64 Malibu

[lucas454]

As some of you know, in addition to my Challenger, I have also been lucky enough to once have owned a Chevelle. Since then I've been a bit of a Chevelle collector. The 64 was the only one not in my collection and I was excited when it was announced they were making this kit.

The kit itself sits in the "at least you tried" category. The body looks great, it has headlight lenses, a side mirror, and decals. All things I complain about in these kits. However, it kinda breaks down after that. It's got an opening hood, but NO ENGINE! Come on, really? Why bother? The interior tub is OK, but not great. The decals, are mostly useless. They either disappear when applied, or they're too small to fit over the script. The only ones I could use were for the dash, caps, and a couple emblems. Still, the model came out looking alright, and it's not like it's for competitions; just my private collection.


SAM_1683 by Eric Lucas, on Flickr

SAM_1684 by Eric Lucas, on Flickr

[406 Silverado]

LOL!!! No engine even though it's got an opening hood??!! Maybe they are leaving the options wide open? Does it have a radiator, brake master cylinder and all of that?

Looks like you brought this across the finish line in good style in any case Eric. Thank you for sharing not only the build but a mini-review as well.

[tcoat]

Aug 7, 2024 16:45:19 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

LOL!!! No engine even though it's got an opening hood??!! Maybe they are leaving the options wide open? Does it have a radiator, brake master cylinder and all of that?

Looks like you brought this across the finish line in good style in any case Eric. Thank you for sharing not only the build but a mini-review as well.

Made me curious. It has nothing. Only an insert with the bottom of the block. Yet there is some nice(ish) detail on top of the rad supports and the fender walls are the right shape.




Insert by chassis. Is is a whole new tool not made with the molds from the old AMT curbside kit version of the promo model.





Maybe they do have some future plans for a more deluxe kit or are giving us options to scratch up the inners with the Craftsman Plus series.

[kyledehart5]

I thought this whole line was pretty unique when they first started popping these things out so I watched some videos on it a few years back. The idea behind the “craftsman plus” line of new tool kits is firstly allowing a simple build of a curbside shelf model but also leaving the model open to whatever modifications or engine choices you want. The tooling is all new but mostly they have scanned and used the original promos or annuals as a base. And just improved as needed. The bodies are the highlight as the details are simplified throughout. That’s the “craftsmen plus” philosophy. Is being the craftsmen that we are we can elevate the kits. Sometimes Round 2 will turn around and release a complete version like with the 1963 Nova wagon. But others such as the 65 or 68 GTO have just been curbside with opening hoods and the bottom chassis plug. I built the ‘68 GTO and added an engine and was thankful for the little bit of under hood detail that was there so it didn’t look totally out of place. I actually really like this line of kits and have the ‘65 GTO and the Nova Wagon too.

Anyways. That was sort of long winded of me. Apologies. Love your Chevelle. Great work on the kit and it looks awesome in the color you chose. I love the early Chevelles

[lucas454]

Aug 7, 2024 18:24:28 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

I thought this whole line was pretty unique when they first started popping these things out so I watched some videos on it a few years back. The idea behind the “craftsman plus” line of new tool kits is firstly allowing a simple build of a curbside shelf model but also leaving the model open to whatever modifications or engine choices you want. The tooling is all new but mostly they have scanned and used the original promos or annuals as a base. And just improved as needed. The bodies are the highlight as the details are simplified throughout. That’s the “craftsmen plus” philosophy. Is being the craftsmen that we are we can elevate the kits. Sometimes Round 2 will turn around and release a complete version like with the 1963 Nova wagon. But others such as the 65 or 68 GTO have just been curbside with opening hoods and the bottom chassis plug. I built the ‘68 GTO and added an engine and was thankful for the little bit of under hood detail that was there so it didn’t look totally out of place. I actually really like this line of kits and have the ‘65 GTO and the Nova Wagon too.

Anyways. That was sort of long winded of me. Apologies. Love your Chevelle. Great work on the kit and it looks awesome in the color you chose. I love the early Chevelles

No, you're good.  I get what they're trying to do, but it's not really what buyers want.  Like, it's not like we have spare engines for models lying around.  And, I'm not buying and engine kit off eBay or an engine from a kit off eBay.  It's frustrating because they have cars that I don't have and can't get from another company, but their kits aren't great.  I also hate people throwing out the excuse that they're 50-60 year old based kits.  Well, that's not an excuse.  If your company model doesn't have you improving the product over time; then you have a failed business model.  Even some of the "new tooled" kits are good, but not great. They need to put some effort into some new tooling and more detailed/accurate kits.

[lucas454]

Aug 7, 2024 16:45:19 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

LOL!!! No engine even though it's got an opening hood??!! Maybe they are leaving the options wide open? Does it have a radiator, brake master cylinder and all of that?

Looks like you brought this across the finish line in good style in any case Eric. Thank you for sharing not only the build but a mini-review as well.

Well, by now you can see the other post with the hood open.  I do think there was a firewall too, but not very detailed.  I don't remember a master cylinder in the kit.  Sorry, but I put it up in a box earlier. 

[kyledehart5]

I hear you there Eric. And you’re probably right. I’d say for the most part those kits aren’t what most model builders want. And Round 2 engineering is a far cry from Tamiya engineering, that’s for sure. I guess those kits are aimed at builders like me. I like the subjects and don’t mind building curbside at all. I also have several engines floating around from 3d printers and old Revell and AMT parts packs. Also, I’m a pretty twisted individual and just love those old kits. I don’t know why. Lol. But you’re 100% right. Most guys want an engine, and want some decent detail. These kits are all super soft on that, no argument from me.

[handiabled]

Great looking Chevelle! I revived a friends 65 convertible from 25 years in storage. Same color only red interior as well.