1/18 1970 T/G Racing Jerry Titus Firebird Trans Am

[swede70]

Greetings...

I have something of a backlog of old and incomplete projects, with this constituting another.  Here is a diecast 1:18 ERTL-based '70 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am being converted into a T/G Racing SCCA Trans-Am Series racer - this the subject of a lot of effort (at least for me).  Such is being achieved for use of some GMP tires, a scratch built roll cage, some interior paneling work plus console replacement surgery, and the implantation of a 1:18 Lane '68 Firebird Pontiac 400 engine having been suitably modified.  A Welly '72 Pontiac Trans Am gave it's life to afford my model a better shaker scoop assembly as well as nicely rendered exterior door handles, while a GMP '70 GTO Judge has afforded a radiator.  Decal art is being made up of a combination of images sourced from Kenny Terry (mostly custom work), some Patto's Place material, and whatever else I can scrounge up for smaller and tightly rendered accessory markings in the main.  

Most of the fill panel work seen on the front end of the model were poured into the same recesses on a spare shell and shaped to suit to appear as they do. The wheels are something worked up before for featuring better shaped Minilite spokes versus GMP '69 Penske Camaro fare, while the outer lips are turned aluminum additions made up of repurposed Pegasus 1:25th 22 inch 'stepped sleeves' cut down and employed here.  The tires are the usual GMP Trans-Am Camaro issue as mentioned earlier, although here the tampo-applied Goodyear Blue Streak Sports Car Special bluelines have been discreetly removed as per what '70 Mid-Ohio photos I've turned up.  

Moving along, the front wheel arch lips were introduced into the panel work after having first filed out the top of the openings with a suitably heavy metal file, while the rear flares are the result of pouring material onto a second shell into discreetly segregated pockets, the results of which were removed and carefully shaped to come up with the distinctly hideous contour noted in the photos provided.  Before the rear flares could be added to the shell I intend to use for my finished project, the Trans Am model-specific aerodynamic 'spats' forward of each rear wheel arch had to be bent in, ground off, and eventually built up somewhat to suggest smooth rocker panels prior to the addition of the flare overlays devised.  The refueling ports seen atop each quarter panel were drilled through the zinc alloy/Zamac/white metal shell weren't fun to cut in sum given the drill bit would travel at the slightest inclination, although eventually this detail was squared away.  Understand this late review disguises many missteps... 



Not a well-framed image exactly, but maybe the best way to convey the shape and extent of the rear flares as they flood over the rear tires.  Note the overlap in evidence relative to the track width and tire size/offset run.  This image was captured at the first race of the season run at '70 Laguna Seca, although for homologation hiccups the expected Trans-Am shaker hood scoop and aerodynamic appendages were disallowed during technical inspection and not run on-track. 



And what I hope to eventually capture, this being a '70 Mid-Ohio spec. seen a bit further into the season.  Note that all the spoilers, scoops and air extractors are present, the aqua-painted wheels with exposed metal out lips fitted, etc. 






Winding down, this is where I am at present.  Just visible in this last photo is a fuel cell outer housing with a pair of beads serving as tie-down points for safe transport, while the bumper has had the cast-in license plate cut out and the ends reshaped.  Lastly, all the hood pins are GMP Trans-Am Camaro issue replicated in hand cast resin.

-

I'm trying to work up a serviceable paint ventilation system within the small confines of my home, hence final finish efforts have been on hold for a long while. Until I can improve matters in this regard, the 'almost finished' ranks continue to grow.  Thanks for your review of this exhaustive project post.

Mike K./Swede70

[Oldtimer]

As always, My Friend, first class research and first class execution.

[swede70]

Greetings,

Having worked up urethane molds to preserve my rear flare effort lest anything go seriously wrong, here I've bonded the rear flares to my '70 Titus Firebird, and also cleaned up the front flares before applying a guide coat of white primer.  I'm so used to tedious and decidedly non-interesting adjustments that it's strange to see transformative 'changes' for just applying paint.  Anyhow, generally looking sound...





Mike K./Swede70

[Oldtimer]

You are the master of 1/18 scale diecast customs.

[Joel_W]

I'm just simply amazed at the level of details that I can see in the engine compartment and even the roll cage, but those fender wells are just top quality and look like they fit like a glove. As Jim said, you're a true master of die cast conversions.

joel

[swede70]

Thanks again for the kind words and interest expressed...

This would be a image of the engine compartment coming along in fits and starts. Infused again with parts and assemblies from many sources, inside is an ACME/Lane/Exact Detail Pontiac 400 engine combined with a revised ERTL shaker air cleaner assembly, a scratch built intake (shared with my '64/'71-season Gray Ghost project), a scratch built extended wet sump oiling system, as well as finned valve covers worked up for combining Welly '72 Firebird Trans Am fins with GMP '70 GTO stamped steel valve covers.  A coolant surge tank can be made out towards the top left of the firewall, the cap a radiator cap sourced from an ACME '68 Shelby Mustang GT 500.  

The radiator core itself is from a GMP '70 GTO Judge even as it's hidden by a scratch built support, top cover and scratch built top radiator hose outlet/neck. The Traco remote oil filter mount is GMP Penske Camaro Trans-Am issue soon to be repositioned.  Appreciate that the radiator support is resting off the model and well forward from where it will eventually live in happiness.  1:25th ducting hose will be employed to reproduce the corrugated radiator hose employed on this topic, while electrical wiring, hoses and related materials are being segregated out, the schematics to make sense of such deliberately plotted.

Usually ERTL '70-'73 Firebird Trans Am releases feature the later SD-455 fender to radiator core support braces which also blend into the top of each wheel arch liner - something undesired in this instance.  Out of sight, I've cut out the braces from the Zamac body shell itself and have fashioned tiny inserts to flesh out the contour of each fender liner, here visible as the pair of white plastic stripes that smooth the tops of these.  The cast-in battery and wiper fluid bottle were cut out of the chassis, while cleaning up what remains is an ongoing thing.  

Pains were taken by T/G Racing to reduce the weight of their entry wherever possible, hence I expect to cut away more material up front without strictly upsetting things or rendering matters wholly inaccurate.  Roll cage extensions to tie-in the cage to the front subframe/front suspension pick up points is to come, although appreciate that the huge dog leg door hinges preclude strict accuracy here.  Tiny partial extensions will be added to the forward tubes of the cage to suggest such extensions, while most of the length of such otherwise visible beneath the hood should be possible to add.  Akin to my '70 Chaparral Camaro, GMP Penske Camaro upper control arms have been added to lend some visual interest along the sides of the fender shrouds/liners.



The accessory drive system still needs work, although it's close.  It's mostly made up of GMP Penske Camaro pullies with contoured front detail borrowed from the recent ACME '70 Gurney Trans-Am 'Cuda release, etc.  A serpentine belt system wasn't employed, but rather three distinct belts with none turning more that two pullies.

Furthest in from the crank pulley turns the combined power steering and brake booster system developed by Bendix, eliminating the need for a power boost and vacuum actuated chamber otherwise expected. A tiny scratch built harmonic balancer can barely be made out in white buried deeply within. The next crank pulley grove out turns the water pump above it, while furthest out turns the alternator alone. Hunting for appropriate belt material, although I have some GMP belts in hand and may be able to reemploy them given the dimensions are close.  A Lane/Exact Detail '68 Firebird brake master cylinder stands to be employed, although it's out of sight here.  



Seen above would be a scratch built Lakewood Pontiac explosion proof bellhousing worked up for another project, although suitable for use on my '70 Titus Firebird.  A cleaned up GMP Penske Camaro small block Chevrolet Muncie four speed transmission with mounting tabs removed is seen, as well as the side case access panel from a Lane '65 Z16 Chevelle SS396 to isolate the best parts I might use for the transmission assembly entire.  I hope to create urethane molds for that here and combine the best elements complete with a GMP Penske Camaro driveshaft and a modified Lane/Exact Detail differential to introduce into the build thus far articulated.  

-

...oh, and just quickly this.  The ERTL Firebird Trans-Am tool unfortunately features horrible cast-in license plate support structure plus holes that couldn't be left alone.  Here I've ground down the mounting tabs and have taken pains to fill in the remains of the holes in the front valence before applying a guide coat of white primer.  



Before, with a test fit of the headlamp and turn indicator fill panels witnessed for good measure.  These won't be painted black, but rather aqua as per '70 Mid-Ohio.  Notice that awful platform designed to position the front license plate installation just so.  Also, for a quick glance right one can better judge the extent of the front flares grafted into my final shell.  



...and after, for use of small metal files, some CA glue and Microballoons filler, etc.  The center 'beak' base has also been reshaped to reflect the '70 profile versus the fuller and more pronounced '73 spec. that the ERTL tool replicates.  Bumper regulations in the U.S. evolved across the '70's, while the '73 revision wasn't desired.  Teamed with the effort to remove evidence of the mounting pegs it's much cleaner then, and fresh work since the trio of primered images were posted.  Kind thanks for your review of this post.

Mike K./Swede70

[Oldtimer]

What can I say?

Having built something like this in real life, your efforts far exceed what we had to do to get to the same point in time.

You are the master!

[swede70]

Thanks everyone for the kind interest expressed across posts...

In relation to my '70 T/G Racing Firebird project, for a while I mulled which iteration I should attempt; i.e. the well-documented '70 Laguna Seca spec. sans 'Trans Am' model specific exterior appendages and plaintively the only venue where Jerry Titus would register a finish with the car, or rather a later event with all the expected and now homologated 'Trans Am' parts consistent with what most would judge necessary on a 'finished' example, even as DNF after DNF was posted.  Here would be seen the definitive answer as to which direction to take concerning such a question - namely to attempt both for hurriedly working to duplicate key assemblies even as spares limitations will prevent everything from being reproduced in full.  



The body shell seen was drafted in from a previous and largely stillborn '72 Firebird Formula 455 H.O. project, again starting with the well known 1:18th ERTL '70 1/2 Firebird Trans Am diecast release of old.  Notice that the aerodynamic wheel arch spats situated before each wheel arch opening have been bent in along all four corners, rebuilt for mass where needed, and blended into the surrounding panel work as required.  

The major effort as contrasted to the '70 Mid-Ohio spec. would be the laborious removal of the cast-in rear spoiler that was filed off entire.  Knocking down the major mass is rudimentary enough, although long hours with a body shop sanding block with all grades of sandpaper to remove all trace of what seemed a ghost pattern of the spoiler was required to well and truly eliminate the existence of such.  Scribing panel lines to match those present further up along the sides of the trunk/deck lid was a bit tedious as well given it could be done quickly, done well - but apparently not at the same time!

Earlier a plug for the shaker hood had been fabricated and cast, and given T/G Racing just cobbled together a plug on the spot at Laguna Seca, what is seen suits the purpose well enough complete with a character line down the center of it to match what shows up on the hood.  Finally, filing off the fender mounted underhood air extractor vents and building up the panel contour to suggest nothing is strictly amiss wasn't much fun.  Still - a credible effort in it's own right even as both forks in the road have been taken.  



Some initial sizing related and rooted in custom decal work outsourced to 3 Amigos Decals is witnessed, while happily an effort to create urethane molds to backstop my efforts on the bulbous rear flares wasn't wholly a waste as seen given the top examples are clones of what was glued fast below.  As for duplicating what was done, it's more a matter of remembering techniques and approaches pursued before, this reality easing the workload.  Thanks...

Mike K./Swede70

[Oldtimer]

Mike - Those are both amazing!

I never realize the extent of the non-homologated items that needed to be removed, especially the hood scoop.

Obviously, since they were, more or less, compliant with the rules, the rear flares could never be taken away.

I keep thinking about trying to do one of these, but . . . . !

[Joel_W]

Mike,
I'm speechless after seeing pictures of the 2nd car.

joel

[swede70]

Thanks for the kind interest...

Laborious and time consuming, here the rear flares have been bonded and blended into place.  Tamiya Fine White Primer is wonderful stuff, helping greatly to allow me to 'see' what I'm doing without strictly inviting an unwanted accretion of coating when such isn't desired.  Further, refreshing my sand paper supply and methodically employed my 1:1 body shop dense rubber sanding blocks to refine the shape things has helped too.



For some hurried work, seen is a slightly simplified engine being worked up for my '70 Laguna Seca T/G Racing Jerry Titus SCCA Trans-Am road racer.  Mulling whether to find another 1:18th diecast Lane '68 Firebird engine, here I've overhauled the standard ERTL Pontiac 400 for cutting off the cylinder heads, introducing GMP '70 GTO Judge heads with chromed ERTL stamped steel covers, and substituting in the scratch built Lakewood explosion-proof bellhousing plus GMP Penske Camaro Muncie M22 four-speed transmission from before.  The air cleaner is from the GMP '67 Penske Camaro, the intake scratch built guided by period photos, while some Lane accessory drive pulley detail has been added to the face of the standard ERTL part.  Hidden behind the air cleaner would be a GMP distributor and base sourced from somewhere...



Moving on, I'll likely redo the accessory drive to more or less match the '70 Mid-Ohio effort witnessed further up this thread, while the radiator, remote oil filter mount w/filter, coolant expansion tank w/cap, etc., stand to be cast or silently wait to be installed.  Underneath and likewise invisible would be an extended/expanded oil sump, while I'm cobbling together the abbreviated exhaust dumps - again off site - to mate/mesh with exhaust headers not yet hashed out.  The last thing made out would be a trio of fill panels where one might otherwise discern grates situated atop the cowl area.  At least for piling on the added stuff, the dismal ERTL short block can hardly be seen!  Thanks for your review of this project update.  

Mike K./Swede70

[swede70]

Greetings,

A belated update this, reflecting work consistent with fleshing out three chassis with decal work commissioned to 3 Amigos Decals also on view.  The rollcages were redone entire, while also discerned is the output from select urethane molds created to duplicate past efforts consistent with fleshing out the interiors of each model.  




Some other tiny assemblies are made out here; i.e. hub dust cover/grease caps, axle end detail, GMP Penske Camaro pedals, GMP Penske Camaro u-joints, plus the abbreviated sometimes seen on the '70-season T/G Firebirds.  This was the '70 Laguna Seca chassis where all the Trans Am model-specific bits were disallowed for homologation hiccups, hence no shaker reverse-facing hood scoop is strictly fitted.  Further, and while hard to discern, both of my Firebirds are now outfitted with ACME/Lane '68 Firebird 400 H.O. engines modified to suit.   



This would be the template for the three then.  Seat frame floor contour will likely be added, as will strengthening ribs as well as a vent to the rear bulkhead witnessed here.  Very small roll cage extensions will likewise flesh out the roll cage as it ties-in the front suspension pick up points, although so much is off dimensionally across the subframe and front wheelhouse liners that mostly the effect will be achieved with smoke and mirrors.  Note too the cut out pressed steel fuel tank hitherto cast an a unit onto the chassis plate, here replaced with a plate and a multi-part fuel cell housing with small beads employed as tie-down points.  




Three chassis then, with two for me and one for a customer.  Indeed, best not to sit on the couch at present...




While this would be the final product received via the printer 3 Amigos Decals relies upon.  Mastered upon the 1:18th ERTL Firebird Trans-Am of yore, the results seen reflect a huge amount of communication back and forth consistent with seeing to all aspects of the work.  If anyone wants to try their hand at doing a T/G Firebird in 1:18th, forwarding the ordering codes from the printer to obtain a copy is well within my capacity to do.  Thanks for your review of this project update 3X.  

Mike K./Swede70

[Oldtimer]

Keep it going!