AMT Meyers Manx Dune Buggy

[Exotics_Builder]

I remember buying this when it first came out, started but never finished it.  School and a part time job were taking too much time and energy.  Somewhere along the way, the kit disappeared.  So, I was excited that AMT reissued it a few years ago in the original box art plus the diorama display.  So, I went and got one.  Additionally, I won two more in a couple of show raffles.

 

Once again, it sat on the shelf waiting for me to get the build interest.  That finally came while I have a couple of projects in painting.  I decided to go for it.

In my opinion, the kit will build just fine from the box.  There are, however, some details that could spice this one up.  First is the Replicas and Miniatures VW engine “hop-up” kit that I got for just such a moment.  Improved detail in the engine area, given that it is so exposed, would be very beneficial. 

 

Second, the 1:1 body attaches to the shortened frame with bolts.  There is nothing representative of that sort on the model body.  I found photos of the pattern, marked them on the body and drilled holes for eventual bolts.

 

The real car body also has rough lower body since the gel coat is only the top and interior.  The AMT kit is not smooth, but no texture is there for the fiberglass.  To address this, I will be using medical tape that has a granular look and will apply to the body before the black coat.

 

Finally, the wheels and tires in the kit are alright and suspension not bad, it would benefit from better tires, wheels, and brakes.  I pulled out some tires I felt would work from the parts bin along with a set of VW mags and drum brakes.  Again, since relatively exposed, I felt a little bit more detail is warranted.

I’ve washed the parts and am striping the chrome from the engine.  Getting ready to primer and need to select the color.

[OldTrucker]

2 hours ago, Exotics_Builder said:

I remember buying this when it first came out, started but never finished it.  School and a part time job were taking too much time and energy.  Somewhere along the way, the kit disappeared.  So, I was excited that AMT reissued it a few years ago in the original box art plus the diorama display.  So, I went and got one.  Additionally, I won two more in a couple of show raffles.

 

Once again, it sat on the shelf waiting for me to get the build interest.  That finally came while I have a couple of projects in painting.  I decided to go for it.

In my opinion, the kit will build just fine from the box.  There are, however, some details that could spice this one up.  First is the Replicas and Miniatures VW engine “hop-up” kit that I got for just such a moment.  Improved detail in the engine area, given that it is so exposed, would be very beneficial. 

 

Second, the 1:1 body attaches to the shortened frame with bolts.  There is nothing representative of that sort on the model body.  I found photos of the pattern, marked them on the body and drilled holes for eventual bolts.

 

The real car body also has rough lower body since the gel coat is only the top and interior.  The AMT kit is not smooth, but no texture is there for the fiberglass.  To address this, I will be using medical tape that has a granular look and will apply to the body before the black coat.

 

Finally, the wheels and tires in the kit are alright and suspension not bad, it would benefit from better tires, wheels, and brakes.  I pulled out some tires I felt would work from the parts bin along with a set of VW mags and drum brakes.  Again, since relatively exposed, I felt a little bit more detail is warranted.

I’ve washed the parts and am striping the chrome from the engine.  Getting ready to primer and need to select the color.

Something in a bigger sized metal flake perhaps?

Helped build a few of these way back in another lifetime. We also had molds and made several different style bodies.

I remember we had 30 gallon fiberboard barrels full of flake in silver, gold, blue, red and green to use in the finish.

 

[Exotics_Builder]

2 hours ago, OldTrucker said:

Something in a bigger sized metal flake perhaps?

Helped build a few of these way back in another lifetime. We also had molds and made several different style bodies.

I remember we had 30 gallon fiberboard barrels full of flake in silver, gold, blue, red and green to use in the finish.

 

Looking at Testors Electric Pink

[espo]

This is a great little kit and the extra detailing you're mentioning will go a long way. I built one to represent a basic floor pan and roll bar set up of one I owned years ago. The instructions in the kit suggest mounting the front brake drums is actually backwards. With a little study of the parts and the picture on the instructions you will pick that up easily. As for the body sides, your idea of a texture to represent the ruff fiber glass sound good. A friend of mine had one built for him around the '68 era. His had an option where they installed a flat panel that covered that area and had the same finish as the top of the body. While it gave his a more finished look but his was primarily a street driven rig and I doubt if it ever went off the pavement.   

[Mike C.]

The tape on the underbody is a really good idea. The electric pink sounds like it would cool. Can't remember seeing one in that color before. ?

[Vintage AMT]

Dune buggies are just plain cool..

[PHolden74]

Interesting build but pretty sure it's gonna be great!

[David G.]

It looks like you're throwing a lot of detail at this one, it'll be great when it's finished.

David G.

[OldTrucker]

I remember building some of the Manx kits with side pods.

[slusher]

Gerry, I like your build planes buddy. I will be watching. I have the Elvis version to build…

[MeatMan]

Nice!

[Exotics_Builder]

Back at this as time permits.  I selected VW custom wheels and different tires.  The wheels are from Diolex and 3D printed.  I cleaned them, then primered, and coated with Revell Chrome Spray.  I did drill out for the eventual air valves.

Looking at reference data of the 1:1, there are a set of bolts attaching the body to the altered VW Beetle chassis.  I marked these and drilled them out in the body and the chassis.  I will be using resin bolts and nuts to mimic the “hardware” and give a more realistic look.

I chose to paint the body Testors Electric Pink and will use Mr. Hobby Black Primer for the lower part of the body.  Here you see it painted in the base coat, awaiting the clear coat and lower body color.

I assembled the engine as I usually do, adding wiring, fuel lines and linkage.  I needed to do a little “surgery” to get the Webel Carb Air Cleaners to clear the body shell.  For the suspension, I went into the parts stash again and fitted Replicas and Miniatures finned brake drums, adapting them for the wheels.  I chose Drum brakes all around instead of disks because I felt it would better fit the period of the vehicle.  I am not totally wild about the straight rod simulating the drive axles (no boots) but decided to leave as is.

Will add the resin bolts to the chassis and then put aside until I paint the body and attach them.  Still deciding on the interior; rear seat or tonneau cover or open with battery exposed.

 

[slusher]

Awesome work, Gerry!

[David G.]

It's nice seeing this one back on the bench.

It's been a while! ? 

The engine and chassis look great, good color choice too.

David G.