68 Dodge Dart Hemi Revell 85-4217 Review
RoR Step-by-Step Review 20110701*
‘68 Dodge Dart Hemi 1:25 Scale Revell Kit #85-4217
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It’s hard to believe that you could buy a near “strip-ready†car from the factory but there were some buyers that didn’t care that there was no warranty – they just wanted one that was “HOT†and the ’68 Dodge Dart Hemi was it! These new Darts were termed “senior compacts†by Dodge and were extremely popular. In addition to the Dart being extremely popular, drag racing was too. So, in the mid-60’s Dodge started offering ultra high performance versions of the Dart intended for competitive use in the NHRA. These cars were radically “tweaked†with performance parts and eventually in 1968, Dodge contracted Hurst Performance to build a limited number of 426 Hemi-powered Darts to compete in the NHRA’s SS/B class. This was done by shipping the Dart body shell to Hurst Performance who would then modify the engine compartment using a sledge hammer in order to fit the magnesium cross ram-inducted 426 Hemi. Hurst would then modify the front shock towers and the rear wheel well arches to fit larger rear drag racing slicks. Other modifications included 7 X 14†steel wheels, a fiberglass nose, fenders and hood, lightened bumpers, no side view mirrors, no radio or heater, no soundproofing in the floor or firewall, no back seat, and a trunk mounted battery among a host of other modifications to lessen weight. When completed these bad boys were delivered to the customer without any type of manufacture warranty and a disclaimer; “intended for use in supervised acceleration trials and not intended for general highway use†(Insert a Tim Taylor man-growl here). Ultimately the ’68 Hemi powered Dart would successfully cover the quarter mile with elapsed times in the ten second range.
For the Modeler: This is one of the Revell “Special Edition†Series kits, model #85-4217, with new tooling, extra details, and a host of optional parts. Revel has done an outstanding job recreating the ’68 Dodge Dart in 1/25th scale. Marketed for model builders with a Skill level 3 building ability, this newly tooled 2’N1 special edition kit consists of 163 injection-molded white plastic pieces and chrome plated parts. The parts are crisply molded and some thought definitely went into the sprue placement in relation to the part. Because of this new tooling, parts require little to no clean up. The kit instructions are well done, nicely illustrated and easy to follow. A very colorful set of water slide decals is included that provides racing decals for the 426 Hemi or the stock 440 Magnum. A huge bonus is the decals for the dashboard and gauges as well as decals for detailing hard to paint items like the fire extinguisher label, among others. Clear parts are provided for the windows and headlights in addition to red colored clear parts for the taillights. Finally, two sets of tires and rims are provided as well as a host of other optional parts enabling the builder to build either version of the Dart. Happy Modeling – Pat
Covered in this Review: If you want to perfect your build; basic construction; preparing parts for better finishing; seam and gap identification and repair; adhesive selection and application; an altered construction sequence; advanced engine detailing with scratch built and aftermarket parts; interior detailing; making realistic gauges and dash panels; version considerations and alterations; removing version emblems; modifying the wheel wells for drag slicks; foiling the chrome trim; using decal setting solutions for fit; realistic tire prep; alternate suspension assembly for fit; using black washes for a realistic grill and taillights; and waxing the finish are all fully examined in this 13 page, full-color Step-by-Step review.
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Im totally blown away with your build My son has already built his and detailed it much like yours . He has already taken 3 awards with it in contest and it was photographed buy scale auto mag. His was painted silver with a few different twist to his but it was a great build for him. Mine is still in the box waiting for its day on the build table but Im so far behind now snow will be flying before I get to it. You are a gifted builder and Doug is lucky to have you as one of his builders. Now your going to make me step up for my next reveiw LOL nice job.
Thanks, Tony! The Dart kit was a pleasure to build and it went together so easy. You’ll have a lot of fun building it for sure.
Doug’s a cool cat and I’m the guy whos pretty lucky to be building for him lol…
Pat I feel the same way about building for Doug Ive had alot of fun with it and I do get a charge out of see’ing my stuff on his reveiws. I feel like Ive let him down the last few mounths cuz the last kit I got from him I’ve been really tied up with life and its on the back burner but when its done I thank he’ll be pleased.