Hello fellow model car enthusiasts!
I’m excited to share my latest project with you: a meticulously crafted 1964 Pontiac Bonneville convertible model. This build is based on the original AMT kit from 1964, but it goes far beyond a standard assembly, incorporating numerous kit-swapped, modified, and entirely scratch-built components. For anyone interested in vintage car models or the intricacies of model building, especially focusing on details like 1962 Pontiac Bonneville Friction Model Car Parts Tail Light accuracy, this project offers a deep dive into customization.
Chassis and Engine Bay Enhancements
The foundation of this model uses the chassis and engine bay from a Moebius 1962 Pontiac Ventura kit. Since the Ventura has a shorter wheelbase than the Bonneville, the chassis was carefully extended by approximately 3 scale inches to achieve the correct proportions. Scratch-built elements were added for realism, including sections of the exhaust system, rear shocks, and emergency brake lines. The stance was widened for a more aggressive look, and the front suspension was modified to be steerable. A weathered finish was applied to the undercarriage and engine bay, representing a well-maintained, yet regularly driven, classic car of its era.
Engine Detailing
While the engine bay originated from the Moebius kit, the majority of the engine itself is sourced from the Revell ’66 GTO kit. The intake system was converted to a single 4-barrel setup, utilizing the intake manifold from the Revell ’68 Firebird kit and a Fireball Modelworks AFB carburetor. Extensive detailing includes full wiring, plumbing, belts, and linkages. A removable, scratch-built 3-piece air cleaner assembly adds another layer of realism, along with other scratch-built components such as the engine valley pan, oil filter, wiper motor, coil, starter relay, dipstick, breather cap, heater blower cover, fresh air actuator, transmission linkage, and all engine brackets. Further refinements include filled front frame rails and added inner fender detail. Even the fan blade was thinned for accuracy.
Body and Exterior Refinements Including Tail Lights
Significant body alterations enhance the model’s realism. The headlights and reflectors were drilled out and replaced for a more defined look. Door handles and locks were also replaced with finer details. Notably, the tail light lenses are completely scratch-made, a crucial detail when considering accurate 1962 pontiac bonneville friction model car parts tail light representation, even though this is a ’64 model, the techniques are similar and applicable to various classic car models. Tinted replacement glass, only .007 inches thick, was installed with realistic seals. A scratch-made antenna, chrome fuel door, and boot snap moldings further refine the exterior. The windshield opening was modified to conceal the glass edges using a friction-fit method and thin glass, complemented by realistic interior A-pillar covers.
Interior Overhaul
The convertible boot and uptop are interchangeable, modified pieces from other kits – the boot from a Monogram ’59 Impala and the uptop from a vintage ’62 Buick Electra kit. The interior underwent extensive modification. The floor was sourced from the Moebius kit, while the seats and dash are modified from the original AMT kit. The door panels were completely reworked, with original details erased and replaced. Ribbed plastic stock replaced the molded ribs, and all trim, armrests, window cranks, courtesy lights, ashtrays, and the rear speaker grille were upgraded. The seats were reshaped, with new bases and backs for the front buckets, and chrome seat “buttons” added throughout.
The dashboard also received significant attention. The ribbed brightwork and gauge pods were 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, enhanced with scratch-built spoke trim, a center hub, and a horn ring.
Further interior details include opened defroster vents, a scratch-made 4-speed shifter and boot, homemade floor mats and sun visors, and an open ashtray complete with a half-smoked cigar.
Conclusion
I apologize for the extensive details, but I wanted to thoroughly showcase the work involved in this project since I didn’t create a work-in-progress thread. It was a significant undertaking, taking nearly a year and a half to complete! I hope you appreciate the result and the level of customization achieved, from the chassis modifications to the scratch-built tail light details, reminiscent of the care put into even smaller scale models or restoring 1962 pontiac bonneville friction model car parts. Thank you for taking the time to examine my latest creation.
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