Starliner Kustoms Posted December 29, 2023 Share Posted December 29, 2023 I always loved the body style of the 57 T-Birds and wanted to build an early street machine version of one. I built this using the AMT 57 Thunderbird kit. Paint is Tamiyas Yellow Pearl over Tamiyas white primer then coated with Testors Wet Coat. Mags and tires are parts box finds. New axles were made using weld wire to bring the wheels out to a correct position. The sneaker pipes are from AMT's 49 Ford. Taillights are from AMT's 56 Ford as are the traction bars. Windshield frame and headlight brows are from a vintage issue of the 57. Overall it was a fun build however, the windshield did not want to cooperate no matter what glass or frame I used. 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gustavo Reis Posted December 29, 2023 Share Posted December 29, 2023 Nice Bird. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deathgoblin Posted December 29, 2023 Share Posted December 29, 2023 Very nice job! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JollySipper Posted December 29, 2023 Share Posted December 29, 2023 Not much cooler than a Thunderbird! That's really sharp........ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bills72sj Posted December 29, 2023 Share Posted December 29, 2023 Nice job! I like the tail light swap. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisR Posted December 29, 2023 Share Posted December 29, 2023 Very nice!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOBLNG Posted December 29, 2023 Share Posted December 29, 2023 Nice work!👍 I like the yellow on it.😎 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobss396 Posted December 29, 2023 Share Posted December 29, 2023 IMO, the most crucial part of the build is the glass. If that is off... so is the rest of the car. You have done the car some real justice. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncbuckeye67 Posted December 29, 2023 Share Posted December 29, 2023 Good looking build. That Yellow really pops! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeatMan Posted December 29, 2023 Share Posted December 29, 2023 Well done! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TooOld Posted December 29, 2023 Share Posted December 29, 2023 That looks cool , low and sleek . . . great job ! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TransAmMike Posted December 29, 2023 Share Posted December 29, 2023 Wow, that's one sharp looking '57. Nice pictures too👍 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karbuildr Posted December 29, 2023 Share Posted December 29, 2023 Very well done Tbird. Looks great in yellow and the stance along with the wheels and tires really set it off nicely. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobss396 Posted December 30, 2023 Share Posted December 30, 2023 I have an OG issue of this kit in the small box, with the tube of putty and the stick-on felt. I really should say, fork it and build it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott8950 Posted December 30, 2023 Share Posted December 30, 2023 Great looking bird. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koellefornia Kid Posted December 30, 2023 Share Posted December 30, 2023 That Bird really looks nice! Great wheel/ire combo! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XYHARRY Posted December 30, 2023 Share Posted December 30, 2023 Well done Bernie, you nailed the street machine look. Cheers, David. 😎👍 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Darby Posted December 31, 2023 Share Posted December 31, 2023 (edited) Looking good! All of the Ertl reissues (1989-up) have newly tooled clear parts. Another larger issue with the newer (1979 Vega$ and up) reissues is the relocated bumper mounting tabs to accommodate the Continental kit bumper extension. It sits the bumper around 3/32" too low on the body. One workaround around is to shorten the mounting posts on the body, then put spacers between the bumper mounts and the chassis to keep the body height correct. Unmodified below. Note gap. Post 1979 bumper on left. Older bumper on the right. Original issue bumper on car, current issue center, Craftsman version in foreground. You can see the fit is much better. Current bumper with modifications to fit. Your Bird is pretty cool. The mods are very tasteful. Stance is great. If that gap bothers you, the fix is easy. Edited December 31, 2023 by Dave Darby 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slusher Posted January 1 Share Posted January 1 Beautiful Thunderbird ! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ewetwo Posted January 1 Share Posted January 1 Nicely done. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.