Kit: No. 5937
Scale: 1/25
Manufacturer: ProModeler, Revell- Monogram, 8601 Waukegan Rd., Morton Grove, IL 60053-2295, 847-966-3500
Price: $18.50
Comments: Injection molded, 176 parts (6 vinyl), decals.
The '69 Charger was certainly a "muscle car." Dodge's R/T model was powered by the 440-cubic-inch engine with a four-barrel carburetor, and a 426 Hemi was optional.
ProModeler provides both of these ground-pounding engines: The 440 is used in the stock version (which I built), and the Hemi is for the drag version. The racing package includes headers, air cleaner, scooped hood, roll bar, mag wheels, and drag slicks. A stand is provided to show the alternate engine.
ProModeler's instructions are the most comprehensive I've seen. Each step gives detailed painting instructions, parts are identified by name and number, and assembly is listed in sequence. Photos of an actual car are printed in some steps to aid in assembly and painting. The kit has no list of body and interior colors, though it would have helped.
I was pleased with the detail and sharp engraving of the parts. There were a few mold-parting lines but no flash. The detail on the chassis is excellent, and it includes poseable steering. The interior also has excellent detail, with clear inserts for the instruments on the accurate dashboard. The door panel and seat details match my reference photos. Missing were the side-mounted console lights - these may be parts No. 97 on the chrome sprue, but they were not mentioned in the instructions.
The engines are well detailed and ready for adding wires and plumbing. Mounting brackets for the alternator and power-steering pump are included on those units, and they mount to the timing-chain cover. A coil is included and the distributor has a nice vacuum advance unit.
The 440 is an accurate big-block Mopar "wedge" engine. The valley pan is a separate piece from the intake manifold and there is a small air space between them. Install the valley cover before the heads, as the heads need a little sanding for proper fit. The fan on the 440 also has a nicely detailed declutching unit as a separate piece.
From the top of the fenders down, the body looks great. The grille, taillight assemblies, bumpers, and body have the proper proportions. When I compared the ProModeler body to photos, I noticed the top of the kit's side windows angled down starting at the vent window; they should run parallel to the top of the roof. Further inspection revealed the roof is not high enough, and the scripts are missing from the "C" pillars. The roof does sport an accurate vinyl pattern, and I overcoated it with clear semigloss to preserve the detail.
Most of the subassemblies went together without problems, but I couldn't get the radiator core support in place in step 10. Leave the chassis and engine loose until you have the support installed. Slide the header panel in last. Initially the fan hit its shroud, but after some tweaking, it seems to be OK. In step 11, the lower radiator hose comes up a little short of the engine, but after the K frame is in place you can't see it. The exhaust system needed a small cut and a bend to counteract warpage. All suspension parts went together smoothly, and the poseable steering operates without a hitch.
The vinyl tires feature "red lines," but these were printed off-center. I removed them with steel wool and substituted Shabo dry transfers.
Final assembly was fine, but the right front corner of my sample's hood sits high. You can get around this by posing it open.
I painted the body with PPG True Blue metallic lacquer (Chrysler code B5). My collection of photos and Muscle Car History: Charger, Road Runner, and Super Bee were my references. I spent around 40 hours on my Charger, including the spare engine.
With the exception of the roof problem, ProModeler's first auto venture is an excellent kit. ProModeler promises to correct the roof line, and this shouldn't affect the forthcoming Revell-Monogram Daytona version.
- Mike Dowd