AMT 63 Corvette

[Snake45]

The AMT '63 Vettes are fun retro/nostalgia builds. I've built both of them, and have a bunch of '64-'67 original annual glue bombs to restore.

[Greg Myers]

This one ?  

[Greg Myers]

Is this a new release ?  

[unclescott58]

AMT's '63 Vette is an old favorite of mine. And old is the word here. It's a pretty simple kit. Especially the chassis. Everything is molded into the chassis. Exhaust, driveshaft, suspension, etc. And it rides on good old metal axles. So it is primitive by today's standards. But, it looks very good when it built. The body lines look right on to me. So I still love the kit. I built my latest one just this last year. Then I hunted down a Prestige roadster kit, because it has the standard '63 wheel covers instead of the optional aluminum wheels, and built that one too.

Now I'm working on MPC's 1/16 scale '63 Stingray. A much newer kit. Originally tooled up in the 70's. So it has a bit more detail. Certain details are not up to modern standards. But, like the AMT '63, it looks right to me.

The '63 - 67' C2 Corvettes are still by far my favorite Corvettes. If I could own them in real life? Make one a '63 split window with fuel injection. Riverside Red with a black interior. The other a '67 roadster with the 435 HP, 427. Marina Blue with the bright blue leather interior. Luckily, even though I can not afford the real cars. My two favorite Sting Rays are readily available in 1/25 model kit form. And can be built to the exact way I'd want the real cars to be. How cool is that?

Edited July 27, 2016 by unclescott58

[Greg Myers]

Want more detail in the chassis? Check out any of the MPC corvette  kits in 1/25th scale everything their 1/16 kit  has. And I think their 1/16th kit was scaled up from their 1/25th kit.

[Snake45]

Want more detail in the chassis? Check out any of the MPC corvette  kits in 1/25th scale everything their 1/16 kit  has. And I think their 1/16th kit was scaled up from their 1/25th kit.

The Revell '67 coupe and roadster kit chassis are even better. Yeah, the MPC looks more detailed, with its working steering and all, but the Revell stuff is actually better detailed and more accurate. And easier to build besides. And, these days, probably easier to find, too. (Of course, they come with BBC engines, which aren't accurate for 1963, so you'll have to source a good SBC from somewhere.)

Edited July 26, 2016 by Snake45

[Ron Hamilton]

The AMT '63 Vettes are fun retro/nostalgia builds. I've built both of them, and have a bunch of '64-'67 original annual glue bombs to restore.

You and me both!!!! I love those old AMT mid '60's Corvettes. I plan to build one of each year and body style, and sell off the rest.

[Snake45]

You and me both!!!! I love those old AMT mid '60's Corvettes. I plan to build one of each year and body style, and sell off the rest.

Me too. And I'm also gonna do a couple vintage customs, and a road racer using the driver/tonneau in the '66 roadster kit, and a '67 van, and...and...and....

Hey, you don't happen to have any of the cut-down racing windshields from the '65-'67 roadster kits, do you? I could use a couple.

[Ron Hamilton]

Me too. And I'm also gonna do a couple vintage customs, and a road racer using the driver/tonneau in the '66 roadster kit, and a '67 van, and...and...and....

Hey, you don't happen to have any of the cut-down racing windshields from the '65-'67 roadster kits, do you? I could use a couple.

I will take a look tomorrow.

[unclescott58]

Want more detail in the chassis? Check out any of the MPC corvette  kits in 1/25th scale everything their 1/16 kit  has. And I think their 1/16th kit was scaled up from their 1/25th kit.

Looking at the instructions for MPC's 1/25 scale Vettes over at the Drastic Plastic site, it's amazing to see that they did not do as you suggested with their 1/16 scale version. There is quite a bit of differences in both the engine and chassis in each kit. More than I would have expected.

At the Drastic Plastic site, I also looked at the instructions for Monogram's 1/8 scale '65 Corvette. Interesting. I've always wondered how hard or easy it is to build that kit? And I've always wondered how well they looked when finished? And how do they compare to Monogram's 1/24 scale '65 Vette designed years later? The big one, the 1/8 scale car, represents a fuel injected car. Their 1/24 scale, a big block, 396 car.

I've never built a Monogram C2 Sting Ray, particaly because of the scale. I have plenty of 1/24 scale Monogram kits. But mainly of stuff that is not offered in 1/25 scale. And I've just never had the opertunity buy or receive as a gift, the 1/8 scale kit. I don't even know if I've even seen either of the Monogram C2 kits built or unbuilt. Ever.

[Greg Myers]

Show your work 

[unclescott58]

Show your work 

Let's not open that can of worms again. ?

[Snake45]

Looking at the instructions for MPC's 1/25 scale Vettes over at the Drastic Plastic site, it's amazing to see that they did not do as you suggested with their 1/16 scale version. There is quite a bit of differences in both the engine and chassis in each kit. More than I would have expected.

At the Drastic Plastic site, I also looked at the instructions for Monogram's 1/8 scale '65 Corvette. Interesting. I've always wondered how hard or easy it is to build that kit? And I've always wondered how well they looked when finished? And how do they compare to Monogram's 1/24 scale '65 Vette designed years later? The big one, the 1/8 scale car, represents a fuel injected car. Their 1/24 scale, a big block, 396 car.

I've never built a Monogram C2 Sting Ray, particaly because of the scale. I have plenty of 1/24 scale Monogram kits. But mainly of stuff that is not offered in 1/25 scale. And I've just never had the opertunity buy or receive as a gift, the 1/8 scale kit. I don't even know if I've even seen either of the Monogram C2 kits built or unbuilt. Ever.

Scott, I built one of the Monogram 1/24 ’65 Vettes, mainly just to say I did. IMHO its strongest point is that unless you want to do a conversion or can score an original annual AMT or MPC annual, it’s the only game in town for a ’65-’66.

Note that this kit has been reissued at least three times, maybe more. I think the original version was tied to the old Stingray TV show and couldn’t be built stock. Later there was a “street machine” version that I think was a little closer to stock. This had a small-block engine and a small-block hood. Then there was a version with a 396 and the proper big-block hood.  Along the way the body picked up the proper '65 scripts and emblems (it didn’t always have them). In fact the 396 Turbo-Fire emblems on the fenders are breathtakingly sharp. The last issue was as the ’66 Penske racer. I don’t know if they altered the body to make an accurate ’66 racer out of it—it would be a shame if they did.

If you’re used to working with the AMT or MPC Sting Rays, the Monogram body will look very strange to you at first. It looks bloated or “inflated,” sorta like one of those blow-up beach toys, or almost like a caricature. Also, the top of every one I’ve seen has looked too flat—can’t tell if it’s actually molded that way or if it’s a de-molding or packaging issue but it just doesn’t look right. On the one I built, I spent a lot of time in front of the TV massaging that roof into a better shape with my thumbs.

As for the bloated look, some of that is due to…the AMT body. You see, it turns out that all these years, the AMT (and even more so, the MPC) body is just a slight bit “sharper” and sleeker than it should be, but that’s what we’re used to seeing now. The Monogram body is slightly more bulbous in the front fenders and front panel than it should be, but compared to the AMT or MPC bodies, it looks WAY too fat. When I built mine, I spent a number of hours carefully working these areas down to a more eye-pleasing (to me) shape.  Finally got it to where I could live with it.

The Revell ‘67s seem to be right in between the AMT and Monogram body shapes, which means they’re right about where they should be. And the Revell snapper ‘63s look best of all IMHO. And they don’t have the flat roof issues on the coupe either.

One odd thing, though, the Revell Corvette bodies are about 3” narrower at the rear than at the front (in planview).  I’ve been unable to determine if this is accurate or not, not having a real C2 to measure. The AMT and MPC bodies are a little narrower at the rear than the front, but you have to measure it to find it. On the Revells, it’s very apparent to the naked eye.

(I’ve got pics of my built Monogram ’65 loaded up on photobucket, but pbucket is blocked here at work so I’ll try to remember to post some pics here when I get home.)

[unclescott58]

Again, thanks Snake. You always seem to provide good information. Now you've got me thinking. Despite the problems you describe with the 1/24 scale Monogram '65, I may have to pick one up, just to have it.

Now, who has had their hands on the big 1/8 scale '65?

 

[pack rat]

I too have an extensive stash of AMT/MPC C2 Vettes, but I've always felt the stock 396 version of the Monogram '65 never got the respect it deserved.  The only thing that bothers me about the Monogram kit is the dip at the top windshield opening (probably related to Snake's flat roof comment); it looks like someone leaned on the body after it popped out of the mold.  

One thing Snake didn't mention....the stock 396 version contains a beautiful set of '63-66 knock-off wheels that would probably look great on all of those old AMT annuals. 

  

 

[MrObsessive]

Snake, good points about the C2 'Vettes that are out there. I too notice the "too flat" windshield header on the Revell '65, and that's something I'd like to fix as I someday want to turn it into a '66.

Speaking of '66's, Revell didn't alter the body at all on the Penske racer. I don't have the kit, but I've seen box art examples, and the body still has the roof vents (gone for '66), and they didn't change the grille which went to an egg crate style which carried over into '67.

Yet another one of those "flub ups" by Revell assuming that the average Joe won't know (most don't care unfortunately), but for those of us that insist on things being as accurate as possible, keeping the roof vents on what's supposed to be a '66 car, is a no-go.

EDIT: BTW, Revell's 1/12 scale '67 coupe suffers from the same malady with the "dip/too flat" windshield header. Yet something else one should fix if they want an accurate body. I have the 1/25 scale '67 coupe, I have to look that one over to see if that one's got troubles too.

 

Edited July 27, 2016 by MrObsessive

[Snake45]

 

EDIT: BTW, Revell's 1/12 scale '67 coupe suffers from the same malady with the "dip/too flat" windshield header. Yet something else one should fix if they want an accurate body. I have the 1/25 scale '67 coupe, I have to look that one over to see if that one's got troubles too.

 

I haven't built the 1/25 '67 Coupe, but have done some body work on one, and don't recall the roof being flat--at least not as bad as 1/24 '65.

I'm currently working on my second or third '63 Snapper and no problems with the roofs on those at all. Nice kits if you want to do a '63.

[Snake45]

Here's a few pics of my built Monogram. I "converted" it to a '66-ish cruiser by removing all the '65 emblems and roof vents, and used '67 Rally Wheels on it 'cause I didn't care for the kit's wheels that much.

As I said, I spent a good deal of time trying to un-flatten the roof, and slim down the front end bulginess, so yours won't look exactly like this out of the box.

 

 

[Ron Hamilton]

In my opinion, the absolute best rendition of the '63 thru '67 Corvette kits are the Revell '67's/

However, the Revell '63 Snappers are very good, lacking an engine, under hood, and chassis details, as they are curbside models. In my collection, I have a Historic Racing Miniatures Resin '63 Coupe, which is fantastic, as it has an excellent body and interior, the large fuel tank, a beautiful F.I. Unit on the 327, and accurate Aluminum Wheels with 2, and 3 prong Knockoffs. It is relatively expensive, but is well worth the money if you can get one, especially if you combine it with the VRM Corvette decals to do a Z06 Race Car.

[Snake45]

Here's what one of the Revell '63 snappers looks like--so OOB I didn't even paint it, just polished the lovely metallic blue plastic. I thought I had a pic of the coupe on pbucket too, but I guess not.

 

[unclescott58]

The Revell '67s are by far the nicest of the C2 kits in 1/25 IMO. The Revell '63s are wonderful too. The old AMT kits are still look good overall. Since I've never had, or even seen the Monogram '65, in either scale, I have to wait to pass judgement on it. Other than Snake's fixed version, the roof of the 1/24 does look odd on the box art. I still may buy one. I like the '65/'66 big block hood. Not as much as the 67's. But I still like it.

That is one vendor's website indicating Mongram's big 1/8 scale '65 is suppose to be coming back on in 2016? I've found no one else confirming this. I hope it's true. I may buy one. I like what I've seen of it in others builds, and in the instructions over at Drastic Plastic's site. If they bring it back, I'd like them to do a Round 2 style packaging. Bring it back to what you got with the original back in '65. Blue plastic, the instructions, the catalog. The whole bit.

Again, I've never seen Monogram's 1/12 scale '67. I am surprised to see that Monogram has done 3 C2s in 3 different scales. As noted, I love the '67 in big block roadster form. Don't know why, but the coupe doesn't work for me as well. Though I do have the Revell '67 coupe in waiting. At the same time, I curious about Monogram's 1/12 scale kit.

I really wish Round 2 would reissue AMT's 1/32 scale '63 split window. (That and the '60 T-bird.) Again, after the '67 big block roadster, I love the '63 coupe in pecking order of my favorite Corvettes. C2 or any other generation. I will build just about any '63 coupe kit out there. I love the split window. I hope Round 2 did well enough with the AMT 1/32 scale Avanti and Ranchero to justify bring back the Vette and Bird.

Speaking of C2 Vettes in model form. As a kid I had a '65 Cox gas power one. 1/16 scale I beleive. My dad put it together. Using no paint. Just assembling it for me. Still, it looked great in its red molded plastic. We never got around to firing it up a running it. It just sat a shelve in my bedroom with a small can of Cox fuel, next to my other finished models for years. Where it disappeared to when I left home? Who knows? A few years back, a friend gave me a '67 Cox Vette as a gift. Because he knew how much I loved that first Cox Vette I had.

Also, the first three models I built with my mother's help back in 1964 or '65, were Aurora's Frankenstein's Fliver and Dracula's Dragster, and a ME-262 jet. The fourth kit I remember working on with my dad. I'm not 100% sure, but I think it may have been MPC's '65 Sting Ray coupe. The box art looks right. But that was so long ago, and would have been about seven years old at the time.

One last C2 story. I still remember the first '63 Sting Ray I ever saw. One morning after watching Romper Room on TV, the next show was a game show. I remember almost nothing about that show. Other than at one point they showed the new Corvette Sting Ray. Even as a young kid I loved cars. But this car was more special than anything I had seen before. It was very sleek looking. And it had no headlights! Then they turned the headlights on. The buckets rolled over exposing the headlamps! They shut them off. The headlamps rolled back, disappearing! I was blown out of my 5 year old stockings. This was amazing! Plus the car had that weird rear window. I fell in love. And 53 years later, I'm still in love.

Edited August 5, 2016 by unclescott58

[Snake45]

 I like the '65/'66 big block hood. Not as much as the 67's. But I still like it.

 

Modelhaus offered those hoods but of course they're gone now. The MPC '66 had that hood but a SBC engine. I have a restorable MPC '65 or '66 so I ordered one. That hood was also in the AMT '65 and '66 Coupes and the '66 roadster (not sure about the '65 roadster). In my last minute buying panic I didn't remember what I had planned or what I had on hand so I ordered two or three of those too. I might end up with a spare when I get my "collection" built (or at least planned out and all the parts assembled).

If you're buying the Monogram kit for that hood, be sure it's on the box art because not all issues had it. In the pics I posted above of the blue one, you'll notice it has a plain hood. That kit had a small block, too, I think. It DID have the proper '65 emblems--I remember because I almost cried removing them from the fenders because they were so nice (I have another one in the works, though, as a stock big-block '65).

Oh, and for anyone thinking about cutting the '65-'66 fender gills out of the Monogram kit and grafting them into an AMT or Revell 1/25--they'll be too big. And they'll look too big to the naked eye. Seen it done. It doesn't work well.

[unclescott58]

If I do it Snake, I'll buy the '65 with the big block hood, and the big block under the hood. I already looked on eBay. I think I'll be buying one tomarrow morning after my pay check hits the bank.

By the way, and I don't know why, but I really do not like the idea of putting a big block hood on a small block car. The small block cars are cool in there own right. And I like the smooth, small block hood, of '65, '66, and '67 on the small block cars. A good reason to buy Mongram's 1/8 scale Corvette if it's rereleased. That and it has the standard wheel covers. (Again, I like the aluminum wheels better. But, I like the wheel covers too.) For me it's a bit of heresy to put a big block hood on a small block car.

Edited August 5, 2016 by unclescott58

[unclescott58]

As I noted in my last posting here, I went a head and bought a 1/24 Monogram '65 off eBay just now. It's morning, and my pay check is in the bank.

[Snake45]

If I do it Snake, I'll buy the '65 with the big block hood, and the big block under the hood. I already looked on eBay. I think I'll be buying one tomarrow morning after my pay check hits the bank.

By the way, and I don't know why, but I really do not like the idea of putting a big block hood on a small block car. The small block cars are cool in there own right. And I like the smooth, small block hood, of '65, '66, and '67 on the small block cars. A good reason to buy Mongram's 1/8 scale Corvette if it's rereleased. That and has the standard wheel covers. (Again, I like the aluminum wheels better. But, I like the wheel covers too.) For me it's a bit of heresy to put a big block hood on a small block car.

And yet Chevrolet did exactly that in 1967. For a while in the spring, as I understand the story, there was a shortage of standard hoods so some small-block cars got the cool "stinger" big-block hood. One of these would probably be my "dream Vette"--the cool BB hood with the light, efficient SBC underneath.

Dunno if I mentioned it above but the MPC '67 coupe kit has always had the Stinger hood and a small block.