Bit of a search here. A friend at work is looking for a 1972 Chevelle SS as a Christmas present for his dad, who actually owns a real one. I said I would ask if anyone has a lead on where he could get a diecast one.
Now I know people here don’t usually deal in diecast stuff, but some of you probably have leads that I don’t. I’ve done some searching online, and the only diecast 1972 Chevelle SS I can find that comes close is the 1/18 scale Maisto version. The problem is that they’re not the correct color, and they have vinyl roofs.
The color probably wouldn’t be a problem. You can always repaint. But the vinyl roof is. Does anyone here have any experience modifying diecast automobiles, and just how hard would it be to change the vinyl roof on one of these to a hardtop?
“If he wanted a kit, AMT has one in 1/24. From what i read, it’s pretty hideous.”
I was going to suggest the same. I recently completed the AMT kit. It’s not too bad, I did my best to make it not hideous but you can be the judge of that. I’ll snap and post some pics when I get home later tonight. I’ve had the kit for years and dusted it off to reinvigorate my drive for the hobby.
I also own a 72 Chevelle and have looked in vein many times for similar diecast replicas. I eventually settled for the convertible model, it does shows off the interior I guess.
I tried snapping a few pics but my camera isn’t up to the task. I guess in the dungeon I’m in it wants to auto flash every time and without the flash I get a shaky-hand warning and they turn out all blurry.
Sorry, it wasn’t much to look at anyway and probably would have deterred you rather than inspire.
Thanks for the input guys. I’ve done a lot of searching online with little result. The only Chevelle models in 1/18 scale with a hardtop are 1970 models. So I’ve ordered a Maisto 1972 Chevelle model (with the vinyl top) and the American Muscle Car 1970 Chevelle 1/18 scale (with a regular hardtop). The color for the 1970 model is perfect.
We’re going to see if the front and rear (bumpers, headlights, grill, taillights) of the 1972 Maisto will fit this model. I believe (and someone can correct me if I’m wrong) that the body styling of the 1970 and the 1972 are so similar are to be indistinguishable (except for the parts noted above).
This isn’t plastic modeling, but it’s auto related. I’ll let you know how this goes.
Gary
PS> I’ll post some pictures when I get them in, along with pictures of the actual “real” car.
Gordy, add more lights. i have a similar problem, where my flash whites out the whole picture (something wrong with the aperture or flash circuit that can’t be fixed on any setting. probably needs to go to shop). What i do is run two lights, one on each side. it’s still not very good, but at least i can take something viewable.
Thanks for the tip O.O. My crappy digi cam takes great (decent) pics in daylight, unfortunately I leave before and get home after the daylight has come and gone. My cell phone actually takes a better pic. I’ll get a photobucket app and try uploading a few.
Sounds weird but use some clear tape and take a bit of plain white TP, fold it over a few times to get several layers and then tape it over the flash, it helps eliminate the bright spot, spreads out the light alot more. I use plain white paper and tape for my 1500 dollar DSLR, why pay 100 bucks for a diffuser when I can make one for a few cents? I did that on my point and shoot and left it there, the pictures come out FAR better.
