'68 Firebird * * F I N I S H E D * *

[ij001]

Following all the anticipation and 'prep' for the Cambridge Show here in NZ over Armistice weekend and last week simultaneously 'instructing' & taking a residential SAR course, that part of my brain that deals with modelling is really working only at 'tick-over'. That in mind, I decided to clear the bench, drag-out a relatively straightforward kit and simply build it from start to finish. So here t'is.

Revells 1968 Firebird 400 in it's original 2004 boxing. The roof lining has been sprayed Tamiya acrylic 'Buff' and the chassis & firewalls Tamiya 'Satin Black' enamel. The body has been primered with Tamiya grey just this morning and will be left alone for a day or so to fully cure before rubbing back and polishing ready for the first coat of glossy black.

Not certain whether in 1968 the red interior was available as an option with the black body colour, but even if it wasn't for overall effect, black with a red interior is really hard to beat and in my opinion, so classy. The bonus is that the red graphic stripes are in the kit, so it's sort of a 'no brainer' for me. Hopefully at the end of the process it will look something like this:

Stay tuned & let's see !! B)

Ian.

 

[Sherman 18]

'68 Firebird - a 'clear the bench' build

Sweet!

 

[Iron Mike]

'68 Firebird - a 'clear the bench' build

Chris and I saw this wicked Firebird Saturday, sporting a 455 no less. Best of luck on your bench clearing.

 

[Gator]

'68 Firebird - a 'clear the bench' build

I love that car!

 

[ij001]

'68 Firebird - a 'clear the bench' build

Not worth posting a photo, but last night I polished the primer with 6K & 8K grit Micro-Mesh, so it's smooth as a mirror now. Today I'll shoot the first coat of Tamiya glossy black. I'm anticipating I'll get the depth I want with three coats, but that may change !!

Pics this evening I hope.

Ian.

 

[lupanzer]

'68 Firebird - a 'clear the bench' build



Luiz

 

[ij001]

'68 Firebird - a 'clear the bench' build

Results of this mornings' effort. Surprisingly the paint has dried satin (any ideas ??), but not to worry as I'll be rubbing it back with Micro-Mesh and lots of water tomorrow. Still got a glassy smooth finish but no depth at all... yet !!

Ian.

 

[moon puppy]

'68 Firebird - a 'clear the bench' build

I knew a guy who had one of these. Dogged it like it was nothing, shame. Such a pretty car.

No clue on the Satan finish, humidity maybe?

 

[ij001]

'68 Firebird - a 'clear the bench' build

Rubbed-back with 4K Micro-Mesh this morning then shot another coat of TS-14 glossy black. As this is written it's drying somewhere between satin and full gloss, which is a lot better than where I was yesterday. I'll polish it out over the weekend with 6, 8 & 12K cloths & pads.

Thanks for taking the time to look and/or comment. More next week.

Ian.

 

[ij001]

'68 Firebird - a 'clear the bench' build

No clue on the Satan finish, humidity maybe?

Yeah, the devil must have messed with this batch.... I 'baptised' it in warm water this norning, seems to have made a difference, certainly 'flows' better.

Ian.

 

[moon puppy]

'68 Firebird - a 'clear the bench' build

If you knew what I've been dealing with at work you'd take pity on me for that....

 

[Sherman 18]

'68 Firebird - a 'clear the bench' build

:drool

 

[Dave wahl]

'68 Firebird - a 'clear the bench' build

That certainly is a fine looking Firebird. I have an AMT/MPC/ERTL '69 in my stash and I have some plans for that one. Can't wait to see it finished.

Dave

 

[ij001]

'68 Firebird - a 'clear the bench' build

Thanks Dave. I know your name from somewhere else, do you post on any other forums ??

Ian.

 

[Swordsman]

'68 Firebird - a 'clear the bench' build

Nice job on the finish I hope you get the shiny black your after Ian

 

[Iron Mike]

'68 Firebird - a 'clear the bench' build

It's hard to speculate on why you got a satin finish, I suspect it has to do with the thickness of the coats. The best results I've had with Tamiya rattle cans are from multiple mist coats, allowing 20 minutes between coats. I usually lay on 3-4 mist coats followed by 1-2 wet coats. Nothing wrong wioth what you have, I think it just needs more layers.

What are you planning to do on the chrome?

 

[ij001]

'68 Firebird - a 'clear the bench' build

OK, 6, 8 & 12k Micro-Mesh and lots of water, rubbed the paintwork back, then Resene car-polish rubbed & buffed (Resene is an NZ outfit that specialize in all kinds of paint & paint products and only that). Looking OK, I think, what do you folks think - a clear coat needed ??

Ian.

 

[Swordsman]

'68 Firebird - a 'clear the bench' build

It look very good to me, my display is a bit off, I guess a coat of clear wouldn't hurt it any, it is already shiny

 

[sharkman]

'68 Firebird - a 'clear the bench' build

Not sure to be honest, it looks quite good now, but would a clear coat add a little depth to the paint??

 

[ij001]

'68 Firebird - a 'clear the bench' build

Quick phone-pic of the block in situ. Obviously not wired or plumbed yet. Have to say I'm really impressed with the simplified but very positive locating tabs for the engine assembly on this kit. Much, much better than the old 1970's era Monogram kits !!

Ian.