Rockford Posted July 22, 2020 Share Posted July 22, 2020 This is one I did a little while ago. The Firebird from The Rockford Files with James Garner. The only kit available was the Revell Trans-Am Firebird so I had to get one of them and remove the following:- 4x Wheel flares, trunk spoiler, T-tops, Front fender extractor vents, hole in the hood for the shaker scoop and then add all the chrome trim on the belt line, outer sill, hood rear edge and wheel arches. I also added seat belts because I love the way they go to the rear of the roof on Gen2 F=Bodies It was a lot of work but it turned out so well, it looks just like the Firebird "Esprit" that he drove at the time. They were actually Formula 400's dressed down to look like Esprits. It puts a smile on my face when I look a Gen2 Firebird of any type. The Trans-Am is a brute, the Esprit looks sleek and nimble and demonstrates what a fantastic piece of design the car was. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelson Posted July 22, 2020 Share Posted July 22, 2020 Beautiful work!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twokidsnosleep Posted July 22, 2020 Share Posted July 22, 2020 Really nice Remember this from all the re-runs as a kid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bamadon Posted July 22, 2020 Share Posted July 22, 2020 That looks great. I agree, these cars look much better without all the extras. Much cleaner looking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spottedlaurel Posted July 22, 2020 Share Posted July 22, 2020 Very nicely done. A fomative influence on many of us of a certain age, this side of the Atlantic too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyK Posted July 22, 2020 Share Posted July 22, 2020 A lot of work you did there but well worth it. Very nice! Now you can start on the trailer (caravan) he had. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Classicgas Posted July 22, 2020 Share Posted July 22, 2020 Nailed it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbowser Posted July 22, 2020 Share Posted July 22, 2020 Great model! I really like seeing the lesser trim packages, you did a nice job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doorsovdoon Posted July 22, 2020 Share Posted July 22, 2020 Very nice. My favourite style of the Firebird. I loved The Rockford Files. TV in the UK back in the 90's used to air all the old American TV shows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobraman Posted July 22, 2020 Share Posted July 22, 2020 Very nice ! I can hear the theme music playing in my head ! ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1972coronet Posted July 22, 2020 Share Posted July 22, 2020 Super nice -- fantastic work on the conversion ! I love the seat belts , the body side mouldings , and the overall attention to the nits and twigs . Keeep up the great work ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PappyD340 Posted July 23, 2020 Share Posted July 23, 2020 3 hours ago, Classicgas said: Nailed it! I agree Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave branson Posted July 23, 2020 Share Posted July 23, 2020 very nice build Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spencer1984 Posted July 23, 2020 Share Posted July 23, 2020 Nicely done, that turned out great! What paints did you use on it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charger74 Posted July 23, 2020 Share Posted July 23, 2020 Very nice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockford Posted July 23, 2020 Author Share Posted July 23, 2020 2 hours ago, spencer1984 said: Nicely done, that turned out great! What paints did you use on it? Spencer, I've always just used rattle cans of car body paint from a local parts supplier, primer and topcoat. I think this was actually a Ford colour. Olympic Gold I think. Now and again I'll use a Tamiya rattle can and I think their surface primer is a fantastic product, but when painting cars there aren't all the colours you want. I've never suffered a reaction with the car paint and it's so tough once it's cured that you can work on the finished shell without worrying. I have to say I admire airbrush work, and I have an airbrush that I have used ONCE but the amount of work you need to shoot one layer of paint and clean the gun etc.... i just haven't got the patience. Just shaking a rattle can for two minutes is tedious for me! Thanks everyone for the comments, I'm very proud of my Firebird, don't think i could do it again with my gozzy eyes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeeBee Posted July 23, 2020 Share Posted July 23, 2020 Superb clean build..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom99 Posted July 23, 2020 Share Posted July 23, 2020 Very nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackSheep214 Posted July 23, 2020 Share Posted July 23, 2020 ROCKFORD FILES ! I loved that show! Well done on the Firebird! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosco Posted July 23, 2020 Share Posted July 23, 2020 What a great subject to choose. Super clean build that captures Rockford's Firebird perfectly. Well done! Take a trip down memory lane, I got James Garner's autograph back in 1967, long before Rockford existed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockford Posted July 23, 2020 Author Share Posted July 23, 2020 James Garner appears to have been a very genuine man who didn't seek the limelight. I know his marriage lasted for decades and there was no scandal attached to him. I love the Rockford Files with it's permanent sunshine, the street scenes with the passing traffic, the complex storylines, Jim's constant misfortunes and THAT car. The way he threw it about too because he could drive! In the later episodes you can see the beginning of the end, Datsuns and Mazdas start to appear and you just knew the days of the traditional American car were numbered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Repstock Posted July 23, 2020 Share Posted July 23, 2020 If you do want to build the trailer, I've done it before. Really nice job on the Firebird! https://jimsuva.typepad.com/blog/2019/03/the-rockford-files-124th-scale-diorama.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSchnell Posted July 23, 2020 Share Posted July 23, 2020 Very nice! A clean build. Rockford Files is one of my favorite TV shows, even if I wasn't around when it originally aired. Supposedly the "OKG" in the license plate stands for "Oklahoma Garner" since he was from Oklahoma. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuces ll Posted July 23, 2020 Share Posted July 23, 2020 James Garner was also known for racing L-88 powered Corvettes.... ? Nice build on the Firebird.... ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
espo Posted July 23, 2020 Share Posted July 23, 2020 A very realistic looks Firebird. This was the for mainstream model that most purchased. Like so many others I also remember watching the Rockford Files. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.