George Barris Hot Rod Kits from AMT

George Barris was dubbed the "Kustom King" some time ago.  From customized cars for Elvis to the Batmobile of the 90s, he has customized and designed dozens of cars and hot rods.  Now AMT is featuring three of his greatest achievements: The Monkeemobile, the Fireball 500, and the Raiders Coach.  Some of his best work (designed under the name Barris Kustoms) included hot rods for the media.  Rock bands, television shows, and the silver screen all featured some of his best hot rods for music related media.  The Monkees rock band sported their Monkeemobile on their '60s television show; Frankie Avalon sped through the streets in the Fireball 500 in the movie of the same title; and Paul Revere and the Raiders cruised the beach in their wild Raiders Coach.  All three kits are now available and ready to rev up the hot rod modeling fan.

Get ready to Monkee around! 

The Monkeemobile, a Skill Level 2 kit, is tons of rock-and-roll fun.  Designed in full Phaeton style, the interior is stretched, making for a long model.  The Kit features a GTO monster motor mill with four exhaust trumpets on each side(just under the front fender).  As with all hot rod and muscle car kits, this is where the construction begins.  The modeler will have to glue together the 23 chrome parts to this engine before moving on to the next step.  But don't move on too quickly!  For an authentic look, the engine block needs to be painted blue (despite the fact that AMT has plated it chrome, along with the rest painted).  In general, the construction of the kit is fairly simple and should take no more than an hour or two of dedication.  The painting is simple too.  Few colors are required.  The engine block is painted Blue; the body is red; the chassis, shafts, and parachute are black (flat); the exhaust system is silver; and the entire interior and roof are flat tan.  There are no parts that require painting multiple colors on different areas, so there is no demand for precise detail painting on the body.  However, the modeler will have to paint on the red-walls of the tires for a truly authentic look.  After painting and assembly is completed, carefully apply those classic Monkees logo decals on each side, and your custom hot rod is more fun than a barrel of... well, Monkees.  Buy the Monkeesmobile NOW!

Heat it up! 

AMT's Fireball 500 kit is another winner.  Based on the SSXR Barracuda from the Fireball 500 movie, this kit is red hot!  The sleek body of the finished product alone is sure to heat up the modeler's interest.  The kit even features a trailer to assemble and display the finished model.  This Skill Level 2 kit includes over 100 parts, and it boasts a lot of chrome.  From the air intakes to the shift lever, the kit has a total of 32 chrome parts (although some need to be painted).  There are even chrome-plated knock-offs for the mag wheels.  Construction begins with the modified hemi engine.  Although this is a powerful engine, there are only 13 parts to it, so the modeler can quickly assemble it and move on to the body (although some painting is required on the engine). Minimal assembly is required for the body, but painting will require a bit more patience.   

When it comes to painting, the included instructions allow the modeler to be creative.  If you know a bit about the real car, this will help in the painting process.  You can also refer to the box art for ideas.  You may find the following information helpful, although it is not included in the instructions.  The engine block should be painted a gloss re, while the fan, fan belt, distributor, and water hose should be painted flat black.  The remaining engine parts should not be painted - they should stay chrome.  Although the instructions do not include information on painting the extinguisher, you will probably want to paint the container itself red and leave the nozzle and clamps chrome.  The chassis and full interior should be painted black.Perhaps the most challenging aspect of painting this kit will be the exterior.  The hood should first be taped in place to the body from underneath.  Then, the rear two-thirds of the body should be sprayed red.  After that coat dries, the front one-third of the body should be sprayed white, gently blending in the white where the red color begins.  When the paint dries, throw on those authentic Fireball 500 decals, and your kit is ready to heat the street.   Buy the Fireball 500 NOW!

Raid the roads!

The Raiders Coach is perhaps the most time-consuming of these three kits.  This rock-and-roll stagecoach, as seen on a Paul Revere and the Raiders album, is not driven by one but two big GTO 428 engines, which are mounted on a tractor bed separate of the coach itself.  Also, like the other two kits, this one is packed witha total of 65 chrome-plated parts!  (Of course as with the other kits, some the plated engine parts do need to be painted.)  Construction begins with the two engines, which are then glued onto a crossover motormount to make one dual engine piece (which will be set aside for the mean time).  Then it's time to assemble the tractor.  Most of the tractor is suspension and frame support for the dual engines; assembly is fairly simple.  The tractor rests on four vinyl wheels (the stage coach wheels are plastics), while side speakers and a half hood with grille and eighteenth century-style lanterns top off the tractor itself.

After the tractor is assembled and the dual engines mounted atop, there is still a bit of custom work to do on the engines.  The cooling can, fan housing, injector plate, and injectors all need to be added to the engines at this point.  The most difficult and lengthy portion of this task is the assembly of the injector plate.  Each chrome-plated injector must individually be glued in to the injector plate in an upright position.  Next come the assembly of the stagecoach itself.  Unlike most kits, the interior is assembled before the under-carriage. The seat cushions and curtains are painted and then glued into the coach body.  After the body is assemble, the coach is turned upside-down to glue on the suspension, axles, and other undercarriage parts.  Final assembly includes the steering, the bullhorn shaped hand brake, lanterns, and rear speaker.  For the finishing touch, the decals must be applied.  The decals are smaller and more fragile than the large decals of the other kits.  It will take a steady hand to apply these.  However, the decals add a unique musical appeal to this hot rod classic.

Hitch the coach to the tractor, and this kit is ready to raid the Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame.  Whether you were there when the public first saw the real cars, or you're just a hot rod fan, these kits offer a unique addition to your model collection.  Big engines, lots of chrome, and authentic rock-and-roll decals will keep these kits racing off the shelves.  Kustomize your classic hot rod today!   Buy the Raider's Coach NOW!

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Used by permission.  (c)2000 Horizon Hobby Distributors