Nova SS Pro Stock Car 1:25 AMT #1142M -Model Kit Build & Review. Copyright 2019 Right On Replicas, LLC. All rights reserved. Review and photos by Doug Cole for RoR.
Hi, Dr.D. Hope all is well. Once again, whatta terrific build. Wow! The work on the front axle alone is major surgery. Your techniques and dedication to this hobby are most impressive. The finished model looks terrific. The interior, paint job, detailing, decals, all the "major surgeries, everything prime rib, triple A job. Your workbench must be super clean and organized, not like mine, hehehe... Thanks for sharing your techniques with us. All my best to all. Your friend, Lou (kadre@msn.com)
Hi Lou. Like any kit it can be easy or hard depending on the amount of work you're willing to do. This one is a great subject and warrants a little extra to make it right. Thanks Again! -Doug
Thanks for the reply, Buddy. Very true but talent and skills are also to be considered and you have plenty to spare. Bottom line: You rock. Thanks. @@RightOnReplicas
Nice job "Doug". Really like the color and the amount of decals were just right. I've never understood why AMT would have let the oil pan situation pass with as many model car enthusiasts as there was back in the 70's. Many thousands of Vietnam vets picked up these hobbies as a sort of nerve tonic.
Doug hit out of the park ! With this 1 ... Looks fantastic, I guess you never cruised western PA in the 80s are rides had the huge rake lol needed to plow snow in the winter … Lol
Great job one one of my favorite novas.thanks for the tips on the fenders and front axle.mines on the bench now and I was wondering how I was going to fix it.many thanks from West Texas!
James, Glad we could help! If you find our channel helpful, please subscribe if you haven't already, to help us continue our mission to inspire more modelers! -Doug!
Doug-the line you refer to between the headrest and bucket seat back is correct. Fed safety regs required "head restraints" mandated in '69 or '70, and they began to appear in '68, along with side marker lights. They were adjustable for "driver height", so they moved up and down to be positioned "at the base of the skull". We never did that. Freeway cruising was full up, local cruising was full down and hunched over the wheel! It wasn't until the mid- to late-'70's that high back buckets (in effect, integrated "head restraints") started to appear. Not to be confused with "highback" buckets from the turn of the decade, which was probably to guage reaction to what was to come. I, too have been frustrated by a re-tooled kit that overlooked the "axle thru engine" mess, cool fix! Great build, as usual!
I just started this kit. I think this utube video got me interested AND because they still make this exact kit,I didnt feel like I was sacrificing a kit from my big collection thats out of print,and worth a few bucks. ANYWAY,when I got this kit I worked at a Hobbyshop and forgot that I bought Fred Cady's Grumpy's Toy Decals. They have yellowed in 30+ years but they say to set them in a window where the Sun will bleach them back to white. Hope it works 🤞. Anyway,THANKS for the video Doug ? Its giving me a heads up on the issues you encountered while building it . 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
HH, Put the decals in a baggie so they don't get moist from condensation. Place them in a window that get s the most direct sun with the decals facing the sun. They should lighten up within a week of two. If you clear coat them they won't yellow again! -Doug
I have built this model kit I put the kit together and I found out that if you wait till the end of the build to put the two front fenders on you can set both fenders on, use the front grill/bumper on and then use masking tape to hold the fenders in place,no need to take any of the hood off with scraping or trimming.
Real nice looking ride bro, color set it off! Hey would luv to have one of those plate u got on the front of that hotrod, for one of my rigs to show support for the team 😄 that R.R. thanks again for sharing.
thank you i knew i wasn’t going crazy about them fenders if that wasn’t bad enough i dropped it the next day i was moving stuff and broke that fender and put a big chip at the corner where it is glued the most so i just never wanted to save it but now i’m trying to and i’m gonna make the hood and fenders one piece and the back tires they really messed up on this model wish they would fix it
JH, Yeah, it was a challenging kit. Revell made a stock '72 Nova from the "Beverly Hills Cop" movie but it's out of production and would need the Pro Stock goodies added. Please subscribe if you aren't already, to help us reach more model builders! -Doug
I found bailing wire @ the hardware store....its the perfect diameter , for hinges & axles too....woo hoo , works great , to replace axles of plastic in other kits
Cool kit Doug looks like it builds really nice with some time also can you make a veido on how to apply decals to kits I'd like more information on how to do thanks -mhk2021
Getting back into modeling after a 40 plus year break. This was my first build. I wish I thought to search for videos like this BEFORE building it. Oh well. I'll buy another one and do it over. You touched on everything that had me scratching my bald head. Glove compartment and ash tray detail was pretty much non existent. Manifold nightmare. Warped side windows. Front Fender gaps and chrome that comes off with modeling tape. Not impressed with the kit but I don't like being beat. Re-do. Thanks for the tips.
Phillip, I love your attitude. You have the determination to do great things. Check out our other reviews in our playlist tab and welcome back to the hobby! PS, please subscribe if you haven't already to help us reach more modelers. -Doug
Cap'n, Yep from the intake port to the radiator! Glad we could help. Thanks for watching and please subscribe if you haven't already to help us reach more modelers! -Doug
NY, I'm not sure what kit your referring to but I think this is a '69 Nova. Regardless, any of the Nova kit derived from these AMT molds will have the same issue. I think there's a stock Monogram kit #85-2098 that does not have this issue! -Doug
The freaking hole in the oil pan doesn't even line up with the axle rod holes on the chassis. The hole in the oil pan is way too far back for the rod to go through it. What the?!! That's annoying. I'm not sure what to even do. There has to be a quicker easier way than using the evergreen tubing.
Bad, As you saw in my video I didn't try to run the axle through the oil pan. In fact, I filled it to finish of the engine more realistically. I setup a tube that was in alignment with both sides by drilling a hole through the frame bosses and gluing the tube there. I then cut out the tube just inside the fenders and capped the axle shafts so the engine would have room and the axles would remain fixed and still rotate. If you don't mind that they a motionless, you can simply glue a stud to the frame bosses on the outside and mount the inner wheels on them keeping side-to-side symmetry in mind. Hope that helps! -Doug
Im doing this kit. But mine will be lowered with a drag wing, custom hood, wheelie bars, parachute and zoomies. What say you dougie? Can you customize a model for youtube and it not be stock and boring??
MK, Thanks for your inquiry. We don't consider Out-of-the-Box (OOB) builds boring. At RoR we mostly stick to construction that the average builder can do. That's because these are KIT reviews. That requires that the parts and decals in the kit be used to see if any issues need to be addressed. Occasionally, we do some modifications just as the one in this review where we filled the hole in the oil pan to replace the axle that runs through the engine. You'll need to do that to lower the body. We've also done some customization like Dom’s F&F6 “Superbird” czcams.com/video/s2BazxhOD6k/video.html but there doesn't seem to be much more interest in them than Out-of-the-Box builds. Again, thanks for your inquiry and if you want to become a "kit basher" for RoR send us an email. Thanks for sharing and please subscribe if you haven't already, to help us continue our mission to inspire more modelers! -Doug
Hi, Dr.D. Hope all is well. Once again, whatta terrific build. Wow! The work on the front axle alone is major surgery. Your techniques and dedication to this hobby are most impressive. The finished model looks terrific. The interior, paint job, detailing, decals, all the "major surgeries, everything prime rib, triple A job. Your workbench must be super clean and organized, not like mine, hehehe... Thanks for sharing your techniques with us. All my best to all. Your friend, Lou (kadre@msn.com)
Hi Lou. Like any kit it can be easy or hard depending on the amount of work you're willing to do. This one is a great subject and warrants a little extra to make it right. Thanks Again! -Doug
Thanks for the reply, Buddy. Very true but talent and skills are also to be considered and you have plenty to spare. Bottom line: You rock. Thanks. @@RightOnReplicas
a tip : watch movies on Flixzone. Me and my gf have been using it for watching lots of of movies recently.
@Angelo Augustus definitely, I have been watching on Flixzone for since november myself :D
Nice job "Doug". Really like the color and the amount of decals were just right. I've never understood why AMT would have let the oil pan situation pass with as many model car enthusiasts as there was back in the 70's. Many thousands of Vietnam vets picked up these hobbies as a sort of nerve tonic.
IW, That's right. Lots of Nam vets in my club! -Doug
Great tutorial on the modifications. Had this one when it first appeared. Along with the Bad Man 55 Chevy, this kit will never die.
CS, Long live the muscle car! -Doug
Doug, that is one of the best builds I’ve seen of this kit. Great job.
Jim, You're too kind, thanks! -Doug
Excellent review. Your explanations and remedies for some of the kits short comings are greatly appreciated. Great review. Thanks
BN, Thanks a lot! -Doug
Doug hit out of the park ! With this 1 ... Looks fantastic, I guess you never cruised western PA in the 80s are rides had the huge rake lol needed to plow snow in the winter … Lol
CP, Now that's funny right there! -Doug
Great build. I appreciate the building tips. I’ll have to refer back to your video when I build mine.
Thanks RO, That's why we're here! -Doug
I love the tips on the front axle,and other places too
RW, Thanks man. It's been a while. You'll have to catch up here! -Doug
I just bought this model and am working on it right now. Thanks for the tips!
Red, Glad we could help! -Doug
I just got this kit. TY. This has been very helpful. I'm doing the stock version in purple. My wife loves this car.
BB, It's great subject matter but it will take a lot of patience. PS - please subscribe if you haven't already to help us reach more modelers! -Doug
Good looking finished kit. Thanks for sharing Doug.
Chaz, thanks. I think a lot of these kits have had a high speed encounter with a brick wall after trying to fit those separate fenders! -Doug
@@RightOnReplicas lol. Yup
Cool kit! Thanks Doug!!
Mike, Looks can be deceiving! -Doug
Great job one one of my favorite novas.thanks for the tips on the fenders and front axle.mines on the bench now and I was wondering how I was going to fix it.many thanks from West Texas!
James, Glad we could help! If you find our channel helpful, please subscribe if you haven't already, to help us continue our mission to inspire more modelers! -Doug!
Woow...! Its an extraordinary build Doug. ! Million thanks for sharing.. its so fascinating about the old great machines.. great model once again..
RKR, Many thanks! -Doug
Carro muito lindo Doug, parabéns pelo trabalho amigo.
Alfredo, muito obrigado! -Doug
Nice build Doug, I like the newer video format
Thanks Gaz! -Doug
Wow Doug tha was a lot of work. Well done.
Vaughn
SAW, Thanks Vaughn! -Doug
Doug-the line you refer to between the headrest and bucket seat back is correct. Fed safety regs required "head restraints" mandated in '69 or '70, and they began to appear in '68, along with side marker lights. They were adjustable for "driver height", so they moved up and down to be positioned "at the base of the skull". We never did that. Freeway cruising was full up, local cruising was full down and hunched over the wheel! It wasn't until the mid- to late-'70's that high back buckets (in effect, integrated "head restraints") started to appear. Not to be confused with "highback" buckets from the turn of the decade, which was probably to guage reaction to what was to come. I, too have been frustrated by a re-tooled kit that overlooked the "axle thru engine" mess, cool fix! Great build, as usual!
PL, there's actually an open s!ot at the top of the seat back. It could be used as a coin bank! - Doug
The photos didn't show the coin slot, ane the result appeared to be moldeed to the seat. My apologies.
PL, No you're right. I took the photo after I finished it off and closed the gap. Thanks! -Doug
Gorgeous!
Thanks man! -Doug
cool and nice car!!
nice video!! very interesting!
JGH, thanks dude! -Doug
I just started this kit. I think this utube video got me interested AND because they still make this exact kit,I didnt feel like I was sacrificing a kit from my big collection thats out of print,and worth a few bucks. ANYWAY,when I got this kit I worked at a Hobbyshop and forgot that I bought Fred Cady's Grumpy's Toy
Decals. They have yellowed in 30+ years but they say to set them in a window where the Sun will bleach them back to white. Hope it works
🤞. Anyway,THANKS for the video Doug ? Its giving me a heads up on the issues you encountered while building it . 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
HH, Put the decals in a baggie so they don't get moist from condensation. Place them in a window that get s the most direct sun with the decals facing the sun. They should lighten up within a week of two. If you clear coat them they won't yellow again! -Doug
Nicely done! I think taping the fenders like you did is the only way to go, trying to fit them any other way would be an exercise in frustration.
S84, Thanks. It worked out pretty well! -Doug
you made this kit look good sir
BigE, In the end the extra work pays off! -Doug
Built one back in the day AMT made good models
Nova, Their newly tooled kits are pretty good too! Thanks for watching and please subscribe if you haven't already to help us reach more modelers!
I remember doing this model in the 70s one of my favorites ( I'm old 😂)
Mike, Now you can get one and build it again! -Doug
@@RightOnReplicas lol , old here too
I have built this model kit I put the kit together and I found out that if you wait till the end of the build to put the two front fenders on you can set both fenders on, use the front grill/bumper on and then use masking tape to hold the fenders in place,no need to take any of the hood off with scraping or trimming.
BR, Thanks, that's a great tip for this one! -Doug
funny i have three none have separate fenders umh loved it one of my favs thats cool yours does have separate front end nice dou thankx
SD, I don't remember AMT fixing that. What model numbers are they? -Doug
I cut down nails to make front axles. File the nail heads a little.
Thom, Thanks for the tip! -PS, please subscribe if you haven't already to help us reach more modelers! -Doug
Real nice looking ride bro, color set it off! Hey would luv to have one of those plate u got on the front of that hotrod, for one of my rigs to show support for the team 😄 that R.R. thanks again for sharing.
JJ, thanks, we appreciate the support! -Doug
Would like this over a ford anyday great job btw
Thanks MH! -Doug
thank you i knew i wasn’t going crazy about them fenders if that wasn’t bad enough i dropped it the next day i was moving stuff and broke that fender and put a big chip at the corner where it is glued the most so i just never wanted to save it but now i’m trying to and i’m gonna make the hood and fenders one piece and the back tires they really messed up on this model wish they would fix it
JH, Yeah, it was a challenging kit. Revell made a stock '72 Nova from the "Beverly Hills Cop" movie but it's out of production and would need the Pro Stock goodies added. Please subscribe if you aren't already, to help us reach more model builders! -Doug
kool , thanx ...would luv to find and build one
Robert
Rob, These aren't that old and should still be in hobby shops but there's always the online auction sites, thanks! -Doug
@@RightOnReplicas heyhey , yessir...got one here now....Thinkin' 'bout buildin' 'er as "stock"....neat kit , I love the Nova.....Rock onnnn Doug
RJ
I found bailing wire @ the hardware store....its the perfect diameter , for hinges & axles too....woo hoo , works great , to replace axles of plastic in other kits
RJ, Thanks for the tip! -Doug
Cool kit Doug looks like it builds really nice with some time also can you make a veido on how to apply decals to kits I'd like more information on how to do thanks -mhk2021
MHK, Thanks and great suggestion! -Doug
Getting back into modeling after a 40 plus year break. This was my first build. I wish I thought to search for videos like this BEFORE building it. Oh well. I'll buy another one and do it over. You touched on everything that had me scratching my bald head. Glove compartment and ash tray detail was pretty much non existent. Manifold nightmare. Warped side windows. Front Fender gaps and chrome that comes off with modeling tape. Not impressed with the kit but I don't like being beat. Re-do. Thanks for the tips.
Phillip, I love your attitude. You have the determination to do great things. Check out our other reviews in our playlist tab and welcome back to the hobby! PS, please subscribe if you haven't already to help us reach more modelers. -Doug
Can you do a tutorial on the engine stand.
SV, Great idea. I'll set that up! -Doug
I modified mine to have a modern V8 engine and customized the wheels to have real suppension
Tranny, Thanks for sharing and please subscribe if you haven't already to help us reach more modelers! -Doug
Currently on this kit. I’m doing the 454 motor but can’t seem to find where C14 goes
Actually rewatched the video. Missed the part of them being added later.
Cap'n, Yep from the intake port to the radiator! Glad we could help. Thanks for watching and please subscribe if you haven't already to help us reach more modelers! -Doug
Does the 69 kit have the same fender issues and hole through the engine?
NY, I'm not sure what kit your referring to but I think this is a '69 Nova. Regardless, any of the Nova kit derived from these AMT molds will have the same issue. I think there's a stock Monogram kit #85-2098 that does not have this issue! -Doug
This kit was white when I was a kid. A lit candle fixed any irregularity. LOL
Wes, thanks for the tip! -Doug
i used different rears same rims same fronts just without shackels
SD, Thanks for the info. PS, please help us reach more modelers by subscribing if you haven't done so already. -Doug
I think you are right those rear slicks are a poor fit
DH, yeah the kit has some compromises! -Doug
I remember when then axles where metal.
Buck, They still are on some of the re-issued kit! PS, please subscribe if you haven't already to help us reach more modelers. -Doug
Mine was white
GC, Thanks for the info! -PS, please subscribe if you haven't already to help us reach more modelers! -Doug
The freaking hole in the oil pan doesn't even line up with the axle rod holes on the chassis. The hole in the oil pan is way too far back for the rod to go through it. What the?!! That's annoying. I'm not sure what to even do. There has to be a quicker easier way than using the evergreen tubing.
Bad, I've seen others add axle stubs to the steering spindles too. -Doug
@@RightOnReplicas would you mind elaborating a little on that perhaps??
Bad, As you saw in my video I didn't try to run the axle through the oil pan. In fact, I filled it to finish of the engine more realistically. I setup a tube that was in alignment with both sides by drilling a hole through the frame bosses and gluing the tube there. I then cut out the tube just inside the fenders and capped the axle shafts so the engine would have room and the axles would remain fixed and still rotate. If you don't mind that they a motionless, you can simply glue a stud to the frame bosses on the outside and mount the inner wheels on them keeping side-to-side symmetry in mind. Hope that helps! -Doug
@@RightOnReplicas yes! Thanks brother! Your videos have helped me take my skills up many many levels. You rock.
Im doing this kit. But mine will be lowered with a drag wing, custom hood, wheelie bars, parachute and zoomies. What say you dougie? Can you customize a model for youtube and it not be stock and boring??
MK, Thanks for your inquiry. We don't consider Out-of-the-Box (OOB) builds boring. At RoR we mostly stick to construction that the average builder can do. That's because these are KIT reviews. That requires that the parts and decals in the kit be used to see if any issues need to be addressed. Occasionally, we do some modifications just as the one in this review where we filled the hole in the oil pan to replace the axle that runs through the engine. You'll need to do that to lower the body. We've also done some customization like Dom’s F&F6 “Superbird” czcams.com/video/s2BazxhOD6k/video.html but there doesn't seem to be much more interest in them than Out-of-the-Box builds. Again, thanks for your inquiry and if you want to become a "kit basher" for RoR send us an email. Thanks for sharing and please subscribe if you haven't already, to help us continue our mission to inspire more modelers! -Doug