Question about 1/16 MPC '57 Vette?

[cruz]

Hosted on Fotki

Hey guys, anyone here has one of these? How good is the kit? I just won this on Ebay for less than $30.00 sealed and wanted to know some info. If you guys can post some pictures for inspiration that would be even better!

[sjordan2]

Here's a build and discussion by the late, great Martin Swire. I think you're as capable as he was of making something special out of it.

http://www.freewebs.com/martsmodels/1957corvette.htm

[Evil Appetite]

$30 sealed. That's a great deal my friend.

[Ron Hamilton]

I have built one, and I have a couple more. The tires in the kit are not correct, and there are a few fitment issues, but it can be worked into a very nice replica.

[cruz]

Thanks guys, I also thought I got it at a good price considering that it's never been opened!

[baddgass]

I don't know the kit, but great won for $30.00.

[MrObsessive]

Hey Cruz!

That can be a very nice model if you take your time with it. I built one a long time ago (early '80's?) and I have an unbuilt one now. As Ron mentioned, the tires aren't quite right--------if you can find any AMT 1/16 '57 T-Bird, or 1964½ Mustang I would use the tires and WWW's out of those. They would be a lot more accurate for a '57 'Vette.

Another issue I have with the kit is the front bumperettes sit a bit too low when assembled. You'll need to shave the lower front fascia a bit to get them to sit higher, as well as modifying the upper grille opening a bit to get it to look more like the 1:1.

One nice thing about the kit is it comes with an option of a hardtop or softtop. You got a real steal there off eBay as you picked that up for only $30!

[kurth]

That is one of my all time favorite kits. I built one a few years ago. Since it is a corvette, there is lots of good reference material out there. The only thing I can add is to take your time with the final assembly. When I got mine together I ended up with sagging front bumperettes. It looked terrible. I did a killer paint job but really messed up the chrome trim, and some little details. Take your time and it will be an awesome model. It is Challenging enough to be rewarding and fun, but not so hard it is frustrating.

Here is an album documenting the build

http://public.fotki.com/kurtains/models/amt-116th-1957-corvette/

[cruz]

Thanks guys. Lot's of great help I can certainly use!