In 1956, the Delray was a mid-range trim package for Chevrolet’s 2-door sedan. Revell’s latest iteration of this kit combines its previous stock and custom releases to make this a 2’n1. I elected to build the custom version. The comprehensive 36-step instructions include a parts index, paint call outs, and visual assembly stages.
The kit provides a 265 CID V8 w/4bbl engine hooked to a Powerglide transmission. Custom options include chrome valve covers, air cleaner, and alternator with bracket. The engine compartment also features a battery, wiper motor, master cylinder, and washer reservoir. Pay attention to how you position the wiper motor as it can interfere with the fit of the distributor. Install the steering box before the engine and make sure it clears the firewall. The steering box vertical shaft does not reach the tie rod.
To lower the car for the custom version, the kit supplies an optional front suspension unit and lowering blocks for the rear. Decals for the disc brake rotors molded on the axles include cooling holes.
The chassis and underbody are molded as one unit with a separate insert for the fuel tank and more at the rear. I filled gaps between the insert and underbody with scrap plastic.
Mount the dual exhausts before the rear axle and glue only the rear attachment points. This allows the front section to float making it easier to mate them to the manifolds on the engine.
The custom wheels carry over from other Revell kits and look good with their low-profile tires. Stock tires with whitewall and trim decals for the hubcaps are also provided. Metal pins connect the wheels and axles.
The body is crisply molded, but there are prominent mold seams, especially on the fenders and the Chevrolet emblem on the rear quarter panels is lightly molded will be lost under paint. Fortunately, the emblems are provided on the decals. Other emblems are represented by chrome parts and decals.
The windshield, rear glass, vent, and rear quarter glass are individual parts, and the windshield incorporates sun visors. The glass fits pretty well, but the curvature of the windshield and rear window don’t quite match the shape of the body.
The distinctive side trim is molded with the body. To make applying Bare-Metal Foil easier, I scribed along the edges of the moldings to give the knife a more distinct path during trimming.
Assembling and mounting the three-piece front bumper assembly was challenging. Exterior door handles and driver’s mirror are separate.
The interior comprises a platform-style floor incorporating the rear seat with separate sides, dash, and front bench seat. The three-piece dash features a chrome center section; the instrument cluster, radio, and clock are represented by decals.
Deviating from the instructions, I glued the floor to the chassis before adding the remain interior parts. This allowed me to fill and smooth the seam in the transmission tunnel with minimal damage to the details.
The scallop decals for the custom version proved frustrating because they tore as they came off the backing paper. I bought a second kit, and the decals did the same thing. On the last decal, I cut it into sections before applying, which worked much better. I think the decals are too thin and large to apply as a single piece. Apply plenty of water to float them onto the body; even in warm water, they took excessive time to release from the paper. The smaller decals worked fine.
This is an excellent kit, but you need to have built a few models before this one. But, I’m glad Revell has put it back into circulation.