1968 Firebird...Project Childhood.

[Josue]

After hanging around these forums for years, gathering ideas on what route I wanted to take with my car, I'm finally getting some work done! Having the cash flow helps too, haha, but even that's somewhat limited, so I'm trying to stay patient and keep my eye open for deals. Here's a quick backstory on the car...

My parents originally bought the car for me back in 1996 when I was 13, from my 8th grade history teacher, for $1,700! Interior was in very good shape and all original, body needed quarters, doors, and fenders, but everything else was solid, and the motor was original and untouched. We tinkered around with it for a few years, but I became more interested in lowered trucks by the time I got my license, so I bought one and they kept the Firebird for themselves all these years. It's still mostly original though, they had the body work done about 10 years ago, new fenders, doors, quarters, inner quarters, and the color is C5 Corvette Millennium yellow. Interior is still all original minus some A/M gauges, and the only thing the motor was taken apart for was a mild cam. Not that the WHOLE motor was "taken apart", I just mean that other than a cam, everything inside is still untouched. Other than that, just bolt ons; Holley 600, Performer Pontiac Intake, Hooker headers, Pentronix Ignition, etc.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/20150115_131113_zpstbozesmd-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20150115_131113_zpstbozesmd.jpg.html)


It needed tires, so he bought a new set of Eagle II's along with these trailer wheels for it. They were like $50/ea at the time. lol


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/20150115_131157_zpsph8hah1c-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20150115_131157_zpsph8hah1c.jpg.html)

Out with the old, in with the new! My first car was this '72 Nova, but the Firebird was in better shape, so we sold the Nova in favor of the Firebird.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/20150115_131226_zpsm2rgl6tz-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20150115_131226_zpsm2rgl6tz.jpg.html)

And today...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/20140718_190041_zpselqrntjo-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20140718_190041_zpselqrntjo.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/20140718_190108_zpsrwbzvctg-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20140718_190108_zpsrwbzvctg.jpg.html)


I was able to get a few things done to the car last season, swapped out the original powerglide for a TH350, and installed a 2nd gen Formula steering wheel. I also started playing around with timing and carb adjusting. We've always had to rely on other people for that stuff, but I figured it was time I knew how to do it with how much I'm going to be working on the car. This season's list goes...

-BMR solid subframe bushings
-Hotchkis subframe connectors
-Hughes 2000 torque converter (the TH350 came with a 2600-3000 stall, WAY too much for my original 2.56 rear end)
-1992 Camaro steering box
-Nova 8.5 10 bolt with 3.08's (open for now, not sure if I'll have an extra $600+ for posi this year)
-C5 master cylinder and booster
-Wilwood adjustable proportioning valve
-C5 disc brakes up front
-LS1 disc brakes in back
-1/2" wheel studs
-US Mag Bandits; fronts - 17X8 with 235/45's, rears - 18X9 with 275/35's


Let's get started!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/20160306_181413_zpszx3zxdrb-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160306_181413_zpszx3zxdrb.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/20160306_190205_zpswhqenb6r-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160306_190205_zpswhqenb6r.jpg.html)

[Josue]

I bought the wheels over the winter in the classifieds section here, but the tires weren't going to work for me, so I sold the fronts (225/50) to my brother to use on his drag wheel setup on his TBSS, and the 305/40 Nitto DR's got sold on craigslist. I went with Sumitomo HTRZIII's because they're really inexpensive, but still a good tire. I've ran them before, and was surprised how great they performed!

Old...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/20151230_160014_zpsocnwfbhv-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20151230_160014_zpsocnwfbhv.jpg.html)

New...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/20160107_133252_zpsdksxefof-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160107_133252_zpsdksxefof.jpg.html)

Old...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/20151230_155800_zpsneynkygc-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20151230_155800_zpsneynkygc.jpg.html)

New...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/20160107_133217_zpsiz8fstx9-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160107_133217_zpsiz8fstx9.jpg.html)

Amazing how wheels can change the entire look of a car!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/01/20160107_133400_zpsjkiiyrlp-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160107_133400_zpsjkiiyrlp.jpg.html)

Random pics now...

Formula steering wheel. It had the 2nd gen phoenix in there last year, but I was able to find a 1st gen, wings down phoenix over the winter, so I'm super pumped about that! haha

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/20160209_204051_zpsxlellanf-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160209_204051_zpsxlellanf.jpg.html)

8.5 10 bolt, torn down for inspection and cleanup/paint.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0201_zpshfi0sso3-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0201_zpshfi0sso3.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0202_zpsg3zc1prt-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0202_zpsg3zc1prt.jpg.html)

[Josue]

If ANYONE needs LS or Corvette swap parts, I HIGHLY recommend Cleveland Power and Performance!!! They specialize in LS dropouts, full Corvette rolling chassis, bumper wall art, all at great prices! I won't say what I paid for the things I got from them, but it was WELL under what I saw other people paying for the same stuff off ebay or craigslist.

http://www.clevelandpap.com/

Since they're local to me, I hit them up and wound up getting a complete LS rear disc brake setup, C5 calipers for the front, and a C5 master cylinder/booster. He even had no problem putting together a Lt/Lt set for my staggered shocks.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/IMG_20160120_121118598_zpshhncvqlj-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/IMG_20160120_121118598_zpshhncvqlj.jpg.html)

At the request of my wife (of all people haha) I ground down the raised "CORVETTE" lettering on these. She's like..."why do you want your brakes to say Corvette? It's not a Corvette, it's a Firebird!" Alright, alright....I gotcha. I also had to shave a bit off the ribs to clear the wheel weights. Then I hit them with a sandblaster real quick, to give it that texture again instead of something completely smooth. It was also to hide some grinder/sander marks that I didn't feel like working that much harder to get out. haha

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/20160121_125908_zps5jjvkxnk-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160121_125908_zps5jjvkxnk.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0198_zpslexwjdfv-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0198_zpslexwjdfv.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0206_zpsyg8jylzf-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0206_zpsyg8jylzf.jpg.html)

Custom fittings to adapt original lines to the 3rd gen steering box. I can post the part numbers if anyone wants...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0199_zpsfeq8nky3-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0199_zpsfeq8nky3.jpg.html)

[Josue]

Mocking up so I can check fitment and measure for stainless lines. Brackets are from Kore3, and the lines will be as well.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0203_zpst8yzrnzx-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0203_zpst8yzrnzx.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/20160322_142434_zpsdlm5rb6j-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160322_142434_zpsdlm5rb6j.jpg.html)

And, finally got over the hurdle of cleaning and painting everything that needed it! It feels like it's all downhill from here, like I can start putting stuff back together and cross that part off the list. We had some Eastwood Chassis Black from a previous project that did the trick just fine, and I used Duplicolor caliper paint on the brakes.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0213_zpskavj0qtf-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0213_zpskavj0qtf.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0212_zpsdzfjqwja-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0212_zpsdzfjqwja.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0211_zpscmeb704q-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0211_zpscmeb704q.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0210_zpsvvy7lzpi-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0210_zpsvvy7lzpi.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0209_zpszw7kpvwf-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0209_zpszw7kpvwf.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0208_zpst5eildc8-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0208_zpst5eildc8.jpg.html)

And, I can't get over the difference in how much better it looks from the back with meatier tires!! haha

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/20160306_174812_zpsbmkmuztl-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160306_174812_zpsbmkmuztl.jpg.html)

[xsboost90]

nice looking car! I had a 69 firebird with a small block chev race motor in it- man that was fun! Sold it way too cheap back in the day. I too had the lowrider truck bug for awhile....

[Josue]

I still do at times, but I'm over the terrible ride quality and wearing out tires in a lowered truck. haha

[lucky13firebird]

Loving the bird. Especially the bandit wheels. The KORE 3 setup is my favorite too. Great bunch of guys.

Personaly love the 2.56 gears in my 12 bolt... well, except the speeding tickets...

[rohrt]

looks like a fun car.

[Jimmy Sean]

Nice updates to the Bird!

[Josue]

The sad part is, most of it won't be noticeable to the eye! Except the wheels, and maybe a peek at the disk brakes....the spokes are pretty wide. Better steering, better brakes, better converter, better gear ratio. I'll notice the difference though, I guess that's all that matters. haha


Loving the bird. Especially the bandit wheels. The KORE 3 setup is my favorite too. Great bunch of guys.

Personaly love the 2.56 gears in my 12 bolt... well, except the speeding tickets...

I can't believe how EASY all this stuff swaps on with some simple brackets! I didn't even have to get my hubs and axles machined down! They fit in the rotor hats as is....I was shocked!

I've been meaning to ask you, did you make any kind of bracket for your Wilwood valve? Or do the brake lines do a good enough job of keeping it suspended and in place?

I was thinking about doing something like this setup, but if it's mounted solid enough with just the lines holding it, then I'm all for less work. lol

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/C5master_zpss76unvv8-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/C5master_zpss76unvv8.jpg.html)

[cbpldc]

Love it! Great looking car, and love the mods. I'll likely be doing some chassis and brake mods to my 2nd gen soon.

Chris

[Gil]

Hi Josh,
very nice upgrade !
Better unseen but you notice when you drive it IMO

I think Lucky's brake valve is below the MC & knob turned outside, so the lines won't have to go up & down like in your picture... Also I don't see if he made a bracket, I don't think...

125291

125290

I'm in the same boat, front brake swap starting this WE with MC, prop valve, front calipers...

[Josue]

Thanks, Gil!

Bending, trimming, and flaring these lines was one thing I wasn't looking forward to. Hopefully I do it right the first time and get no leaks!

I'm also not looking forward to the steering box swap, getting the pitman arm and column in the right place so my wheel isn't 90 degrees off!

[Gil]

Exact same feeling ! I'm a bit scared to do it not the right way...
Bench bleed the MC then have fitings leaks & do it again is not what I want ! So i'll first test flarings & bending lines , then moke up everything in place before bench bleed.
My steering box swap will be fun too to have the wheel strait...
But brakes first ! One cool thing is I'm in France so the metric to inch adaptors are useless as I'll be metric from box to pump with new hoses...

Won't be fun if no pain !

Keep up the good work! nice color too lol !
Gil

[Josue]

Thanks! It might not have been my first choice when deciding what color to paint a car, but when my dad said he wanted a yellow, my first suggestion was Millennium Yellow. We used to work on a ton of C5 Corvettes at the body shop I worked at during this time, so I saw my fair share of C5's with this color...always liked the way it stood out.

[Gil]

I'm partial as mine is nearly the same paint code
125303
Gil

[Josue]

I always thought yours was more orange than yellow, looks good!

[Josue]

Here are some gratuitous parts shots I took today. I plan on getting over there tomorrow, Tuesday, and a bit on Thursday morning this week. Starting off with getting the old master cylinder out of the way, then getting the steering box in, then the front brake assemblies.

Thursday morning will hopefully be for getting the rear axle in and put back together. I'm waiting on a set of leaf spring pads from Classic Industries that should be here on Wednesday.

Got the rear caliper brackets/backing plates put back together. I was able to switch one of the ebrake levers so they'll both pull to the front like they did from the factory in '68. Just gotta get the cables figured out, and make brackets I saw on another forum that should work great!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0214_zpsbkpqc2zl-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0214_zpsbkpqc2zl.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0215_zpsduho6gka-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0215_zpsduho6gka.jpg.html)

C5 on the left, LS1 on the right. (if it wasn't obvious lol)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0216_zps9ggbrxee-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0216_zps9ggbrxee.jpg.html)

These went in with 2 strikes of a hammer, so I'm going to tack weld them to the hub to make sure they're not going anywhere.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0217_zpsi5yvuuee-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0217_zpsi5yvuuee.jpg.html)

The size difference really is amazing! Rear studs on the left, front studs in the middle, and new on the right.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0218_zpsyrimx3tz-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0218_zpsyrimx3tz.jpg.html)

And some rear axle hardware. I also got a chrome cover from Summit, the original was all pitted and nasty. So for $25, I figured it wasn't worth my time and effort to restore!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0219_zpsxinptfkl-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0219_zpsxinptfkl.jpg.html)

[lucky13firebird]

Yeah, my wiwood valve is just hanging out... been there for over a year of intense driving, roadtrips and all kinds of towing... no leaks and hasnt come off yet. Couple weeks ago i towed a 68 charger across the USA... its in my latest video, and yes the brakes did just fine.

[Josue]

I just watched the vid last night, crazy stuff!!

Good to know about the valve too. I found a 8" hose that goes from M12X1.0 bubble to 3/8X24 inverted for the front port, but I haven't been able to find the M12X1.5 to 3/8X24 needed for the rear port. I do have the adapters to do this, but it would look cleaner with 1 fitting there instead of 2. I also wouldn't have to reflare anything on those connections, again...less work! haha

[Josue]

Had a pretty good day! Another parts store run, stopped by Lowe's to get some bolts for the rear caliper brackets, and over 6hrs of wrenching. It's nice to be knocking stuff off the list, feels like real progress!

Got the steering all wrapped up, just need to add fluid and pray for no leaks. lol

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0220_zpsk3adtgc4-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0220_zpsk3adtgc4.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0222_zpsxr4dff52-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0222_zpsxr4dff52.jpg.html)

Guy at Napa had one of the Lee's style adapters laying around that he gave me to try, but it was too small, so I had to cut the original fitting off the new pressure hose and reflare it with a 3/8 fitting.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0225_zpsoxcxr809-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0225_zpsoxcxr809.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0226_zps4nf8yuas-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0226_zps4nf8yuas.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0232_zpspyw4v9bl-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0232_zpspyw4v9bl.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0231_zpsn5lcaqmz-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0231_zpsn5lcaqmz.jpg.html)

Got the axles drilled, all the studs pressed in on them and the other front hub, and tack welded all of them on the back side. Rear end is back together, and rear brakes done.

BRP Hot Rods rear disc brake adapter plates...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0233_zpsrcy1sgjw-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0233_zpsrcy1sgjw.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0237_zpsfbl6hodv-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0237_zpsfbl6hodv.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0239_zpsenexdm7e-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0239_zpsenexdm7e.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0238_zpsa0cb03vc-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0238_zpsa0cb03vc.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0242_zpsinfn3jqh-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0242_zpsinfn3jqh.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0241_zpslihckcj8-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0241_zpslihckcj8.jpg.html)

Fronts are all done too!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0243_zpsnknpxyps-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0243_zpsnknpxyps.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0244_zpskuizgj46-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0244_zpskuizgj46.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0245_zpszoond4xw-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0245_zpszoond4xw.jpg.html)
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0249_zpsa9ycbgmk-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0249_zpsa9ycbgmk.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0250_zpsdaknyij2-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0250_zpsdaknyij2.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/DSC_0251_zpsc4wmsyhm-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0251_zpsc4wmsyhm.jpg.html)

I'll get the rear end bolted down once my leaf spring pads come tomorrow, then that will probably be it for the week. Also going to order the stainless lines from Kore3, get those coming since they take 2-3 weeks to make.

[Gil]

Very nice !
I needed motivation to go cleaning in the garage before starting the brakes swap.
- you should really consider a bigger front sway bar like Hotchkis stuff, handling improvement is really noticiable -
(Even if it's kind of a pita to put in place !)
Thanks
Gil.

[Josue]

I had my eye on the new Ridetech Streetgrip package that came out a few months ago, but I'm already WAY over whatever budget I thought I was going to stick to with all this, so another $2500 isn't in the cards this year. haha

Unless I come across a few pieces here and there in the classified section(s), and buy them as I go. I'm always looking!

[Josue]

Little by little...

Got the conversion u-joint installed in the drive shaft. Napa #372 worked for me and this swap. 1 1/16" pinion side, 3 1/4" wide, 1 1/8" drive shaft side, 3 5/8" wide.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0253_zpsp65afygl-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0253_zpsp65afygl.jpg.html)

Got the leaf spring pads in, and I also ordered a 5pc set of stainless steel hoses from Kore3, all 4 corners, and the axle drop hose. Rear end is finished, minus filling it up with fluid, and bolting the shocks on.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0254_zps6yn51fak-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0254_zps6yn51fak.jpg.html)

I bent the hose brackets up a bit to follow the contour of the axle, and bolted them under the u-bolts.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0255_zpsfum0njgn-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0255_zpsfum0njgn.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0256_zpshymkiy69-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0256_zpshymkiy69.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0258_zpsdh1axnmp-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0258_zpsdh1axnmp.jpg.html)

Old hard line fitting got all jacked up removing it, so I put a new 7/16X24 fitting on and reflared the line...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0257_zpsfosklolh-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0257_zpsfosklolh.jpg.html)

[Josue]

Question though....

The leaf spring pads were WAY too big for some reason? They were too wide, and also the circle "pegs" that go up into the rear end and down over the bolt that holds all the leafs together to center the rear end were way too big too.

So, I had to shave a bit off to get them to fit, and basically just cut off the pegs all together. I did my best to line everything up on the old marks on the leaf springs, but I'm worried that the rear end isn't centered, or square? The passenger side looks like it sits centered in the wheel opening, but the driver side looks like it might be too far forward.

What's the fix for this? Just use a measuring tape off the same points on the body and rear end and call it a day? I'd hate for that thing to be crooked back there and chew up my brand new tires or something...

[Gil]

I would do kind of a diagonal check with a plumb bob and a tape measure.
Like I did for my front SF, maybe take the holes close to the front spring perch pockets & another like one of the rear-end U-bolt holes then mesure in diagonal so you'll see if squared ?

[Josue]

I figured it would just take some measuring, i'll see what I can come up with.

Maybe a 4 wheel alignment would help as well?

[Josue]

Set out today to install the new converter, put the header back on, drive shaft, exhaust, drive gear on the tailshaft to correct for the new gear set, and fill up the rear end. 5 out of 6 ain't bad! Got it all done minus filling up the rear end, but I decided that while I had access to the trans, I'd put a new filter and pan gasket on since the trans has been saturated since I installed it! So that took up the rest of my time.

Also took apart the shifter shaft? Linkage rod? Whatever it's called. haha There was a drip coming from there too, so I threw a new seal at it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/20160407_115444_zpspubx5ftc-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160407_115444_zpspubx5ftc.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0265_zpsgw9kinn8-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0265_zpsgw9kinn8.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/20160407_133341_zpshdczw08p-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160407_133341_zpshdczw08p.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/20160407_110058_zpsb9xrwmq5-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160407_110058_zpsb9xrwmq5.jpg.html)

The speedometer cable housing needs replaced too, it has a leak coming from the end where the cable screws in. Looks like there's a chunk missing on the end of the threads.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0266_zpsx1khgzwo-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0266_zpsx1khgzwo.jpg.html)


There's nothing left but to install the new master cylinder/booster, so hopefully I can knock that out next week. Then just fill all these fluids up, and work out any bugs!

[Josue]

Just about ready for a test drive!

Got my booster brackets from Summit today, so I finished the firewall stuff up...

Had to re-thread both the rod (obviously) and the bracket as well. Not sure if the threads are deep enough, I'm kind of wondering if I'll strip it right out pushing the pedal too hard in a panic stop or something? haha Once I get it all dialed in and working 100%, I'll throw some tack welds at it to keep everything in place.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0274_zps3cjvfpbk-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0274_zps3cjvfpbk.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0276_zpsaq7ltdgf-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0276_zpsaq7ltdgf.jpg.html)

Used some bolts to shim it down a bit. Sits pretty level, just as I wanted. Also used the original master cylinder grommet to fill the hole back up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0279_zpsi5dxg5xa-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0279_zpsi5dxg5xa.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0277_zpsc15cliy3-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0277_zpsc15cliy3.jpg.html)

Had to man-handle the bends in the lines, I wasn't too good with a tubing bender. haha Maybe I'll take another run at these 2 lines someday.

Side note, I can't believe how solid this prop valve is mounted even just being suspended there by the brake lines! Thing ain't going anywhere!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0278_zpspbkzy0lb-1.jpg[/URL]
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0280_zpst7bidpmf-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0280_zpst7bidpmf.jpg.html)

Now all that's left to do, is get a bung for my intake manifold so I can hook the booster up, see if I have enough vacuum to make a difference in pedal pressure.

I also want to try re-bleeding the rear brakes, the driver side caliper gave me some problems that I'm concerned about. I'm not sure if a bleeder screw can go bad, but the thing was acting weird. It was VERY hard to break loose, so I ran it in and out a few times when I did get it going, to clean it out. Then during bleeding, I'd tighten it down, but fluid would still come pouring out if it? I'd loosen it up, then the fluid would stop. Loosen it up more, then the fluid would come out again! I finally damn near stood on the wrench to tighten it, and it seems to be sealed up now, no leaks, but we'll see what happens overnight.

[Josue]

Maiden voyage!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0283_zpsrihawwsy-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0283_zpsrihawwsy.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0284_zps0nwwx7x9-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0284_zps0nwwx7x9.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0285_zpsuncpikt6-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0285_zpsuncpikt6.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0286_zpsehphjzqb-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0286_zpsehphjzqb.jpg.html)

I know, I know....needs lowered. haha

[Josue]

So far, the kinks are as follows...

Steering - It did ok on the first drive, but it developed an intermittent binding, clunking noise after that, so I'll have to track that down.

Performance wise, it feels much like manual steering? I'm not sure if that's just the nature of the beast with these quicker ratio boxes, or if there's a problem somewhere? I LOVE the response of it now, but I wish it was a little easier to turn. Maybe some more miles will reveal the answer...

Brakes - I had hoped I'd throw all this on and voila, modern braking feel and performance just like that, but I knew it was a stretch. haha As I expected, little to no improvement on pedal feel due to my low vacuum levels, so I'll need to see if I can throw a better tune on it, and/or get a vacuum canister.

I couldn't even lock the brakes up at all though, so I'm not sure if the addition of a working booster will help with that, or if there's still air in the lines or some other issue preventing instant braking performance like that?

Axle - I can definitely feel the difference with the 3.08's, so I'm pretty happy there! I thought I had the axle centered in the wheel arches, while being squared up off the front hubs, but after getting the wheels on and having it sit on it's suspension, the driver side wheel looks like it's sitting back a bit....weird.

While cleaning up the barn though, I found an old set of original leaf spring pads from the used rear end. I'm going to clean them up and throw them in on top of the leafs....should allow the rear end to sit exactly where it needs to now.

Torque converter - The new stall speed is spot on with the car now, MUCH better than the 2600-3000 that was in there last season!


Overall, pretty happy with the results. Could be better, but could be a LOT worse too! At least I don't have any leaks anywhere...everything is sealed up as it should be. Just gotta get some miles on it, and work things out as I go...

[68Formula]

I know, I know....needs lowered. haha

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0255_zpsfum0njgn-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0255_zpsfum0njgn.jpg.html)


Kill two birds. Remove the isolators top and borrom, and install just a 1.5" aluminum lowering block between the leaf and housing bracket to drop it slightly, and to more firmly connect the axle to the leafs.

[Josue]

I always used lowering blocks on my trucks over the years, I guess I never thought about using them on old cars like this?

Could be an inexpensive, short term fix. It would force me to address the front at the same time, but I'm always seeing people getting rid of lowering springs cheap. 4 new shocks, and that would probably hold me over for a few years while I address the aging motor...

[Josue]

Got about 30 miles on the car now, only glaring issue has been the tune, and now an issue with my booster...

The brakes were applying themselves the other day for some reason? They weren't locked up completely, but they were definitely dragging. There was little to no travel in the pedal too, like something in the booster was preventing me from depressing the pedal. Happened driving the 4 miles to my parents house on Sunday, it took just about all the car had to keep moving!! I was getting worried I would glaze over my rotors/pads or blow the engine up! Parked it there, and came back a half hour later, and it was fine again.

Talking to a GM tech friend of mine, turns out the booster is bad. All this time, it's had a massive vacuum leak under the dash, coming from around the rod. Like, a LOUD sucking noise! One of 2 things had to happen; since I got it from a salvage dealer, maybe it got messed up when the person got into the accident from their foot being on the brakes? Or, I spun the rod around too much, and damaged something inside the booster. I didn't know you weren't supposed to do that, so I guess it's a lesson learned. lol That's why I'm not going back to the yard to ask for a different one, it might have been my fault, and at this point, I'd rather go new than used.

Maybe that's why the car was running so differently too? I'm sure a big vacuum leak like that isn't good. Rock Auto has a AC Delco reman for $99 plus a $10 core charge. I'm waiting for my friend at O'Reilly's to give me player pricing on their brand before picking one. Weather is going to get crappy later this week anyway, so I won't get to this until next week. Gives me time to go buy a new timing light too!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/20160419_143139_zpsjztoc2zz-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160419_143139_zpsjztoc2zz.jpg.html)

[rohrt]

With your steering a few thoughts come to mind. If its hard to steer that could be the early flow control valve in the steering pump. The early pumps before 1970 only put out 900psi after 1970 they put out 1200psi. Or it could be just getting used to a larger torsion bar in the box itself. The original boxes had very light steering due to small torsion bars. Or it could be a miss adjusted setting of that Allen bolt screw setup on top of the steering box that takes the slop out of the steering. If its too tight it will bind on the gears. May also want to check the steering while up on jacks and and make sure the linkage is not catching on something. Last I assume you blead out the PS lines by turning it lock to lock a few times to get all the air out?

I look forward to hearing your results with the new booster.

[Josue]

Before the swap, I was reading up on what to do with the pump if certain situations arise, the main one being a tight-loose-tight-loose type issue when turning. Something about removing a spring or something inside the pump to increase pressure? I might do that anyway, probably wouldn't hurt to have more pressure.

I did turn it back and forth dozens of times while it was still on jack stands, then again when it was on all 4's since it still needed bled. I'll just have to get more miles on her, see what happens.

[Gil]

Just a thought, did you put back the high pressure control valve in your steering pump ?

[Josue]

I'm not sure what that is? I never took the pump apart...just replaced the lines and box.

It's really not too bad, just an observation I had and wanted to throw out there for whoever might find this thread in the future. Some people I've talked to even think it's just the nature of the beast when going with a tighter box. I've never driven another car with a swap like this though, so it's all news to me.

[Gil]

From Pete's write up, you'll find the drawing. Hope will help...
https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/82880-How-to-swap-3rd-Gen-IROC-Camaro-Steering-Box-into-1st-Gen-Camaro

Power Steering Pump Valve (Junk yard). While at the junkyard it’s important that you get the valve from the high pressure line that comes out of the back of the pump, preferably from the same IROC Camaro that you got the steering box. The IROC steering boxes run at higher pressures than the original 60’s Camaro boxes, approximately 1400 psi vs. 950 psi. The IROC box will need this higher pressure to operate correctly.

To get the stuff you need remove the high-pressure hose from the back of the power steering pump (It’s the one with the big fitting). Then remove the fitting by unscrewing it. If you stick your finder in the hole you will feel the valve but it’s hard to get out. There are 3 ways to remove: 1) use a skinny magnet and pull it out, 2) push it in all the way (compressing the spring) and release quickly and hope that it flies out, 3) remove the pump from the car and tilt it over so it falls out. Obviously the magnet is the easiest more reliable way to go. Here are the parts you need to remove: (See Figure #3).
(you need #5, #6, #23, #24 on the attached image)

This valve assembly will directly bolt in to your original first gen Camaro power steering pump! (Nice to know GM used the same steering technology for well over 20 years, way to go GM!!…no wonder they’ve lost so much market share in that time, hey, our stupid customers won’t notice the 20 year old technology in our cars so let’s not bother changing it… but that’s another story, anyway…)

[Josue]

Gotcha, thanks! I'll look into that.

[Josue]

Hopefully fixed my axle issue!

The original pads didn't work out either, the rear end was still sliding around on the leaf springs. I just couldn't get enough squish to the pads to keep the rear end in place I guess, the shock plates were touching the leaf spring perches, so I couldn't tighten them any more...

My dad had the idea to use some old sockets to center and keep the rear end from sliding, so I gave it a shot.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/DSC_0287_zps3m1lubcd-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0287_zps3m1lubcd.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/DSC_0288_zpshfhnzegy-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0288_zpshfhnzegy.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/DSC_0289_zpsqcrpszot-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0289_zpsqcrpszot.jpg.html)

You can see how much I would have had to open up the hole in the shock plate to fit these A/M pads....terrible.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/DSC_0291_zpsfdan6ez3-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0291_zpsfdan6ez3.jpg.html)

Originals all beat up now...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/DSC_0294_zpse7yamiu2-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0294_zpse7yamiu2.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/DSC_0295_zps5zpvwywu-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0295_zps5zpvwywu.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/DSC_0296_zps77hibrjn-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0296_zps77hibrjn.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/DSC_0297_zps9svfuj82-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0297_zps9svfuj82.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/DSC_0298_zpsdcucxklm-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0298_zpsdcucxklm.jpg.html)

Finished...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/DSC_0302_zpsph3jz535-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0302_zpsph3jz535.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/DSC_0301_zpshwjnqj1r-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0301_zpshwjnqj1r.jpg.html)

And, probably shouldn't have drove much when the rear end was all jacked up like that...haha

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/DSC_0300_zpsduniyezp-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0300_zpsduniyezp.jpg.html)

[Josue]

- update -

Been enjoying the car as much as I can! Finally was able to hit up my first cruise-in of the year. Up till then, I was mostly just driving it to work, and running errands in it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160531_190603_zpsqffztjde-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160531_190603_zpsqffztjde.jpg.html)

The vibration got worse though, to the point where I just parked the car until I could tackle the next thing on the list of possibilities....those pads.

Ran to Summit and got some polyurethane ones...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160607_192557_zpshifyzisz-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160607_192557_zpshifyzisz.jpg.html)

Finally got a good "clamp", so hopefully the rear end doesn't move anymore. (I cut those sockets back out)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160608_194615_zps9ssuvxgv-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160608_194615_zps9ssuvxgv.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160608_194626_zpsdukpgb3q-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160608_194626_zpsdukpgb3q.jpg.html)

Didn't help the vibration I've been chasing though, so on to the next item...pinion angle. Trying to research it, but there's a bunch of contradictory stuff. As of now, my angles aren't matching, the trans is pointed down a little over 3 degrees, and the rear end is pointed up a little over a degree and a half. Some say the angles need to match, but in order to do that, I'd need to tilt the rear end up even more than it is, and some say it needs to be pointed down as it is. Maybe tilt the trans up, by shimming the mount?

My brand new conversion u-joint DID take quite a beating though, so I'm sure that didn't help the issue. I figure this happened when I drove with the rear end out of whack for those few miles, then the vibration all this time did it in...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/20160608_203958_zpsghvaqbbs-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160608_203958_zpsghvaqbbs.jpg.html)

[Gil]

Hi Josh,
Did you also change your trans. mount pad ? if still the same from your page 2, should be big part of your vibration issue. This one is worn out...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0266_zpsx1khgzwo-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0266_zpsx1khgzwo.jpg.html)
Hope you'll find that quickly
Gil

[Josue]

It very well could be. I didn't change anything when doing the trans swap, whatever it came with is what I used, I just bolted it in and went.

I didn't have this vibration last year though, but maybe the new rear end is pitched differently than the BOP 10 bolt. I'm going to replace that u-joint this morning, and throw some shims at the mount to get the angle measurements a little closer to matching, see what that does.

In my searches, I also came across a guy that said bad SHOCKS were the cause of his vibration!? Unreal....who'd have thought!? I'm pretty much riding on just leaf springs in the rear too. The car has 20 year old air shocks that don't hold air, so they're pretty much useless back there. I've been holding out addressing anything suspension, because I plan on upgrading that next year and don't want to waste money in new parts that would only be temporary. My leafs are probably worn to hell too, as well as the bushings/shackles, so all of this combined can't be good!

My dad's '69 convertible came with a decent set of Monroes that we swapped out for air shocks (he's old school...haha), so I'm thinking I should swap those on and see what that does as well.

[Josue]

Shimming that trans seems to have done the trick! That, and a new u-joint, and the vibration is gone. It MAY have a little shimmy when taking off, but I can't say for sure. It IS a 48 year old car with all original suspension, so I'm not holding my standards too high. haha

I do need to try and get some shocks on the rear though. The shocks that came off my dad's car, I had to use the rubber bushings out of the bottom mounts for his new air shocks, so I'd need to see if they sell just those bushings if I want to use those to save some money.

[Gil]

Nice, glad you fixed it !
Bushings like these ?
https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/bsn-b4kt1z097a00/overview/

Now do something with the rear ride height ! ;)
Gil

[Josue]

No, those go on the top of the shock. I need the ones that go on the bottom of the shock. They were really a pain to get out of the other ones, so we'll see how this goes!

And yea, this suspension is really annoying me with how sloppy it is, but it'll have to due for now. I'm tapped for a long, long time, and that's a big chunk of change! I was going to go with Ridetech's new Street Grip package, but the more I think about it, the more I want to hold off and do it right the first time....A/M subframe, R&P steering, torque arm rear, the whole 9.

[Gil]

I see, more like Hourglass eye bushings...
https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/bsn-2202g/overview/

If you have the cash, just DO IT !!
Gil

[Josue]

Those are the ones, thanks!!

[68400BIRD]

Glad you got rid of the vibration. There is a lot of conflicting information on the web. I think a lot of it is due to what kind of rear end set up that you have and how you are driving the car. I talked to a rep at Inland Empire Driveline at a local car show. Told him that I was running leafs and just street driving. GM set the motor at 3 degrees down on almost every vehicle back in the day. I set my pinion up at 3 degrees and I have no vibrations.

[Josue]

That sounds consistent with what I just went through! I wish I would have discovered this earlier, so I could have shimmed the rear end when installing the pads all at once. After messing with all that so many times, I really didn't want to take all that apart yet again, so I chose to shim the trans. haha

Not sure how I feel about having all those shims under the trans mount like that though, so if I ever have to mess with that rear end again, I think I'll buy the shims and do it from back there.

I'm actually wishing I would have left the rear end alone. The minimal gains I saw going from a 2.56 to a 3.08 aren't worth the extra RPM's I gained. At 70 mph, it's at 3,000 even. The car is so slow as it is, I should have just stuck with the original rear end until upgrading the rest of the drivetrain. An OD trans will help for sure, but that's years down the road at this point. I would have never had to track down this vibration, or had problems with the rear end moving around like the new one did!!

Ah well, you live and you learn...

[Josue]

Small update...

I've been enjoying the car all season long, and one glaring issue that needed attended to, was the shock situation. My tires rub in the front quite frequently over large dips in the road, and sometimes when cornering hard.

I'm not positive, but are these original shocks??

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/20160714_172039_zpsvkp9hd4f-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160714_172039_zpsvkp9hd4f.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/20160714_172035_zpsi4zqah2f-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160714_172035_zpsi4zqah2f.jpg.html)

Either way...they were worn, and needed to be replaced. Having big plans for the suspension eventually, I didn't want to spend a whole lot of money on shocks now, only to replace them in a few years. So, I went with some $32 KYB's.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/20160714_170603_zpsuobfj97n-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160714_170603_zpsuobfj97n.jpg.html)

Still not as stiff as I'd like, but I wasn't expecting coil-over performance from a $32 shock. They DID improve the steering and handling feel quite a bit, and it doesn't rub on certain places that I drive. Still can't escape rubbing on the big dips in the road though, but it is what it is....

No pictures, but I also finally got rid of the 20 year old air shocks that were on the back of this thing too! They weren't even able to hold air, so I was essentially riding around on leaf springs. I remembered that we took a nice set of Gabriel shocks off my dad's car to put air shocks on so he could even out his stance, so they were sitting around. Similar improvement in performance back there too, and they were free!

Oh, and I keep forgetting to show you guys....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/20160714_214328_zpswfkk5xub-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160714_214328_zpswfkk5xub.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/20160714_214314_zpsg6phales-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20160714_214314_zpsg6phales.jpg.html)

What do you think? Should I leave the yellow Street Glow neons on the car?? hahahaha

[Gil]

Fast & Furious light style :headbang: ... yeah back in 2001 ... Sweet ride !

[Josue]

Haha, another one of my dad's bright ideas for the car! (no pun intended)

Last year, when he was letting me borrow the car whenever I wanted, he'd always ask me if I turned those lights on when it was dark enough. I was always like..."oh man, I totally forgot about them!"

I think he finally got the point that they weren't my style, and has since stopped asking me!

[Gil]

Awesome if you lose your beer can or if you have a leak somewhere during an electric supply failure ;)
Now just get a nitrous purge valve to lift skirts ! Fashion moves about...

[Josue]

Not much going on the past 6-7 weeks, I've been battling an electrical gremlin that has left the car immobile for most of that time.

I thought my battery took a crap, but after a new one, it still drained and left us stranded a week or 2 later after replacement! So, new battery dying like that, had to be the alternator not charging it, right? Nope...alternator checked out fine by 2 parts stores. I even bought a new one for giggles and tried it, but I was still only getting 12.10v at idle. I also bought a new voltage regulator too, just to cross that off the list...

So, I just said piss on it and bought a one wire alternator to circumvent whatever issue was going on. The new alternator goes right to the battery....done. 13.6v at idle now, so at least I can drive the car again until winter hits and I can dig back into this. I'm probably just going to rewire the car, start with a clean slate.

I did finally get some halogen headlights though, driving the car at night has been a death wish!! I wanted to get some cool HID's or LED's off eBay or something, but it's hard to trust that cheap, Chinese crap, so I just got some Wagners from NAPA. Can't wait to see how they do on the road!

I'm told these old T-3's can go for a decent amount of money too? The driver side high beam was out, and I'm not sure why the driver side low beam was so dim like that, but the passenger side high beam is fine.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/DSC_0341_zpsgquvsqfp-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0341_zpsgquvsqfp.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/DSC_0342_zpslkyglfnc-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0342_zpslkyglfnc.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/DSC_0340_zpsqmbkeqfm-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0340_zpsqmbkeqfm.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/DSC_0343_zpsh2vmpjje-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0343_zpsh2vmpjje.jpg.html)



I've been fixing up the basement for when winter hits too. Wanting to gut the car of any extra, unnecessary electronics...I took the neons off finally. Couldn't see just throwing them away though, so I put them under my pool table!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/20160907_223903_zpsslzbs39j-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/Brunswick%20Sportking/20160907_223903_zpsslzbs39j.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/20160907_224003_zpsj7rkhxzw-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/Brunswick%20Sportking/20160907_224003_zpsj7rkhxzw.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/20160907_224034_zpst8nt5xjx-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/Brunswick%20Sportking/20160907_224034_zpst8nt5xjx.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/20160907_223843_zpsaqnmdqd5-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/Brunswick%20Sportking/20160907_223843_zpsaqnmdqd5.jpg.html)


Dig the '68 Grand Prix rear seat I found on the local craigslist! It was already bolted to a custom frame, and the speaker grill has a Pontiac emblem in it...too cool to pass up!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/20160905_141001_zpsg2mxglik-1.jpg[/URL]

[Gil]

Nice Batcave !
Gil

[gator68428]

The dawg days of summer are here... I've been more active this summer now that I have the Optima bug--excited for next year. Finally got my Project thread updated. And got the old photobucket pics replaced using postimages dot org

How's it going on the car?

[Josue]

I'll have to do that with my pics, not much of a thread without them! haha

I've been super lazy with the car this year, mostly because it fires up every time, and drives fine, so I don't feel like messing with a good thing! Hit up Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, OH for the first time a few weeks ago, ridiculous amount of cars. And, there are some big events at our local drag strip that are always fun.

I do have a line on a nice 2004R OD trans I need to follow up on, and I finally found someone parting out an IROC-Z. I bought the steering pump so I can get the valve out of back to swap into mine. The original 68 pump doesn't have enough PSI to properly run my 3rd gen steering box, but swapping that valve is supposed to fix that.

[gator68428]

I'll have to do that with my pics, not much of a thread without them! haha

I've been super lazy with the car this year, mostly because it fires up every time, and drives fine, so I don't feel like messing with a good thing! Hit up Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, OH for the first time a few weeks ago, ridiculous amount of cars. And, there are some big events at our local drag strip that are always fun.

I do have a line on a nice 2004R OD trans I need to follow up on, and I finally found someone parting out an IROC-Z. I bought the steering pump so I can get the valve out of back to swap into mine. The original 68 pump doesn't have enough PSI to properly run my 3rd gen steering box, but swapping that valve is supposed to fix that.

Yeah what a drag about photobucket. But on the bright side, I've found postimages dot org to be easier to use.

Very cool. Always a great thing when you can enjoy your ride. That's what I like about your build and others on PT--build it to drive it and not just look at it. That's how I do it, increments here and there with keeping it driveable as much as possible. Only downside is I've done the exhaust 5 times now! Getting good at it i guess.

Did you participate in the AutoX at GG? How many runs did you get. I'm curios because my only experience is GG 2014 and 2015 in FL and it wasn't as packed as normal GG events--which is likely why 2015 was the last time they came here unfortunately. But I sure got a lot of runs and some good practice (at least 25 or 30 runs by the end of the weekend).

[Josue]

I didn't participate, my suspension is still all original, with the exception of KYB replacement shocks, so it would have been a total waste of time. lol

That was actually my first time seeing an AutoX event live, and honestly, it confirmed my feelings that it wouldn't be something I was interested in. If I build something to hit the turns, it's going to be on a road course. I've played at Mid-Ohio and Pittsburgh International Raceway in some Mazdas I had, and that stuff was the time of my life! The Mazda/road course phase of my life is years and years in my rear view though, and as I spend more time at our local drag strip, it's getting me back in the mindset of wanting a drag car someday! The more I think of it though, the more I don't want to totally rape this car by making it so extreme that it wouldn't be a reliable driver.

My "if I had the money" setup, would have been a stout 455, fuel injection, 4L80E trans, some sort of built to the max rear end, aftermarket subframe, and some sort of whole suspension kit that includes a torque arm...either BMR or Speedtech. But Christ, we're talking $30,000-$40,000 just in parts there! Now I'm thinking I should continue the low key budget, and simply rebuild the 350 (I'm eclectic like that anyway, I would love to have a decently powered 350!) FiTec FI, 2004R trans, and Ridetech's Street Grip suspension package. All totalling maybe $10,000? Depends on how deep I go trying to squeeze as much power out of a 350 as I could. I just want something I could comfortably, and reliably, take across the country if I wanted to.

The good news is, my brake system is already on lock, so that's something I don't have to worry about again. Car stops so hard, it shuts off!

[gator68428]

I didn't participate, my suspension is still all original, with the exception of KYB replacement shocks, so it would have been a total waste of time. lol

That was actually my first time seeing an AutoX event live, and honestly, it confirmed my feelings that it wouldn't be something I was interested in. If I build something to hit the turns, it's going to be on a road course. I've played at Mid-Ohio and Pittsburgh International Raceway in some Mazdas I had, and that stuff was the time of my life! The Mazda/road course phase of my life is years and years in my rear view though, and as I spend more time at our local drag strip, it's getting me back in the mindset of wanting a drag car someday! The more I think of it though, the more I don't want to totally rape this car by making it so extreme that it wouldn't be a reliable driver.

My "if I had the money" setup, would have been a stout 455, fuel injection, 4L80E trans, some sort of built to the max rear end, aftermarket subframe, and some sort of whole suspension kit that includes a torque arm...either BMR or Speedtech. But Christ, we're talking $30,000-$40,000 just in parts there! Now I'm thinking I should continue the low key budget, and simply rebuild the 350 (I'm eclectic like that anyway, I would love to have a decently powered 350!) FiTec FI, 2004R trans, and Ridetech's Street Grip suspension package. All totalling maybe $10,000? Depends on how deep I go trying to squeeze as much power out of a 350 as I could. I just want something I could comfortably, and reliably, take across the country if I wanted to.

The good news is, my brake system is already on lock, so that's something I don't have to worry about again. Car stops so hard, it shuts off!

Very good. Everyone needs to enjoy their Firebird in their own way! For me it's trying to kick some LS a$$ with a Pontiac and sheer passion and will power.

I think your low key plan is solid. You can get some decent handling without crazy investment so your time spent driving is more capable on the road. The street grip would be perfect for you goals--and if you get the setup dialed in you'd be surprised at the AutoX potential of the car--you don't need subframes for much of it--just a solid setup and seat time. And yes the Track is highly addictive! what a rush

Your "if you had the money" just described the direction we're going with my Dad's 76 Firebird. Supercharged Butler 440 rotating assembly (428 crank, bored 455 block), currently TH400 but pressuring my Dad to drop the $$ on a 4L80E and some suspension stuff. He already has the FAST XFI 2.0 and the 4L80 controller will plug right in.

[TheBandit]

Got my booster brackets from Summit today, so I finished the firewall stuff up...

Had to re-thread both the rod (obviously) and the bracket as well. Not sure if the threads are deep enough, I'm kind of wondering if I'll strip it right out pushing the pedal too hard in a panic stop or something? haha Once I get it all dialed in and working 100%, I'll throw some tack welds at it to keep everything in place.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/DSC_0274_zps3cjvfpbk-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/DSC_0274_zps3cjvfpbk.jpg.html).

Josh - I hope you don't mind me inundating you with a few questions! Did this start as a stock C5/C6 booster? Do you remember what size threads you cut into the input rod? Did you have to rethread the clevis too? Are those the DSE low angle brackets?

The car looks awesome. I love the yellow paint and the upsized rally IIs. I think you have the right mindset of keeping the car reliable and comfortable/safe to drive. Suspension updates will help with that too. It doesn't have to be stiffly sprung or 1/2" off the ground to benefit from good geometry, shocks, springs etc. I am really happy with the suspension changes I've made as they impact how it goes down the road. The car feels much more like a modern driver. It's comfortable and I have confidence going into corners.

[Josue]

Josh - I hope you don't mind me inundating you with a few questions! Did this start as a stock C5/C6 booster? Do you remember what size threads you cut into the input rod? Did you have to rethread the clevis too? Are those the DSE low angle brackets?

The car looks awesome. I love the yellow paint and the upsized rally IIs. I think you have the right mindset of keeping the car reliable and comfortable/safe to drive. Suspension updates will help with that too. It doesn't have to be stiffly sprung or 1/2" off the ground to benefit from good geometry, shocks, springs etc. I am really happy with the suspension changes I've made as they impact how it goes down the road. The car feels much more like a modern driver. It's comfortable and I have confidence going into corners.

No problem at all!! Sucks photobucket pulled the crap they did, I've been too lazy to try and host the pics somewhere else, because there hasn't been much going on with the car. lol

Yes, this was a stock C5 booster. I don't recall the size threads I cut into the rod and clevis specifically, but it was simply the closest tap and die fitting that would thread on tight enough to cut the new thread(s). And, these were the brackets....cheap and got the job done!

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-760132-blk

Thanks for the compliments as well! I think I've decided to keep the car a comfortable, reliable cruiser, rather than go completely nuts building it to the hill and back. Eventually, I'll get a drag car, or some sort of dual purpose drag/road racing car. This car means so much to me, I don't want to molest it too much.

It did develop a loud tick towards the end of the season last year, ended up being a collapsed lifter. Could have been a cheap fix, but I'm sure I would have had to replace the cam as well. At that point, might as well have had the motor rebuilt, since it's never been done to my knowledge, and was worn and leaking bad. Not knowing whether or not my original 350 was going to stay in the car long term, I opted to buy another motor. I didn't want to rebuild my motor, only for it to end up under a shelf in my garage until the end of time when/if I upgraded to a bigger one. So I have a rebuilt 350 going in right now (budget wouldn't allow me a 400 or 455 build) as well as the 2004-R I've been wanting for years. SUPER excited for the OD gear!! Had my eyes on some EFI this year too, but house projects won't allow it for the time being. haha

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFUGpHY14ys


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/05/mafY5rd-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/05/ecjDXRP-1.jpg

[Josue]

Photobucket is working again!

For something as seemingly simple as replacing my motor with the same motor, the swap was a real PITA! It was just one thing after another!!

-Took a while to reassemble the motor, I was waiting for a friend's help because certain parts were intimidating to me since I'd never dug that deep into a motor. I also found out I needed a new dipstick tube, so that postponed it due to slow shipping from Classic Industries.

-I get to the point where the engine is ready to pull, and the brand new picker I bought is TOO SHORT to reach the carb plate! So I have to stop and borrow a friend's...

-Found out the Flowkooler water pump on my old engine wouldn't work on the new one, 8 bolt on the '68, 11 bolt on the '69. Seemed as simple as ordering a new 11 bolt FKWP? Nope, they're 4.5" long, so now my pulleys don't line up!!! Tried a March pulley from Summit, still too short. PM'ed with some people back and forth for over a week before ordering a certain stock pulley needed to make the swap work, then waited a few more days for it to arrive. All good now.

-Bought plug wires for a stock '68 Firebird...meaning with points. New motor came with a HEI distributor, I was unaware plug wires would be different!

-New crossmember for the 2004-R is set back further, so it interfered with my H-pipe. Had to chop it off and just run true duals.

-Finally got the motor fired and broken in, after another small setback. Had to swap out the fuel pump, tried to use the one that came with the motor, but it was shot. Another week passes before my friend can make it back over to tune it and make sure it's road worthy, and the 2nd time we start it...the throttle cable snaps!!!!! So I have to wait another day, after running down to Summit to pick one up the next morning.

Doesn't seem like much now that I typed it out, but between parts setbacks, an expected/unexpected death (cancer), quick trip out of town with the family, my work schedule, gym schedule, family obligations, and my buddy's schedule, this whole process took over a month! I thought for sure it was simply going to be a weekend project. lol Oh well, looking back, it's cool to have the experience under my belt, and I'm glad I went this route, instead of parking the car for years and years waiting for some great build that would have never happened.

The car's performance is beyond my expectations! Went through the typical hiccups with a drivetrain swap, few kinks to work out. Throttle cable was a touch too short, so it was causing the idle to hang up. Vibration in the drivetrain, fixed by the same shims I used under the mount on the TH350 when I had a vibration after that swap...to fix the pinion angle. Tach wasn't working properly, simply bought a new one. lol And I put a new set of gauges where the radio was mounted, between the console and the bottom of the dash, so I had that radio flopping around on the floor for over a week. Got a mount from a member here (see for sale section) that worked perfectly to place the radio in the factory location. I also finally added a set of Morris Classic Concepts 3 point seat belts. Way safer than the factory ones!!

It drives awesome though, and overdrive is amazing!! 3.08 gears, and I'm only at 2000rpm's at 75mph. Around town, 50-ish mph, 1700rpm...it's lovely! The choke is also working properly for the first time in ever, so the car fires right up and runs great!

Onto the pics!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/00G0G_qQjdxnZeBF_1200x900_zpsbxsvdxvb-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/00G0G_qQjdxnZeBF_1200x900_zpsbxsvdxvb.jpg.html)

Used motor came with a bunch of goodies! Selling off the stuff I don't need will help offset the costs.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180214_170754_zpsvpnhngcy-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180214_170754_zpsvpnhngcy.jpg.html)

Freshly rebuilt 2004-R

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180307_152540_zpsmo0wv6qd-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180307_152540_zpsmo0wv6qd.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180314_151540_zpsyo20ohth-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180314_151540_zpsyo20ohth.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180314_151635_zpsngdrudem-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180314_151635_zpsngdrudem.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180314_145647_zpsj4ncufmv-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180314_145647_zpsj4ncufmv.jpg.html)

Reassembled

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180510_204957_zpssk7yclwv-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180510_204957_zpssk7yclwv.jpg.html)

[Josue]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180513_161815_zpspzpb1lcp-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180513_161815_zpspzpb1lcp.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180514_153612_zpsg7qlfwac-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180514_153612_zpsg7qlfwac.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180514_154308_zpsg7icf3ot-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180514_154308_zpsg7icf3ot.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180518_155536_zpsdsxdvvpt-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180518_155536_zpsdsxdvvpt.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180518_172747_zpsed1wm3tm-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180518_172747_zpsed1wm3tm.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180518_174150_zpszqcxmr7v-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180518_174150_zpszqcxmr7v.jpg.html)

[Josue]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180614_170424_zps2fcwaxbi-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180614_170424_zps2fcwaxbi.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180614_170430_zpsunrfteqp-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180614_170430_zpsunrfteqp.jpg.html)

Old knob style....ack!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180520_170056_zpspka2l2oa-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180520_170056_zpspka2l2oa.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180628_091734_zpsu7bptmr0-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180628_091734_zpsu7bptmr0.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180628_094438_zpsxpbtjwkc-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180628_094438_zpsxpbtjwkc.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180628_101142_zpsqxnluq5c-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180628_101142_zpsqxnluq5c.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180628_101149_zpsl6vzeukb-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180628_101149_zpsl6vzeukb.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180701_161704_zpssjrlyrii-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180701_161704_zpssjrlyrii.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180621_220812_zpsjatteo2b-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180621_220812_zpsjatteo2b.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2018/07/20180621_220756_zpsefzdczsw-1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/josue309/media/1968%20Firebird/20180621_220756_zpsefzdczsw.jpg.html)

[boss_hoss]

Nice build, great drivetrain choice. I love my 400/200-4R combo. , the overdrive is great ad is going to allow me to install some more aggressive gears without sacrificing drivability.

[Josue]

Best thing I've done to the car yet!

I've seen people run 3.73's with no problem, but I wanted even more RPM's, since this is just a cruiser, so I went with 3.08's. The car is slow as hell as it is haha, so there's no point in me trying to make it something it's not with big gears.

Drove it an hour and back last week to visit friends, it did awesome! Minus the slight headache I got from the exhaust drone for that long! Considering taking it the 2hrs and back to Columbus Goodguys this Saturday, but I'm not sure. Little point in me taking it, if I'm not going to sit there with it so I can talk to people about my car. I'll spend the whole time walking around (and still not see everything there!), so I might as well take my DD for all that.

[JayinMI]

When I used to see these more often, I used to use a Metra dash kit for Volvo's. Bottom one in the pic.
If you turn it upside down, the angle is about perfect for 1st gen Camaro/Firebird dashes. I just had to shave a little of the lip off the sides.
Makes for a pretty clean solution for cheap.

https://www.amazon.com/Metra-99-9222-VOLVO-MULTI-75-94/dp/B0002BEZ3K

Way better solution than those craptastic, overpriced Retrosound/Classic car radios people use nowadays.
$19 2 shaft radio with cheap plastic cosmetics and a huge markup. So many better options nowadays.
Props for not being afraid to cut your dash. It was never going to be a concourse d'elegance competitor, right? lol

Jay

[boss_hoss]

Funny you mention that about going to car shows. I have the same
Issue myself. I’d rather take My daily to a show instead of getting stuck sitting next to my car until the show is over. Fortunately I’m close enough to our parents place I may drag my pops along to the show so he can post up by the car and I can walk around.
Best thing I've done to the car yet!

I've seen people run 3.73's with no problem, but I wanted even more RPM's, since this is just a cruiser, so I went with 3.08's. The car is slow as hell as it is haha, so there's no point in me trying to make it something it's not with big gears.

Drove it an hour and back last week to visit friends, it did awesome! Minus the slight headache I got from the exhaust drone for that long! Considering taking it the 2hrs and back to Columbus Goodguys this Saturday, but I'm not sure. Little point in me taking it, if I'm not going to sit there with it so I can talk to people about my car. I'll spend the whole time walking around (and still not see everything there!), so I might as well take my DD for all that.

[Josue]

Way better solution than those craptastic, overpriced Retrosound/Classic car radios people use nowadays.
$19 2 shaft radio with cheap plastic cosmetics and a huge markup. So many better options nowadays.
Props for not being afraid to cut your dash. It was never going to be a concourse d'elegance competitor, right? lol

Bingo! The car is far from being worth it to do a full, factory restoration. It's just a run of the mill, average, 350/2bbl/2sp/2.56 open rear end, car that they made tens of thousands of....so I might as well make it how I want!

I'll admit, there was a sense of "welp, there's no going back now" after I cut my dash like that. haha I'm a bit weary about things that aren't very reversible/bolt on. I still have all the original parts to the car, just because. Cutting the dash apart was pretty permanent though! But I'm comfortable with my decision, LOVE the radio in that location, and you're right....there was no way I was spending $300 on some POS "factory appearing" radio just for the sake of keeping that stock look. I'll spend less than $100 at my local audio store, for a single DIN with CD and USB and call it a day. (still on the list, need to stop the hemorrhaging first!)


Funny you mention that about going to car shows. I have the same
Issue myself. I’d rather take My daily to a show instead of getting stuck sitting next to my car until the show is over. Fortunately I’m close enough to our parents place I may drag my pops along to the show so he can post up by the car and I can walk around.

Hahaha....exactly! Not to be conceited, but I enjoy talking to people about my car, telling them what all I did, and answering any questions they may have. I think the same goes for most car people out there.

Hard to find a balance between that, and getting to see and talk to other people about their cars at shows! We go to Quaker Steak and Lube for their weekly cruise in on Sunday night's, and I still spend the whole time walking around, not posted up by my car.