The most noticable improvements can be made by chroming the trim and working detail in under the hood. First, let's look at what the chrome does for it. This particular detailed car also got a set of Cragar mags for a little bit different look. You will see what I mean when I say just a few detail improvements can make a huge improvement.
As Ertl made it:
With detailing:
Now let's look under the hood. At first you may overlook the fact that the underhood and radiator support have been painted semi-gloss black just like on the real thing. While such treatment may show up more on a light colored car, regardless the black helps set the engine compartment off. Adding just a few dabs of paint to the battery, radiator cap, master cylinder cap, radiator hose clamps, alternator, water neck, driveshaft, shocks and washer bottle add a little color and eye-catching detail. Such details take models a huge leap toward simulating the 1:1 they represent.
If one area can improve the most it has to be the undercarriage. Many models come with all black undercarriage components. This particular car comes with silver exhaust which is a very good start, but by adding just a little paint to the starter, oil filter, transmission and steering components this area really wakes up. I did this car before I began painting the gas tanks (see some of the other comparison articles) but even without it you can see the improvements. Cars with leaf springs in the rear show off even better since the springs get painted too. GM and Ford products show up the best because of the strong contrast between the black underbody and the silver and cast iron parts.
Certain models have a few unique items that can improve with just a small amount of attention. This front shot shows how the front of this model improves when the bumper brackets are painted black so the front bumper looks correct.
The rear shows off better due mostly to the chrome around the rear window and around the vinyl top. Cars with black exhaust improve when the exhaust pipes are painted silver and the openings are painted black. Exhaust pipe tips can be drilled hollow for added affect. Cars with silver gas tanks typically show this feature off well from the rear as well.
