Remember the first revell '55 CHEVY ?

[Greg Myers]

Wouldn't it be neat to see this again, only all fixed up.

[timc]

Yes those and the 57's.They looked good if you took your time with them.

[Casey]

Having traded for just that kit last year, I'd have to say "no". The box art is fantastic, but the actual model inside is not even close to being on the same level as Revell's newer/current '55 Chevy kit. Though the original Revell '55 has a very nicely done frame and floorboards (all one piece, but kept in scale, so the interior's not too shallow), not to mention full trunk floor detail, the parts just don't fit as nicely nor look as accurate as the current kit's do.

The instruction sheet is pretty cool, though:

'rig'nal box:

Edited December 12, 2011 by Casey

[Wayne Buck]

I think I'm too young to remember this kit. I don't recall ever seeing one and I've gone through quite a few "hand me downs" as a kid that were given to me by my father or uncles.

However, It looks like an awesome kit if you can build something with it that resembles one of the cars on the box.

I absolutely LOVE the box art!! I think it would make a really cool poster for my 'modeling room'.

[Craig Irwin]

From an old guy that has built that kit, do yourself a favor and a model that looks like the two in that box art......from the NEW Revell kit!

[62rebel]

i haven't built the new one, but i've done the old one..... it does take some effort and patience to get good results and there are definitely several weak points to overcome with it, AND the similar '56 and '57 kits. in it's day, it was probably the best out of the three available, from AMT, Monogram, and Revell. get the new one, and copy the kit on the old box.

[Dr. Cranky]

That's what I was thinking, Rob. That would make a great scene, those two cars in those colors.

[Eshaver]

Yep, I remember this uh er kit .............. I remember it so well , that I think it needs to stay where it began, in da PAST !

Ed Shaver

[Wayne Buck]

From an old guy that has built that kit, do yourself a favor and a model that looks like the two in that box art......from the NEW Revell kit!

I REALLY want one of the "New" Revell '55s after reading all of the great reviews on it and seeing some of the Doc's youtube videos with them in it (or maybe it was one video...the one for that 'build contest').

Being one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE cars, I've been wanting to build one forever. I have the R/M 'Street Machine' version (the one w/ the clear hood scoop) and the proportions don't look right to me at all. I also have the "Skip's Fiesta"(?) version with the doors and everything opened up already (that one looks like it would put up a tremendous fight) and I never bothered with either of them.

Once I get a few WIPs finished, I WILL be picking up one of the new ones.

Edited December 12, 2011 by Wayne Buck

[Craig Irwin]

Wayne, that Skips 55 is the old revell kit being discused above, just a newer release.

[Dragline]

As an aside, I believe that's one of Tom Daniels first ever box tops for the industry.

Bob

[Casey]

As an aside, I believe that's one of Tom Daniels first ever box tops for the industry.

Here's some info on the Revell '55 box art:

http://theboxartden.com/Artists/Bob%20Paeth%20-%20Revell%2055%20Chevy/paeth.htm

[Greg Pugh]

In addition to this being the same kit as the "Skip's" car, isn't this also the one that came in the "Hot Rod Trio" set?

[Casey]

In addition to this being the same kit as the "Skip's" car, isn't this also the one that came in the "Hot Rod Trio" set?

Yes. They are all the same basic kit.

Edited December 12, 2011 by Casey

[Greg Myers]

OK, let's back the wagon up here. "Wouldn't it be neat to see this one again? ONLY ALL FIXED UP ? " I certainly agree with everyone's comments, however Casey's post of the instructions didn't help, WOW! those bring back memories, maybe that's where I'm waxing nostalgic.

But what I'm saying is; If Revell and others can "fix up" other kits maybe this would be a good candidate for the same spruce up.Even if they just tweeked all the hinges.

Now go look ay Casey's post again and tell me those instructions don't tug at your nostalgic heart strings.

[Guest]

I agree with you on that Greg. If Revell could somehow overcome the warpage issues of the old kit, I would be all for it! I only have experience with the '56 Bel Air and the body was badly warped especially in the trunk and driver's door area. IIRC, there was no bracing in either of the openings. I know there was none in the trunk in my kit,but it may have been in the doors. Since Casey has this kit in his hands,maybe he can shed some light on that one. If the openings were properly braced,I think they could survive the ejection/curing process. That or mold it in a one piece body with the door and trunk lines deep enough to be able to cut them open easily. That may be a better solution than bracing.

[Scale-Master]

I have built quite a few of those, both for myself and for box art, and while they are finicky, they can be build into decent models.

But using the new tool version would be my choice to do another now, and I may just get around to it since I have a stash of those first run OEM decals, and I am the actual son of the "Driver" in that iconic box art, (as well as the adopted son of the "Builder").

[Eshaver]

The Revell 55-57 Chevrolets of the early 1960's are crude by todays standards . I say that as I can easily look at one of the real cars all too easily . Shoot, I used to think that Revell's 57 Nomad was the hottest ticket since an automatic brake holder on a shifter , ( HURST- LINE -LOK ) . Since then , Revell had the forethought to re- tool some of it's "Gimmicky" 1960's offerings . Hey, if I want opening quarter windows , opening trunks , opening hoods , doors, etc , I'll cut them open . There are tutorials here on M C M that are well written , well detailed , well edited and well done ................... Ed Shaver

[Casey]

I probably skimmed over the "but all fixed up" part, but I took that to mean "if Revell cleaned up the tooling", similar to what Round2 has done for a recent releases. I would never pass up a re-issued kit with appealing box art, even if it meant never buidling what's inside.

I don't think Revell's Selected Subjects Program is still active, but a kit like this with original box art would sure make a great candidate should that program (or another like it, with a bettr name) be re-started. We've already seen the Long John slingshot (via Galaxie Ltd.), the '32 Ford Deuce Hot Rod, the Black Widow (which they did improve/repair), and the Big Deuce (well, almost) with original box art, so why not some from Revell? Nostalgia sells, and these kits are squarely aimed at the older, more experienced model builders, so why not appeal to those boyhood memories and give us the original box art we are so fond of, Revell?

[Pete L.]

Fellas,

Would someone be kind enough to post a pic of the new '55 Chevy box ?

tahnk you,

[Casey]

I only have experience with the '56 Bel Air and the body was badly warped especially in the trunk and driver's door area. IIRC, there was no bracing in either of the openings.

Roger, the frame/floorboard to body shell contact points at the front inner fenders, rocker panels, and rear valence panel on this original issue kit are prefect, and I see no evidence there was ever any bracing in the openings:

[Casey]

Would someone be kind enough to post a pic of the new '55 Chevy box ?

This was from a few years ago, Pete:

...and the most recent packaging:

[Casey]

I took pics of what remains from the kit I have, so you can view those by clicking here:

http://s916.photobucket.com/albums/ad9/tramhl/Plastic%20Models/Reference/Revell/55%20Chevy/

[Craig Irwin]

Well, the new kits MUCH better, but the old box art wins hands down!

[Eshaver]

Craig, should we petition to have the old art be made into a "New box " release ? Ed Shaver