Another Firebird project

[rickpaw]

With some encouragement from a few fellow members, I've decided to create a project thread document my restoration of a 67 Firebird 400 coupe.

Current plan includes restore to stock config, disc brake conversion, vintage air, and maybe tubular control arms down the road if funding allows.

Here's when I first picked it up (hope the link works)

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[rickpaw]

I got it in 9/08 and been slowly working on it.

Striping it down

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Someone cut a line in the rear driver side floor board, so I patched it.

Before

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After

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[rickpaw]

Patched the center trunk

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Removed pass side quarter

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New outer wheelhouse is in, everything was coated with a coat of rust reformer. That stuff works great.

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New pass side quarter welded on

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Tu

[rickpaw]

For the driver side quarter, I decided to use quarter skin instead, as the rust damage was not as bad, plus I got the skin off of craigslist for half off retail.

Cut off the old sheet metal, and replaced the outer wheelhouse.

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Quarter skin screwed onto the original sheet metal

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I did not take the picture of the process, but I cut through both layers of metal, and butt welded the skin to the orig. sheet metal.

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I saved the original bumper mounting holes, as the holes on the skin did not lined up very well.

Tu

[ProdigyCustoms]

Awesome, Love Firebirds. Looks like your well on your way. Hope to start another for ourselves soon.

[gearbanger]

I have been wondering how to secure the quarter for welding and still be able to butt weld it. What kind of saw or cutting tool did you use to make a thin enough cut that butt welding was still doable? I was thinking abut using clekos or screws and using a die grinder and cutoff discs but that would make a bit bigger gap than I like for butt welding.

[Hammered]

Butt weld clamps: http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/butt-weld-clamps-kit-p-12871.aspx
You can find them on ebay and at Harbor Freight too.

Nice project - I look forward to watching it evolve.

[rickpaw]

I have been wondering how to secure the quarter for welding and still be able to butt weld it. What kind of saw or cutting tool did you use to make a thin enough cut that butt welding was still doable? I was thinking abut using clekos or screws and using a die grinder and cutoff discs but that would make a bit bigger gap than I like for butt welding.

I used a combination of cut off discs on an angle grinder and an air saw. Harbor Freight sells thin cut off discs that work well. I started out with an air saw, but switched over to cut off discs. Just remember to tack weld the panel as you're cutting along so the panel won't sag on you.

Here are some progress picture from the last couple of days. I welded and glued the deck filler panel in place.

Prep and spread the glue (Fusor sheet panel adhesive)

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Glued and welded in place. I welded the panel to the gutter strip, and glued it to the rear package shelf and the sides of the quarter panels.

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Now I need to finish welding both quarter panels to the tail panel, grind and smooth out the seams

That's the progress up to date. I started working on the car since 10/08. It's a slow progress.

Tu

[rickpaw]

Awesome, Love Firebirds. Looks like your well on your way. Hope to start another for ourselves soon.

Hi Frank
When the time comes, I will need to contact you regarding a Vintage air setup for the FB.

I checked out your site. Some incredible work you've done there.

Tu

[rickpaw]

Have a question for you guys. Should I repair or replace. See pics.

Here's a picture of the rot on the driver side door. This is on the bottom rear corner. The front bottom corner has the same rot.

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Here's one on the trunk lid. I'm leaning toward repairing it, since I heard the repro one is actually made for camaros, and does not provide clearance for the Pontiac/400 emblem studs.

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What do you think?

Tu

[68400BIRD]

Looks like great progress on the quarters. I also replaced the tulip panel, I wish I had used the fusor adhesive. I now have a lot of welds to gind in hard to get at positions.LOL I would probably reskin the doors. If the lower lip is starting to get fat any where along the edge it means you have rust starting in there. You could watch craiglist for a good set of doors. I think they have to be for 68 only but I'm not postive. The hinge bolt holes changed on the years. (or so I was told) Keep up the good work and keep posting pics.

[SatisTraction]

I have a nice original pontiac trunk lid if you are interested.

[rickpaw]

I bought the car without engine/trans, so I picked up a 69 Pontiac 400 off of craigslist. The engine had been rebuilt, so I just clean it up with new coat of paint and it should be ready to go.

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Also, looks to me the previous owner install a Chevy engine. Looks like a Chevy mount to me. Can anyone confirm? If so, does anyone have a set of Pontiac engine frame mount that is no longer needed?

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I'm debating whether to switch to tubular arms or not. Looks like everyone is doing that. What's the advantage of tubular control arms, and why is such a difference in price. Classic Performance sells a set for less than $500, while sets from GW or Hotchkis sell for over $1000. I'm not real concern over factory looks, just aiming to improve performance.

That's it for now. Hopefully I can finish smoothing out the tail panel this weekend.

[gearbanger]

I used a combination of cut off discs on an angle grinder and an air saw. Harbor Freight sells thin cut off discs that work well. I started out with an air saw, but switched over to cut off discs. Just remember to tack weld the panel as you're cutting along so the panel won't sag on you.

Tu

Thanks for the tips man, that sounds good.

[rickpaw]

Not much done over the last weekend. Just got enough time to weld in the side marker hole on the quarter skin. I'm surprised that no one pointed out I used 68 quarter skin on a 67 'bird. :)

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I participated in a bridge pedal event in Portland, OR over the weekend, which explained not much being done to the Firebird. Once a year the city shut down the freeway bridges for half a day open them to walkers and bicyclists. Here are a couple of shots from the freeway bridges.

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[68400BIRD]

Yes, it looks as if some one had a small block chevy in there last. You will need to buy the four piece bracket set that the pontiac mounts bolt onto. Most tubular arms will offer you better goementry for better handling. But not all do. I went with the Speed techs as they had real good ratings on this board and were also well priced. You do not need them for the lowers but if you can afford it I would go with a solid bushing or the global west delalum bushings. This alone was one of the best upgraded that I did on my last car.

[gto406]

I would agree with 68400Bird, those definitely don't look like Poncho engine mounts.

Looks like a wonderful project, and thanks for keeping it all Poncho!

You will be rewarded with a motor that has the torque to pull you very nicely out of a corner (or away from a stoplight).

Cheers,
~Brian.

[WS6]

Love the 1st gens as well. Keep up the good work. Any idea yet on a color choice?

[rickpaw]

Love the 1st gens as well. Keep up the good work. Any idea yet on a color choice?

I'm debating between silver, elephant blue poly (sort of light metallic blue), and pepper gray metallic (Eleanor Mustang).

Tu

[GM_muscle]

looks like you off to a good start.

[rickpaw]

I would agree with 60400Bird, those definitely don't like like Poncho engine mounts.


Does anyone have a set of Pontiac engine mount laying around, not being used? I'd be interested in buying them.

Tu

[gto406]

I assume you mean the 'frame side' or do you mean the actual engine mounts that bolt onto the motor itself?

I could scrounge you up a used set which are currently on a spare 350 CID Poncho motor. These are the motor-side mounts, not the brackets that bolt to the cradle.

Please let me know, they are yours if you want them.

~Brian.

[rickpaw]

I assume you mean the 'frame side' or do you mean the actual engine mounts that bolt onto the motor itself?

I could scrounge you up a used set which are currently on a spare 350 CID Poncho motor. These are the motor-side mounts, not the brackets that bolt to the cradle.

Please let me know, they are yours if you want them.

~Brian.
Thanks for the offer Brian. I'm actually looking for the brackets that bolt onto the cradle. The engine that I bought came with motor mounts that are surprisingly in good condition.

Tu

[Hammered]

The frame side mounts are reproduced, but if you want used, check the FGF and PY forums. There are two pieces for each side so make sure you get a complete set of brackets.

[67DropTop455]

If you still need a set Tu, I'll check around this week-end at the All Pontiac Show for you. Also just got an email from a club member up in North Seattle who is parting out a 68 this week-end. I'll ask him. Anything else you need while I'm checking?

Great progress! - Brett!

[rickpaw]

If you still need a set Tu, I'll check around this week-end at the All Pontiac Show for you. Also just got an email from a club member up in North Seattle who is parting out a 68 this week-end. I'll ask him. Anything else you need while I'm checking?

Great progress! - Brett!

Thanks Brett. At this point, I need the frame mount for the engine. I'll know more what's missing as I'm moving along.

Tu

[1971CHEVELLE]

Wow awesome project keep us posted

[rickpaw]

Did a little work on the 'bird this weekend, little things not worth taking pictures. I welded up the trunk braces (did not really enjoy welding laying down), and cleaned up some of my welds a bit.

I picked up a set of 67 Firebird doors off of CL, so I'll be using those instead of my rusty ones. The doors look to be in great shape. The seller said there is no bondo, and my trusty bondo detector (fridge magnet) failed to find one. I'll see when I have the doors media blasted.

['70rs]

Did a little work on the 'bird this weekend, little things not worth taking pictures. I welded up the trunk braces (did not really enjoy welding laying down), and cleaned up some of my welds a bit.

I picked up a set of 67 Firebird doors off of CL, so I'll be using those instead of my rusty ones. The doors look to be in great shape. The seller said there is no bondo, and my trusty bondo detector (fridge magnet) failed to find one. I'll see when I have the doors media blasted.


Hello! I also live in Washington. North of Everett.
Nice project you have going. It's going to be a really nice ride when it's all done. Good luck!!

[BA.]

Wow Tu, you are really diving right into that panel work! I'm not quite as brave, nor skilled.

Looks like great work though man, keep the updates coming!

PS. Glad you're keeping a true Pontiac in it.

[rickpaw]

Wow Tu, you are really diving right into that panel work! I'm not quite as brave, nor skilled.

Looks like great work though man, keep the updates coming!

PS. Glad you're keeping a true Pontiac in it.

Thanks for the compliments. One year ago, I did not own this car and did not even know how to weld, and knew nothing about body work. I kinda of dove in head first to the project.

Tu

[rickpaw]

Quick update. Did some more rust repair over the long weekend

Repaired rust spot on lower rocker
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Patched rust spot on the roof
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More rust repair on windshield channel
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My welds are getting better, but still need more grinding to smooth it out.

Picked up new shoes for the car over the weekend. Drove up to Olympia and picked up a set of 17" Torque Thrust 2's from craigslist.

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That's it for the rust repair on the body. Now it's just smoothing out the welds and body filler, then it's ready for paint.

Tu

[T_Raven]

Hey cool, I was afraid I had the only 67 Firebird on here lol. Quite a few 68's and 69's but I don't see many 67's

[68400BIRD]

Hey cool, I was afraid I had the only 67 Firebird on here lol. Quite a few 68's and 69's but I don't see many 67's


Nice looking rims and tires.

To me 67-68 are both the same car. I know the main difference is just the wing window but I think the 69 looks a lot different with the front nose change. I like all three years and would be happy with all of them.

[GM_muscle]

car is looking better with each pic you post. you are having better luck finding pontiac parts on crigslist then me.

[rickpaw]

car is looking better with each pic you post. you are having better luck finding pontiac parts on crigslist then me.
Thank you. I missed some good deals on CL on Firebird/camaro parts, but I scored a really good deal on those TT 2's. Seattle area (about 3 hrs drive away) tends to have more 1st gen part than anywhere in the Pacific NW.

Tu

[9deuce9rr]

looks like a great project. a ton of work, but you have a real strong start on it... keep it up and keep us posted!

[rickpaw]

Some new progress on the firebird. I've been fixing some additional rust spots, so I'm confident the car is 99% rust free. :)

Spent about 8 hrs last week applying filler and block sanding. One more round of sanding then I'll be done with the quarters, and move on to the roof. It has quite a few low spots. Next week the doors, fenders, and trunk lids will come back from sand blasting. I will need to do some filler work on those also and the car will be close to be ready for primer.

Here are some progress pics.

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Pulled the trigger and ordered upper control arms from Global West.

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Also bought complete ls1 rear brake set up, and c5 brake calipers and brackets for the front.

[67rstbkt]

Nice to see another 67 bird getting the treatment.

[68400BIRD]

Good to see some updates. It will be nice to see it in some primer.

[69TA]

Nice! Love to see more birds flying in the sea of Camaros!

[LeighP]

Cool stuff....love the Pontiacs.

[rickpaw]

Quick update. I picked up the fenders/doors/deck lid from media blaster. No rust on the panels, although there are some damaged areas that had been gone over with bondo.

$10 GM fenders from swap meet. Some filler work needed, but nothing too major
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perfect driverside door
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Some work needed on pass side door, but no rust.
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These doors come out much better than the ones that came with the car.

Tu

[Josue]

Good stuff!

If you don't mind me asking, how much did that blasting run you? Also, what did they use on it?

[rickpaw]

Been doing some filler work on the roof. It appeared the car had gone through some hail damage, or someone stored something heavy on the roof, as there are a lot of small dents over the roof. The larger dents are toward the center, which unfortunately right over the roof braces so I can't hammer it out.

Will post pictures later.

Tu

PS: changed my mind on the C5 brakes. Will go with complete LS1 brake set up (front/rear), as I think the 12" rotors look just right with 17" TT2 wheels. So, I have a pair of C5 calipers available if anyone is interested.

[rickpaw]

Good stuff!

If you don't mind me asking, how much did that blasting run you? Also, what did they use on it?

Josue,

Sorry I didn't reply to you sooner. Some how I missed your question. The media blast cost me $240, which included the fenders, doors, trunk lid, core support, and cowl panel.

Tu

[rickpaw]

Been working slowly for the last month or so on the bird. Nothing too exciting. Just filler work and smoothing out body panels. Almost finish with the shell, kind of burned out on it so I started working on the doors and trunk lid. In retrospect, I should have replaced the roof and not have to deal with all the low spots on the original roof.

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[rickpaw]

Some new parts also came in.

New LS1 rotors

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New classic update wiring kit from American Autowire. Looks to be high quality stuff.

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[rickpaw]

Bolted on the trunk lid and discovered a major boo-boo. It appeared that the filler panel between the back window and trunk lid shifted while I was gluing it on. There is major gap issue.

[rickpaw]

Here are some pictures of the gap. Looks like I need to weld in some filler rod to the trunk lid.

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Also, been playing with my other hobby just to get a break from the bird.

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Tu

[68400BIRD]

Nice to see some progress. Sorry to hear about the tulip panel shifting on you. Where and what wire kit did you purchase? I need to buy one this winter.

[rickpaw]

Nice to see some progress. Sorry to hear about the tulip panel shifting on you. Where and what wire kit did you purchase? I need to buy one this winter.

I bought mine from ebay. There is an aunction for it right now from the same seller. the kit number is 500886.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280418189259

Tu

[-DA]

It's nice to see another '67 Bird around here. Keep up the work. I hope it turns out great.

Have you picked a color yet?

[rickpaw]

It's nice to see another '67 Bird around here. Keep up the work. I hope it turns out great.

Have you picked a color yet?

I have not decided on a color yet. Been thinking about Audi silver or pepper gray metallic (Eleanor Mustang). I'm planning on going to the Portland rod/custom show this coming February to check out different colors on the cars, and hopefully help me decide on the color.

Tu

[rickpaw]

Quick update,
My wife and my 20-month old daughter took off last Sunday to visit her parents in San Antonio, Tx so I've been spending the week in the garage after work working on the car, and made some progress.

Fixed/patched the rust in the lower fender.

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Also, fixed the gap between the deck lid and the filler panel, In case you don't remember, the gap looked like this:

Before
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I welded on some 1/8" steel rods to close up the gap
After
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Some filler work to smooth everything out then it's fixed.

Later,
Tu

[gto406]

Looking great Tu! Keep up the great work.

Happy holidays,
Brian
'72 GTO.

[rickpaw]

Well, here's quick update. I'm almost done with the body work and about to hang the front sheet metal to line everything up. Since the body bushings had been rotted and fell apart, I decided to change them out and one thing led to another, I decided to rebuild the frame and front suspensions while I'm at it. Kind of a nice break from body work

Dropped the front spindle
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Sub frame bare, ready to be removed from the body

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[rickpaw]

Sub frame back from sand blaster
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Dragged the body out of the garage to power wash the bottom
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Primed and painted the sub frame with Eastwood chassis paint
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[rickpaw]

Painted the firewall and core support underhood black

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New Eibach 1" lower spring next to the original spring
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Control arms blasted, cleaned, painted and installed with new bushings from Energy Suspension. Installed new 1 1/8 inch sway bar, Global West upper arms and mock up the caliper mounting bracket for the LS1 brakes
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My friend machined a couple of bushings to go between the bracket and spindle.
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Cleaned and painted the hubs. Hubs got turned down to fit inside the LS1 rotors. Ran into a slight problem tonight. Got the inner seals for the hub. The new ones and the ones from the hubs are completely different. No pictures of the seals. I'm going to take the old seal to the parts store to see if they can find a match.

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[68400BIRD]

Great work Tu. How did you mount your front sway bar? It looks like I will have to drill out new holes and shift it back a little on my car to get the end links to be vertical again. My larger sway bar brackets are also to big for my original holes. Any close up pics of that area would be helpful.

[rickpaw]

Hi Rob,
Mine is from Addco. I bough it from the local speed shop. The brackets for the new sway bar lined up perfectly with the old mounting holes. I'll take some pictures tonight and post them up.

[CruizinKev]

nice work so far! looks good! :twothumbs

[rickpaw]

nice work so far! looks good! :twothumbs

Thanks.

[rickpaw]

Rob,
Here are some close up pictures of the sway bar. The end links are pretty close to vertical. I still need to move the bar a bit to the pass side to get it centered.

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Let me know if these work for you.

T

[rickpaw]

Put the steering linkage back on the car. New tie rod ends and Hotchkis tie rod sleeves

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Rebuilt steering box from Napa
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Hubs installed with new bearings. Was thinking about mocking up the brake but ran out of time.

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Hopefully this weekend I can put her back on the front wheels and put together the front end sheet metal. I hope to get it in primer before the end of March. That's when my second daughter is due.

[68400BIRD]

Tu, Thanks for the pics. I need to get the car on the ground with some weight on the suspension before I mount my sway bar. Looks like a tight fit on the lower mounts but it did fit. It's nice to see your car progressing so fast.

[rickpaw]

Tu, Thanks for the pics. I need to get the car on the ground with some weight on the suspension before I mount my sway bar. Looks like a tight fit on the lower mounts but it did fit. It's nice to see your car progressing so fast.

I had to use a pry bar on one end of the sway bar to push it down over the end link. It went in without too much trouble. You're right, it's tight. After I got the steering linkage in, I turned the wheel to make sure that there is no interterence.

I've been sneaking out to the garage every day for an hour or so, since I get home around 4 pm to work on the car. I'm on a time crunch.

[rickpaw]

Quick update.

Got the sheet metal hung and the doors aligned. Overall the parts fit very well. Had to enlarge one of the bolt holes on the pass side fender, and on the hood hinges.

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[rickpaw]

Started spraying primer this last weekend. Only had time to spray two coats on the body. I need to re-adjust the mix ratio as the paint was too thick, and the paint was just splattered on.

She does look good in one color, though.

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Hopefully this weekend I'll be able to spray the rest of the body panels.

[AtomicFirebird]

very nice

[68400BIRD]

Looking good Tu. Make sure you have a slow drying reducer for what ever temp your spraying in. It sure is nice to see them in one color. Makes you feel like your getting some where.

[rickpaw]

Looking good Tu. Make sure you have a slow drying reducer for what ever temp your spraying in. It sure is nice to see them in one color. Makes you feel like your getting some where.

I have a fast activator as the ambient temp was/is around 55F. I think the paint shop gave me the fast reducer too. Should I go to a slower drying reducer?

[68400BIRD]

Tu, I would check with your paint supplier to what would work best. I also needed to give you a bump to the front page. What do you have for updates?

[BirdsThaWord]

Nice to see that Bird coming along! Same as the others, I'm keeping my eyes on your build. I got lucky (or paid too much) that my paint was already done. Concerns me a bit as I intend to do some of the suspension, etc. that you've done and have to be carefull with the paint!

[68firebird]

Looks like you're doing and excellent job with the welding for just jumping right in, good job. I've never welded and would be very scared to just jump into the project like that. So far its lookin great, I'm keepin and eye on this thread, keep up the good work!!!!

[68firebird]

Great work Tu. How did you mount your front sway bar? It looks like I will have to drill out new holes and shift it back a little on my car to get the end links to be vertical again. My larger sway bar brackets are also to big for my original holes. Any close up pics of that area would be helpful.

What kind of sway bar do you have?

[Tuske427]

Awesome job! It's inspiring for me as I will be fixing up my 1967 Firebird, too. I didn't see (maybe I overlooked it) any pics of the pontiac engine mounts for you. I looked through some old pics and found these (attached) they have the engine mounts attached also, but, you will see the lower mounts attached to the subframe. note they are offset behind the crossmember. they have one bolt that attaches from the underside to attach the 2 mount halves together. the lower mount has the 3 bolts on the crossmember and the 4th is through the large bolt for the control arm. These are not the easiest to remove/ attach.

FWIW, I did notice your 68 fender attached.

Good luck with your build!

[Tuske427]

Nice looking rims and tires.

To me 67-68 are both the same car. I know the main difference is just the wing window but I think the 69 looks a lot different with the front nose change. I like all three years and would be happy with all of them.

I disagree. There are actually a lot of subtle differences between the 67 and 68 models. You just have to take the time to notice them. Granted, the 67 was a mid year release so no, there aren't as many visual external details as some other cars, but they did make a lot of mechanical revisions.

Visually, in addition to the wing windows, I'm aware of the following (without going to research this. I'm sure there are more that I overlooked):

- rear side marker lights/ front wrap around marker lights on 68
- side view mirrors (67 are round, 68 are mostly square. supposedly, some early 68's had round, too)
- fuel door bird is different. (68 sticks out more to accommodate a finger grip)
- front valence/ fender extensions are different
- 68 vin is seen on dashboard. (67 has in door jamb) this makes the dashboard stamping different
- 67 had a black center console. 68 had the mahogany, as well as mahogany dash insert. (67 woodgrain pattern is different). I believe the console is a different design altogether. At least the top panels/ shifter bezels are.
- different wheel options. ie. 67's could be had with rally 1 wheels.
- different deluxe interior door designs, handles, etc
- paint options. 68 had nightshade green for example.
- 67 had 120 mph speedo, 68 had 160
- speedometer lens shape is different. (67 is more pointy)
- doors are actually different. Not that you can tell form the outside, but the 67 has 3 bolt hinges, 68 has 4 bolt hinges. (good to know when part swapping)
- dashboard pad has a different shape
- automatic shifter handle is different.

mechanically, I'm aware of:

- 400 ho option added for 68
- 326 changed to 350 cid
- 67 400 engines had the #670 heads. 68 had the #16 heads. (at least the ones I've seen. not sure exactly when this change was made)
- mono leaf springs went to multi leaf with staggered shocks. gone were the factory traction bars, support plates on the floor pans...
- bump stop design on lower control arms changed
- windshield wiper motor changed
- hood latch design & engine hoods. the 68 has a secondary safety catch. The hoods are designed to work with this. the square catch area for the latch is angled to work with this.
- with the removal of the wing windows, 68's have the "astro ventilation".
- 68 deluxe interiors have the firebird emblem etched into the windows.
- rear axles are different. the 67 is the modified A-body carrier (has the 2 areas unused on top for the rear control arms)
- One other thing I've noticed different between my 67 and my friend's 68 is the location of the light switch. It was reversed with the wiper switch. I don't know if this was specific on our cars (ie. someone switched them) or if Pontiac relocated them

Again, this is off the top of my head. I'm sure there are a lot more. I'd love to hear them. It's not my intention to come across as a jerk, but I enjoy noting the subtle details between cars, especially ones I like so much.

I hope this is helpful.

[AtomicFirebird]

I have been served by the King.

[AtomicFirebird]

Dude, that was cool. And No, you did not come across as a jerk, only as an informative Muscle Car Lover.

[68400BIRD]

I did not think you came across as a jerk either. A lot of good info there. I new some and learned some. I know there are some other things that changed but it was within the 68 year. The rear gas tank door had two different styles of emblems, one had a pull and one didn't.

[BirdsThaWord]

Hey Jerk, (LOL!) I also appreciated that info! Neat stuff to know!!!

[rohrt]

Very Cool build. I love the way you fixed the trunk gap.

[NYTRANSAM]

nice build, Im restoring a 68 also, very slowly though. nice to see your pics

[67DropTop455]

Just to elaborate slightly on a few of the finer details, I hope you don't mind me adding to your list... (great rundown by the way):

- rear side marker lights/ front wrap around marker lights on 68
- side view mirrors 67 are round, 68 are mostly square. supposedly, some early 68's had round, too. (Correct)
- fuel door bird is different. 68 sticks out more to accommodate a finger grip (67's grip is in the door itself)
- front valence/ fender extensions are different (to accommodate the corner lights)
- 68 vin is seen on dashboard. (67 has in door jamb) this makes the dashboard stamping different
- 67 had a "Camera Grain" center consoles were available in many colors to match the interior, with the chrome trim and a recessed shifter for A/T and a rear ashtray and light. 68 had the "Burlwood", as well as "Burlwood" dash insert. (67 wood grain pattern is Horizontal while the 67 Camaro's is vertical). I believe the console is a different design altogether. Actually, the Console base is the same even with the texture and all but in 68 they added the metal overlay with the Burlwood pattern/print and look and changed the shifter (A/T) with a top mounted shifter base. At least the top panels/ shifter bezels are.
- different wheel options. ie. 67's could be had with rally 1 wheels.
- different deluxe interior door designs, handles, etc (67 seat patterns were the same, in 68 there was Standard and the Deluxe Comfort Weave, Tops of the doors in 67 were the door metal and painted while the door panels went all the way up in 68 - deluxe and standard)
- paint options. (67 & 68 only colors) 68 had nightshade green for example.
- 67 had 120 mph speedo, (67/68 had different colored gauge faces), 68 had 160 (68 added more options such as Speed Warning, power seats, (leather seats were available, but very rare, lighted ashtrays, lighted ignition housing, Hood tach is the smaller version, Ventilation system changed to add in-dash vent balls (as mentioned), Clocks were also different as well as several different steering wheel options - and they were all distinctly different between 67/68 etc)
- speedometer lens shape is different. (67 is more pointy)
- doors are actually different. Not that you can tell form the outside, but the 67 has 3 bolt hinges, 68 has 4 bolt hinges. (good to know when part swapping)
- dashboard pad has a different shape
- automatic shifter handle is different. (2 distinctly different styles available in 68)
Grill paint scheme is different from 67 to 68.
Windshield Header's on Verts were chrome in 67 and had a dulling agent applied in 68 to reduce glare.

mechanically, I'm aware of:

- 400 ho option added for 68
- 326 changed to 350 cid
- 67 400 engines had the #670 heads. 68 had the #16 heads. (at least the ones I've seen. not sure exactly when this change was made)
(California cars were equipped with the A.I.R system (Air Induction Reactor or smog pumps https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/7666-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/e954-1.jpg and in 68 they added the 6 port TVS in the manifold etc. Also available was the pancake louvered air cleaner in 67, then the standard single snorkel air cleaner became the norm - with chrome lid and valve covers for the 400's)
- mono leaf springs went to multi leaf with staggered shocks. gone were the factory traction bars, support plates on the floor pans... (Which came as dual radius Rods on most all 3 & 4 speed cars, 400's H.O's and Sprint-6 and typically a single Radius Rod on all lower performance models)
- bump stop design on lower control arms changed
- windshield wiper motor changed
- hood latch design & engine hoods. the 68 has a secondary safety catch. The hoods are designed to work with this. the square catch area for the latch is angled to work with this.
- with the removal of the wing windows, 68's have the "astro ventilation".
- 68 deluxe interiors have the firebird emblem etched into the windows. (printed, not etched, and there is no rhyme nor reason why some cars received the Bird Glass and others did not. They also ran low in production of the bird glass and it was dropped, still a mystery) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/5133-1.jpg
- rear axles are different. the 67 is the modified A-body carrier (has the 2 areas unused on top for the rear control arms)
- One other thing I've noticed different between my 67 and my friend's 68 is the location of the light switch. It was reversed with the wiper switch. I don't know if this was specific on our cars (ie. someone switched them) or if Pontiac relocated them

Like I said, great rundown and Much the same, just off the top of my head, but wanted to try to elaborate a little more on a few of the unique features available for the Firebirds that were not incorporated into the Camaro for another year or two in some cases.

Sorry, I find the little details interesting and couldn't help but to add some more...

[Tuske427]

nice add to the list! It goes to prove that " you learn something new every day". It is I who got schooled. I love these details, too. I also think it's cool how Pontiac did all this to make their car so different, especially considering this was a late add to their product line and not an intended one either.

I'm glad it was received well, not as some smart @$$ shouting off...

I knew the hood tach shape change, but totally forgot to add it.

[rickpaw]

Tu, I would check with your paint supplier to what would work best. I also needed to give you a bump to the front page. What do you have for updates?

Hey Rob, thanks for the bump :). I thinned the primer some more (per the paint shop's suggestion) and got the entire car primered. I cleaned up the inner fenders and mounted them up along with the rest of the body panels

Here are a couple of pics
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[rickpaw]

nice build, Im restoring a 68 also, very slowly though. nice to see your pics

Thanks for the compliment.

Tuske427 and others, I too prefer the 67-68 over the 69 (I think 67-68 are the same, besides the differences that others pointed out). I like the side markers of the 68, but also like the vent window. I almost put 68 side marker on the quarters but decided not to.

Well things have screeched to a halt. 3 days after I sprayed the primer, she came along. 2 weeks early. Kind of throw everything off.
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[rickpaw]

I did manage to order a bunch of parts for the car

Wilwood 1" bore m/c
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Ram air exhaust manifold from Classic Industries
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Sub frame connectors
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Added a little bling under the hood. Anvil carbon fiber fender brace. Beautiful piece.
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Table full of hardware, emblems and other stuff. Not shown are complete weather strip kit, front spoiler, radiator, Lincoln Mark VIII cooling fan (picked off craigslist)
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[68400BIRD]

I thought it was a little quiet over here. Congratulations to you and your wife. She looks like a cutie. You will have your hands full for a while. My twins just turned four last weekend. Spend as much time as you can with them it goes so fast.

[BirdsThaWord]

Congratulations! Seems like yesterday I was posting the birth of my boy. Been 5 years now! Also, congrats on all the nice parts. Now go change that diaper, and warm that milk, and, and.... LOL! Man yer gonna have yer hands full!!!

[68firebird]

yea, congrats!! thats awesome, she's adorable. My daughter turns 4 in june and my son just turned 2 last week. Man, it goes by really fast!!!! but at least they're at an age where I can actually work on the car now, LOL. I am jealous of all the nice parts your getting.

[rickpaw]

Thanks guys. The newborn is not too bad. She eats, poops, and goes right back to sleep every 2 hrs, so I have a little break in between. Her 2 year old older sister, on the other hand, is quite a handful.

[Dons67]

congrats - some day they'll be turning wrenches with you

[Dalamar]

Great progress on this build. looking very good.

and congradulations on the new baby :)

[rickpaw]

Great progress on this build. looking very good.

and congradulations on the new baby :)

thanks. I've been watching your build with a lot of admiration.

[rickpaw]

We had a nice weather today and the kids were sleeping so I went out to the garage and tried wet sanding.

I sanded the top half of the pass side of the car. I used 320 grit and finish it off with some 600.

3 hours later, I have this. Not too shabby for first timer. :)

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Close ups.

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I have some gouges in the paint. There were some creases in the sand paper. I think I'll just spray them with high build and re-sand. Any other ideas?

[Underdog]

I'm loving this thread Tu!

I prefer the '68 to the '67, but I love both of them. One thing I like for '67 only was the plum mist color option. And for '68 you can't forget the debut of Rally II's and the "round port" Ram Air II engine option.

[rickpaw]

I'm loving this thread Tu!

I prefer the '68 to the '67, but I love both of them. One thing I like for '67 only was the plum mist color option. And for '68 you can't forget the debut of Rally II's and the "round port" Ram Air II engine option.

Thanks Underdog. Right now I'm debating between brilliant silver (Mercedes) or dark gray (68 GM color)

[1971CHEVELLE]

nice work so far! looks good!

[BirdsThaWord]

I just looked back at your pre wet sand pics. Is that a girly mag on the fender? A little inspiration to keep you working, eh? :drool::seizure::ssst::cheers:

[rickpaw]

I just looked back at your pre wet sand pics. Is that a girly mag on the fender? A little inspiration to keep you working, eh? :drool::seizure::ssst::cheers:

Haha, good eye. It was the wife's Macy's catalog.

[BirdsThaWord]

Haha, good eye. It was the wife's Macy's catalog.
Hey, that'll work!!!

[BirdsThaWord]

Any new pics, progress?

[rickpaw]

Any new pics, progress?

Not much going on. I've been block sanding the panels and filling in the low spots. Hopefully I can shoot the primer again next weekend, wet sand and the car will be ready for paint.

[venturabeachpup]

I saw this thread for the first time. I love what you're doing with this car! I know what you mean by taking a long time for things to happen. Keep up the good work. You'll get there.

Kudos on the way you fitted and welded your quarter panel. :-)

[ponjohn]

I just read the thread front to back.

Nice work. Your body work skills are inspiring.

[GM_muscle]

looking goood i am at a dead stop right now with my 69 bird as i just had a baby girl 3 weeks ago.

[rickpaw]

Thanks for the compliments guys. I picked up a lot of tips/tricks/ideas from this site and camaros.net. I knew nothing about body work or welding when I first picked up the car.

[68400BIRD]

BUMP we need some updates over here.

[rickpaw]

BUMP we need some updates over here.

Not much going on that worth taking pictures. Been wet sanding the car for the past 2 weekends to get it ready for paint. Will post pictures up when the sanding is done.

[AtomicFirebird]

Hey man, hey man, hey man I neeeeed a fix rrrrright now. IIIII will take whatever you cccccan give me. Please don't make me beg. Please, please, please don't make me beg. I only need a little shot. Can you help a brother out? Just one photo shot. I NEED MY FIREBIRD FIX. Sorry, I'm just hurting. Pleeaassseee.

[rickpaw]

Hey man, hey man, hey man I neeeeed a fix rrrrright now. IIIII will take whatever you cccccan give me. Please don't make me beg. Please, please, please don't make me beg. I only need a little shot. Can you help a brother out? Just one photo shot. I NEED MY FIREBIRD FIX. Sorry, I'm just hurting. Pleeaassseee.

Well not much done on the bird, since I've been recovering from pneumonia (in a middle of July, weird) for the last 2 weeks.

Here are couple of pictures. Can't tell much from them, but did get the sides and tail panel wet sanded with 320. What left are the roof, hood, trunk lid, cowl panel, valance panel. And start all over again with 600. No wonder paint and bodywork are so stinking expensive.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

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Hopefully I can get the car painted by end of the summer. Any of you guys know of a decent body shops around Portland/Vancouver area? I have a recommendation on one, but would like to get more than one quote.

[AtomicFirebird]

Thanks for the fix, that feels better. The car looks very primered but soon very painted. I hope you and the family get better & feel better. Wow, you are far away.

[rickpaw]

Thanks for the fix, that feels better. The car looks very primered but soon very painted. I hope you and the family get better & feel better. Wow, you are far away.

Thanks. Glad I can help. :cheers:

[rickpaw]

Well, quick update. I've been working on the bird off and on for several weeks, so it was time to get it painted.

Got the car wet sanded

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Loaded it up to trailer to get to the body shop.
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[rickpaw]

So while the car is at the body shop, I pulled the engine out to freshen it up.

Painted with 2 coats of high temp primer, followed with 2 coats of aluminum engine paint, then finally 3 coats of pontiac blue

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Replaced all the gaskets and installed the accessories (alu intake and water pump, new balancer, long branch ram air exhaust manifolds, etc..)

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[rickpaw]

Stopped by the body shop earlier today and snapped some photos of the painted body and panels. Car is coming home this weekend.

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[68400BIRD]

Looks great Tu. Man you passed me right by. I can't wait to see more pictures of it going back together. I like the detail work on the motor. Come on over and help me finish mine. LOL

[rickpaw]

Looks great Tu. Man you passed me right by. I can't wait to see more pictures of it going back together. I like the detail work on the motor. Come on over and help me finish mine. LOL

Thanks. I have a very understanding wife. She's going back to work in a few weeks, so time for the firebird will be cut short.

Your motor looks great as well. In fact I used your pictures of the motor as a reference to figure out where things go. Next order of work is pulling out the rear end. I would have done it before the paint, but got an opening window at the body shop so I went ahead with the paint.

[geberhard]

Beautiful Bird What color is that? I am trying to get some color ideas, I just finished striping my 68 yesterday and dropped for some paint. I am still debating what color to go, leaning towards the Ferrari silverstone grigio color or black :)

[rickpaw]

Beautiful Bird What color is that? I am trying to get some color ideas, I just finished striping my 68 yesterday and dropped for some paint. I am still debating what color to go, leaning towards the Ferrari silverstone grigio color or black :)

It's called sequoia green (68 camaro color). Don't have the paint code handy with me though.

[rickpaw]

Quick update, it's been about a month since I picked up the car from paint. Been tearing into the rear suspension and replaced all the bushing. I'd like to get Hotchkis lowering spring, but it's out of the budget so the stock mono's have to make do for now.

Car came back from paint. It was raining hard
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[MrQuick]

hurry up and break out the 1200 grit!!!! LOL

Looks great.

[rickpaw]

Got the rear suspension out. Had to cut 3 of the front eye bolts off. Got GM replacement j-nuts from the local Chevy dealership.

Rear end out
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Code XE stamped on axle tube=3.08 open diff,
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But looks like previous owner replaced it with a posi
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Original j-nut next to the new GM replacement one
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Painted the axle assembly with rattle can semi gloss black.
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[rickpaw]

hurry up and break out the 1200 grit!!!! LOL

Looks great.

Thanks man

[rickpaw]

New oil seals installed
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New rear LS1 e-brake bracket and spacer. My friend made them out of 12 gage steel based on CADD drawings downloaded from John Leland's (Hammered) web site.
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Rear end assembled with the rear brake components and Kore3 brake lines
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Close up shot of the e-brake bracket
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Front brakes mocked up. Hopefully will have the braking system done by the weekend
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[68400BIRD]

Looks good. Looks like someone put a A-body rear end in the car. What gears are on the posi unit?

[rickpaw]

Looks good. Looks like someone put a A-body rear end in the car. What gears are on the posi unit?

That's what I thought. But a couple of guys on the firebird forum said that in cars with 400 engine option, Pontiac used heavier duty rear end from A-body. The XE code is supposedly Firebird specifc, so the PO may have just swapped the gears. I hope it stays 3.08 since the car will be a cruiser. I'll check when I open the cover to put on new gasket.

[68400BIRD]

That's right. I forgot the 67 models did come with that rear end. I guess my mind is going as I get older. LOL

[72Chevelle454]

Nice....i've been wanting to go the 68 firebird route. Thats coming along nice!

[Donovan]

Hello Tu

This is Tommy... It was great meeting you today. I'll be in touch now, I'm hook on your project and can't wait to see what else you have in the works. I'll be glad to help if I can, PM me so we can get caught up once you have time and I'll tell you about me 68.

[rickpaw]

Hey Tommy,
It was great to meet you and the guys yesterday. I'll post some new pictures once I get home.

[mtgriz70]

Hey Tu, I met you along with Andy and Tommy on the 15th. The car looks great, and yes I look forward to seeing it finished, as I am sure you are. Take care, have a great Christmas visit, and keep in touch with us HALFers, whenever you can.

[rickpaw]

Well, here are some updates. I've been working on it off and on since last Thanksgiving.

Installed new Powermaster mini starter
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Get ready to drop in the engine/tranny
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Engine/tranny went in with no problem. Not having a front end helps.
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[rickpaw]

Mocked up and welded up some adapter brackets to mount the Porsche bucket seats. Much improved over the stock seats. Just have to dye them black.
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Started to dynamat the inside of the car, used up 2 bulk boxes to dynamat, plus a box of trunk kit to finish up the trunk.
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Installed close cell sound insulation over the roof, dash area. I have another 3 boxes of Dynaliner to finish up the floor and firewall.
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Also finish up the braking system. Now i have working brakes.

[rickpaw]

Started wiring up the car with American Autowire Classic update kit.

The new fuse box (has about double the number of circuits compared to the old one).
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Installed DSE wiper switch with matching headlight switch
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I've also decided to convert the stock throttle linkage to a cable set up, since the throttle rod is missing. I bought a complete Lokar kit.
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Old gas pedal and brake pad.
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New Lokar billet aluminum set up. I had to enlarge the firewall opening abit for the throttle linkage to fit properly
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Cable linkage/bracket installed at the carb, along with the bracket for the kickdown switch.
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I also upgraded the lighting in the garage, going from 2 compact flourescent lights to 4 4-ft shop lights. Makes a huge difference in lighting quality.
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Next up is finishing up the wiring inside the car, and install the Vintage Air as soon as it comes in from Frank @ Prodigy Custom.

[Dons67]

Nice Project

[whayden2003]

Well just looked thru the whole post and I have to say great job on not only the work but I am very glad to see the great job of task management. You should be a example to all of how to start a job and finish it before moving on to something esle to often this is what happens to these great cars to many small jobs not finished turns a project to a basket case. Again great Job and thanks for taking the extra time to share it with us.

[whayden2003]

Oh and you should change the title of the tread from another firebird project to "THE FIREBIRD PROJECT"

[Clutch93]

You do really great (and fast) work! this thing looks great! i had a question about the rear end. Is that lower arm on there to prevent axle wrap/wheel hop since it's a mono leaf car?

[rickpaw]

Well just looked thru the whole post and I have to say great job on not only the work but I am very glad to see the great job of task management. You should be a example to all of how to start a job and finish it before moving on to something esle to often this is what happens to these great cars to many small jobs not finished turns a project to a basket case. Again great Job and thanks for taking the extra time to share it with us.

Thanks. I like to start on small jobs on the car. That way I can easily finish it and move on to the next one. The body work on the car took a long time, and I've had to take a break from it. Glad that portion was over.

[67speedfreak]

Tu,
Just read thru the whole thread, car looks great ! Post some pics of the kicks installed when you get a chance.

Thanks,
Brian

[Tuske427]

Awesome progress! It's looking great! I can't wait until I'm that far along...

[rickpaw]

You do really great (and fast) work! this thing looks great! i had a question about the rear end. Is that lower arm on there to prevent axle wrap/wheel hop since it's a mono leaf car?

Clutch93,
Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. The lower arm on the rear end is to prevent axle wrap. Automatic cars have one, whereas manual equipped cars have 2.

[rickpaw]

Some update. Been working steadily for the last few months.

Test fitted the front speakers and Screamin Performance kick panels. The panels are high quality and they fit great.

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Picture of ds closeout panel

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Driver side kick panel with speakers
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Pass side
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[rickpaw]

Installation of Vintage Air A/C

System as delivered.
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Evaporator unit
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Cut the dash for center vent
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Center vent installed
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Side vents

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Evaporator installed
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Compressor installed. I brought the lines to the local A/C shop and had them crimp the fittings
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Modified the stock HVAC controls for V/A controls
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I tried to install the radio, but the evaporator is in the way. Since radio is just a dummy and not working, I decided to do some surgery on the radio housing. After 5 mins with the cut off wheel, I have this.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Then everything got mounted up in the center dash. Just have to get a trim plate for the radio.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[rickpaw]

My first attempt at installing headliner. I measured the centerline on the window frame (front/rear) and lined it up with the centerline marked on the headliner, then stretch the headliner out and clipped it in place.

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Headliner glued in place. There are still some wrinkles toward the center, despite my attempts to get it smooth. Hopefully it will tighten up overtime, otherwise I may have to redo it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

I started hooking up the transmission linkage. I bought the outer shift lever from CI for a 67 and they sent one labeled 67/68. However, 67 cars have round holes for the linkage rod, whereas 68 cars use cables.

So I went from this...
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to this, after some welding, grinding and drilling.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[68400BIRD]

Wow you have been busy. It looks like it is coming along very nicely. If it's not to late can you take some pictures of how you routed any and all wiring that is still showing. Mine was pretty gutted when I tore my old wiring out. Also any tips on the vintage air. I'm a couple of years out from buying and installing but any tips would be great.
Thanks for any help Tu.

[rickpaw]

Wow you have been busy. It looks like it is coming along very nicely. If it's not to late can you take some pictures of how you routed any and all wiring that is still showing. Mine was pretty gutted when I tore my old wiring out. Also any tips on the vintage air. I'm a couple of years out from buying and installing but any tips would be great.
Thanks for any help Tu.

I have pictures of the original wiring inside the car before I took them out, and some of the new wiring before I installed the carpet. I can post those up on your project thread. I don't have anything from the firewall forward, since I bought the car without the front end. I'm rewiring the car with Classic Update kit from American Autowire, and they made some changes to the engine and front light harnesses so the wire routing will be different anyways.

As for the V/A set up. It's very complete. I actually enjoyed working on it since I did not have to hunt down little parts. They provided everything, right down to the little screws. One thing I don't like about the kit is the crappy supplied block off plate for the heater box opening. It looks really tacky when installed. If I were to do it again, I'll go with DSE firewall closeout panel for a better looking install.

[68400BIRD]

Thanks Tu, I also bought the AAW update kit. I welded up my firewall so it is all flat already. But I was worried about how I was going to hang the unit under the dash. I don't really want to drill any holes in my clean flat firewall.

[rickpaw]

You may want to check with DSE. I think they make a bracket for the V/A unit that allows you to mount the evaporator without drilling holes in the firewall.

[68400BIRD]

Tu, here are a few pictures of my exhaust. It's not complete and I am still not happy with the fit.
This first picture is where I think it is best to start since none of the back pipes get cut. Get the mufflers positioned in the xpipe to just hold them in place. Slide the pipe in that goes over the rear end and then push the whole assembly back until the prefabbed brackets touch the rear floor.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC07214-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC07215-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC07213-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/DSC07216-1.jpg

[68400BIRD]

Check out this link it might help some also.
http://forums.performanceyears.com/forums/showthread.php?t=625549

[rickpaw]

Thanks Rob, I found the same thread while searching on PY. I still have the original hangers on the car, so I may try and use those. There are some installation pics of a 69 FB on Pypes web site showing the original hangers being used. I did the mock up on one side and looks like I have to trim the legs of the x-pipes and down pipes quite a bit.

[Lycan]

Nice work and the car looks awesome!!!

[68400BIRD]

Keep me updates as to how your install goes. I plan on starting on mine again this week. Like I mentioned on the phone I think I might need to cut the pipes coming out of the mufflers and going over the axle. In order to get enough clearance so the pipes do not hit the rear frame rails I need to have my mufflers hanging down to low.

[rickpaw]

I had the rear tail sections mocked up tonight. Took me awhile to figure out the pipes. They (Pypes) need to redo the angles on the bends of the pipes as the mufflers are hanging a bit too low, not below the differential though. My camera battery died so I'll have some pictures this weekend.

Tu

[geberhard]

Tu, looking great keepit coming! Cool to see the VA and headliner install, will be going through the same soon!

Gui

[rickpaw]

Tu, looking great keepit coming! Cool to see the VA and headliner install, will be going through the same soon!

Gui

Gui, check out post 179 in this thread at team camaros.net for a youtube video of a headliner install. Very informative.
http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=184338&highlight=headliner+install&page=2

[rickpaw]

Got my gauges and Momo steering wheel installed. I used Grant GM column mount, along with Grant to Momo adapter. I also had to purchase the horn retainer ring from Momo, since the wheel did not include one. I had to enlarge the adapter opening slightly so that the horn retainer would sit flush.

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Installed the Mark VIII fan. It's tight. I had to turn the fan upside down for it to fit. The fan mount doesn't look too pretty but it works. Down the road I may have to make some sort of cover to pretty it up.

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[rickpaw]

Pypes exhaust install

I also installed the Pypes 2.5" exhaust with Race Pros mufflers, and long branch manifolds. The kit quality is fine, but the instruction needs a lot of improvement, plus the 2 tail pipes are mislabeled. I heard stories about the tail pipes fitment issues with the Pypes kit, but mine went in fine, after a lot of head scratching.

Down pipes. It tucks up nicely along the frame rails.

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X-pipes

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I used factory exhaust hangers to mount the tail pipes. Here's shot of driver side. Passenger side is the same.

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Tail pipes. I wish that the tail pipes are a bit longer.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
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Race pros mufflers. I used clamps on all connections, so it will make it easy to swap out mufflers, or change the transmission down the road.

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[rickpaw]

Next is wiring up the relay for the cooling fan, check all electrical connection, and I'm ready to fire the engine.

[68400BIRD]

Looks great. I still have to do more work to my exhaust. Like you stated the tail pipes are to short and the pipes going over the rear end could have a better bend to them. I just started the wiring process. A lot of head scratching going on over here until I noticed I was missing the instruction sheet. LOL Glad that the oil filter was not a problem.

[rickpaw]

It's been almost a year since I posted an update on my project.

A lot of things had happened. The car is almost done, with an old fashion carbureted Pontiac 400/Turbo 400 tranny combo. I managed to drive the car to a car show in Vancouver before we moved to Houston.

Here's the car at the show, my buddy's 65 fastback parked next to it.
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The torque thrust 2 wheels I got off craigslist only had a backspace of 4", so the front end rubbed badly. I ordered a set of TT2 wheels with 4.78" BS, and BFG KDW's tires from the tirerack. The wheels/tires showed up the next day.

Can't tell much, but the new combo fit much better
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[rickpaw]

One week before the move, I installed Hotchkis SFC onto the car (one less box to haul down to Houston)

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The SFC fit great. I did have to cut a notch in the pass side sfc to clear the factory traction bar.

[rickpaw]

On the trailer, heading south to Houston, TX. This was back in Oct, 2010. The movers already had 97% of our stuff, and the rest of the family moved down in Sept. The uhaul only contained mostly my tools in the garage.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[rickpaw]

Once settled in Houston, I drove the car a bit more and wasn't happy with the front springs. I have Eibach 1" drop spring in front, and every time I hit a dip on the road at moderate speeds, the front end would bottom out. I guess the spring is set up for SBC, and the big Pontiac motor is just too heavy. The Hotchkis SFC did wonders to the car. All the annoying rattles and squeaks are gone, and the car feels tighter.

I decided to change out the front springs to Hotchkis SBC spring as per their recommendation. When I removed the front wheels, I noticed the one of the rubber boot on ball joints that came with GW upper arm had torn, and leaked grease all over the front susp. Gave me a reason to upgrade to Proforged tall upper ball joint.

Rubber boot leaked
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Removed the old ball joint
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Old bj next to new one
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Front end back together with new ball joints and Hotchkis springs

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[rickpaw]

While I had the front end apart, I decided to switch the front solid sway bar to Hotchkis hollow bar. Save a bit over 6 lbs in weight as well

Hotchkis sway bar. Great quality and the fit is perfect.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[rickpaw]

One of the rivets on the original hood hinge broke, so gave me another reason to add some bling under the hood.

Bought a set of new Fesler hood hinges from a fellow forum member

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Installed in the car. The hood opening action is a lot smoother now.
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[rickpaw]

Before Xmas, I bought the new Digital VHX gauges from Matt's Classicbowtie. Carbon fiber face, with blue display

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Installed in the car
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The gauges worked great, really help cleaning up the dash (I had a set of autometer gauge hanging off the bottom of the dash, and a tach strapped to the column). The only down side is the face is shiny, which reflects badly in sunny days. Plus numerals display is kind of dim, much dimmer than the needles. DD tech said that they should have the same intensity so I may have a bad display unit, which means I have to send it back to them, which is something I don't want to do at the moment.

[rickpaw]

Last week I added a set of Procar Elite Lumbar seats. These have adjustable lumbar built in. I had to lower the seat down by cutting the support bracket, but it still sit a bit high. Other than the height, the seats are very comfortable. It's fairly wide, therefore it butts up against the factory console. Cars without console will fit better.

Procar seat bracket
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Seats installed in the car
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[rickpaw]

This is where the car sits in the driveway of its new home in Houston. I love how the car drives with the new Hotchkis components. The ride is firmer, but the car did not bottom out going over the same dip on the road.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

That's kind of sums up how everything went over the last 10 months since the last update. I'm planning to replace the mono leaf springs with Hotchkis 1.5" spring down the road. Already have the leaf springs, just waiting for some free time. Plus I want to work the bugs out on the car so I can attend runs to the alamo event.

[WS6]

Nice car. I really like the gray with the black body line stripe. Good luck with it.

[rickpaw]

Thanks Trey. As someone had said, it's never done.

[68400BIRD]

Tu, glad things are going good for you down in Texas. Looks like you have made a lot of progress in the last year. Car is looking great and it must be a blast to drive. It will be at least another year before mine will be on the road (in primer) but still looing forward to it. Keep the pics and updates coming.

[Uneek68]

great car, im really diggin the seats, are those seat brackets only for those seats you got there? I went with the bmw E30 seats and need to find either someone who sells them or fabricate them myself

[rickpaw]

great car, im really diggin the seats, are those seat brackets only for those seats you got there? I went with the bmw E30 seats and need to find either someone who sells them or fabricate them myself

Thanks man. Those brackets are made for the seats. I'm sure you can fabricate something for the E30 seats. I had Porsche 924 seats in the car before but they do not have lumbar support so my lower back hurts after driving awhile.

[rickpaw]

Tu, glad things are going good for you down in Texas. Looks like you have made a lot of progress in the last year. Car is looking great and it must be a blast to drive. It will be at least another year before mine will be on the road (in primer) but still looing forward to it. Keep the pics and updates coming.

Hey Rob. Good to hear from you. I begin to wonder where you're with your car. The majority of the work on my car is done, just fixing little bugs here and there. Right now the car is running a bit rich. The back 4 plugs are fouled, but the 4 front ones are OK. I'm trying to get the car ready for RTTA event.

[SamHatco]

Hey Tu,

Sorry we missed you for the cars and coffee at Vintage Park and the New Years Cruise to the Blue Iquana in Magnolia. There were about 500 cars at the cars and coffee, yours would have really set off our group here is a shot that Paul took with us all lined up

53911

Sam

[rickpaw]

Hi Sam,

Sorry I missed it too. Been looking forward to it ever since I moved here, especially I wanted to check out your car. Looks like you guys had a great time. My VHX gauge did not boot up as I was leaving for the cruise, and I did not want to drive 100 miles round trip without instrumentation. Turned out the gauge was booting up as I was starting the car, and the gauge did not get the min voltage required for it to run.

[geberhard]

Tu, catching up on your thread, excellent work and great ideas :) Getting teh 4 post tomorrow, and Lola (vert 68) shoudl be back this weekend , fingers crossed :D

[rickpaw]

Well, I'm kind of tired driving the car with a 3 spd auto, and 3.55 gears. Great around town, but once on the freeway, having the engine buzzing at 3200 rpm @ 70 mph is annoying, so I decided to install an O/V unit. After researching different options, I settled on the Gear Vendors, mainly of its strength, plus my T400 had been rebuilt and I want to keep it.

GV is kind of expensive new, so I've been watching ebay and CL for used units. Found one on ebay.

The day it arrived. It's an older unit, with a big sump (must have been for truck application). Supposedly rebuilt by the seller.
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It came without the rubber o-ring seal between the adapter and the T400 main housing. After calling GV, the o-ring is the extension seal for 4L80e transmission, which you can get at any GM dealer for around $4.30. GV wanted over $9 for it. Picture of GM part number in case anyone needs it.
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Pulled the tailshaft off the tranny.
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Adapter bolted in place
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Measuring for coupler shaft end play.
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Unit bolted in place.
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The entire process took about 2.5 hours, including jacking up the car, clean up the tranny fluid spill when I pulled the D/S, and put away the tools.

Got my drive shaft shortened at the local drivetrain shop and bolted in place

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[rickpaw]

It was nice today so I took the car out for a shake down run with the new GV unit. So far so good. 70 mph the rpm is around 2500. Lots better. I did not even feel the O/V kicked in.

[acegto]

Great work Tu. Have you noticed a difference in the roads in Houston? Would love to see the car around town sometime.

[CamaroJoe]

Beautiful firebird! That gear vendors overdrive looks great Im sure it will make a big difference, let us know how you like it...

[geberhard]

Tu greta to check out the bird progress, how is she with the GV setup?