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Buick Riviera '66 (resto of an AMT kit w/ scratch-built headlights)


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Posted (edited)

Hi folks,

this is a restoration of a built lowrider kit I purchased some time ago. 
I used automotive paint from the can and 1k clear, quite pleased with how the color resembles contemporary Buick Turquoise Mist.

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Edited by Tommy124
  • Like 2
Posted

Nice resurrection! The goofy headlights don't add anything, IMHO, but perhaps you had to live with those as lowrider residue you couldn't pry loose. Otherwise, well done and model on! B)

Posted

Thanks guys!

14 hours ago, Snake45 said:

The goofy headlights don't add anything

 

14 hours ago, Classicgas said:

Well done. I like the headlights. Something not often seen. How did you do them?

Well, obviously, there are several opinions about the "goofy" headlights :rolleyes: I understand that because (to me) they significantly change the optics of the car. However I tend to disagree with Snake here, I think they add a touch of aggressiveness that the car is normally lacking IMHO. When I first saw an image of a Riviera with the headlights opened, I decided that my build should have that too. Plus this offers some kind of a solution for showing the hood open.

@Lee: I made the lights using pieces of Evergreen tube in 7.1 mm diameter which I further drilled open for a bigger diameter to make the aftermarket lenses fit in.

Posted

I think this turned out really good!

I also really like the fact that You added the visable headlights to the grille and It's a first one to me !!!! That's exactly the kind of un-noticable details I love to find on model kits!!!! I can clearly see from pics on the net that You managed to get them pretty close to the real deal as well, NICE!!!!

 

Posted

I love the color of this build. Fantastic paintwork and nice work on the interior. I appreciate the extra detail of the headlights too.

Later-

Posted

Love them fastback Rivs, [owned a '69] and in one of my favorite color combos too.  My 1/1 boat tail was to be that color combo, in and out.

I like the idea of the headlights  but I think the problem with them is they stick out too far. and the outer ones should be set in farther than the inner ones. Makes them look a bit odd, but really not that bad.  ,, plus that chrome hoop over the grille should really be attached to the hood, that might make a difference.

Not a simple thing to do in scale with that kit.  I have found that the headlights from a '64 or '65 Thunderbird are almost perfect substitutes but hard to come by now. 

Sorry to nitpick, I'm a bit of a Riviera jackass. ?

Posted
1 hour ago, Can-Con said:

Love them fastback Rivs, [owned a '69] and in one of my favorite color combos too.  My 1/1 boat tail was to be that color combo, in and out.

I like the idea of the headlights  but I think the problem with them is they stick out too far. and the outer ones should be set in farther than the inner ones. Makes them look a bit odd, but really not that bad.  ,, plus that chrome hoop over the grille should really be attached to the hood, that might make a difference.

Not a simple thing to do in scale with that kit.  I have found that the headlights from a '64 or '65 Thunderbird are almost perfect substitutes but hard to come by now. 

Sorry to nitpick, I'm a bit of a Riviera jackass. ?

I realize this isn't of much help at this point, but it might be of interest: The original annual kit included the stock headlights. I don't think many modelers actually used them. 

https://public.fotki.com/drasticplasticsmcc/mkiba-build-under-c/amt-instructions/automotive-cars--pi/buick/amt-1966-buick-rivi/66riviera4.html#media

Posted

Thanks for your feedback!

16 hours ago, Can-Con said:

I like the idea of the headlights  but I think the problem with them is they stick out too far. and the outer ones should be set in farther than the inner ones. Makes them look a bit odd, but really not that bad.  ,, plus that chrome hoop over the grille should really be attached to the hood, that might make a difference.

I appreciate the criticism and have to agree you are right on both points. I might be tempted to do some correctional work on this build, also with regard to the exhaust pipes which happen to be a bit too big in size...

  • 9 months later...
Posted

Glad you're taking the criticism all in stride.

I personally like how you added the open headlights. Makes a common kit look more unique! And the color emphasizes all the body contours. 

I say well done all around. 

Posted

That's a classy looking Buick, love the colour. I quite like the headlights, reminds me of the jewelled headlights in my Corgi Toy cars when I was a kid. I loved those things. 

  • 1 month later...

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