Bird of Paradise

[Sledsel]

Anyone know how many of the chassis parts in this bird are carry-overs from the 68-69's?  I have a '68 gluebomb in need of a few parts.

Almost a direct fit. Modified 66 Galaxie frame fits also.

 

[Bob Ellis]

I am using the '71 Bird of Paradise engine and frame to fit the '69 TBird Allison in Wonderland. But the frame needs modification.

The '67-69 TBird kit had a non promo frame with separate suspension and exhaust parts. The '71 TBird uses a promo frame that AMT made separate rear axle and exhaust.

 

[unclescott58]

I don't have strong feelings about the kit one way or the other. I doubt I will be getting one because there's too much other recent stuff that interests me. However, I do have to say I find it surprising that Round 2 saw fit to bring this one back because it's my understanding it was an extremely poor seller for the Model King. Of course, one could argue that the Model King's premium pricing was a factor, but modelers sure didn't seem to have issues paying extra for his other releases.

As for the decals ... yes, they are tacky, garish and over the top, but really no more so than the ones in the recent '62 Vette reissue, and I don't recall people getting their noses out of joint over those. And, if the sheet and box set help sell a few of the T-bird kits to folks who fondly remember the original BOP kit from their childhoods, then more power to Round 2.

BOP kit? Doesn't BOP stand for Buick-Oldsmobile-Pontiac?

[Allen Wrench]

BOP kit? Doesn't BOP stand for Buick-Oldsmobile-Pontiac?

In this case it stands for "Bird of Paradise." Seeing as how we were more than 50 posts deep into a thread concerning that very kit, I didn't expect there to be any confusion.

[Robberbaron]

I believe these are supposed to be American Racing S2 wheels, like so:

More info here: http://www.roadsters.com/wheels/ 

Thanks Casey- think you nailed it!  Also found a little bit of info on the H.A.M.B. and the Classic Funny Car Board.  All the ones that still exist seem to be 16" magnesium split center, 10 or 11" width.  High level race stuff, which explains why they're pretty obscure.

Definitely not something anyone would bolt onto a '71 T-Bird, especially not a set of four!  Lots of possible uses on race or hot rod builds, though.

[FordRodnKustom]

I dunno, they look pretty good chromed and with the center caps. Might look just right on one of these Birds wrapped the in the thin WW 'stones. Just my opinion. Yours might and probably will differ.

[unclescott58]

Got mine tonight. I wanted this exact kit when I saw it in my first Autoworld catalog back in 1971. A cool trip back in time. Even if I never really get around to building it, I'm glad to have it in its original style 1971 box art.

Edited December 2, 2015 by unclescott58

[unclescott58]

A question. Does anybody know, will the slicks fit on the rear of this kit without any modifications to the chassis or body? Will they fit within the rear wheel wells of the car?

[FordRodnKustom]

Just a quick mock up. looks like they'll fit to me.

[Jonathan]

Man, that's something.  I'm going to have to get the kit just for that 70's vibe.  I mean, those decals!

[lordairgtar]

Edsel, this AMT '71 TBird as well as the '71 Torino and '71 Mach 1 were first designed as a dealer promo. With a soldering iron, you could assemble it as a promo by sealing the hood and using the engine plate.

Only difference is that the dealer promos were made of Cycolac instead of styrene.

In those years, (70, 71)cycolac was long gone. It was all styrene by then.

 

 

[Bob Ellis]

Not sure when Cycolac ceased to be used, but my AMT 1970 Impala promo is definitely Cycolac (ABS) plastic. MPC and Johan may have been styrene in the end.

Cycolac is a trade mark of SABIC which is owned (70%) by the Saudi government. They bought GE plastics which, too bad for the employees in Pittsfield, MA that are out of a job in 2016. I found that interesting.

I like working on styrene models better anyway.