1969 Firebird 400: An exhaustive rework of AMT's low-quality promo kit

Finally done! Let me know what you think! Link to long and detailed progress thread here (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=660521).

A recap, if you don't want to scroll through all that:

MODIFICATONS FROM BOX STOCK

ENGINE

Scratchbuilt timing cover and water pump, carburetor, oil filter, exhaust heat stove and duct, pulleys, alternator bracket, power steering pump and mount
Added spark plug wires, vacuum hoses and fittings, clutch linkage, shifterCHASSIS

Scratchbuilt front suspension almost entirely, including tie rod, anti-roll bar, front crossmember, spindles, brakes, and calipers
Kitbashed/scratchbuilt rear suspension with spare axle and shocks, stock springs, and handmade anti-roll bar
Scratchbuilt exhaust system with kit mufflers
Added all brake and fuel lines and parking brake cablesINTERIOR

"Deepened" interior by 2mm as it was too shallow
Scratchbuilt arm rests and door handles, steering wheel spokes, blinker lever, pedal arms, parking brake pedal, rear speakers
Added seatbelts/buckles, grab bar, photoetch stuffBODY

Painted with Tamiya Acrylic Orange and clear, polished with Tamiya compounds
Chrome done with Bare-Metal foil
Used spare doorhandles
Added photoetch stuff including "400" emblems not included or molded with the original kit
Scratchbuilt styrene wipers/arms
Extensive rework of rear bumper for accuracy, followed by Alclad II
Spare mirror, painted with Alclad II
Added hood hinges (non-functional)
Windows made from plastic packaging
Custom wheels/tiresENGINE BAY

Entirely scratchbuilt radiator, core support, fan shroud, front sheet metal, washer bottle and battery, front latch panel and radiator support rods
Scratchbuilt horn relay, master cylinder, voltage regulator, and wiper motor
Added accurate wiring harness for engine and lighting
Added heater hoses, radiator hoses/clamps, washer hose, power steering hoses, brake booster hose, etc.Whew...just over 1 year (including 4 months of college without modeling) and about a pound of styrene and metal! :rofl:

On to the pics!

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird001.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird002.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird003.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird004.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird007.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird008.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird009.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird010.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird011.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird012.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird013.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird014.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird015.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird016.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird017.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird018.jpg

Enjoy! Let me know if you want any other pictures.

Alex

Very cool!!!!!

it's absolutely shocking the amount of detail work you put into this--you truly have brought "new life from a lousy kit." You should maybe edit your post with a small bullet-point list of all the minor changes you made, it really is impressive.

Looks great out in the rain, adds to the realism.

it's absolutely shocking the amount of detail work you put into this--you truly have brought "new life from a lousy kit." You should maybe edit your post with a small bullet-point list of all the minor changes you made, it really is impressive.

Yes I knew I had forgotten something :biggrin: Adding that right now.

Looks great out in the rain, adds to the realism.

Thanks, it's not too hard to get pictures like that up here in Washington :grinno:

Alex

Awesome! Stellar finish to a very ambitious project. It was a joy to watch it come together.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird013.jpg


Exhaust leak?:rofl:
j/k love the wiring job!

Exhaust leak?:rofl:
j/k love the wiring job!

Haha I noticed that too...seems I need a small bit of styrene in there...exhaust didn't QUITE fit, since it was all handbuilt. Good eye! Thanks for looking!

Alex

Awesome!! Gruesome work!! (In a good way,I mean!)

You have no idea of how much I expect this one to be finished...And here it is! :D
Congratulations for this beautiful piece of art! "Top of the shelf" work! ^^
One of those is going to your sig,right?
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird018.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird014.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird011.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p225/924_CarreraGTS/1969Firebird009.jpg

Now enough with the chevy's,finish that mustang! ;)

Very ambitious project!

Good on you for seeing it through to the end :thumbsup:

Truly excellent commitment to completing a lousy kit! I remember stepping on this kit out of frustration years ago. :sunglasse