1970 Pontiac Firebird Formula body transformation

[4mul8ion]

It has been a real long time since I last posted. I have a 1970 Pontiac Firebird Formula that has gone through a total transformation over the past few months at Motor City Steel and thought I'd share the ride.

This is the first car that I have ever enough funds or ambition to take through a complete body restoration so I was determined to get it right. I figured I would learn quite a bit the hard way and I did but it was a fun ride. Attached is the transformation pictures of the car from the beginning until now with my thoughts being at each point for the first time at the time.

Before

[4mul8ion]

Pictures of the suspension and brakes installed with the body waiting for work. :jump:

[4mul8ion]

I got a call from Motor City Steel to come out to take a look at the body once the paint was stripped off so that we could plan accordingly. They pointed out the following:

[4mul8ion]

I walked in right before Christmas to see this. For those who have been at this point before, it’s no big deal but keep in mind I’m a newbie so this was quite a sight!!! No going back now. Either this car is fixed or junk

[4mul8ion]

After Christmas, I was so relieved to come in and see this. Paul of Motor City fitted and welded the quarter skins and door skins. He also had to make the lower section of the rear tail panel himself since still nobody makes a steel tail panel for the 1970-1973 bird.

[4mul8ion]

Rear in primer then color cut into the door jams and trunk.

[4mul8ion]

An amazing transformation made on the engine bay and inside part of the fenders made by Mike.

[F70t/a]

Nice bird!!!! Where did you buy your quarter panel from?:smoke:

[4mul8ion]

Pictures of as it is today.

[4mul8ion]

Nice bird!!!! Where did you buy your quarter panel from?:smoke:

Thanks. IIRC The Doors and Quarter skins came from Sherman locally here in the Detroit area.

[F70t/a]

That looks so good in red!!!!!!

[Roger Poirier]

Guys this is the same shop that did my GOAT. Top notch work. It just takes them a little while. LOL

This car has come along ways! No project for the timid thats for sure.
LOOOOOOOOOOOOKING GOOOOOOOOD!


R.P.

[formula]

you may want to invest in some wider front tires :rotfl:

SWEET BIRD!! now finish her up!

[CliffS]

Nice Bird! Keep the pics coming!

[camaro608]

looks good

[Reckless]

I love the early 2nd Gen Formulas. Nice choice!

[BonzoHansen]

I love that hood. I almost bought an early Firebird last summer. Love them.

[71FirebirdLS1]

sweet! that bird is really looking good. i also had rust right behind the driver side rear wheel on the inner piece of the quarter panel. did you say if you're going to put a 400 in it? where did you get the upper and lower a-arms? the interior looked like it was in fairly good shape too.

[4mul8ion]

Thanks everyone. Seeing it like it is now makes it work while. And I had the easy part. Kudos to Motor City Steel for turning this car around.

71 -
I got the uppers and lowers from Global West. They don't show the lowers on their site so you'll have to ask. As far as the engine, I am thinking about running a Butler all aluminum to get some weight out of the car and balance it out. We'll see though. I stretched the wallet pretty good already. With this idea, I'll see if it can do a triple reverse with a twist.

[Kenova]

That's quite the transformation. Amazing what kinds of evil lurk beneath old paint. The 'Bird does look a little "nekked" without it's spoiler, although I'm sure you will dress it up a bit. LOL
Ken