Aircraft guy wants to build Corvette. Help

Thanks very much for the detailed report on the classic kits out there. I had done and litle bit reserch on the MPC kits and I dont really think theyve even captured the correct body style. I think what Im going to do is wait one more week untill are big model show here in Toronto and then see what the car guys got and have to sell..   and by the way its NOT ORANGE!!  its torch red.lol  and I chose the color one year before the C-5s came out with the same color.

Thanks again Dave

Trevor Murphy

The only 1977 Vette kit was the MPC annual one that was issued in you guessed it... 1977!  It was 1/25 scale, only the Monogram kits of this vintage were in 1/24.  I believe that MPC also issued their corvette kits in 1/20 scale, but the 1/20 ones are not very popular nowadays.  I picked up a built up 77 kit on ebay a couple of years ago for cheap, and used the body and hood only, all else was taken from the 1975 AMT convertible re-issue.  As an owner of the actual car, you will notice that these vintage kits leave a lot to be desired when compared to the prototype, such as incorrect exhaust system and aircleaner, no power brake booster, no AC options on the belt or firewall, no emissions stuff and only an automatic transmission.  Also the engine appears to be the same big block that came in the 1975 kit, too large to be a 350 which was the largest engine available in 1977.  But the body looks nice and it even comes with the luggage rack on the rear deck that you mentioned.

The best source to find one of these is on ebay, but expect to pay at least $30-$40 for an unbuilt one.  The 1976 AMT kit is a reissue of the MPC kit I believe, and most of the parts are identical, so this may be your best option as far as price and availability.

I am currently working on accurizing this kit, using the Revell/Monogram 1978 kit for reference.  I'm trying to build a correct firewall and cast it in resin to get the correct brake booster, as well as adding a smog pump.  Also the 1981-82 MPC kit has the correct exhaust with catalytic converter and correct air cleaner with hoses. 

I also painted my kit Chevrolet engine red, which looks exactly like the orange one you have in the photo. 

 Hope this helps,

Dave Calhoun

 

Fergit the 'Vette ... whose the cutie?

Awsome web site Bgriggs,Thanks, That should do it.  Thanks again Chrisr

WOW a '77 Vette... that is a tough one.
I think you'll have to settle for a year close to yours with a similar body style, say '74 - '76.

I'm trying to put together a collection of Vette's from '53 to present along with some other Chevy's (Impala's, Camaro's, Nova's, Chevelle's of certain years) and I'm coming up short.

You can try searching here:
Use the search box (search for: 77 Corvette) - Hobby Heaven.
Time consuming search - Great Models Website. But found: '76 AMT 1/24 #:38421.
New & Old - Model Roundup.

Good luck 

Thundervette, don't limit yourself to just a '77. Look for '75 and '76 also. They are darn close to a '77.

Also, try eBay, you'll more than likely find something there.

I also build 1/35 armor mainly, but will do a car kit just do something different and shiny!!!! Right now I'm working on (more off than on) a '67 427 vert. in between armor kits.

http://www.modelexpress.net/cgi-bin/modelexpress/shop/search.html

77 is a tough year!

Thanks for your help guys.  Yes your right Chrisr, 1/24 scale would be much easier to find. Truth be told, It didnt actually occure to me that you car guys build in that scale. Sorry.  So does anybody know of a kit in 1/24 scale?

I think the hardest part is going to be finding one in 1/35 scale. I'm a 'vette collector (memorabilia, and presently own an '03 coupe) from way back and don't recall seeing a kit in 1/35 scale. You might find one in 1/43 scale.

I think 1/24, 1/25 would be easier on the eyes though!!!

ryanpm wrote:

MPC makes a 77 Vette, but it is very hard to come by.

Hmm, not as hard as finding the figurine as seen in the pic though...

MPC makes a 77 Vette, but it is very hard to come by.