Trumpeter Bonneville

[Jantrix]

I've heard conflicting statements concerning the dimensions of the body of the 1960 Bonneville. Some people are adding the roofline from other Chevy's, etc. Can someone in the know-so to speak- please give me the straight skinny please? Is the body correct (or near enough) or not?

[MrObsessive]

Rob, the convertible IMO was accurate as far as the lower body shape was concerned, but Trumpeter really goofed on the hardtop shape. It was too short from a side profile, and when looked at from a top view the sides tapered in, with too much tumblehome of the roof itself.

It looked they tried to strike a compromise between the sedan and the hardtop and struck out altogether.

Frankly if I were building this one, I would do the same thing--------replace the roof from the Revell '60 Chevy.

It's all subjective of course.........some might build it with a "good enough" approach, but not me----especially when I can remember the car (and all '59-60 GM hardtops) all too well as a kid.

Edited October 27, 2007 by MrObsessive

[Jantrix]

Okay the short roofline and too long trunk area DOES bother me aestheticly speaking. However not enough to buy another kit, just to butcher it. So perhaps I'll cut the top off the Bonny and do a Thunderbird-esque roadster? Cover the back seat with styrene and build a couple headrest um..........things. Like on Foose's Speedbird. Whatever ya call 'em.

[MrObsessive]

Well the trunk length is correct for a '60 Bonneville as they were always longer than the standard Catalinas and Venturas. The quarter panels measure out to what they should be.

What's too long is the tulip panel............the area between the rear glass and the trunk.

Hey that sounds like a cool idea! Make a "roadster" out of it with twin headrest fairings!

[Jantrix]

Yepper thats the plan, man. I'll make it a modern custom, with mid-90's Corvette goodies. It's number 7 on my list of builds now.