1970 Firebird - Pro Touring Project

[jtwoods4]

Well guys, I finished the 1970 Trans Am and I didn't know what to do with myself. I was on craigslist about 3:00am the other night and this popped up. I immediately went to the bank the next morning, loaded the trailer, and drove up to north Georgia to buy it. The previous owner was a body shop guy with 29 years experience. He was planning to build the car for himself but ran out of money and had to move to Florida. He was unloading all his car stuff. He had already finished all the sheet metal work and the car was in primer. I have not been able to find any rust anywhere on the car and the original factory red oxide primer can be seen in a lot of places. I was really shocked at the condition of the car. Not to mention it still had the original numbers matching drive train, even though it was only a Pontiac 350 Esprit.


His plan was to restore it as a Formula 400 clone so he had an original 1970 Formula 400 hood on the car ($1000 by itself) and the rear spoiler. What a perfect car for a pro touring build!


My first plan of action.... DSE Tubs and DSE Quadralink :)... Then in goes the cage :)


Enjoy the build



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnHSTh0KyJo&feature=youtu.be

[carbuff]

No clue what you paid for it (none of my business), but given your story, I think that's a heck of a find as a starting point for a build! Nice score!!!

[jtwoods4]

No clue what you paid for it (none of my business), but given your story, I think that's a heck of a find as a starting point for a build! Nice score!!!

Carbuff.... I paid 5000 bucks can you believe that!

[carbuff]

Wow, wish I hadn't even referenced it! ;) An even better score!!!

[1965gp]

Very cool- I have a 72 I am in the middle of. Same hood too. Looks like you got a hell of a deal

[jtwoods4]

the 1972 bird is an awesome car also I just love those early 2nd gen cars.

[jtwoods4]

Right I am leaning towards a tribute to the 1970 Jerry Titus SCCA Trans Am, It can be seen here


http://www.canepa.com/inventory/racecar_1/firebird_titus_8/

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107416

[jtwoods4]

After about 4 days of obsessively researching rear suspension I think I have settled on this..... Its beautiful. I know the Pozzi's are using this and they say it is the best suspension system they have ever run. I was originally leaning towards the DSE Quadralink. I am not sure what the pros and cons are when you compare the IRS to the Quadralink.

107417

[Nicks67GTO]

Carbuff.... I paid 5000 bucks can you believe that!

GTFO....its not everyday you find a 70' Firebird on the clearance rack. Awesome starting point and you know I love your other car so ill be keeping an eye on this one.

[Nicks67GTO]

After about 4 days of obsessively researching rear suspension I think I have settled on this..... Its beautiful. I know the Pozzi's are using this and they say it is the best suspension system they have ever run. I was originally leaning towards the DSE Quadralink. I am not sure what the pros and cons are when you compare the IRS to the Quadralink.

107417

That thing is a piece of art

[Alponcho]

After about 4 days of obsessively researching rear suspension I think I have settled on this..... Its beautiful. I know the Pozzi's are using this and they say it is the best suspension system they have ever run. I was originally leaning towards the DSE Quadralink. I am not sure what the pros and cons are when you compare the IRS to the Quadralink.

107417

Wow, that looks pretty spectacular. I guess I don't have to send you photos of my quadralink install now (I'm Gator67 on the other forum) :)

[jtwoods4]

yes please do send the quadlink install pictures I am back and forth right now

[NOT A TA]

Looks like a great car to start with. I'll leave this for inspiration.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/1SDR2-1.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/NOTATA/media/1SDR2.jpg.html)

[jtwoods4]

Haha, yeah your not kidding. Rogers car is BAD ASS!!!!!

[Onebad78ta]

I was gonna say that looks like Rogers t/a.

[jtwoods4]

yeah I guess that's already been done I'm going to have to think of something else

[tazzz25906112]

You know I got the parts to make that one happen buddy ;-) (Roger's is a little more extreme,, but do-able and yes it is likely the coolest TA on the planet)... Imagine a race look with suspension done by Ron Sutton & and Carbon panels by Carbon Kustoms... Things that make you humm....

You could also do a real well built interpretation of this one
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/ben1-1.jpg (http://s997.photobucket.com/user/projectwarpath/media/general/ben1.jpg.html)

[jtwoods4]

You know I got the parts to make that one happen buddy ;-) (Roger's is a little more extreme,, but do-able and yes it is likely the coolest TA on the planet)... Imagine a race look with suspension done by Ron Sutton & and Carbon panels by Carbon Kustoms... Things that make you humm....

You could also do a real well built interpretation of this one
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/ben1-1.jpg (http://s997.photobucket.com/user/projectwarpath/media/general/ben1.jpg.html)

oh my god Albert that is beautiful. that's the BF Goodrich tire bird design isn't it? I'll give you a call later on this week.

[NOT A TA]

Go ahead and build your own version, Roger's in Europe. George has one too here in the USA but I don't think it's been out in years. http://firebirdgallery.com/rrlot1.htm

[jtwoods4]

Or maybe Albert's Tirebird idea.

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[1965gp]

I never really got the white paint on the front of that BFG car. The rest of it looks tough as nails.

[jtwoods4]

Well after countless hours researching rear end suspension designs and reading several chassis and suspension books I have decided to go with the Speedtech Torque Arm setup on the rear of this car and the Track Time package.

http://www.speedtechperformance.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=50/category_id=36/mode=prod/prd50.htm

Wilwood Aero 6 Big Brakes

http://www.wilwood.com/BrakeKits/BrakeKitListFront.aspx?mincatdesc=Aero6%20Big%20Br ake%20Front%20Brake%20Kit

Speedway Mod Lite Ford 9 Inch Floater

http://www.1speedway.com/Floater_Rear_Ends.htm

[jtwoods4]

deleted

[AmKenpo1]

PM Sent

Wil.

[ZFREAK]

that thing is a piece of art

what is this?

[jtwoods4]

well progress is coming along slowly but surely started disassembly this weekend.


http://youtu.be/a7r5cVAa6HM

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Cool deal, will be following this for sure as I just picked up a 71 Firebird with a Formula hood to build up last week, and possibly another 73 Firebird with another Formula hood to build as a 2nd one, haha.

[jtwoods4]

Here are the latest updates

Rear End Measurements

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7LUtYDjmu0&index=3&list=UU-DPxYmjWwYKKN1E2n-8A_g

Front End Measurements

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HcyS1jw87c


Under Carriage Cleaning

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lexOdCUkYHg&list=UU-DPxYmjWwYKKN1E2n-8A_g

[Justin@EntropyRad]

Love seeing the Minilite wheels on these things. Trans Am cars are sexy

[jtwoods4]

I agree Justin I have been searching for an 18 inch wheel that looks like a mini lite but is significantly lighter like the forgelines or formula 43's but I can't find anyone who makes one

[Justin@EntropyRad]

Rota put out 17" and 18" styles..RB-R or RB-X or something similar. They aren't forged but cheap enough. Watanabe will make real ones, but special order from Japan, and the slow boat takes forever

[jtwoods4]

I agree Justin I have been searching for an 18 inch wheel that looks like a mini lite but is significantly lighter like the forgelines or formula 43's but I can't find anyone who makes one

Turns out Forgeline has a new wheel called the "Laguna" that is a modern take on the old school mini lite.

Here is a pic. I am considering these for my car but $9000 for a ****ng set of wheels is absolutely ridiculous...

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[jtwoods4]

More updates


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gRIk4s4GIQ&feature=youtu.be

[cdoggy81]

If you or I win the lottery we should buy each other a set of Forgeline's for our birds! LoL
I, like you, love the look but no way could afford a set :-[

[jtwoods4]

yeah it's pretty ridiculous how much they cost

[carbuff]

They sure are pricey, but they do look good on a 'bird! :)

(a little dark, but I love this picture!)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/IMG_20140426_164039_zpsf33ebf62-1.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/carbuff69/media/1971%20Firebird%20Formula%20-%20Project%20TOW/IMG_20140426_164039_zpsf33ebf62.jpg.html)

[jtwoods4]

finished cleaning up and painting the subframe the firewall and the undercarriage. suspension install starts this weekend.


http://youtu.be/5zN6fZjJyKs

[jtwoods4]

Here is a quick video of the plasma cutter I am going to use to modify the frame for the speed tech chicane coil over install.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VTmZlf80M8&feature=youtu.be

[tazzz25906112]

They sure are pricey, but they do look good on a 'bird! :)

(a little dark, but I love this picture!)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/IMG_20140426_164039_zpsf33ebf62-1.jpg (http://s100.photobucket.com/user/carbuff69/media/1971%20Firebird%20Formula%20-%20Project%20TOW/IMG_20140426_164039_zpsf33ebf62.jpg.html)

And worth every Penny of it... Forgeline builds quality and they tend to in general cases tend to be very light.. The nature of the design is stunning John,, and I know Ben Hermance so I wouldn't be surprised that this is no exception... It'll likely be light,, it'd built right, and it'll perform as a solid track day rim should in the safety side of the equation....

[jtwoods4]

Intermediate steering shaft restoration


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xhr_iZK1J50&feature=youtu.be

[saltfuture]

Great job. I'm loving these videos!

[jtwoods4]

Great job. I'm loving these videos!

thank you! I love making the videos. I think it's just great how these old cars can be brought back to life so easily. Today's modern cars are made out of cheap plastic parts that are designed to wear out and not be rebuildable. with these old cars all you need is some patience and some tools to remove rust and paint.

[jtwoods4]

Speedtech Front Suspension mount modification


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pXyqocdJgY&feature=youtu.be

[jtwoods4]

More welding updates


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GVrNSsDLw4&list=UU-DPxYmjWwYKKN1E2n-8A_g

[zamora7]

Doesn't get more detailed than videos, looking forward to more.

[jtwoods4]

Front Suspension Complete!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9hLWw6DvdQ&feature=youtu.be

[jtwoods4]

More updates. Welded some seams on the rear frame and did the Gulstrand Mod to the front suspension.

Gulstrand Mod


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCHx-t20l5s&list=UU-DPxYmjWwYKKN1E2n-8A_g


Seam Welds


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCSVi5ROqSM&list=UU-DPxYmjWwYKKN1E2n-8A_g

[Justin@EntropyRad]

Let the sparks fly!!

[626Chevelle]

Forgeline is out of control with the prices. give me a break. Have you look at the ET Wheels model LT III. They are a minilite design. Im actually going to be buying a set later this year. Check them out if you havent already


Turns out Forgeline has a new wheel called the "Laguna" that is a modern take on the old school mini lite.

Here is a pic. I am considering these for my car but $9000 for a ****ng set of wheels is absolutely ridiculous...

108118

[jtwoods4]

Wow those wheels look perfect! Are they capable of withstanding the abuses of road racing?

[Nicks67GTO]

$9k for wheels? What is it that makes them cost 9k? You can build an entire stroker Pontiac for that much.

[jtwoods4]

There is nothing that makes them 9k. yes the wheels are nice but there is nothing about them that makes them 9k. that is a price that is set to market to a specific crowd of people that are willing to pay that and apparently that crowd of people is choosing to pay that so that's why they ask that much.

Its just an inflated price, there's nothing special about them that you can't find in another wheel for half the cost.

For example, Formula 43 wheels offer the same quality. nowhere near as expensive.

the main difference is the superior design aesthetics of the forge line wheels. the designers at Forge line are producing better looking wheels than anyone else.

[jtwoods4]

Since race season has started the Firebird build has come to a crawl. Been at the race track with the trans am every weekend. And if I'm not at the racetrack I'm busy fixing the Trans Am because of the racetrack abuse.... Anyway, progress on the Firebird should start up again soon. plan on installing the rear Speedtech torque arm suspension next month. Detailed videos will be posted.

[Paraman1]

I Love the look of the forgelines but if I had 9G's laying around my car would be done not sitting in the garage waiting for new parts as I can afford them . My current budget since I have one girl in college and another just a few years out is about 2500 dollars a year so a mere 4 years savings and I could have a sweet set of wheels . Or I can just roll around on my vanilla Torque Thrust 2's until I win the lottery .

If you can afford them by all means but for me they are just fun to look at .

[Nicks67GTO]

There is nothing that makes them 9k. yes the wheels are nice but there is nothing about them that makes them 9k. that is a price that is set to market to a specific crowd of people that are willing to pay that and apparently that crowd of people is choosing to pay that so that's why they ask that much.

Its just an inflated price, there's nothing special about them that you can't find in another wheel for half the cost.

For example, Formula 43 wheels offer the same quality. nowhere near as expensive.

the main difference is the superior design aesthetics of the forge line wheels. the designers at Forge line are producing better looking wheels than anyone else.

Right. I guess if the market will support it then the price is fine, albeit ridiculous but ok....you will never see me even day dreaming about $6000+ dollar wheels though. Ouch.

[jtwoods4]

Made some progress on the brakes last night.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ip6YqlrmS0&feature=youtu.be

[jtwoods4]

well I've been looking four wheels and have talked to several wheel manufacturers and it is difficult to find an 18 inch wheel that will clear the large Wilwood brakes. I called forge line and they said no worries we'll just send you a wheel so you can test fit it. now how cool is that! guess that's part of the reason they charge so much money, great customer service.

here is the GA3R 18 x 9.5... I chose the 9.5 because that is the largest wheel allowed in the NASA vintage outlaw class.

enjoy the video


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I78Ha9ASkYA&feature=youtu.be

[jtwoods4]

Here is the latest video showing the Ron Sutton / Speedway Ford Floater assembly and some details on the Speed Tech torque arm assembly. Big shout out to Ron Sutton for his incredible tech support. Ron is the best parts supplier out there, not only do you get top notch parts but you get tech support from a racecar builder / driver with 30 years experience. The attention to detail and level of support from Ron is unparalleled in the industry. Yeah that is a pretty bold statement but just order some parts from him and you will see what I am talking about.

Here is Rons website. Which I am sure most of you guys are already familiar with.

http://www.ronsutton-racetechnology.com/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvEP7gdrUpM

[NOT A TA]

I've been getting parts for my Firebird through Ron also and have also had good experiences. I'm about to set up the new Holley Hydramat I purchased through him. Sure, I could probably spend a few hours surfing the web looking for the cheapest possible price and save a couple bucks but he seems to have an old school sense of how business should be run in today's world.

[jtwoods4]

Speedway Rear end and Speedtech Torquearm


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za337nIaKfU

[Ishmael]

This is a great build to subscribe to. Not way over the top just smart and effective. Keep it coming.

[jtwoods4]

This is a great build to subscribe to. Not way over the top just smart and effective. Keep it coming.

Thank you Ishmael. I haven't posted videos in a while but some more videos are going to come soon. the car is about ready to go back on the ground and off to the cage fabricators shop to have a full sanctioned roll cage installed.

[carbuff]

It's been a while on this one. What's the status?

[jtwoods4]

Started dating a stripper 6 months ago.... got a little distracted..... whoa..... not going to make that mistake again, but I'm back and the car build is back underway.

A lot has happened so I'm going to post several videos on this post. Suspension is done, short block engine has been built, cage went in the car today.

Interior disassembled
https://youtu.be/_NLSVAqPqwA

Dash Painting
https://youtu.be/b-zTGwxN088

Collapsible Steering Column Install
https://youtu.be/oG3u-zyjnNQ

Suspension Done and car back on the ground
https://youtu.be/xhqG64onEvY

Machine Shop
https://youtu.be/mmykIs9bHHw

Short Block
https://youtu.be/gcTmkvhgDiU

Cage install
https://youtu.be/lWfT20_GbF8

[JayinMI]

Started dating a stripper 6 months ago....
Pics or GTFO, lol.

Just found this thread. Nice work so far!

Jay

[cdoggy81]

Pics or GTFO, lol.

I second that motion... LoL :-)

[jtwoods4]

Cage Install Complete


https://youtu.be/nvuTDORCZDI

[jtwoods4]

Engine and Trans Mock-up Complete


https://youtu.be/Mgax9ihC2q8

[jtwoods4]

Engine on the Dyno.....


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0PCv8rdOMU

[jtwoods4]

Engine in the car!!!


https://youtu.be/QCZFvg906L8

[Martin71RS]

Nice work!! I like the vids too :-)

[jtwoods4]

Nice work!! I like the vids too :-)

Thank you, Martin.

[rchaskin]

This car looks like it will be an animal!!

Your other car is dang nice too.

It was cool to put a face to a name at Charlotte!!
You need to come back to GG charlotte in October.