1960 Pontiac Bonneville (Trumpeter)

Making a start on this offering by Trumpeter. The kit was supplied byAl himself.



A quick run down of all the bits.








As you can see, the engine block was already partially assembled and a couple of bits here and there were broken off the chassis. I'll disassemble and repair where possible.

The exhaust manifold were missing from the kit so I improvised by using scrap to replace them.

Beautiful! Keep up the outstanding work.

Beautiful engine. Did the photoetch come as part of the kit or is it aftermarket?

When I saw the first photo, I immediately looked for mine. Then I read the first line of your post!!! DOH!!! I'd forgotten I'd sold it to you.

Hmmm.... sorry Dave, I wasn't aware of the missing exhaust manifolds.

Mike.... the P/e is an aftermarket piece sent to me way back by our old friend zbuckster.

NICE work on the engine Dave.

I've heard good things about these kits.

Engine is spot on Dave.

Very nice work...yes there are good kits most of theirs are. Im lucky enough to have the old AMT and MPC ones of the 58,59.60,61,63,64,68,69,70 years to restore someday once I can...love the old big bodied classy cars of the 60s through mid 70s era one could tell just what they were seeing them come down the roads. I have a real passion for them too.

Excellent start and progress! The engine looks superb. Looking forward to this one as I have warm memories of this style of Bonny.

Skid wrote:When I saw the first photo, I immediately looked for mine. Then I read the first line of your post!!! DOH!!! I'd forgotten I'd sold it to you.

I'm guessing the Capri is still in the bath.

Little update. Almost got a rolling chassis done.



I've done a bit of light metal weathering but I'll go further with the metal oxide later.


Wow, this Trumpeter chrome on these exhausts is something else. Bleach won't touch it and it would take an age to sand it off so I just painted straight over it. Worked. Happy.


Got the front springs in place.


Scratched an upper radiator hose as the provided one was a rotten fit and the plans didn't even point it to the thermostat properly. I'll go my own way.


The lower radiator hose was a right load of fun to get in place.

Amazing as usual Dave.

You might give the tyres a touch of sandpaper to make it look like it was driven on the road?

No.... It came out of the bath a long time ago but it's sitting in it's box waiting it's turn.

Superb work as usual Dave, I always take a keen interest in your builds, particularly the engines.

As for the awkward chrome, try Fairy Power Spray, I find it works well on all but the most difficult chrome.

dublin boy wrote:Amazing as usual Dave.

You might give the tyres a touch of sandpaper to make it look like it was driven on the road?

I did. The 'rubber' is not easy to work with. Any suggestions?

Skid wrote:Superb work as usual Dave, I always take a keen interest in your builds, particularly the engines.

Thanks for that bit info about the power spray.

Coarse sandpaper and elbow grease is all I can suggest Dave, I'm afraid.

That works well but will leave the side walls shiney. If you want those dull to, yo can spray the whole tyre with Testors Dulcote

Or Army Painter Super Matt Varnish

Wow! This is an inspirational build. Well done!

A little bit more effects done on this.
Rolling Chassis?






Come on Shay, Hit me with the critic stick. Get me motivated.

I seriously cant Dave!


Amazing. I'm sorry I missed you when I was up in Haydon Bridge to be honest.

What? You were in my territory recently? I would like to have seen if you are as jolly as I suspect you might be.

I was up with Al a few years ago. He told me I just missed you in his kitchen having a chat.

Took ages to drive up from Coventry so I was a bit late arriving.

I'd need a big Jag or Aston for that trip next time Dave. lol

Stunning weathering as usual....very nice work...

I agree with Shay............ I cannot help but have the highest praise for your work Dave!! Top notch and front of cabinet as usual.

Stunning work David, do you use the chrome parts out of the box or refinish them?

Thanks all, there is a lot of injection points on the chassis but I'm just going to leave them as they are.

Gary, I always use the chrome that's there then touch up with the Molotow, however this kit as I'm sure Webby will tell you has some strange design decisions with regards to the chrome such as making the exhausts chrome but not the wipers, antenna, and door handles. This strange chinese plastic likes to repel my paints as well.

Mr Hirakawa wrote:Thanks all, there is a lot of injection points on the chassis but I'm just going to leave them as they are.

Gary, I always use the chrome that's there then touch up with the Molotow, however this kit as I'm sure Webby will tell you has some strange design decisions with regards to the chrome such as making the exhausts chrome but not the wipers, antenna, and door handles. This strange chinese plastic likes to repel my paints as well.

Thanks David, very enjoyable build, great weathering.