Monogram 1978 Pontiac Trans Am

[ismaelg]

Hello,

    Sometimes in life, weird things cross your path and you take an unplanned detour.  So I was browsing thru boxes of old stuff and found lots of old models, parts, stalled projects and more from my youth. Some of those are well over 40 years old! I'll take some pics and provide longer explanations on some of those later.  But this one, somehow jumped out of the box into the workbench! It's been in that box for probably over 30 years!


It's a 1978 Monogram Snap-Tite Pontiac Trans Am. It was loose but I was able to find all the parts but the decals and box, which I don't recall ever existing. 
The catch? This model is 1/32 scale!
You may not know it but as a kid and teenager, I was a huge Trans Am lover as well as Corvettes.  
This is a very simple and rather crude kit with less than 20 parts.  
I want to see if I can do a simple project.  I said simple, not necessarily quick.






As much as I love it, I'll resist the urge to make this a Bandit. 

Worked some mold lines, a light sanding (it seems it had a very light coat of red spray can paint) and first coat of primer reveals some mold lines that still need attention.


Thanks,
Ismael

[KWT]

I had this kit long ago... wish I still had it.

I'm sure it's gonna rock

[rrb124@sbcglobal.net]

Great find! I would think that due to the age of the plastic, there might be some fragile and brittle areas. Maybe use caution. 

[ismaelg]

Hello,

Ready for (hopefully) last coat of primer.





Wait, what happened to the chassis mounting tabs on the sides of the body?


Oh, that's why. Yeah, those tacky sidepipes are horrible. 

Thanks,
Ismael

[lordairgtar]

For a better chassis, and tires, get the Atlantis Trans Am kit. That one also has an engine too. 71 or 72 I think. That was also an old Monogram kit but without side pipes.

 

Edited February 7, 2023 by lordairgtar

[ismaelg]

Hello,

  Just having some fun with this. Nothing serious.
Not fixed in place yet but you get the idea. Mirror imaging wire was a fun exercise.


But, La Piece de Resistance so far!



Added passenger grab bar, key cylinder on the steering column, turn signal lever, manual shifter, power windows controls (below shifter), classis 6x9 speakers and floor mats made out of sand paper.  Hand painting the 1/32 dash was another fun exercise. 
 

However, not everything is going smooth. Upon inspection I found the glass has some rather serious damage. Will try to save it but it will be an uphill battle. 

Thanks,
Ismael

Edited February 10, 2023 by ismaelg

[NOBLNG]

Excellent work on that interior!?Especially being 1/32 scale.

[ismaelg]

Hello,

Added wire exhaust, resonators and oil pan plug to the otherwise single piece chassis.

 

Thanks,
Ismael

[ismaelg]

Hello,

  First color coat was Meh... Too dark for my liking.  
So sanded it down and started all over again, this time white primer. 

Thanks,
Ismael

[ismaelg]

Hello,

  We are now on the right path.  Next step: Clearcoat

 

Thanks,
Ismael

[ismaelg]

Hello,

   Clear was left to dry for a few days.  Polished the hood to get a feel for it.

Thanks,
Ismael

[ismaelg]

Hello,

  This one is finished and posted Under Glass 

 

Thanks,
Ismael