I
always wanted one of these ARII / IMEX Cadillacs. I was able to finally get one at a really low price some years ago.
They make three versions - two convertibles and this hardtop. Actually the hardtop roof is a separate part so all three versions are pretty much the same kit.
One convertible kit has an up top, the other has a boot from what I can tell. There could be other minor differerences - I don't have all three kits to compare.
The kit includes a V8 engine though it's basic. Engraving is modest. The front wheels are posable. Chrome parts and clear parts are included. I didn't see any decals in my version. The bumpers have the year 1958 engraved into them - like the 1960s promo model cars.
The box art shows wide white walls tires but the kit has black walls (ARII expects you to paint on the white walls). No tire brand is mentioned on the tires. I am pretty sure they are rubber instead of hard vinyl.
I didn't notice till near the end of the build that the tires were not wide whites so I used rims and tires from another kit (an AMT custom 300C).
The paint is a Testors GM color that I already had.
The hood is lightly molded in place but a hobby knife will free it from the body easily. There is no lip around the engine bay opening so it rests on the core support / front grille in the front and the rear is supported by the two hood hinges. It's an odd way to do it but it works.
The roof is the poor part of this kit. It barely fits. There are no positive location slots or pins to secure it. Geting it just right is an excersize in patience.
The front grill windshield frame is ok but the clear windshield does not fit it very well. Gaps are everywhere to see. The roof rests on the windshield frame (barely) and touches down in the back on the sides. Again be prepared for a loose vague fitting.
Always check the back window when installing the roof so you can make sure it fits somewhat flush.
Some chrome trim is provided on the sprue trees, some areas you will need foiling and / or silver paint to finish them off. I used some foil just beind the rear wheels below the side trim. The pictures I saw of the real cars showed this to be chrome (or highly poilished stainless steel).
Overall parts of the project, mainly just the roof, were a bear to assemble. I really like the body style so even with having to push through the assembly challenges, I am happy with the way it came out.
If you build the convertible versions I would say they will be less trouble as there would be no roof, but the windshield will still be fussy I imagine. |
