AMT 1/25 Autocar A64B Semi
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Introduction
Before delving into this build, I had to remind myself that the tool
for this kit is more than 35 years old. I also needed to remember that
this kit comes from AMT’s heyday of part chroming. There are way
too many parts that are chromed that shouldn’t be, but then it is
easier to remove chrome than add it. That said, on to building this puppy.
Engine & Transmission:
The engine in this kit represents the Cummins big block naturally aspirated
diesel (NHC-250). The necessary parts are included to make the turbocharged
NTC-350. If you opt for the turbocharged version, you will have to scratch
build your own intake and exhaust trunking. Parts still fit well, with
only minor clean up required.
I painted the engine a pale yellow to match all the Autocars of this
vintage I have seen. It appears that White Motors (the parent company
of Autocar) specified that all engines (Cat, Cummins, and Detroit) be
painted in this shade during this time. This was not uncommon during the
late sixties and seventies, as all engines that went into Fords were blue,
all Peterbilt engines were an off white, and Kenworth alternated between
off white and the engine builder’s standard color. There were exceptions,
but I have not seen many.
Chassis:
The chassis went together with very little trouble and aligned perfectly
square. Care must be taken to assure that the frame is level, left to
right, and square, or nothing else will line up. The rear suspension will
line up square if the frame is, however, the axles must be carefully aligned
as there are no positive locating points for them.
Interior:
The interior is a one piece bucket with the dash, seats, heater, and
other details molded separately. Detail is minimal, but passable. The
windows are also one piece, and rather bulky. Door handles were picked
out with chrome silver paint.
Body:
The cab is a one piece molding that is surprisingly flash free after
all these years and all the different kits it has been used in. There
are a lot of sprue attachment points on the chrome parts that need to
be addressed. I painted the cab and hood side panels using Testor’s
Chrysler Yellow Auto Lacquer. The Frame, fenders, and hood top panel were
all painted Testor’s Model Master 1917 gloss Dark Sea Blue.
Conclusion:
Great kit of a true classic truck. This kit still builds well and looks
like an Autocar. The re-release of these older kits will provide me with
enough kits to build a fleet of fire apparatus, plus a dump truck, and
after appropriating a Mercury sleeper cab from one of the other AMT kits
of that era, a custom highway hauler. This is still a good kit after all
these years and it builds into a nice looking representation of a true
classic truck. Oh, and before anyone complains about the missing turn
signals, I haven’t decided whether they will be fender or mirror
mounted!
Color Guide:
Cab, hood and fenders: could be painted any
color in the Dupont color book. Autocar prided themselves on true custom
building.Frame: Standard color was semi-gloss black, but again you could
order any color in the Dupont color book.
Interior: Dash: natural wood. Steering wheel:
white or semi-gloss black. Everything else: whatever was ordered. Truck
interiors of this era were usually black or dark brown “naugahyde”
or vinyl, but there were many optional colors.
Engine: Pale yellow or Cummins beige (I used
Testor’s Model Master Sand Beige #2910)
Transmission: Matt orange, semi-gloss black,
or chassis color.
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