Kit Review
1999 Corvette
Hardtop
R-M Kit #85-2578
Parts included with kit #85-2578
Review:
In the beginning "Billy
Bob", as the hardtop was originally nicknamed, was
envisioned as a low cost Corvette. Further thinking resulted in a
car only marginally lower in cost and only because the option
list was cut to a bare minimum. What did result though was a car
that was lighter, stiffer and a better performer. It has also
resulted in the first fixed roof coup since 1967 and the first
time that potential Corvette owners have had a choice of three
models to choose from.
With the release of this kit the
Corvette modeler also has a choice of three kits all based on
R-M’s excellent 1997 mold. So how well did Revell do on
their third time at bat?
- If you have built the
‘97 coupe or ‘98 convertible the parts
breakdown for this kit will be familiar. Everything
necessary to build a detailed Vette is here.
- The body is accurate for the
hardtop including the slight crease in the roof line.
Although the ridge around the windows appears a little
heavy much will disappear once the drop in windows are
added.
- A small amount of sanding
will be needed to remove several mold lines.
- The stock wheels are chrome
rather than aluminum but since many owners are having
their wheels polished or chromed they could be used as
is.
- Decal sheet is almost
identical to previous C5 kits except for South Dakota
plates.
- As the instruction sheet
states, all interiors were black leather and the exterior
color choices were reduced to five. One point not
mentioned is that the antenna is a fixed mast unit not a
power unit as suggested by the boxtop photo.
- The hardtop is available
only with the 6 speed yet the pedal unit is for an
automatic transmission. A clutch pedal will need to be
scratchbuilt.
- The seats in the kit are the
optional sports seats. My references indicate only base
seat are available in the hardtop. Base seats were
available only in the 1997 AMT & R-M snap kits.
- R-M is continuing to use
their flimsy flip top box.
Overall Comment:
It is exciting to know that the modeler builder can now create
all three of the available Corvettes, and with AMT on the
sidelines for the time being, it is encouraging to know that
Revell-Monogram is prepared to provide us with more than adequate
kits. Now if someone will only provide us with decals for the
Daytona Pace Car.
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Kit Review
Page updated 09/02/99