Randy Ayers Nascar Modeling Forums

Crime Dog · Joined: 27 Jan 2018 Posts: 332

Has anyone tried any of the old MPC re-issued bodies (the 15 Torino, the Pepsi Chevy) on any of the AMT chassis, like the Lumina, Olds, TBird?

I don't know how accurate they would be, but I cant imagine they would be any less accurate than the kit chassis.

Any thoughts?

jh63fan · Joined: 10 Sep 2021 Posts: 352 Location: Tarheel State

The AMT chassis needs to be lengthened, switch to dual shocks and remove the oil tank from behind the driver's seat, which needs to be changed out for an older design. Sounds like a lot, but it's not that bad.
The Polar Lights Talladega chassis is the right length and more period correct except it is a leaf spring car.

Crime Dog · Joined: 27 Jan 2018 Posts: 332

Thanks, I've got a couple of the Torino s, I might give it a shot.
Does the AMT kit have the oil tank in the interior? I know the Monogram kits do.
Also, I'm guessing, the front steer cars didnt come into vogue until the 80s and wouldn't be anywhere near correct?
I've got a bunch of the AMT kits, heck, I've got a bunch of the PL kits too, but I have plans for the PL kits, not so much for the AMTs.
Either way, im not looking for a contest model, just something that looks "better" on the shelf.

Speaking of the Torino, who ran one other than Bud Moore?

jh63fan · Joined: 10 Sep 2021 Posts: 352 Location: Tarheel State

On the AMT kits, the oil tank housing is a separate part behind the driver's seat. I guess you could remove the tierod assembly, and if it doesn't interfere with the oil pan, attach it to the back side of the suspension.
You will need to lengthen the frame about 3/16" if I remember correctly. I go back about 1" on the side frame rails from the front and cut in. Then cut parallel toward the front to free that section. This way it is stronger and easier to re-attach, fill in the vacant area with some strip plastic. I have done this on both AMT and Monogram kits.

jokar124 · Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2022 3:03 pm Post subject:

jh63fan · Joined: 10 Sep 2021 Posts: 352 Location: Tarheel State

Jokar, I personally would do what you suggested, use the Polar Lights chassis and the truck arms from the AMT or possibly a Monogram set up. That would take 2 kits though. I mentioned the AMT modifications to Crimedog because he said all his PL kits were already designated for certain projects.

jokar124 · Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2022 7:44 pm Post subject:

Tom M. · Board Moderator Joined: 01 Feb 2018 Posts: 602

One thing to watch for on the AMT NASCAR chassis, the rear wheel tubs aren't symmetrical left and right. One is ahead of the other by almost 1/16" and it makes it a bear to position the kit body so that both tubs are covered by the wheel openings molded into the MPC bodies. Drives me nuts sometimes, especially on the Lagunas. The MPC bodies are tough to make work, the AMT Malibu/Laguna is impossible without closing up the wheelwells some.