Thanks for a great video George, all of your work is appreciated, most watchers don't know who Jim Rockford was, but now they have a path to follow, so the character carry's on. Well done 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻☮️🇺🇸
Thank you so much! I got reconnected with Jim Rockford when i totally got fed up with my blood pressure spiking every time I watched the news this year. Watching Jim as an adult gave me a whole new appreciation for his character (im actually 2 years older than James was in 1975) and can relate to Jim Rockford better now. In a weird way, The Rockford Files is my therapy to get through the tough times. I hope maybe some younger people will take interest after seeing my video and will take a look at the old show and love it all over again like i did.
I do appreciate your comment about watching an old TV show. Although I am not old enough to have watched the Dukes originally, I have been rewatching it as of late and introducing my children to it.
Brother you nailed it ! Im a huge Rockford geek and that car is proper ! I thought getting rid of spoilers and shakers was a pain in the ass.....your Frankenstein firebird looks like loads of work....but it's perfect ! My hat is off to you ! 🍻
Thanks for the inspiration brother. I reconnected with the show this year when i started watching it again instead of the news in the evenings. I forgot how much i liked Jim Rockford, and how much im like him now that im older. Lol
A friend of mine bought a 74 455 T/A numbers matching car. He liked the 73 better so I did all the metal work and made it in to a 73. Lots of work. Very cool that you basically did the same thing.
I hope that was back in the day because that would be a sin to do today,even though 70 -73 looks better. I had a 74 455 T/A 18 years ago and back then i made big $$ when i sold it.
@@1990hondarc30 WOW! I guess these things still happen. Nose cone wouldn't be too bad. But the rear was probably some work especially having chrome bumpers and different taillights
@@hodgeshotwheelsanddiecast5192 yes, I had the whole rear of the car including the trunk pan out. Plus 8 inches of the roof was gone from the back window forward
Wow. So much work went into this and it pays off. Can't imagine it being much closer to screen accurate. I remember seeing an article about one of the screen used cars being found and having a mic cable box inside it for capturing sound of the car in action for the final audio. Very cool!
I really like the way your "Johnny Ertlbox" turned out. Another iconic firebird that gets eclipsed by the Bandit. Thanks for shining some light on this great Hollywood car. The radio station I listen to plays the Rockford theme almost every day. Have a wonderful labor day.
Not many people were aware that watched the Rockford Files but he actually drove Formula 400 Firebirds that were made to look like the Firebird Esprit. So not only was the paint color special so was the engines and suspension on his cars! Great job on the transformation. New subscriber and supporter!
I remember the Rockford Files. Cool show. Nice work on the Firebird George. All the pieces fitted together well with a little bit of sanding. Can't tell it's 3 different cars from 3 difference makers.
Thanks - you made my day. Best series ever. I'd love one of these - along with a business card printing press. The site in Malibu - where he kept the trailer - is still vacant. My mum, who took a shine to him, had a similar bronze car - though her's was a Lancia! I guess the European equivalent car.
That was great 👍 I too watched this show. I also agree that tv news 📺 should take a back seat, for the sake of one’s sanity, and that’s coming from a Canadian 🇨🇦. Really turned out nicely, and the outro was a nice touch 😎
Super nice job George, a lot of effort went in to it & a gem 💎 it turned out to be. I too loved watching Rockford files as a teen. Buddy you always turn out some nice lookin diecast, see ya on your next build.😎👍👍👍🚗🚘
Again a masterpiece. I was waiting for this one. Theres nothing like holding the custom you struggled with in your hand after weeks or even months of struggling. Thanks for reminding me what a great show this was. Next serie car?
Hahaha. Thanks so much. Im sure its ancient history these days. But When the world gets to crazy like it is now.Sometimes its good for the soul to watch some good ol shows and see how simple and laid back life was back then. Puts a smile on your face
What a hard work on it ! But I remember that Matchbox did exactly that car earlier in their diecast program. If you know DANNY'S DIECAST DISASTERS, he refurbished that model in blue color. You did an outstanding work on this car with the exact color of Jim Rockfords Firebird ! This was one of my favorite series like MANNIX and all the others. Nice to remember these evenings sitting or lying in front to the TV when I was young.
Nice build - I saw one of the real Rockford Files Firebirds a couple years back and you have the color spot on from my recollection. You have the best Hot Wheels builds on CZcams. Since you like useless information here is one for you; the Trans Ams used in the 1977 Smokey and the Bandit were actually 1976 Model Year Trans Ams with 1977 hood and nose on them. One of them even had the 455cid engine.
Thanks so much Jeffrey. Id love to see a Rockford Firebird in person one day. Im a huge Smokey fan ,as was a trans am owner since my teen years. They were the 50th anniversary cars that they used for some. Actually in a couple action scenes you can see the gold honeycomb rims instead of the snowflake wheels. The 77 78 special edition T/A is my unicorn. I had a 74 , 76 455 black 4 speed(just regular T/A, not the 50th) 79 and an 81. Every time i tried to get a 77 78 special edition. I was either a day late or a dollar short when i had $ to get one they were nowhere to be found. But when i didn't. They popped up a few times a year. Happened again this spring. Ugh.
So many times the simplest looking cars are the ones that kick your ass! But you did it buddy! You Frankensteined yourself a 74 esprit Firebird. I forget the name of that color, but if y’all m correct, it was a Chevy color. My 78 RS camaro was painted that beautiful brownish copper with a root beer roof and hood. But even that was a rare color combo.
Thanks buddy. I looked it up and they actually gave the mixing parts and colors. So i kinda used that to mix mine to het close. I had a rootbeer brown 1979 Trans Am .back in the day
Johnny Ertlbox? looks great, so much detail work, and the colour looks perfect! ^^ best tribute ever! I loved watching Rockford as a kid... the answering machine at the intro, and all his tricks...
Awesome job buddy! I miss the days when TV and movies had vehicles that were as important as the actors! You should pick something from The Hollywood Knights...I know you've had to have seen that movie,so many great cars! Have a great Labor Day weekend!
Thanks buddy. You have no idea how hard this color was to match even to get it close. Must have been 5 different shades on the internet pictures. It was alot of fun otherwise from the car build,to the beginning and end video's
Great work old mate, and I agree 100% with you about watching the NEWS and how the world seems to be turning to shit, it's the same here in Australia with politicians screwing the public in every way they can, the only joy seems to be watching these types of video's, please keep producing
Thanks so much. It was alot of fun building this one ,and making the beginning and end video's the j turn and the answering machine were a must have. As were the pictures of Jim on the phone
Brother you are one badass son of a b**** when it comes to customizing diecast, it looks absolutely amazing. This was like a two-for-one deal, two cars one finished product.
George. I hope your doing well. Rockford Files was actually one of my favorite shows back then. I've been watching you for a long time now. It still amazes me what you can do with these cars. This one came out beautiful. Jim would be proud. I think on facts verse on CZcams there's a little story about Rockford Files right now. Good job George. Stay safe. Johnny Ertl's matchbox. 👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks so much Wade. I have alot of fun thinking up these builds. A jewelers saw was the biggest game changer for me doing customs. Possibilities are endless and its so easy to take parts from multiple vehicles to achieve what you were thinking in your head. Hope all is well, stay safe
@@hodgeshotwheelsanddiecast5192 Yeah I'm with the Jeweler saw you're not taking much meat from what you're cutting at all. I picked up one of those as soon as I saw somebody using one. I love it. You did just fantastic work.
Mattel Definitely could have put a little more effort into that tv car. It seems hot wheels dosen't put much effort into anything thats not A fantasy,or import car these days. What they did to the boulevard series 67 GTO was a SIN.
That’s pretty good George not easy joining diecast together I do think the colour should be a more darker bronze gold look but you can never get it an exact match
Believe it or not .out of all the colors i mix to do customs. This was the toughest one to get it close. Before clearcoat i thought it was perfect. But after i put the clearcoat on everything lightened up it seemed. But on a build like this with such extensive bodywork you only get one chance without starting over and redoing all the bodywork again.
Spot on build!! Plus, he always tore the hell out of the front ends doing his J-turn
Thanks so much. They were constantly wrecking, stealing, or blowing up that poor Firebird. Lol
Awsome job...thanks for doin rockford justice....he was my favorite show...big jim would be proud....rocky too....
Thanks for a great video George, all of your work is appreciated, most watchers don't know who Jim Rockford was, but now they have a path to follow, so the character carry's on. Well done 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻☮️🇺🇸
Thank you so much! I got reconnected with Jim Rockford when i totally got fed up with my blood pressure spiking every time I watched the news this year. Watching Jim as an adult gave me a whole new appreciation for his character (im actually 2 years older than James was in 1975) and can relate to Jim Rockford better now. In a weird way, The Rockford Files is my therapy to get through the tough times. I hope maybe some younger people will take interest after seeing my video and will take a look at the old show and love it all over again like i did.
I do appreciate your comment about watching an old TV show. Although I am not old enough to have watched the Dukes originally, I have been rewatching it as of late and introducing my children to it.
My FAVORITE car in TV history. That diecast now comes with the best theme song.
Very beautiful. That paint job turned out amazing. Very cool. Thanks for sharing, take care and stay safe.
Great job! I watched the Rockford files with my father back in the day. Cheers!
Thanks buddy, it's still a fun show to watch to take your mind off the serious world we are in today
you are a magician love the color gooder stuff thanks for sharing scooter
Hodge, mate, you absolutely NAILED it. Every detail is perfect. Be proud and thanks for sharing your talen.t
Thanks so much. I love doing these customs
Brother you nailed it ! Im a huge Rockford geek and that car is proper ! I thought getting rid of spoilers and shakers was a pain in the ass.....your Frankenstein firebird looks like loads of work....but it's perfect ! My hat is off to you ! 🍻
Thanks for the inspiration brother. I reconnected with the show this year when i started watching it again instead of the news in the evenings. I forgot how much i liked Jim Rockford, and how much im like him now that im older. Lol
George you built an incredible 74 Firebird that I believe James Garner would approve of.
Thanks brother. It was an important one for me to get as perfect as i could
A friend of mine bought a 74 455 T/A numbers matching car. He liked the 73 better so I did all the metal work and made it in to a 73. Lots of work. Very cool that you basically did the same thing.
I hope that was back in the day because that would be a sin to do today,even though 70 -73 looks better. I had a 74 455 T/A 18 years ago and back then i made big $$ when i sold it.
@@hodgeshotwheelsanddiecast5192 3 months ago. I told him but that's what the customer wants. I can always put it back.
@@1990hondarc30 WOW! I guess these things still happen. Nose cone wouldn't be too bad. But the rear was probably some work especially having chrome bumpers and different taillights
@@hodgeshotwheelsanddiecast5192 yes, I had the whole rear of the car including the trunk pan out. Plus 8 inches of the roof was gone from the back window forward
Just awesome hodges you are a true artist best yet
Jimbo!
Loved that show! Well done on the model, top mods!
And yes, make hay while the sun shines!
Cheers!
Thanks so much Marc. Im still trying to make late season hay while its dry .
@@hodgeshotwheelsanddiecast5192 Hard to believe your Summer is over! Only seems the other day you were getting your cars out of hibernation! Cheers!
Awesome watched rockford files every week. Thanks for sharing.
Nice job George, brings back lots of memories, looks great
Thanks so much buddy. The 70s and 80s were the best time for good TV shows.
You 'Rocked' it, now to 'File' it away. Great interpretation of the car.
Thanks so much Gary! Loved doing this build.
So. Very. Sweet 😊👌. Very. Nice ☺️. Work. So. Cool 😎. Brother 😁. Love. It. Lee
Wow. So much work went into this and it pays off. Can't imagine it being much closer to screen accurate. I remember seeing an article about one of the screen used cars being found and having a mic cable box inside it for capturing sound of the car in action for the final audio. Very cool!
I'm watching the Rockford Files right now.
Always liked his car
What a great show it was ,and still is. Loved Jim Rockfords smartass personality. I can really relate to it
Great build George. Like you said, a lot of work for a pretty simple car but, the way it turned out, I'd say it was worth it.👍😁👌
they were probably reruns by time I watched the show as I was born in 77. this is a great rendition of his car. turned out awesome
I really like the way your "Johnny Ertlbox" turned out. Another iconic firebird that gets eclipsed by the Bandit. Thanks for shining some light on this great Hollywood car. The radio station I listen to plays the Rockford theme almost every day. Have a wonderful labor day.
Firebirds are one of my favorite cars. You really nailed it.
Great job George, love all the fabrication. Always like the stories. Stay safe my friend
Thanks so much. I have a Degree in B.S. and other useless information, so the stories come easy. 🤣🤣
Awesome custom! Great paint match! Spectacular job man!
I loved watching reruns of the Rockford files as a kid.
Its a breath of fresh air with all the dumb shit going on right now.
Love this model car, nice build looks the part Rgds KC 🇦🇺🇦🇺😎😎👍👍
Thanks KC. It was important to me to get it as close as I could being such an iconic car and show.
Not many people were aware that watched the Rockford Files but he actually drove Formula 400 Firebirds that were made to look like the Firebird Esprit. So not only was the paint color special so was the engines and suspension on his cars! Great job on the transformation. New subscriber and supporter!
That is a great build. 👍
I remember the Rockford Files. Cool show. Nice work on the Firebird George. All the pieces fitted together well with a little bit of sanding. Can't tell it's 3 different cars from 3 difference makers.
Rockford Files. Hell's yeah. I loved that show :)
Jim Rockford would be proud
Thanks so much. I sure do hope that he would have.
Nice build and paint job 👌
Thanks so much
Great job George 👍👍👍👍
Loved the show, loved the car. You did an awesome job recreating the car.
Outstanding work George looks great 👍
Wow that looked like a ton of work, but well worth it. It turned out fantastic 👍👍😊
Thanks - you made my day. Best series ever.
I'd love one of these - along with a business card printing press. The site in Malibu - where he kept the trailer - is still vacant.
My mum, who took a shine to him, had a similar bronze car - though her's was a Lancia! I guess the European equivalent car.
I loved James Gardners street smarts,and the fact that he could con his way out of the worse of predicaments .
He was a genius!
That was great 👍
I too watched this show.
I also agree that tv news 📺 should take a back seat, for the sake of one’s sanity, and that’s coming from a Canadian 🇨🇦.
Really turned out nicely, and the outro was a nice touch 😎
James Garner would be proud. 10/10
Thanks so m,I sure hope he would
Awesome job brother!!! You absolutely nailed this one.
Great job on the "Johnny Ertlebox"!!
Thanks so much buddy
Super nice job George, a lot of effort went in to it & a gem 💎 it turned out to be. I too loved watching Rockford files as a teen. Buddy you always turn out some nice lookin diecast, see ya on your next build.😎👍👍👍🚗🚘
Again a masterpiece. I was waiting for this one. Theres nothing like holding the custom you struggled with in your hand after weeks or even months of struggling. Thanks for reminding me what a great show this was. Next serie car?
Thanks so much buddy. I actually enjoyed building it and had a blast making the opening, and end video's too.
@@hodgeshotwheelsanddiecast5192 next Simon and Simons Powerwagon?
Rockford files is way before my time, but I know that car, and it looks friggin awesome. Nice job George.
Hahaha. Thanks so much. Im sure its ancient history these days. But When the world gets to crazy like it is now.Sometimes its good for the soul to watch some good ol shows and see how simple and laid back life was back then. Puts a smile on your face
@@hodgeshotwheelsanddiecast5192 I agree, MacGyver and the A-Team for me!
What a hard work on it !
But I remember that Matchbox did exactly that car earlier in their diecast program.
If you know DANNY'S DIECAST DISASTERS, he refurbished that model in blue color.
You did an outstanding work on this car with the exact color of Jim Rockfords Firebird !
This was one of my favorite series like MANNIX and all the others. Nice to remember these evenings sitting or lying in front to the TV when I was young.
Nice build - I saw one of the real Rockford Files Firebirds a couple years back and you have the color spot on from my recollection. You have the best Hot Wheels builds on CZcams. Since you like useless information here is one for you; the Trans Ams used in the 1977 Smokey and the Bandit were actually 1976 Model Year Trans Ams with 1977 hood and nose on them. One of them even had the 455cid engine.
Thanks so much Jeffrey. Id love to see a Rockford Firebird in person one day. Im a huge Smokey fan ,as was a trans am owner since my teen years. They were the 50th anniversary cars that they used for some. Actually in a couple action scenes you can see the gold honeycomb rims instead of the snowflake wheels. The 77 78 special edition T/A is my unicorn. I had a 74 , 76 455 black 4 speed(just regular T/A, not the 50th) 79 and an 81. Every time i tried to get a 77 78 special edition. I was either a day late or a dollar short when i had $ to get one they were nowhere to be found. But when i didn't. They popped up a few times a year. Happened again this spring. Ugh.
That was amazing! Rock on!
that’s badass!!!
Lots of work but it payed off! Nice build!
So many times the simplest looking cars are the ones that kick your ass! But you did it buddy! You Frankensteined yourself a 74 esprit Firebird. I forget the name of that color, but if y’all m correct, it was a Chevy color. My 78 RS camaro was painted that beautiful brownish copper with a root beer roof and hood. But even that was a rare color combo.
Thanks buddy. I looked it up and they actually gave the mixing parts and colors. So i kinda used that to mix mine to het close. I had a rootbeer brown 1979 Trans Am .back in the day
Well Jimbo! That's another fine mess you got us into. But what fine car to get us into it. Nice job Brother. Cheer's Johnny V
Thanks so much my brother! I find watching these older shows while the world goes crazy ,lowers my blood pressure and reminds me of better times
Johnny Ertlbox?
looks great, so much detail work, and the colour looks perfect! ^^ best tribute ever!
I loved watching Rockford as a kid... the answering machine at the intro, and all his tricks...
Awesome job buddy! I miss the days when TV and movies had vehicles that were as important as the actors! You should pick something from The Hollywood Knights...I know you've had to have seen that movie,so many great cars! Have a great Labor Day weekend!
Great creation my friend that's why I wake up every morning to my alarm which is the Rockford theme!
Very nice job mate. I remember the series. Very cool. Rock on brother
Very nice!
Mint mate, the brown gold looks great. Its such a hard color match metallic browns, none of the reference photos ever look the same.
Thanks buddy. You have no idea how hard this color was to match even to get it close. Must have been 5 different shades on the internet pictures. It was alot of fun otherwise from the car build,to the beginning and end video's
Great work old mate, and I agree 100% with you about watching the NEWS and how the world seems to be turning to shit, it's the same here in Australia with politicians screwing the public in every way they can, the only joy seems to be watching these types of video's, please keep producing
the 78 firebird was also used in the show.....which is the one I'm planning to do, need to fix up the t bar roof though
Superglue baking powder and sandpaper will fix those t tops
Turned out nice like that color just subbed
Thanks so much! I hope you will enjoy my crazy diecast adventures
Sweet!
I love the Rockford Files :D I've got an r/c body that I'm gonna use
Me too buddy. I bet its the HPI 77 trans am body .lol. i had one i did up as the bandit with all the decals it came with
Fantastic conversion, and loved the J turn at the end; I was hoping you would do that.
Thanks so much. It was alot of fun building this one ,and making the beginning and end video's the j turn and the answering machine were a must have. As were the pictures of Jim on the phone
Brother you are one badass son of a b**** when it comes to customizing diecast, it looks absolutely amazing. This was like a two-for-one deal, two cars one finished product.
Haha, whoops, I should have watched before commenting
That usually works out best. 🤣
What a great job! I can’t believe how you got that hood ridge on the Ertl hood.
Thanks so much! Spot putty and careful sanding is what I did
George. I hope your doing well. Rockford Files was actually one of my favorite shows back then. I've been watching you for a long time now. It still amazes me what you can do with these cars. This one came out beautiful. Jim would be proud. I think on facts verse on CZcams there's a little story about Rockford Files right now. Good job George. Stay safe.
Johnny Ertl's matchbox. 👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks so much Wade. I have alot of fun thinking up these builds. A jewelers saw was the biggest game changer for me doing customs. Possibilities are endless and its so easy to take parts from multiple vehicles to achieve what you were thinking in your head. Hope all is well, stay safe
@@hodgeshotwheelsanddiecast5192
Yeah I'm with the Jeweler saw you're not taking much meat from what you're cutting at all. I picked up one of those as soon as I saw somebody using one. I love it. You did just fantastic work.
I'm disappointed, you didn't sow the cutting... Love the Rockford Files!!!
You didn't miss much. Just alot of cussing and broken jewelers blades.lol
NICE
Ha intro cool cool buddy
It was as fun making the Video as it was the car
Cool bro sure are cool to build
Also, I have the hot wheels retro Rockford filed firebird but they messed it up by adding t-tops and a rear spoiler
L
Mattel Definitely could have put a little more effort into that tv car. It seems hot wheels dosen't put much effort into anything thats not A fantasy,or import car these days. What they did to the boulevard series 67 GTO was a SIN.
👏👏👏👏
how many jeweler saw blades did you snap cutting those bodies up?
I lost count after 10.lol
My great aunt had a trans am that was the same color as Rockford but had way more hp
70s Trans Ams were the shit and still are. Ive owned quite a few since my teenage years. How have you been buddy
Hodge's Hot Wheels and diecast I’ve been great thanks. How about yourself?
Mertl lightning ⚡
That’s pretty good George not easy joining diecast together I do think the colour should be a more darker bronze gold look but you can never get it an exact match
Believe it or not .out of all the colors i mix to do customs. This was the toughest one to get it close. Before clearcoat i thought it was perfect. But after i put the clearcoat on everything lightened up it seemed. But on a build like this with such extensive bodywork you only get one chance without starting over and redoing all the bodywork again.
Complete with a business card printing press, and Rocky
Im doing Rockys GMC soon Maybe Jims trailer too. I laugh every time he pulls that printing press
How much would you charge to make a Rockford files firebird for me? You did a great job on the one you did!
It would have to be an offer i couldn't refuse.lol