recently (or soon-to-be) reissued kit would you choose?

Revell's or AMT's?

It appears the Revell kit is based on the excellent 1957 Black Widow, and the AMT is based on the (in my opinion) excellent 1998 Pro Shop kit.   Thoughts? 

Revell Kit 14551

 

AMT Kit 1460

 

 

Edited November 4, 2024 by Jonathan

[modelcarcrazy]

I’m a firm believer that either example could be built into something special. The Revell kit being a 2 n 1 is based off the stock configuration, that includes several different options. It can be built stock or as a street machine with several options for the engine. It’s a very nice kit with outstanding engineering and parts fit. 

The AMT kit, however, only includes the street machine version and doesn’t contain any optional parts. It does contain features that no other ‘57 Chevy kit has, like the back halfed frame as a separate unit, mini tubbs, a 4 link rear suspension and a big block engine with some fairly modern looking dress up parts. It also has the trunk lid molded open with some details included for the trunk area. As a bonus, the kit comes with wire for the plug wires and bare metal foil for the trim. It’s a very nice kit with outstanding engineering and parts fit, also. 
 

Considering that I don’t care for the Corvette wheels included in the AMT kit, I believe the kit is deserving of a set of some really nice, modern looking 3D printed wheels and tires. Just adding that feature alone would take it over the top for me. So, my opinion would be the AMT, it just has a little more potential. BUT, if you can’t decide, you could always just buy both of them. You couldn’t go wrong with either of them or both of them. 

[espo]

Your decision on which kit to base your build on may came down to how important the body style is too what you're intending to build. The Revell kits, Bel Air and Black Widow, are both pillared, having a "B" pillar, as well as a Convertible model that was issued in the recent past. The AMT kit being reissued by Round 2 seems to be based on their Street Machine version as mentioned by Tony. This was originally offered as a stock Bel Air with a dual quad engine option, but this version has not been issued for some time but seems to be available at swap meets. The main feature to look for to identify these kits is the opening trunk feature. Another earlier AMT kit that has been reissued in several style options was first released in the last century, but still is a nice kit with some inaccuracies that may or may not matter depending on your building goal. While most of the body trim represents a Bel Air hardtop the side chrome moldings are off a little on the door and quarter panel. The Bel Air side trim for the rear quarter panel is represented by a decal. One advantage, to me anyway, is the ease of making a 210 model since the side is smooth and you would only have to shorten the trim on the top of the rear fins to represent the 210-body style. The base engine is a small block Chevrolet with the option of a W motor Chevrolet engine with an optional super charger. Any one of these kits are fun and basically easily built into whatever you're trying to do. 

[Jonathan]

Thank you both!  I may just have to buy one of each ...

[DJMar]

I think you can make the case for either of these kits, as they are both well engineered and go together nicely. As already pointed out, there are some differences in body style, body accuracy, etc., so the choice between them really comes down to personal preference in what you want to build, and how you want to build it.

Personally I like the "feel" of the AMT kit, and the opening trunk is a huge bonus for me. The rolling stock and the mini-tubs aren't going to be everyone's cup of tea, but for a street machine, this kit would be my first choice.

If I wanted to build a stock (or close to stock) '57, I would start with the Revell kit.

39 minutes ago, Jonathan said:

Thank you both!  I may just have to buy one of each ...

I think that is the only good answer! ?

[Greasefinger]

I would pick the AMT because of the body style (Sport Coupe, no A-pillar), so this is just personal preference. I also recommend buying the photo etch detail set from Model Car Garage in case the kit doesn´t include photo etch parts. I have built the so called Custom Culture Series version and have the AMT/Ertl Pro Shop version in the stash. Both do have photo etch parts included. Whatever you choose the result will be a fifties icon!

[TransAmMike]

Built the ":Street Machine" version, loved the kit.  The tubbed rear is a neat feature.   I have the Revell Sedan next up.  A whole lot of parts.

[slusher]

4 hours ago, TransAmMike said:

Built the ":Street Machine" version, loved the kit.  The tubbed rear is a neat feature.   I have the Revell Sedan next up.  A whole lot of parts.

Definitely agree!

[dodgefever]

I had the stock and street machine versions of the AMT kit - sold them both unbuilt.  That AMT body just doesn't look right to my eyes, it's kind of bloated and looks oversized.  The street machine version has a non-stock chassis, tubs, modernised big block and the aforementioned ugly wheels.  If you want to build a period '90s custom, you're all set, otherwise it's horribly dated.

The Revell Bel Air sedan is miles better - body proportions look good and it has a decent stock chassis.  If I really wanted a hardtop, I'd use the Revell snap kit body with this chassis.

[dino246gt]

Here's my relatively stock build of the Revell Black Widow kit way back when it was first released, great kit!

[deuces wild]

WoW! Do you have more pictures of that^^^^^one????.....??

[RichCostello]

On 11/7/2024 at 1:57 PM, dodgefever said:

I had the stock and street machine versions of the AMT kit - sold them both unbuilt.  That AMT body just doesn't look right to my eyes, it's kind of bloated and looks oversized.  The street machine version has a non-stock chassis, tubs, modernised big block and the aforementioned ugly wheels.  If you want to build a period '90s custom, you're all set, otherwise it's horribly dated.

The Revell Bel Air sedan is miles better - body proportions look good and it has a decent stock chassis.  If I really wanted a hardtop, I'd use the Revell snap kit body with this chassis.

I agree. I've been working on the AMT kit (on and off) for about a year, and it looks a little fat to me too. I'm a little worried about the body to chassis fit with the windows and other under hood parts installed. I'll get it done some day.

[Jim B]

So, of the Bel Air kits, I'm guessing this one (that I have in my stash) isn't the kit to get:

Was at a LHS today, and the Revell kit shown in the first post was $48.  Didn't see the AMT one, though.

[espo]

15 minutes ago, Jim B said:

So, of the Bel Air kits, I'm guessing this one (that I have in my stash) isn't the kit to get:

Was at a LHS today, and the Revell kit shown in the first post was $48.  Didn't see the AMT one, though.

The only thing really wrong with this kit is the body side trim. The problem can be seen in the picture on the front of the box art compared to a picture of an actual '57 Bel Air. If you can work with that there is no reason not to enjoy building this one. 

[TransAmMike]

 I'm thinkin' if you want 100% accuracy you ain't gonna find it.   Build it to your liking and enjoy it!!   And by the way, my first ever 1:1 car was a '57 BelAir 2Dr Hdtp.

[stavanzer]

On 11/9/2024 at 9:56 AM, Jim B said:

So, of the Bel Air kits, I'm guessing this one (that I have in my stash) isn't the kit to get:

Was at a LHS today, and the Revell kit shown in the first post was $48.  Didn't see the AMT one, though.

No, not the kit to buy. It is the old AMT 3'n'1 Kit, with all the custom parts removed. You can only build it stock, and some versions in that boxing are molded in blue.

[Jim B]

7 minutes ago, stavanzer said:

No, not the kit to buy. It is the old AMT 3'n'1 Kit, with all the custom parts removed. You can only build it stock, and some versions in that boxing are molded in blue.

Well, I'm looking for stock, so that's ok. The kit I have is molded in blue, so I'm foreseeing painting issues (I was thinking pink. Good 1950s color). At least it isn't molded in red.

[Tabbysdaddy]

1 hour ago, Jim B said:

Well, I'm looking for stock, so that's ok. The kit I have is molded in blue, so I'm foreseeing painting issues (I was thinking pink. Good 1950s color). At least it isn't molded in red.

If it was molded in red, you could paint it white. Then it would turn pink.

[Jim B]

You do have a point there!

[Zippi]

I'm with TransAmMike.  Built this kit this year.  Nice quality and having the rear tubbed out is a time saver.  Makes for a nice build.

[deuces wild]

I have a couple of those kits plus the stock yellow "Coke" version that came out about the same time....

Edited November 12, 2024 by deuces wild