AMT68

That's a good point. I have good number of the early '80's Monogram kits and would be less inclined to use auto primers on them. I've found the plastics used in those kits to be much more sensitive as I have to use glue very sparingly on those models.

Well I'm glad you mentioned that Eric. I know not to consider the "filler" I'm surprised to hear Tamiya tape would lift the paint since it's pretty low adhesion. I've had problems with Testors model tape lifting off paint.

You mentioned Summer, and you are in New Jersey. Is is possible that you painted on a humid day, and some moisture got trapped under or in the primer, messing up its adhesion to the model's body? It's interesting you mention that Peter because while I do make every attempt to be aware of the ambient conditions it's possible this was done under less than ideal conditions. But this same situation occurred with another model I painted with Dupli-color after the summer.

I see your logic with using a primer that would moderately etch the plastic thus creating better adhesion. So some experimentation with primers along with lightly sanding the body prior to priming in order to see what works best.

Not sure I would enter the event but learning to build more systematically would provide a benefit overall.

Looks like you used some type of styrene strips for the headliners bows. Very interesting and something I would look tp apply to a future build.

Interior looks nice. I always liked either the blue or red with white seats interior combination Buick offered in the mid-70's. Pontiac also offered that combination in those years. Also forgot to mention the TS-54 on the carpets sets a nice contrast to the door panels. I'll have to remember that one as I like to use Tamiya paints.

Was that some type of contest you had entered?

To your point I'll make sure I sand the entire body down with probably 600 grit sandpaper prior to priming. I'll spend as much time as it takes to sand down uneven sections in the body whereas a light overall sanding wouldn't be all much of an effort.

Definitely Patrick. I usually wash the the entire kit (except chrome of course) in dish soap and wipe the entire model with alcohol before washing it again.

Thanks Jonathan.

That build looks amazing. Did you custom mix the engine color?

No I most likely didn't but then I normally don't sand bodies (just scribe and sand out inconsistencies in the plastic) and yet there isn't this problem with hobby paints. So that's why I thought there was a problem with the hobby primer under an auto lacquer.

Well thanks Bill for the reply. I never attempted Future as a finish but I may try eventually just to see.

Thanks Roger for the reply. I actually do have a picture of a model I painted last summer. I can literally keep scraping it right down to the bare plastic with a fingernail.

So there's really no difference with the fine filler primer versus the say the primer sealer. Also interesting.

Okay well that's interesting to know Tom that you've had success using Dupli-color primers only.

Thanks for the informative reply Steve. To your point a coat of hobby primer particularly Tamiya which goes on thinly under the Dupli-color primer will not have any material effect on the model's detail. While I realize the color coats of auto lacquers are "hotter" I was basically wondering if the Dupli-color primers contained solvents that were less "hot" and possibly not have an adverse effect on the plastic. It's also good to know that Dupli-color primers will require some additional coats for proper coverage.

Okay, thanks for the link Bill. Much appreciated.

Thanks Cliff. I remember the popularity of these cars when new and the interest in them has never diminished.

I did a search and didn't find an answer (I'm still relatively new here) on whether it's safe to use a Dupli-color primer (most likely sandable) on styrene models. I normally use Tamiya primers under hobby color coats with very good success. When I've used Tamiya primers under the Dupli-color (Perfect Match Acrylic Lacquer) I sometimes getting chipping in the top coats. Now I'm not sure if the culprit is in fact the Tamiya or possibly something I'm doing wrong that causes the chipping. Thanks.

Thanks David. I always liked these cars with a buckskin/tan interior whereas a '73 or a '74 Firebird I'd prefer with a white interior. I like the look without the decals but it is still a debate. Maybe I'll just build another one in this color with decals so I can decide....lol.

Great detail on the interior and chassis. I have the '68 kit (unbuilt) which I believe is the original tooling whereas I'm guessing the tooling for the '67 was updated.

I've seen that MPC Indy Car Firebird on ebay but never purchased one. Didn't realize that kit lacked the accuracy in terms of the turbocharging system.

Thanks John. I'm enjoying following your '79 T/A build.