1959 Chrysler New Yorker

[Ramfins59]

Thanks a lot Carl. I appreciate your kind words.

[Tom Geiger]

This model was never done in kit form Hench, so you're only option is a promo. The original promos that were done by Johan in '59 were made of a type of plastic that usually warped horribly over time, so you're best bet is going to be an X-EL repop. X-EL took over the molds from Johan in the 80s & re-did some of these old models in styrene. Problem is, X-EL is now out of business & every indication is that the molds are no longer & these old models will probably never be made again. Therefore, the prices only rise over time. I doubt if anybody has done, or will do a resin cast kit of the '59 New Yorker, so if you really want one, you're kind of stuck. Steve

and if someone did resin cast it, the cost of the average resin is around $50.

[StevenGuthmiller]

and if someone did resin cast it, the cost of the average resin is around $50.

At least! Most of the stuff from Modelhaus runs between $80.00 & $100.00, if they even offered it. Many times, with a little patience, you can find a nice restorable original on ebay for less money. For example, I picked up a very nice '59 complete Bonneville hardtop on ebay for $63.00. The Modelhaus kit runs $79.00. Not a huge difference but I'd much rather have the original styrene kit over resin any day. Steve

[Tom Geiger]

At least! Most of the stuff from Modelhaus runs between $80.00 & $100.00, if they even offered it. Many times, with a little patience, you can find a nice restorable original on ebay for less money. For example, I picked up a very nice '59 complete Bonneville hardtop on ebay for $63.00. The Modelhaus kit runs $79.00. Not a huge difference but I'd much rather have the original styrene kit over resin any day. Steve

And there are times where the more expensive resin beats a cheap nasty built up! I've been looking over some of the built ups I have and by the time I've blown them apart, stripped them, supplemented the broken or missing parts from Model Haus and got the chrome redone, I'm better off with a clean resin kit, and that's before I start repairing the body etc of glue marks, and glue melt/sinks from overambitious work with glass runners and body to chassis. I've got some 67 to 69 Pontiacs where the sides of the fenders are sunk in where they meet the radiator panel.

Great work so far Rich! I'm always up for watching your build progress!

[Greg Wann]

Hi All,

Since you have this 50's subject matter, I am curious if there would be any interest in this 58 New Yorker 2 door. This was loaned to me to cast by a guy here in Mesa. Now he wants to cancel the project due to low interest in his group. I do have a front seat, back seat, front and rear bumper and four wheel covers to go with it. Do you all think it would be worth doing? I will need to get his permission to continue though. I made some attempts post post photos of the seats, bumpers and wheels without success. It keeps saying the file is too large. OH WELL!

Thanks,

Greg

Edited September 18, 2014 by Greg Wann

[Ramfins59]

At least! Most of the stuff from Modelhaus runs between $80.00 & $100.00, if they even offered it. Many times, with a little patience, you can find a nice restorable original on ebay for less money. For example, I picked up a very nice '59 complete Bonneville hardtop on ebay for $63.00. The Modelhaus kit runs $79.00. Not a huge difference but I'd much rather have the original styrene kit over resin any day. Steve

I agree with you Steven, especially when you can get one of these old promos for a good price. I paid $42 + $7 shipping last year for this New Yorker promo.

Back in March I was able to score an original AMT kit of a complete, unassembled and unpainted 1959 Edsel for $54. I get lucky sometimes .

Tom, thanks for your kind comments as always. I agree with you also in that I'd rather go with a pricey resin kit rather than go through all the extra work involved with cleaning up and partially restoring an old, beat up, nasty built up.

Greg, I might be interested in one of those '58 New Yorkers if and when you might get them in production. Will you be including bumpers, grille and head and taillights. and dashboard with it? Possibly some of the parts from the '57 Chrysler would work with it. I know that Modelhaus makes the grille and bumpers.

[Greg Wann]

I have attempted to post more pics without success, it says the file is too big. I have four wheel covers, front and rear bumpers and front and rear seat

[peekay]

That DeSoto looks awesome!Firedome?

Fireflite.

[StevenGuthmiller]

And there are times where the more expensive resin beats a cheap nasty built up! I've been looking over some of the built ups I have and by the time I've blown them apart, stripped them, supplemented the broken or missing parts from Model Haus and got the chrome redone, I'm better off with a clean resin kit, and that's before I start repairing the body etc of glue marks, and glue melt/sinks from overambitious work with glass runners and body to chassis. I've got some 67 to 69 Pontiacs where the sides of the fenders are sunk in where they meet the radiator panel.

Great work so far Rich! I'm always up for watching your build progress!

That's true Tom. But personally I stay away from the "Nasty Built-ups" I'd rather pay a little extra for a good "canvas" to start with & generally, if you're patient, something will come along. I just picked up a Johan 1965 Chrysler 300 built for $77.00 this week. No sign of being a glue bomb, no paint anywhere on the kit. Only some stripe decals on the hood & trunk. Only thing missing are stock wheels. If you can even find one of these in nice shape, they generally go for well over $100.00. There was a painted one for sale @ the same time that went for. $100.00. I have nothing against resin kits. They can be a great option. Personally, I much prefer styrene. Steve

[howsthat1959]

Hi All,

Since you have this 50's subject matter, I am curious if there would be any interest in this 58 New Yorker 2 door. This was loaned to me to cast by a guy here in Mesa. Now he wants to cancel the project due to low interest in his group. I do have a front seat, back seat, front and rear bumper and four wheel covers to go with it. Do you all think it would be worth doing? I will need to get his permission to continue though. I made some attempts post post photos of the seats, bumpers and wheels without success. It keeps saying the file is too large. OH WELL!

Thanks,

Greg

I would think this item would sell well. I know I'd buy one.

[ChrisBcritter]

I'd really like to see someone kitbash (or a resin conversion for) a '59 Chrysler 300; surprised it hasn't been done already.

[carcrazy19]

I like the color combination. Looks like this is going to be a fun build. Can't wait to see more.

[Ramfins59]

Thanks Anthony, I appreciate your encouraging comments.

[72 Charger]

Any progress yet Rich .I bet your about sick of BMF'in arnt you?

[Mopar - D]

Rich great project you have going here looking forward to seeing more.

[Tom Geiger]

Any progress yet Rich .I bet your about sick of BMF'in arnt you?

Nah, he got good at it and is making a career out of it!

(I actually find BMF relaxing!)

[Ramfins59]

Hi guys. After Steven Guthmiller's comment/question regarding two-tone roofs on these Chryslers, I went back and reviewed the Google reference pictures that I downloaded. Some of them were taken from a low angle which kind of made it look like the roofs were a solid color, but they were in fact two-tone. So, after I had clearcoated the body and let it dry for a couple of days, yesterday I masked off the front, flat area of the roof and the rest of the body, using Tamiya tape and wide masking tape. I then sprayed the remaining unmasked area of the roof with Tamiya Red Brown to match the side trim insert. Once that completely dries I will unmask the roof and respray it with clearcoat then polish the entire body when completely dry.

Then I can do all of the BMF work. No, I'm not really sick of BMF work. While it is a time consuming chore on these 50's land yachts, it is a necessary part of building and finishing the model. I just love the look of all the chrome and stainless trim on these cars. One of the reasons why I buy a half dozen sheets of BMF at NNL East every year is to be sure that I don't run out of it. With all of the 50's cars that I still have in my TO DO pile I know I 'll be needing a lot of it.

I also started painting the resin "59 Dodge interior I'm using for this car. As soon as I have enough additional progress completed I will be able to post more pictures.

Thanks to all for continuing to follow along on this project.

[Southern Fried]

What's up with your taste in "finned" cars?

I prefer the "Bumper Bullets"....

[Ramfins59]

Phillip, I actually love ALL the cars from the 1950's not just the "finned" cars. I just haven't yet gotten around to building many of the "bumper bullet" cars. Most of those would be the mid 50's Cadillacs of which there are not very many kits or promos available.

I have built a '53 Caddy from the American Metal kit by Welly

and the IMEX '58 Caddy kit

and then there is the '55 Buick Highway Patrol diecast car that I redid

As soon as I can get my hands on a few more of those beautiful "bumper bullet" cars I will definitely add them to my collection of 1950's cars.

[Southern Fried]

Phillip, I actually love ALL the cars from the 1950's not just the "finned" cars. I just haven't yet gotten around to building many of the "bumper bullet" cars. Most of those would be the mid 50's Cadillacs of which there are not very many kits or promos available.

I have built a '53 Caddy from the American Metal kit by Welly

and the IMEX '58 Caddy kit

and then there is the '55 Buick Highway Patrol diecast car that I redid

As soon as I can get my hands on a few more of those beautiful "bumper bullet" cars I will definitely add them to my collection of 1950's cars.

You done good!....

[72 Charger]

I love those bumper bullet cars as well so cool.Hey Rich I was admirering your 58 IMEX caddi very nice but should the fins on the fenders be chromed?

[Ramfins59]

No Dave, only the top and rear edges of the fins have chrome trim strips, not the entire fin.

[Ramfins59]

I'm about 98% finished with all of the BMF trim on this car. I should be able to post pictures of it later today.

[Brizio]

Beautiful!

[Ramfins59]

OK. The BMF work is done on this body. It took me about 8 hours over a period of 2 days and I used about a third of a sheet of BMF. Unfortunately I forgot to apply some BMF to the New Yorker side script trim and the TINY Chrysler lettering on the front and rear of the car before it was painted, so I had to apply it after it was painted, clearcoated and polished, and then tediously, carefully and neatly trim it. Thankfully my Optivisor was able to help these old eyes do a pretty decent job of it. Here's how it looks;

The grille and bumpers and taillights are in place for the pictures,

I now have to finish up the painting and detailing of the interior and then I can begin final assembly. Thanks for following along on this project. More progress reports will come as they happen.