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Finished, look in the Under Glass section - Jim Rockfords 1978 Pontiac Firebird Esprite


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Posted

I want to build a replica of Jimbo's Esprit eventually..probably use the AMT/MPC '77/78 T/a as the starting point.

I've been a fan of The Rockford Files since childhood in the late '70s, remember watching it w/ my Dad. I've bought all the seasons on DVD in recent years, been working my way through the seasons. Along with Starsky and Hutch, it's my favorite old TV show.

Posted
I want to build a replica of Jimbo's Esprit eventually..probably use the AMT/MPC '77/78 T/a as the starting point.

I've been a fan of The Rockford Files since childhood in the late '70s, remember watching it w/ my Dad. I've bought all the seasons on DVD in recent years, been working my way through the seasons. Along with Starsky and Hutch, it's my favorite old TV show.

Yep that's the kit I used. one thing I wish I had was the t-tops, could have just glued them in and smoothed it out. I watched it with my dad since I was 2 or 3, re runs of course, but my dad taped every epsidoe. I've been looking for it on DVD but no luck, the old VHS taps aren't what they once are.

Posted
Yep that's the kit I used. one thing I wish I had was the t-tops, could have just glued them in and smoothed it out. I watched it with my dad since I was 2 or 3, re runs of course, but my dad taped every epsidoe. I've been looking for it on DVD but no luck, the old VHS taps aren't what they once are.

Amazon.com has the DVD collections for all 6 seasons...the later '90s vintage TV movies are coming later this year or next year also.

Posted
Amazon.com has the DVD collections for all 6 seasons...the later '90s vintage TV movies are coming later this year or next year also.

thanks for the info Rob. I'll take a lookey on Amazon.com and keep an eye out for the made for TV movies later.

Posted

Ok well I tested the color on a plastic container, I used the same primer, and the color I'm using. I think it's very close to the car color.

GMCcyclone030.jpg

GMCcyclone031.jpg

GMCcyclone.jpg

JimSuvaRockfordFiles1977Firebird3.jpg

JimSuvaRockfordFiles1977Firebird-1.jpg

JimSuvaRockfordFiles1977Firebirdsma.jpg

JimandFirebird.jpg

Posted
Ok well I tested the color on a plastic container, I used the same primer, and the color I'm using. I think it's very close to the car color.

JimSuvaRockfordFiles1977Firebird-1.jpg

JimSuvaRockfordFiles1977Firebirdsma.jpg

JimandFirebird.jpg

I'm almost positive I've seen that one with the Ilinois plates running around the area I work in several times over the past 10 years, wonder where it's based out of? Also ran across a Disney movie based out of LA about some HS dancing team a few days ago and the lead teen's dropout boyfriend was driving a car that looked alot like this one too.

Posted
I'm almost positive I've seen that one with the Ilinois plates running around the area I work in several times over the past 10 years, wonder where it's based out of? Also ran across a Disney movie based out of LA about some HS dancing team a few days ago and the lead teen's dropout boyfriend was driving a car that looked alot like this one too.

Well the rockford files used 20 of this year, the '78's but after the filming ended in '80 they sold the 10 that were in good condition.

Look'in good, Nicholas. Keep up the great work!!

Love the color choice, too. ;)

John

Thanks John.

Posted
Hey guys a little update for yeah. I bought the paint today, Duplicolor GM Carmel, the exact factory color.

GMCcyclone.jpg

Actually, the color you want is Solar Gold. If you have access to model paints, Tamiya Gold spray would be a good match. Carmel is too brown and too dark. Rockford's gold is the same as the gold special edition T/A's.

BTW, I looked at your profile and saw that you are only 13? Congrats to you for building models instead of spending all your time playing video games LOL! Nice work you do, especially for your age.

Posted
Actually, the color you want is Solar Gold. If you have access to model paints, Tamiya Gold spray would be a good match. Carmel is too brown and too dark. Rockford's gold is the same as the gold special edition T/A's.

BTW, I looked at your profile and saw that you are only 13? Congrats to you for building models instead of spending all your time playing video games LOL! Nice work you do, especially for your age.

Really because I reaserched the info from a guy who met with the guys who perchased the Firebirds and GMC's. Yep I'm 13. LOL yep i barely touch a video game controller. Too busy with life. Thanks, that means a lot to hear from a more exsperianced builder like you.

  • 3 weeks later...
Posted (edited)

haha im 13 too and before i was 7 when my grandpa bought me a newray peterbilt 379 that i turned into his basicly by taking off the car carrier and putting a fifth wheel on

all i did was touch the playstation controler now it's the other way around havn't touched a video game since probley 5 months because i have been building

sorry for taking over your thread a littel

THAT AWESOME looking good

turning out great

can't wait to see it finshed

travis l

Edited by travis321
Posted
Hmmmmm, this gives me a new idea for a build-off! :lol: Nice job youngster!

Lets finish the other half dozen first .... it's tiring me out ... lol.

Posted
haha im 13 too and before i was 7 when my grandpa bought me a newray peterbilt 379 that i turned into his basicly by taking off the car carrier and putting a fifth wheel on

all i did was touch the playstation controler now it's the other way around havn't touched a video game since probley 5 months because i have been building

sorry for taking over your thread a littel

THAT AWESOME looking good

turning out great

can't wait to see it finshed

travis l

Thanks. Nice. Thank you, if you need anything or a have a question drop me a line.

Hmmmmm, this gives me a new idea for a build-off! :lol: Nice job youngster!

I know which that is.

Posted
Lets finish the other half dozen first .... it's tiring me out ... lol.

that makes two of us i'm running one and just entered 2 vehicles in another.

Posted
that makes two of us i'm running one and just entered 2 vehicles in another.

Well, I just entered that one too, but at least I have already started the ones I am working on.

  • 3 weeks later...
  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Your Firebird is coming out admirably, color "right" or not.

The color you're using is very similar to Sierra Copper (63.) I had a 1979 Catalina in that color. The gold (61) looks a little closer to Rockford's car, but with the funny fade a lot of the color film of that time period had, it's a little hard to say to me, although I always remember it being a bit lighter.

Whatever the case, you're happy with it and as stated previously, the overall build quality is quite good. Well done.

Charlie Larkin

Guest Gramps-xrds
Posted
Hey guys a little update for yeah. I bought the paint today, Duplicolor GM Carmel,

the exact factory color.

GMCcyclone.jpg

What you have there is not the color of the car they used. They did have a carmel listed in 78 for all GMs but the color you want was only listed on Pontiacs according to my color chip book. It's called gold poly and the Martin Senour paint code for it is 90-5061. It's a lot lighter than what you bought.

Posted
Your Firebird is coming out admirably, color "right" or not.

The color you're using is very similar to Sierra Copper (63.) I had a 1979 Catalina in that color. The gold (61) looks a little closer to Rockford's car, but with the funny fade a lot of the color film of that time period had, it's a little hard to say to me, although I always remember it being a bit lighter.

Whatever the case, you're happy with it and as stated previously, the overall build quality is quite good. Well done.

Charlie Larkin

Well to be perfectly honest I'm not 100% sure of the color but I like it. It looks very close, and I can't return it now so It's either very close or $9.99 down the drain.

What you have there is not the color of the car they used. They did have a carmel listed in 78 for all GMs but the color you want was only listed on Pontiacs according to my color chip book. It's called gold poly and the Martin Senour paint code for it is 90-5061. It's a lot lighter than what you bought.

well I can't return what I bought so, I'm either screwed because I just threw $9.99 down the drain or I can use it and not have it perfect. As far as i know I'm one of the only guys to ever tackle this car, so it's not over done to the point were someone can say I screwed it all up.

Guest Gramps-xrds
Posted (edited)

Well you can paint it purple for all I care :lol::lol::lol: I just furnished the correct color code. What you do with it is your business. :P:P:P

Edited by Gramps-xrds
Posted
Well you can paint it purple for all I care :lol::D;) I just furnished the correct color code. What you do with it is your business. :P:P:P

Well Like I said I can't change my color choice now, I'm not angry but oh well.

Posted

Well I added the chrome strip to Jimmy's car, I'm just waiting on the hood to arrive from Trans Am Erik, who most generouisly donated it. after I get it and body work it, it's off to paint then BMF, then it's done.

GMCcyclone0213.jpg

GMCcyclone0214.jpg

I primed the chrome strip to match the rest of the car.

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