Rockford Files '74 Pontiac Firebird UPDATED 4-28

[am73grand]

I've always wanted to do a model of one of "Jims" Firebirds. The whitwalle tires were a real turn off for me though. Then I watched the pilot episode and the 'Bird is wearing Goodyear RWL tires. Now this was something I could build.

I had a mint unbuilt '74 in my stash so I got to work. I will be combining the MPC 'bird with a new tool '70 Camaro. I got the resin hood from an online vendor and had to narrow it very slightly.

I cut the engine bay out of the Camaro:

With a little sanding the Camaro floor/chassis drop right into the 'Bird.

Edited April 28, 2014 by am73grand

[am73grand]

The orange floor turned out to be warped so I grabbed another from my spares box. I added strips of Evergreen to each side to make the pan wide enough to fit the Pontiac body.

I cut the floor and lower door panels away from the Pontiac interior tub and am using the lower door panels from the Camaro

Next up I will start building the motor and transmission. Those will come from the Revell '68 Firebird.....

Thanks for looking

[GMCMAN52]

Great start, I would have never thought of using the Camaro floor....Now I will on my next project

[Maindrian Pace]

Now I've got the theme song music in my head...

-MJS

[om617]

Nice project. Had to google to see what the show was about.

[Ron Hamilton]

A man after my heart. I am planning a similar conversion.

[Russell C]

.. Had to google to see what the show was about.

Starting at the :32 spot of this vid, seven of James Garner's famous bat turns in a row. I read in the TV Guide back in the day how he used to practice doing those:

[slusher]

Great project. Love the show and the cars. I have to follow this one..

[Mopar - D]

Very interesting build I like how your updating the old kit with new detailed parts. I'll be checking this build to the finish.

[1 bad55 stan]

I think i'll be watching this 1,cool

[Eric Macleod]

I always loved the Rockford Files and will look forward to seeing this one come along. Nice start!

[charlie8575]

On every Sunday at 6:00 on MeTV.

Nice start, Ron.

Charlie Larkin

[blunc]

I performed a "Rockford turn" in my 68 Firebird once, I completed it successfully but it's a bit abusive to the front end if you're not doing it fast enough when you're on a road that's not very slick.

it's nice that there is a decent camaro chassis/floor pan to improve the bottom side of your kit bash.

[Baugher Garage]

Love the Rockford Files! Thought about building Jim's trailer... every episode is on Netflix!

[rustybill1960]

Ron

I am really liking this build, especially,

The scratch building your doing on this!

I am really into that kind of builds!

I plan to tag along on this build too!Thank You for sharing

Later
Russ

Oh Hey, Russell,

Thanks for the way-back on the Rockford show

Edited April 27, 2014 by rustybill1960

[Danno]

Good project idea, and I like the approach you are taking!

[am73grand]

Been busy detailing the underside of this bad boy. Chassis pan is completely painted top and bottom. I am now working on bodywork and the running gear.

[1 bad55 stan]

Looks great,i like the way you have painted that frame.

[slusher]

Real nice work on the chassis painting...

[Jeremy Jon]

Very cool build Ron, looking forward to seeing more!