My 71 Firebird Formula/TA Blend

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

I've finally gotten the car I've wanted forever, an early 2nd gen Firebird. I've looked for years, but they seem to be scarce anymore, and the ones you do find are typically pretty thrashed and overpriced. A week after I sold my 98 Trans Am I didn't even get to enjoy the cash for a week before stumbling across this one while browsing Craigslist. This was mid January, and a couple miles away from Barrett-Jackson so I dropped by on the way out to look at it. It was an Espirit, but it has a Formula hood, and stock 455 that actually runs very well. The body is pretty solid, just a few blisters in the LH rear 1/4 panel, and some potentially hidden sins in the RH 1/4, but the floors and trunk were very nice, and was definitely a great start. The guy knew what he had, and I couldn't get him to budge $1 off his $7k asking price. At least I was able to negotiate free delivery. The craziest thing of the day was looking at the title, and seeing the name of a former co-worker who'd I've always heard about having a 71 Firebird, but I'd never seen the actual pictures. I guess he sold this car to this guy a couple months prior.

As I drug it home. All the front end is missing is the A/C compressor. Why it sits like a 4x4, I don't know. The undersized tires don't help either.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/36791857721_43aa11332c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y4aTuv)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/36791858321_6847a1bbbd_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y4aTER)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/36931486165_7c30e3fccd_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ygvwat)

I haven't had a lot of time to mess with it, but the wheel combo didn't work. I didn't want to spend money on bigger tires for temporary wheels, so I borrowed these Boss Motorsports 338's I had for my S10 Blazer for the time being, which is undergoing a V8 swap so it won't need them for a bit. The Firebird will be minitubbed with a narrowed rear later so it will need special wheels anyway.
Better, but the stance is still horrible.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/36931489515_7c59137714_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ygvxae)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/36791861211_d0defb968b_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y4aUwF)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/36931490655_250a7a7f39_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YgvxuT)

I'm excited about this car, big time. I've wanted one for years and finally got it. Plans so far are to cut a coil up front, just to get the stance livable while I'm working the body... it's just that horrendous to look at. Hammering the nose will make the car look so much better. The car also came with another mint nose, and a pair of Trans Am fenders. My theme will be the a Trans Am with the Formula hood (which I've heard was the original intent with the 70 T/A, before they realized they wanted a "shaker"). The car will retain the 455, which will stay like this till the rest of the chassis and body gets too nice for an original old engine, then it'll get aluminum heads, EFI, the full treatment. I'm going to just start doing the bodywork, starting with the Trans Am fenders, and rebuilding the doors and hinges. I'm unsure of the suspension. I've talked with Ridetech, and spoke with DSE for awhile at Goodguys last weekend. We'll see, I don't think I want to go full subframe since this car will always be nose heavy, and I can't make it as nimble as my future 71 Camaro project (aluminum LS, lighter nose, etc). I may do a 4 link though, as I do want to minitub it, and don't know if relocating the leaves are worth it. I'm thinking a medium to dark blue, and I have a stripe design in my head that should look cool. Probably a forged custom offset wheel.

I'm definitely going to go a little more crazy with this one, as this is my first car with racing as a high priority. It's a car that will be a lifetime keeper, and I can't wait for the day when I can have this and my 71 Camaro done side by side. I've begun stock piling parts from Classic Industries, and now that my Mustang sold I have room to begin work!

[Justin@EntropyRad]

Killer start!

[Alponcho]

Nice Car! Have two early 2nd gens myself.

You're welcome to the leaf springs I removed from my 70 Formula (I replaced them with a DSE Quadralink set-up)--they're just taking up space in my garage now. From what I recall, they're straight and better than yours, but sat higher than ideal (which I think is 2" lower than stock). You can remove a leaf/get them re-arched (Dunbar Spring re-arched the leafs in my 70 TA). I live up the road in Scottsdale but work in Tempe.

I'm also at the point in my Formula build where I can start getting rid of extra parts…have 2 complete quarters, large RH quarter section, 2 nice fenders, front bumper, really nice TA hood, etc. Let me know if you think you might need anything before I start dumping the stuff on CL. Just email if you're interested [email protected].

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Thanks guys! I'm just stoked to be able to get to work on something again. As much as I enjoyed the Mustang build, it was never a keeper, and more of a wild hair to see what I can do to a neglected coupe. It was never intended to be a race car either. I had it done, and sitting around looking pretty, but I enjoy the build part of it. Just going into the garage a couple nights a week to tinker is what I love doing!

And thank you Alponcho, I'll definitely have to meet up with you on the springs, and see what else you have. My dad might need something for his car as well since he picked up a 73 Formula he saw at DVAP while we were parts hunting for my car a week after I got it! I'll shoot you an email today or tomorrow!

[Motown 454]

Great start. Good luck with your project.

[cdoggy81]

Welcome to the 70-73 FB club :]

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Thanks guys! Looking forward to being a part of the early FB club!

Anyways, the Buick GS was away getting sprayed this weekend, so I actually had time to work on other stuff. This weekend I decided I wanted to remedy the 4x4 stance situation because even with just doing bodywork, I couldn't stand the "engineless" stance this car had. My plan was to just cut a coil since a suspension upgrade will come in the future... but after this weekend, I'll need to figure out something sooner, because I don't think I even want to drive this car to the mailbox after my findings!

Press in bushings should just fall out, should they?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/36535402260_25093310b8_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XEvudC)

In addition, the RH rear LCA mount to frame weld was broken for a good 4 inches or so. Brakes were badly pitted. Steering slop was just horrible. On top of the rear springs that appear to be missing leaves (Thanks Alponcho for the springs btw!) which have a sharp kink where they appear to have been heated and re-arced, this car is completely unsafe to drive. The springs were way taller than any 2nd gen F-body spring I remember as well, so who knows what they are.

So yeah, I won't be driving this car in progress. Actually I'll be researching suspension options now, and potentially buying parts in the next few weeks. I like DSE, but the Ridetech is priced a little more attractively, and I'll use their coilovers either way. The rearend I'll probably leave as leaf for a bit till I do the minitubs and decide on a setup for that, but once again I like the cost of the Ridetech setup. I'll have to see what others are running and what's competitive.

Anyways, I ended up chopping 1.25 coils out. Not the ultimate stance I'd want, but I wanted to stay conservative for the 1st cut, which was pretty much on the money. The offset on these Boss 338's weren't ideal for the front, they would have hit if I went much lower. Luckily these are only borrowed from my S10.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/36097408044_c45d61d93c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WZNDNd)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/36097410664_5be7d1f1e5_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WZNEzo)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/36931495295_0f2346f9ee_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YgvyST)

The car came with nice T/A fenders that I'm taking to the blasters to have stripped. They are completely rust free, so once I work the dents out they'll be perfect.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/36535410260_2b0d8f93eb_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XEvwAy)

I'm going to keep at the bodywork for a bit, assess what I need, and just make the car look better as I'm deciding on the chassis. I'll get the fenders worked, then when I take the front clip off, I'll probably get the doors stripped, and rebuild the hinges so I can work my way forward to get everything fit well. I've already determined I need at least the RH fenderwell (cut for blower motor access), and a core support. They'll work for now, but I'll be stripping the subframe down soon to reweld everything and powdercoat, before bolting on new suspension in the near future.

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Okay, I guess I get impatient when I get an idea. Full set of front control arms and HQ coilovers on order from MCB!!!

[cdoggy81]

What weight springs did you get?

[Justin@EntropyRad]

Pretty sketch on those bushings

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

What weight springs did you get?

I worked with Matt at MCB, and he asked my details on the engine choice and the car, etc, and said that Ridetech as a formula for figuring out what I needed spring rate-wise. It's not labeled on the box, so I'll have to reference the part number so I know what I have down the road, but then again they probably know more than I do as far as what works, so I'll go with it.

[NOT A TA]

Nice to get the TA fenders. Do they have the brackets for the splash pan on them?

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

That I'm not sure about, I still need to see all of what the T/A spoilers entail, which is next on my list. Are these a bolt on bracket? There's nothing additional on these fenders bolted on, pretty much stripped.

[camarodude87]

badass looking car man.

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Thanks! The Buick I was helping my dad with is finally done, so work on this Firebird will be starting probably next weekend. Going to start working the now bare metal fenders, going to use my new hammer set and the Martin Book of Metal Bumping to try and hone my skills to use minimal filler. Also had a Classic Industries truck freight shipment of a lot of new parts, including a core support. I talked with a US Mags representative at Del Mar last weekend on a special for their aluminum Pontiac Rally II's, so I'll be buying another "temporary" set of wheels for now, until I have the need for a custom set when I minitub and narrow a rear end for it.

My goal is now to have it done for Goodguy's Del Mar exactly one year from now. I was thinking of slowly building the car in primer, but I realized that I have most of the parts on hand, and the bodywork is the only difficult part, but isn't that bad on this car. So I'll start hitting it hard!

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Progress has been slow the last few months, with helping my dad on his 68 GS350, and other stuff. Finally getting back to the Bird, along with other projects (my 87 S10 Blazer V8 swap, and a newly acquired 63 Thunderbird). Right into the heat of the summer too, 108 last weekend.

Got the fenders back a few months ago. Very nice, only needs some dent repair. I've been taking my time and learning better "metal bumping" to minimize the filler I use. They've been sitting cozy in my game room for the last few months.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/36792075741_3f9c033c09_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y4c1it)

Started to disassemble the car and found this surprise. Oh well, it will allow me to build a new custom package tray with better speaker pods and a subwoofer mount.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/36097583844_ecbf97cd99_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WZPy4f)

Also scored a nice set of black 4th gen Trans am seats at the Del Mar Goodguys for $150. I rode in them for 6 years in my 98 Trans Am, so I know they're comfortable for long trips. The driver's seat bolted in, minus a little clearance needed for the motor. I'll do that down the road.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/36535452580_e25ea59083_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XEvKbd)

Disassembly has begun! The 71 fenders won't be used, and I consider them barely useable period. Inner fenderwells are weak, as well as the core support, which has an OER replacement waiting in my spare bedroom.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/36931670815_f85b3afcbe_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ygwt46)

Started paint removal. I knew the right quarter was weak, so I ground that down first.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/36097602984_0eb3c932bf_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WZPDKf)

[PonchoJohn]

That I'm not sure about, I still need to see all of what the T/A spoilers entail, which is next on my list. Are these a bolt on bracket? There's nothing additional on these fenders bolted on, pretty much stripped.
Josh,
If you look at the bottom of the 71 fenders, you'll see where the lower valance(splash panel, center filler panel, gravel panel, etc.) bolts to the fenders. You're gonna need those brackets (or have to fabricate some new ones) in order to get the valance bolted back up to your Trans Am fenders.
They should be riveted in place, so removal is pretty easy.
Cool car- SO glad you're keeping it PONTIAC POWERED!!

[BBBluey]

I'm happy for you to be building this but also sad. The 71 Firebird is my dream car particularly for the fenders as they are a 1yr only. Very difficult to find a 71 with the OEM fenders. Please don't throw those babies away! Let me know if you're going to junk them. IMO they are way nicer than TA fenders... Give it some more thought.

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Josh,
If you look at the bottom of the 71 fenders, you'll see where the lower valance(splash panel, center filler panel, gravel panel, etc.) bolts to the fenders. You're gonna need those brackets (or have to fabricate some new ones) in order to get the valance bolted back up to your Trans Am fenders.
They should be riveted in place, so removal is pretty easy.
Cool car- SO glad you're keeping it PONTIAC POWERED!!
Cool, thanks for the info! I'll be looking into that shortly, for now I'm working from the rear forward, so fenders might be in a few weeks! And yeah, the Ponchos were good motors, I kind of like the road less travelled, so the 455 is a must for me! It will end up costing me an arm and a leg, but being different isn't cheap. Besides, I have my 71 Camaro sister that will get a nasty LS and flat out be a lot wilder. I'm looking forward to having a 1971 Jekyll/Hyde combination! Might be near a decade before that dream is met though, haha.


I'm happy for you to be building this but also sad. The 71 Firebird is my dream car particularly for the fenders as they are a 1yr only. Very difficult to find a 71 with the OEM fenders. Please don't throw those babies away! Let me know if you're going to junk them. IMO they are way nicer than TA fenders... Give it some more thought.

I was going to junk them a couple weeks ago because they are that bad. But even I had second thoughts, and decided I'll either cut those lower fender sections off, or offer them up on Craigslist as a complete pair. They are very bad, one really worth fixing. Meanwhile the T/A fenders are pretty clean for what they are, and I've always liked the functional vents.

I'll have to post a general update soon after I load some pictures up. A lot of progress in stripping the body down to metal. A few surprises along the way. Also tried my hand at a door skin for the first time, which I think was a near total failure. Aside from having some waviness along the lower edge from tapping the skin on, I noticed the lower character line is nearly invisible. AND in doing this I noticed the thinner than stock metal, which lead to dents from my work stand from just working this while laying one it's face! So I think I'm going to just suck it up and search for another usable original door. If it dents this easily, I don't want to run it on a car that I plan to keep forever. Last thing I want is for it to get dented by a cone.

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Nothing too glamorous in shiny parts or money, but still work that needs to be done.

Finally got the car stripped down to a shell. My neighbors love me, haha.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/36097599824_f7624da7b2_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WZPCNL)

Got some of my replacement sheetmetal in, which at least half this picture was a total waste of money.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/36792180001_ea083a8cf0_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y4cxi4)

Doors are off to the blaster's. The RH door had some damage, that was drilled, and pulled, and was just generally done terribly and wasn't work resaving. So I thought I'd try my hand at re-skinning it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/36097747444_e978ba88ef_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WZQoFW)

Back, and ready for self etching primer, then 2k.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/36760924822_9331e43653_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y1rmdE)

I was having one heck of a time DA'ing the paint off due to the multiple layers (I count about 9). Then I was doing something, and noticed that the paint nicely shaved off the car using a razor blade! This seems tedious, but it saved me a lot of time and money, seeing as I didn't have to spend $1500 to get it blasted. This shaved off a clearcoat, two whites, and a red layer, leaving a few layers of primer, and a yellow/white layer of paint.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/36792200871_1578bfc6e7_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y4cDuT)
Scraping another layer of primer off. Thought this was amusing, I've never dealt with with paint that came off so easily!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/36792203811_fc571423ff_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y4cEnz)

Luckily most of the body was decent. A few surprise dents above the windshield, but at least they didn't try and pull them so I can take them out with the stud gun easily. Need to fill the vinyl top holes properly and weld them up.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/36792224501_05af15d82c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y4cLwi)

Just clamping the new quarter on for grins, and test fitup.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/36792229121_020b5f8f0e_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y4cMTX)

Found a couple free wrenches in the section I cut out in the LH quarter!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/36792233571_3a30d44d28_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y4cPdF)

Cheap alternative to Dynamat! All this came out of the jamb vent hole. They slacked off and only stuffed 3 bags into the RH quarter.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/36792236581_b24d19f05a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y4cQ7z)

LH quarter looked pretty good aside from the back edge. I don't want to buy another quarter for this section, so I think I can hammer out a new piece with these compound curves easy enough. Time I've got.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/36535663810_00bbd55156_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XEwPY7)

Welded up the lock hole on the passenger's skin while it was off to make it easier. It was easier, but futile. I was unsure when I got the new skin about it seeming to be a little thin, but I figured it's worth a shot. It went on easy enough for the most part, forward and rear edges looked good, but the lower edge didn't cooperate as well and went on pretty wavy. Then I noticed the lower character line was super faint, not sure if it would have shown up on the car. Then I noticed the weight of the door and my working the edged dented the skin where the stand was. So I contemplated this for 5 minutes, and decided this door is scrap. Located a nice original paint door in Tucson, 1.5 hours from me for $200 and now have that being blasted. I decided that if the door dented that easily, the last thing I wanted was a cone flying up and making it's mark.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/36097805794_cec4bd939d_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WZQG2Y)

So that's that. Hopefully I'll be able to get the door before the weekend, but maybe not. I have a little more primer to DA off the roof, then the jambs, then I can start getting into actual bodywork. I'm rethinking my idea of replacing the entire RH quarter, just after my experience with the Taiwan metal on the door. I may just do what I didn't want to, and cut out the damaged area and butt-weld the new section in at the back. I think the less thin Taiwanese metal I use, the better. My goal is to have the car painted and mostly done for the Goodguy's Del Mar show next April, and although I won't push the car hard to make it, it would be cool if I can make the Hot Rod Power Fest in Vegas in September. But no rush. I hope to have the main bodywork done in a month, so I can strip the interior and subframe fully, and get the underside, and firewall blasted clean, during that time I'd like to drive to Anvil and pickup a carbon fiber Formula hood. Then DSE minitubs, SFC's, and welding up the subframe, powdercoat, then Ridetech suspension install!

[Alponcho]

... I'm rethinking my idea of replacing the entire RH quarter, just after my experience with the Taiwan metal on the door. I may just do what I didn't want to, and cut out the damaged area and butt-weld the new section in at the back. I think the less thin Taiwanese metal I use, the better.

The new full quarters that are now available for 70-73 cars are terrific. I used these on my '70 Formula and couldn't be happier--and I bought them when they were more expensive (I think they're less than $400 now). They still needed work/adjustment to get lines perfect, but no more than an NOS quarter. The photo below shows what they look like with no filler, before blocking. The partials/skins (which you appear to have) need a lot more work to make them fit and look halfway decent…even little things like the side marker and the lower shadow line behind the rear wheel need to be worked quite a bit--and even then there's something "off" about them. If you're interested, I do have that RH used quarter section available--I think I showed this to you…it would be better than that skin you have…I also have a used full RH quarter (and a LH as well).
https://www.pro-touring.com/attachment.php?https://www.pro-touring.com/attachment.php?

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Hey Jeff, thanks for the feedback! I contemplated a whole quarter, but the only real damage is the rear 16" going down to just under the beltline. I'm still on the fence and trying to figure out the best plan, so I'm just working on other parts of the car in the meantime. How big is the quarter you have? I should have taken a look at them at the time, but maybe it was because I really didn't get into the damage by then. Even if it's just the rear section, that'll be better than what I have and it will at least be all OEM sheetmetal. The entire quarters are still over $500 from what I have found, and an entire quarter replacement is more than this car needs. But yeah, I'm interested!

[Alponcho]

I'll post some pics in the morning for you.

[Alponcho]

Here is the partial and full RH quarters I have available. The full LH is similar to the RH one in the photo. email or call me if you're interested. if you lost my contact info, my email is [email protected].

https://www.pro-touring.com/attachment.php?https://www.pro-touring.com/attachment.php?

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Thank you Jeff, I'm definitely interested in that complete quarter. I'll send you a text later today.

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Finally got enough stuff done to post another progress report. After my last post of being dissatisfied with the repop quarter, I did buy the above original quarter from Jeff. I'll get to that in a second, in the meantime I'll post my photos from my photobucket in chronological order.

Welded up ANOTHER passenger's door lock cylinder. After being dissatisfied with the door skin job, I decided to hunt for a usable original. Luckily there was a good one in Tucson, about a 1.5 hour drive away. The skin I tried to install just didn't flatten right at the bottom, the lower character line looked too soft, and the overall skin was just way too flimsy... there were two long dents from the body stand from me working the skin on! Rather than have an easily damaged skin, and live with the fact that it's a non-original skin, I decided I'd only be happy with an OEM door.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/36764741286_6e241f3bff_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y1LUHL)

Started pulling the wear and tear out of the driver's door. I was able to work out most of the dings with a hammer and dolly, but the area in front of the door beam I had to use my nailgun on. One of the best investments I've made.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/36812921761_25b0ce6900_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y62R6B)


Bodywork is roughed out, and a skim coat of filled is applied. It's not as heavy as is may look, this was just necessary for the little dings and imperfections that couldn't be worked out with a hammer/dolly.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/36143927453_e6e5fb059a_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X4V5oZ)

1st coat of primer sprayed!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/36117809484_1005a10e85_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X2Bdrb)

Now it's getting serious! It took me awhile of debating this, since I've NEVER done anything this serious on a car. I've done partial fender/lower quarter repairs, but never to this extent. After buying a skin, and realized how much work it would be to splice along a main body surface, I decided to go full quarter. Alponcho had a fairly rust free original that would do the job well. It wasn't perfect after I had it blasted, but it was a good foundation, and definitely workable, better than my original quarter which had numerous sins (main obvious damage to rear side, poor dent pull/drilling in upper B-pillar, odd contour above wheelwell, rust behind wheel)... basically enough stuff to warrant a replacement. I didn't want to go into the jambs, and cut into the original spot welds, so I decided to splice it into all the jambs, about 1/4" into them to be exact. The spotwelds in the wheelwell and lower rear were drilled out, and will be plug welded.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/36781311922_649c9415a1_b-1.jpg

Luckily everything was very clean and solid underneath. After this everything was covered with either a rust converter, or weld-thru primer.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/X4VgsT]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/36143964683_43768a7eae_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y3eQAo)

And it's finally tacked on! I started at the most critical gap, the front edge adjacent to the door, and it lined up perfectly automatically, then tacked it. Worked my way up the jamb, through the window, then got the trunk gap where it needed to be, and just tacked my way through. I figure once those are good, the hard part is done. Everything else, under the car and wheelwell, isn't dependent upon matching an adjacent panel, so I can address those last. But this was the part I was stressing about. It took me weeks of trimming just to get everything just right... it just took so long because I didn't want to rush it, I wanted to do it at a pace that wouldn't tire me, or make me cut corners. I'm very happy with the result, the gaps and lines on this quarter are actually better than the factory alignment on the driver's side! I need to do some pie-cutting to the window channel to make things line up better. So now I get to take my time stitch welding everything, and now I can resume bodywork!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/36812797361_70e872fcd5_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y62d7M)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/36117858514_be52b04a97_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X2Bt1w)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/36117859144_c2ddd4660c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X2Btco)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/36117861314_a57f07e7ba_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X2BtQN)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/08/36952379845_7f3926ffc2_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YimB8k)

[Alponcho]

Looking good! Glad the quarter worked out for you.

[keepat]

Great job on the quarter install! Love the 2nd gen Pontiacs!
Good luck with the build!
Pat

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Thanks guys! I've finally got the quarter welded fully. Fought me a little bit since it was a bit trickier butt welding into the jamb, instead of going deep into the original spotwelds, but it's looking good. I can start grinding welds down now, and build a filler for the original lead seam, and do another patch below under the rear wheel. Seems crazy to cut this panel off and do another patch panel, but I wanted to get everything lined up as rigid as possible before I cut into the quarter skin. There aren't many pinholes honestly, but it's rusty enough from the backside, that I question the strength of this area if it were to see something like a cone perhaps.

Another project of mine this last weekend was to design a new dash panel. I didn't want to do a generic flat piece of material and drop the gauges into it, but I rather wanted a more 3D looking setup. It'll start as a large chunk of 0.5" billet aluminum, and will have everything at different depths, and angles (the RH gauges are angled towards the driver). It's not 100% yet, and things will evolve as I get the actual switches and parts in to verify measurements and depths, and generally change as I decide if the details are where I want them to be.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/09/36764869436_87946cd655_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y1MyPf)

And to go into this pod is this set of gauges I've just ordered from Speedhut for their Labor Day sale. I jumped the gun on these since I didn't really need them yet, but hey, it's only credit right? I'll pick my 5th 2-1/16" A/F gauge after I determine what wideband I'm going to use. I'll also probably install 2 more gauges in either the A-pillar, or console... oil and trans temp gauges.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/09/36812902721_fbc94ce743_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y62Krk)

[NOT A TA]

Nice dash panel design!

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Fall is here, and we're finally in double digit temps, so now I'll start hitting it hard!

Quarter was fully welded on. My splice into all the jambs worked well, now I can grind the welds down, lay down a skim coat of filler and you won't know the difference from stock. (Edit- seem to not have the fully welded pic from Photobucket on my hard drive... so here's a tacked pic)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/36144214203_85d4c52f55_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X4WxCX)

My replacement original quarter still had a little rot behind the rear wheel, but even still the overall quarter panel was worth the effort, even with the patch. Had to splice in a piece of the original quarter inner structure that wasn't rotted.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/36812916391_86d4c2cac2_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y62Pv2)

All trimmed, wire wheeled, painted/weld thru primed, and ready for the outer skin.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/36952494635_9bae0676fd_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Yincft)

New patch is fit, flanged, and ready to install.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/36813002701_87e9d8b3b1_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y63ga8)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/36144181973_e6bb37e66f_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X4Wo4g)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/36813010561_99ca9dc3c3_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y63iuD)

The trunk gap tapered by 0.020" toward the rear, so I did a piecut throughout the length and re-welded to create a perfect gap. I normally would have welded some rod to the trunklid, but I want to leave this open for the possibility of an Anvil Carbon Fiber trunklid possibly in the future.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/36144233833_a98b0eed18_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X4WDtp)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/36813066661_1f16706074_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y63AaT)

Did as much hammer/dolly work the the one area of the quarter that was damaged as I could. Not perfect, but now it will require minimal filler compared to before.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/36952664205_2783e9872c_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Yio4E6)

Starting to get the body roughed out in All-Metal... a filler similar to plastic filler, but is more aluminum based instead of plastic, and doesn't absorb moisture, and should shrink down less. Unfortunately as much as I try and can't quite yet get dead smooth metalwork like the bigshots, so the reality is that filler has to be used! By roughing things out on the metal before I even get the first coat of primer on, it will give me a good foundation to start with.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/36952670025_8980b349fb_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Yio6or)

Sail panel wasn't perfectly flat, having the vinyl top holes didn't help.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/36952667205_ff167758bd_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Yio5xP)

It's getting there! The quarter panel was a lot more work than I've ever done, and now I'm starting to finally get satisfaction out of it! I'll keep roughing that and the roof out over the next week, then hopefully 2 weekends from now I'll lay down some primer!

And to end this post on a shiny note, my new gauges are in!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/36765209116_73d26c1bd0_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y1PiMN)

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Not a whole lot to show picture-wise for the last couple weeks, a lot of applying All-Metal, then sanding it off. Applying, then sanding it off. Repeat a half dozen times, and it's finally roughed out to where I wanted. This way once I spray the primer, the body is pretty much where it needs to be. Then when I longboard it, I'll use the filler primer to my advantage and get the car nice and flat pretty quickly.

And I finally got it primed tonight, late enough to where my neighbors are already home, but early enough to where I don't violate the noise ordinance, haha.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/36118330754_601a4ee135_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X2DToA)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/36118333624_d90eecbe24_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X2DUf5)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/36813261411_210cd688e8_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y64A4D)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/36813273151_36e1b55f84_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y64Dy4)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/36144478923_9524187dda_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X4XUk6)

Did a coat of primer on the driver's side before any bodywork just because I wanted to get the car in primer and protected before I get sidetracked on a couple other things in the upcoming weeks.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/10/36556698010_430643bd22_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XGoCGJ)

Not the best pics, I know, but I was just excited to see it in primer, and luckily it looks really good. I'll get it out this weekend, and try and take better ones.

Next step... now that this is protected I'm going to start working on the driver's side of my 63 T-bird, which luckily needs very little. I'll get that done and primed so I can swap places with the Firebird, so I can work on the driver's side of it, and the passenger's side of the Tbird. That's the problem with working out of a packed garage, got to be a little creative, haha. But next for the Firebird is to work on the driver's side, and rear valance, then I can start working my way forward!

[keepat]

Body lines look great! 2nd gen usually have large door gaps but yours look nice!
Pat

[cbpldc]

Looking good!

[rohrt]

Nice work

Subscribing.

[NOT A TA]

Looking good Josh! Keep at it!

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Thanks everyone! It's always hard to keep the momentum going in the earlier stages, just sanding the bare steel and All-Metal gets tedious, and it's hard to see if you're actually making progress. But to see it in wet primer and to see nice flat panels, it all starts to come together! Now I can give it a good month to cure, then I'll do the first blocking and see how I actually did. Not too bad for my first quarter panel install, if I may say so!

[AtomicFirebird]

Sweet Bird

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Not so much an update on progress, but build plans. It was a great week at SEMA, and an expensive one! Walked away committed to buy a set of Billet Specialties Forged wheels, the Hydro with the brushed smoke clear centers. I just need to determine the sizing for sure along with rearend specs and get back to them within the month to finalize the order. Started the quote for 18x10 and 18x12's, but I'll have to do my research to make sure it will all fit with my stock subframe. I believe the rears will fit fine, but I'm not sure about the 10's on the front with the stock subframe. I might change my order to 18x9/10's instead, so I can have a staggered wheel arrangement, but not be too different in widths. I'm excited though, I wasn't planning on getting my forged wheels quite yet, but Billet Specialties had an introductory offer I couldn't refuse!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/11/MR35HYDROBSG_F01-1.png

[cpd004]

I am running a 10" wheel in front with stock sub frame. The tire will rub the sway bar at full lock only. I don't find it to be a big deal so far since I rarely need to go full lock.

Great wheel choice BTW!

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

I am running a 10" wheel in front with stock sub frame. The tire will rub the sway bar at full lock only. I don't find it to be a big deal so far since I rarely need to go full lock.

Great wheel choice BTW!

Cool, thanks, would you happen to remember what your backspace was? Up to this (from my late night thread searches) I've seen a lot of people running a 9" wheel with a 6" BS. I might consider a 10" up front since I've determined that I will run a 12" out back. I realized if I step down to a 10" wheel out there it limits me to a smaller tire than I'd like, I know a square setup would handle ideally, but I do still want a steamroller look out back. I can always run a narrower tire out back, which would be a better arrangement for handling, versus trying a wide tire on a 10" wheel (applying some of my Thursday Ron Sutton Seminar knowledge right there, haha).

[cpd004]

I'll try and find the specs...Dale at Schwartz set me up. I thought it was 5.5" but that might not be correct.

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

So progress has been a little slow the last couple of months. Basically after I got the quarter panel welded on, I noticed a few things that had me slightly concerned after trying to install the rear spoiler, basically a few things with the trunk lid not lining up, and making me question the squareness of the body. It was never hit hard, but the RH quarter was tapped, maybe it was just hit right enough to tweak things. Basically with the RH side of the trunklid fitting flush with the top of the quarter, the LH side was 0.25" low, so 0.125" off per side. Some people would have tweaked the trunk lid and be fine with it, but I didn't want to go through all the effort and be done with the car, and have it look "off" from 20 feet away.

The car is out and moving again. If you look close enough, you can see the trunk lid fitment to the LH quarter panel.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/1102151705a_zpsjqv2wkrq.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/1102151705d_zps43rrkv1l.jpg.html)

Here it is at the frame shop after they were finally able to get me in. This was a shop my dad always used when he used to flip wrecked cars for a hobby. The original owner of the shop has retired, so now interestingly enough I'm working with the guy's son, so it's a new generation working on these cars! Anyways, here's where it spend most of December.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/1207150927_zpsim7nupud.jpg.html)
It required a light tug on the LH quarter, but the trunklid fits well now. The car and subframe checks out as square, so I have confidence in it again.

Now the spoiler fits! Before I would have had to do major work to get it to fit, then it would have made things out of parallel and screw myself if I ever wanted to run a carbon fiber center later down the road. It fits well minus the typical GM fitment ailments (need to shave the RH end some in the trunk jamb area), nothing some tweaking can't fix. You can also see where he had to hack the LH taillight hole large to get the pulling equipment in. Not a huge deal, it was already hit in that area, and I was on the fence about ordering a new tailpanel as the lower valance is full of bondo... guess now I will get the tail panel!!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/1224151420_zpsynh12hwb.jpg.html)

Shimming the center spoiler up with a paint stick brought the alignment where it needed to be. Easy to fix, I'll epoxy spacers underneath the back edge to make it all line up.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/011%203_zpstng32mcj.jpg.html)

Started work on the front sheetmetal in the meantime. The wrong way to fill an antenna hole.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/1206151530_zpsu60xjfhw.jpg.html)
The right way.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/1206151626_zpsxfaiiful.jpg.html)

Some damage to the lower edge of the RH fender. I didn't like how it was pulling out (it didn't)...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/001%203_zpsndkbnylz.jpg.html)

So I cut the worst of the damage, hammer and dollied it to my satisfaction, and welded in a new flat patch. Much better now, and it will only require very minimal filler.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/005%204_zpsd8mpl8xm.jpg.html)

That's about it. I have the next week off so I'll be hard at it. I have to prime my 63 Thunderbird today, so I can rearrange my garage to fit the Firebird in the center so I can tear the back end down to nothing to get the DSE minitubs installed. I'm doing this so I can mock up my Billet Specialties wheels when the come in around mid-January, and get my Ron Sutton/Speedway floater ordered!

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Progress hasn't been the quickest, as there were a few chilly mornings to work in the garage, I mean it was down to the 50's! For Arizonans, or at least myself, that keeps me out of the garage until the later parts of the day when it warms up! Anyways, since December, I've been slowly moving along installing minitubs, which I completed a couple weeks ago.

Rather than go into super detail on minitubs, which has been covered in depth on the internet, here are a few pics... mainly because I feel the need to keep some appearance of progress on this thread.
Kind of an ugly back area, not sure why the package tray was so hammered. I'll worry about that later.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/4_14_14%20002_zpsl9yg1e9n.jpg.html)
Driver's side all cut out.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/4_14_14%20010_zpsdhpx3tth.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/4_14_14%20012_zps9a2aq3e8.jpg.html)
Finally, a reason to get Clecos! A lifesaver!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/4_14_14%20018_zpsp8eaxbfc.jpg.html)
This was the only thing that really didn't go according to the instructions. This little leg on the driver's side was nowhere near where it needed to be, so I cut it off, and just welded it on separately. Passenger's side was just fine.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/4_14_14%20020_zpsoeebovze.jpg.html)
All drilled, and ready to weld.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/4_14_14%20023_zpsrfbj2jiz.jpg.html)
All welded up, and looking good!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/4_14_14%20028_zpsjdwaxaim.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/4_14_14%20031_zpsw50ras6w.jpg.html)

And now for the eye candy! 18x9/12 Billet Specialties Pro-Touring Line, Hydros with a gunmetal center. 1st set of forged wheels, feels like a milestone!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/0120161821a01_zpsagh6qdz7.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/012016182101_zps4by0vah9.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/0120161820b_zpsjuksepsh.jpg.html)

And next up, as I try and find time, is the rear tail panel. I've got it mostly cut out, and will install the new Goodmark panel next. The lower valance was weak, so I was on the fence about changing it anyways, but once my frame guy had to hack away at the taillight to pull it, that sealed the deal. The new piece is very nice, and I look forward to getting it in! Also working on wrapping up the details of my Speedway Engineering Grand National floater with RSRT, and will also soon be ordering the Wilwood brakes. Anvil hood has made it to California from what I heard when I last called, so I'll be driving there soon to pick it up. Going to start moving faster here soon, as the goal is my sister's wedding in October! Going to have to work a small miracle, and hope my credit cards survive as well! But I'm getting excited!

[NOT A TA]

Looks like you're moving along Josh, Oct. is gonna come quick.

[cpd004]

Nice wheels!

[Quicktrick Gil]

Can't wait to see those wheels on there! This has come a long way, Josh. Amazing work!

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Thanks guys! I'm slowly making progress. Got the tail panel installed, and can now proceed with normal bodywork again! Not going to bombard this with pics, as people don't seem that interested in seeing step by step photos of the several hours I have into the quarter panel edges hammer/dollying it back to the correct shape, after decades of abuse, haha. Might post another update next week.

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Progress has been slow, but it's been coming along. I know people don't get as excited about replacing this piece of rust, or blocking this, or much of the bodywork process, so I'll do these once in awhile as I'm making visual progress.

Next step after the minitubs was to work on replacing the tail panel, that was hammered pretty well below, though well hidden by a thick layer of bondo. The LH taillight pocket had to be open more for my frame guy to get the machine in to tug it. Plus the new Goodmark panel was actually pretty nice, and I felt better about having solid, clean metal back there.

Old panel is cut out! Drilled out about 30 spot welds, always the worst part of any sheetmetal repair.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/5-6-2016%20001_zps8cwqnh0k.jpg.html)

The quarter panel was still pretty hammered, which again, was well hidden by body filler. Here is the before fitment of the spoiler, this was after a lot of cleanup, and some straightening.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/5-6-2016%20004_zpsoyrrjnsi.jpg.html)

In progress. It's a lot better. You can see where I completely cut away the inner flange because it was just too hammered, and stretched, and held the rest of the panel back from fitting properly. It was just easier to build a new flange later.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/5-6-2016%20006_zpsarn01fmm.jpg.html)

The rear of the quarter after much hammer and dolly work, pie cutting, and welding the new flange on.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/5-6-2016%20009_zpszdmyok68.jpg.html)

The end result was immensely better, and only required a light skim coat of filler. Spoiler fitment was now excellent.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/5-6-2016%20010_zpshlamishl.jpg.html)

The Goodmark rear valance was a very nice piece, but not perfect. The sides were different where they attached to the quarter flanges, lengthwise. Rather than rework the flange on the quarter, I determined adding material to the valance would be the easier approach.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/5-6-2016%20013_zpsz9uhorrb.jpg.html)

Not perfect, but I didn't spend a lot of time on this since it will be completely hidden after it's done.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/5-6-2016%20014_zpscyoz2nwf.jpg.html)

The only other area I had to address on the valance is the fitment to the quarter panels right below the bumper. They stuck out a little more than I wanted, and I couldn't massage or remove any more material to make the entire panel fit in tighter, so I did a pie cut over about 3 inches, and slightly tweaked the corners in.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/5-6-2016%20015_zpsz3dznllk.jpg.html)

Same for the RH side. Here you can see a vertical pie cut I made to add filler material to tighten the inconsistent gap. Not a big deal, but while I was in there, it was easy to make things perfect.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/5-6-2016%20016_zps7yqmj0ov.jpg.html)

All good now!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/5-6-2016%20017_zps5ppcgmpk.jpg.html)

Rear of the trunk floor and hidden areas ready to go! Black paint everywhere but the flanges, and weld thru primer on the flanges.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/5-6-2016%20018_zpsgr89sx67.jpg.html)

All welded on! Took me a couple weekends to do this, as I've never done a tail panel, or valance even, but I'm really happy with the result.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/5-6-2016%20022_zpsgif59ac7.jpg.html)

Looking like something again! I used a decent original panel that my dad is going to restore for his 73 Formula for all this mockup process. That way I know the rear valance is good for OEM, then I'll make the repop plastic tail panel fit the rest of the car.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/5-6-2016%20026_zpsnpex3qyl.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/5-6-2016%20027_zpscb6epoc7.jpg.html)

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

This particular section of the quarter edge was hammered hard, plus they tried to drill and pull it, the old school way, so it was just easier to cut it out and make a new panel. Plus, this made accessing the inner flange easier to weld the valance, plus hammer/dolly access for the section of the quarter directly below.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/5-6-2016%20030_zpsqaiwcd6g.jpg.html)

Spend a little time trying out my hammer/dolly set to turn this flat piece into a compound curve patch. I could probably source a patch off another quarter I had, but I didn't want to cut that up, and I won't get better with the metalworking if I don't practice!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/5-6-2016%20032_zpslbyracyd.jpg.html)

Welded into place. It didn't come out as stepped as it looks in this pic, I swear! Bad image, but I didn't take anymore angles, so it'll have to do. It didn't take much filler at all, and it's hidden by the spoiler anyways.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/5-6-2016%20036_zpsmrwxzn5k.jpg.html)

Next is the lower section of the quarter behind the wheel. First I had to make a new section with some hammer/dolly work, since I didn't have any inner structure patches to replace the rotted original. I didn't take any before shots unfortunately, but this is the end result. Didn't get too crazy since this was hidden.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/6-2-2016%20002_zpsc1s9wb1d.jpg.html)

Wirewheeled what I could, then coated it all in rust convertor.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/6-2-2016%20003_zpsqh46yg2z.jpg.html)

New patch welded into place!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/6-2-2016%20009_zpsbzqldllu.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/6-2-2016%20011_zpsbdiejeu6.jpg.html)

Now onto the rest of the quarter, mainly the sail panel. Being a vinyl top car, the fitment of the quarter to roof area was terrible. The below pic speaks for itself, this won't do! The radius of the corner was all wrong for the trim, the quarter panel was too high into the window, plus the quarter was too low into the window channel... not visible in this show, but imagine the quarter being further into the page, and the roof being out. Basically, nothing lined up in multiple planes.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/6-2-2016%20005_zpsagecqk5w.jpg.html)

The straight edge kind of shows the misalignment.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/6-2-2016%20012_zpske1ah4is.jpg.html)

One dimension is corrected. Now you can really see the incorrect radius.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/6-2-2016%20015_zpsqm8eci4u.jpg.html)

Fixing the other dimension.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/6-2-2016%20016_zps2bhvmzxq.jpg.html)

Tacked a filler piece in the corner for me to grind to the proper radius, then I built a new inner channel bent to the same new radius. Horrible pic, sorry.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/6-2-2016%20019_zpsvmlmmy0h.jpg.html)

Next up is the factory lead seam. Here you can see the finished radius in all metal. Contrary to how some things might show up in my pics, I can do somewhat decent metal work, I think.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/6-2-2016%20020_zpspgqqnlpn.jpg.html)

The filler is now fully welded in, after about 1.5 hours of small tacks. I learned before that you can never keep this area too cool. Warpage was non-existent, so that was good.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/6-2-2016%20022_zpslah1hn2u.jpg.html)

All ground down. Doesn't look the prettiest as these seams were anything but precise, since they just loaded them up with lead. Not quite a Foose or Trepanier when it comes to metal work, but at least it's all solid and clean.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/6-2-2016%20023_zpsmjstnjid.jpg.html)

The new corner radius after smoothing things out with a layer of All-Metal filler, then a skim coat of 3M plastic filler.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/6-2-2016%20026_zpsrbpklgpz.jpg.html)

Now all the metal work is complete, woohoo! Now I can resume actual bodywork. Here it is all blocked down. I like to roughly block it all with All-Metal aluminum based filler as I think it's less prone to shrinking, and maybe more water resistant. Then after I'm satisfied with that, I gladly change to plastic filler, which sands much nicer than the All-Metal, which is sort of like blocking... well... metal. I've done it this way for years, and I've never had an issue.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/6-2-2016%20028_zpsldj2g7rt.jpg.html)

So that's all for now folks! I've got a few edge details to clean up, some seams to seal, then I can prime this quarter and the tail panel. Then I'll flip the car around and start working on the front end! I'll fill and block the fenders as necessary, fit them to the doors, align the hood/bumper, and weld up/correct and door gaps as necessary. Then I can start working on getting the bumper fitting better, which should be fun as I've never done a urethane bumper before! At least I can fit it all now, as I picked up my Anvil hood about a month ago, which is absolutely stunning! I don't have any camera pics oddly enough, I'll take some and post them with my next update!

[keepat]

Looks awesome! Great looking metal work!
Pat

[struck by Lightning]

Josh -

Very nice build! I am a big fan of Firebirds and have owned several with the last one being a Formula 455 Clone, Offenhauser dual quad, and nitrous. The car ran division 7 NHRA Summit Racing events for a number of years on the West Coast and I regret selling it everyday!
.
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/2jaf3aa-1.jpg

[camaros down under]

The progress is great. Keep up the good work. Love these cars so I can't wait to see it done, as I'm sure you feel the same :)

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Thanks guys! It's definitely tedious work, and progress seems slow at time, but it's rewarding being able to see the progress.


Josh -

Very nice build! I am a big fan of Firebirds and have owned several with the last one being a Formula 455 Clone, Offenhauser dual quad, and nitrous. The car ran division 7 NHRA Summit Racing events for a number of years on the West Coast and I regret selling it everyday!


Awesome looking car! I love these cars as drag cars as well, I'm tempted to have a drag set of wheels to go along with my B-forged wheels just to mix up the look once in awhile... as long as I can figure a setup to clear the rear brakes! I've always wanted one of these cars, as I think it's one of the top 5 designs out of GM, don't plan to get rid of this one!

Been making more progress. Looks a lot better now in primer! Still got some tweaking to do to the decklid now that I have the upper filler in place. Also need to work the spoiler a bit more, but that's typical.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/0614162150a_zpsy0xus0gu.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/0614162203a_zpsh7uspfhd.jpg.html)

Mocked up the new taillights, and original rear bumper to check fitment, and it looks good! This original bumper was very weak, but I've got a brand new OER piece in the box ready to go, as well as a better core I picked up last weekend, so I have options. I might play with filling the better core, and eliminating the bolts and jacking slots so I can possible paint it. Not that I don't like the look of the chrome, I think it looks great actually, but the imbalance of the painted Endura nose and the chrome rear bumper has been something I wasn't 100% about. I'll paint one rear bumper, and if I don't like it, I've got a brand new chrome one I can install.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/IMG_20160625_145232004_HDR_zpsbtoucfhz.jpg.html)

Now that the main body of the car is fully primed, I can let that cure, and flip the car around and start working the front.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/0619161303b_zpsytwd1cho.jpg.html)

Along with the car I got a very nice Trans Am Endura nose I used to generally mock up the front end. I won't be using this one though, as it's too nice to play around with... I want to fill the license plate recess, and better fit the bumper to the car. I'll keep the nice bumper in storage for a spare.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/IMG_20160625_145312368_zpsqzxkvofl.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/IMG_20160625_151939888_zpsni50mjgs.jpg.html)

And to get up to date, at least till a couple hours ago, the new Anvil hood is set into place! Before I start working the bumper to the fenders, I need to make sure everything is 100% square. I was close by my initial measurements, the front is good, but the rear of the fenders are too close together, so I'll start there this coming weekend by moving the upper front door corners out a bit, and getting the fenders to match, till everything is spot on.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/IMG_20160627_192446878_zpseugmcg9u.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/71%20Firebird/IMG_20160627_190935514_zpsb7unqnax.jpg.html)

[cpd004]

From the pics, the hood looks like it lines up well with the tops of the fenders all the way down. Are the hinges on it and does it look like it will require anything to make it fit perfectly?

[gbledsoe3]

Josh, how's progress on you Firebird coming along? I'm impressed by your work and nearing the end of my metal work on my project. Looking forward to skim coating this this spring and getting with the primer phase.

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

From the pics, the hood looks like it lines up well with the tops of the fenders all the way down. Are the hinges on it and does it look like it will require anything to make it fit perfectly?

Sorry for the delay, I'm not always on top of this thread unfortunately. The hood does fit very well along the length height-wise. It's very tight side to side, and I need to pull the fenders out a touch to make it fit. That was my last step while working on it, didn't do anything with that because the fenders would need to come off to re-adjust the doors. I'll try and get back to it in the upcoming months.


Josh, how's progress on you Firebird coming along? I'm impressed by your work and nearing the end of my metal work on my project. Looking forward to skim coating this this spring and getting with the primer phase.

Thanks Gary! Glad you like my thread! As far as the progress on this Firebird, it's been on the backburner for a few months now unfortunately. Kind of a long story. Going back to around my last posting, my dad and I were trying to get cars done for my sister's "hot rod" wedding. It was going to be his 70 Camaro, my 71 Firebird, and our 63 Thunderbird. Around August time I realized finances and time wouldn't allow the Firebird to be done. And around September, I realized the Thunderbird wouldn't get done. The wedding was in October. We did get my dad's 70 Camaro done. This was cool, and very significant as my dad bought it around 1983, and built it for my uncle to drive as his first car. He drove it for about a year, till my dad got it back. It was last tagged in 1987. Fast forward to 2016, and we realize the car has earned its time to shine again. My dad did most of the bodywork over the year, I painted it 2 weeks before the wedding!!!!!! It was a typical thrash, we were working on it till 2 AM the day OF the wedding. Which is why we were wrong on the front tire size, and it sat a little higher than we preferred. Both of those issues were rectified, and a front spoiler was added. I need to get current pics of it. But the wedding was awesome. My dad "gave" my sister away by driving up to the wedding. Nobody saw the car done except for my dad and I. Even my uncle who owned it before hadn't seen it, and he was at the ceremony as well. Anyways, my dad hid in the garage in front of the property, and he was signaled to fire it up (initial startup with open electric cutouts), and drove up to applause. It was pretty cool. Definitely memorable.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/IMG_20161015_175745453_HDR_zpseinz8c84.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/IMG_20161015_175729763_zps7r9oprvj.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/IMG_20161015_175237678_zpsjwppj1nm.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/IMG_20161016_120702935_zpsr8e3lwcn.jpg.html)

So now going back... the Thunderbird was disassembled in my primary work stall in my garage for an engine bay detail. I realized at the time I would have had to cut corners to get it to the wedding, so that's when I stopped it. Now I'm going back and welding up all the seams, smoothing them, and going through it all with the detail I truly want. I'll hopefully get it all painted in about a month, clean up and paint the engine, drop it in and swap it with my Firebird so I can get working on it for awhile! I have automotive ADD to the max. Working on my Tbird, then "oohhh, a Firebird, I'll work on that for a bit"!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/63%20Thunderbird/1228151729a_zpsu5y5fjha.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s26.photobucket.com/user/blazinred87/media/63%20Thunderbird/IMG_20170204_151156024_zpsx2xqmyaf.jpg.html)

[FireBeater]

Hey, thanks for sharing your Speedhut gauges. I think they look so awesome! I love the firebird in the middle. very cool

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

Hey, thanks for sharing your Speedhut gauges. I think they look so awesome! I love the firebird in the middle. very cool

Good timing then... on seeing my post, and the bumping my post. I was going to look this up because I got an email from Photobucket saying "pay up or we'll hold your pics hostage". Looks like that was no lie. %$#%#%%$# :machine::machine::machine:

Anyone know a good photohosting site? Photobucket has only turned to crap lately, they certainly aren't going to see a cent out of me.

[T/A Addict]

I can't believe that with everybody suing for every little thing that there has not been a lawsuit filed against photobucket....... They have ruined such an extensive amount of info for everybody across the internet! This choice they have made has totally ruined so much. They ought to be forced to continue allowing pics that were posted pre dating their infamous decision to kill themselves.

[CampbellshotrodsAZ]

I can't believe that with everybody suing for every little thing that there has not been a lawsuit filed against photobucket....... They have ruined such an extensive amount of info for everybody across the internet! This choice they have made has totally ruined so much. They ought to be forced to continue allowing pics that were posted pre dating their infamous decision to kill themselves.

Yeah, it completely sucks. I've been working my way through the thread, and changing over to Flickr, but it's a sucky process. Fortunately (but unfortunately) there hasn't been too much progress other than some bodywork, which is boring for most people on here. But most of my money for the next year will be going towards getting into a new house with a 5.5 car garage, so unfortunately car spending will inevitably have to slow down....

[cpd004]

Now that it's been a bit, are you satisfied with the fit and finish of the hood? I'm considering one so that I can shelve the Formula hood. Also, what did you settle on for a latch and hinges?