AMT 1968 Pontiac GTO Kit Comperison

[@thescalemodelcarguychannel8681]

Yes I think it's great as well ❤

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Great!

[@SolamenteVees]

I’m building this kit right now and it’s extremely well-engineered. Nothing but positive thoughts so far.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Great to hear!

[@michaelcooke2559]

Nice look at this one. It is an ok kit in my opinion. It is great we have this one again, and at least it has under hood detail. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks. It’s a good kit and I’m sure will be a great kit if kit bashed with other kits.

[@michaelcooke2559]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler Yeah, these days getting an engine for this kit isn’t really a problem.

[@themediocremodeler-zm7ny]

Thanks Raul. I have not built one yet. I will. Once again, your video was very informative .😊

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks!

[@CaptSpeirsB744]

Thanks for taking time to show us this kit compared to the original MPC kit. My philosophy before you buy, pop the hood!

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks!

[@jimbartalone2766]

The rims with the 6 slots are Rally I. The 5 spoke rims are Rally II.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you. I get them confused sometimes.

[@ronstewart9792]

Awesome comparison Raoul, I love those two old AMT kits. Ron

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks!

[@bigchef2112]

I think as you mentioned about the “craftsman” aspect of this style of kit. Back in the day they had parts packs you could buy and add to your models. I think they should bring those parts packs back out as they’re releasing more & more curbsides.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Just like they did with the tire packs.

[@curtisboxill-boxmansbuilds2980]

I have no problem with the curbside offerings,many of us modelers have parts kits laying around that engines and such can be used ,not to mention 3d printing is available.Price wise it isn't going to get cheaper and if people aren't willing to pay those prices that okay and unfortunate as they are missing out on some wonderful kits.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Yes the keep getting more expensive but just one look at the sci-fi and military modeling sections will shock car modelers. My son grabbed a Gundam Robot kit in a small box. I was thinking it was $20. Nope. It was $79!!

[@curtisboxill-boxmansbuilds2980]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler Yeah,that and R/C stuff,i remember few years ago a guy bought a new controller and even on sale he paid $790.00!.

[@JackFlemingFan1]

As always thank you for posting yet another excellent video Raoul. I am glad Round 2 is coming out with a variety of model car kits and the craftsman series is great for younger modelers to begin with as well as those of us who enjoy the hobby of model car building too.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks again!

[@StratBurst92]

I collect dealer promo models, and these fit the bill for me. Glad that they came out with these. The 1965 GTO Craftsman Plus kit is nice also.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Yes! I bought that one also!

[@seanh2390]

really enjoyed this video … thanks for posting it!

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you!

[@notenoughmemes1847]

While I’m a bit bummed this kit doesn’t have an engine and has the simplified chassis, I’m glad it gives modelers the option to detail it out by leaving the hood open. Probably could use the chassis and engine from the 72 GTO kit to make it somewhat detailed.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

That would work I’m sure but I have used the AMT 69 442 chassis under the GTO and I think that is a better chassis than the 72 GTO. Another mention was the new 71 Olds 442 from Revell.

[@lisabolles8215]

This kit could be combined with the Chassis from the Amt 1969 Oldsmobile 442 kit to produce more realism underneath. Also, most of the engine compartment details would likely fit as well with slight modifications. Most of us have donor kits that could supply a 400 motor for it as well. A very welcomed kit that fills a big gap for GTO model builders! Excellent review! 😎

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you. I have used that chassis under a 70 GTO body!

[@Merylstreep1949]

On that 72 Chevelle the stripes R too short too I think it was a re pop of the Red Alert kit I have the so called 72 Duster street machine from 2002 and its basically the vintage Dart pro stock kit with a race dual plug hemi but missing rear drag slicks Full pro stock interior too

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Yes the stripes are too short on the box art car. But no stripes are included at all. I got mine from Keith Marks. I have a real 71 Chevelle.

[@Merylstreep1949]

@The Muscle Car Modeler lucky I love 71 Chevelles

[@johnnymayo8534]

Good review!! Kudos to Round2 for bringing these kits to us! I tk craftsman kits r very versatile. U can build it box stock or add as much detail as u wish too. And my take on the cost....u get a complete kit....yes minis an engine for ~ 35 dollars. Just an aftermarket body will cost ~ 15 and up.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks! But with full kits at $39 that have engines and extra parts. I think it should be $25.

[@johnnymayo8534]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler Understand ur point. However, this is a new re-tooled kit...correct? Respectively, in discussing new kit 'cost' (and ignoring raw material/actual production costs) we need to consider the company's engineering/design & new die development costs. Having worked in an industry that constantly re-engineered/re-tooled plant systems/components in the name of safety/efficiency, the costs can be staggering...even for a seemingly very simple upgrade. Additionally, for companies to remain in business and invest in new research/ designs, that cost must be covered in some way.

[@brianlewis6926]

I have a monogram 69 GTO two in one kit, that has the 68 body parts. The prices haven't gone up that much compare to the inflation, in 1968 minimum wage was 1.60 per hour , I remember in the late 70's the average kit was around 3.50 . In 77 minimum wage was around 2.30 per hour. Then in 87 minimum wage was 3.35 per hour, at that time I think kits 5 to 7 dollars

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Yes. I remember getting kits in the 80’s for $5.99.

[@Cochise231]

I appreciate that they tell you on the box that it is a curbside it lets you know that it’s not going to be a “full” kit and that’s okay it can still be dressed up nice I don’t think it should be the same price as the “full” kits though they usually don’t have much parts About 5 years ago When I was getting back into modeling after an almost 30 year break for kids & marriage I ordered a Hasagawa kit online and paid almost twice as much as the other kits around at the time and it came without an engine or much else the dashboard was a sticker it was a $50.00 toy pretty much I was about ready to quit the hobby for good but I found a hobby shop in my town and was able to talk with the guy who runs the store and he let me know that the kits were still like I remembered if not better because of the new toolings etc So I can really appreciate the fact that it is not a “full” kit is stated on the outside of the box Thanks for sharing those real cool older kits I enjoyed the video 👍🏽👍🏽

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Enjoy the hobby! Glad this was of use to you.

[@coldpawthewolf3267]

Great body on a 67 chassis and tub.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

That would work. 67 chassis is a little long on the back end but can easily be shortened.

[@tonybuglione3516]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler The '67 chassis's wheelbase is 3 scale inches too long.The AMT '69 Olds 442 or Revell '71 442 is a better choice. BTW this kit was engineered from an original '68 promo, not the MPC '68 kit.

[@animalyze7120]

We never bought the Prom or Curbside kits when we were younger as we always felt they were inferior and not worth the money. However you can turn these into regular kits with some good ol fashioned hard work and elbow grease using spare parts from any of the GM kits. Many kits had 2 engine options so it's not hard to locate one to install here. Not sure why they felt the need to release these again as even the main companies back then said they didn't perform well in the sales department ;)

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

I don’t think you were alone in that. I think that is a main reason why the old Craftsman kits are so rare.

[@rickzinck9326]

Thanks for the comparison with the original MPC kit. The new 68 GTO kit looks good. Round2 did a nice job with it. However, for what you get, I feel it is over priced. Being they have an opening hood, I think you are correct , that a full detail kit will follow much like the 63 Chevy II wagon kits. Round2 is watching & listening to it's consumers.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks. I believe they are listening!

[@neiljumpinjackflash7551]

Glad you clarified this because back in the day, these kits were called 'Dealer Promos', which the car dealer could show the customer what next years version would look like or gave one to the customer as desk top gift for buying a new car. What is confusing is that moniker 'Curbside', I have no idea where that came from. The kit companies then sent 'factory' built ups to model shops and these also called 'Dealer Promos', kind of like an inside joke but quite collectable nowadays. The Pontiac wheels are 6 slotted as opposed to Chevrolet 5 slotted called Rally 1, the 'spoked' magnum style are called 'Rally 2. Pontiac changed the caps from red to black, if memory serves me. Didn't they reissue the MPC 68 GTO body on a funny car about 8 years ago? Problem putting an engine in this 'new' chassis is the transmission, because the tail shaft is molded in to the it but it does have the correct 68 GTO interior. I'd like to see some early formula firebirds and a real nice 1970 GTO in the future.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks. That funny car kit you are thinking of has a 69 GTO body.

[@jean-guylebreton5332]

Ty again for the great information,you are the best

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

You're welcome.

[@StratBurst92]

Round 2 has really upped their game with these newer made kits. Detail and fit are sometimes better than the original kits. Just finished the 68 Dodge Coronet R/T convertible kit and the fit of everything was really good.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Yes. That they did do with the 68 Coronet!

[@garyfishel9612]

Finished building mine two weeks ago curbside style. Always nice to build a simple kit without the fiddley chassis detail. I built the MPC kit a few years ago. The Round2 version is better. Youll notice that the front fender wells fit tight against the body. No huge gaps like the MPC. Im sure this kit could be built with nice under hood detail. Youll have to source an engine and firewall. Also, the front grill is more accurate. Looks like the hideaway headlight covers could be removed to build the exposed headlight version. Just dont clobber the endura bumper with a crowbar like the TV ad from '68.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

I have seen the original add! Thanks.

[@crushingvanessa3277]

I find it strange when two companies make the same subject, same scale and yet you can't interchange parts. I have that with airplane models a lot.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Currently both MPC and AMT are owned by Round2 so I thought it was strange that they decided to put AMT on the box.

[@crushingvanessa3277]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler I thought round 2 was just distributing. Yes it is strange they'd do that.

[@ScaleModelCarBuilder]

Very cool review, I always like to see what’s in the box before buying. As for the 68-69 GTO I really wish someone would make a standard headlight option because they always have the hideaway headlights.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you. I did find a 3D grill with exposed head lights. I tried to order it but it is sold out!

[@michaelhintzmikesminiature1812]

Nice review. Thanks for sharing

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks again!

[@JHartModelworks]

I think the newer curbside kits from AMT are a step in the right direction for them. I am all for a kit with an engine, but honestly there are so many 3D printed or resin cast engine options out there, if you want an engine you can work one in there. I think these new AMT kits are going to be good entry level kits for new builders. Since places like Hobby Lobby tend to price AMT kits a little lower than kits from the likes of Revell, new builders are sometimes more likely to buy a cheaper kit. Having one of your first kits not be one of AMTs god awful boxes of styrene suffering, I feel, is a good thing for newer builders.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Yes I agree that this is nice for a person new to the hobby.

[@davidhinkson8856]

Would a '69 4-4-2 chassis work with this? I have a scrapped Hurst Olds kit I'd consider for adding more detail to this but it's a nice kit in and of itself.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

I believe so. I have done that chassis under a 70 GTO and don’t see why it wouldn’t work.

[@thatcarguy13]

thanks for the comparison my youtube brother, curbside is fine, no complaints from me, i'm a modeler not an assembler...

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Very cool. I like to do a lot of out of the box builds myself. I’ll do a few upgrades on some and every now and then I’ll really dig into one!

[@robertbuckner2353]

The increase in prices should include a full detail engine and chassis.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

I also agree. It should.

[@Merylstreep1949]

Please build that original but as the jacked up gasser as I've always dug that look but can't afford an original one

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

My kit is missing some of the solid axle parts. I’ll build it stock eventually.

[@chassegallerie2910]

I'm fine with making a curbside. Thing is, this is a new tooling, so instead of doing a retro curb-side, how about making one on par with the curbsides from Tamiya, Aoshima or Fujimi come out with noadays? That's actually really my gripe with this kit. EDIT: Thanks for showing the Chevelle. I had it in my sight for a while, but I was bummed out by the chrome headlights. Now, I know it has clear plastic ones! Also, RC2 worked under ERTL?

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

It’s a tough call when you realize they had to start over with the tooling. Also on the 72 Chevelle older issues have the chrome headlights. I think some of those have a better looking grill.

[@chassegallerie2910]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler Yeah, but since it's a new tooling, they could've just done a modern curbside. What they did here, is emulating a 60s curbside. That's what I don't like. I mean, it's not badly done, it does look like what it wants to emulate. I just think that there's a limit to nostalgia.

[@dongordon4464]

OK I can pretend that I'm 13 again building this one I was 18 when this would have been new born 1949 I build quite a few of my cars with no engine anyway.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Very cool!

[@petervitti9]

There is always the monogram 1968 GTO. 1/24 scale. Highly detailed.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Yes. I mentioned that one in the video as well.

[@danielpaulsness6951]

Nice 😅

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks!

[@danielpaulsness6951]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler your welcome 😁

[@JimFlanagan4206]

I don't mind these but they should be 15 to 20 dollars max. I saw the Revell 57 Chevy snap kit at Hobby Lobby for $37.99. Absolutely ridiculous for a beginner kit with 30 parts.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

I agree. This one is not to bad but that 57 snap kit is way to high.

[@williamwagaman9538]

Okay here's my beef I've been building since 1962 we started getting these Craftsman series models around 63 I would say they were brought out to get the younger generation interested round two brought these models back out starting with their 62 Nova station wagon they sold it sold well so they brought more back out up to the 68 GTO if you need the engine and transmission firewall and radiator support go get them out of the 72 GTO model round two wants to cheapen their fixture on the market the 65 GTO that will be coming out later on this year it's basically the same thing as what you have here yes this is a nice model in this day and age at least we have something new to work on when these Craftsman series models were available as a secondary model yes I see round two bringing this back out in the future as of reissue of the original MPC 1968 GTO the same way they did to Coronet convertible as the old adage says out there buyer beware

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

I’m wondering. Back in 62/63 how many model kits had engines? I know many didn’t and a ton of them were built with all the custom parts they were issuing back then. I know it was not easy finding old Thunderbird kits that didn’t have the custom parts glued on at one time.

[@rayrussell6258]

I'm upset that AMT is issuing more and more of these kits with no motor, and I agree with others who complain that increasing the price like they have, this just should not happen.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

At least they are issuing some new stuff. For awhile they were just reissuing the same old stuff. Then they started to update some stuff.

[@rayrussell6258]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler Most of the new stuff they're issuing is figures and Star Trek. On model kits, it's still just reissuing the same old stuff like this one (but not necessarily Craftsman), as far as I see. They might fix a tool that's worn so there is less flash, but very little truly new - except the price.

[@johndean2110]

I prefer full engine detail.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

So do I but it is not manditory for me. But for most Muscle Cars, The engine is part of the alure.

[@Shade_tree_garage01]

gatekeeping the cost of these kits is ridiculous, while I do pay a premium for older vintage OOP kits, these need to be in the sub 20 dollar maybe 25 dollar range, no where need 30-39 dollar range.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Yes I agree.

[@TI4438]

My problem with curbside kits is that they command the same or at least similar price as a full build modern kit. That's a crock of shit! They are perfect for beginner and/or younger modelers and should be priced as such.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

I have that same issue. It should be at an entry level price. Being to high will limit sales and I know many modelers that won’t buy it because of the limited parts. So I can understand if the price is higher due to less sales projections and trying to make sure they make a profit. But where is the balance? I don’t know if it will happen but many are speculating that a full detail kit will come later and are skipping this version.

[@TI4438]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler now that I think of it, brand new modern snap kits are cheaper than these Craftsman kits. I don't believe for a second the newer kits are cheaper to produce.

[@williwass6837]

Iam one of the people that is disgusted about the price for this "promo" "curbside" kit!They save at least 25% in production because there is no engine and real suspension in it!So they could sell them for at least 20% cheaper then their kits with an engine and suspension!

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

I completely agree on that.

[@Shade_tree_garage01]

example for my argument is the 1968 Kit is $18 with inflation added to it, so my prior assumption is correct, these new kits are overpriced pieces of recycled styrene trash(Literally)! This hobby is moving towards the rich man, and leaving those of use who cant afford these cars in reality in the dust, i for one am excited for 3D printing to destroy AMT/MPC/ROUND2 And Revell. The more skilled 3d modelers the better.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Yes. For what you get these are overpriced.

[@rustyshackleford3978]

I hate to be that guy, but they really boogered up the shapes of those hood scoops compared to the real thing. Plenty of photo references available online, so this kind of goof in a new model is irritating to say the least.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

I didn't notice. May have to look again but sometimes they look different after paint.

[@MrKoaz72]

That looks like a nice kit and another great video I wonder if Revell's Cutlass chassis and engine compartment fits?

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

That is an interesting thought.