Corvette Model Gallery

1962 Roadster

While Chevrolet was busy creating the next generation Corvette, they did have time to make the last year of the 1st generation unique. The grill screen was painted black, the headlight bezels and coves were painted body color, the lip of the side cove received a new look and the chrome trim around the cove was removed. Corvette also received, for the first time, a ribbed aluminum rocker panel. There were also minor interior changes to the seats and inner door panels. Most importantly, 1962 was the first year of the legendary 327 cu. small block, that would carry over to the Sting Ray era. Although the unveiling of the Sting Ray was being eagerly awaited, Corvette still managed to sell more than fourteen thousand units for the model year.

The model

AMT kit #6489 in 1/25th scale.

Some kits are even worse then you expect them to be. #6489 by AMT is one of them. Based on the original 1962 promo this kit is heavy, weak on detail with a poor interior and engine. All this can be excused considering the age of these molds but the poor quality of the chrome parts meant that I had to open three kits to get even half decent parts. The shape of the front end is also incorrect but this can’t be repaired. Ignoring my own advice I’ve tried to use this kit to create the last year of the straight axle Corvettes.

• The body needs extensive cleaning up with sandpaper and all seam lines were deepened.
• Numerous parts and openings had to be trimmed, widened to fit. Test fit everything on this kit first.
• The body was primed then painted with white lacquer then polished out using LMG polishing cloths and Novus plastic polish.
• Chassis is typical of AMT’s platform style frames and little can be done to improve it.
• Chrome foil was used on the rocker panels, cockpit surround, top fender trim and windshield frame.
• The thick windshield fits poorly in the frame and required a great deal of Kristal Kleer to fill the gaps.
• The interior tub is also typical of early AMT. The interior was painted semi matte red with red flocking used for carpets. The rest of the interior was detailed as best as possible.
• The engine compartment was detailed with basic wiring and hoses. Parts in the engine compartment often had to be modified to fit.
• Kit wheels are basically correct but would have been nicer with separate center spinners. I didn’t like the look of the Firestone skinnies in the kit so these were replaced with tires from the spares box. Black walls or narrow whitewalls are correct for this year.

Final Comment

If you want a straight axle Corvette in your collection settle for a ‘58 and build the R-M ProModeler kit. If you really want a late year straight axle then be prepared to accept limitations or begin wishing for a new mold.

If you have any questions or comments for Robert, you can email him at  r.wheeler@sk.sympatico.ca

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Page updated  10/07/00