Special-order(?) Mustang II...

[ClassicDarts]

Starting with the 2005 RC2 issue AMT '77 Mustang II (the one with the better MPC tooling shown on the box... with an awkwardly-applied front spoiler)

First thing I did before even really doing anything with this kit was to get a set of the "styled steel wheels" and tires from an AMT '77 Pinto.

They haven't been seen in the AMT Mustang II kits since the annuals. Gone with the arrival of the late 70's "Python" kit and never seen after.

They seem a tad undersized against the Mustang II's body, but they kinda do on the real cars too... so I guess they'll work.

 

I wanted to paint it in a color that resembled '77 Ford "Bright Saddle".

Although this color was indeed available on '77 Mustang II's, The only pictures I could find online were curiously base-model notchbacks. No 3-doors of any kind... be they base hatchbacks or 2+2's, let alone a Mach 1. (for whatever that was worth in the "Pinto-stang" era) Maybe it was just an uncommon color? Or it was only available on notchbacks for some reason?! Either way, I went with it.

The kit seems to be modeled after a Mach 1, to me. Given that it has the specific lower side molding that runs the length of the car short of the bumpers and encases the side markers.

 

The closest paint I could find locally was Dupli-color Nissan "Orange Mist Metallic" (an early 80's Datsun 280zx color, I guess?) so that's what I chose.

I kinda missed a spot on the quarter panel's overhang... needs a little more.

what I was going for:

Close enough?

That's all I got so far.

Haven't decided if I'll do it as Mach 1 yet or what. Happy Malaising!

Edited Monday at 11:38 PM by ClassicDarts

[TopherMcGinnis]

I like the color.

[ClassicDarts]

I appreciate it. I'd say I have the attention to detail but not the dexterity or the patience.

I know the paint looks orange-peeled to hell, but as long as it's not a total runny disaster, it's good enough for me. Maybe I can massage it into something half-decent looking? haha

[TopherMcGinnis]

Don't be so hard on yourself. If you don't like how something works out on a model, make a note of it, then practice making it better on the next one. 

[stavanzer]

Looks Awesome so far!

Making me want that new Round2 Mustang II Helldrivers kit.

I like the Pinto Wheels trick. I'd have never considered it, until you showed it. Thanks!

[espo]

Had a girlfriend who had the exact same model and color Mustang II as your picture. While only a couple of years old at the time, it didn't look even close to as clean as the one in the photograph. She was sort of a messy type. 

[ClassicDarts]

The Pinto wheels don't fit the metal axles supplied with the Mustang II. Apparently the Pinto kit's wheels are meant for a thicker gauge axle than the ones meant for the the Mustang. Not a big deal, but I figured I'd mention it.

Not hard to get around, and multiple methods would work, but it's worth mentioning.

I guess the easiest thing to do would be to cut off the mounting slots on the Pinto's rims and glue the kit supplied ones from the Mustang's minilites to them. (which is what I plan to do)

All that to say I don't mind aftermarket wheels, but I didn't want to use them on this... especially since, if you're building it box-stock, you have no choice.