1970 Pontiac LeMans kit?

[gawrycht]

I am a "newbie" in the model car world, having only built military figures/models to this point. I decided to jump in and try to build some replicas of cars I either have (1967 Olds Cutlass convertible) or cars I used to have (1971 Olds Cutlass Supreme). My first car, though, was a 1970 Pontiac LeMans and I would like to start off with that one. I can't find any kits out there, though, in either 1/24 or 1/25.

Does anyone know of a kit for that LeMans? I don't think any major manufacturers are producing it (i.e. Revell, etc.) but since I don't know much about the model car market I was hoping there might possibly be a "cottage" manufacturer I don't know about. If no kits, are there any recommendations on what kit might be used as a basis to covert? Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Tom

Edited April 19, 2010 by gawrycht

[Junkman]

There is no LeMans kit, but you could "lemansate" a GTO. Same with the Gutless. You could modify a 442 kit.

Edited April 19, 2010 by Junkman

[gawrycht]

Thanks for the info. I was afraid of that ... I supposed it can't be much more difficult that modifying some of the other models I have done. I guess the big stumbling block for me is how to modify the front end/bumpers. I did pick up a couple of the 442s to modify for the Cutlass. Maybe I will start with that one because it might be a little easier to modify. Thanks again!

[george 53]

Tom, I don't beleive there WAS a body stlye difference between a normal Cutlass an a 442. other than little trim stuff. I looked at some LeMans's after I saw your first post, an that front bumper/grille would be the hardest most major alteration. you'd probably hafta use TWO kits, one to mod the front end, and the other to install it on! I DO have an extra front end off a 72 that you could have if you wanted to try to mod it. just PM me with your addy and I'll send ya that rascal!

[gawrycht]

George ... just PM'd my address to you ... and thanks!

The front end issue on the LeMans is definitely my biggest concern. I can't see any way around some big time scratch building/modification but it looks like that is the only way I will get my LeMans. I didn't notice much difference in body styles on the Cutlass, either. I am thinking, at this point, the hardes part will be creating a new bench seat for the front instead of buckets. That shouldn't be as difficult as the Pontiac issues, though!

Edited April 20, 2010 by gawrycht

[Foxer]

This caught my interest because I had a '67 Tempest that I plan to build from a '66 GTO. Mine will be a much easier conversion than doing a '70 Tempest it seems.

That front chrome bumper does look like the bear, as George says. Just for interest, I had a kit of an AMT 1970 Pontiac GTO Super Stocker that was released by Model King not too long ago. I'm not a Pontiac expert, but got me wondering if that body might have any advantage over the '72 GTO. I traded it away so I don't know how much they modified the body making it a "super stocker". Just a thought that someone might be able to expand on.

went looking so here's some boxes...

Edited April 20, 2010 by Foxer

[Nick Winter]

there's a resin '70 gto nose on the market.

[AzTom]

I hope someone would make an aftermarket 70 Lemans nose. I also need one.

AzTom

[Junkman]

Since you brought up the subject, I'm actually quite surprised that these cars don't find the fancy they deserve with the resin casters. Considering what complex conversions they often come up with, milking the GTOs and 442s would appear to be a comparatively straightforward thing to do for them. But, alas.