Reviews : AMT 66 Plymouth Barracuda Hemi

I can't agree with some of the positive reviews out there. There are so many things wrong with this kit, I could not even recommend it as a first build. At $26.99, you might just as well spend a few dollars more and get a truly worthwhile first kit. Cons #1 design-this is supposed to be a hemi under glass, but if you install it where it matches up with its surroundings, it will be a hemi under rooftop! This accounts for the bumpout in the firewall behind the driver. If this is where the engine is supposed to be installed, it will wind up so far forward that it will only be visible through the glass at a very oblique angle! #2 cost savings-AMT must have had to pay a huge licensing fee to get them to make such drastic changes to the kit. There is very little detail in the chassis and the interior. I've seen other drag kits that at least offer some minor detailing in the interior, and perhaps even a fully detailed one-piece chassis, as well. So, by now, the investment has been paid off and AMT is still especting hobbyists to fund their operation, so that they can keep the junk rolling out the door. #3 glass-I've come to expect excellent performance from a one-piece glass installation. The pieces that are molded to attach the windshield to the backglass can easily be glued to the roof, and you're done. Not so in this kit! If you expect this, you can also expect big gaps around the perimeter where the glass simply sags. It should be glued in place all around to make sure this sag does not occur. #4 engine detail-or the lack thereof. With this kit purportedly using a hemi as a main feature, you wonder why the thing is so sparse on the detail. Errors in the mold for installing the chrome valve covers has you installing one of them backwards! Well, is this just another error that AMT felt could not be addressed without compromising their profit? It would seem so! Pros #1... I can't think of any! Oh well, the box is nice and sturdy!

This is an older kit and it shows. The part count is very low, so it does not take a lot of time to assemble. The instructions are old school AMT, so don't expect a lot of detail. More of a the part generally goes about here type of instruction. The other gripe I have with this kit is that the engine sits way to far forward. It's almost under the roof of the car so it's very difficult to see unless you get right on top of the car and tilt it at an angle. I double checked the directions, and it's mounted exactly where it should be. This was very frustrating since I spent the time to wire an engine that you cannot even see! The tires in the kit are plastic. I used Testors Gun Metal paint in my airbrush, and they ended up looking very realistic - perhaps even more so than the rubber times in most other kits. I also used some aftermarket tire deals to add additional realism. One the plus side, the kit goes together quite nicely for its age and the decal sheet is awesome.

Not a bad kit with just a small amount of flash for an older kit. When mounting your front leaf springs you might try them both directions and check which way best centers tire in wheel well. A couple of grips are the plastic tires, rubber would have been nice. Also the original cast puts the engine and drivers compartment to far forward, the engine is not under glass as is the 1:1 car. Mine will be the gold and black one in the image gallery!

Well I haven't even opened this kit. I'll leave it at 5 stars because the box isn't opened. Here's my plan: I had to have a 66' Cuda but I don't give a hooda cooda about a hemi under glass. So I picked up a Hemi Dodge Dart which is also an A-body Mopar. Next is transplant surgery to convert the Cuda to as close to stock as possible. Wish me luck. I'll keep you posted.

I remember watching the wheel standers at the track with my dad. What a fantastic memory! Kit is really sharp and nicely molded, little to no flash if you care about that stuff. I really like the two piece tires and the decal sheet great. I would highly recommend this Plymouth wheel stander. Will upload pics soon.

Very basic kit ,not too many parts,very simple kit open for xtra detail that can be a challenge