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Hey gang, there’s a new kid on the block and he has some tasty new toys! Wanna check ‘em out?
West Coast Precision Diecast (WCPD) is the brainchild of Brian Dunning, owner of Vicki’s Gifts in California. With help from Paul Kravchak, a renown modeling and diecast artist/builder, four 1959 Chevrolet Impalas are the first fruits of their labor to permeate our precision diecast ranks. Can they take up the slack left by TFM’s scale-back in production? Only time will tell. How does the first effort rank as a precision diecast? In my estimation, the models are worth entry into the inner sanctum of 1:24th builders such as FM, DM and CMC. At this time, 1961 and 1962 Chevy’s are being readied as the next releases to flow from the tap.
Externally, the models are museum-like in quality. The paint is smooth and evenly applied. The faithfulness of the shape and stance is true to the 1:1. Body fit is excellent and I’m examining early production samples which do not always have the precise fit of a later production model. The WCPD product is very innovative in its presentation of two coupes and two convertibles. It also gives the buyer the option of color choice, with certain engine offerings and the option of choosing which style hubcap to display. Each model is supplied with two sets. Fender skirts are removable and further broaden the buyer’s alternatives. Other differences are noted as well, as they were in the real cars. The convertibles came with rubberized floor coverings while the coupes were outfitted with carpeted floors. Through the years most drop-tops were upgraded to carpeting since original flooring is so hard to come by today, thus making a correct example to replicate even harder to find. Convertibles are outfitted with the 348 cubic inch engine fitted with trips; three two-barrel carburetors. The coupe models will have a four barrel carb 348 mill. Additionally, all convertibles come with power windows and the coupe models are equipped with miniature window cranks.
The model uses a minimum of non-metal parts giving the car a hefty feel while examining it. Underneath, we find working suspension components. Up front, there are coil springs between upper and lower control arms. The steering rods pivot as the tires move up and down. A front-mounted steering shock dampener actually works. In back the suspension uses working shocks, suspension arms on coil springs and a rear torsion bar link. The driveshaft turns and the tire pattern is deep and exceptionally accurate. You will see brake lines and transmission lines fabricated beautifully. The trunk has a realistic removable floor mat showing off the well detailed internal floor, spare and, on the convertibles, the wired power top mechanicals behind the rear seat. Steering on these models is poseable at this time, although the ’61 and ‘62’s may be different. One final difference is that the convertibles come with a grille guard and black bullet bumper points.
The license plate flips down to reveal the fuel filler neck and gas cap. But don’t try to lower the antenna, it’s fixed, and sharp. The top and boot fit is highly precise and the interior is marvelous. The patterning of the seat inserts are deeply etched and beautifully trimmed out. The foot pedals are likewise fashioned. The dash and gauges are scaled very well and the visors flip up on the rag top model. The glove box and ash tray open yet stay shut when you want them to. The seat backs fold forward and the doors open on internal hinges and snap shut with a spring-loaded pin and jamb assembly. Realistic hinges are used up front as well and add some great detail to the engine bay. The scissors hinges use genuine springs and come off looking absolutely authentic. The engine carries every sort of wire, cable and hose you would see under a real Impala’s hood and the model replicates hose harnesses, radiator warning labels, fuel lines and throttle springs.
As a first shot tooling exercise I have to give extremely high marks to this effort. One of the models had a slightly larger gap at the rear of the closed hood-line but that may vary from model to model. And while the nose of the car is a combination of a tampo’ed, “Chevrolet” script and photo-etched emblem, the side moldings and, “Impala” insignias are flawless. All of the chrome, and it’s considerable, lines up and is reproduced in remarkable fashion.
Overall, a grand effort worthy of inclusion into the best 1:24th precision collections anywhere! Congratulations to WCPD!
(02/16/2005)
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