First Gear '69 Camaro Z/28

[Snake45]

I didn't even know this model existed till I found it while looking for a First Gear '69 Chevelle SS in Fathom Green. This particular example is a Black & Decker tagged promotional item, and only cost me $23 including shipping--such a deal! I was particularly attracted by the steel-gray color, which is remarkably similar to the color I had my own first 1:1 '69 Camaro painted in 1978. I had to have it! 

The Good: It's true 1/25, not 1/24, and overall body shape is very accurate. The details (grille, lights, etc) are very sharp, right up there with M2 and maybe a little sharper than the Classic Metalworks (which has the grille and front bumper molded as one piece, which is just wrong). Interior detailing is nice, with faces (decals, I think) on the faces of the two main gauges. Underhood detailing is VERY impressive, with plug wires, radiator hose. heater hoses, and even vacuum tubes running to the power brake cylinder and between the PCV and carb. One engine gig is that the exhaust manifolds have the ports spaced equally, like a BBC, and not *  **  *  as they should be for a SBC.  The Z/28 stripes are early pattern; later in the year the rear ones were moved farther apart so the rear deck Camaro emblem could be entirely on the stripe, not half on, half off. The side marker lights are separate transparent pieces, but all four are amber (front should be white, rear should be red).  The tires, while lacking sidewall detail, are pleasantly large. The fake "gills" ahead of the rear wheels are separate chromed pieces, which is nice if you want your model to have that optional Style Trim Group (and Rally Sport) goodie. 

The Bad: Door gaps are large. The transition line where the roof goes from horizontal to vertical on the sides looks a bit sharper than it should be. The otherwise nice Rally Wheels have six slots instead of the correct five. (Only way I can think of to work with that is to paint the steel portion black like some early '67 Rallys.)  No representation of the backup lights in the taillight lenses (easily dealt with). 

The Ugly: The finish on this thing is the worst of any diecast in my collection. It's a grainy semigloss, almost matte, like the Model Master "system" lacquers without the clearcoat. It reminds me of the finish you might see on a toolbox or something of the kind. I wonder if it was so cheap because this was a factory second? 

Overall: A very, very nice diecast of the '69 Camaro that doesn't quite live up to its potential or achieve greatness, due to the finish. I was going to leave it alone, only removing the Black & Decker logos, even though mine didn't have stripes (the portions under the cowl hood overhang would be nearly impossible to remove), but I can't live with the finish, so I'll be disassembling it and repainting it (Walmart has a Rustoleum metallic gray paint that's very, very close to my old car). While I have it apart, I'll fill in those rear fender gills with epoxy and smooth them over--I had them filled on the real car because I hate fake junk. Going that far with it, I'll have to grind out the rivets no doubt holding the hood in place. I might remove and re-hang the doors, too, maybe. That's a lot of work to "Snake-Fu" a cheap diecast, but in this case, I think the results will be worth it. 

[Gramps46]

Overall a good looking Camaro model.  What surprises me are the inaccurate rally wheels.  How does that happen?  

[randyc]

I have looked at the Snapper version.  Same car except the logo.  Noticed the dull appearing paint and the 6 hole wheels.  Then I decided I need a new riding mower more than a new 69 camaro model.  Or much of anything else for that matter.   Be sure to post up if/when you start snaking it.  

Be glad to see something better come of it.