Revell 1/25 1969 Corvette Coupe Kit First Look

By Phil Cooley, Front Range Auto Modelers (FRAM)

First Look

The 1969 Corvette was the second year of body style inspired by the “Mako Shark II” show car. Minor changes included the relocation of the back up lights from the lower valance to the taillights and the inclusion of the Stingray nameplate (now one word) on the front fenders. A mechanical change came in the form of the new 350 cu. in. engine (up 23 cu. in. from 1968), which was available in 300 and 350 horsepower versions. Of course, the big block 427 was also available, with horsepower ranging from 390 to the famed 435 horsepower tri-power version. There was even an optional aluminum racing engine available, the Zl-1, which “only” put out 430 horsepower and cost almost the same as a base 1969 Stingray.

Engine: The 427 tri-power engine is depicted in this kit. It has just over 20 pieces and includes a separate starter, fuel pump, water pump, oil filter, and upper and lower radiator hoses. No heater hoses are depicted. Plated parts include the air cleaner, valve covers, and alternator. The oil pan is molded to the engine block, but the seam can easily be filled and sanded to lessen the “toylike” appearance. The transmission depicted is a 4-speed manual. With the 435 horsepower engine, the M-21 “rock crusher” would have been the transmission of choice.

Chassis: The chassis of this kit is nicely detailed, though it does not have steerable front wheels. It includes separate upper A-Arms, while the lower A-Arms and steering linkage are molded as one piece. A separate anti-roll bar is included (though it is listed in the instructions as a tie rod) as is a steering box. The 2-piece front springs are chrome plated, I guess because this is a California Wheels kit. The rear suspension is multi-piece, with a separate transverse spring and shocks.

As this is a Corvette, it does have 4 wheel disc brakes, though the ones in the kit are definitely of the aftermarket variety. One error in the instructions is the brakes are said to be chrome. The ones in my sample were not--they were molded in black. Also included is a 2-piece master cylinder and a windshield wiper canister. A sidepipe exhaust system is depicted on the boxart and in the instructions. There is also a factory type dual exhaust if that is more to your liking. It is not depicted in the instructions.

Wheels and Tires: This is a California Wheels kit, so it has the requisite big wheels and no-name “rubber band” tires. In accordance with today’s trends, it has big and little wheels, with the smaller diameter tires and wheels obviously going on the front. A normal-sized set of 5-spoke mag wheels is also included, as are the needed backing plates. If you want to use them, you’ll have to use your own tires, as no stock sized tires are included. No factory wheels or hubcaps are included in this kit.

Interior: The interior is a tub type with separate door panels. The seats are three-piece which includes separate headrests. The steering column has a turn-signal stalk and the steering wheel is a stock Corvette unit. The instrument panel is nicely molded and includes a “hanging down” clutch, brake, and accelerator. The shifter and emergency brake handle are both chromed; obviously they are molded separately.

Body: The body is nicely molded and has open fender vents, a very nice touch. There are some visible mold lines, though the only ones which you would have trouble removing are the ones at the rear of the door. The difficulty in removing these comes in their close proximity to the unique Corvette door handles, which are lightly engraved right next to the mold lines. You will have to be very careful to remove the mold lines and not disturb the door handles.

There are two hoods included, a factory big block hood and a second hood which looks like the factory big block hood with the scoop from the 67 Sting Ray big block hood molded on top. A cold-air induction setup is part of this unit, but it will not fit the factory tri-power aircleaner and there is not another aircleaner included. If I remember correctly, this type of hood was available through some of the Corvette tuners, like Motion Chevrolet.

You have options with the side mirrors: there are two sets—one set is chromed the other is body colored. Neither, however, is factory correct. The instructions call for a chromed, racing-style gas cap, though the factory style is depicted on the body. The rear valence panel is modified—it does not have cut outs for the factory exhaust system. The taillights are clear red lenses with a separate chrome bezel. Note, the body is set up for the sidepipe exhaust system, so it doesn’t have stock rocker panels.

Decals: The decal sheet is first-rate. It includes decals for the disc brake rotors, side marker lights, Corvette, crossed flag, and Stingray emblems, dash gauges, and more. It also includes a carbon fiber decal for the hood, and two sets of accent stripes. One license plate set is included, a California Vanity Plate reading “CALWHLZ”.

This is a nicely done, contemporary kit that should appeal to the “big wheels” crowd. The instruction sheet is well done, in spite of the minor errors I discovered. I like this kit, though I wish it also included the parts to build it stock. In order to do that, you’ll need to raid your “parts box”.

Many thanks to Revell for the product sample.

Ed Note: Phil is a member of Front Range Auto Modelers.