I'm trying to detail a scale model 70 El Camino which will include adding a vinyl top. I have pitures that show where the top starts and stops except for around the rear window. Did the vinyl extend below the rear window to the top of the box? If so, where along this stretch are the seams?

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NCOA member #220
ACES member #1670
Team Chevelle #998
Rich's 1965 Malibu SS Restoration Project Progress Page (http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/flats/8627/)
1:18 scale diecast car Detailing by Scooter (http://www.amhost.com/scooter/)

[This message has been edited by Rich-L79 (edited 12-18-2000).]

Rich,

I can't answer your question, but maybe you can mine. It's been years since I've worked with model cars. What kit would you recommend for a STOCK '70 Malibu coupe. I'd like to create a miniature of mine. Also any tips on paints, detail items would be appreciated.

Thanks

P.S. I'm sending you an e-mail tonight with regards to Chevellabration.

Joe

Well, I work mostly with 1:18 scale Ertl diecast cars so I'm a little out of touch with the plastic 1:25 scale models. (Check my diecast link in my signature for the kind of work I do.)

There is a nice 1:25 '70 SS454 model out there. It is out of production I think but I'll bet you can pick one up on ebay or something. I don't recall a 70 Malibu model as being available but if you are somewhat of a modeler I'll bet you could modify an SS to be a close approximation of a Malibu. I've no idea what you could do to alter the dash from SS gauges however. Maybe if you can find the right kit it may offer a Malibu version as well (one of the "build it 1 of 3 ways!" kits).

For chrome trim: Bare Metal Foil is the best stuff on earth. Find it at www.bare-metal.com (http://www.bare-metal.com)

Paint and glue: I've always had good luck with Testor's products. You can get that stuff at almost any hobby shop or craft store. You'll need a few hobby knives too which are available at the same places. The Train Cellar here in town has a nice selection of all this stuff. Hobby Town isn't too bad either for these types of items. Hobby Lobby or some large fabric stores around here have great selections of plastic kits that usually aren't too picked over. Toys R Us has a good supply of kits too.

If you search the web a bit, you might find a set of detailing parts (badges, trim) and decals to make a Malibu out of an SS model. Try starting with: www.modelcargarage.com (http://www.modelcargarage.com)

If you want a little more of a challenge, you could start with an Ertl 70 Chevelle ss454, strip the paint, paint it the right color, etc., have some Malibu trim decals made up custom (e-mail me, I have a source for this) and go from there. This would still leave you with an SS dash and a floor shift but sometimes close is the best you can do.

Another challenging part for either scale project would be to find an appropriate small block from a donor model to replace the big block. I can probably help you here too.

How about finding an old dealer promo and detailing it to match your car? I think they made Malibu models as well as SS models. Poke around on ebay.

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NCOA member #220
ACES member #1670
Team Chevelle #998
Rich's 1965 Malibu SS Restoration Project Progress Page (http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/flats/8627/)
1:18 scale diecast car Detailing by Scooter (http://www.amhost.com/scooter/)

I used to build lots of the 1:24 and 1:25 model kits myself. I used to have lots of fun doing that and I actually got pretty good at it. I got to caught up working on the real thing now to do that. I know Revell's 1967 Chevelle SS396 was the most difficult one for me.

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1970 Chevy El Camino (Custom) Non-SS
Green Mist & Silver w/Green Vinyl Top
350ci/300HP 4bbl & Dual Exhaust
TH-350 - 2.73 Posi Rear
Factory PS, PB, PW, A/C
Born in Baltimore; came from Durham, NC
My El Camino Home Page (http://www.dreamelectric.com/index.html)
Team Chevelle Member #995

The vinyl top goes down to the trim around the bed. That's about two inches below the rear window.