Project Green Machine......GO GO GO

[AtomicFirebird]

Hello everyone,

My name is Corlas and I have been a member for a while, watching and commenting on others beautiful cars. I think it is my turn to do something about my firebird. I will be starting a very slow disassemble and an even slower rebuild of a 68 firebird. I have named it Green Machine, why you ask, well that's a good question. When I was a very young child, 33 yours ago. I had a three wheeler code named Green Machine. Here are some before shots.

[AtomicFirebird]

I started 8am this morning, while the kids were still asleep. I will be starting in the front and as I take parts off, I will repair and/or replace them depending on the funds.

[Draginutz]

Good luck to you. It looks like you are starting with a pretty clean ride.

[chunger]

Good luck on the project, it looks like you're starting out with a pretty clean ride - that will make many things MUCH easier when you get to them.

Keep us posted!

[T_Raven]

Nice. What are your plans for it?

[AtomicFirebird]

A plan, never thought about a plan. I just figured I would buy whatever is good at the time. I have a Pontiac motor and want to add a F.A.S.T EFI, So, that means OEM subframe. I wanted a Speedtech subframe but they do not make provisions for the Pontiac motor mounts. If the Pontiac motor dies, then I will become apart of The LS Family. After reading other threads, I see I have to have a plan. Let me think about it and get back to you.

[AtomicFirebird]

I already have Speedtech upper and lower control arms. Right stuff detailing brakes and lines. Covan Dash with comp gauges and pypes exhaust. Boss 338 Wheels and tires. Autowire electrical which is already installed. New inner and outer tie rods with speedtech tie rod connectors. D-port ram air exhaust. I have my Tremec 5 speed which was very nice to drive with, with a 3.42 rear. I have more stuff in the shed.

[AtomicFirebird]

My plan for this car is;
To not make a show car, I want chips and scratches, bring it on!!!!
To make a performance car, speed, handling and a plane old driver.
Some autocross, if available from the bottom of Florida.
Comfortable car to drive to some of the coolest car events; Power Tour, Turkey Run and Bandit Run. Ok, you can scratch the last one. It's a 68 Firebird.

[T_Raven]

Good plans lol. What engine does it have? XFI sounds good. I like to see Pontiac engines with EFI. I bought a DFI set up from a board member that I still need to install, either on my 455 or hopefully I'll build a 461 from a 400 block.

[AtomicFirebird]

It's a Pontiac 400 block. It was already in the car when I bought it 2 years ago. The previous owner didn't know anything about the car or the motor. This is not the original motor, it came out of a 73 Firebird.

[jy211]

Great name! I remember the original green machine as a kid!

[AtomicFirebird]

jy211 you have some sweet cars.

[AtomicFirebird]

T-Raven you have a lot of cars. I like!!!!!!

[AtomicFirebird]

jy211 you are from Dade County area, sweet.

[jy211]

Yeah, born and raised here LOL. But moved a tad north when I got married lol

[68firebird]

Sweet, another 68 firebird build!

[BirdsThaWord]

Corlas, you make me jeleous! I wish I had half the parts you've already got installed. Can't wait to see your build (I'll be eye balling it all the time). Wish you were a little closer so we could help each other out. If I'm down that way I'll have to look you up! BTW, you know I'm going to be copying you when I do mine, so I apologize in advance for all of the emails I'll be shooting you!!!

[AtomicFirebird]

When I 1st bought the car, it had a 400 motor, 3.42 gear (8.5 10 bolt rear) with a powerglide. Driving that car with 2 gears suuuuucccked. It screamed every where I went and I got 6 to 8 mpg. So, the first big purchase was the tremec 5 speed. After a very good friend of mine and I put it in, I got a magazine with a 57 vette on fire, on the side of the road. The article stated, this is why new wires for your classical car is important. That scared the Sh:t out of me. My goal at the time was to buy all the parts and drive it with the new parts added. I take my time picking what I think helps me at the time, according to funds. I take $100.00 a week and wait to buy what is needed. I can't afford to dump large amounts of money at one time, so I take my time to pick what I need.

[AtomicFirebird]

Tim, shoot those e-mails my way and copy away. You know if you need anything and if I can help, I will. You live in Orlando right? I go up with the family every once in a while, Disney of course. If I am getting ready to go up there next time, I will give you a heads up. Hopefully, when can meet and go by Prodigy Customs Shop.

[T_Raven]

T-Raven you have a lot of cars. I like!!!!!!

Yep I got a little carried away lol. But most were fairly cheap so I figured I'd buy them now and stash them for later rather than spending more for rustier cars later in life. I've over seas but when I get home I'll make them all at least drivable and then get crackin on my 67.

[AtomicFirebird]

Hey guy's,
Found some time this morning to take off the engine wire harness, inner and outter fenders, I think I bit off more than I can chew. There is way more rust and bondo than I thought. I did not want to buy new fenders because I have heard nothing but bad thing about reproduction parts. I have to remind myself, I will not give up, I will push on. Next step engine removal. Now I have to get a Engine Hoist and engine stand.

[BirdsThaWord]

Tim, shoot those e-mails my way and copy away. You know if you need anything and if I can help, I will. You live in Orlando right? I go up with the family every once in a while, Disney of course. If I am getting ready to go up there next time, I will give you a heads up. Hopefully, when can meet and go by Prodigy Customs Shop.

Oh yeah! I've been wanting to go to Prodigy. Probably only 20-30 mins from my house. Yes, please let me know when you're coming up here again. There's another shop on the way to theirs that I have stopped by. They also have some super slick & clean builds.

Sorry to hear about the rust & bondo. I'll rip into just about anything and can end up making it look at least decent, but I'm scared of trying the fit & finish stuff with bodywork & paint. I just don't trust my patience (or should I say lack of patience) with it.

I agree about the wiring. My brother had one burn to the ground over wiring and I've had a close call. Mine certainly needs rewiring too. Maybe some day!!!

[AtomicFirebird]

Hey everyone, I had some time to myself this morning, so I went into the garage and started taking more parts of the Firebird. The A/C unit and the power steering unit came out very easily. Damn, some of those parts are very heavy. Found lots of more rust in places I did not think of and less in places I thought there would be. Just in case any of you were wondering, I am taking the car apart in pieces, the front the rear and then the middle. At least that's my plan, I don't want to over do it and then not finish or give up. Here are some update pics. What you see 1st is the where the wiper motor goes and where the throttle cable coming out of the firewall. I think I'm going to change the name to Rust Machine.

[68firebird]

Its an old car, its bound to have rust, its the rot that sucks. Keep at it!!!! I'm at a standstill for a lil bit with mine, money holding me up. Friggan vacations getting in the way, LOL.

[AtomicFirebird]

Thanks for the pep talk. Seeing rust and rot on the car, only slows my mission. But I will keep at it. That's for checking in on The build. "Friggan vacation getting in the way", now that's funny!

[BirdsThaWord]

Uh oh! I see a super slick firewall in your future!!! At least you are attacking it and making it happen. God will never give us more rust than we can actually handle!!!

[AtomicFirebird]

Hey Tim, how have you been. How is the look for a new motor going?

[AtomicFirebird]

Engine is getting a cleaning and some new parts soon

[AtomicFirebird]

Next week the kids are back in school and I am back in the garage. The Bird will get lots of attention after Wednesday.

[AtomicFirebird]

I hear of tales of life getting in the way. I was one of those tales. Anyway, I'm back in black and ready to go. It was some time this month when I decided to take the car down to nothing. I'm not sure it was a good idea, but what's done is done. Made a cool rolling stand for my car. If I can find a place down here that does good media blasting, I can move forward with sheet metal replacement.

[AtomicFirebird]

I found time to clean and paint the 400 motor. It ran really strong before I took it out, so for now the motor will remain untouched.

[BirdsThaWord]

Hey Corlas! Sorry, but the other day I found out that I had my old email and was not receiving notices of new postings, so I'm just now seeing your last few posts. I'm lovin your motor! I certainly would not be ashamed of it. Came out fantastic if you ask me.
I got the itch (the "while I'm at it's") when I started pulling the motor, so my car doesn't look far off from yours now. Front is completely off down to the sub frame. It was actually fun tearing it down. This weekend the wifey is lettin me get some stuff from harbor freight, so I can get more done (hoist, compressor, air grinder, etc.). I'm going to go in a whole different direction than I thought before. Old plan was to just keep it as it was basically and just keep it on the road. Now I'm thinking full pro touring (have I gone nuts?). So...engine will be a while.
Looks like you got nice brakes and stuff for your rear too?
You and I were talking about going to Prodigy. I went by there and man did they have some nice cars there!!! Now they've moved and their shop is up in Sanford, maybe 30 or so mins from where I live. Supposedly it's a much bigger and nicer shop.

[AtomicFirebird]

How's it going, I think you should do it, go full pro touring. I am going semi-pro touring if there is such a thing. I have everything, AAW, Speed tech upper and lower control arms. Brakes with new lines, gas tank, interior, wheels, trans, motor and rear end. I just need to get new metal on the car, paint and body work. I have most of July and August off. I am really going to bust tall and try to make the Hot Rod Power Tour. If I do make it, cross my fingers, I will only go to Tennessee.

It's good to hear from you, I have not made it to Orlando in a while. However, on the 28th and 29th, I will be with the family and they want to see Disney not cars. I need to train them better. I wanted to go and check out Prodigy with you, but the wife could not see me going up there to check out cars. I will have to make a deal with her. She likes Disney, it ok for me, I do it for the kids. Maybe i can make it one day that weekend.

[AtomicFirebird]

Never mind Power Tour for this year, it starts June 4th in Coco Beach. I will never make that. Man I have to pay closer attention. The next time it starts in Florida I am in!!! Turkey Run here I come!!

[BirdsThaWord]

Sounds like you have the expensive stuff already. Amazing how cheap the sheet metal can be bought for these days! I completely understand about the family and Disney. I couldn't ever see facing your wife (if we met) after tearing you away from quality family time "just to look at those old cars" (LOL!). Maybe it'll happen one day though. Maybe when we both get our cars back out into the daylight! That would be cool! How often do you see a '68 'Bird driving around, let alone two?

[AtomicFirebird]

That would be cool. That is something we will have to make happen. I have to add another thing to the bucket list.

[AtomicFirebird]

It's a small update. I had the car media blasted. They company picked up the car and dropped it off after blasting. Pics of before and after.

[AtomicFirebird]

After blasting found rust in the typical spots

[AtomicFirebird]

Old hood under construction,

[66larkgs]

i love that scoop!!! that is going to look Mean.. Did you hand fab that or buy that from a company?

[AtomicFirebird]

5509455093
Sorry it took so long to answer. It's my 350 hood. I had Dave at FabX hand make the hood scoop. I got it back the other day.

[Pontiac_Matt]

I like how you didn't go with the norm. Cant' wait to see how the hood looks on the car.

Matt

[AtomicFirebird]

Thanks

[LeighP]

I like what you've done with the hood...like a Vette Stinger scoop. :)

[CliffS]

VetteBird, love the hood. One of a kind!!

[AtomicFirebird]

I felt It would be better than fiberglass and would last longer.

[LV42DAY]

i love that scoop!!! that is going to look Mean.. Did you hand fab that or buy that from a company?

i was thinking the exact same thing.

[AtomicFirebird]

I never stopped working on the car, I just stopped posting.

[AtomicFirebird]

Now I understand why it takes so long and cost so much

[Gil]

Hey Corlas,
Keep pluggin away, this is worth the money !
nice work done already
Gil

[AtomicFirebird]

old update

[AtomicFirebird]

Thanks Gil

[lucky13firebird]

thats a lot of rust, and in the oddest of places... keep plugging away man.

[68400BIRD]

Keep plugging away and keep us updated with pics. I replaced a lot of metal on my car so if I can help walk you through something let me know. You can learn from my mistakes. LOL
You have a lot of nice parts for the car. All you have to do is get it solid again.

[AtomicFirebird]

Thank you guys for the pep talk. Somedays I need the motivation. 68400BIRD, I will take you up on that if needed.

[cutlassmann]

This is what's going in my 1972 cutlass

[AtomicFirebird]

I had a 74 olds supreme, when I was in my 20. I loved that car. My friend called it the beast.

[AtomicFirebird]

Pontiac 400 matched & ported #16 heads w/ TKO 500. That's what I'm using.

[AtomicFirebird]

Profile pic

[AtomicFirebird]

Well, lets see how long this last. I am back at it. Ugh, life really gets in the way a lot. Filling in the holes on the firewall. 119716

[AtomicFirebird]

next is eastwood rust encapsulator on top and underside
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/11/9341AB12EF9A4428904D9FD1A4BD4AAA_zpsqbri-1.jpg

[chiva]

Any updates?

[AtomicFirebird]

A lot of work has been completed on the car. I get discouraged with posting pictures after seeing a lot of the high dollar builds. I have a lot of new sheet metal in primer. I need to mock up a lot of stuff before I send out to paint jail.

[AtomicFirebird]

I had more money than time, so I dropped off the car at a local shop.
The car was at the shop having panels replaced and mini-tubes installed.
Ridetech 4 link installed to a 9 in
Bottom of car is sprayed with undercoating
The car is back home to test fit the motor and trans.
dyno mat, complete wiring and spray the truck.
Car back at the house

[AtomicFirebird]

159845

[AtomicFirebird]

I am thrilled with the Pontiac engine build. However, for the same amount of money, I could have bought a new LS7 from chevy performance.

[AtomicFirebird]

159846159847

[AtomicFirebird]

I can not complain because on the Dyno the engine generates 480trq at 4100 rpms and 380hp at 5500.

[AtomicFirebird]

ordering coilovers sometime this week

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Waiting on Detriot Speed to make their own steering box.

[Project Bike Truck]

A lot of work has been completed on the car. I get discouraged with posting pictures after seeing a lot of the high dollar builds. I have a lot of new sheet metal in primer. I need to mock up a lot of stuff before I send out to paint jail.

That is the hard part of building cars. I often find that my level of the build cannot compare to some of these guys. I just put my head down and do the best I can.

[chiva]

Honestly, I prefer looking at the garage builds as that what mine is. A garage build is attainable for me. The super pro builds are nice, but not something I could ever afford so they don’t excite me like a good garage build does. This firebird is really coming together. I’m excited to see it up and running!

[AtomicFirebird]

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205232

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205233

[AtomicFirebird]

All I have to do is the front & rear glass, then interior and some odds and ends.

[chunger]

Car looks great - very clean! I might have missed it - did you do a color change?

[AtomicFirebird]

Car looks great - very clean! I might have missed it - did you do a color change?

Yes, I could not make up my mind with so many different greens. It became too hard to pick a green. So, I picked single stage bright white with 4 clear coats. I love the way it turned out.

[thumper877]

How come you didn't use the hood you had fabricated?

[AtomicFirebird]

How come you didn't use the hood you had fabricated?


That is a great question. The sheet mental guy expressed his dislike of the hood. And that is not the hood I should use for my Firebird. H wanted me to use the 400 hood because it looked more like a Firebird. So I changed my mind and went with the Trans Am hood. I placed the that hood in storage.

[68400BIRD]

Your car looks great. Glad to see you stick with the Pontiac motor. Like mentioned before I would rather see a garage built car and an original motor under the hood.

[gto406]

Car looks totally awesome, and real deal Pontiac! [emoji4][emoji106].

Hope you will be out enjoying it soon.

[AtomicFirebird]

The sandable glass I received has cracked already. No one has good instructions on how to sand laminated glass. I followed one guy on YouTube and it destroyed the ends and caused the crack. Now I am to afraid to touch the front glass now. I cannot find anyone willing to sand and fit the glass. I need to find the right sanding paper and right tool to complete the job.

[AtomicFirebird]

Your car looks great. Glad to see you stick with the Pontiac motor. Like mentioned before I would rather see a garage built car and an original motor under the hood.


Thank you. I love the looks and sounds of the Pontiac motor. Not an engine builder, so I had to pay someone to rebuild the engine. It cost me more than the paint job. Whatever the case, I don't regret a thing.

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Car looks totally awesome, and real deal Pontiac! [emoji4][emoji106].

Hope you will be out enjoying it soon.

Thank you, unless I can find a glass guy soon, she might sit until I figure out how too shape the glass without damaging the front glass.

[thumper877]

I worked in the glass business for 40 years. You need to use a upright belt sander that has a water sprayer on it. The reason the glass is cracking is due to the heat from the sander. U could even backyard do it with a belt sander and someone holding a hose. I should clarify. This is only good if u want to remove small areas. If u want to take off large amounts I wouldn't try to sand that much. U probably will not find any glass company do this because of the risk of cracking.

Ron

[AtomicFirebird]

I worked in the glass business for 40 years. You need to use a upright belt sander that has a water sprayer on it. The reason the glass is cracking is due to the heat from the sander. U could even backyard do it with a belt sander and someone holding a hose. I should clarify. This is only good if u want to remove small areas. If u want to take off large amounts I wouldn't try to sand that much. U probably will not find any glass company do this because of the risk of cracking.

Ron


Thank you!!!
That is great information.