doorsovdoon Posted October 9, 2020 Posted October 9, 2020 This is the 1971 Bird of Paradise Thunderbird by AMT, a very psychedelic looking car on the box art but can be built to look like one posh looking bird! When I started this kit I went in to the build with very little enthusiasm, but as it came together I really started to enjoy this one. I was going to go with a set of wire wheels but the custom wheels that come with this kit look so much nicer. As with most of these old promo style kits the engine bay was lacking a lot of detail, so I added plug wires, brake lines, a master cylinder and heater hoses, they're not accurate to the real car but this was my first time going into this much detail. This is an extremely basic kit and super easy to build, it even comes with a fake engine plate to fill in the hole underneath to build curbside.The chassis is moulded as one piece with only the exhausts and axle being separate but the mould details are excellent and can be picked out very easily. With a nice set of wheels, a vinyl roof, and the right paint colour, this is one pretty neat kit and shows the old promo style kits are not something to be sniffed at. No fit issues, it went together perfectly. On to the next one:)
stitchdup Posted October 9, 2020 Posted October 9, 2020 Turned out nice Gareth, its funny how a kit you have no enthusiasm for in the beginning can change your mind. After watching yours come together I've added it to my ebay list
Phildaupho Posted October 9, 2020 Posted October 9, 2020 I did not know what I was going to see when I opened your post but I was greeted with a surprisingly gorgeous model. Well built.
doorsovdoon Posted October 9, 2020 Author Posted October 9, 2020 1 hour ago, stitchdup said: Turned out nice Gareth, its funny how a kit you have no enthusiasm for in the beginning can change your mind. After watching yours come together I've added it to my ebay list I highly recommend it. When I saw the style and how basic the kit was I thought there's no way I can make this look good, I was very wrong! It wasn't until I started painting and foiling the car that all the curves and detail started to show the potential this kit has. If Round2 did some re-working of the chassis and engine bay they could be on to a real winner with this one!
doorsovdoon Posted October 9, 2020 Author Posted October 9, 2020 1 hour ago, Phildaupho said: I did not know what I was going to see when I opened your post but I was greeted with a surprisingly gorgeous model. Well built. Thanks, Phil. Kind words, I appreciate it, thank you:)
espo Posted October 9, 2020 Posted October 9, 2020 Beautiful looking T-Bird. I remember you talking about this color and how it looked even when the earlier pictures had it looking silver. As you started adding the trim and then the interior and now you can clearly see the shade of blue you had mentioned. Another great looking build for your display.
Can-Con Posted October 9, 2020 Posted October 9, 2020 Looks great Gareth. I honestly thought I was looking at a brochure picture for a second when I opened the post!
doorsovdoon Posted October 9, 2020 Author Posted October 9, 2020 14 minutes ago, espo said: Beautiful looking T-Bird. I remember you talking about this color and how it looked even when the earlier pictures had it looking silver. As you started adding the trim and then the interior and now you can clearly see the shade of blue you had mentioned. Another great looking build for your display. Thanks, Dave. Yes, it is a very light blue, I think it was a left over can of paint I used on my '62 Electra to touch up areas where I rubbed through when polishing, a different shade but very close.
doorsovdoon Posted October 9, 2020 Author Posted October 9, 2020 1 minute ago, Can-Con said: Looks great Gareth. I honestly thought I was looking at a brochure picture for a second when I opened the post! Thanks, Steve. I wish the sun was out when I took the shots but I haven't seen that thing for weeks, it would have really made the model pop.
Spottedlaurel Posted October 9, 2020 Posted October 9, 2020 Nice one Gareth, it came together very well. Good call on using the custom wheels, I think it would have looked somewhat plain with the stock wheel covers.
doorsovdoon Posted October 10, 2020 Author Posted October 10, 2020 Thanks, guys. Yeah, I wasn't keen on the stock wheels, the hubcaps look like they're more suited to a truck.
TooOld Posted October 10, 2020 Posted October 10, 2020 Beautiful T-Bird in a gorgeous color and some great detailing too !
David G. Posted October 10, 2020 Posted October 10, 2020 That came out great! Excellent color choice, especially with the vinyl top and pinstriping. The red interior does make it pop. I like the details you added to the engine bay. I used the curbside option on mine simply because it was offered and it was something I hadn't tried before. David G.
Lunajammer Posted October 10, 2020 Posted October 10, 2020 You certainly captured the luxury sport look. Beautiful model.
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