Revell introduced the original 1/8 scale L.A. Street Chopper plastic model kit just two years after the iconic movie “Easy Rider” premiered, starring Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper. In it, two bikers cross the American South and Southwest by riding choppers. When Revell debuted this wild ride, the chopper craze was in full swing.
While similar to Peter Fonda’s “Captain America” bike from the movie, Revell’s L.A. Street Chopper replicates a Harley-Davidson knucklehead engine and a long, springer fork out front rather than a panhead with hydraulic dampening. Decals provide two different flame colors and styles and a stars-and-bars theme reminiscent of the “Captain America” bike. I chose to use the latter.
The 32-piece engine/primary posed some interesting dilemmas. Not difficult to assemble, the parts are all chrome-plated with noticeable misalignments that create seams. Cleaning up the chrome parts to address the misalignments and seams would not leave the plating intact. Deep breath and clean up the parts. It’s the only way. With the seams addressed and minor sink marks filled, the knucklehead looked the part.
The wheel assemblies go together well, but, as with the engine, clean up left unsightly blemishes on the edges of the chrome wheels. It was the same story on the wild, long, springer front end. Assembled, it looks great, but you’ll have to gut it out, eliminating seams and mold lines.
I sanded out the mold lines on the white plastic frame in no time. Installing the transmission, engine, controls, and oil tank went smoothly. Leaving off the wheels, tires, and hoses, I airbrushed the whole assembly, except the gas tank and seat, with AK Interactive Super Chrome (No. AK9198). While not as shiny as the kit’s chrome, it does a respectable job simulating chrome plating.
For the Old Glory gas tank, I base-coated with Tamiya Silver (No. AS-12) and applied Tamiya Mica Red (No. TS-29) and Mica Blue (No. TS-50) as per the instructions. The decals slid right off the backing sheet with only a quick dip in the water and required no setting solution.
At this point, I installed the headlight glass, gas tank, seat, wheels, and tires. Running the rubber lines for hoses, cables, and brake lines was no problem because the mounting points were easy to locate.
As a teen, I thought this model was hard to build and recall being disappointed with the seams and misaligned parts. Now, I enjoyed building this ’70s-style, two-wheeled monster and have realized it is a better kit than I remembered.
Revell’s 1/8 scale L.A. Street Chopper wouldn’t make sense for a new builder because it requires skills that only come with experience. However, if you possess model-building experience and love motorcycles, this bike is for you. Not a simple build by any stretch, but satisfying when you can place it in the display box. Just remember to keep the rubber side down and the shiny side up.