So now I am back to building a Camaro.
This time it is a 1970-1/2 Camaro Z/28.
It was a half year option, as the redesign for the second generation Camaro took longer than expected, and was released late in the year.
This kit was released by AMT and had some really good points, and some not so good points.
One of the not-so-good points in my opinion was that the entire kit (minus glass and taillights) was molded in this bright orange color. My problem with the orange, is that it is a really difficult color to paint over. Sometimes it took several coats to get the coverage needed
One of the points I did like, though it doesn't show on the completed model is the sub-chassis assembly. There is a separate front sub-frame that connects to the body and back half of the car, just like the full size counterpart.
The decals were a good and bad at the same time.
They were very thin, which is great because the settle down in to all the little nooks and crannies. Look on the hood, and you can see where it has settled in to the molded vents at the base of the hood.
The problem with thin decals is that they tend to tear VERY easily. You can see a couple of places were I tore them while try to get them in to their final position, and had to be touched up with black paint.
The tires and wheels were another bright spot for me. The tires were molded in actual rubber, or a very close approximation in silicone. They were soft, pliable, and had great detail. A little white paint and some careful painting on the wheels as all that was needed.
Of course I had to add some small valve stems from a tiny piece of black wire.
As with the tires, careful painting really helps to bring out the details and add life to the completed chassis.
Another issue I had, and maybe it was me, but the overall assembly of the body onto the chassis. It just did not want to sit down over the frame properly. Luckily I have several of these small, spring-loaded clamps to help while waiting for the glue to harden.
So here it is, all together and finished up!
This kit would represent 1 of the roughly 8200 Z/28 optioned cars for that year.
I chose to represent the Citrus Green color, that I feel contrasts well with the deluxe black interior and black stripes. I also added the taller COPO order-able tall spoiler, just because I like it better.
All Z/28's for that year came with the hi-performance, 360 horsepower rated, 350 cubic inch small block engine. This one has power steering which was optional, and power assisted brakes which were standard with the Z/28 special performance package.
All in all, a good looking model in the end. A couple of struggles, but it was still worth it.
On to the next.... I am revisiting one that I started a while ago, and am hoping to have the patience to finish. And this one is even more limited production... Representing 1 of 272 produced.
