KIT REVIEW – 32 Ford 5-Window Coupe by Revell

Many of you may remember the 1932 Ford Street Rod by Monogram from years ago. I can recall my brother building that car about 20 years ago. The kit was great back then. I bought it some time later. Now, why bothering getting the 32 Ford 5-Window Coupe by Revell then? It is a very different kit and unlike other kits in the market, this one has all you can expect from a modern kit that calles himself “Special Edition Series”.

The body is pretty cool! I like the 5-window style. It looks great as a hot rod, or maybe a chopped rat rod? Although the doors don’t open, the trunk lid does. The kit comes with separate door handles as chromed parts (nice feature, as long as the door handles are properly moulded, which in this case, I can say they are).

Speaking about the door handles, this kit comes with three trees with chromed parts!! The entire front axle and suspension are chromed parts (great feature for a hot rod). You also get a custom set of rims, together with dog dish hubcabs for a “traditional” look. You will also find several of the engine parts along the chromed parts. I don’t always like chromed parts everywhere, but I look at it this way: if you don’t want it chromed, you can always remove the chrome and paint them normally. To remove the chrome, you can use the catalyst liquid from the two component rust (i.e. like the one from sophisticated finishes) or some pure alcohol as the one used to disinfect.

As I mentioned above, Revell calls this kit “Special Edition” and adds “Optional Parts, New Tooling” to it. Well, I can tell you that’s true. Both things. This kit has a great load of additional parts – I wonder how they got all those parts into the box. For instance, the trunk lid and the side hood lids come both louvered and smooth. In general, they included many special parts for the “high boy” and the “coupe” versions.

For instance, this kit comes with two engines! Not just two options, but two engine blocks along with many special parts for each engine. And each motor has several options itself – for instance, you can build them with a single or two carburators or with and intake plenum. You can use “modern looking” valve covers on one engine, normal “Ford motorsports” or just plain valve covers on the other. I just can’t tell you all the options and all the parts you will be left over for you bashing box! Just awesome!

The chasis is pretty well detailed too, including a steering box with the steering axle to the steering wheel (some kits omit this “detail”). You can also choose from drum brakes or disc brakes.

The interior is moulded just fine. For instance, the side panels are simple (as they are in a 32 ford) but properly moulded (the door handle and the window crank look as they should). How often have we seen poorly moulded side panels in the interiors? I can’t count the times! Thanks Revell for putting attention to the interior. Another nice detail is the fact that the gauge panel is made from a decal. One day, I came up to realize that this way looks just better than any moulded gauges.

The clear parts are good too! You get two sets of head lights (the chromed headlight housings look awesome by the way) as well as two sets of taillights (red moulded). I appreciate the fact that the clear parts aren’t very thick. Some times, the windshield is so thick, that looks just like a cheap toy once the kit is finished. And yes, you can use some clear packaging to replace the windshield – but I’m happy if the parts come in a usable way out of the box (after all, we pay for that). Again: well done Revell!

About the decals: besides the classic hot rod flames, you can some pin stripe details along with cool licence plates and some racing numbers and other details such as white walls for the wheels.

Pros:

• Lots of parts and options!  Two engines! Two set of rims and other stuff
• The parts are very well moulded. For instance, the windshield isn’t too thick as in other kits.
• Some great details, even in the chasis such as stabilizer bars, steering box, and so on.

Cons

• Some parts are very thin and may brake while unpacking (watch out)
• Only one set of tires. For the fact that the kit comes with so many options..

Tagged as: 1/24, 1/25, 32 ford, hot rod, kit review, Rat Rod, revell