1968 Pontiac Firebird 400 Build (70's style)

[Haubenschild]

Awsome weathering and masking , it looks so good!

[Shelbytona]

Thanks for the compliment!

I'll have a look at the local hobby shop to see it that model is there. I don't wanna use those slicks, and i don't have any other tires close to what i need. Thanks for the tip on the lug nuts, i'll do something so add a little contrast.. most likely a rust look. the wheel bearing dust cap looks to be painted black on this car... most likely the wheel was bolted on the car at the time and painted with a spray can.

Edited February 6, 2012 by Shelbytona

[Casey]

I'm liking this build so far.

BTW, are you left-handed, Randy?

[DANB]

Noob question, what brand/color paint have you used for the chrome on the body?

Coming along nicely, prety keen to see a finished product already!

[diymirage]

i have one set (not sure where they came from) that looks like they will be perfect for this build

only downside is, the both have nicks (one little on big) from where they were removed from the tree

shoot me your addy and they're on thier way

[Monty]

I made a mental note of your vinyl top technique. I've got a couple tunnelback cars where your spray method should be easier than using masking tape etc to represent vinyl.

What's your secret for doing the raised "wires" on the firewall so neatly?

[W-409]

I've been speechless for long time, when whatching this build. Amazing job with it, that body looks very realistic to me. That Blue shade on the windshield looks very good too. That Firewall is amazing too, keep it going.

[carchub]

Flippin awesome! I love the authenticity of it all, keep it going!

[Shelbytona]

I'm liking this build so far.

BTW, are you left-handed, Randy?

Thanks Casey! Yes i am left handed, good eye!

[Shelbytona]

Noob question, what brand/color paint have you used for the chrome on the body?

Coming along nicely, prety keen to see a finished product already!

Thanks, I used Bare Metal Foil. If you haven't tried it before, i recommend it! it looks 100x more realistic then painting the trim!

[Shelbytona]

i have one set (not sure where they came from) that looks like they will be perfect for this build

only downside is, the both have nicks (one little on big) from where they were removed from the tree

shoot me your addy and they're on thier way

Thanks for your offer, I think i'm gonna stick with the rims I've got, i just wanna track down some better rear tires with tread.

[Shelbytona]

I made a mental note of your vinyl top technique. I've got a couple tunnelback cars where your spray method should be easier than using masking tape etc to represent vinyl.

What's your secret for doing the raised "wires" on the firewall so neatly?

I just used a very fine detail brush. Once i dip the brush in the paint i run it across something before using it for the small details.. pretty much dry brushing.

Thanks everyone else for the compliments! I couldn't figure out the multi quote option so sorry for all the separate messages!

Edited February 7, 2012 by Shelbytona

[Shelbytona]

I got the door panels done (just need to flock the lower part) and the motor painted pontiac blue.

[diymirage]

Thanks for your offer, I think i'm gonna stick with the rims I've got, i just wanna track down some better rear tires with tread.

thats too bad cos i was gonna secretly toss in some (i beleive) blue oval tires

oh well

offer still stands, just shoot me your addy and ill get the tires out

[Shelbytona]

thats too bad cos i was gonna secretly toss in some (i beleive) blue oval tires

oh well

offer still stands, just shoot me your addy and ill get the tires out

i"ll send you a PM.

I got the console painted tonight. I tried replicating the firebird woodgrain, and i'm pretty happy with how it looks. I just have to add the clock decal and shifter once all the paint dries.

Here's a better pic of it... i got the decal on as well as the shifter. tomorrow i'll give the floor a coat of flat black and then flock it. I'm not looking forward to detailing the dash on this car.. it's gonna be tricky with the woodgrain and BMF

Chrome trim added around shifter.

Edited February 8, 2012 by Shelbytona

[Shelbytona]

I got the floor flocked as well as the lower door panels. I also got the seat belts done on one of the seats tonight.

[Shelbytona]

the console with the woodgrain looks very nice! nice to see that you did the different style of "grain" that the Firebirds had.

if it's not too late to change the belts around it would make it more accurate if you put the buckle side of the belt on the inside of the seat. Camaro's had a spot in the console for the buckles to snap onto when they werent in use, i don't know if the Firebirds did too.

any luck finding the tires i recommended?

Thanks for the compliment and tip on the seatbelt position! I fixed it and painted the seatbelt buckles while i was at it.

[DANB]

Im astonished at how detailed the center console looks considering how small it is. I really cant wait to see a finished product lol

[Daniel Lynch]

Very nice your Firebird! Great job on details! I like yout vinyl roof!!

Bravo!

Daniel

[Rob Hall]

Looking good on the interior detailing...looking forward to seeing the finished model.

[george 53]

It's comeing out beautifully so far. I'd like to know how you got such an authentic look to the colors on the console. And yeah, it might be a bit doin that dash and center panel, bit it'll be worth it, caz you got it down so far! GREAT job!

[Shelbytona]

Thanks for all the compliments!

I appreciate all the input on building models, if i can improve on something, that's great.. i won't get upset on comments/suggestions.

I masked off the console, air brushed it tamiya brown acrylic (thinned, so it would spray smooth) then i hit it with some semi gloss tamiya acrylic unthinned and from far away to give it that spotted grain look. then i cleared it in alclad semi gloss clear, BMF'd it and added the other little details.

I got the rear seat in and seat belts done tonight. this weekend i will hopefully have the dash and steering wheel complete.

Edited February 11, 2012 by Shelbytona

[Shelbytona]

[Casey]

What, no key in the ignition switch?

Great looking dashboard.

[carchub]

Just thought I'd tell you...because of this thread I went out and got this kit today, you've inspired me to make my own Firebird! This is one of the most detailed builds I've ever seen, and it isn't even finished yet!

What do you make your seat belts out of? Also, do you get BMF and flocking from MCG as well as vinyl tops?

You're doing really good man, the finished build is going to look great.