I think it would be really neat to build a model of my firebird sort of a clone. What all models have yall found for 3rd gen birds metal or plastic? Im mainly interested in around a 1:18 scale something decent sized dont really want a hotwheels. Can anyone give me any ideas on where to find the parts for my car the wheels and the hood do u know of any other models with similar ones that might work?

 

good luck...

Back in the day there was several model kits of our cars. The most popular of which is a 1/18 or 1/16 scale black GTA. there is a 1/24 scale model kits of the same black GTA

Kits I that I personally have: 1/24
82 Trans Am (Black)
86/87 yellow trans Am, has optional turbo setup, and has buldge hood as an option.
89 GTA or TTA I forget (its white)
91 Formula (red?)
92 GTA (yellow) optional powerbuldge hood
92 Formula (black?)


Matter of fact, I think all of the kits I have came with the optional buldge hood.

JOhn

 

Yeah I have those last 4 too, only beacuse I didnt want the earlier ones. Try ebay, that is where I got most of my hard to find models.

 

Good luck, and Hapy Hunting to You!

I don't want to burst your bubble, but you're in for a lot of searching to find the right kits, and then you'll still have to do a lot of custom work yourself.

First, the kit itself: You'll want to stick with a 1:24 scale plastic model, as the 1:18 diecast market is fairly limited, mostly race cars, exotics, and 'classics'. There weren't a whole lot of Firebirds kitted. Most of the 85-89 kits were TransAms. Most likely, the kit you're looking for will be what's known as an 'annual,' which was a kit produced at the same time as the 1:1 model year was being built. I think the only Firebirds you'll find were from MPC, who is no longer in business.
To find a kit, you'll have to do some trolling on E-Bay, as well as some of the online vendors, like Model Roundup I just did an E-Bay search, and turned up a bunch of '82 'Birds, as well as some '91s The '82 nose is probably the easiest to comvert to look like your '87

Wheels: Wheels are easy. Go to your local hobby shop and buy a model that has the wheels you like. Use them.

The Hood: There is such a thing as 'aftermarket' parts for model cars, but there are No Thirdgen parts, other than a TPI motor. You will have to make the hood yourself. A Ram Air II hood like you've got is a little easier to make than a Ram Air I. You will need to get a kit for a 98-02 TransAm, cut the scoops off of the hood, and graft them on to the hood from your Thirdgen. No real easy way to do it

If this sounds like a lot of work, it is, but the results are really worth it.



Here's a link to the buildup of my '86

 

THe biggest challenge I forsee is the Bumpers... As I do not think there was ever a 1/18 or 1/24 scale model of the 85-90 base firebird for to take the bumpers from.

Also notice that the model that Speedcat made, there are the ground effects spats from the 82-84 Trans Am, before he put the 85-90 T/A gfx on.

As far as MPC being out of business, that is not usually a problem as model companies share molds.

John

 

Model companies don't share tooling that often, but even so, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for someone to re-pop the 85-90 base Firebird.

The three most commonly availabe Thirdgen Pontiacs are the 85-90 TransAm, the 91-92, which has become a Pro-Mod, and the 82-84 Trans Am, in that order.

If I was building a base 85-90, I'd start with the 82 T/A. The nose is about the right shape and height. Fill and smooth the nose 'grilles' and add the black 'bump strips'. Trim off the 'spats' from the GFX, and that's probably as close as you're going to get.

The 85-90 T/A nose would have to be radically cut down to look right, and the 91-92 isn't even close.(but we all know that)

It's within my skill level as a builder, but it'd take a couple of months with my current schedule. If the new job works out, I might have time to start taking comissions for models.