Kit Review
1958 Corvette
Roadster
Revell-Monogram
ProModeler Kit #85-5938
Parts included with kit #85-5938
Review:
1958 may be one of the most unappreciated years in Corvette
history. Flamed by critics because of its overuse of glitz and
chrome and ignored by many modern day Corvette collectors the car
was merely a reflection of its time. Compared to other cars of
its day it was quite subdued in its styling and GM stylists did
listen to the critics and removed the most blatant aspects of
over styling for 1959.
Because of its lack of popularity and one year only add ons
model companies have also ignored the ‘58. SMP created
promotional models in 1958 but these are now extremely rare and
expensive. A couple of resin casts have been created using the
promo body but they are fairly expensive and simple.
Revell-Monogram has changed all that with a 1998 release in their
ProModeler line. So after a wait of 40 years.........?
- Model has opening hood and trunk with decal sheet luggage
that can be constructed. Don’t try to get more than
one suitcase in the trunk though.
- Instruction sheet is an excellent multi-page affair with
paint information, building tips and photos of a real
engine. You’ll still want to find color reference
material.
- All groups of parts come separately bagged to prevent
scratching and the chroming on all parts is excellent.
- The decal sheet is one of the best we’ve seen from
R-M and all decals appear to be on register. Work with
them carefully, the decals are thin.
- Two sets of tires and two sets of wheels are supplied.
The first set are period 6.70x15 wide whitewall tires
(the whitewalls are slightly off register in some kits)
and the other set are wider F70-15 street tires with
decal Goodyear lettering. Wheel choices are stock with
separate spinners or reversed rim steelies with separate
baby moon caps which can often be found on Vettes of this
vintage.
- The interior is excellent with separate interior door
panels and decals for all instruments. The only criticism
that might be made of the interior is that the waterfall
body panel is part of the seat which will make painting
and chrome foiling a little trickier.
- Engine and chassis as one would expect have excellent
detail.
- The trunk spears are molded on the trunk and will require
chrome foil. In the long run I think this will prove
easier then gluing separate chrome parts on.
- The tail and nose logos are separate embossed chrome
parts but are also available on the decal sheet. Since
these logos were actually under clear smooth covers I
think it would have been better to have left the
embossing off the kit part and simply gone with the decal
on top of chrome.
- FI logo and cove logo are lightly molded on the body and
are certain to disappear beneath a layer of paint. Since
they are also available on the decal sheet it might work
best to sand them off and use the decals.
- The back half of each side cove is a separate piece which
according to the instruction sheet is added during the
last building step. I still haven’t figured out why
they were separate pieces in the first place but they do
fit well.
- While the kit has a separate soft top it doesn’t
come with the optional hardtop roof. R-M have also not
included sun visors but this is not a mistake, they were
not added to the real car till ‘59.
- The small projection on each rear fender were red
reflectors but were not on the first 100 cars produced
(approximate) so could be sanded off if you choose.
Final Comment
This kit has too many good qualities to list them all. Even if
it weren’t the only ‘58 available its premium price
should still be considered a bargain. Take your time on this one,
it deserves the required time and attention.
R-M have already announced a ‘59 based on this mold
sometime this year. Let’s hope the design gnomes are also
working on a 61/62, this is clearly the most needed of the
straight axle Corvettes now.
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Kit Review
Page updated 09/02/99