I wasn’t planning to buy this kit, but I may have to now. I will build it like the ‘54 Corvette owned by a customer of mine, who let me actually drive it. I’m glad I have a picture of that special day!
If you ever mess up while using a permanent marker for trim/details, go over it with a DRY ERASE marker then wipe it off with a paper towel/tissue of whatever. Saved my ass several times!
Nice! Turned out better than I thought it would! The original cars had your semi gloss black frame and suspension with unpainted fiberglass floor bottom being a dirty mottled yucky yellow. Those factory bucket seats were standard sedan delivery seats upholstered in leather instead of the truck's mohair. The original edition from the '70's had the interior molded in red plastic with white plastic body.
Great build Chris , amt kits always have a few problems , but if they weren’t repopped we wouldn’t be able to build the kits we built as kids and do a better job of it
I watch a TH-cam channel called "My Car Story" and today's video featured a beautiful survivor 1953 Corvette, so it was really neat to see this model build of the same car today also. You always have very nice builds and this one looks fantastic. These were such cool cars.
Great video. as always. I never realized that the shift lever in these cars was in such an awkward position. A quick image search confirms that the model is correct. I guess ergonomics hadn't been invented in 1953. 🙂
This kit has been around a while. I built it when I was a kid. They deleted almost all of the hotrod parts. There was a small block v8 and some slotted wheels.
I was disappointed in 1953, when this Corvette was introduced. Sure, it was a roadster like a Healey, and much bigger but weird looking. Then there was that SIX cylinder engine. Well, 1958 came with a WHOLE NEW Corvette. V-8 engine, Posi-Traction (no idea at the time) and Fuel Injection (I was also clueless). But the '53 Vette had paved the way. We had all got used to the "weird" design and thanks to the solid commitment Chevy made, the '53 had done its job - to excite the 'Motoring Public'. Now, you've brought that excitement back with this build.
New videos every single Weds and Saturday so you can always check on those days for new stuff. Facebook wouldn't put my TH-cam videos in your feed. If you click the notification button on my channel you'll get an email for every regular video and bonus videos.
Thank you for this very helpful video! I am currently building this model and hope i can eliminate most of it's biggest flaws to finally make it look as nice as yours. For watching a perfectly restored original one I recommend Jay Lenos Garages' episode on the 53 Corvette.
You’re right Chris it was a 6 volt battery. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) did not adapt the 12 volt system as the universal standard until 1956. All 1953-55 Corvettes were 6 volt.
I'm of two minds on this reissue because while having additional subjects available for purchase is always a good thing, this particular kit and the iterations based on it are all pretty rough. I've built a couple different versions of AMT/MPC's C1 kit and completing it is most definitely a labor of love.
Great job Chris! Nice results. Nice video to watch as the temperatures have dropped and it’s great to have a warm cup of coffee and a great review to watch. Thanks
Hi Chris another great build. I like to thank you for the inspiration you give with your revues. I find my self building more and enjoying it more. I am not as fast as you but have picked great tips and tricks which work well. I ruined this kit about 25 years ago but I have ordered this one and an looking forward to it .I built my 53 Studebaker which I had for about25 years and your build goy me to build mine. Thanks again and as you say I built it for me and am happy with it.Keep up the good work. Stuart Meadows
It looks like the wheels/tires are out of scale. Yes, its sitting tall, but the wheels do not fit the wells like they do on the actual car. Its as if the track is too wide??? Either way, something is off here. My shop has restored corvette #103 years back and we have a 55 in the shop now. For the detail freak/restore guys out there. The engine is a darker blue and not metallic, the cast iron powerglide is semi gloss black. Believe it or not but the exhaust is black also. Again, I really like how you show the parts and trees. It has sold me on a kits you have done. Thanks!
While you were painting the interior and coated it I'm like oh man that looks horrable. I should have had faith as you nailed it. It looked great once dry and assembled. Really looks like the original!
I am related to Louise Chevrolet so ever model I get with our family name on it I keep in the box I own a C3 Corvette it's a 1977 and all Chevrolet has a very big place in my heart
For those of us lazy model collectors, AMT made a pre-assembled and painted 53 Vette, advertised as a "promo." It features wide whitewall tires and clear red taillights. There are tons of them on eBay and they run for as little as $10. plus shipping...
I built the Revell 53 a few yrs back. I just love these cars so much, very swoopy and clean. I didn't put the corner bumpers on for a semi custom look and besides, I lost one front bumper. Case kept.
I like the build and agree with your critique- it does sit a little high, tire to fender openings. 2 questions: 1- have you ever seen a rear view mirror that’s chrome on the back in real life? Detailing suggestion: flat black mirror backs so as to not reflect in oncoming traffic (I’ve been buying and selling cars since 1968… never seen a chrome-backed rear view mirror.); and, 2- do you own stock in a q-tips company? (Sure use lots of them- might want to consider it- haha!)
Thanks for watching. A simple google search says most cars made back then had chrome or metal backs to the mirrors. Not that I worry about scale perfection on these builds, but it was extremely common back then. www.corvettecentral.com/c1-53-62/interior-trim/rear-view-mirror/1953-1956-mirror-inside-rear-view-diecast-511100
Really nice build and presentation Chris!! Originally released in the mid 1970's this kit does have a few issues that you pointed out in your review. That said it does build into a nice representation of a classic C1 Corvette. Well done!!
I like the "from above" view while you assemble. There something about this music, It is just so mellow and "fitting" to your videos. I seriously need to get the same music to create a soundtrack for when I am working on my own projects.
Thanks for the video leaned alot. Just like to know do you prepare your you painting them like sanding them? Or do you just wash them? Could show in a video on how to make a model sit lower in the cars stance. Last question with all the models you assemble together do you get to keep them?
OMG! I love this car model alot, but actually 55 but i can't see the difference between 53 tho😂 Can you tell me what's the difference between 53' and 55' corvette? Thank you man, this is really awesome videos! subscribed!
She's a beauty alright. You did an awesome job!!! I had that model a long time ago. It fell off the shelf and I used spare parts and kit bashed it into a custom Vette.
Buenas noches lo felicito por todos sus modelos que ha armado el confieso que me han servido mucho sus consejos por eso le escribo y pregunto que color de rustoleum debo comprar para pintar el Transtar Rat fink espero me pueda ayudar cuídese saludos y bendiciones
I'm an old school model builder (model trains, planes and vehicles) so I don't know a lot about the newer products you use; what kind of brush-on glue are you using? That's some handy looking stuff. 👍🏻
Also, since I don’t do facebook, none of those media platforms, nay I ask- have you ever done a video build of a motorcycle? Several good kits as subjects. -me reese
Managed to find orig. AMT 53 corvette kit and vintage revelle 53 kit. Revelle kit went great, AMT kit half built and back in box, hard build. New kit looks better.
I built a slotcar out of this kit. It is common practice to just use the body shell and all that belongs to it. It is fixed on a metal slotcar chassis. I built mine with the roof on, so it wouldn't be destroyed in case of a crash. Turned out the car wasn't wide enough to be a good racer. It tended to roll over. Your build looks very good. The windshield is too thick and kind of ruins the kit.
Sometimes, as in the case of this cast-iron Powerglide transmission, or on a cast-iron T-10 or first-design Super T-10 trans, it'd be more realistic to paint those a dingy deep gray iron color rather than bright chrome silver?
The real ones are too valuable to mess with, but it would be cool to find a spare Chevy big block to stuff under that models hood. Leave the rest stock.
Chris, I have a detail question that arose in my mind while you discussed the hood fit. Is there any way to get a tooth pick or something long/thin up from underneath the chassis to get the hood open? If so, the hood could be pressed down smooth, without needing to leave a lip to lift the hood.
A piece of guitar string with the ball end still attached to use for a handle? They are useful for sooo many things, I use them for opening up glue bottles with the metal syringe tips when they glue themselves shut.
I like that you don't fill/sand the kits so we can see a realistic representation of what they look like out of the box. Makes it easier to buy kits that won't require a ton of filling/sanding.
Thank you for your response & I apologize for the lack of clarity and bravado- I wanted to get your take on a technique for detailing mirrors that are not chrome or other polished backs.. my uncle had a late ‘50s Plymouth w/ a chrome-backed, dash-mounted mirror. I reckon its because I never owned a car w/ such mirror backing- you know assumptions & channeled thinking! -mw reese
Nice build as always. It looks like a really neat kit, and you get a great metal box in which to store things. I really need to get this kit. You really need to test some of the aftermarket parts. You could build a model and go all out. I would love to see that video.
I think you did a great job with that Corvette kit Chris yeah it's a little bit high but that can be fixed but other than that it was a great build great color combination very factory 👍👍
Beautiful build. Shout out to Flint, MI... birthplace of the corvette. Only thing I can discount is the white on red. It's just too common. Would love to see it in blue on white. Perhaps I'll try that myself.😀
The early Corvette's had everything going for them when it comes to looks, but internally, they were junk ! They were rattle traps, broke down a lot, loud wind noise, and leaked water, to the point that after a while it would make the interior smell musty, and moldy !!
I wasn’t planning to buy this kit, but I may have to now. I will build it like the ‘54 Corvette owned by a customer of mine, who let me actually drive it. I’m glad I have a picture of that special day!
If you ever mess up while using a permanent marker for trim/details, go over it with a DRY ERASE marker then wipe it off with a paper towel/tissue of whatever. Saved my ass several times!
Good tip!
Good tip!
Nice! Turned out better than I thought it would! The original cars had your semi gloss black frame and suspension with unpainted fiberglass floor bottom being a dirty mottled yucky yellow. Those factory bucket seats were standard sedan delivery seats upholstered in leather instead of the truck's mohair. The original edition from the '70's had the interior molded in red plastic with white plastic body.
Great build Chris , amt kits always have a few problems , but if they weren’t repopped we wouldn’t be able to build the kits we built as kids and do a better job of it
I watch a TH-cam channel called "My Car Story" and today's video featured a beautiful survivor 1953 Corvette, so it was really neat to see this model build of the same car today also. You always have very nice builds and this one looks fantastic. These were such cool cars.
Great video. as always. I never realized that the shift lever in these cars was in such an awkward position. A quick image search confirms that the model is correct. I guess ergonomics hadn't been invented in 1953. 🙂
Two speed automatic transmission, position of the stick for shifting wasn't a great concern
This kit has been around a while. I built it when I was a kid. They deleted almost all of the hotrod parts. There was a small block v8 and some slotted wheels.
I was disappointed in 1953, when this Corvette was introduced. Sure, it was a roadster like a Healey, and much bigger but weird looking. Then there was that SIX cylinder engine. Well, 1958 came with a WHOLE NEW Corvette. V-8 engine, Posi-Traction (no idea at the time) and Fuel Injection (I was also clueless). But the '53 Vette had paved the way. We had all got used to the "weird" design and thanks to the solid commitment Chevy made, the '53 had done its job - to excite the 'Motoring Public'. Now, you've brought that excitement back with this build.
Quite like the Triple carbs on the inline 6 with this kit
Wow I learned something new with this build didn’t know the early vette had a six , thanks for sharing 👍🇦🇺
Don't know what's up with Facebook lately.... they haven't put one of your vids onto my feed in weeks. Glad I check in; love the car, love your build.
New videos every single Weds and Saturday so you can always check on those days for new stuff.
Facebook wouldn't put my TH-cam videos in your feed.
If you click the notification button on my channel you'll get an email for every regular video and bonus videos.
Always love your builds. Takes me back to my childhood. Thank you!
Wow!! That engine turned out great
LOVE ALL YOUR BUILDS CHRIS, I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU BUT I THINK IT'S TIME FOR A NEW FILTER IN YOUR SPRAY BOOTH!!!😄👍👍👍
Thanks!
Filter gets changed all the time, you must just not see the videos where it's a brand new filter.
Never a big vette guy but always respected them nice build again.
Sehr schöner Ami Klassiker. Toll gebaut und super finish. Viele Grüße aus Deutschland 👌🏻👍
Thank you for this very helpful video! I am currently building this model and hope i can eliminate most of it's biggest flaws to finally make it look as nice as yours. For watching a perfectly restored original one I recommend Jay Lenos Garages' episode on the 53 Corvette.
Awesome job on that Vette.Feel I learn something new every time you make these videos 👍
Glad to hear it!
You’re right Chris it was a 6 volt battery. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) did not adapt the 12 volt system as the universal standard until 1956. All 1953-55 Corvettes were 6 volt.
I'm of two minds on this reissue because while having additional subjects available for purchase is always a good thing, this particular kit and the iterations based on it are all pretty rough. I've built a couple different versions of AMT/MPC's C1 kit and completing it is most definitely a labor of love.
Great review of a nice kit. For a realistic stance, I agree, you have to lower it.
Great job Chris! Nice results. Nice video to watch as the temperatures have dropped and it’s great to have a warm cup of coffee and a great review to watch. Thanks
Thanks 👍
Hi Chris another great build. I like to thank you for the inspiration you give with your revues. I find my self building more and enjoying it more. I am not as fast as you but have picked great tips and tricks which work well. I ruined this kit about 25 years ago but I have ordered this one and an looking forward to it .I built my 53 Studebaker which I had for about25 years and your build goy me to build mine. Thanks again and as you say I built it for me and am happy with it.Keep up the good work. Stuart Meadows
Thanks Stuart, and keep having fun!
It looks like the wheels/tires are out of scale. Yes, its sitting tall, but the wheels do not fit the wells like they do on the actual car. Its as if the track is too wide??? Either way, something is off here. My shop has restored corvette #103 years back and we have a 55 in the shop now. For the detail freak/restore guys out there. The engine is a darker blue and not metallic, the cast iron powerglide is semi gloss black. Believe it or not but the exhaust is black also. Again, I really like how you show the parts and trees. It has sold me on a kits you have done. Thanks!
Sweet build! I believe the actual vette sat high too until the shocks wore out
That is one beautiful Corvette! Love the parts! I should grab myself one haha! Great work Chris!!
Love red interior. When I was 20 I had a 68 camaro silver with red interior it was sweeeet
Like the new add of actual assembly on camara
I like that, too. Wish the final Final assembly had been covered with 4 or 5 minutes more video.
I showed how the interior and frame fit into the body twice in this video. Thanks!
Thanks!
@@hpiguy I meant the things like taillight lenses and bumper-ettes.
Awesome Chris this reissue includes Wire wheels from 88 2 in 1. Two Sets of tires & Metal Tin. What a Bargain !!
While you were painting the interior and coated it I'm like oh man that looks horrable. I should have had faith as you nailed it. It looked great once dry and assembled. Really looks like the original!
Always a challenge AMT kits are. Love it. Nice job. I like it sitting high personally but that's just me.
Great review and always an awesome build.built the 53 many times over the years.would love to build the nomad version some day.peace
Very cool! Used to the vettes with the inserts on the doors and body. This one is beautiful! Thanks for sharing Chris!
I am related to Louise Chevrolet so ever model I get with our family name on it I keep in the box I own a C3 Corvette it's a 1977 and all Chevrolet has a very big place in my heart
For those of us lazy model collectors, AMT made a pre-assembled and painted 53 Vette, advertised as a "promo." It features wide whitewall tires and clear red taillights. There are tons of them on eBay and they run for as little as $10. plus shipping...
I built the Revell 53 a few yrs back. I just love these cars so much, very swoopy and clean. I didn't put the corner bumpers on for a semi custom look and besides, I lost one front bumper. Case kept.
I just got this one from Santa! I'm already looking forward to building it
I like the build and agree with your critique- it does sit a little high, tire to fender openings. 2 questions: 1- have you ever seen a rear view mirror that’s chrome on the back in real life? Detailing suggestion: flat black mirror backs so as to not reflect in oncoming traffic (I’ve been buying and selling cars since 1968… never seen a chrome-backed rear view mirror.); and, 2- do you own stock in a q-tips company? (Sure use lots of them- might want to consider it- haha!)
Thanks for watching.
A simple google search says most cars made back then had chrome or metal backs to the mirrors.
Not that I worry about scale perfection on these builds, but it was extremely common back then.
www.corvettecentral.com/c1-53-62/interior-trim/rear-view-mirror/1953-1956-mirror-inside-rear-view-diecast-511100
Do you like the brush glue better than glue tubes
I have told my wife I have to have this kit. 😁
That came out beautiful Bro. as always you did a great job on this really like the chrome with the white paint job looks sweet. Thanks for sharing.
That is beautiful! Cant wait to get me one, or more!
Really nice build and presentation Chris!! Originally released in the mid 1970's this kit does have a few issues that you pointed out in your review. That said it does build into a nice representation of a classic C1 Corvette. Well done!!
Cool, thanks!
I like the "from above" view while you assemble.
There something about this music, It is just so mellow and "fitting" to your videos. I seriously need to get the same music to create a soundtrack for when I am working on my own
projects.
I looked at online pix of the 53 vett and looks like the bumpers should cover the seams on the fenders.
wow an early corvette model with a mostly one piece body. i might just have to buy this myself
Thanks for the video leaned alot. Just like to know do you prepare your you painting them like sanding them? Or do you just wash them?
Could show in a video on how to make a model sit lower in the cars stance. Last question with all the models you assemble together do you get to keep them?
I made a video years ago on painting with cheap spray cans. It can be found with a search of the channel home page. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing !!
OMG! I love this car model alot, but actually 55 but i can't see the difference between 53 tho😂 Can you tell me what's the difference between 53' and 55' corvette?
Thank you man, this is really awesome videos! subscribed!
She's a beauty alright. You did an awesome job!!! I had that model a long time ago. It fell off the shelf and I used spare parts and kit bashed it into a custom Vette.
Buenas noches lo felicito por todos sus modelos que ha armado el confieso que me han servido mucho sus consejos por eso le escribo y pregunto que color de rustoleum debo comprar para pintar el Transtar Rat fink espero me pueda ayudar cuídese saludos y bendiciones
I'd buy whatever color you like the look of best.
Ooh that thing looks sick!
Great build and review Chris once again. Keep the videos coming and I'll keep watching.
I wonder if all the kits come with seats like that the passenger side seems to be a little smooshed
I'm an old school model builder (model trains, planes and vehicles) so I don't know a lot about the newer products you use; what kind of brush-on glue are you using? That's some handy looking stuff. 👍🏻
He uses bonding. Try tamiya glues, thin quick setting, you'll love them
Bondene is my preferred glue but any of the modern liquid glues (Testors liquid, Tamiya, Plastruct, Revell liquid, etc) work perfectly well.
Also, since I don’t do facebook, none of those media platforms, nay I ask- have you ever done a video build of a motorcycle? Several good kits as subjects. -me reese
What color is the engine block? Thanks so much.
Managed to find orig. AMT 53 corvette kit and vintage revelle 53 kit. Revelle kit went great, AMT kit half built and back in box, hard build. New kit looks better.
Very nice looking. Kinda reminds me of Route 66 show, which I know was a later year model, but they look similar.
You are right!
OT. What is the origin of the background music? I recognized a slow laid-back version of The Motels 'Cruel Summer.'
I'm putting together this same car now. I lost the front cover to the engine its number 63. How can I get another one?
What did you do (or not) with the top?
Your engines always look great. TY.
I built a slotcar out of this kit. It is common practice to just use the body shell and all that belongs to it. It is fixed on a metal slotcar chassis. I built mine with the roof on, so it wouldn't be destroyed in case of a crash. Turned out the car wasn't wide enough to be a good racer. It tended to roll over. Your build looks very good. The windshield is too thick and kind of ruins the kit.
Sometimes, as in the case of this cast-iron Powerglide transmission, or on a cast-iron T-10 or first-design Super T-10 trans, it'd be more realistic to paint those a dingy deep gray iron color rather than bright chrome silver?
The real ones are too valuable to mess with, but it would be cool to find a spare Chevy big block to stuff under that models hood. Leave the rest stock.
What’d you use the mod podge for?
What is the brush glue you are using? Thanks for the great videos!
Bondene is my preferred glue but any of the modern liquid glues (Testors liquid, Tamiya, Plastruct, Revell liquid, etc) work perfectly well.
What is that brush on glue you are using?
Great build looks great
I think she turned out pretty good bud! Real nice build as always! Have a good one!
Thanks, you too!
I always thought that style Corvette looked a little like the old Thunderbird. Too bad they don't make the boxes into lunch boxes.
The T-bird was Ferd's response to the 'vette and came two years later, so it's the 'bird that looks like the 'vette...
Chris, I have a detail question that arose in my mind while you discussed the hood fit.
Is there any way to get a tooth pick or something long/thin up from underneath the chassis to get the hood open?
If so, the hood could be pressed down smooth, without needing to leave a lip to lift the hood.
A piece of guitar string with the ball end still attached to use for a handle? They are useful for sooo many things, I use them for opening up glue bottles with the metal syringe tips when they glue themselves shut.
@@michaelmoline7058 Need a pathway, but that might work if the hood isn't a tight fit.
Yes, there is plenty of open space to shove the hood from underneath with a tool if you want to do it that way.
Another brilliant job~ I love it~ you are an inspiration to us mere mortals~ thanks
Wow, thank you!
I like that you don't fill/sand the kits so we can see a realistic representation of what they look like out of the box. Makes it easier to buy kits that won't require a ton of filling/sanding.
Correct, built as is since this is a review and not a show build.
Thanks!
Thank you for your response & I apologize for the lack of clarity and bravado- I wanted to get your take on a technique for detailing mirrors that are not chrome or other polished backs.. my uncle had a late ‘50s Plymouth w/ a chrome-backed, dash-mounted mirror. I reckon its because I never owned a car w/ such mirror backing- you know assumptions & channeled thinking! -mw reese
I would paint the back side with Tamiya or my craft paint in black or semi gloss black. Should work pretty well to black out the forward facing part.
Nice build as always. It looks like a really neat kit, and you get a great metal box in which to store things. I really need to get this kit.
You really need to test some of the aftermarket parts. You could build a model and go all out. I would love to see that video.
Very nice work once again Chris I'll be getting mine soon
Great job 👏 👍 so enjoy your videos 📹 😊 please keep them coming 🙏 👍 and here to help get your videos 📹 😉 out to everyone 😀 😊 😉
Thanks for the visit!
another great build, looks good with red interior
I think you did a great job with that Corvette kit Chris yeah it's a little bit high but that can be fixed but other than that it was a great build great color combination very factory 👍👍
what glue are you using in the assembly
Bondene is my preferred glue but any of the modern liquid glues (Testors liquid, Tamiya, Plastruct, Revell liquid, etc) work perfectly well.
Beautiful build. Shout out to Flint, MI... birthplace of the corvette. Only thing I can discount is the white on red. It's just too common. Would love to see it in blue on white. Perhaps I'll try that myself.😀
1953 Corvette - 300 units produced. All were built with Polo White exteriors, red interiors and black canvas tops.
@@GhostOfTheRedBaron thanks for correcting me. I must be thinking of '54 or '55.
@@curtiswood2453 Yes colour options started in '54. Doesn't mean though that you can't paint your '53 in whatever colour you want 😊
Another beautiful build Chris, wondering if you could do a how to on lowering for us beginners? Great video buddy and have a great week ☺️👍
I actually still have the high complete metal series model.
I have that model kit still in the box
Great stuff mate👍
It probably is a 6 volt battery, I had a 54 chevy and it was 6 volt
Great Vid!! Thanks
We're can I find custom rims for model cars
modelroundup.com has wheels by AMT, Pegasus and more.
👍👍👍
The early Corvette's had everything going for them when it comes to looks, but internally, they were junk ! They were rattle traps, broke down a lot, loud wind noise, and leaked water, to the point that after a while it would make the interior smell musty, and moldy !!
A lot of fun with an LS in there instead if the six and Powerglide!
@@suzi_mai I had a 1962 Vette, that would go over 160 mph ! I used to make passengers cry, and beg me to slow down...ha !
👍👍👍💯
Thanks!
Nice build sir
They don't make 'em like they used to.
😊 can't
👍