1966 Chevy II Nova

[MrObsessive]

Thought I'd post pics of this since it's so old ...............I built this one during the late winter into summer 1998. I still think this kit was a benchmark for ERTL back then! I remember the early kits had the molded on rear view mirror------there was such a howl of protest that ERTL changed the mold to eliminate that mirror. (Are you listening Revell?? Re: 1970 AAR Cuda!!)

I got one of the early ones....so when I built it, I used acetate for the front and rear windows instead.

The model is beginning to show it's age..........if I were to build this again (I have another unbuilt original) I'd make some changes such as not making the seams for the vinyl roof so obvious and routing some of the chassis fuel and brake lines better. I'd also make the doors fit a scooch more flush with the bodywork when closed, but that's why I'm Mr. Obsessive.

I built this before I thought of using a shop manual for detail-----Now I know! The model has also lost some PE emblems such as on the grille and front fenders.

More can be seen here.

Thanks for lookin'!..............Any more details needed just ask!

Edited September 17, 2007 by MrObsessive

[MonoPed]

Very nice Bill!!

[BIGTRUCK]

I really envy the Replica stock builder , and the attention given to even the most minor of details. Great job again Bill, also what did you use for the trunk mat?

[Randy Kern]

An oldie but goodie Bill, and spectacular as always! I've also got a couple of these kits to do. As a teenager I remember this car being so popular and common on the street and strip. Your older builds are as cool to see as the new ones.

[Fisher61]

Bill, that is beautiful! I admire your skills in opening up the doors and trunks and your details! I have an unbuilt original kit with the molded in mirror also. I've been building for years, but have yet to make my own windshields and such. What is the best way to glue in acetate windows? I've been using Elmers craft bond on styrene glass, will that work? And thanks for sharing that work of art Nova!

[MrObsessive]

Ken, I frankly can't remember what I used for the trunk mat! IIRC, I believe it was some sort of fabric that I had that matched the photos I was using back then. I do remember using something called "No Fray" which can be had at the fabric stores to keep the edges from fraying when cut.

William, I've found that Elmer's glue can be good for gluing things in such as head/tailights, but for something such as windshields, you'll need to use something stronger such as a two part 5 min. epoxy. This is especially the case for scratchbuilt windhshields made from acetate such as the Nova.

The only thing acetate likes to do is remain straight! So something with some good bonding strength is needed to keep even the slightest curves where they need to be.

You wanted to be nowhere around me when I was making the windshield for this! .............

Daunting for sure...........but with practice it can be done!

[mikelo]

Wow! A really great build of a very good kit. I remember (and still have) the original version. Definetly a break through for AMT. Yours still looks great, even aged a little.

[Olle F]

Great build! I love replica stock models, especially when they're detailed like this one. I would like to build something like that one day, but I don't know if I will have the patience... I'm usually happy if I can build a decent box stock model with added ignition wires.