Bob Ellis Posted October 3, 2014 Posted October 3, 2014 I picked up a gluebomb AMT 1971 Chevelle. All I could save was the headlights, front bumper, and turn signals. I also had a sorry AMT recent release 1972 Chevelle. I decided to marry the parts together and make something interesting. I figured it should be a convertible too.
Bob Ellis Posted October 3, 2014 Author Posted October 3, 2014 The sides of the AMT Chevelle leave a lot to be desired. It's just plain wrong and has been since the tool was created in 1970. I scratched the side to show the error. Looks like they copied an artist drawing with shadows and reflections. I am going to teach this old dog some new tricks.
Bob Ellis Posted October 3, 2014 Author Posted October 3, 2014 Look at the old AMT on top compared to the recent Revell 1970. My goal is to make the AMT equal to the Revell which has a very nice shape. Off with the emblems. The weren't that great anyways. Will replace with Model Car Garage etch items.
Custom Mike Posted October 4, 2014 Posted October 4, 2014 This should be a good one to watch! I'd go a different route myself, just hacking the roof off of the '70 and blending the tulip panel from the '72, but I'm kind of lazy like that!
Bob Ellis Posted October 4, 2014 Author Posted October 4, 2014 Worked on the sides to fix the odd shape. The turn signals are test fitted with the 71 grille. Its a little dull. The boot is okay now.
Ron Hamilton Posted October 4, 2014 Posted October 4, 2014 I like the look of this one Bob. I am in the midst of restoring a glue-bomb AMT '71 into a Heavy Chevy. I have not decided on an exterior color yet. It has been cleaned up, and ready for paint.
Bob Ellis Posted October 5, 2014 Author Posted October 5, 2014 Ron, thanks for the compliment. My '71 was mostly useless. I am guessing yours is a lot better. You would think Round2 would make a run of a '71 from their 1970-1972 Chevelle tools? Wouldn't be that difficult.
Stuntman Mike Posted October 5, 2014 Posted October 5, 2014 I wish there was a ´71 available. I have a ´71 (modified ´72) in progress, too and I´m having a hard time with the grille. I think I´ll end up with a scratchbuilt grille to get an accurate look of the front end. Still need to figure out how to make it...
Ron Hamilton Posted October 6, 2014 Posted October 6, 2014 Ron, thanks for the compliment. My '71 was mostly useless. I am guessing yours is a lot better. You would think Round2 would make a run of a '71 from their 1970-1972 Chevelle tools? Wouldn't be that difficult. It came out fair, but not perfect. You should have seen it when I started. I am not going to hijack your thread with it, but I will post it soon on my own thread.
Bob Ellis Posted October 7, 2014 Author Posted October 7, 2014 Stuntman, Modelhaus sells the MPC '71 Chevelle grille and it fits the AMT '72 body okay with a little shimming. If you scratch build one, I would be curious to see it. I decided to stay with the AMT grille. When I glued in the '71 headlights and turn signals to the '72 body, it sort of sealed my fate. I can not fit the MPC version anymore.
Stuntman Mike Posted October 7, 2014 Posted October 7, 2014 Stuntman, Modelhaus sells the MPC '71 Chevelle grille and it fits the AMT '72 body okay with a little shimming. If you scratch build one, I would be curious to see it. I decided to stay with the AMT grille. When I glued in the '71 headlights and turn signals to the '72 body, it sort of sealed my fate. I can not fit the MPC version anymore. I didn´t know that there´s a ´71 grille available from Modelhaus. And I have the same problem like you since I have already modified too much on my build. The bumper has been seperated, the headlights have been scratchbuilt and permanently glued to the body. And it´s painted...too late for going a different route. I think a PE grille would be the best solution for me.
Bob Ellis Posted October 7, 2014 Author Posted October 7, 2014 (edited) Stuntman, that is excellent work. True, you are done considering a whole '71 MPC bumper from Modelhaus. You might try to trim off the lights . You have to buy the black inserts too. Look at the current ERTL / Round2 '72 bumper. I think it could be modified into a '71 after trimming off the lights. Just needs a horizontal chrome strip in the center. Edited October 7, 2014 by Bob Ellis
w451973 Posted October 7, 2014 Posted October 7, 2014 Good reading guys. Never knew there was that much of a difference in them.
DumpyDan Posted October 7, 2014 Posted October 7, 2014 Nice work, really like what you have done so far.
Bob Ellis Posted October 17, 2014 Author Posted October 17, 2014 I decided to use Modelhaus front and rear '71 Chevell bumpers. I didn't like the AMT ones that much. A little filing and shimming and the replacement resin bumpers fit fine.
microwheel Posted October 17, 2014 Posted October 17, 2014 Great conversion. Like what your doing with it.
Bob Ellis Posted October 21, 2014 Author Posted October 21, 2014 A coat of primer shows the defects, which is good. The weird AMT front fender shape between the wheel and the door is gone now. I copied visors from the '69 Chevelle kit which look better than the ones that I had before.
microwheel Posted October 26, 2014 Posted October 26, 2014 Nice color choice. You've really done a good job with this so far.
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