MPC 1971 Plymouth Superbird 440+6 Build

[@thescalemodelcarguychannel8681]

Great blast from the past brother

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks! These bring back some memories!

[@thescalemodelcarguychannel8681]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler I bet they do, I've a lot of fond memories building as a kid, but I don't have any of my models from then, so you are lucky to still have some of yours

[@RDMash]

Keep the vintage 33 year old build. Love it!!! You'll keep the fond memories I'm sure. I have 6 models, all Mustangs/Shelbys that I built in the mid 80's, but wish I'd kept all I built from when I was young like you when you built this Orange '71 RoadRunner :)

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you. I have been buying up some models I built back then that I don’t have anymore.

[@wayneleighton3574]

Ralph, Outstanding build...I didn't see too many superbirrds in those days, but the sight of them were awesome!

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks!

[@JNManix]

Greg does some excellent work!

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Yes he does!

[@erics3424]

This Roadrunner kit is one of my Grail Kits. With the recent news about the '68 Coronet R/T Convertable from Round 2, I have some great hope of them coming around to re-releasing the '71 Roadrunner as well as the '71 Charger for some chassis bashing. LOL. As for the kit you built back when you were young, I would leave it as is and build another one in a similar orange, or any color really, and put them both up on the shelf side by side just for prosperity.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you! I’m leaving the original build alone. I picked up another built one to rebuild!

[@michaelhintz5870]

I remember this kit on the shelf and I remember Kmart. I've never restored any of my early builds.. I like lookiing back at where I've been plus I can usually remember where I was and sometimes what I was going through at the time. I usually try to buy a new one at a show or ebay. Always love your builds and videos!!!! I'll be watching.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks! I'm fortunate that some of the early ones survived. The ones that survived were some of my best ones from that time. I just bought another built up one on eBay to redo!

[@JackFlemingFan1]

Thanks for posting another excellent video from you! I wouldn't restore your MPC '71 Roadrunner/Superbird as I would leave it as it is to remind you of how far you've come building model car kits over the years. I too wish this model kit were reissued and hopefully it will be.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks! This one will stay as it is and I just scored another 71 Superbird builder to redo and have next to this one.

[@jeffhaty5715]

Nice build

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

I'm glad you like it!

[@ronstewart9792]

Neat old build. Ron

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you!

[@MikeJBlues]

Love that kit, built one back when it came out, would love to see it come back

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

I enjoyed it and would love to see it come back!

[@ericssincty6537]

Leave it alone! Memories man😎👌👍

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

I will. I think I will build another one someday.

[@1976Cordoba]

I built this one too but I did it as a stock Roadrunner in Tor-Red with the white strobe stripes and some Cragar mags I snagged off an MPC Cuda. If I ever got that kit again I'd make that Superbird concept car in Petty Blue.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

If I get another one it will be Blue, Green or Yellow. I think I narrowed it down some.

[@rustyshackleford6811]

Wow I'm 53 never seen that I still build.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Not surprising. This kit was last issued in 1988!

[@rustyshackleford6811]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler wow nice ok I'm old.🖕my son was born in 1988. I was building way before then I will just make my own. 🙏

[@neiljumpinjackflash7551]

About the old decals, you can spray them with clear acrylic and save them, make sure to trim them close though when you use them so the edges aren't 'cloudy' with the acrylic around the edges. I love this kit bTW, wish it was reissued.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks for the tip!

[@JohnPol]

nice build hold off all this years

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks!

[@chrisbradshaw2024]

I still have my original build as well, built about the same time as yours when I was about 14. I am currently working on another of the same kit. This one is being built as a what-if Petty race tribute car. It'll make a nice 'then and now' comparison with the other when I'm done.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

That Petty one would be real cool. I bought another built up to restore.

[@chrisbradshaw2024]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler Project completed. I'll post it on my personal page @creativeautofanatic on Instagram.

[@davidking8968]

You sure did a great job on your orange one, I rescued my 1st issue 71 road runner i got few years ago. Somebody used 10 tubes of putty on the rear deck with cardboard and that much glue. I did some cergery on it and was able to use the 74 mpc rear deck and rear glass sections. Then casted it,so i was able to put the rear deck back on the 74 ply road runner and the vintage 71 road runner now has a nice body now. Still remains unbuilt im keeping the original stock look as i was able to desolve the glue from the nose cone. Now i can build it stock similar to my reel 72 petty blue runner with airgrabber that i used to run.happy modeling.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks! Sound like a nice save!

[@davidking8968]

Oh wow you have another one.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Yes. Couldn't pass it up!

[@disco853]

Also built that one! Got mine at Smitty’s... closest to my house and sold what I needed back then. My kit is long gone though....

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Disco Dave's Styrene Mayhem Most of my model kits from back in the late 80’S came from Smitty’s, Kmart or Lionel Playworld. Some came from the BX at Luke AFB.

[@bkmodelcars]

No doubt I would keep the orange one just the way she is.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

She will stay. When I find another one I will build it better but leave this one alone.

[@Merylstreep1949]

Still have this one mint in box so it's cool to see it built. Also I believe I have an even earlier mpc version with the Superbird parts

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Very cool. I believe the 71 kit was only issued twice. The original 1971 annual. Then the tooling was modified into the 1972 annual. Then the tooling was again modified into the Petty Race car. Then in 1988 the tooling was restored and the body was retooled/ restored back to the 1971 body but the details are a little different, look at the marker lights and handles between the original and the 1988 issue. Plus the original says 1971 on the front valance and the 1988 issue does not.

[@Red-rl1xx]

Nice! I built that same model back in the late '80's. I built it as a regular RR, though. Still have it, too.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Red 13 Cool! Besides the two in this video I have a 71 Roadrunner annual to restore and a MPC 72 Roadrunner resin copy to build but somehow I want one more 71 Superbird kit?

[@RoadRunnergarage8570]

Great job on a One of None car-( I believe a couple did build a 71 Road Runner and 71 Charger into a 71 Superbird and 71 Daytona..)

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you! Yes a few were created privately!

[@keithsmodelsandrcs6593]

Very clean awsome dream csr kit honestly one my favourite looking cars i for some reason when i see it i think of the old tunderbirds team remember them ships and that but its just the name reminds me of the tunder birds but i really first ever saw it in frame in my old grandfather's pool room years ago he used to watch racing in mid 80s an i uze to watch the racing i just loved the high wing now i grew up thiugh to love cars. But it was the jdm boosted cars inal i liked wat I saw in American muscle an all the old good cars mustang chevys inal from tv recorded shows and movies and all cause never would we see American cars over here in Ireland now over the past 10 15 years thers been couple of American classics seen here but thats my memory ot them cars beautiful just a car stuck n my head from a kid wen saw pic or anything like that beautiful car great stash keith 👍🇮🇪

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks! I remember seeing some of these Muscle Cars at shows and thinking wow those are wild. I think that is what got me!

[@MrDibbons]

I have the kit and a 1972 Plymouth Satellite Sebring Plus. I am using the kit as a "model" (no pun intended) to convert my '72 into a '72 Superbird. Actually, I will call it a "Super Satellite". I already have the California Legacy Plate "SUPRSAT"! When I was 16 years old my parents purchased a new 1971 Road Runner (special order). Before the deal was completed on the '71, the salesman took us to a back lot and tried to sell Dad a yellow "leftover" 1970 Superbird that remained unsold. Nobody wanted those vehicles back then.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Did you see the ones that were built by the Beinekes? They did a 71 Superbird and a 71 Daytona.

[@MrDibbons]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler Yes, their red Superbird is now on sale, asking $375,000.00

[@carsonridge8978]

You realize there was never a 71 Superbird, but it is a great model. Thanks for showing it off.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Yes, I know it was never produced. Thanks for watching!

[@carsonridge8978]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler Thanks for the video.

[@rickr442]

Had NASCAR not changed their 1971 season rules away from wings and aero trickery, there would have need something very similar to this.

[@carsonridge8978]

@@rickr442 True, very true, NASCAR needed to slow the cars down, a SB went over 200 mph. The tires of the day weren't up to anything like those speeds.

[@TrueNorthModels]

Cool build, I built one a couple of years ago and stole the chassis and engine from the AMT 71 Charger, it fits perfect. Cheers

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks. I have done that swap on a few others. I featured a 72 Roadrunner that I did that too.

[@MrModelworx]

Very cool, I would never restore that, it's from your building history and it's good to keep some early ones. It took me years to get that kit, over here it's very rare !. Apparently the molds are very damaged with corrosion hence why it's not been reissued since.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks! I just scored another built up one that I will restore. This one will stay as is!

[@jacobeakright7834]

I think keep it as is and that way you have a reminder of where you started to where you are now as like a progression thing

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

I now plan to. I picked up another 71 Superbird rebuilder that I will do instead and keep this one as is.

[@moparmaniac7238]

Ohh this looks good, I tried looking for one at the spotlight hobbies but I couldn’t find any super birds

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

This kit was last issued in 1987. So it is a little hard to find and can be costly.

[@moparmaniac7238]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler oh okay

[@MapleLeafCustoms]

I just discovered your channel. Cool content. We share the same hobby. I just started doing restorations on my channel - mostly 1:64. Thumbs up. New subscriber. Be safe, brother. Greetings from Switzerland.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks for watching! Restorations are fun!

[@GrandNational66]

You did that at 14?...what a pro

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thanks!

[@MoparMissileDivision]

I have a real '72 Road Runner GTX "resto-mod" with a 528ci stroker 440 that I built myself (everything except machine work). I sure do wish I had kept all of the models and real cars and trucks I built over the years. I was born in '64 so by the time I was old enough to really get into building scale model cars and airplanes, it was the heyday of injection molded kits during the 70's and 80's and if you had the money from your allowance or mowing the neighbors lawns for them, you could get some really amazing kits that are no longer available. I remember when you could also go to K-mart and for less than $20.00 you could buy a number of different WWI and WWII line controlled (commonly referred to as U-control back in the really good old days!) fighters manufactured by both Cox and Testors that had .049cc two stroke engines running on nitro glow fuel.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thats really cool! How do you like the 528? I started building a 512/440 stroker for my wagon. It's an eagle 4.250 crank and eagle 7.100 rods. Diamond pistons .060 over and a Howards roller cam and is set up for torque. Not meant to rev past 5500 RPM. And with 112 lobe separation it should idle nicely. Trick flow 240 heads at about 10.5 comp and Hughes rockers. Goal is 650lb torque and 500hp. Motor could easily do more but this is in a 4800lb 71 Fury Wagon!

[@doozersmodels3193]

I have one in my stash too... I have seen them go for north of $150... I believe it was never re done because the car was never produced other than some prototypes and there was an issue of copy rights...

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

I have heard that it is difficult to get the Roadrunner licensed through WB.

[@williamwagaman9538]

Leave the fictitious Roadrunner alone very nice from 14 year old build

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

I will, I actually picked up another rebuilder to redo and put it right next to it!

[@dustdevl3404]

Very cool. But a black engine bay in a MOPAR!?!?!? LOL. I did the same when I was a kid. Know better now.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Yes! I didn't know back then.... I still make a few mistakes now and then. Somehow even though I try I still miss a detail.

[@danielmiller4492]

I didn't know that there was a 71 superbird. I thought they only made 300 in 70

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

No real ones were built for 71 from Plymouth. A 3/8 scale model was wind tested and the car was planned but was cancelled because of rule changes. Supposedly 1935 Superbirds were made for 1970 and Dodge made 543 1969 Daytonas (503 for US and 40 for Canada) Also interesting read is 3 1970 Daytonas?

[@O-cDxA]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler Great kit ! I'm impressed by the details MPC had in their kit. Did you modify the wheels ? (They roll !) BTW, a fellow actually built a full size replica of this car, and tested it in a windtunnel ! It looks just like your car ! Here is the link : kzbin.info/www/bejne/qV7XZoqBoMyAes0

[@flashy5150]

Plymouth never made a Superbird in 1971. This kit was made as a “what if ?”.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

That is true but Plymouth and Dodge did build large 31/48 models of both a 71 Superbird and 71 Daytona. Both were tested in wind tunnels and when Nascar put the rules out for 71 limiting special cars to 305 ci displacement. That killed the 71 Superbird along with the Daytona. I know the model kit was developed with the 71 Annual.

[@memorylanemodelcars]

By End of 1970 the. cry babies Got. The Winged Warriors. (Superbird/Daytona) design banned from use in NASCAR. So 71 Superbird became non production prototype. MPC thought ot. Was cool so parts were on kit as build option

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Pretty cool that they still issued the model kit!

[@jamesharrington4923]

Wowcthats a cool build Raul, it's a car Plymouth never made, I have the same kit and may do mine in petty blue with a black vinyl top, And I'm starting to build a 69 cuda A12 440 6bbl.

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Thank you! That 69 Cuda sounds cool!

[@jamesharrington4923]

@@TheMuscleCarModeler thanks, I love building musclecars that the factories never.built, like an.LS6 nova, a Boss 429 mercury.cyclone and a AAR duster .

[@TheMuscleCarModeler]

Those projects are fun to think about!