The70judgeman

Thanks Ray. Thanks Jason. Some of the soundtrack is the same, imo, or very similar. I think I've heard some of engine sounds in other movies as well.

Looks too pretty to take off-road and get dirty!

This started as a Monogram '70 1/2 Trans Am. It's not 100% updated to a '73...especially the interior. It's a replica from the 1974 movie "McQ", starring John Wayne as Det. Lt. Lon McQ and his "green hornet". List of mods: sanded grill and replaced with window screen painted black...retained Pontiac script heater hoses vacuum hose from brake booster spark plug wires with homemade boots aluminum coil battery cables BMF MRC Goodyear Polyglas GT tires Trans Am and Hood decal delete Paint is Dupli Color Emerald Green to simulate Pontiac Brewster Green and Testor's One Coat Laquer Clear. I also weathered the underside, but didn't take any pictures. The model didn't turn out as well as I hoped. The hood doesn't close all the way and the paint started to chip by the hood hinges...oh well. I'll just display it with the hood open anyway.

Got a complete kit off of ebay awhile back. Was going to build it like my dads, but decided to build it, at least paint it, different from his. I also cast some clear headlights. Just need to get a display box to house them together.

Nice and clean. Just a few details to finish? Scripts and side marker lights, otherwise looks fantastic. '71 MOPAR's are really under-rated.

Got these three over the last few weeks.And these from my nephew. Both open, Corvette parts bag still sealed, all parts are there, and decals still good.

www.modelempireusa.com

Yes...Don Yenko used the COPO system, Central Office Production Order, to have the 427's installed at the factory instead of swapping them into Camaro's. 9561 was a GM internal code number for the factory to install a 427 in place of a 396. The 396 and 427 have the same external dimensions, so no modifications were needed to install. In a nut shell, the '69 Yenko Camaro's were COPO 9561's (427's installed at the factory) with his decals and tuning. I'm sure someone will dispute everything I've said, and say I'm completely wrong, but from what I've read...that is the gist of it.

It's never too late to get into the hobby. And messing up is just part of the process. I've been building for about thirty years and wouldn't you know it, just the other day...epic paint fail. So, it doesn't matter how long you've been building. Strip it and carry on.

It's an option, or in your case, to not put it in...it's your model. A simple trim ring would do. Also...some aftermarket gauges might be in order to hang under the dash. You know, the ones to monitor the engine vitals "old school' style. If I'm not mistaken, there are four gauges in the console ahead of the shifter. After all, what I think you're going for is to lighten up the car, and the console was dead weight. Personally, I like the console, but that's just me, and I'm not telling you how to build your model. Just giving you an idea to use I guess. Either way you go, you're doing a heck of a job on this one. I need to get going on my Camaro again since I have some inspiration now.

I go along with keeping it just the way it is. There probably aren't a whole lot of us who can show a model from 30 years ago that we built. Mine pretty much ended up as targets for bb guns, pellet guns, and fire crackers. I'm sure I wasn't the only one either.

An outstanding job on the engine detail!

You can try www.modelempireusa.com . I don't know how much shipping would be as Model Empire is one of my LHS's and I can buy right off the rack. They have an online catalog on their site, or an actual catalog that can be sent to you.

He was also the "Grand Clown" in Milwaukee's "Great Circus Parade" for years. The parade lost funding, so its gone, I think...now Ernest too.

Wish I had a teacher like you growing up to put on something like this. Though he's gone now, I have to thank my dad for getting me into the hobby.

Those are some lucky kids to have you for a teacher and your friend with the donation of all those kits.

That's awesome. I remember the first thread when you asked about this kind of thing. Good luck to you and your students.

So sorry for my missed key stroke Harry.

That was a point I wanted to post awhile ago, but just let it go because of the actual topic. Anyway...this whole topic boils down to, what is an American brand car, but in a name anymore. And to throw my car in the mix...a 2007 Hyundai Sonada. 60%+ parts made in Korea and Japan, the rest sourced from other countries, and assembled in Montgomery, AL. I was one of those people that swore I'd NEVER buy a foreign car, but after Chevrolet wouldn't stand by their product, I came to terms and realized that there are much better vehicles out there and there is no such thing as a 100% "American Made" vehicle anymore. What sold me on my Sonada was the 180 Hyundai did on everyone around '05-'06 from junk throwaway cars to competeing in the world market of quality vehicles and offering an excellent warranty. I've had the car for 5 years and have only had to do routine maintenance...oil changes, lube, air filter, tires. Haven't had to do any brake work yet. I'm definately happy with the car.

Can't wait to see how this turns out. I've been working on pretty much the same thing myself...only I went the 9560 ZL1 Aluminum block/heads route. Did the steelies from the COPO Nova kit also. Plus I'm going with all the photo-etch too.

I don't see what you're seeing, but it looks really smooth and well built. Great paint and the engine looks like it got the Edelbrock treatment for the extra ponies.

Mid-60's to early 70's Muscle Cars mostly, but I'll build something that piques my interest no matter what it is.

Four doors! There's something you don't see everyday! Nice job on all of them.

I think it's where this topic is located in the main listings since you reorganized. I completely forgot about this one, because I rarely scroll down that far.

It seems paying full price today is not the norm. I do like to support my LHS's, but when there are coupons and other deals to be had, you have to take advantage of it. One of the LHS buys in bulk for their online catalog which brings their prices down $3-$5 per kit. The other one I go to has a monthly e-newsletter that has a 10% coupon, but with some restrictions. I do use the 40% and 50% coupons at Michael's, but their selection leaves a lot to be desired...they're not a hobby store. And then there is ebay. That is a hit or miss source for kits. Combined or free shipping is a plus, but you have to deal with other thirsty buyers for the same kits sometimes. But, BIN is an option too if available for what you want. So, basically I've stopped or rarely pay full retail price for kits. Lets face it...our hobby can and is getting expensive, and any way to save some $ is a plus so we can keep building. I know there are other sources I haven't mentioned to buy and save, but like most of us here, I'm still exploring where to save. Other sites, yard sales, swap meets...been there too. In other words...if you've got a computer, you do if you're reading this, you're not trying hard enough if you still pay full retail. There's always deals and ways to save on what you want.