Kit: No. 5938
Scale: 1/25
Manufacturer: ProModeler by Revell- Monogram, 8601 Waukegan Rd., Morton Grove, IL 60053-2295, phone 847-966-3500
Price: $18
Comments: Injection molded, 148 parts (8 vinyl), decals.
At its introduction, the 1958 Corvette was the fastest Corvette ever, in spite of being designed in one of Detroit's most outlandish styling eras. Although it avoided sprouting tail fins, its quad headlights, 18 fake hood louvers, and chrome trunk-lid spears were symptomatic of its serious weight gain. It was the first Corvette to weigh more than 3,000 pounds.
Hard as it is to believe, ProModeler's is the first kit of the '58 Corvette. Its 283-cubic-inch V8 can be built with dual four-barrel carburetors or the optional factory-installed fuel-injection system. The front wheels are poseable, and stock and custom wheel/tire combinations are provided. The chassis is molded in separate parts, complete with delicate, molded-in weld seams.
The six-color decal sheet includes labels for the engine bay, body insignia, and dashboard instruments. A full set of cut-and-fold luggage is provided, although most of it won't fit inside the nicely detailed opening trunk (a problem suffered by full-size Corvette owners, too!)
White, chrome-plated, and clear plastic parts arrive separately bagged. The moldings are generally crisp, but some have mold-separation lines that could interfere with fit if not removed.
The 16-page instruction book includes a brief history of the car, factory color-combination charts, and detailed building instructions. Reference photos of a full-size Corvette and extensive painting instructions are also included. I followed the 22 assembly steps closely and encountered only a couple of small problems.
The whole model fits together tightly. In step 3, glue the oil filter (part 83) as close to the oil pan as possible, or it will interfere with the exhaust pipes (part 59) in step 6.
In step 4A, it's hard to tell at which angle the oil-filler tube (part 93) should be mounted. Also, when you attach the radiator (part 71) and fan shroud (part 74) to the frame-rail ends, make sure the radiator won't interfere with the extended frame rails on the lower control arms (part 60).
In step 12, cut out decal 7 and mount it in back of the opening on the instrument panel. Don't soak it in water, leave it on the backing. The painting instructions include a small error, too. The shift knob should be gloss white, not chrome as indicated.
The location of the steering box (part 68) shown in step 8 is controlled by the inner fender well that's installed in step 13. I had to move the steering box's position on the frame about 1/8" so the steering column could fit through the opening at the bottom of the inner fender well and line up with the hole in the fire wall. I recommend delaying the installation of the steering box until step 13.
Using Testor Model Master paints, I modeled color scheme 520B: yellow body with ivory coves. The charcoal gray interior is unique to 1958.
In step 20, the windshield illustration seems backward - the windshield fits into the frame from the rear, not from the front as shown. The windshield provided in the kit has some distortion (probably from its thickness), and seems to curve from top to bottom more than it should.
A convertible top with a clear rear window buttons up the Corvette, but I wish a removable hardtop had been included, too. Ignition wiring would also have been appreciated, but it's available on the aftermarket.
The kit's decals are thin, strong, and went down properly with a light application of Solvaset.
The finished model looks great, has the correct stance, and scales out closely to the dimensions in the Illustrated Corvette Buyer's Guide by Michael Antonick. Beginning modelers may find this kit challenging. Experience with self-adhesive metal foil and lots of close-fitting parts will be helpful. I spent more than 31 hours on this kit, more than usual. However, my collection of Corvette kits is growing, and this one is definitely welcome.
- Al Jones