MPC '79 Trans Am

[ChrisPflug]

Decided to give one of these "unbuildable" kits a try (if the results are bad I can always blame the kit, right?

I had decided on a 10th Anniversary package as far as the color, the automatic shifter in the interior bucket gave me the idea of doing something different for the powertrain. In '79 there were a few Pontiac 400s available but they were generally reserved for 4-speed cars, the majority had a Turbo 350 automatic trans coupled to a 403 Oldsmobile.

The trans came from an MPC 78-82 Vette with the bellhousing changed from the Chevy to the BOP pattern by blending in the top of the manual trans bellhousing from the AMT '69 442 kit that was supplying the engine. It seemed the big block from the 442 kit could be a convincing small block if buried under a shaker scoop and miles of hoses like the original. All small block Oldsmobiles from '72 and up use the "single exhaust" manifolds- the passenger side has two flanges, one for a small diameter crossover pipe, the other hooked to the exhaust system (cars with real factory duals had the "extra" outlet blocked off). Liked the A/C compressor clutch detail of the MPC Vette belts so robbed some and used them with an R6 style compressor that was made up "quick and dirty" from some scraps, used the other sections to "rearrange" the engine accessories to more proper locations

Next step is to make a convincing firewall by making a decent "case" for the AC evaporator and heater, in this case the lack of detail in the original parts may actually be a plus. Need to search the parts box for a decent brake booster and master cylinder, extend the wheelwells to to the fenders, build up the fender flanges and hood hinge area as well as "fill" the core support and I think the horrible underhood area of the kit can be improved greatly

Even the horrible wheels and tires seem decent with a slight thinning of the rim and tire swap

[Marc @ MPC Motorsports]

Great start there, Chris.

You might be able to save some time by adapting the inner fenders and underhood details from the AMT '70.5 Z/28 or Baldwin Motion Camaro kit, and perhaps that kit's entire chassis as well. Check it out.

And, if you have any of those "unbuildable" old MPC kits, feel free to send them to me.

[ChrisPflug]

Sure- now the pressure's really on

Thought of the 70 1/2 Camaro for parts but I've got a lot more 77-80 MPC F-bodies than the AMT and eventually hope to build them all

[Marc @ MPC Motorsports]

Here's my '73 T/A I built. I need to do a photo shoot as I do not have finished pics of this one.

I built mine with a phantom Canadian SD 455 motor (big block Chevy with Pontiac rocker covers).

Not factory stock, but hopefully will provide more inspiration and incentive to continue with that unbuildable kit.

Like you, I have way too many MPC second generation Camaro and Firebirds in my collection and, like you, hope to build 'em all.

[KENNEDYJR]

It does my heart good to see 2nd gen F bodies being built up. Looks like you are off to a great start so far Chris. Keep it up-also where do you plan to source decals from? Are the stock ones included in the kit any good?

[diymirage]

It does my heart good to see 2nd gen F bodies being built up. Looks like you are off to a great start so far Chris. Keep it up-also where do you plan to source decals from? Are the stock ones included in the kit any good?

here is mine

this is the AMT/ERTL 79 kit and it is absolute junk

[ChrisPflug]

Hadn't been doing much but did manage to do some work to the firewall- certainly far from perfect but should be an improvement

Used some scraps, an A/C "box" from a Monogram '65 Chevy that was being hot rodded, removed a molded in wiper motor from a parts box and a brake booster

[Joe Handley]

here is mine

this is the AMT/ERTL 79 kit and it is absolute junk

DOn;t have it any more, but that kit still looks way better than the Testors' second gen F-Body

[diymirage]

DOn;t have it any more, but that kit still looks way better than the Testors' second gen F-Body

thanks

i had a really hard time making that kit look halfway decent

and there are certain angles that i cant show it from because its such a bad fit

massive gaps between the fenders and inner fenders

[ChrisPflug]

Was trying something different with the T-tops- found an old pair of cheap sunglasses lying around and cut out a panel where the curvature seemed similar- not 100% fitted but may end up working. Might also pick up another pair with mirrored lenses at the dollar store for experimentation