1955 Chevy Bel Air Convertible 1:25 Scale Monogram Model Kit #85-2462 Review

Right On Replicas, LLC SnapShot Review 20150825*
1955 Chevy Bel Air Convertible 1:25 Scale Monogram Model Kit #2462 Review

Review and Photos by Mark Silver

For 1955, Chevrolet’s full-size model received all new styling and power. It was called the “Hot One” in GM’s advertising campaign. Chevrolet’s styling was crisp, clean and incorporated a Ferrari-inspired grille. Bel Airs came with features found on cars in the lower models ranges plus interior carpet, chrome headliner bands on hardtops, chrome spears on front fenders, stainless steel window moldings, full wheel covers and an available V-8 engine.

Fun Fact: This was not the first Chevrolet to be installed with a V8 engine. The first Chevrolet with a V8 engine was introduced in 1917 called the Series D which was built for two years, and was manufactured before Chevrolet joined General Motors. The original cost of a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air was $2,305.00.

FOR THE MODELER: This SnapShot review covers the Monogram 1:25 scale 1955 Chevy Bel Air Convertible plastic model kit #2462. This kit has seen three re-releases. The last issue was 2013 but you can still find them online at retailers and auction sites. The skill level listed for this model is level 3 for the intermediate to advanced modelers. The kit contains 137 parts, molded in white, chrome, clear and red. This kit contains lots of detail, from the motor, to the interior. All the chrome accents the model nicely. Metal foil can be used around the window trim, however you can use silver paint if you don’t use foil. The tires were a soft rubber, Continental tire mount, fender skirts, top can be up or down. Decals came with both stock and colorful custom graphics. The instruction sheet was several pages and very well detailed. This is a difficult kit with all of the small pieces. The overall dimensions of the model are length 8 -1/4″, Width 3″, Height 3″.

Construction begins with the motor, painting is done in different colors, which makes it hard to handle and must be painted in several stages and left to dry. For the ease of painting at all stages of the model, paint and let dry prior to building. Next is the suspension which was fairly simple. For the rubber tires, nothing was needed except assembly. The interior came with lots of detail and painting. Assemble the sides first then install the seats once all detail and paint are complete. As for the body this should be done in stages, painting your lighter color first. Since the accent is a darker color, after the first color (the lighter color) is dry, you must mask off the model then add the second color. Final assembly adds the chrome pieces along with the front and rear bumpers. Decals can be added for your choice of stock or custom that comes with the kit. For best results; use quality paint and an airbrush, paint all parts prior to building. Remove all the flash from the parts. Wet sand the body with a 1200 grit, primer then use a good masking tape to cover areas for tutones. Finally, just paint and clear coat.

OVERALL: Monogram always delivers a good and detail kit. For the older builders it lets them look into the past and all of the memories, and for the younger builder, it can show them how far car technology has come. The overall fit of the parts was good, some had flash and had to be trimmed, and there is lots of painting in small details. As for the body I recommend doing it in stages, as it is a two color paint scheme, and masking off the areas is a must. You can add metal foil to the trim or paint. Be careful on the assembly of the front and rear bumpers, There is not much for it to attach to the chassis. The assembly on this model is not fast and can take some time to complete. The finished build is one you can display and even enter into a show.

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