Hey fellow model car enthusiasts! You might have seen my recent post showcasing my AMT 1967 Impala SS model, complete with that dazzling iridescent purple and blue paint job and a super detailed engine. Building this classic muscle car was an absolute blast, and it got me thinking about how much joy there is in truly making a model your own. If you're looking to "alter" your own Chevrolet models or perhaps you're hunting for tips on finding "1968 Chevrolet Impala parts" (or 1967, for that matter), you've come to the right place! Taking Your Model from Stock to Showstopper: The Art of Altering Your Chevrolet Customizing a model car like the 1967 Impala SS is where the magic really happens. Beyond just assembly, altering your model allows your creativity to shine. Let's talk about some key areas: Paint Perfection: My iridescent purple and blue finish really made this Impala pop. To achieve such a look, start with a good primer coat – usually black for iridescent or candy paints – to give the subsequent layers depth. Then, multiple thin coats of your color-shift paint are essential, followed by several clear coats for that deep, glossy shine. But don't stop there! Think about custom stripes, two-tone schemes, or even replicating period-correct factory colors for a restoration feel. The right paint can transform your model car. Engine Bay Brilliance: The heart of any muscle car is its engine, and detailing the engine bay is incredibly rewarding. For my Impala, I focused on painting components like the block, transmission, and accessories (alternator, power steering pump) in realistic colors. Going a step further, you can add tiny wires for the spark plugs and hoses for the cooling system and vacuum lines. There are plenty of aftermarket hobby supplies like braided lines and miniature fittings that can really elevate the realism. Don't forget to weather some parts subtly for an authentic look, even on a show car. Interior & Exterior Enhancements: A custom interior can really make a difference. Consider flocking for realistic carpet texture, or fabricating a custom dashboard. On the exterior, think about lowering the suspension for a more aggressive stance, adding custom wheels and tires, or even shaving door handles and trim for a smooth, custom look. The detailed grille and chrome bumper on the Impala are already standout features, but you could even try to re-chrome parts for extra sparkle! Sourcing and Replicating Impala Parts: Bringing Authenticity to Your Build Whether you're working on a 1967 or a 1968 Impala, finding the right parts, or replicating them, is crucial for an accurate or customized build. Aftermarket Awesomeness: The model building community offers a treasure trove of aftermarket parts. For classic Chevrolets like the Impala, you can find resin cast parts like custom wheels, engine components, different grilles, or even alternative taillights. Photo-etch sets provide incredibly fine details for emblems, interior dashes, and exterior trim that plastic often can't replicate. Websites specializing in model car parts or even Etsy can be great places to discover these unique pieces. If you're tackling a 1968 Impala, don't be afraid to search specifically for '68 Impala detail sets or resin conversion kits. Scratch-Building Solutions: Sometimes, that specific part you need just doesn't exist. This is where scratch-building comes in! With some plastic rod, styrene sheets, and a sharp hobby knife, you can create small brackets, linkages, or even replicate missing parts. For engine bay details like wires and hoses, various gauges of electrical wire or thin solder work perfectly. Always refer to reference photos of the real 1967 or 1968 Impala to ensure accuracy in your scratch-built components. Research is Key: Before you start modifying, spend some time researching the specific year and model of your Impala. Look at restoration photos, old advertisements, and forums. This will give you ideas for authentic alterations or help you identify specific parts you might want to replicate or source. Even for a fantasy build with iridescent paint, knowing the original car's details helps you achieve a believable, high-quality finish. Building model cars is a fantastic hobby that combines history, artistry, and engineering. I hope these tips inspire you to take your next AMT 1967 Impala SS or other Chevrolet model build to the next level. Happy modeling!