Okay, neither the Sunstar or Maisto '65 GTOs are free from some major flaws. The Sunstar at least has a diecast molded-in hardtop. It would be great if we could take the best of both models and make one killer version, but we have to work with what we have. Overall the model is fairly solid and takes well to detailing. I couldn't do much about the slightly misshapen grills, but I did black them out more completely. They did a killer job on the wheel detailing.
I did try to blackout the recessed in the ribbed rear panel and over the tail lights to more accurately simulate the 1:1 look. Unfortunately the ribs are too shallow to get the effect complete but at least I did improve on the fresh out of the box look a bit. I'm glad they added clear lenses for the back up lights instead of just painting them white. The trim was painted on but it looks much better with chrome foil.
I've no idea why the lids of the air cleaners were painted gray but I did chrome them back to the proper look. I also painted the air cleaner filters olive green to simulate the optional foam air cleaner elements and the carbs. I painted the exhaust manifolds and the underside of the hood. The rest of the detailing you see is how it came from Sunstar.
Why is it the low end model makers really do great with interiors? Some of the higher end manufacturers could take a few lessons. The woodgrain effect around the dash gauge cluster and chrome panels and knobs really make the dash come alive. Add to that the door panel and seat trim detailing and the shifter knob. It even has the shift pattern painted on!
Okay as good as the interior is, the undercarriage goes in the other direction. The molded in drive shaft is kind of lame as is the molded in lower portion of the engine. The exhaust and gas tank were painted already, but I did have to remove a tab of plastic that held the exhaust pipes together. I also chromed the exhaust tips and painted the steering components, anti-sway bar and rear shocks.
I didn't add anything to the opening trunk so I've skipped that picture.