doorsovdoon Posted October 9, 2020 Share 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:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doorsovdoon Posted October 9, 2020 Author Share Posted October 9, 2020 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doorsovdoon Posted October 9, 2020 Author Share Posted October 9, 2020 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doorsovdoon Posted October 9, 2020 Author Share Posted October 9, 2020 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doorsovdoon Posted October 9, 2020 Author Share Posted October 9, 2020 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stitchdup Posted October 9, 2020 Share 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phildaupho Posted October 9, 2020 Share 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doorsovdoon Posted October 9, 2020 Author Share 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doorsovdoon Posted October 9, 2020 Author Share 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:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
espo Posted October 9, 2020 Share 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Can-Con Posted October 9, 2020 Share 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doorsovdoon Posted October 9, 2020 Author Share 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doorsovdoon Posted October 9, 2020 Author Share 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michelle Posted October 9, 2020 Share Posted October 9, 2020 nice work on your t-bird Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spottedlaurel Posted October 9, 2020 Share 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Classicgas Posted October 9, 2020 Share Posted October 9, 2020 Dang that's nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragonhawk1066 Posted October 9, 2020 Share Posted October 9, 2020 Very nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimJ Posted October 10, 2020 Share Posted October 10, 2020 Great job Gareth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doorsovdoon Posted October 10, 2020 Author Share 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoopdog Posted October 10, 2020 Share Posted October 10, 2020 Splendid work on your 'Bird! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TooOld Posted October 10, 2020 Share Posted October 10, 2020 Beautiful T-Bird in a gorgeous color and some great detailing too ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David G. Posted October 10, 2020 Share 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charger74 Posted October 10, 2020 Share Posted October 10, 2020 Thats one beautifull t-bird Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisR Posted October 10, 2020 Share Posted October 10, 2020 Looks great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lunajammer Posted October 10, 2020 Share Posted October 10, 2020 You certainly captured the luxury sport look. Beautiful model. 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.