79 Firebird Project TigerHawk

[bhcustomdesigns]

48657486604865948658I posted afew pics of this car back several months ago when I joined the forum,I spend so much time building everybody elses car I dont have time for my own but I finally had a chance to get it in the shop the other day to start to dissasemble it.I am going to keep the overall look of this car very clean its goin to have several changes but they are going to be subtle.I am switching out the front end with a 70 front bumper and hood That I bought,also changing out the back glass to match.I have a 400 in the shop but cant decide if I am going with it or a ls swap:hmm:and of course its getting a complete suspension upgrade I plan on this car seeing alot of track time when finished.

[bhcustomdesigns]

I will post more pics as the build progresses previous pics didnt layout as expected

[bhcustomdesigns]

I finally got a chance to get back on the firebird again removed the doors and windshield all the interior and dash,also took out the winshield.I hope to have it stripped down to the body haul by the end of the week so I can get the body blasted ,see what I am up against on the rust I know I already have to replace the front floors and the trunk floor.I made up my mind on the engine decided to go with a ls so now Im on the hunt for a good ls engine guess the 400 I have will have to wait for another project or I might sell it.I am goin to put a 70-73 front end on this car along with a back glass to match anyone have any suggestions on a good company to get a 70-73 front bumper from the carbon fiber from anvil is cool but thats not in my price range at the time.

[LeighP]

Ouch...typical floors. At least you can buy the panels.

[bhcustomdesigns]

Updates are few and far between on this project things will change in a few weeks,getting everything caught up at work so I can go back to workin 8 hour days instead of 12.That will give me more free time to get goin on this car.I did get the subframe dropped out started grinding down the firewall,getting it ready to smooth in,there is more rust on this car than I expected but thats the way it goes.Here is a couple of pics of where the car stands now also my new bfgoodrich tires I won!!!! that saved me some cash lol.

[camloops11]

Are you going to get renderings for it? Awesome project!

[Torquedork]

Good luck with the project.

With the shape it was in, it look vaguely familiar!!!

[bhcustomdesigns]

I had a chance to work on the firewall today,finished grinding everything down and cut out the areas that was going to be replaced.Also made a patch panel and spot welded it in,I still have to go back and finish welding it all up solid and there is a couple other holes on the firewall I am goin to smooth in before its finished.

[bhcustomdesigns]

Are you going to get renderings for it? Awesome project!
I have plans for a rendering just havent taken the time to get it done yet.

[WS6]

Sweet! Another late 2nd gen. Good luck with it. I like the plans you have for the car.

[bhcustomdesigns]

I havent had a chance to get much done in the last week,I did get the rest of the holes patched on the firewall and everything welded up tight.I will be starting on the floors this weekend.I know its going to be awhile before this thing is ready for paint and Ive been racking my brain on colors and the wheels I will be running,I like the rushforth night trains but not sure.Anyone have any ideas on paint colors and wheels combination chime in I am up for suggestions,once I get that figured out I will have a rendering done here is a couple pics of the firewall all welded up.

[bhcustomdesigns]

I started the minitub today took all my measurements and cut out the drivers tub,I will be making my tubs here is afew pics with the 335 18s mocked up this will be the ride height.I already have the drivers tub made I will post more pics once I get it welded in.

[CruizinKev]

looks cool so far! can't wait to see more!! :twothumbs

[LeighP]

Roll or trim back those wide lips on the outer fender edges.....ask me how I know what they do to wide tyres under load on corners.....hmmmm.
Work is looking good.
1978 Trans Am Martinique Blue is a pretty awesome colour if you like blues. would work nicely with a charcoal wheel centre with titanium finish rims.

[10Aniv]

Yes that blue is a nice color. A nice grey eagle to match the wheels would look bad ass! So Lawrence county, you are close to youngs town correct? I am in Canfield OH and restoring a 79 TA as well

[bhcustomdesigns]

Well its been awhile since I last posted I have been going over different rear suspension ideas and finally decided to build my own 4 link,its gonna be alot like dse quadralink I am gonna have pockets in the floor under the rear seat for the upper bars to mount and the lower bars will bolt in the orginial leafspring mounts with offset ends.My 4 link bars with the ends and threaded bungs I ordered came in yesterday.I did get the left wheel tub spot welded back in today,I ordered a new mig welder a couple days ago so I am going to wait for it to be delivered before I final weld everything my old mig is on its last leg.I ended up useing the originial wheel tubs and just cutting them out and adding metal to them and welding them back in,I added 4 inches to the tubs so I have plenty of room around the 335s.Here is afew pics of the wheel tubs and 4 link bars.

[LeighP]

Nice. looks like lots of room for you now.

[bhcustomdesigns]

Roll or trim back those wide lips on the outer fender edges.....ask me how I know what they do to wide tyres under load on corners.....hmmmm.
Work is looking good.
1978 Trans Am Martinique Blue is a pretty awesome colour if you like blues. would work nicely with a charcoal wheel centre with titanium finish rims.

I am going to trim off the wheel lips and weld in a piece of 1/4 inch round bar so it will be nice and smooth,no sharp edges

[dusterbd13]

my suggestions on color. feel free to ignore.

black.
with a black interior.
black wheels.
blacked out trim.
dark tinted windows.
no emblems, graphics, etc.
nothing but pure lines as pontiac engineered them. only in all black.
and id also use a 75 formula 400 front clip.

(by the way, i just described my dream 2nd gen)

michael

[bhcustomdesigns]

my suggestions on color. feel free to ignore.

black.
with a black interior.
black wheels.
blacked out trim.
dark tinted windows.
no emblems, graphics, etc.
nothing but pure lines as pontiac engineered them. only in all black.
and id also use a 75 formula 400 front clip.

(by the way, i just described my dream 2nd gen)

michael
I have actually been considering doing it in all black, color choice has always been the hardest thing for me on a build but black is definetly on the table

[LeighP]

lol...colour choice is soooo hard....I've spent the last 18 months going all over on colours. My 71 bird is i nthe shop now...and I've settled on a nice deep green metallic.

[shepherd1]

I was actually thinking off painting my car white with the graphics all done in green. I have never seen one with the same combo. Also thinking of O.D. green to go with the name of mine of Warbird. I live just south of Toledo,Oh, would be nice maybe to make a day and come see yours in person if you didn't care. I like seeing things up close to get a better perspective on them.

[bhcustomdesigns]

I was actually thinking off painting my car white with the graphics all done in green. I have never seen one with the same combo. Also thinking of O.D. green to go with the name of mine of Warbird. I live just south of Toledo,Oh, would be nice maybe to make a day and come see yours in person if you didn't care. I like seeing things up close to get a better perspective on them.

Yeah that would be great your welcome to come by anytime I live in Ironton Ohio its located on the Ohio river on the southern tip of the state I would like to check your project out as well sometime.Maybe we can meet up sometime and go to a autocross event.

[bhcustomdesigns]

Well its been awhile since I last updated anything,between work and the holidays I have not had any time to get any work done on the car.I did get a chance today to get some work done,I finished welding up the rear wheel tubs and removed the section of floor under the rear seat area made some new panels to go back in,I am raising that area of floor up around 2.5 inches cause that is where my mufflers will be mounted under the car,this will allow me extra room to tuck them up further under the car to allow more ground clearance.I hope to get the rear floor pans welded in this week so I can get started on the trunk floor next,I am running a fuel cell in this car so there will be some modifications done in the trunk area to make that fit as planned.Here is a couple pics of the tubs and the rear floors the floors still have to be welded in.

[surreyboy]

Nice project!

[MonzaRacer]

I was wondering after seeing the front end and engine and did it have a Buick V6? If so whay not build up a nice Grand national V6 OR find an older Buick 350 or 455 and do a turbo version of the same engine but V8. Something different. Or give me a shout I could build you a killer Pontiac! I love old Pontiac iron, make mucho torque and then apply for a BFG credit card!

[bhcustomdesigns]

Yeah it had a 3.8 v6 in it,the engine only has 59,000 actual miles on it the car ran great before I pulled the engine,I thought about looking for a buick body to put that engine in and build me a grand national clone.I have a 400 sittin in the garage I originally planned on putting in this car but I also have a ls1 sittin there so I am kinda torn between the 2 lol.The 400 needs rebuilt and the ls engine dont,if I go with the ls engine I will be selling the 400 and put the money towards the build.

[LeighP]

Nice idea raising the floor for the mufflers......just in case, you may want to think about either running some swages in an X over those panels, or maybe stich welded some tube or box section across them. Flat panels have an annoying habit of resonating, and those will be right over your mufflers.
Just a thought.

Nice work...I wish I could tub my car and go for some trick rear end gear, but it makes registering the car a lot more of a hassle here when it's modified like that.

[bhcustomdesigns]

Nice idea raising the floor for the mufflers......just in case, you may want to think about either running some swages in an X over those panels, or maybe stich welded some tube or box section across them. Flat panels have an annoying habit of resonating, and those will be right over your mufflers.
Just a thought.

Nice work...I wish I could tub my car and go for some trick rear end gear, but it makes registering the car a lot more of a hassle here when it's modified like that.

Yeah thats a good idea,I am thinking about spot welding some 1 inch flat bar on the top of the pans and box it underneath around the muffler.Wished I had a bead roller,it would make the panels look better.

[LeighP]

That'd probably work OK... I'd love to have a big workshop with all those cool tools like a bead roller and power guillitine etc, the sort of stuff you only use once in a blue moon, lol.

[bhcustomdesigns]

Well I had some time to get alittle work done on the trans am today,before I weld in the rear floors I cut out a section of floor to install a 2x4 steel crossmember with driveshaft loop.I mocked up the crossmember today I still have to install the driveshaft loop and figure out exactly where my exhaust pipes will be located so I can cut and sleeve the crossmember for the pipes to pass thru.After I get all that installed then I am going to sand blast all of this rust inside the car and the framerails then I will go ahead and weld in the raised rear floor sections I made,seen in the previous photos.I still have to run the rear floor sections thru the bead roller,I decided to brake down and buy one the other day,being that I will be making most of my panels it will help with the finished product.

[gator1505]

Nice looking build. Have you thought on what wheels you're gonna go with.....I think the modernized honeycomb and snowflakes would look killer on it.......I'm not to far from where you live I'm in Zanesville

[bhcustomdesigns]

Nice looking build. Have you thought on what wheels you're gonna go with.....I think the modernized honeycomb and snowflakes would look killer on it.......I'm not to far from where you live I'm in Zanesville

Thanks,I am still trying to decide on the wheels the 17" honeycombs and the 18" snowflakes do look good.I already have a new set of bfg kdw 18" tires that I won from a drawing here on protouring,so I will be going with a 18" wheel.Your located in zanesville thats not that far away from Ironton.

[bhcustomdesigns]

A few weeks ago Tim Strange from the tv show Search and Restore contacted me and wanted to know if I would be on the build team for the first show of season 2.So in 2 weeks I am going down to RTM productions in Nashville to help with the build for season 2 of Search and Restore.The next month or so is going to be a busy one not going to have much time to work on my trans am,I did get some time today to cut out the area on the top of the dash were the speaker grille was and smoothed it in,looks alot cleaner now.Here is a couple pics.

[bhcustomdesigns]

After looking at several different wheels I am thinking of just going with these wheels in a 18",the color on the car is going to be stimulus blue but it really looks grey when its on the car,the Ring brothers did one of there mustangs in this color.

[bhcustomdesigns]

Well I had a change of plans on the build instead of going with the stock rear frame rails and frame connectors I decided to go with a full frame.I have been thinking about this for acouple months now I also drew up the plans for a really cool frame that I am going to build for the car,I am going to build the back haf in the car then the front half.I went ahead and braced up everything and removed the complete back half section of the car today,still have to get all the edges cleaned up then I will start building the rear frame section,here is a few pics.

[craigs73]

gonna be a sweet ride

[bhcustomdesigns]

gonna be a sweet ride
Im never going to get it finished if I dont stop changing things during the build LOL!

[craigs73]

hopefully i see it in person one day

[bhcustomdesigns]

I plan on taking it to several events when its finished.

[LeighP]

lol....changes always suck up time and money. Going to be very cool though, I want to see what you dream up for the back half of the car. Cool!

[ryeguy2006a]

Very cool. I will like seeing a 2nd gen with a full frame.

[bhcustomdesigns]

I went to the shop today and worked on the car a little bit,the tail panel had alot of rust around the area where the rear bumper mounts so I cut all the rust out.I am doing a custom rear valance with a center exit exhaust so I have to take that into consideration when I make the new tail panel,after that is repaired I will start on the frame,here is a couple pics I took today.

[bhcustomdesigns]

Today I went to the shop to work on the trans am,I didnt have enough sheetmetal to work on the tail panel and my metal supplier is closed on saturdays so I made a panel to smooth in the top of the cowl.I am doing away with the cowl screens,the top of the cowl will be smooth with 2 flush mount access panels to get to the wiper arms if needed.I still have to weld the panel in and cut out the access panels here is a couple pics.

[LeighP]

Nice and clean.....are you not planning on a fresh air supply for the interior?

[bhcustomdesigns]

Nice and clean.....are you not planning on a fresh air supply for the interior?

I am doing away with the fresh air vents in the kick panels to house speakers,I have a vintage air system to go in the car for those hot days.

[bhcustomdesigns]

Here is a rendering I did of the rear of the trans am,this is one of the ideas I had for the center exit exhaust and spoiler.

[LeighP]

Picture is cut off a bit, but I get the idea of where you're going.
I thought on a more modified project than mine, I'd like to move to a tank behind the rear seat bulkhead, then use the old tank area for mufflers and run centre exhaust outlets.

[bhcustomdesigns]

Picture is cut off a bit, but I get the idea of where you're going.
I thought on a more modified project than mine, I'd like to move to a tank behind the rear seat bulkhead, then use the old tank area for mufflers and run centre exhaust outlets.

Moving the tank would be a good idea,I am running a fuel cell in mine which will allow me the room for the center exit exhaust.Your car is looking great Leigh love that color green!

[LeighP]

Thanks. I just didn't have the time or money to really want to play with the fuel tank position....but there are a few cars that have tanks in that position that I could borrow a tank from....and go for a nice sail panel mounted flip filler.
Maybe something to think about when I'm bored in a few years, lol.

[GM_muscle]

any more updates on this car>

[bhcustomdesigns]

any more updates on this car>

No the car is still sitting like it is,I expanded my business now I am doing 3 times the work load with the same man power,which is a good thing just no extra time for my projects.I see a window coming up here in afew weeks so I will be getting back on it,hopefully I can stay on it till I get it back to a rolling chassis,staytuned for updates they are coming!

[bhcustomdesigns]

Well its been awhile since I have posted any updates work and family has been keeping me busy,but its time for me to get back on this project and get some work done.My new frame rails I ordered came in so today I mocked everything up to see how they are going to fit,I still have alot of little things I need to do before I weld the rails in the car.My goal is to get the back half all welded up and in the car this coming week so I will post more updates soon.Here is a few pics of the frame rails mocked up.

[LeighP]

Good to see some work still going on. Sometimes mine slows to a crawl with all the family drawing on my time.

[bhcustomdesigns]

Well I had some time today to get alittle more work done on the firebird,I lined the frame rails out and spot welded them in.I still have to do some metal work on the rear tail panel then I can start installing the 4link.Everything is just spot welded now I still have to go back and weld everything solid,my goal is to have the 4link installed by this weekend.

[bhcustomdesigns]

I have been working on the firebird for the last few weeks,I finished making all the pieces for the back half frame installed the subframe and x measured everything to make sure its squared.Yesterday I cut and removed some more of the floor area so I can tie the rear frame to the front subframe,I was going to go ahead and install the 4 link but I decided to finish all the frame work first so I can get the car set at ride height to build the 4 link.https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif[/IMG]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif[/IMG]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif[/IMG] Here is another car I have been building also protouring 59 ford ranchero https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif[/IMG]

[cdoggy81]

Looks like it will be one nice ride!

[bhcustomdesigns]

Well I finished up installing the frame connectors last week,the 4 link installation is on hold until I get my 9 inch rearend here in the next week or 2.I decided to relocate the wiper motor to clean up the firewall alittle more.66693 This car is going to have flush mount glass,so I took some flat bar and 18 gauge sheetmetal and reworked the front windshield channel.After I welded that all up I went ahead and spread a coat of mud around the channel,the windshield is just sitting in there to check the fit still have some more work to do to clean it up and tighten the fit.https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/HPIM1812_zps3c0d8b6c-1.jpg

[Chadman27]

Lookin good!

[bhcustomdesigns]

Lookin good!

Thanks.

[bhcustomdesigns]

I got alittle more work done on the firebird today,I was going to order some billet vents for the door jambs but I decided to fab something up myself to replace the original plastic vents.I still have some more work to do before they are finished.https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/HPIM1831-1.jpg

[srh3trinity]

I am not sure why I never commented on the rendering of the rear bumper treatment. I had a rendering done with a similar concept, but unless I go with a fuel cell, I can't think of a way to route the exhaust to have a center exit.

[bhcustomdesigns]

I am not sure why I never commented on the rendering of the rear bumper treatment. I had a rendering done with a similar concept, but unless I go with a fuel cell, I can't think of a way to route the exhaust to have a center exit.

I had the same problem,I thought about it for along time finally decided I would just go with a fuel cell.

[bhcustomdesigns]

I worked on the transmission tunnel this weekend,I set a engine block and trans in the car to get some measurements.I plan on getting the tunnel made this week. https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/HPIM1848-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/HPIM1850-1.jpg

[bhcustomdesigns]

Getting alittle closer to finishing the frame,I still have to do the trans crossmember driveshaft loop and exhaust pass thru.https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/HPIM1882-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/HPIM1884-1.jpg

[LeighP]

I am not sure why I never commented on the rendering of the rear bumper treatment. I had a rendering done with a similar concept, but unless I go with a fuel cell, I can't think of a way to route the exhaust to have a center exit.

I had the idea to use a factory tank from something that mounted vertically behind the seat / under the parcel tray......only downside is putting weight above the roll centre - which a fuel cell would do anyway. At least a vertical tank would give more trunk room and give plenty of under floor area for some Vette style mufflers and centre outlets. Add a quarter panel mounted flip open filler, or modify the trunk lid so a filler/mount with drain sat through the trunk skin. didn't do it on my 71.....maybe next build. :)
I actually set up the tank system in my 34 Ford Roadster this way.....tank right behind the seats. Worked very well.

[bhcustomdesigns]

I had the idea to use a factory tank from something that mounted vertically behind the seat / under the parcel tray......only downside is putting weight above the roll centre - which a fuel cell would do anyway. At least a vertical tank would give more trunk room and give plenty of under floor area for some Vette style mufflers and centre outlets. Add a quarter panel mounted flip open filler, or modify the trunk lid so a filler/mount with drain sat through the trunk skin. didn't do it on my 71.....maybe next build. :)
I actually set up the tank system in my 34 Ford Roadster this way.....tank right behind the seats. Worked very well.

Thats a good idea on the fuel tank,I am going to do a flip open fuel filler on the quarter panel.

[jlcustomz]

I think your door jamb vent idea should look cool when done, I always like to come up with something(hopefully) no one else has done , which is no easy task these days.

Small details keep em looking at your work.

[bhcustomdesigns]

I think your door jamb vent idea should look cool when done, I always like to come up with something(hopefully) no one else has done , which is no easy task these days.

Small details keep em looking at your work.

Thanks,I finally got them welded in the other day I believe they will look good when done.

[WS6]

I can't tell from your pictures but some of these cars had a problem with the door jam area stamping. Basically, in the curve as the jam comes up off the rocker and into the vertical, the metal would fold over and not be smooth right through there. Cutting that area out and replacing it with a smooth piece of metal is something else you can do if your car happens to suffer from that flaw. I can't remember if my car has that problem because I haven't seen my car in nearly a year but I plan to fix that are as well if necessary. Just a thought.

Keep up the good work.

[bhcustomdesigns]

I can't tell from your pictures but some of these cars had a problem with the door jam area stamping. Basically, in the curve as the jam comes up off the rocker and into the vertical, the metal would fold over and not be smooth right through there. Cutting that area out and replacing it with a smooth piece of metal is something else you can do if your car happens to suffer from that flaw. I can't remember if my car has that problem because I haven't seen my car in nearly a year but I plan to fix that are as well if necessary. Just a thought.

Keep up the good work.

Yeah mine has that problem to,I am going to cut it out and replace it.

[ryeguy2006a]

Would you mind posting some more pictures of how you relocated the wiper motor? I want to do something similar.

[bhcustomdesigns]

Would you mind posting some more pictures of how you relocated the wiper motor? I want to do something similar.

What I done was cut out the section of firewall where it was originally mounted and relocated it to the driver side cowl corner then I just extended the shaft that drives the wipers so it would reach the new location.I will take some pictures of it tomorrow and post them so you can get a better look at it.

[ryeguy2006a]

Very slick, I really like that idea. I look forward to seeing some more detailed pictures.

[bhcustomdesigns]

Here is a couple more pics of the location of the wiper motor,I just cut out the old area of firewall where it was located originally and welded it back in on the cowl corner.I havent extended the rod that drives the wipers yet,but there is plenty of room inside of the cowl for the rod to reach the new location and operate. https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/HPIM1908-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/HPIM1910-1.jpg

[ryeguy2006a]

Very clean. I like that, such a great idea. Thank you for adding the pictures. I am going to attempt the same thing, but using a 99 Z28 wiper motor, and try to put delay wipers in my car. We will see how that goes.

[bhcustomdesigns]

I installed the inner frame rails today tomorrow I am going to get the drivesaft loop finished.https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/HPIM1916-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/HPIM1917-1.jpg

[bhcustomdesigns]

I got the floor pans made,I still have to run them thru the bead roller and finish the tunnels for the exhaust system and the transmission.https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/HPIM1972-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/HPIM1974-1.jpg

[LeighP]

Looks like you'll pick up some headroom....those floors are quite a bit lower than stock. :)

[Olav]

Thats a good idea on the fuel tank,I am going to do a flip open fuel filler on the quarter panel.

I looked int that for my Camaro. A fueltank for Opel manta GSI or GTE will fit perfect in that location. Opel is also GM :-) . The filler neck on top need to be cut 10cm or 4" from the tank an rerouted to the q-panel- The tank is mounted behind the rear seat on the Opel so it have the fuel sender in proper position and it have nice mounting flange to the body. For thoserunning EFI the pump will be gravity feed without placing it to low on the frameraills or floor.
The only issue is the weight added above rear axle. approx 50kg/ 100lbs. That is the only reason fornot doing this, The package room it takes up is minimal of the space we use.

Olav

[bhcustomdesigns]

Looks like you'll pick up some headroom....those floors are quite a bit lower than stock. :)

Yeah I picked up alittle room by leveling out the floors.

[bhcustomdesigns]

I looked int that for my Camaro. A fueltank for Opel manta GSI or GTE will fit perfect in that location. Opel is also GM :-) . The filler neck on top need to be cut 10cm or 4" from the tank an rerouted to the q-panel- The tank is mounted behind the rear seat on the Opel so it have the fuel sender in proper position and it have nice mounting flange to the body. For thoserunning EFI the pump will be gravity feed without placing it to low on the frameraills or floor.
The only issue is the weight added above rear axle. approx 50kg/ 100lbs. That is the only reason fornot doing this, The package room it takes up is minimal of the space we use.

Olav

I will have to check into that,thanks for the info.

[bhcustomdesigns]

I got both tunnels for the exhaust pipe to pass thru mocked up in the car today,now I just have to come off those and finish making the trans tunnel.https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/HPIM1989-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/HPIM1990-1.jpg

[bhcustomdesigns]

I finished making the transmission tunnel today,now all I have to do is run the floor pans thru the bead roller then I can weld everything in the car.https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/HPIM2037-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/HPIM2042-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/HPIM2041-1.jpg

[Chadman27]

Lookin good my friend!

[bhcustomdesigns]

Lookin good my friend!

Thanks!

[srh3trinity]

Very nice. I wonder how much head room you will pick up. I am 6'4" and I am going to have to be choosy when it comes to a seat in my Firebird.

[LeighP]

THAT is one tall tunnel! :)

I'm 6'3", with normal 2nd gen seats my head used to be touching the roof lining. I have mid 80's Corvette seats in my 71 mounted to the original sliders....I picked up an extra 1" + of head room so now I'm not touching the roof liner at all....very nice.

[bhcustomdesigns]

THAT is one tall tunnel! :)

I'm 6'3", with normal 2nd gen seats my head used to be touching the roof lining. I have mid 80's Corvette seats in my 71 mounted to the original sliders....I picked up an extra 1" + of head room so now I'm not touching the roof liner at all....very nice.

Yeah the tunnel is tall,where I built a fullframe under the car the body is channeled down over the frame so I can get the car lower.Plus lowering the floor pans made the transmission sit higher in the car,and I wanted some clearance to.I still need to figure out what seats I am going to use.

[bhcustomdesigns]

Very nice. I wonder how much head room you will pick up. I am 6'4" and I am going to have to be choosy when it comes to a seat in my Firebird.

I picked up a little room but not much maybe a 1 inch,I still need to figure out what seats I am going to use.

[bhcustomdesigns]

I finished a couple patches in the floor today https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/HPIM2046-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/HPIM2050-1.jpg

[Daren]

Looks like you could run 4th gen power seat brackets as well.

[LeighP]

2004+ GTO seats are nice.

[Angelo]

Albert at Carbon Customs out of Toronto. You may have seen his car at Sema. He has just about the whole car available in carbon fiber. Saw it with my own eyes-inner fenders / fenders / doors/ nose/ hood/ tail light panel/ trunk lid and probably more. hope that helps. His link is on my thread

[Angelo]

Correction -its Carbon Kustoms Limited in Toronto

[bhcustomdesigns]

Albert at Carbon Customs out of Toronto. You may have seen his car at Sema. He has just about the whole car available in carbon fiber. Saw it with my own eyes-inner fenders / fenders / doors/ nose/ hood/ tail light panel/ trunk lid and probably more. hope that helps. His link is on my thread

Albert has some really nice cars,his carbon fiber parts are top quality pieces.

[bhcustomdesigns]

I havent had much time lately to work on the firebird,but I did get some time over the weekend to build these A pillar mouldings.It will be awhile before they go in the car but atleast they will be ready.https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/HPIM2191_zpsef91fdc5-1.jpg

[bhcustomdesigns]

I started on the rearend and 4 link over the weekend,I had a 9 inch rearend to go in the car but ended up using it on another build.So I tore down the 10 bolt and went thrue it,now I am getting everything mocked up.https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/HPIM2208_zps9376cec9-1.jpgf.jpg[/IMGhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/HPIM2210_zpsb48561bf-1.jpg

[bhcustomdesigns]

Made alittle more progress,the lower 4 link bars are installed still have to fab up some mounts before I install the upper bars.https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif[/IMG]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif[/IMG]

[bhcustomdesigns]

I know its been awhile since I posted any updates havent had much extra time the last couple months to work on the car,I hope to get back on it some this month.I did start to mock up the engine today so I can get the firewall finished up,I also ordered my motor mounts today so I will have to wait for them to get here before anything gets bolted up.My main things I want to focus on getting finished next is getting the engine bolted in and set back where I want it so I can finish building the firewall,getting the upper bar mounts built for the rear 4 link and building the exhaust system.https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif[/IMG]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif[/IMG]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif[/IMG]

[ryeguy2006a]

Looking good!

[bhcustomdesigns]

Looking good!

Thanks,its coming along slowly but surely lol.

[bhcustomdesigns]

Well it has been forever since I have posted on my build thread customers projects have been keeping me really busy the past several months and haven't had much time to work on it not much has changed from the last post except I ordered all my motor and trans mounts got the engine sitting where I want it and bolted up so I can take measurements to begin cutting the firewall for clearance.I did swap out the 10 bolt rearend for a 9 inch and I am in the process now of welding the 4 link brackets on it so I can get it bolted back in the car I guess I am going to have to start working 24/7 so I can get his thing done lol.https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gifhttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif[/URL][/IMG]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif[/URL][/IMG]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif[/URL][/IMG]

[craigs73]

nice work brett...... i really like the coil covers :machine:

[bhcustomdesigns]

nice work brett...... i really like the coil covers :machine:

Thanks Craig!

[srh3trinity]

The coil covers make the truck intake look a lot better. Are you going to smooth it or cover it?

[bhcustomdesigns]

The coil covers make the truck intake look a lot better. Are you going to smooth it or cover it?

I am going to change out the truck intake for a holley hi ram EFI intake the truck intake is close to the same height so I am just using it for mock up till I purchase the holley

[wheatie8252]

Do you have any more updates on your T/A. Awesome Car and Build!!!!

[bhcustomdesigns]

Thanks,I don't have any new updates yet I recently purchased a 70 swb c10 that I am building,that pulled me away from the T/A for alittle while.I hoped to get started back on it by this summer
Do you have any more updates on your T/A. Awesome Car and Build!!!!

[Onebad78ta]

Very nice ,,,I'm doing a Pontiac too.

[Great White]

I know you said its going to be blue when done and thats cool.

But when i saw the first pics on page one all I could think about was James Gardner's car on "the Rockford files" and how awesome it would be as a "tribute build" to that old firebird, even of the only tribute part was the OEM gold.

Oh well, blue will be awesome too.

Nice work so far on the chassis and sheet metal.

:)

[bhcustomdesigns]

I have actually been thinking about going that route,it would look really cool painted back the gold color.I hope to be getting back on this project this summer,I am finishing up my protouring swb 70 c10 now and haven't done much to the firebird lately.
I know you said its going to be blue when done and thats cool.

But when i saw the first pics on page one all I could think about was James Gardner's car on "the Rockford files" and how awesome it would be as a "tribute build" to that old firebird, even of the only tribute part was the OEM gold.

Oh well, blue will be awesome too.

Nice work so far on the chassis and sheet metal.

:)