AMT 57 Chevy Bel Air Review Needed

[CEKPETHO BCE]

I recently ordered this kit and was wondering if anyone has experience building it.

Any relevant information is welcome. I see it's a 3 in 1 kit. Would anyone happen to have pictures of these built with different options. What custom options does it come with?

Thanks.

(picture is not mine)

[Chuck Most]

That's the 'classic' AMT kit from 1962 or therabouts, not the newer version that came out in the '90's and got reissued in the tin box last year. I'll see if I can come up with some pics, but I know it comes with an optional SCoT-blown W-motor and a '57 Buick grille.

[henry57]

It's not bad, it's easy to build and has a some good extras.

The the only thing bad about it is the trim on the side is a little off.

Here's my favorite part of the kit,

[henry57]

Well I was looking for that kit but I can't find it.

I think that one still has most of the original options but I'm not sure.

It should have custom front and rear bumpers, 57 Buick grille, chrome reverse wheels, slicks, 409 and 283 engines, blower with two side draft carbs, custom bucket seats,and roll bar.

I'll look some more, If I find it I'll post some pics.

[Nick Notarangelo]

Someone posted way back the one that's out now that's blue on the box is that kit with all the goodies gone,get the old one.

[57peppershaker]

Nicks right, the latest blue car is stock only.

Still a good kit tho, with a lot of options. Great for building a 210 version. Also comes with Cragar wheels.

Here's a couple of built pics. Stocker is mine, Pepper Shaker was found on net. Sadly my original Pepper Shaker was smashed in a house move years ago, although Im planning a new version.

[towtruck]

Nicks right, the latest blue car is stock only.

Still a good kit tho, with a lot of options. Great for building a 210 version. Also comes with Cragar wheels.

Here's a couple of built pics. Stocker is mine, Pepper Shaker was found on net. Sadly my original Pepper Shaker was smashed in a house move years ago, although Im planning a new version.

looks like some nice work there on that stocker there Steve..

[Exotics_Builder]

I built the kit back in the early 90's. I shave the trim, so no problem there. It has the old style chassis with everything pretty much molded in. I think I still have one unbuilt, but will have to check when I get home.

[CEKPETHO BCE]

Thanks guys. Appreciate your insight.

[pharoah]

I had one of the original kits from 62? And they had a lot more goodies back then. There was a clear window unit (front,back,side windows),and with this you could chop the top. There were styline pieces and some ugly ( I thought) 4 hole wheels. And don't forget the peel and stick inserts for the seats. Great kit,but it's long gone.

That one's not bad,I have one in my stash.

Here's some pics from the orignal instructions.

[CEKPETHO BCE]

Whoa, the extended front end and the chop look very interesting. It's a shame the new kits don't have those options. Thanks for those instruction pictures.

[pharoah]

Not a problem. I found them here. A lot of good stuff.

http://thedpmcc.com/instructionsintro.html

[57peppershaker]

looks like some nice work there on that stocker there Steve..

Thanks John, this is the only stocker I've ever built !

[zenrat]

The AMT "old mould" '57 is a classic kit that everyone should build at least once (even if it's just to see how good we have it now).

Just be prepared for exhausts moulded into the chassis, low suspension detail and an axle through the engine.

It's almost worth the price of admission just for the S.C.o.T. blower parts, kustom grille and sixties bucket seats.

[CEKPETHO BCE]

I could live with the chassis being low in detail.

Does this kit come with the same custom parts as well?

[Edsel-Dan]

Most of the Styline parts were lost many years ago.

Maybe Round2 will work their magic on this kit and return those parts to it

[Lovefordgalaxie]

I built this kit twice. One was a '60s edition, and had all the styline parts, plus the chop top glass. All suspension parts were chrome plated. After that, I built a early 90s edition, and the styline parts had vanished. The chrome suspension was still there though.

I like this kit a lot, and it goes togheter very well. both times I built a factory stock Bel Air. A thing I like about the kit, and many people dislike are the decals for the side trim. Even being an old tooling, and maybe BECAUSE it's an old tooling, I love this kit!!

[57peppershaker]

I could live with the chassis being low in detail.

Does this kit come with the same custom parts as well?

Yup, same kit with all same parts as the yellow car edition. Cant remember if you get Pepper Shaker decals in yellow one, but there is a slightly different sheet in the brown one.

Edited January 9, 2013 by 57peppershaker

[Edsel-Dan]

Wonder if the Trophy top is still in the kit.

I though from looks at some it wasn't anymore.

If it is, I may get another just for it!!

Wish the matching part was still in the 57 Fairlane 500.

I only have one of those!!

[57peppershaker]

It was still in there Dan, tho not sure about the latest blue stock only issue ?

PM me if you want a top, though they are showing their age now, if you de-chrome them & remove the mould line they can look ok.

[pharoah]

I've got an older version that came with the 3 car set. 57,58,and 64 Chevys.

It's molded in light brown,and has some of the custom parts. Front and rear roll pans,bucket seats,and the trophy top!

Always been one of my favorite kits

[Edsel-Dan]

57peppershaker, I have 2 from the 57 Chevy. and yes I know they are showing their age.

I had to fill a deep sink in the trunk of the one in my Ertl/Matchbox issue. (Molded Tan)

I also have the 3 car Chevy kit.

I am looking for the 57 Ford Trophy top though

Thanks for the offer.

Wonder how long before Round2 restores the old lost parts in this kit??

[57lover]

got to have that smoothie where did you get it?

[Casey]

I think this is the original release?:

 

But this one...

 

Edited November 25, 2015 by Casey

[CEKPETHO BCE]

That original box art is amazing. Thanks for sharing Casey.