When friend and well-respected Editor Rich Boyd called and asked me to scribble a model column or two for CCT some time ago I had several thoughts. First, Cool!, then Jeez, now I'll have to finish a model. Like most adult hobbyists, I build what I like when I have time, with time being a rare commodity. After getting the call, I went home and sorted through my collection of unfinished projects and old shelf-worn models. I found one of my favorite subjects and spent a few evenings bringing it up to an acceptable, but not obsessive, level of finish.
Dozens of times I've seen friends refinish and restore full-scale custom vehicles, upgrading components, fit and finish, and interior appointments as time and budget allowed. The rarity of some older model subjects, kids' unauthorized bounce tests, normal wear and tear, and (at least here in California) the occasional shelf-emptying earthquake can make the rebuild of an old favorite almost a necessity. This particular project was a rewarding experience because the new piece is far nicer than it was.
Our subject model is an AMT '65 El Camino, an old parts box refugee that was started years ago. Recently, the old kit was discovered among my countless unfinished projects. With this quick buildup, I wanted to try out a few visual cues, mainly color, rolling stock, and stance, without finishing all the running gear and suspension details. Model building is supposed to be a relaxing hobby, so we feel every project needn't be a complicated one.
Our El Camino kit, like many of the vintage subjects in the vast AMT catalog, is being reissued so you can try your own ideas without blowing your entire model budget on an expensive kit. If you don't have a good local shop in your area, try Slixx Hobbies at the number listed below.
An AMT '65 El Camino kit provided the base for this project. The mostly stock body was sanded to remove the emblems and trim, primed with Tamiya's fast-drying acrylic primer, and painted with the company's new Brilliant Orange solid color topcoat. The main color was followed by Tamiya pearl white, faded up from the rocker panels, then three coats of Tamiya clear. Chrome trim was treated with Bare Metal Foil. The thick kit window unit was replaced with individual windows cut from Evergreen clear sheet styrene.
Even with a very simple model, rolling stock is a primary visual tool. We used a set of five-spoke Americans from Revell's great '59 Corvette kit with vented NASCAR disc brake rotors from Slixx Hobbies. Revell also makes a nice '66 El Camino kit that features a better chassis, ripe for transplant to the AMT '65. The interior is a mix of the stock AMT interior bucket with the '68 El Camino bucket seats, inside mirror, and custom banjo-style steering wheel.