Model Car Garage - AMT/ERTL 1963 Chevy Impala SS Hardtop 1/25 Scale Model Kit Build Review AMT8321

On today's Monster Hobbies Model Car Garage we will look at the 1963 Chevrolet Impala SS Model Kit By AMT/ERTL.
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The 1963 Impala featured rectilinear styling with an engine-turned aluminum rear taillight panel surrounded by a chrome border on SS models. Engine choice was similar to 1962, with the small-block 283 cu in and 327 cu in V8s most popular. The Sport Sedan featured a new, creased roof line. A new "coved" instrument panel included simple indicator lights for hot and cold engine conditions. An optional factory tachometer was built into the dashboard, just above the steering wheel.

The AMT 1963 Chevrolet Impala SS model car is an interesting model kit. Originally introduced in 1963 as part of the AMT Advanced Customizing Series model car kits and designed by Bill Cushenbury of Silhouette fame, it has basically remained unchanged since that time. Bill Cushenbury was a new talent in the custom car field and at AMT in those days. Bill has placed heavy influence on asymmetrical styling, a trend gaining in popularity with both restyled and new cars. Bill also designed AMT's 1963 Ford Galaxie Advanced Customizing Kit.

Changes between the first issue of this kit and the 1997 version (This kit) include the removal of the original stock / custom engine with a more "simplified" stock only version and a simulated engine bay plug for a "Hood down" car. (It does look like the AMT 1964 Impala engine would fit in here though.) The optional steel wheels and Halibrand mag wheels with knock offs were traded for late 1960's era 5 spoke mag wheels. The interior lost the dash mounted rear view mirror, custom floor shift lever, and Cragar steering wheel. The roll bar and shoulder harness are still there, but any and all race car decals are gone, replaced with a tiny licence plate decal sheet. One of the most strangest "Why did they remove it" items are the missing Bill Cushenbury asymmetrical front nose, hood and chrome grille pieces. The rear parts are still included...so why? The firewall was also mysteriously missing in this kit.

Let's look at these parts a little closer. You get a decent representation of the 1963 Chevrolet 409 cu in engine in stock configuration. The engine block have a right and left hand side engine/transmission with molded on oil pan. There is an axle hole in the side of the block. The intake manifold, distributor, carburetor and cylinder heads are molded as one piece and drop on the top of the engine block. Valve covers, exhaust headers, fan belt / pulleys / alternator, fan and air cleaner are separate pieces. Radiator and radiator support wall are molded into the body. Firewall and battery are missing, but you can use AMT 1964 Impala parts.

The chassis and running gear of the AMT 1963 Chevrolet Impala SS Model Kit consist of a one piece chassis pan with all the running gear and exhaust pipes molded in place. You have a choice of two wheel types, stock hubcaps or American Racing Mags.

The interior is a bucket mixed with individual parts. For example, the floor pan, rear side panels and bench seat are molded as a unit. Steering column with wheel, dash board, seat belts and chrome floor shifter make up the stock interior. Custom interior features a pair of 3-piece bucket seats. The race version includes a shoulder harness for the driver and a 4-piece padded roll bar. There is also a one piece glass for windshield and rear window.

For the body AMT gives you a hood with molded on hood hinges. Also included in the custom pieces are a pair of replacement chrome grilles with add on quad headlights, an asymmetrical rear grille designed by Bill Cushenbury, bumperettes, hood and roof scoops, Lucas lights, lake pipes, and race style fuel cap.

The rest of the parts on the 1963 Chevrolet Impala SS model car are all pretty much chrome and glass. Expect a lot of non-plated chrome moldings on this car and expect to use either the kit supplied chrome panels and Bare Metal Foil to finish the rest. I know it's a lot of work, but the finished result will be worth it!

You may ask, "Where can I purchase the AMT/ERTL 1963 Chevrolet Impala SS Model Kit?"

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