AMT 1970 Chevelle

Once again frustrated with the Vega build (engine with headers wont fit within the frame rails), I decided to move on to another build. The AMT 70 Chevelle SS with a set of aftermarket Keystone mags.




Starting off, I did not like the front suspension so cut off the molded in item and scrounged an A-body item from the parts box.



In order to integrate the front suspension I had to add some plastic to the kit's molded in frame. The area behind the A-arms was completely lacking.




Here is where I am at today. In addition to the front suspension, I modified the rear axel by adding round stock to lengthen the item.

I love those Chevelles, I got a spin in a cloned/replica that was really a Malibu with just a 350 in England a few years ago, I was like a school boy!

Looked just like an LS6.

Sorry to here about the Vega troubles. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with this.

Great start! Looking forward to seeing the 454 go in.

Thanks for encouragement guys.  

A few updates on the Chevelle:  

Re-using the tactic I used on the Mustang rebuild, I separated the interior sides from the tub to aid in detailing.  The engraving was very weak representing the hand rests so I decided to add my own from plastic stock.  





I was never good at detailing molded in wiring and components on the firewall so I decided to sand it smooth and add my own.  The wiper assembly was cut out a scrap box firewall, the brake master cylinder from the parts box.  On the radiator, the kit had no fan shroud and wiper reservoir so these items were taken from the parts box.  In this shot note the wiper tank and battery mounted to scrap plastic to enclose the open bottoms.  



A progress on some of the subassemblies.  



After (a lot) of body clean up, shot it with the first coat of orange.  

Good job on an old kit! And 'A' bodies rock!

Very nice work on her...!

Excellent work! I agree with you on the firewall detailing 100%. That orange paint looks really nice, a deep and rich hue.

Chris, that's a great idea to start from scratch on the firewall detailing. I'm surprised such an iconic subject hasn't been retooled.

Nice work.

Thanks for all the comments & encouragement guys.

While laying the Tamiya clear over the hood decal, it reacted with the "Micro Sol" setting solution causing the clear and decal to bubble.



After drying, I lightly sanded the hood with 2000 grit to even it out and reshot the clear (no bubbling). It looks better, but not great.

As a quick shelf build I'll just go with it and its ready for the final assembly now.

Is it maybe over the cowl induction part where it's hard to get the decals laid down 100%, that did happen to me in the scuttle/windscreen vents on a GT 350 Mustang.

It's looking good Chris. Like Mike, I think it was a great idea to start afresh on the bulkhead stuff.

Great work! Unfortunate about the clear coat reaction but the fix looks good to my eye.

Paint looks great from here, man.

I'm calling the Chevelle done. A quick build with a few refinements and details added along the way.

Very nice looking build...well done. Didnt someone make a snap of this car once..? I hear it was a decent replica too..?

Revell did the snap version, and it is a much more accurate body. The interior is nice as well.
Great job updating this old kit!