I know the paint color and the kit includes the 1961 West German decals. Any other details to make it truly German, or will it turn out to be biting off more than I can chew?

Check out these walkaround pics and spot the German details (like the different lighting setup)...

olivier.carneau.free.fr/photoengins/allemagne/m42_ge/index.htm

www.panzer-modell.de/referenz/in_detail/m42/m42.htm

H.P.

In 1961 US stuff in German service wasn't necessarily "Germanized" yet. You really want a German version get the M42G kit that AFV-Club puts out.

Or get the M41G Nato which shows the mid-1960s lights fit though not necessarily 1961.

The two walk-arounds are of vehicles today and reflect the late 1960s to the end of service outfit.

September 1958

Some photos from the very first days in Bundeswehr service:
http://www.panzerbaer.de/guns/relaunch/bw_flakpz_m42-a.htm
When were the small track skirts installed? I would guess after 1961 ...

Flak 40mm L60 ZwSF

I would be surprised if the Bundeswehr changed much in the few years between initial deliveries and 1961.

Four images (3 + the one above) in the Bundesarchiv
https://www.bild.bundesarchiv.de/cross-search/search/_1508413390/

/ Robin

Thanks! The year I thought of is 1962, so I guess there was little actual reconfiguration (from the pictures I've seen) besides repainting and remarking.