Street Freak or Street Machine?

Kit Features

New box art and 90 parts molded in white, clear and clear red with chrome parts with super-wide vinyl tires, a Chevy V-8 engine, a custom intake option, 2 wheel (wire spokes or custom Centerlines), a Roll bar and a custom exhaust system with chrome side pipes. Included is and expanded decal sheet with seven stripe colors to choose from.

Kit Overview

MPC’s 1981 Chevy Camaro Z28, kit number 981, is a skill level two model in 1/25 scale. It contains 90 parts, clear windows, red taillights, chrome components, wide vinyl tires, and a metal axle. Options include a Chevy V8, custom intake, two-wheel styles, a roll bar, and chrome side pipes. The expanded decal sheet offers seven stripe colors to match any body color. The real question is: which version would you like to build: an OOB Street Freak, or a Street Machine? I chose the latter, but you’ll need to make some modifications for that!

Box Art Versus Contents

Although the new artwork depicts a clean street machine, the contents reproduce the 1984 Pro Street release. Its oversized tires extend beyond the body, and the roll bar lacks braces. The kit remains an approachable Pro Street build, but matching the artwork requires narrower replacement wheels and tires. The finished model measures approximately 7¼ inches long, 2¾ inches wide, and 2 inches high.

Preparation and Engine Assembly

Study the instructions before construction, then wash and dry the parts to remove residue. Sand the body’s mold seams and inspect imperfections before priming. Keep the shipping brace temporarily for support. Assemble the engine block and two-piece headers, paint the engine blue and transmission aluminum, and detail the carburetor with transparent gold. Remove chrome plating or paint at glue points and test-fit the custom intake.

Wheels and Chassis

For a street machine appearance, spare parts box mag wheels were painted white, accented with black recesses, chrome details, and homemade red rim rings and lightly sanding the tire tread creates a realistic appearance. Remove the molded exhaust sections when using side pipes. Assemble the suspension components before painting for stronger joints. Shorten the rear axle stubs and the metal axle and hubs to tuck the wheels inside the fenders.

Interior and Installation

I painted the interior dark red with simulated maroon carpeting using embossing powder over white glue. Detail the console, shifter, and dashboard, using the supplied instrument panel decals. Attach the firewall carefully to the interior’s locating notches. Install the engine and radiator surround simultaneously, so the fan fits into its shroud; fitting them separately makes installation impossible.

Body Corrections and Paint

Remove the shipping brace, adjust the front-end width to accommodate the wider front clip by cutting the radiator brace support to widen it ⅛”, and align the flares to the wheel wells, then ass the spoiler, front splitter and bumpers. Widen the hood with plastic strips on the edge to fit the now wider hood opening, re-scribe weak panel lines, and prime again to check repairs. Paint the body, hood and grille together Dupli-Color white. Apply the hood stripes carefully with setting solution, add the side body stripes, and finish with a clear coat to set the decals.

Lighting and Final Assembly

Improve the all-red taillights with reflective foil, white backup sections, orange turn signals, and black dividing tape. Fill gaps at their outer corners. Fit the windows carefully, then secure the interior and body to the chassis. Add the chrome headlights and a spare-parts mirror. Position and reinforce the custom exhaust because the kit provides no positive mounting points.

Overall

Despite dated tooling, thick windows, missing mirrors, and absent front and rear stripes, this kit produces an attractive Camaro Z/28. Replacement wheels, fit corrections, and thoughtful detailing transform its Pro Street contents into a clean street machine with a custom engine and exhaust. On the other hand, if you prefer the Street Freak appearance the kit is pretty easy to build, especially if you opt for the standard dual exhaust and standard intake options.

Thanks go to Round2 and the IPMS for providing the opportunity to build and review this model.