AMT 1968 Pontiac GTO-12/24 complete

[kyledehart5]

Christmas present build #3 for me. And, Well, since Joe Rix reminded me, I guess I'd better start up a thread for this one. I just got it washed up and I'll start painting some stuff later today. This will be a black on black GTO to replicate one of my father-in-laws old cars that he misses. Reference photos are either non-existent entirely or very few and far between. That hasn't been established yet. The wife is fishing for photos. But I did ask him about the car and he gave me some details. 400-4 speed, all factory everything. No mods. So, enter AMT's "new" Craftsman plus 68 GTO. I'll show you what's in the box as it isn't much. They say its all new tooling, and it is very clean so it probably is. However, It's based off an old promo but has been retooled and no, it isn't exactly a screw bottom anymore, although it does retain many of those characteristics. Still, a nice jumping off point. I have also ordered a couple of more vintage pontiac kits to possibly steal an engine out of. That depends entirely on my own build time and how quickly the build progresses. If I'm too busy then he'll just get a curbside. Anyways, here is the kit.

Very nice body. Super clean with no mold lines visible to speak of. But great trim detail. I will prime it and see if I need to soften any edges or anything.





Then you have the chassis, with all molded in details, much like your original promo, but extremely nicely done. Separate exhausts would've been a nice modern touch and saved on a lot of detail painting. Also, a couple white sprues containing the wheel backs, hood and nose, engine plug and promo style interior tub with molded in pedals and very soft molded in details on the door panels. Definitely a shortcoming for this kit. 







Then you have the clear glass pieces, tires with red lines or black walls, and a beautiful chrome tree, and a comprehensive decal sheet with everything you need.





And a couple closeups, different pinstriping options on the decal sheet, all of the badging you would need and handy instrument cluster decals.

The chrome tree offers Rallye 1 or 2 wheels and also a beautiful grille and bumper set. Really nice and smooth.







Finally the instructions. Exceedingly simple. It is just a fold out front and back.





Honestly, it is a really nice kit. And these Craftsman plus can be a lot of fun to play around with. OOB it is over-simplified but man would this be an awesome one to build if you were a kid interested in cars or someone that was new to the hobby. And plenty of room to improve it if you so choose. I really like the whole of the Craftsman plus line. So that is what I have to work with and I will get to painting some stuff and priming hopefully later today.

[atomicholiday]

Looks like a really nice kit for what’s included. I’ll be picking one up eventually.
I’m interested to hear how it goes for you.👍

[handiabled]

Bookmarked! This will be fun to see come to life

[Joe Rix]

Sure glad you opted to do a WIP on this Kyle. I didn't realize it was such a simple kit. With that, I am now more intrigued with what you are going to do on this kit. I guarantee that I am going to get some car building tips out of this.

[TJ]

Nov 27, 2023 23:49:12 GMT -5 Joe Rix said:

Sure glad you opted to do a WIP on this Kyle. I didn't realize it was such a simple kit. With that, I am now more intrigued with what you are going to do on this kit. I guarantee that I am going to get some car building tips out of this.

Yeah what he said

[406 Silverado]

This does look like one of the better US curbside kits that I've seen. I will say that the molded in exhaust system gives me the heebee jeebee's. Yikes!! I'm sure you'll pull it off well and all but dang.....masking that off is VERY difficult.

[kyledehart5]

Nov 27, 2023 14:34:25 GMT -5 atomicholiday said:

Looks like a really nice kit for what’s included. I’ll be picking one up eventually.
I’m interested to hear how it goes for you.👍

I do think its a solid little kit and I think the kit itself will go really smooth. It's just how much detail I have time to add before Christmas. We will see. 

Nov 27, 2023 15:04:45 GMT -5 handiabled said:

Bookmarked! This will be fun to see come to life

Thank you! I think it will be a fun one. 

Nov 27, 2023 23:49:12 GMT -5 Joe Rix said:

Sure glad you opted to do a WIP on this Kyle. I didn't realize it was such a simple kit. With that, I am now more intrigued with what you are going to do on this kit. I guarantee that I am going to get some car building tips out of this.

Oh yes Joe, I think this would be great for a first time model car builder or something for someone to practice painting on or the like. Very simple. But the only game in town if you want to build a 1968 (this or the old promo)  Should be a fun one. If I have time I'll try to elevate it a little bit. 

Nov 28, 2023 5:12:24 GMT -5 TJ said:

Nov 27, 2023 23:49:12 GMT -5 Joe Rix said:

Sure glad you opted to do a WIP on this Kyle. I didn't realize it was such a simple kit. With that, I am now more intrigued with what you are going to do on this kit. I guarantee that I am going to get some car building tips out of this.

Yeah what he said

Thanks for stopping by!

Nov 28, 2023 6:14:24 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

This does look like one of the better US curbside kits that I've seen. I will say that the molded in exhaust system gives me the heebee jeebee's. Yikes!! I'm sure you'll pull it off well and all but dang.....masking that off is VERY difficult.

It's pretty nice. I feel like that would've been an easy upgrade for those guys when they were redoing the tools though. And here we come to my first tactic. I won't mask it all off. I'll spray the chassis and then use a Mr. Color or Jumpwind metallic and brush paint the exhaust system. I'lll likely drill out the end of the tips where the molding terminates as well. If I make a mistake (i will) Then ill go back over it with the other color. And back and forth until I'm satisfied. I still love using my hairy stick even though I now airbrush more than ever before. 

[deafpanzer]

You are definitely on roll!!! Please remind me to tell you about small stash of car kits that I am about to give away... I think you will like them.

[kyledehart5]

Nov 28, 2023 11:58:55 GMT -5 deafpanzer said:

You are definitely on roll!!! Please remind me to tell you about small stash of car kits that I am about to give away... I think you will like them.

Hey Andy!! That sound most interesting. I love talking and hearing about model kits. So, whenever you want to tell me about it. 😂😂😂

[maverick]

Kool! I'll be tuning in for this one! Have one in the queue with a 69 olds for the chassis and suspension. Will also be pillaging the 400 from a Revell 68 Firebird kit for it. Gotta get Novacaine done first though. Keep us posted!!!

[kyledehart5]

Nov 28, 2023 17:25:18 GMT -5 maverick said:

Kool! I'll be tuning in for this one! Have one in the queue with a 69 olds for the chassis and suspension. Will also be pillaging the 400 from a Revell 68 Firebird kit for it. Gotta get Novacaine done first though. Keep us posted!!!

Yes, that is a good plan. And if I had any time to plan the build out I may have attempted to source some kits for running gear. As it was spur of the moment, he'll get what he gets. Lol. I will for sure keep the thread updated. 

[kyledehart5]

And, I've totally forgotten updates on this one. Sorry. So here is a big one.

Body painted and clear coated. Black is not my favorite.







Interior completed, wood grain hand painted, gauges are decals (clear glue still drying as lenses) and black flocking used. Also Rally 2 wheels painted







I almost forgot that the chassis is also done. Did some light dry brushing and weathering, and just detail painted everything in different shades. I also drilled out the exhaust tips.



Now, we are working on an engine. Still reserving judgement over whether it will be installed or not, but a 400 Pontiac is under construction. Stay tuned!

[tcoat]

Looks really good so far!

[handiabled]

Love the Redline tires! Your paint job looks wonderful!

[atomicholiday]

Wow Kyle, this thing is looking terrific! I really like the all black look. And your wheels... Dang!
Can't wait to see this one under glass.

[2whl]

I see what you mean when you said it was a very basic kit. it's looking great.

[kyledehart5]

Dec 16, 2023 0:37:05 GMT -5 tcoat said:

Looks really good so far!

Thank you!

Dec 16, 2023 7:56:56 GMT -5 handiabled said:

Love the Redline tires! Your paint job looks wonderful!

Thank you! Yeah, I don't actually know if he had redlines, but took some artistic license as I fell they always look great on a black car. 

Dec 16, 2023 8:18:02 GMT -5 atomicholiday said:

Wow Kyle, this thing is looking terrific! I really like the all black look. And your wheels... Dang!
Can't wait to see this one under glass.

Thank you very much! Shouldn't be too long now, and it will be under glass and ready to be given away. 

Dec 16, 2023 9:18:29 GMT -5 2whl said:

I see what you mean when you said it was a very basic kit. it's looking great.

Thanks Paul. Yes, there isn't much to it at all. Since my wife sprung the idea on me last minute, I'm not stressing over it. Adding what I can simply.  I mocked up the engine this morning, and may have to just trim off a bit more of the chassis. Going to make sure everything is basically done before I commit to fitting it in there. 

[maverick]

Stellar progress so far. Paint looks good from my house!! Carry on sir!

[kyledehart5]

Dec 18, 2023 21:04:11 GMT -5 maverick said:

Stellar progress so far. Paint looks good from my house!! Carry on sir!

Thanks very much!

[eaglecash867]

"The question is...what could be blacker than this? And the answer is...none...none blacker."~This is Spinal Tap

Amazing paint work, Kyle! Really cool how you brought out all of those molded in details on the chassis.

[brandonk]

I was gonna grab one of these and use the body and interior with one of my 69's and build it up normal. Looks like you will have a real nice one here.

[kyledehart5]

Dec 19, 2023 7:06:16 GMT -5 eaglecash867 said:

"The question is...what could be blacker than this? And the answer is...none...none blacker."~This is Spinal Tap

Amazing paint work, Kyle! Really cool how you brought out all of those molded in details on the chassis.

Thank you very much!! And my chassis technique is crude, but relatively effective. lol

Dec 19, 2023 10:42:51 GMT -5 brandonk said:

I was gonna grab one of these and use the body and interior with one of my 69's and build it up normal. Looks like you will have a real nice one here.

Thank you! If you have the time and the inclination, some extra details added to the door panels would really elevate the interior. I had neither but my father-in-law will be happy enough. The body is really nice though, so it will look good over any chassis.

[kyledehart5]

Well, this thing nears the finish line and will be under glass tomorrow for sure. Just in time to give away!!

Engine installed after all. Came out of the old 66/67 GTO promo. Mostly just a blob of styrene but I tried to church it up a little



Just used some solder to add some pipes from the manifolds to the molded in exhaust sytem.



And she sits up on her wheels ok. Here sitting with my other Christmas present build. If anyone builds this kit, I'd recommend dropping the nose just a sliver. It sits pretty level but these cars always have that high nose look with the large rear overhang. At least in my opinion. Glamour shots will be taken tomorrow or Christmas Eve after I get a few things buttoned up. 

[406 Silverado]

Is that a Fireball carburetor that you have in that engine bay Kyle? Lot's detailing going on with that mill. You've done a pretty snazzy job on that chassis as well in painting that molded in exhaust. You're a better man than me because I dang sure don't think I could've done as good of a job as you did working with that. Beautiful work bud.

[atomicholiday]

That engine looks just great sitting in there. Very tidy.
I'm a real sucker for old Pontiac. And this one is shaping up beautifully.

[brandonk]

Noice!! Startin' to look like a fella's goin' to town rig.

[deafpanzer]

So close to the finish line... I am positive that Santa will promote you as his top elf!

[kyledehart5]

Dec 23, 2023 8:00:40 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

Is that a Fireball carburetor that you have in that engine bay Kyle? Lot's detailing going on with that mill. You've done a pretty snazzy job on that chassis as well in painting that molded in exhaust. You're a better man than me because I dang sure don't think I could've done as good of a job as you did working with that. Beautiful work bud.

That is a carburetor from Joel at Iceman Collections. A lovely little piece. Thanks very much! These old (or brand new in this case) molded in chassis kits are fun sometimes. 

Dec 23, 2023 9:47:20 GMT -5 atomicholiday said:

That engine looks just great sitting in there. Very tidy.
I'm a real sucker for old Pontiac. And this one is shaping up beautifully.

Thank you very much! Had to add a better carb, distributor and an alternator bracket but other than that it’s all from the kit. 

Dec 23, 2023 9:51:31 GMT -5 brandonk said:

Noice!! Startin' to look like a fella's goin' to town rig.

Thanks very much!

Dec 23, 2023 11:03:35 GMT -5 deafpanzer said:

So close to the finish line... I am positive that Santa will promote you as his top elf!

I think it may be done now Andy…final photos soon. 

[tcoat]

Little GTO you're really lookin' fine

Wa-wa wa, wa, wa, wa, wa, wa

[project510]

Lookin good! The black has a nice shine! I bet if you used some polish on it it would smooth it out a bit more and give it an even nicer look. I learned so much with my first black paint job haha.