'57 Bel Air : 60's Style Drag Machine Complete 1/10/07

[Casey429]

I picked up an opened but complete '90 issues of the AMT Bel Air this weekend. Aside from the yucky tan color it was molded in, I'm liking it so far. I'm using the 409 from the kit, but I wanted something a little less exotic than the blower in the kit. (I have plans to use it, stay tuned!) So, I went through my parts stash and came up with a crossram from a derelect AMT '62 Bel Air. Add some partsbox carbs and stacks and you have a happy me . I also filled the axle pass through in the block.

Since I filled the hole, I attached some styrene rod to the chassis to replace the metal axle. I also used the upper mounting location to drop the front down.

For paint, I wanted something with a good 60's vibe. So I found some duplicolor left over from another project. It looks like it could have been a factory color, even though it isn't. I'll paint the roof white just to break it up.

I also need some assistance here. I've painted the dash the body color, but have no idea how to detail it. Anyone out there have a decent pic of a '57 insturment panel? Thanks, any help here would be appreciated.

[Steve H.]

Thats a fun looking project, I like where you're going with it.

Do a Google image search for 57 Chevy Dash... theres several nice picturres out there.

[Casey429]

I got some more done last night. I shot some Krylon white onto the roof. I'll clear it, then wait a week for BMF.

Here's some mockup pics. I really like the way this is sitting right now. I think Mr. Arter may be rubbing off on me. The Keysone Mags also look nice monted on the cheater slicks out back.

[Matt T.]

Oh yeah, that's a wicked stance! I like your color choices too. That is a mean lookin' Chebby! Nice job so far.

[ratrodder]

Nice car! I like the stance, wheels and the colors. Now on to BMF I guess. Looking good......ratrodder

[Casey429]

It's done! I'm really happy with the way this turned out. I will also never complain about BMF again. This car was a real chore compared to a Mustang or Camaro. I switched from the bright chrome to matte aluminum for this build. I've seen others use it and I think it looks more realistic. I'm also proud of the paintjob. The clearcoat was phenominal for it being the cheapo Walmart stuff. The car looks almost wet in person. The icky tan plastic actually came in handy on this one. I grew to like it, so I left the interior that color, and it really complements the piant nicely. the only modification I had to make to the car was to relieve the firewall to clear the magneto. This was because I changed intakes.

[Dag]

That one turned out really nice!!

[Guest zebm1]

Nice chubby Casey. As to tha matte aluminum, quite often during tha 50s tha side trim on cars was actually formed heat treated aluminum, polished but still aluminum. You could always tell which trim was aluminum because tha fender would rust under tha trim, but tha trim right next to it didn't. Tha manufacturers only chromed steel parts and tha pot metal parts.

Yu've already finished it, I woulda suggested that yu paint tha rear side panel insert tha same color as tha top, we always threw that insert out.

Still nice job.

[Steve H.]

Came out looking pretty good! Kind of like what we used to see in the High School parking lots!

[Daniel Peterson]

Yup. That's a winner! The two-tone is sharp, and your detail work on the trim is nicely done. Take a bow, man!

Color looks eerily familiar to me...which Duplicolor is it?

[BIGTRUCK]

Hey Casey. the '57 chevy is one of my favorite subjects,,,yours is a winner too...nice work...

[bsoder]

That is a great lookin' 57 Casey!!..color combo is perfect ...B