Advice Needed: 1964 Impala to Bel Air Conversion.

[Casson16]

Hi Everyone! Im looking to build a stock 64 Bel Air (possibly from the Revell 1964 lowrider kit) 

Has anyone built this kit, how was it? And any advice on my conversion plans and what I may require?

 

[64SS350]

The Revell kit is more detailed, I believe separate frame, opening trunk, etc. It is also an Impala SS, which means chrome and badge removal/change. Also the rooflines are different between an Impala and the Bel-Air, and usually only 4 rear lights/lenses vs 6 on the Impala. These are the major visible differences, not including drivetrain, motor, interior ,and other available options.

There are resins out there with I believe two or four door options.

[Casson16]

5 minutes ago, 64SS350 said:

The Revell kit is more detailed, I believe separate frame, opening trunk, etc. It is also an Impala SS, which means chrome and badge removal/change. Also the rooflines are different between an Impala and the Bel-Air, and usually only 4 rear lights/lenses vs 6 on the Impala. These are the major visible differences, not including drivetrain, motor, interior ,and other available options.

There are resins out there with I believe two or four door options.

Thanks ! I didn't realize they had different rooflines. And, you mean there are resin Bel Airs available? I've never purchased a resin product before - is it as simple as using the resin body with the Revell interior and chassis ? Thanks ! 

[64SS350]

With all resin products, it's part of the acceptance that their could /will be some clean up, pin holes , sanding, fitting,etc. It all depends on the quality of the piece. They are not hard to work with, just some different processes and precautions are required. But, to be able to get a car or whatever, that has never been kitted, it can be an acceptable trade off.

[NOBLNG]

[W-409]

Like mentioned above, Bel Air was not available as a Hardtop, which is the body style that all of the Impala kits represent. The small trim changes etc and tail light removal is quite simple and easy to do on an Impala body, but converting the roofline from a Hardtop to Sedan is a lot of work, so that's where the resin body becomes a good idea.

I'm sure there are probably several resin manufacturers that offer a Bel Air bodies in either two or four door version. I'm pretty sure at least Model Car World should have those things available and from what I've understood their quality is usually pretty good. One thing to consider with the resin body, is to find out what kit they used as a master for the casting, meaning, which model kit the resin body fits together with. In the case of a '64 Chevy, I'm thinking the resin body will probably fit either the Revell kit or an AMT kit, but probably not both.

In addition to the body, some interior parts will also need to be modified for a lower trim level if you're looking for a factory stock approach, and possible some other small modifications need to be done as well.

 

I've built the Revell Impala years ago, it's a really nice kit! I don't remember having any major fit issues or other problems with that kit.

Edited November 13, 2024 by W-409

[NOBLNG]

3 hours ago, Casson16 said:

Hi Everyone! Im looking to build a stock 64 Bel Air (possibly from the Revell 1964 lowrider kit) 

Has anyone built this kit, how was it? And any advice on my conversion plans and what I may require?

 

The only issue I had with the lowrider kit is that the tail lights are horrible. They are too big, too thick and not evenly shaped. I wound up scratch building mine. Otherwise it is a really nice kit.

[Rob Hall]

MCW used to offer a resin ‘64 Biscayne 2dr sedan, I have one, it’s pretty nice.  I don’t know of any currently available.  

[Casson16]

Awesome. Do you have any pictures of your build? And, which chassis and interior did you use for it? I’m assuming the Biscayne is closer to the Belair for the roof line?

[Rob Hall]

7 minutes ago, Casson16 said:

Awesome. Do you have any pictures of your build? And, which chassis and interior did you use for it? I’m assuming the Biscayne is closer to the Belair for the roof line?

Yeah, same roofline..the Biscayne is just more stripped down.  I think it is made to work with the Revell '64 Impala. I never built it, need to find it..it's somewhere in my stash.