1970 T/G Racing Jerry Titus Firebird Trans Am

[FUSIONBOY]

That Looks INCREDIBLE!!!!!!  As a 1977 T/A owner i wanted  my car to corner as well as accelerate. I was a devote of Herb Adams and his work with all things Pontiac.  I would seriously offer up my Right Kidney (its prone to stones anyway) to take one of these Trans Am Cars out for track day at Road Atlanta or BIR.

AWESOME builds on your cars!!!

[swede70]

Much appreciation for the kind words...

A few steps back, a few steps forward here.  For opting to continue work on the model I removed the chassis and interior, but for so doing essentially wrecked the rear bumper which split in two for clumsy handling.  Ugh then - although acclimating myself to the hazards of carrying something to completion and identifying what finishes will work (and importantly - those that will not) was part of the plan.  That stuff disappears and/or is ruined, that spares are run through, and that expenses mount is part and parcel of any project such as this.  A replacement rear bumper is in the mail...

Seen forward is the first attempt at cutting the hood art (having been removed and replaced then), while I had made up a small cutting template with an outline of the shaker hood scoop opening from sheet plastic (the newer one just visible in the photo) which was overlaid onto the as-delivered artwork and cut with a #11 Xacto knife.  A supply of steely nerve certainly helps here given one doesn't want to sacrifice a $17 decal sheet wily nily.  

The waterslide sheet was first taped to a breadboard, the cutting template subsequently aligned and held fast with additional lengths of tape, and then the cut was made.  Mild revisions to the shape of the template opening resulted in less visible discrepancies around the opening, hence cutting out the hole on or inside the hood stripe art holds less horror than it previously had.  Fear existed that I'd ruin many stripe images before some reasonable compromise was reached in terms of fit, although happy I am to report that the challenge can be met.  

Although not quite as together as previously illustrated, also noted will be the replacement and resetting of the door numerals both further back and lower, as well as greater care exercised to scrub to shape and paint the areas on the doors/door skins I'd plugged and puttied consistent with cleanly blending the effort into the as-delivered paint finish. Following these quick photographs, the hood numeral was replaced, set just a bit lower and aligned at the base to parallel the profile of the grille opening as viewed from the top.  Thanks...

Mike K.

Edited February 14, 2023 by swede70

[swede70]

Greetings...

Seen would be a little bit of the engine and transmission purposefully made up of just a few resin parts overlaid onto the decidedly so-so 1:18th Pontiac V8.  The body shell is yet another spare (will I ever stop destroying otherwise innocent first-issue ERTL '70 1/2 Firebird Trans Am Firebird models?), hence it's employed here only as a mock up. Comfort for this builder is to have a mountain of spares and wide latitude to make mistake-after-mistake...

What can be made out would be some resin valve covers utilizing scarce 1:18th GMP '70 GTO Judge stamped steel valve covers cut apart and wedded with the elongated finned center sections overlapping onto the ends otherwise found on and upon the 1:18th Welly '72 Firebird Trans Am tool.  Much sanding and careful razor saw work helped knock down irregularities otherwise present where two distinct finned sections met at the center of the valve cover, whereas the breather tubes and oil fill site were added later and remain incomplete at this juncture.  Just quickly, some Tamiya gray wash was employed to lend a bit of distinction to the fin detail short of telegraphing a weathered look.  

Invisible would be an opened up the reverse scoop opening, while the opportunity was taken to clean up the exterior profile of the Shaker scoop prior to refinishing the assembly entire.  The front subframe rails stand to be painted aqua delineating the same from the wheel arch shrouds fitted above each.  The stock air cleaner snorkel has been cut off, the 'plate' blocking it touched in with a Molotow pen.  Also seen are a pair of cut down 1:18th GMP Penske Trans-Am Camaro upper control arms to lend a bit of visual interest near the base of each inner wheel arch shroud.  The cast-in examples were cut and ground out to accommodate the addition of these.

Moving ahead even as what's been performed equates to not so much, noticed painted in red would be a resin clone of a scratchbuilt Lakewood explosion-proof bell housing (nothing available? = no choice but to make such), while various 1:18th tools afforded pulley shapes and contours to flesh out the admittedly incorrect accessory drive still incomplete.  Lest the decal work be damaged on the unflared shell, it's likely I'll just paint out the SD-455 specific fender to radiator support braces even as I cut these out on the two flared iterations seen further up the thread.  Out of sight would be a resin clone of a 1:18th GMP '70 GTO Judge radiator - a surprise in a sense when one might otherwise be expecting a Harrison aluminum model derived from a then-current Corvette.  

-

Just in passing, for pondering period photos I spied what appeared to be a black-painted firewall transitioning to what appeared an aqua finished example as the season wore on, hence one of those instances where a best estimate or best guess might well ruffle feathers.  Further and just in brief, the heater core 'bubble' was removed from the firewall looking forward, a fill panel subsequently fabricated and overlaid, although modest further work including the addition of a remote oil filter installation.  The intake seen is just a stock part, as is the water pump/front cover assembly.  Both profited for applying aluminum paint in a stipple fashion lending necessary surface texture to each.  

Pressing ahead then, the Dayco D7 outer mass racing fan belts of the period had a distinct checkered black and white pattern seen on the edge of the belt facing out, while here I've tried to reproduce the look if only quickly for the use of a paint brush.  

Underneath a cast resin copy of a more elaborate extended capacity wet sump oil pan is seen attached to the very basic ERTL rendition, while the crude stock exhaust manifolds here are retained given I very much need to see something to completion even if not every last detail has been addressed on this basic build.  1:18th Hwy. 61 1971 Challenger 426 Hemi street machine headers suitably modified and cast will form the basis of what will be employed on my Lane/ACME 'powered' flared examples by way of contrast.

Perhaps not quite an Aviaid product given the racing wet sump pan was likely fabricated in-house by T/G Racing, but worked up and painted in the style of such.  Thanks for your quick survey of this project update.  

Mike K./Swede70

Edited February 21, 2023 by swede70

[swede70]

Greetings,

Not too exciting, but for quick work a radiator support takes shape.  With diecast models it's common to come across missing structure, and/or the need to cut material out and begin anew consistent with supporting the assertion what's on view is a proper scale model versus an out of it's depth toy.  

Almost impossible to discern, a GMP '70 GTO Judge radiator with scratch built upper hose neck hangs off of the other side of the aforementioned radiator support, the latter carefully hand-fit to the underside contour of the ERTL shell and not illustrated as of yet.  Further details will be added and incorporated atop the assembly to break up the sea of black if nothing more, while I'm pondering ignition wiring choices and preparing an oil filter as can be guessed.  

Anyhow, what can be made out is all the cutting and filing necessary to ensure an 'effortless' fit of a certain radiator support otherwise based on some unsuspecting sheet plastic!  Thanks...

Mike K./Swede70

 

Edited February 22, 2023 by swede70

[Dave B]

Looking really good Mike, I wouldn't relish working with a diecast model.

Dave B

[swede70]

Thanks for the kind notice...

Some rapid work across the interior including the removal of the cast-in pedal assembly, plugging of the holes otherwise used to secure each front seat, plus the integration of a partial resin console plug in addition to the fast fabrication of a four-point roll cage based upon existing patterns which reduced the implied misery.  Perhaps I should have checked my spares inventory for GMP footwell pedals before I ground out the cast-in detail noticing that I've run out?

Again the bulky dogleg door hinges situated well forward have to be avoided, hence the forward members of the cage don't stretch as far forward as might be desired, while the dimensions side-to-side cannot exceed what space the rather cramped interior featuring thick doors and interior door trim will allow.  That the floor of the model is likewise thick and situated high also complicates matters, so what finally is judged best equates to a compromise reflecting any number of very real limitations.  

Undertaking things somewhat differently this time, the rear seat cushion detail has been drilled and filed out, with the plastic panel work leading to the stock package shelf remaining intact.  Fill panels to finish off what remains in need of plugging will likely come next.  Thanks...

Mike K./Swede70

Edited February 24, 2023 by swede70

[swede70]

Just quickly this...

Noticed would be some interior paneling to plug up the rear seat cushion area extending back to the bulkhead formed between the interior and trunk.  A bit rough yet, although reasoned enough to create duplicates and refine from here.  Pondering the conversion of the other models given everything is fitting better for approaching things in this fashion.  Extending the driveshaft tunnel and raising the profile of such towards the back stands to come.  Thanks...

Mike K./Swede70

Edited February 26, 2023 by swede70

[swede70]

Greetings...

Not too much made out here, but noticed are the protective side bars added to the roll cage, the fabrication and addition of most of the console overlay along with an electrical switchbox, plus a period Delco CDI system.  The fill panels along the rear bulkhead as well as the side panels formerly occupied by the cast-in seat cushion were likewise redone to ensure all gaps formerly noticed now cease to be.  

Out of sight would be the steering wheel front which has been scrubbed of it's honeycomb wheel center trim, the spokes of the same opened up for use of a pin vise.   Later a drill and round file was employed to open up a hole in the center of the steering wheel so it would look correct as per a rare Model Car Science period photo revealing the configuration of the interior at '70 Laguna Seca.  Thanks for your review of this brief update...

Mike K./Swede70

Edited March 2, 2023 by swede70

[Smilesperhour]

Loads detail gone into this.

 

Quite the project

[swede70]

Kind thanks for the notice...

Small updates include the revision of a few fill panels across the interior, an initial stab at an oil puke tank, aluminum rear axle retention structure situated through and atop the rear wheel centers, etc.  The peculiar 'chimney' structure was added to the driveline tunnel overlay which in turn was glued and finish puttied and sanded prior to applying primer, while a pair of tiny roll cage stubs were added to fill the modest gap between the forward roll cage members and what would be the bars tying the structure in to the front suspension pickup points.  Although the front wheel housings are rendered rather large and threaten to obscure reasoned efforts to afford detail in their proximity, I still intend to make what I can of the limited space availed to work up the roll cage outriggers leading from the interior portion of the cage nearest the dashboard as is suggested here.  Kind thanks...

Mike K.

Edited March 16, 2023 by swede70

[swede70]

Not much to strictly see, some modest additions plus paint work to report then...

Still further efforts made to refine the fill panels along the back of the interior, while the roll cage and driveline tunnel overlay were puttied and sanded again and again to eliminate evidence of irregularities, gaps, holes, etc. prior to applying finishes.  Frustrating then to realize just how much work this and that requires to look reasoned; i.e. one change or alteration has a spill over effect that demands careful attention to ensure things remain in control.  Hoping to have a seat belt photo-etch kit in-hand soon, with the main interior paint completed before long.  

Underneath the front subframe in addition to much else will be finished in aqua, while I hope to mask the subframe rails topside to visibly delineate these from the enormous wheel arch liners that otherwise blot out awareness of what's situated lower.  Oh - and how exciting, a large Harrison oil cooler has been fit within the space just left of the radiator.  Thanks...

Mike K./Swede70

Edited March 26, 2023 by swede70

[jangus]

Your attention to detail is commendable, and the quality of your work is really quite sharp.

 

 

 

 

[swede70]

Thanks for the kind interest...

Small stuff this, although witnessed would be an attempt to reposition the alternator from the stock location where it would otherwise interfere with the oil 'puke' tank, while for three attempts at scratch building the same, said puke tank looks tidier and fits better.  Bonding the two mounting bands cleanly while not overdoing the glued 'welds' proved a challenge, while nice to discover that an old can of Krylon Foil Metallic Silver really worked nicely on the pair of resin oil breathers made out below.  

With further adjustments and paint the accessory drive will soon appear normal and more or less finished, trying now to better understand the configuration of the Bendix Hydroboost combined power steering/power brake pump even as the master cylinder detail is fairly straightforward to source.  Not sure really how much in the way of hoses and electrical wiring may be added, although for something in a larger scale one is at least prompted to try for more room than usual exists to experiment.  The old 1:18th ERTL diecast tool still looks largely like a toy, although appreciate I'm trying to transcend the roots of such!  

While closing out, more attention paid to the thickness of the accessory drive pullies relative to the belts results in a cleaner appearance again, while the white plastic plugs suggest I'll cut off the fender to radiator support braces on this the third '70 T/G Racing Firebird even as the recent decal work might be placed under threat for so-doing.  Hoping to order a photo-etched seat belt harness as well as some rudimentary 3D-printed exhaust headers consistent with improving things before long.  Thanks for your review of this project update...

Mike K./Swede70

Edited April 9, 2023 by swede70

[swede70]

Greetings,

As it should have been done from the start, here would be the accessory drive redone with pulleys fashioned from tube stock with square rod stock 'belts' situated to suit as contrasted to making do with what I'd employed before.  Unpainted, but looking cleaner and more coherent now with the alternator situated higher up and the Hydroboost pump drive situated directly to the right.  Thanks...

Mike K./Swede70

 

[swede70]

Greetings...

Exhaust headers can be hard to find in 1:18th, whereas scratch building the same can be tedious.  Here some 1:20th MPC '70 AMC AMX headers (doubtlessly old '68 Craig Breedlove-issue carried forward then) with mild collectors mods looking largely the business.  The first photo telegraphs how thing fit relative to the chassis and upper control arms with what was a scrap engine assembly, whereas the photos that follow from there reflect the same engine substantially cleaned up and outfitted with the best items gathered and painted to date.  Thanks...

Mike K./Swede70

[swede70]

Small stuff this, but a coolant expansion tank finds a home on the firewall as well as the Traco remote oil cooler setup (largely invisible) set just below it.  To the right would be found a very short master cylinder (necessitated by overly large front wheel housings/liners) still requiring further work, while a coil is spied resting along the firewall top just back of the shaker hood seal.  The finned valve covers were recast given some gaps were witnessed where the fin insert indifferently mated to the GMP '70 GTO Judge 'stamped steel' iterations I'd fitfully blended the Welly '72 Firebird Trans Am detail into, while for some delicate clay application on my master the unwanted gaps should be addressed now.  The top radiator hose is just a modified ERTL item, shortened a bit and very likely to be covered with thin copper wire consistent with reproducing the profile of cheap period corrugated hose.  I'm not quite sure what to use in this capacity, although I'm willing to try!  

Additionally, along the driveline overlay may be seen a pair of CDI ignition units (one a spare then) positioned atop a tiny platform supported by Lords anti-vibration mounts (a small round 'rubber disc' situated on each corner of a sheet plastic rectangle then), while a shifter plus shifter ball has been fit besides even as it's a touch big and begs replacement.  The exhaust header collectors were trimmed and adjusted to match for length and mirror each other in relation to the angle by which they exit.  As witnessed, the mildly modified MPC 1:20th AMC AMX parts live happily in their unfamiliar surroundings, while it remains to be seen if room exists to fashion the atypical full-length exhaust fit to two of the T.G. Racing entries I have going even as the third represents the '70 Laguna Seca spec. with the familiar abbreviated sidepipes.  

And just to finish up, the orange-painted FRAM filter is barely visible here beneath the TRACO remote filter mounting, itself scarcely spied beneath the aforementioned coolant expansion tank copied from an old turned aluminum Halon fire bottle topped off with the best-rendered coolant cap I've been able to source to-date.  Kind thanks for your review of this post.  

Mike K.

Edited April 17, 2023 by swede70

[swede70]

Greetings...

Minor stuff, but some revisions to the outer appearance of both the '70 Laguna Seca iteration as well as the '70 Mid-Ohio iteration.  Although configured differently across the race weekend depending on what session, qualifying period or extent of the race itself the photo was taken, I'd made the mistake of including some small additions to the ends of the standard front spoiler element that weren't in fact raced.  Trimmed and reshaped a bit, here the model looks a touch neater...

...at speed during the running of the '70 Laguna Seca Trans-Am in the over 2.0 liter category.

...also long ignored would be the shape and lower extent of the rear flares which seem to dip below the rocker panels and subtly angle up - at least as seen at '70 Mid-Ohio.  Worried I'd damage the delicate rocker panels on this version, I'd hesitated to pour yet another set of flares, cut element from the same to extend each flare downward as indicated, and basically bring things into focus.  Tedious and nerve wracking, things are better now...

Most images really don't telegraph how far the forward edge/profile of the rear flares extend down, while here something is clearly captured.  Notice too the slight enlargement of the vents part and parcel of the front valance panel profile - something I hope to add to distinguish between these two builds.

Kind thanks for your review of this brief project update...

Mike K./Swede70