AMT Alan Kulwicki Zerex Thunderbird

[kyledehart5]

Hopping in here. In the process of finishing up a build now, and still working on another but its much closer to completed than not, so Neither of those are appropriate. However, I have just cracked into this one. I don't watch NASCAR at all anymore but used to be a big fan. Cheap flea market find that I decided to stick together. Decals seem to be relatively ok. I've never built one of the AMT NASCAR kits so this will be new to me. Nothing to show yet, as I have just primed the body and just stuck a couple of pieces of cage together. More updates hopefully soon though!

[406 Silverado]

This one will be fun to watch. I had the Mark Martin #6 car a LONG time ago that was released right around the same time this one was (per the type of box art). Like you, I was a huge fan back in the mid to late 90's and Mark Martin was my favorite driver. Not always in first place but consistently in the top 10.

Welcome to the Group Build Kyle and I'm certainly looking forward to seeing this one being built up.

[kyledehart5]

Aug 1, 2023 5:32:51 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

This one will be fun to watch. I had the Mark Martin #6 car a LONG time ago that was released right around the same time this one was (per the type of box art). Like you, I was a huge fan back in the mid to late 90's and Mark Martin was my favorite driver. Not always in first place but consistently in the top 10.

Welcome to the Group Build Kyle and I'm certainly looking forward to seeing this one being built up.

Also was a big Mark Martin fan. I have the Folgers T-bird (monogram) to do at some point. Another flea market find. I'm looking forward to getting into it.

[kyledehart5]

Well, I am usually pretty terrible at WIP type stuff, as I never remember to take photos or document progress. I will try to do a little better about that for this build. Paint complete, clear coated and decals on. The ancient AMT decals mostly did what I wanted them to, but for some reason on the left side they didn't like my Mr. Mark Softer. The rest of the decals were fine but they wrinkled up slightly and tried to crack on the left side. It isn't horrible and it's nearly impossible to get 1/25 scale replacements. And to be honest, I'm just not that bothered about it. 10 dollar flea market find, it is what it is. I also believe I painted the blue on the rear of the car just a touch too high. Again, not bothered. It's going to look like the Zerex Thunderbird so I am happy. Photos attached. I also started another project around the same time as this and since they were both done with paint I went on a little decal frenzy last night. So some bonus photos of my 1957 Bowes Seal Fast Kurtis 500G.

[70 STING]

So many decals… and large ones too. Scary stuff kids.

[406 Silverado]

You're doing good for 25 year old decals Kyle. If I ever do one of these I'll probably get replacements printed up after seeing what those did on your car but I'm sure you'll be able to smooth things out as you go. Good work on tough decals regardless of age.

[kyledehart5]

Aug 6, 2023 6:40:48 GMT -5 70 STING said:

So many decals… and large ones too. Scary stuff kids.

Ha! I enjoy decals. I used to hate them but since I’ve come back to the hobby for some reason I really enjoy that part of the process. Very relaxing…until I screw something up…then many choice words are said. Lol.

[kyledehart5]

Aug 6, 2023 12:38:56 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

You're doing good for 25 year old decals Kyle. If I ever do one of these I'll probably get replacements printed up after seeing what those did on your car but I'm sure you'll be able to smooth things out as you go. Good work on tough decals regardless of age.

Almost 35 year old decals Joe 😬 If you ever do one just get a Revell Monogram. I actually have Monogram Tbird as well with some Powerslide decals. No doubt that process will go much smoother. There’s a fantastic aftermarket for those kits in 1/24 scale. These AMT kits in 1/25 scale seem to be the unwanted step children. I could’ve bought another sheet of AMT decals off eBay, or had some replacements printed (I did scan this sheet before using). More updates soon!

[deafpanzer]

I used to hate decals too but now it's kinda fun but it can be a nerve wrecking experience sometimes cause it can go wrong. You did great work there!

[martslay]

Cool job!

[kyledehart5]

Aug 7, 2023 8:08:12 GMT -5 deafpanzer said:

I used to hate decals too but now it's kinda fun but it can be a nerve wrecking experience sometimes cause it can go wrong. You did great work there!

Thank you! It can (and invariably does) go wrong but it’s pretty satisfying when it all comes together. I don’t even attempt decals unless I’m in the right state of mind because I know I’ll get in a hurry and mess something up immediately.

[kyledehart5]

Aug 7, 2023 12:44:27 GMT -5 martslay said:

Cool job!

Thanks!

[Joe Rix]

What a fun build Kyle. I was a big fan of Kulwicki fan. But, I was an absolutely huge fan of Mark Martin. Your efforts so far look good to me. You seem to be handling the decals nicely. I also enjoy the work on your 500G. It all looks right sharp.

[kyledehart5]

Aug 10, 2023 22:44:41 GMT -5 Joe Rix said:

What a fun build Kyle. I was a big fan of Kulwicki fan. But, I was an absolutely huge fan of Mark Martin. Your efforts so far look good to me. You seem to be handling the decals nicely. I also enjoy the work on your 500G. It all looks right sharp.

Thanks Joe! I’m actually making some progress as we speak. Mark Martin was my favorite from when I got into nascar. I’m really looking forward to the Folgers T bird sometime down the road. I don’t build nascar models too often, however my wife likes hitting flea markets and antique malls and every time I see them in those places they’re usually too cheap to pass up. Seems not to be much of a demand for them in the flea market scene. Lol. And thanks for the comments on the 500G as well, a truly lovely machine.

[406 Silverado]

Come to find out I had caught up on that last update. Just goes to show you how tired I was last night. lol

It's all good now....I'm tanked up on coffee this morning already.

[handiabled]

I have seen Nascar kits go cheap on Goodwill Auctions online. I'll be watching this one! Back in the day Nascar racing when it was really racing. I still remember losing Kulwicki and Allison so close together. Rusty Wallace was my favorite from that era.

[kyledehart5]

Aug 11, 2023 5:31:49 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

Come to find out I had caught up on that last update. Just goes to show you how tired I was last night. lol

It's all good now....I'm tanked up on coffee this morning already.

😂 all good. Glad you’re awake now. Should have another update tonight

[kyledehart5]

Aug 11, 2023 8:23:44 GMT -5 handiabled said:

I have seen Nascar kits go cheap on Goodwill Auctions online. I'll be watching this one! Back in the day Nascar racing when it was really racing. I still remember losing Kulwicki and Allison so close together. Rusty Wallace was my favorite from that era.

Welcome! Allison’s Havoline car was actually my first nascar build a couple years ago. They’re fun builds and when I can get them for cheap I definitely will build them.

[kyledehart5]

Quick update. Moving along. Chassis painted, and got a jump on the cage. Interior got a start and the engine only needs wiring and some valve covers to be completed. More soon

[handiabled]

Interior looks great so far! That inside the decaled body will really look the part. I've got this one bookmarked for sure.

[406 Silverado]

Aug 13, 2023 5:13:02 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

Quick update. Moving along. Chassis painted, and got a jump on the cage. Interior got a start and the engine only needs wiring and some valve covers to be completed. More soon

I do remember that dash in the box with the two MSD ignition boxes which I always thought were a great addition to the interior.  Good progress on this one Kyle. Beautiful work man.

[martslay]

It looks great! I'm waiting for the continuation.

[kyledehart5]

Aug 13, 2023 6:42:08 GMT -5 handiabled said:

Interior looks great so far! That inside the decaled body will really look the part. I've got this one bookmarked for sure.

Thank you!

[kyledehart5]

Aug 13, 2023 7:50:53 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

Aug 13, 2023 5:13:02 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

Quick update. Moving along. Chassis painted, and got a jump on the cage. Interior got a start and the engine only needs wiring and some valve covers to be completed. More soon

I do remember that dash in the box with the two MSD ignition boxes which I always thought were a great addition to the interior.  Good progress on this one Kyle. Beautiful work man.

Thanks! We’re getting there. I like the 2 MSD boxes too. A nice little bit of extra detail

[kyledehart5]

Aug 13, 2023 11:44:49 GMT -5 martslay said:

It looks great! I'm waiting for the continuation.

Thank you! Should have more soon

[kyledehart5]

Some quick updates on this one too. Engine wired and installed. Cage completed. Test fit once that was complete and it fits in ok. Still need to get the steering wheel slid in there. Got a jump on the bottom of the chassis. Not much left now.

[buddho]

A beautiful build. Love the interior and the body is gorgeous. AMT kits were fun to build.

[kyledehart5]

Aug 17, 2023 21:15:23 GMT -5 buddho said:

A beautiful build. Love the interior and the body is gorgeous. AMT kits were fun to build.

Thank you! You know this is my first AMT nascar build? Built a couple of the monogram ones but this one is nice too. I’m glad I picked it up. It’s been a fun one.

[handiabled]

Coming together fast! The body on the chassis looks fantastic

[kyledehart5]

Aug 18, 2023 1:42:31 GMT -5 handiabled said:

Coming together fast! The body on the chassis looks fantastic

Thank you again!