1977 Chevy Van (Custom Coroner Decals) 1:24 Scale Monogram Model Kit #85-7221 Review
Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20150826*
1977 Chevy Van (Custom Coroner Decals) 1:24 Scale Monogram Model Kit #85-7221 Review
Review and Photos by Alan Mann 
The Chevy Van refers to the Chevrolet G-Series vans which are half-ton Cargo Vehicles produced by General Motors. GM saw a market for a compact van based on a modified passenger car platform to compete with the already successful Ford Econoline and Dodge A100. The early Chevy Vans had a cab forward design where the engine was placed in a “doghouse” between and behind the front seats. The implementation of situating the driver on top of the front axle with the engine near the front wheels is called a “cab over” vehicle. In 1971, Chevy Vans received a major redesign, moving the engine forward of the driver with a short nose and hood. The van was constructed of a unibody style frame and employed stronger truck style hubs and brakes with dual A-Arm independent front suspension. The major restyle followed the engine-forward design of the competing 1968 Ford Econoline. Suspension and steering parts came from the Chevrolet/GMC C-series pickup trucks.
For the modeler: This review covers the Revell re-release (Re-Pop) of the 1977 Chevrolet Van. This is Kit #85-7221 in the current catalog. The kit was released under the Monogram name in 1977 and has seen multiple box arts including a race car trailer combo kit 
in the 90’s. Revell rates this as a Skill Level 2 for Moderate Builders. There are 81 parts molded in White, Chrome, Clear and it has Vinyl tires. The motor is a bit simplified but as it is not seen once the model is done there is no loss. The interior only consists of a basic front tub and custom seats and a dash. The “doghouse†is molded in to the floor. There is no rear floor or interior at all but as there are no windows it is not too important. The body is solid molded with no windows nor opening doors or hood. While mostly stock it has flares on the wheel wells molded on. The chassis is simplified and the frame is molded to the floor. The kit decals are custom stripes or a generic plumbing company. Just like the real things a van can be used for many things including the business of the County Coroner. With a little research and an ink jet printer – you can make this kit into just about anything you like! The instruction sheet is typical of the Revell “book†style they are currently using. Overall dimensions are: Length: 7-5/16″, Width: 4″, Height: 3-1/4″.
Covered in this Review: If you want to perfect your build; basic construction; preparing parts for better finishing; alternate assembly sequence suggestions for fit and ease of finishing; abrasive choices; complete paint and adhesive selections and applications; test fitting using white glue for the window glass; complete suspension construction; detailing the tires for realism; body seam identification and removal; complete painting instructions; chassis construction and detailing; mounting the body to the chassis; removing copyright script; engine construction and detailing; complete building and interior detailing; detailing the headlights and taillights; detailing the dashboard; optional foil and trim instructions; version considerations; using floor polish to make “crystal clear†window glass; turn signal finishing; sources for making your own decals; using parts box pieces for authenticity; installing the glass with clear glue; using decal setting solutions for that “painted on†look; combining instruction steps for better finishing; decal preparation and application; are all fully examined in this 15 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format.
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