AMT '65 Chevelle AWB

[Rocking Rodney Rat]

This is about as close to a box stock build as I get. I love these olde AMT altered wheelbase kits, there's something about their ridiculous simplicity that speaks to me. That's probably from lusting over these kits in the Auto World catalog in the '60s. Given that these kits would seem to have a limited appeal based on their simplicity, it's amazing that AMT (Round 2) would spend the time and effort to re-tool this kit. The body is a whole new tooling, while the rest of the parts are based on the original parts, but they have been re-tooled. I suppose it's easier to re-tool off of existing parts, but still...I grabbed three of these kits (thanks, KK). 

I did make a few changes:

-I used the injector stacks from the Rat Packer version of these kits instead of the blower. I reshaped the hole in the hood (longer and narrower) to accommodate the stacks.

-I used the older hard plastic tires, the rubber ones in the kit are new and a faithful representation of the plastic ones.

-I did not use the kit front wheels, too pretty for this build, I'm saving them for a future project. These wheels have only been seen in this kit and the Olds 85 version of these kits.

-I made my own front firewall (not sure what to call it, what would normally support a radiator) to hang the gas tank on. I added a master cylinder and rear drum brakes as the kit has none, nor does the kit doesn't have any steering linkage from the firewall to the front axle, I didn't add one. 

-Paint is Tamiya Pearl Green with black and silver.

-Decals are mostly from the kit, a nice selection is included. I added a few more contingency decals from the decal bin. 

Thanks for stopping by.... I'm clearing off the bench, I'm not sure what's next.... -RRR

Edited November 18, 2023 by Rocking Rodney Rat

[Dennis Lacy]

Sometimes a simple, near out of the box project is what we need. Turned out awesome. Love the color choice!

[stevez]

Excellent!! Love those kits.

[Vettegasser]

Nice. 

[6bblbird]

I really like this one. Missed the first issue so I have to build one now!

[Mopar2]

Simple...But very cool build...

[bondo bill]

sharp build

[Yeah Nah]

Top job. Looks great!

[ChrisR]

VERY NICE!

[Zippi]

Great looking Drag Car.  The decals look really good on that body color.  I like the look with the inner fenders removed.  Nice job. 

[David G.]

A gorgeous build, everything looks spot-on.

David G.

[bobss396]

Very nice! I need to get one. A guy in my club just finished one, used Tamiya paints and box stock. I have an old Rat Packer from 1994 or so I have to resurrect. I picked up the AWB Mustang fastback last week.

[PappyD340]

Very nice!

[Scott8950]

Nice job

[Kit Karson]

RRR!  How is it when you get your mind wrapped around a straightforward wheel-standing AWB green machine you deliver in record time!  You laid down a klear finish on your klassik drag kar with stacks perfectly protruding through the hood and down turned four tube headers poking out under the fenders!  Khrome in all the right places just like Al Kalish liked it!  HYPERACTIVE -KK

[tim boyd]

On 11/18/2023 at 12:35 PM, Dennis Lacy said:

Sometimes a simple, near out of the box project is what we need. Turned out awesome. Love the color choice!

x2 from this corner....TIM 

[slusher]

Beautiful weekend warrior !

[Daddyfink]

?

Very nice! And the front panel is the Radiator Core Support

[bogger44]

Love the color, too.  Definitely looks the part.  These old AWB kits sure are fun even with their crazy simplicity.

[ColonelKrypton]

On 11/21/2023 at 8:38 PM, tim boyd said:

On 11/18/2023 at 12:35 PM, Dennis Lacy said:

Sometimes a simple, near out of the box project is what we need. Turned out awesome. Love the color choice!

x2 from this corner....TIM 

Ditto.

cheers, Graham

[TooOld]

That's one sharp looking Chevelle , well done Rodney !  I also remember drooling over these in the AW catalog back in  the 60's . 

[TarheelRick]

Very nice build.  I especially like the color. I had a 1:1 '65 SS Chevelle that was almost that color, just a bit darker. One observation I have made of these AWB kits is that there is no support for the front fenders.  Since most were fiberglass they would not last very long without some form of support.  Still, I really like this build.

[TransAmMike]

Yep, sure is a cool Chevelle and great build?

[Dan Hay]

I've got one of these, and planned to build it right out of the box as well.  Really looks good! 

[GoodbuildNY]

On 11/27/2023 at 8:12 AM, ColonelKrypton said:

Ditto.

cheers, Graham

Ditto!