Hello fellow car enthusiasts!
I’m excited to share my latest project with you: a meticulously crafted, original AMT 1964 Pontiac Bonneville convertible model. This build, recently completed, is a testament to the art of model car customization, incorporating a variety of kit-swapped, modified, and scratch-built components to achieve a truly unique and detailed replica.
Similar to my previous builds, this Pontiac Bonneville model is far from a standard kit assembly. It’s a deep dive into customization, perfect for anyone interested in learning about modifying and enhancing their own model car projects, or those seeking inspiration for sourcing 1962 Pontiac Bonneville Friction Car Parts and components for similar classic builds.
The foundation of this project lies in a combination of different model kits. The chassis and engine bay were sourced from the Moebius 1962 Pontiac Ventura kit. Since the Ventura has a shorter wheelbase than the Bonneville, the chassis was carefully stretched by approximately 3 scale inches to ensure a proper fit under the Bonneville body. Details like portions of the exhaust system, rear shocks, and E-brake lines were scratch built, adding to the realism. The stance was widened, and the front suspension was expertly converted to a steerable configuration, enhancing the model’s dynamic display possibilities. The entire undercarriage and engine bay have been weathered to realistically represent a clean yet regularly driven automobile of its age, showcasing attention to detail that elevates this model beyond a simple out-of-the-box build.
While the engine bay structure is also from the Moebius kit, the majority of the engine components originate from the Revell ’66 GTO kit. The intake system underwent a significant conversion to a single 4-barrel setup, utilizing the intake manifold from the Revell ’68 Firebird kit and a Fireball Modelworks AFB carburetor. This engine bay is a showcase of intricate detailing, demonstrating how mixing and matching parts, similar to sourcing 1962 pontiac bonneville friction car parts from various models, can lead to a more customized and accurate representation.
Extensive wiring, plumbing, belts, and linkages have been meticulously added, bringing the engine bay to life. A removable 3-piece air cleaner assembly was scratch built, along with numerous other scratch-built items, including: the engine valley pan, oil filter, wiper motor, coil, starter relay, dip stick, breather cap, heater blower cover and fresh air actuator, and transmission linkage. Even the engine brackets are scratch built, showcasing the dedication to detail. Further refinements include filled front frame rails, added inner fender detail, and a thinned fan blade.
The body of the Bonneville received its share of alterations. The headlights and reflectors were drilled out and replaced for added realism, and the door handles and locks were also replaced. Scratch-made tail light lenses were created, and thin .007 tinted replacement glass with seals was installed, providing a more refined look. A scratch-made antenna and chrome fuel door and boot snap moldings further enhance the exterior details. The windshield opening was cleverly configured to hide the glass edges by employing a friction fit method combined with thin glass and realistic interior A-pillar covers. These body modifications highlight the techniques used to refine and enhance the original model kit, similar to the enhancements one might consider when restoring a real classic car and seeking authentic or custom 1962 pontiac bonneville friction car parts for that process.
The interchangeable boot (convertible top cover) and uptop (convertible top) are modified pieces sourced from other kits. The boot is from a Monogram ’59 Impala, while the uptop comes from a vintage ’62 Buick Electra kit. This resourceful parts mixing demonstrates how modelers can utilize components from various sources to achieve the desired look, a practice that mirrors the resourceful approach of classic car restorers searching for specific 1962 pontiac bonneville friction car parts.
The interior of the Bonneville underwent extensive modification. The floor was taken from the Moebius kit, while the seats and dash are modified from the original AMT kit. The interior was carefully disassembled, and the door panels were completely redone. All original detail was removed and replaced, with the ribbed portion of the panels being replaced with ribbed plastic stock. All trim, armrests, window cranks, courtesy lights, ashtrays, and the rear speaker grille were also replaced, showcasing a commitment to recreating a high-quality interior.
The seats were reworked, with the front buckets receiving new bases and backs, and chrome seat “buttons” added all around. The dashboard was also heavily modified, with the ribbed brightwork and gauge pods replaced, along with dash knobs and trim. Added details include a dash-mounted tachometer, vent knobs, an e-brake pedal and release handle, and a dimmer switch button. The steering wheel started as the transparent part from the Moebius Pontiac kit, with added scratch-built spoke trim, center hub, and horn ring. These interior enhancements demonstrate the patience and skill involved in taking a model to the next level of realism, much like the dedication required to restore the interior of a vintage car and find the perfect 1962 pontiac bonneville friction car parts or interior trim.
Further interior details include opened defroster vents, a scratch-made 4-speed shifter and boot, homemade floor mats and sun visors, and even an open ashtray complete with a half-smoked cigar, adding a touch of character and storytelling to the model.
I apologize for the lengthy description, but I wanted to fully detail the extensive work involved in this project, especially since I didn’t create a work-in-progress thread. This build was a labor of love, taking nearly a year and a half to complete! I hope this detailed overview provides inspiration and insights for your own model car projects and perhaps even sparks an interest in seeking out 1962 pontiac bonneville friction car parts for your next build.
Thank you for taking the time to examine my 1964 Pontiac Bonneville convertible model. I appreciate your interest and feedback!
