MPC ‘79 Firebird 1/16

[Ron2]

Wasn't going to post this just yet because I'm not really starting it but I started the engine and I mentioned the excellent service I've gotten from resin ridez on my '68 GTO post. I picked up this kit pretty cheap and contacted RR and asked if he could make me a 1/16 Pontiac 400. Within a day he got back to me and stated he gave it a try and he could and would. I spent more money on this motor than the kit so I better do it well! Check out the detail on these parts.

 

[user 22148]

Fab car that, and what a great looking kit.

 

[Ron2]

yes I'm looking forward to it. From what I read about flex it sounds like the way to go is to lock the doors in place. I may add some bracing on the underside of the flex seems bad.

 

[WtShark]

Looks like a fun build.

 

[mustang1989]

Count me in on this bad boy. LOVE these cars.
Just how big is that car Ron?

 

[Ron2]

Count me in on this bad boy. LOVE these cars.
Just how big is that car Ron?

That's a 6" ruler and a quarter sitting on the tire!

 

[mustang1989]

That's a good size model. LOTS of opportunity for detailing. You got any place in mind to display that beauty when you're all done?

 

[Ron2]

That's a good size model. LOTS of opportunity for detailing. You got any place in mind to display that beauty when you're all done?

Oh man, that IS the problem! I've a few 1/24 planes, a few 1/32 planes, plus my helicopters. I'm not sure. I found a cabinet I like on Amazon and it looks like I could add another shelf. Today I was rearranging the models in my office bookcase and realized I could put some models on a stand in the back to gain more space but I am spilling into the dining room- the wife DID notice! Haha. When you started I thought I'd just throw away my first models as they weren't that good but I'm not keen on that idea anymore. For one thing I like being able to compare an early build to what I'm doing now. Progress feels good.

 

[Ron2]

Put the engine together tonight. Couldn't sleep. I've got some detailing to do but this is nice- especially at this size! For reference those tweezers are about 4 inches.

 

[Ron2]

Put the engine together tonight. Couldn't sleep. I've got some detailing to do but this is nice- especially at this size! For reference those tweezers are about 4 inches.

Primed most of body and interior. Primed spark plug boots. Need to order gold paint. Not a color I would ever own but it was popular back in the day so I'm going to go with gold. Otherwise all my cars would be black or dark blue. Man these parts are big!

 

[mustang1989]

This has to be super easy to work with in this scale Ron. That 400 looks GREAT!!

 

[Ron2]

This has to be super easy to work with in this scale Ron. That 400 looks GREAT!!

Thanks. I'm wrapping up a few things and will get started on body and interior. I've read there are problems with flex dt size.

 

[Edbert]

This has to be super easy to work with in this scale Ron. That 400 looks GREAT!!

You would think so, I did. But sometimes the big scales make more problems. My 1/16th halftrack is an example.

 

[Ron2]

You would think so, I did. But sometimes the big scales make more problems. My 1/16th halftrack is an example.

I read one guys review and he stated he glued the doors in place, they're supposed to be operable, and he added some bracing because the chassis flexed quite a bit and bits would pop loose. I'm planning on following suit if it appears flexible. But I have a canopy to paint before I get started on this kit!

 

[Edbert]

But I have a canopy to paint before I get started on this kit!

I feel a little bit bad for calling you out on that, but it was causing me...issues...LOL.

(because your paint job was so freaking good)

 

[Ron2]

Started on the suspension tonight. They provided actual springs kind of cool. So far going together well.

 

[BarleyBop]

Nice.
I like that little clamp: hard to find small clamps that will hold without too much force.

 

[Ron2]

Nice.
I like that little clamp: hard to find small clamps that will hold without too much force.

I need to find a way to roughen the clamp surfaces tho- these tend to slide off if the object isn't flat.

 

[BarleyBop]

I need to find a way to roughen the clamp surfaces tho- these tend to slide off if the object isn't flat.

@Pantherman uses masking tape on his PE flat pliers... Maybe that might give just enough grip, without marring the part surface?

 

[Edbert]

@Pantherman uses masking tape on his PE flat pliers... Maybe that might give just enough grip, without marring the part surface?

I was going to say I use the cheapo painter's tape (the stuff with a rough texture) on the part sometimes to allow more grip.

 

[Ron2]

@Pantherman uses masking tape on his PE flat pliers... Maybe that might give just enough grip, without marring the part surface?

Thanks I'll try that! A little simpler than putting CA and sprinkling sand on them!

 

[BarleyBop]

Thanks I'll try that! A little simpler than putting CA and sprinkling sand on them!

I once painted basement stairs, all nautical like, the centre 'runner' with a paint/silica mix. Worked great!
In this situation though, I might worry about dimpling of soft plastic if the clamp was too tight.

 

[Ron2]

Not much further but getting there. Next up will be fitting the engine.

 

[Ron2]

Added the wheels and doing some dry fitting and prep work.

 

[WtShark]

This is coming along nicely!
Beautiful work!

 

[Ron2]

This is coming along nicely!
Beautiful work!

Thanks. I hope this comes out good at the end. I've never painted gold before. We'll see!

 

[WtShark]

Thanks. I hope this comes out good at the end. I've never painted gold before. We'll see!

I'm looking forward to seeing the result- No pressure.

 

[Ron2]

Not much. Started plug boots and wires tonight. Am going to scratch some wire organizers to mount on the vc's. Plan on getting a lot done tomorrow!

 

[Ron2]

Laid the carpet. One seat in. Cut some leftover PE up for wire placers. I need to figure out my strategy for wrapping this up and I just didn't have the brain power for that today so I moved on to other kits. Seats actually flip forward! But I don't play with my models!

 

[Ron2]

I worked on the engine a bit more today. Hit the interior with the cheesy gold. We had a gold van when I was a kid. Makes me chuckle now. I've a goofy idea for a build- does anyone know of anyone that would make a resin figure for a build?