The 14 Car Performance Therapy Project. Baers, Rushforths, Yokohamas and more

[cdoggy81]

As usual, excellent stuff John!

[NOT A TA]

I got side tracked on this Firebird project by working on my 67 Camaro. What started as a small project of replacing the rear springs and shocks quickly developed into cutting out the whole trunk floor, drop offs, frame rails, torque boxes etc. due to rust. I knew the back of the car would eventually need attention because of rust but once I started cutting out the old springs and found the torque boxes rusted out where the spring pockets bolt in I knew I was in much deeper than I wanted to be but reluctantly ordered new sheet metal.

While working on the Camaro as time between customer projects allowed I had a heart attack which stopped progress on both cars completely. Had an operation to install a couple stents in my heart and the docs said I better take it easy for a month to let the heart muscles heal. So the bad news is both car projects came to a temporary halt but the good news is I'm still alive and someone didn't have to come post about my demise in this thread. I've been expecting a heart attack due to my age and family history so it wasn't a surprise. I have older and younger cousins who've had up to 9 stents and others who had quadruple bypass surgery. No disruption to Lab-14 and no shipping delays. All items (including some new ones) are currently in stock www.lab-14.com

I did get a small project done for the Firebird before the heart attack I can share. I blasted and painted the headlight assembly parts which is kinda boring by itself if they're stock but since I have special headlights and protective screens they're a bit different and even if you saw pics of my car before I took it apart for this project you probably didn't see the light modifications so I'll share them now.

About 10 years ago I decided I wanted to use the front parking light/turn signal openings for brake ducts. So I bought some plastic halogen headlights with built in LED park/turn lights from a hot rod supplier. This was back before all the crazy headlight options we have now. The lights themselves required modifying the headlight mounts and wiring, they're not a simple swap. I also wanted to avoid having to put blue tape over my headlights for road track days as required by some tracks and like the look of screens. So I bought some stainless headlight screens made for off road Jeeps and modified them so I could use them on my bird. Then I cut pieces out of some extra stock grills to use in the park/turn openings so they'd appear kinda factory looking.

[Optiguy]

Glad to hear you're ok!

[woody80z28]

Wow, John. Scary stuff. I have a friend with similar family history and I know it's always on his mind.

[woody80z28]

So the tape I see so often is an anti-shatter precaution? I had always wondered why.

[syborg tt]

I am very happy to here you are doing good and that you are still here with us.

[PonchoJohn]

Glad you're alright!

[NOT A TA]

Thanks guys!

Yes Woody, some venues require the tape on headlights in case a nut, bolt, or whatever hits them. It's probably some old rule from back in the days when most headlights were glass. IIRC I had to put tape on my regular headlights the first time I went to Lime Rock like 15-20 years ago. My halogens with the built in park/turn LEDs are plastic so I don't think I'd have to put the tape on but I like the look of the screens anyway.

[Tpichevy]

Your private messages are full! Love the car and would like to pick your brain more once you clear out your messages. Thanks

[cdoggy81]

Its been 3 years so time for an update John :-]

[cdoggy81]

Just wanted to let everyone know the John passed away December 16, 2022 at the age of 64. Way to young for such an awesome guy. He will be missed.... :(

[Jonathonar89]

Just wanted to let everyone know the John passed away December 16, 2022 at the age of 64. Way to young for such an awesome guy. He will be missed.... :(

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/...ige-(NOT-A-TA)