This kit dates back to 1976, but you wouldn’t know it when you open the box. With period-correct custom styling, a great decal sheet, little to no flash on the parts trees, and an overall ease of assembly, this custom Chevy van is a slightly modified rerelease.
Revell has produced no fewer than nine different versions of this kit throughout the years, the first being the Car Craft California Cruiser Van, and perhaps most notably the Hardy Boys and Charlie’s Angels versions based on the popular TV shows.
Custom vans thrived in the late 70s and early 80s, appealing to young people who wanted a large canvas for personalizing his or her vehicle. This kit has several custom treatments that make it very accurate and true to the full-size vanning scene: a molded body kit with wide wheel arches and chin spoiler, two pop-top sunroofs, tubular side pipes and bumpers, bubble windows, and some creature-comfort interior details.
While previous releases of this kit featured a clear parts tree tinted gray, this version’s tree is completely clear. The windshield and vent windows are all one piece. It snaps into place from the inside and will remain there with little or no adhesive. The rear doors include convex bubble windows, and the body has the all-important oval shaped porthole windows, all of which I sprayed gloss black in order to capture what is seen on real vans. The rest of the clear tree consists of four headlights, two front turn signals, and two taillights.
The four corners of the body had some deep grooves caused by injection mold seams, but these were easily smoothed with some hobby putty and a 240-grit sanding stick. There are opening body panels, including the hood (with a beautifully molded air intake) and the swing-open rear doors. I chose to position one of the rear doors as open to entice viewers to see what’s inside.
The decal sheet includes two slogans: “Good Vibes” and “Stardust Express,” plus multiple stripe and pinstripe accents. Other bonuses include a single gauge-cluster decal and four body-side turn signals in amber and bright red.
The lone set of wheels in the kit are chrome-plated big and little eight-hole mag wheels. The tires are two-piece black vinyl units with white pad-printed “Firestone Firehawk” insignias. I was unsure what type of glue to use to mate the tire halves, but, on a whim, I tried Revell’s new Contacta cement, and it worked like a charm.
Amid various other ‘70s van kits being rereleased, this one stands out with serious bang for your buck. Even with a relatively low parts count, the detail is high, and there is no trouble with parts fit or vague contact points as seen on some of the others. This kit is highly recommended.