AMT's '57 T-Bird Mild Custom

[JollySipper]

Most of you guys here probably know this kit. It's AMT's Thunderbird for '57. As per my usual style, I'll be building this as a mild custom. So far I've set the ride height and got my wheel choice sorted. I've also began shaving some things from the body as I work on getting it ready for primer.

The scoop for the roof came from the '49 Ford coupe, as did the wheels. Here's the start of the interior......

This is my favorite of the Thunderbirds besides the Aerocoupes of the '80s.

Feel free to comment and tell me what you think so far.........

Thanks for lookin'!

[TransAmMike]

Looks cool TJ, also my favorite T'bird.?

[JollySipper]

Thank you, Mike! The plan for paint will be white with the light blue roof, and maybe/hopefully some tasteful scallops..........

[espo]

I like the roof vent/scoop idea. I remember seeing pictures in the "little books" when these were new and the owners would customize them. I think some of the idea came from what GM was doing with the roofs on the '58 Impala and Pontiacs. The scallops idea would also look good. Maybe do the roof and the scallops in the same as the interior . 

[Sledsel]

I love 57's and snow white looks good on it. Planning on the continental kit? The red and blue interior is interesting but then gives it an overall patriotic vibe.

Edited May 19, 2021 by Sledsel

[OldNYJim]

Love it!  What a great start!  I like the wheels you chose, and the little roof scoop is a great idea!

[Ace-Garageguy]

Yup...the early mags and wide whites are definitely a good look on that little Bird. Roof scoop's cool too.   

[JollySipper]

Thanks a bunch fellas! Today I've been working on getting ready for primer on the body..... I'm really glad you guys are liking it!

[slusher]

I do like it also T.J.!

[JollySipper]

Thank you, Carl!

I wanted to show you guys what progress I've made the past couple days...... Got the roof painted! Also got the body ready for it's first primer coat, which I may try to spray tomorrow.... I've removed the badges and "Thunderbird" scripts from the body, and got all the mold lines taken care of......

Thanks for looking, and feel free to comment.......

[JollySipper]

Well, guys.... I had the body painted, but had to strip it unfortunately. The panel lines ended up pretty much buried. So I'm stripping it in Mr. Clean floor cleaner (which is doing an excellent job) so I can scribe the panel lines deeper........

I'll get it straightened out......

[JollySipper]

Guys, I have to put this build on hold.... We're having inspections here at the Complex. We aren't allowed any type of spray paints, so that means I have to box all my model stuff up until the inspections are done. I'll get right back on this as soon as I can........

 

 

[JollySipper]

Here's a quick mock up of it in paint..... I had to find some longer wire axles to kinda fix the track width. I've got some scallop decals from an Edsel kit I may try to use.

Still need to polish the clear a bit, then that's pretty much it for the body work.......

[MeatMan]

Nice start!

[slusher]

she looks so good I don’t know if I would put decals on it….

[JollySipper]

Carl, if I do put anything on it it will be something simple. I don't want to over-do and detract from the looks of it.....

[chris chabre]

there are 2 ways to build a 2 seat Tbird...Like this as a custom or as a 60s era drag car haha looks killer, any updates?

[JollySipper]

2 hours ago, chris chabre said:

there are 2 ways to build a 2 seat Tbird...Like this as a custom or as a 60s era drag car haha looks killer, any updates?

It's now Under Glass, man..... Just look in my profile to find it.

 

[Zippi]

Looking pretty good TJ.  

[David G.]

Excellent color combination and wheel choice, looks great.

David G.