Amt '53 Corvette

[forthlin]

My Brother got me this for $5.00. It's still sealed, has no bar code & the Kmart sticker says $2.67. Could anyone give me some info on this model? How old is It?

[Jon Cole]

I built one... but I don't know how old it is. Probably from the 70's. Look on the back of the decal sheet, may be a date there. If nothing else, at least this will bump up.

[sjordan2]

The biggest issue with most '53 Corvettes is that no kit company has produced realistic mesh headlight stone guards. I just wish some builders would work really hard at trying to correct this from scratch.

[Junkman]

I just wish some builders would work really hard at trying to correct this from scratch.

Do you have any suggestions how this may be accomplished?

[Jon Cole]

Do you have any suggestions how this may be accomplished?

BMF. You cut "pinstripes", pick it up with tweezers, or on the tip of a #11 blade. Expect some trial & error.

Edited April 27, 2010 by Spyder

[sjordan2]

Do you have any suggestions how this may be accomplished?

Create or find a properly shaped buck, find the correct mesh of which there are many choices, and press it into shape. I did this successfully with the mesh for many convoluted sections on a Birkin Bentley windscreen. That's not necessarily the best answer, but, as I said, I wish the kit makers had done a better job with this part.

Edited April 27, 2010 by sjordan2

[Junkman]

Create or find a properly shaped buck, find the correct mesh of which there are many choices, and press it into shape. I did this successfully with the mesh for many convoluted sections on a Birkin Bentley windscreen.

I once tried this with the '53 'vette and I couldn't figure out how to join the edges to the surround. I imagine I would have the same problem with the Bentley, hence my 1/12 Airfix build is on hold for the past 20 odd years.

This BMF solution looks quite convincing, Jon. Some trial and error alright.

Edited April 27, 2010 by Junkman

[AMT Pacemakers]

1976

CCSS

[sjordan2]

I once tried this with the '53 'vette and I couldn't figure out how to join the edges to the surround. I imagine I would have the same problem with the Bentley, hence my 1/12 Airfix build is on hold for the past 20 odd years.

This BMF solution looks quite convincing, Jon. Some trial and error alright.

Probably the best solution, Christian, is to take some small needle files or even a sewing needle or pin and do a little pruning, as I have done with some larger scale wire wheel thinning. But, as I said, I wish the kit makers could have done it better. Other modelers may have better solutions.

[ZIL 111V]

As mention the kit was originaly presented in mid 70's, nice boxart, as for the model itself...could be better! IMHO the completed model look a bit toy like.

Monogram's'53 Vette (Plastic version) is way better: better parts fit & really nice look when completed.

AMT also made a very nice '55 Vette Snapper kit back in the 90's, much better looking then the'53 full detail kit.

Also agree with BMF "mesh" solution.

[red04gli]

You can find what you're looking for at modelcargarage.com. The item is SKU:2106 and is $9.99. This is designed around Monograms kit. Maybe someone can tell you if they have used it on the AMT kit. It all depends on how much you want this to look realistic. If you can find the Monogram kit on Ebay you'll end up with a nicer model.

[camaroman]

I am going to attempt to use a mesh pipe screen, if I ever get around to finishing mine.

[sjordan2]

I once tried this with the '53 'vette and I couldn't figure out how to join the edges to the surround. I imagine I would have the same problem with the Bentley, hence my 1/12 Airfix build is on hold for the past 20 odd years.

This BMF solution looks quite convincing, Jon. Some trial and error alright.

I had exactly the same problem with the headlight stone guards on my 1/12 Bentley, and I did the best I could with home-made rings to hold the mesh, but it never looked right – at the time, there weren't PE parts for rings, etc. to make it look right. However, the windscreen mesh came out OK because the kit had a good chrome frame for it. This is a very tough challenge. That Bentley is a wonderful kit – the best I have ever put together – and I wouldn't put it off because of this. It also requires a bit of custom mesh to the sides and bottom of the gas tank, and though not necessary, could use a mesh stone guard over the carburetors next to the supercharger.

My only recent thoughts on Bentley headlight stone guards is to find a PE boombox grille, but I haven't discovered it yet.

Edited April 28, 2010 by sjordan2

[Harry P.]

Those headlight stone guards would best be done via photoetched stainless steel.

Hello, aftermarket...

[sjordan2]

Those headlight stone guards would best be done via photoetched stainless steel.

Hello, aftermarket...

Yup, but that would most likely have to be done with a custom job via someone like Fotocut. I have a long list of things I want Fred to do (if he's still around).

[Aaronw]

Frying pan spatter guards could provide a good screen for that. Just shop around because the screen varies by brand, some is tiny expanded metal (diamonds), and some is like small screen door screen (square).

[Hornistfuller]

just save yourself the blod sweat and tears and get the revell '53 corvette. it has decals for the headlight covers. the meash is actualy a litle bit too fine, and there no direction on where to put it, but its pretty obvios what it is.

[TimKustom]

I was pleasantly surprised when I built this kit. Yes, it has some shortcomings, but it's the only 25th scale version out there. The headlight stone guards are a major problem. The MCG parts were designed for the 24th scale Revell kit and are WAY too big for this model. Not a real good chance to see another set made for this kit. Maybe if you get "in the zone" you could drill holes and weave some wire across the lights to get the effect. Good luck.

BTW, this is what I did with mine, seen on here a while ago:

[MikeeD]

I made some once using pipe screens from the local smoke shop. They're thin, cut easy and come in different meshes.

[62rebel]

the best thing i found in this kit were the optional wire wheels; if you're careful and patient, you can sand the backs down until the rear edges of the spokes are open... spend a little time with a new #11 blade and clean the openings out, then hit the backside with silver sharpie. they look convincing enough. have never been able to build the actual KIT without it looking toylike. whoever the wiseguy was that designed the axle/wheel interface just wasn't a BUILDER.

[Chuck Most]

So... I take it the headlamp screen detail is an issue with this particular kit?

[robertw]

This kit looks like #T310, if so it is the first release of the AMT '53 and dates from 1976. It's not overly valuable since it is identical to the several reissues that have been done since then.

Most of the posters have been critical of the kit but I was quite happy with my build of it. I wanted scale consistency in my Vette collection and think that the Monogram kit looks a little oversize. A little extra work and the AMT kit will look fine on your shelf.

rob wheeler

[sjordan2]

As I mentioned above, the headlight stone guards are the main issue with any of these kits, and I think they're the make-or-break thing that keeps them from looking right and not like toys. They are a signature feature of the 1:1 and I've never seen anyone get them right in scale versions. As for which brand to buy, ya pays yer money and ya takes yer choice.

The best approach I can recommend is very patient thinning of the plastic mesh with teeny needle files, using a magnifying apparatus.

Edited May 4, 2010 by sjordan2