Let's Build: AMT's 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe

This video is about building the AMT's 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe and in the process use tips and tricks to use in miniture building and painting as well.
Music by Garett Adkins

[@thedoggedexplorer]

I have a 1950 Chevy 3100 model I want to build. Never built a model before. You’re video is great. Totally subbed. All your good instructions and helpful tips made me feel confident I can have a go at it. Thanks!

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

thedoggedexplorer I’m honored that I can inspire the confidence to build that Chevy! Welcome to this journey of modeling it has multiple steps and bumps all of which are learning experiences. Always set out to learn something new and you will. Best wishes on your build, and I’ll catch you next vid!

[@chrismcstravick9206]

Finishing up this kit now thank god. Nothing but problems lol. Your video helped me out alot. Thanks

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

It's such an old casting mold, AMT seems to never update their molds then they pack the body and hood without enough time to cool which leads to warping. I'm so happy I was able to help! I need to showcase more 1:24 content. Stay tuned!

[@lets-getbrandon4192]

I just bought this model yesterday from hobby lobby for about $30 . Haven’t opened it and after watching this I’m glad because I’m taking it back. Do better AMT!!

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Unfortunately I do not see AMT, Revell, or Monogram re-ordering their molds updated, I do think that warping can still be avoided by allowing the plastic kit cool sufficiently before putting them in the kit box, it would only take a few seconds more.

[@jimg4915]

My hat is off to you, sir. You made a mundane kit look great. I enjoyed your voice. Very Bob Ross sounding.

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Thank you, I'm glad that you enjoyed it!

[@uninspiredhaven7893]

Yeah, I would give a hat to him to, may cover up the bald spot

[@janjacobsen7778]

Great job on the Vette! I built a 1:8 scale EXACTLY like yours! I built it for a lady who drove the real thing!(& she loved it too!)

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Thank you so much, wow that’s epic, 1:8 build. And that lady is my kind of people!

[@santiagoelias6172]

I really like how you use newspaper as spray cover..great idea!!

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Santiago Elias it does keep the area nice and tidy! I’m glad that you found it useful.

[@brandonb1681]

TY for this post. I just got back into scale modeling, and I'm doing a 1960 corvette in tasco tourquise. This has been great to have.

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

I made this video about two years ago, and it's been a shame that I haven't done too many scale model cars for the show, I do have a 66 mustang Shelby in the works. I'm really glad that you found this build helpful! I apologize for the poor sound and light quality back then.

[@brandonb1681]

@@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush TY...No apologies needed.

[@thor1911.]

Thank you for all the pointers on this build man great video you just got a new sub

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Welcome to the family, we are honored to have you!

[@alwoodsmodellingmayhem]

Thanks for showing how to build a model car from beginning to end. Subbed.

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Al Wood's Modelling Mayhem I’m happy that you like it. It took a while to edit but I think it was worth it. Welcome to the family here at the TMP!

[@alwoodsmodellingmayhem]

Thank you sir and thanks for the sub, appreciate it. :-)

[@memorylanemodelcars]

It's a Good Kit. I'm building it for the first time as a teen 40+ yrs ago I built the MPC Corvette 64 ?

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Very cool, I’m a wargamer who got my start in 1:24 scale cars. I build one as a palette cleanser, I’m delighted that this project has gained so much popularity. Good luck with your build!

[@todwarrington9494]

I also am building this model, wow, AMT is the worse. Nothing fits, and the instructions are terrible. I’ve been building it for almost 2 months now, I finally figured out where the battery and wiper bottle go. Mine is looking good, but it’s been a nightmare at times. Yours looks great. I like it! Thanx for sharing.

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Thank you for watching! The thing about AMT, Ertle, Revell, and Monogram is that the molds that they use to cast the models are the same molds that they have used since the 80’s. In the casting process the models warp after the heating cooling and ejecting process. This causes flashing, and mold lines and warping. Additional warping is caused when the post casted sprues are tossed in their boxes to be sealed and not enough time is allowed for the parts to cool and solidify. Now while you may think it’s easy to swap out molds for new ones, the new ones cost about $40 - $60 thousand per set.

[@LastBastian]

I'm doing this model now, I'm somewhat inexperienced and this thing is killing me! So frustrating how nothing fits! And the "instructions" are practically worthless! Managed to do this same one when I was a kid in the 80's, (somehow) and thought this would be a fun and simple one to try getting back into models ... Yeeesh... Was I wrong.

[@randybodenner626]

Great job

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Thank you so much, Iv'e been doing wargaming content, but I started with scale model building and I always go back to it, I have a playlist of mu scale model builds if interested in more.

[@hoppinonabronzeleg9477]

I once built a version of this kit. It was the '65 Big block, but I converted mine to a '63!

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

hoppinonabronzeleg sounds like a lot of fun!

[@chipblock2854]

A great build. As to the Bare Metal Foil. It is easy to do it it in sections instead of one piece. You can always find a place to have an end point. Also you can overlap two pieces of foil and when you burnish them the seam goes away.

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Great advise, Thank you!

[@ericmcginnis2097]

Im new to your channel. I just stumbled into it and im glad i did but yeah you do good work. I use to build models from around age 9 to in my early 30's then i had a thoracotamy & emergency lung surgery and things havnt been the same since. But i've picked up collecting q/64 scale die casts and sometimes detailing some of them with headlights n taillights. Moving towards full customs. I sold my unused air brush years ago n now regret it . But i need to get back into building models. I have so much to learn when it comes to additives, hardeners n so forth. Anyhow im diggn your 63 split window!

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Eric McGinnis I’m really glad you like this throughly enjoyable build! I’m honored that you like my work. I’m on a journey when it comes to painting and I’m always trying to improve. My son took the Vette almost the second I placed it on my mantle in the living room! Nothing truly feels better when the younger generation pulls themselves away form there phones to appreciate something you love. I’m glad you joined the channel welcome to the family!

[@ericmcginnis2097]

The Miniature's Paintbrush what grit do you sand your models with?

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Eric McGinnis I use Tamyia sand paper and I start at 600 and work my way up to 3000 in some cases. Most times 1000 grit works well for me.

[@jamiesmoot3054]

i have built this a couple of times over the years think i am going to try it again

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Wow! I totally hope that I've had a hand on the inspiration in that decision! If you do, Join us on Facebook on The Miniature's Paintbrush Leagon and share your work, I would love to see it!

[@charliegomez3795]

Lacquer paint with lacquer clear only. It doesn't play well with others. It's too hot! I've never melted plastic with this medium but there is always a first time. You're right ,l like to "modeltate" also.

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Hey thank you! I’ll keep the lacquer rule posted in my work space.

[@mattterrell4304]

I'm building it now

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

That’s awesome Matt, I’d love to see how it came out! If interested I run a Facebook Group called The Miniatures Paintbrush Legion, you can post pictures of your progress.

[@mattterrell4304]

@@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush just joined and posted. The purple one

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

@@mattterrell4304 Welcome to the family!

[@mattterrell4304]

@@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush thank you

[@edgar7266]

Im beginning to build models and i am creating this car tomorrow while my dad builds his Camaro model

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Wow really! I hope this video helps, I'm going to work on a 66 Shelby for my next car.

[@robertsalanon2909]

Ok very nice ...

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Thank you, I need to put up more car videos, my wargamming hobby has taken me over. Do you war game or primarily scale model build?

[@steved4677]

I'm building this kit right now and it's just not very good. Mine also had a big gap between the body and the rear of the stock hood. I built it up with several applications of putty to make it fit better. Almost every piece has needed significant reworking to get them to fit decently. The engine was a massive pain in the butt because of this.

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

AMT kits are dreadful to work on, I'll admit it, I've used hot water and hot air gun to bend the parts some times but every AMT kit I have worked on are warped in some way. The casters pulled them out of the mold too quickly and did not allow sufficient drying time. The following recommendations are a bit more expensive but are a massive boost in quality: Tamiya kits, Hasegawa Kits and Fugimi Kits

[@bullitt773]

Very nice! Any trick to using the StynylRez for touch up? Is there something different about it?

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Stynylrez is self-leveling and ultra mat thus hiding imperfections in consistency, however I have noticed that when brushing on from my wet pallet it becomes very thin and you may need several coats for coverage. I hope this helps!

[@davidminor1254]

Great video. You sound like the Bob Ross of models. If you try an oil or soap onto the holes for wheels or anything hard to push on the part should push down easier in my experience

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

David Minor this is the best comment in my entire 34 years of modeling that I have ever received! Hands down! Thank you for the great honor and that awesome tip! I’m working on a Crown Victoria for my next car build which I’m in the process of building and recording.

[@davidminor1254]

I have been in the process of building the Star Trek classic amt Enterprise model. It's been a long time since I built a model so it is going very slow.

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

everyone has there own pace, it's part of the journey and you are getting the most entertainment value for the price of that model.

[@davidminor1254]

The reason it's going so slow is I use spray can paint for the larger pieces and I am needing to get those sprayed but my dad got diagnosed with lung cancer and I don't want him anywhere around when I do that. But he for now is more at the house than not so that part will be put off until then.

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

David Minor I try to spray outside if I “can” pun intended, if not, a well ventilated area is my friend. I’m sorry about you father, it reminds me of my dad, he passed away from emphysema. He was a very heavy smoker most of his life. He was the reason I quit.

[@bullitt773]

I painted mine up, and noticed the 'corvette' badging on the back was quickly drowned out by paint. Any tips for something like that?

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

If money/time is no object sand it off smooth repaint it and get photo etched parts. I feel as if the trim could have come separately but it’s an AMT model and that may be asking too much from that manufacturer.

[@bullitt773]

@@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush interesting. How do you get photo etched parts?

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

@@bullitt773 I check e-bay when I'm scouring about for photo etched parts, Iv'e never looked for this particular model. If you have a hobby shop near you I would check with them as well.

[@kewlmark72]

what type and brand of paint are you using to airbrush?

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

I'm using Wicked Colors through the airbrush for this model.

[@carmengamergirl128]

I'm one of your students from shs I'm the girl in pink glasses

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Well hello there!

[@carmengamergirl128]

I hope you're having a fantastic day Senor Alia

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

@@carmengamergirl128 thank you but there is two L’s in my name. :P

[@carmengamergirl128]

Sorry I'm really busy with art ideas

[@ianwhite4914]

hi can you tell me were to get the micron pens and great build

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

ian white I picked them up at my local Hobby Lobby, AC Moore also carried them. I’m glad that you liked the video!

[@Mishn0]

A decent art supply store will have them too.

[@allanmartinez1190]

Hello Sir, I really enjoyed your video on the 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe. I was wondering if you have a chance, You have on your shelve rack a car kit. It's a 50's Ford Victoria. Would you for the very near future do a review and a detailed step-by-step building of that car Please? Thank You for taking the time to read my questions and comments. Sincerely Allan

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Allan Martinez you got it Allan, it is the next car that I build in my hobby cue! I’m great full that you like the video, thank you sir for watching. Stay tuned for the build!

[@jamieroseman4429]

So you can use lacquer paint over the stynylrez primer?

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Jamie Roseman I don’t know about any hard and fast rules per-say but I did use stynylrez to prime and Tamiya Spray Paint For plastics TS-30 Silver Leaf and I had no adverse affects.

[@donwest5387]

how do you add less water?

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

I’m sorry I made this video in 2017, what do you mean the question?

[@donwest5387]

@@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush I understand now........

[@BobbyGabar]

Where did you get the stand to hold the frame in place

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Tamiya puts out a stand, I picked it up on Amazon.

[@BobbyGabar]

@@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush alright thanks

[@wizardofgod1766]

Why does everybody always say 1/24 scale? The only models AMT ever made in 1/24 scale were some slot cars. This is 125th scale like every AMT since 1958.

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

You are so correct! AMT is at 1:25th scale. I believe that 1:24, 1:18 and, 1:12 scale are more commonly known and easier to associate with. It's my go-to at the very least. You are right though, I should have indicated as much in the video.

[@todwarrington9494]

Molotow liquid chrome pens 1- 4 mm pens

[@todwarrington9494]

Drip into water bottle cap and use a toothpick to apply to the model

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Great Tip!! Thank you!

[@BBQMyWay]

Your description says its a 64 Corvette. Isn't it 63?

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Would you look at that, thank's I just changed it!

[@tifosiman68]

Try fingernail clippers for tire mold seams.

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

tifosiman68 great advice, thank you I will pull out those clippers for the next build!

[@tifosiman68]

Your welcome.

[@Claypoool]

Good ol sandpaper works great as well!!!

[@CU-gf7yi]

I bought this kit at Hobby Lobby while on vacation in the USA and the quality is terrible. Every part is covered with flashing and one hood was warped and one was damaged. I live in Canada and didn’t open the kit until I got home so I could not return it. I contacted Round2 and they replaced the kit with another kit of my choice. Talk about great customer service.

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

That’s awesome, I never thought to contact the company directly, I’m glad you got that sorted!

[@jamesmiller3142]

Do all Americans pronounce Tamiya like you do?

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

James Miller I cannot vouch for an entire country. I do pronounce or mispronounce Tamiya that way. Either way they have my money and I love their products! Lol 😂

[@Mikey__R]

Is that a nitrocellulose lacquer?

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Mikey R are you referring to the clear coat?

[@Mikey__R]

The Miniature's Paintbrush yep

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Mikey R I'm reading the can and I do not see nitrocellulose written on it. The product I used was indeed a lacquer. I used Testors Spray Lacquer Glosscote.

[@Mikey__R]

The Miniature's Paintbrush, they say they have an EU compliant formula, so what I have in the UK may be different to yours. I've got the dullcote, which I believe is an enamel. Which means, it's still a bit toxic, and layers don't burn in to each other the way nitro laquers do. Just means you have go be careful you don't sand through layers and get tide marks.

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Mikey R that picture of yourself is quite accurate, you are truly brilliant!

[@brucec6442]

Inside of hood should be black...No ?????

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

Indeed to be period correct it should be black.

[@oharrellcoins5553]

Why does he have to be your stepson...why can't he just be your son...just saying.

[@TheMiniaturesPaintbrush]

ballistic customs a valid point, he and his biological father asked me to address him that way. I don’t love him any less I assure you.