model car building guide from the early-mid '60's

[62rebel]

when i was in High School (1975-1980) our HS library had a small, hardbound model car building guide, that showed a lot of the current techniques of the time (real cloth upholstery, index card bodywork, restyling using other kits parts -kitbashing- before it had a name) and i have TRIED many times to locate a copy of it. trouble is, i don't know the exact title, whether it was a compilation by a magazine, or really, anything other than the subject matter. the newest appearing model in the book was, IIRC, a Johan '63 Fury being modified by the owner of a 1:1 car to show the body shop what he wanted them to make his car look like.

so... you other dinosaurs out there... remember this book? got a copy?

[Eshaver]

Curt, the only book like that , that I remember was a small "Pocket Size " magazine affair that was a combined effort between George Barris and Spotlight books , ( Peterson publishing ) C- 1961. I think the title was Building Model Cars by George Barris . I have the book, just not handy to get at.it featured such items as some A M T Trophy kits , Linburg, Auroura and Jo- han . Ed Shaver

[Greg Myers]

AMT model car handbook.

Published 1962

Edited February 3, 2012 by Greg Myers

[Kit Basher]

This is a used book site. http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?kn=model+car+building&sts=t You could check here and see if anything jogs your memory.

[farmer1]

I was in high school at that same time and I'm pretty sure our library had that same book, it was hard cover with a dust jacket, lots of B&W pictures, I can't remember the model that was in the picture on the dust jacket but I remember checking it out many times. When ever I'm at the used book store I look for it but it never turns up. There have to be some copies still around though.

[Evil Appetite]

I was in high school at that same time and I'm pretty sure our library had that same book, it was hard cover with a dust jacket, lots of B&W pictures, I can't remember the model that was in the picture on the dust jacket but I remember checking it out many times. When ever I'm at the used book store I look for it but it never turns up. There have to be some copies still around though.

Your best bet would be AMazon or eBay..maybe even chapters.ca...wouldnt be surprised if it was selling for $10k from a used book seller though...seen recently \OOP car books go for $2-3k

Edited February 4, 2012 by Evil Appetite

[62rebel]

dredging up more dusty memories, i recall there being a LOT of slotcar info in it, as well as building with cardstock and using shellac to seal plastic (styrene) bodies so that automotive lacquer could be used on them. Nascar was gaining a lot of ground at the time and there seemed to be a lot of tips on converting annuals into realistic stock cars.

[Mike Kucaba]

I remember that story about the '63 Plymouth and how the guy built the model. I must have it,but I don't remember it being hardbound?

[62rebel]

it was probably a paperback that the school library had bound themselves. we had a bookbinder in the city that did that for all the local schools and colleges.

i borrowed a pile of old Rod and Custom "little pages" books from a customer and they had a lot of model cars in them.... lots of building tips and contest pics. not to mention scads of real 1:1 '50's and '60's cars to draw ideas from!

[Bartster]

I have NO idea. Sorry, but I do have 2 '63 Furys on the bench. 1 Factory stock, the other balls to the wall pro-touring. I would love to see this!

[Kit Basher]

Your best bet would be AMazon or eBay..maybe even chapters.ca...wouldnt be surprised if it was selling for $10k from a used book seller though...seen recently \OOP car books go for $2-3k

Abebooks (see link in my previous post) has car model books from the '70s for $10-15.00.

[FASTBACK340]

I remember Dennis Doty's great model building book, which I believe is in print again.

Edited February 4, 2012 by FASTBACK340

[peekay]

I have Dennis Doty's book (c.1981) and I agree, it's great. That's where I first heard about BMF.

[FASTBACK340]

Dennis' book inspired me to ruin countless kits.... and learn a thing or two along the way.

Should be required reading ....