Bob Ellis Posted July 6, 2014 Share Posted July 6, 2014 Next month I will have had this model in my possession for 50 years. This model is not a contest winner. It's not even a rare kit, except it's the AMT 1964 Impala convertible version that has never been re-issued since 1964. However, it is the oldest kit that I have and built by me when I was 9 years old. I got it on a trip to the North Shore Mall in Peabody, MA from a store called Jordan Marsh. I remember having lunch with my mother and playing with the parts while waiting for the food to arrive. This was August of 1964. Originally, it was brush painted testors turquoise on the body and white top. The lights used to work, but no more. I glued the up top on and probably used too much glue around the windshield. I rebuilt it in the early '70s. It was kind of a mess. The glass didn't come out easily. I ruined the cowl and the windshield frame and visors. The 409 engine lost pieces. I went to the local 5 & 10 where they had the 1969 re-issue of the '64 Impala. It was gone. They tried to get another, but no dice. I repainted and glued the convertible back together as best as I could. I was stuck with the up top and I decided to tint the windshield to hide the glue marks. I don't know where I found a '65 Chevelle wagon, but I robbed the 327 V8 and stuck it in the engine compartment. I painted it a gold lacquer color like the Chevy Autumn Gold. AMT's T408-225 '64 Impala kit arrives after I fixed this old convertible in 1972. Before that, it was about impossible to find a '64 Impala kit. Speed up to 1990 and this old Impala convertible was rebuilt again. This time I decide to make it look like a brand new Chevy I saw at the dealership. It was yellow with a black roof. Had no wheel covers as they were stored in the trunk until the sale to the customer. I BMF this job unlike before. Third and last time working on this model. It has been stored in a box since 1990 along with original instructions and a childhood sketch from the '60s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1930fordpickup Posted July 6, 2014 Share Posted July 6, 2014 Good looking model for having it 50 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtx6970 Posted July 6, 2014 Share Posted July 6, 2014 (edited) I bet it feels pretty good to know you kept it all these years doesn't it ? I've got some builtups I've had for maybe 35 years . And there isn't a snowballs chance they're going anywhere in my lifetime Edited July 6, 2014 by gtx6970 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disabled modeler Posted July 6, 2014 Share Posted July 6, 2014 Great to see your 64 and that others are keeping their childhood ones....the memories are worth much more than the models. I have a few that will outlast me for sure...then they will go to someone that can appreciated them for what they are...and hopefully be around longer still. I am lucky enough to still have my first model yet....Johans Haulin Hearse just wish I would have done better on what I did of it...now to find parts and restore it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carrucha Posted July 6, 2014 Share Posted July 6, 2014 Cool story. Thanks for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Kucaba Posted July 6, 2014 Share Posted July 6, 2014 Some where I have a '65 Dodge coronet that I bought originally in''65. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PappyD340 Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 Nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helix Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 Great story Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platerpants Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 wow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmvw guy Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 Great story, thanks for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slusher Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 Awesome story.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Ellis Posted July 9, 2014 Author Share Posted July 9, 2014 I should have done the title different. Have other people contribute their oldest models too, not just mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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