"Poor-Boy" 1967 Firebird Build

[Ben@SpeedTech]

We used to use QA1s with our complete Chicane kit. We've since switched to Vikings but your shocks should bolt right in, provided the upper arms you have, have clearance for a coilover. The Chicane coil over kit is a great alternative to messing around with spring rates and heights. On my G Body wagon I'm going through this because we don't have the G body brackets ready to manufacture yet. I felt my car was just a slight bit too high up front, so I recently cut an additional 1/2 a coil off my springs and now it's too low and I don't like how it performs. Bump steer has increased and overall I don't like the look. Now I have to buy new springs and go through the whole process again. What a pain. Coilovers are such a better alternative.

On the Por15- read the directions. I did a Nova frame a while ago. I let the Por cure (who needs directions right?) then came back and put on the top coat. Then the project got back burnered and it sat in the garage for about 8 years, never getting reassembled. A couple years ago noticed the top coat is peeling off. I'll have to blast it and start over when I get back on that one. The key is to get the top coat on while the por15 is ever so slightly tacky. I did it right on my wagon and like I mentioned, after a year of daily beating on my car in all kinds of weather the frame looks fine.

Good luck with it all!

[Buryingthesun]

We used to use QA1s with our complete Chicane kit. We've since switched to Vikings but your shocks should bolt right in, provided the upper arms you have, have clearance for a coilover. The Chicane coil over kit is a great alternative to messing around with spring rates and heights. On my G Body wagon I'm going through this because we don't have the G body brackets ready to manufacture yet. I felt my car was just a slight bit too high up front, so I recently cut an additional 1/2 a coil off my springs and now it's too low and I don't like how it performs. Bump steer has increased and overall I don't like the look. Now I have to buy new springs and go through the whole process again. What a pain. Coilovers are such a better alternative.

On the Por15- read the directions. I did a Nova frame a while ago. I let the Por cure (who needs directions right?) then came back and put on the top coat. Then the project got back burnered and it sat in the garage for about 8 years, never getting reassembled. A couple years ago noticed the top coat is peeling off. I'll have to blast it and start over when I get back on that one. The key is to get the top coat on while the por15 is ever so slightly tacky. I did it right on my wagon and like I mentioned, after a year of daily beating on my car in all kinds of weather the frame looks fine.

Good luck with it all!

Yeah you need to keep the POR15 wet!

Im going to PM you about the QA1's, thank you for the response!

[Buryingthesun]

Since I have the nose off the car I figured I would break out some of my silly parts I will be installing in the future just to imagine how it will look :evil:


88321

[FireBeater]

I like the look of the air cleaner.

Question for you, do the valve covers have crinkle paint? do you have another shot?

[Buryingthesun]

I like the look of the air cleaner.

Question for you, do the valve covers have crinkle paint? do you have another shot?

The valve covers have factory peeling paint ;)

The new motor has not been finished. Its kind of top secret right now, I'm only going to do suspension and body mods for now. Once I have the car looking and driving the way I want then the power plant will be pulled bagged and the big boy will be dropped in.

[Buryingthesun]

Had some time today to pull more of the nose off. I only had a few bolts to deal with the rest met the cut off wheel

88493

[FireBeater]

Parking lot pimping

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

Have your front tires rubbed the fender at all?

[Buryingthesun]

Have your front tires rubbed the fender at all?

they didnt rub the fender, but I made adjustments to get it that low (flush mount fender hardware and a bit of a fender roll)

[chevy4life]

Hey man car looks awesome to far! I'm in lexington, would love to meet up at a cruise night sometime when this crappy weather goes away! lol
~Anthony

[Brentmc]

Since I have the nose off the car I figured I would break out some of my silly parts I will be installing in the future just to imagine how it will look :evil:


88321


And where did you get the cool air cleaner? does it plumb into the cowl?

[Buryingthesun]

Hey man car looks awesome to far! I'm in lexington, would love to meet up at a cruise night sometime when this crappy weather goes away! lol
~Anthony

Sounds good man, but I'm starting to think my car wont be driven this year due too other projects I need to tend too. I just picked up a 79' Honda CB750 that I've been in the process of converting into a cafe racer. I want to get that little bugger together before spring lol. But i would be interested in a meet up at some point! Have you checked out the car show at Imperial in Mendon at all?


And where did you get the cool air cleaner? does it plumb into the cowl?

That cool air cleaner came from NASCAR lol, it will be plumbed into the cowl once I'm done with it.

[chevy4life]

I have not, I've only really tagged along with my best friends dad who does a lot of cruise nights. i think i will be heading over to gillet this summer and i will have to check out that one in Mendon!that bike sounds like itl be a blast! good luck!

[Buryingthesun]

Alright, not much progress due to the weather up here in Massachusetts. But in a few weeks the motor is getting pulled so I can begin chassis modifications. I've decided to go full speed and do the cage install at this point. I'm going to try to retain the complete factory interior while also utilizing an SCCA cage with NASCAR bars (obviously doors will require major modification)

[Buryingthesun]

well the nose is off the car, all power washed and next sunday I will be pulling the motor. I found a 5.3L on craigslist, I hope the guy doesn't flake out last min like the last guy I dealt with on cl

[Buryingthesun]

Hopefully picking up a 5.3L this weekend :)

[Ben@SpeedTech]

That is a cool air cleaner. Where'd you find it? So I take it the 5.3 will be carbed?

Good luck on picking up the motor!

[Buryingthesun]

That is a cool air cleaner. Where'd you find it? So I take it the 5.3 will be carbed?

Good luck on picking up the motor!

NASCAR take off part. Im actually doing s turbo 5.3

I figured if im not staying poncho, I might as well make it fast

[Buryingthesun]

Picked up the 5.3 LM7 last night, got it for a great price.

But in regular joe fashion i tore it down to a short block so I know have the mind set that I know the engine is ok to boost. Off to the machine shop it will go for stronger parts.

[Buryingthesun]

Engine Specs:
LM7
ARP rod bolts
ARP head bolts
Cometic head gaskets
Total seal rings
Coated bearings
Comp cams 281LRHR 281/289 bump stick
Comp cams push rods
Comp cams redesigned beehive springs
Comp cams rocker arms
Holley EFI intake manifold
Borgwarner S366 turbo
Turbo smart wastegate/bov

[68firebird]

Moving along man, awesome. congrats on the motor purchase. what you doing with the old motor? is it still the 326?

[Buryingthesun]

Moving along man, awesome. congrats on the motor purchase. what you doing with the old motor? is it still the 326?

I'm going to bag it up and store it in the corner of the basement to collect dust lol

[Buryingthesun]

At the machine shop today, I'm going to be boring the motor a tad to 3.905" and running LS1 fitment rods and pistons.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/image-2.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/image1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/image2-1.jpg

[JNO]

I just finished reading through your entire thread. Great read, and you are doing some great work!
I believe I have seen your car before. (I am from Oxford MA)

[Buryingthesun]

I just finished reading through your entire thread. Great read, and you are doing some great work!
I believe I have seen your car before. (I am from Oxford MA)

Cool man! are you on NEMS?

[JNO]

NO, not even sure what NEMS is? (New England Motor Sports???)

[Buryingthesun]

Placing an order on some Ridetech parts this weekend :)

Quite excited

[lucky13firebird]

Nice, some progress is better than no progress. Btw what are you doing for brakes? I just got my cpp c5 corvette brake conversion and it looks good, plus it's downright cheap. 13" rotors and c5 twin piston calipers and all bolt on for drum hubs. There's another seller on ebay that sells the kit but machines the brackets himself (cpp are cast) and he includes new machined hubs and everything for $425 plus shipping....

Just thought to give you a heads up since you're like me and not made of money. Corvette 13" brakes for under $500 used to be unheard of when I started building the car 2 years ago.

[Buryingthesun]

Nice, some progress is better than no progress. Btw what are you doing for brakes? I just got my cpp c5 corvette brake conversion and it looks good, plus it's downright cheap. 13" rotors and c5 twin piston calipers and all bolt on for drum hubs. There's another seller on ebay that sells the kit but machines the brackets himself (cpp are cast) and he includes new machined hubs and everything for $425 plus shipping....

Just thought to give you a heads up since you're like me and not made of money. Corvette 13" brakes for under $500 used to be unheard of when I started building the car 2 years ago.

I got the Wilwood 6-piston FNSL6 kit, forged monoblock 6 piston calipers and 2 piece slotted rotors. No sense in selling the brakes short, I have no intentions of buying low dollar parts for this build, its just going to take forever because im poor lol

[lucky13firebird]

NICE, yeah i kept eyeballing the 6 piston stuff, and will eventually get it but for only one car... btw do NOT ever deal with CPP, HORRIBLE customer service.

[H20cooled]

Great build enjoyed reading through everything you have done. I'm working on a 67 Camaro with a LQ4 stroker conversion.

[Buryingthesun]

Great build enjoyed reading through everything you have done. I'm working on a 67 Camaro with a LQ4 stroker conversion.

Thank you, what's the stroke your going for with your motor?

[H20cooled]

Thank you, what's the stroke your going for with your motor?

It will end up around 408ci when its done.

[Buryingthesun]

I've been super bussy lately sorry for the lack of updates, Today I picked up some steel today to build a rotisserie

[AtomicFirebird]

I like to see it when cars go on the rotisserie. Looks like you can get a lot of work done.

[Buryingthesun]

I like to see it when cars go on the rotisserie. Looks like you can get a lot of work done.

Yeah man I'm excited, I plan on doing the whole cage with it on the rotisserie

[Gil]

Another Bird on the rotisserie !
Very nice, keep pluggin away
Gil

[lucky13firebird]

Oh man, full cage should be epic.

[zzfranczz]

Hey nice build and a good read. Do you have a list of which parts from which mfg you used for your suspension?

If you had to do the build again from the beginning what decisions or what changes in the process would you make?

I ask since i am starting my build of a '67 Camaro and am on a similar track to yours. Similar story as well since my car was a gift from my dad as well.

Good luck on the remaining build.

[Buryingthesun]

Oh man, full cage should be epic.

Epically boring lol


Hey nice build and a good read. Do you have a list of which parts from which mfg you used for your suspension?

If you had to do the build again from the beginning what decisions or what changes in the process would you make?

I ask since i am starting my build of a '67 Camaro and am on a similar track to yours. Similar story as well since my car was a gift from my dad as well.

Good luck on the remaining build.

I don't think I would change anything, except I wish I started last fall opposed to waiting all winter to start in the spring lol


Another Bird on the rotisserie !
Very nice, keep pluggin away
Gil

Thanks man!

[Buryingthesun]

Well I had a few buddy's over this weekend to give me a hand pulling the front end off the body. It was a fairly easy process, much easier then I anticipated.

Look at the subframe mount holes!!! That's some scary stuff right there!!

[Gil]

Nice start ...
Did you plasma cut the mounts ? Were too rusty to unbolt ?
Hope mine will come nicely when I'm changing them, please ! :angel:
Are you planning to use another subframe from DSE, Speedtech & ... ? or take care of this one ?
Keep plungging away !
Gil

[68firebird]

my mount holes are bad too. I've gotta have them fixed soon. I bought those giant washers that you can weld in place, but I can't weld, LOL.

[Buryingthesun]

My bolts came out wicked easy, no problems there. It was the dry rotted bushing that were the issue that cause my frame to wear. I'm going repair my frame and plate weak areas... But I also know how to weld ;)

[Gil]

96686

Will you go Guldstrand mod as you are in subframe mods ?

The white rabbit told me this car will be bada$$...

Do it !
Gil

[Buryingthesun]

96686

Will you go Guldstrand mod as you are in subframe mods ?

The white rabbit told me this car will be bada$$...

Do it !
Gil

Guldstand mod might not happen because I'm doing the tru-turn set up and don't want to change the geometry that they already designed

[Gil]

Ridetech setup ?
Very nice...
Gil

[Buryingthesun]

Ridetech setup ?
Very nice...
Gil

yes the Ridetech Tru-turn

[Buryingthesun]

Moar progress pictures, pulled the motor and started stripping the frame... Then I had a A.D.H.D. Moment.. I swapped the spindles and put on the wilwoods just to test the fitment and then pulled them back off

9701697015970139701497012

[Gil]

Nice work & teaser pics:headbang:
Gil

[Buryingthesun]

Frame is completely stripped now... Time to address the rotted spots

[PD-1969]

Subscribed!

[Buryingthesun]

I attempted to work on the frame today but got summoned to the beach... Today was a wash :(

[Buryingthesun]

Selling my QA1's and lower control arms

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/107780-FS-67-69-Camaro-Firebird-Coilovers-and-LCA-s?p=1074036#post1074036

[Buryingthesun]

Been on vacation, updates to come!

[68400BIRD]

Still waiting. lol

[expensivehobby22]

Not sure how long you plan to have it on a rotisserie, but shoot me a pm when you are done with it if you want to sell/rent it.

Why not right :)

Anyway, hope the project is going well.

[Buryingthesun]

Not sure how long you plan to have it on a rotisserie, but shoot me a pm when you are done with it if you want to sell/rent it.

Why not right :)

Anyway, hope the project is going well.

Yeah man, I will let you know for sure. It should be off by spring of 2015

[Buryingthesun]

I got my speed tech brackets in the mail while I was gone. Time to do some surgery on the frame soon

[Gil]

Cool !
Ridetech coilovers instead of QA1's ?
Gil

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Very Cool! The install is pretty straight forward, give us a shout if you have any questions.

On a side note, we're located in southern Utah, beautiful red rock cliffs and all but basically it's all desert. Getting summoned to the beach reminds me of Florida where I grew up. I'm officially jealous. ;)

[Buryingthesun]

Cool !
Ridetech coilovers instead of QA1's ?
Gil

I plan on Ridetech coilovers if I can't get pricing on a set of Pekskes

[Buryingthesun]

Very Cool! The install is pretty straight forward, give us a shout if you have any questions.

On a side note, we're located in southern Utah, beautiful red rock cliffs and all but basically it's all desert. Getting summoned to the beach reminds me of Florida where I grew up. I'm officially jealous. ;)

I'm heading to cape cod in a few hrs lol

Just got home from a road trip to Minnesota, no rest for me!

[Buryingthesun]

Built a frame bench, ain't nobody got time to bend over

[Buryingthesun]

Got bored and started the surgery early

['71cutlasluvr]

Got bored and started the surgery early

Hey BTS, I'm planning the same mod on my 442 pt project! Very cool. I have a-body specific speedtech componenets including the ATS spindles with corvette ZR1 spec bearings I ordered through Mark at SC&C. These would make a great addition to my project. Glad I checked out your build thread dude! Subscribed! Hope to see you at Thompson sometime.

kk

[Buryingthesun]

Hey BTS, I'm planning the same mod on my 442 pt project! Very cool. I have a-body specific speedtech componenets including the ATS spindles with corvette ZR1 spec bearings I ordered through Mark at SC&C. These would make a great addition to my project. Glad I checked out your build thread dude! Subscribed! Hope to see you at Thompson sometime.

kk

Sounds like it will be a beast buddy!

[Buryingthesun]

More goodies today!

['71cutlasluvr]

Sounds like it will be a beast buddy!

Yup.. That's what I'm hopin' for... It seems we both have jobs that take us away a lot, leaving little time for our projects, but you have come a long long way since you started this thread 2 years ago. I hope to do a lot this summer and fall. I will be out of town for a month or so late fall so I need to get as much done as possible before winter returns. If we're lucky, it will be milder than last years.

Man those ride tech coilovers look killer. I see a lot of PT projects going with those. The warranty and customer service seems to be a driving factor. I think you made a great choice. Looking forward to seeing how they work with the front coil over extender brackets you got from Speed Tech.

btw: Put on the 15x9" advanti Storms shod with 225/45-15 Nitto NT01's on the MX yesterday. Took her for a quick spin and she really hugs the road now. Tried as hard as I dare on a public road, I couldn't get the tires to squeak, let alone squeal. These Nitto's are so nice, they might be a good choice for the cutlass. We shall see how I do at the autox next Sunday but our track day in September will be the best test. I missed taking first in novice by .225 seconds with the skinny Direzza Z2's, perhaps these will help me clinch a first place. But if I do, then I'm out of novice and I have to run with the "big boys" in CSP, when and if they show up. But don't care, I'm in it for the fun, not a trophy collector.

Keep the updates coming BTS. Your another great motivator for me.

kk

[Buryingthesun]

Yup.. That's what I'm hopin' for... It seems we both have jobs that take us away a lot, leaving little time for our projects, but you have come a long long way since you started this thread 2 years ago. I hope to do a lot this summer and fall. I will be out of town for a month or so late fall so I need to get as much done as possible before winter returns. If we're lucky, it will be milder than last years.

Man those ride tech coilovers look killer. I see a lot of PT projects going with those. The warranty and customer service seems to be a driving factor. I think you made a great choice. Looking forward to seeing how they work with the front coil over extender brackets you got from Speed Tech.

btw: Put on the 15x9" advanti Storms shod with 225/45-15 Nitto NT01's on the MX yesterday. Took her for a quick spin and she really hugs the road now. Tried as hard as I dare on a public road, I couldn't get the tires to squeak, let alone squeal. These Nitto's are so nice, they might be a good choice for the cutlass. We shall see how I do at the autox next Sunday but our track day in September will be the best test. I missed taking first in novice by .225 seconds with the skinny Direzza Z2's, perhaps these will help me clinch a first place. But if I do, then I'm out of novice and I have to run with the "big boys" in CSP, when and if they show up. But don't care, I'm in it for the fun, not a trophy collector.

Keep the updates coming BTS. Your another great motivator for me.

kk

I feel like a brain surgeon compared to the kid I was who started this project lol

[Buryingthesun]

Doing some fitment today

['71cutlasluvr]

No doubt! I have been struggling all afternoon trying to figure out how to clamp/tack weld a guide piece out of angle iron around the curvature of the frame over the rear diff. so I can make a clean plasma cut.. I figured one thing out... you can't do it with angle iron. So finally figured a thinner piece of bendable steel, about 1/2" wide and 1/8" thick would allow me to bend the guide as I tack weld. Off to the big box HD. Got 3 of em for $15. This is why it takes so long... it's our first time! But we learn a lot along the way, eh Doctor??


Back to work before sup Looking forward to seeing those coil overs installed...

kk

['71cutlasluvr]

Doing some fitment today

Saaaweeet! Good pics. Thanks.

But This is why I shouldn't have my laptop in the detached garage... I can't help to respond to a forum post! I'll try to post a few pics of my chaos this evening or tomorrow. Made the first two cuts... not bad but they were with short pieces of angle iron. Going to start tacking the thin stuff on now for the looooonngg cut over the arch. But man, the plasma cutter in ruthless. One slip and the welder will be working overtime, but the other side should be easier. Not sure if Tony at ABC does a kit like this for an F-body, but if you're up for it (and judging by what you've done so far, I'd say you are!) you can watch my screw ups and learn from em.

Drive on BTS!

[Buryingthesun]

Saaaweeet! Good pics. Thanks.

But This is why I shouldn't have my laptop in the detached garage... I can't help to respond to a forum post! I'll try to post a few pics of my chaos this evening or tomorrow. Made the first two cuts... not bad but they were with short pieces of angle iron. Going to start tacking the thin stuff on now for the looooonngg cut over the arch. But man, the plasma cutter in ruthless. One slip and the welder will be working overtime, but the other side should be easier. Not sure if Tony at ABC does a kit like this for an F-body, but if you're up for it (and judging by what you've done so far, I'd say you are!) you can watch my screw ups and learn from em.

Drive on BTS!


I hear ya man, my detached garage still picks up the wifi so I keep glancing at my laptop as well to change the music!

[Buryingthesun]

Ordered some steel and brackets this morning to modify my factory LCA's to accept the coilovers. . . . I hope this isn't a bad idea

[Buryingthesun]

Just to share some information, here are some dimensions for those of us that want to repair our original frames.

['71cutlasluvr]

I hear ya man, my detached garage still picks up the wifi so I keep glancing at my laptop as well to change the music!

Hey BTS. Sorry for the late response. Crazy last few weeks. One good thing that happened was I decided that I need more room in my garage's for project konekilr so I don't have to mate the body and chassis during the winter due to lack of space which will allow me to keep the project going, and that my Miata track car needs to be in a safe place during the winter, so after looking at a club members 28 year old trailer for $3750 (8' x 20' enclosed) and realizing that I want to be autoxing/track daying for many years to come, my Mrs. gave me thumbs up for buy a new one for $4k more. It's a bit small for the cutlass but it WILL fit if the need arise. But it's mainly so I can take the Miata to autox and track day events that aren't nearby (Limerock, Pocono and others) as well as local events when the weather threatens. No extras, no frills for now.. just the bare trailer for storage for now.

Here's it is:

http://www.cttrailers.com/new/Bravo/2014-Bravo-SC8520TA2+8.5+x+20-for-sale-connecticut-d30be3850a0a00a408f6bf391c91156a.htm

out the door tax/reg/title etc just over $8k No interest for 6 months then will pay off. Caught it just right at the end of the month so got a sale price, which basically covered taxes!! Still recovering from my daughters wedding in May so the 6 months is the deal maker.

Took my nephew to our autocross event last week at TMP. I couldn't participate due to a foot injury but we had a ball anyway. Another club was using the road course. It was sooooo cool, having our guys killing cones in the infield while the club guys are roaring around us on the road course. screaming engines and the aroma of race fuel are a great compliment to burning rubber and squealing tires of autocross!

Here's a vid illustrating that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR2jvMIzlwU&list=UUuf67RUYBbnv-y73m2XPXfw

Here's how far I got on my plasma cutting... not very!! But I got the hang of it now and I should make more progress this week since I"m off call starting monday. 100717100720100718100719100721100722

Hope you're making more progress than I am! :yeah:

[Buryingthesun]

Hope you're making more progress than I am! :yeah:


LOL Ive made almost no progress, But I just ordered a set of Ridetech lower control arms this weekend. Hope fully next week I can order the uppers and then mock everything up. Once its all mocked up I can take it all back apart and weld the whole frame up, blast it and then paint it with emron

[Buryingthesun]

I got my welder set-up yesterday after work. Ridetech LCA's should be here monday or tuesday. . I'm getting excited that this is coming together so well. just need to order the Ridetech truturn and upper control arms. Then I can slap it all together, weld up the chicane and tear it all back apart and paint the frame ;)

[Buryingthesun]

Test fitted some more parts today :)

[Rod]

that sway bar looks like it sits to high!

[Buryingthesun]

that sway bar looks like it sits to high!

That's because I put it in upside down lol ;)

[Rod]

That's because there is nothing mounted on the frame, it's a Hotchkis bar. I never had an issue in the past with it

sorry I wasn't being a dick but its mounted upside down, just making the comment so you would re-read the install, I drove for Hotchkis for years, hell my car is still on there website header, the hump on the middle of the bar should be turned downward,,,heres a pic





https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/completesubframe6769camarofirebird6874np-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/860214_10151479736500874_760170140_o_zps-1.jpg

[Buryingthesun]

sorry I wasn't being a dick but its mounted upside down, just making the comment so you would re-read the install, I drove for Hotchkis for years, hell my car is still on there website header, the hump on the middle of the bar should be turned downward,,,heres a pic



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/completesubframe6769camarofirebird6874np-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/860214_10151479736500874_760170140_o_zps-1.jpg


I actually went out to the garage and looked at it again... I had it on upside down lol, thank you for pointing that out! Luckily it's just mockup!

['71cutlasluvr]

I got my welder set-up yesterday after work. Ridetech LCA's should be here monday or tuesday. . I'm getting excited that this is coming together so well. just need to order the Ridetech truturn and upper control arms. Then I can slap it all together, weld up the chicane and tear it all back apart and paint the frame ;)

kewl! Looking forward to the update and pics.

[Gil]

Nice progress... Awesome setup !
Changed my sway bar too...
with motor in there is no mistaking as the pulley is on the way.
Gil

[Buryingthesun]

Nice progress... Awesome setup !
Changed my sway bar too...
with motor in there is no mistaking as the pulley is on the way.
Gil

Yeah I had this bar in before, just did a "derp" moment

[Buryingthesun]

I've decided to scrap the stock frame and save for a new one. Too much time and money will be spent repairing it

[expensivehobby22]

Uh oh, mission creep :)

[Buryingthesun]

Uh oh, mission creep :)

This entire build has been a mission creep

[Buryingthesun]

Went to the machine shop yesterday to tear the motor down. Looks like I will be blasting the scale off the block then hot tanking it before I do anything. Seems the only parts I'm going to reuse are the block, crank, covers lol

[Buryingthesun]

Some more progress, all the cylinders check out ok on the block. Its been ultra sonic tested so if I want to bore it out I should have no issues! NO signs of porosity in the sleeves. Block is now getting media blasted to look new again then a fresh coat of paint will get slathered on it to keep it lovely looking for years to come. Right now I feel the factory blue is at the top of the list, not that im trying to fool anyone into thinking this motor belongs in the car but more of a tribute that I know its roots.

I need to save up some money to send the heads out for a CNC port job now

[Bottledbird68]

I agree with the blue choice for the aforementioned reasoning ;)

[Gil]

absolutely, Light Blue Metallic is the color for Pontiac engines...
Gil

[Buryingthesun]

Ive also been playing with the idea of making a camaro/gto/g8 IRS work in the car since its going to be down for so long and they are relatively in expensive

[Buryingthesun]

So last night I made some progress on the interior, pulled the seats and carpet. Found a lot of things I didn't want to find including two dead mice. Looks like a new floor and a set of DSE mini tubs are in my future. Not what I was expecting and kind messes up my budget, but it needs to be done before the cage goes in.

[Gil]

Welcome to the rust club !

I know I'll also have to change my trunk floor too...
Maybe I'll wait till close to retirement to take her apart but it will have to be done...

Keep plugging away !
Gil

[Buryingthesun]

Welcome to the rust club !

I know I'll also have to change my trunk floor too...
Maybe I'll wait till close to retirement to take her apart but it will have to be done...

Keep plugging away !
Gil

Gil im only 28, I can't wait that long hahaha

[Gil]

Me neither ! I'm close to 40 but I'm not going to wait retirement to do the bodywork...
I just imagine the wife's face in front of the car in parts in the garage...

103498

And, well, I think I'll wait a little more before starting...
Gil

[Buryingthesun]

Ok so I did a lot more work today and it looks like I need to do full floors, wheel wells (inner and outer) both rear quarters, rear rocker repairs (possibly)

This is so the car is 100% perfect mind you. It could get away with floor patches but that's not what I like. It needs to be right

[Buryingthesun]

Time to learn how to do body work as I go

[lucky13firebird]

I've patched the floors on my 'bird, that held me over for a while, but now i got the actual stampings and needing to get my gto clone on the road so i can do the floors the right way.

[Bottledbird68]

Meh, I've seen your welding abilities. You've got this. Just weld it nice and file the seams smooth lol.
Car didn't look bad in person, funny how it hides.

[Buryingthesun]

Meh, I've seen your welding abilities. You've got this. Just weld it nice and file the seams smooth lol.
Car didn't look bad in person, funny how it hides.

I'm not afraid of doing the job, I've just never done body work. . . Welding is the easy part, its the bracing the body so its not all twisted sister part.

[Buryingthesun]

I had some free time yesterday, I pulled the rear axle out and set that aside to be sold. I also pulled the glass out (unfortunately I broke the windshield but save the rear window) I was bummed at first when it broke, but honestly it was so pitted any sun glare was blinding. So it will be nice to have a new windshield, Id love to find one made from polycarbonate. All i have left is removal of the dash pad and passenger door and the car is ready for media blasting so I can find all the horrible rust and repairs made in the past

[lawless]

I've been secretly following your thread (I'm more of a lurker than a poster) since I too can't afford to drop a ton of money all at once either (but doing it right little by little as I go as well). I've been stuck in the body work phase even though I bought my '02 z28 donor car with the intention of doing the swap a lot sooner than it's turning out. I didn't think my car was as rusty as it was until we did the full tear down so I feel your pain. My car looked a lot more rough than yours did from the outside, but it's insane how different climates will affect a car. Mine's never left the south so it doesn't have any salt damage and isn't as bad as yours, but typical areas like quarters need skins, floor pans patched, etc. I got about all my needed sheet metal, just waiting for the car to be blasted. You'll do it man, I'm a year younger than you are, and honestly better now than later! I can't wait to drive my car again, I literally only had about 15 minutes behind the wheel before it ended up in tear down phase, haha. Best of luck, subscribing!

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[captainofiron]

I'm not afraid of doing the job, I've just never done body work. . . Welding is the easy part, its the bracing the body so its not all twisted sister part.

thats the part that scares me too

and trust me, your floor pan doesnt look too bad, when I bought my bird, when I finally got around to tearing out the interior, I pulled the carpet out and saw the floor pan I wanted to cry, I could stick my legs through the driver rear part, my hand/arm through the passenger rear, and there was 2 big pieces of plate steel riveted holding the driver seat and passenger.

[Buryingthesun]

I've been secretly following your thread (I'm more of a lurker than a poster) since I too can't afford to drop a ton of money all at once either (but doing it right little by little as I go as well). I've been stuck in the body work phase even though I bought my '02 z28 donor car with the intention of doing the swap a lot sooner than it's turning out. I didn't think my car was as rusty as it was until we did the full tear down so I feel your pain. My car looked a lot more rough than yours did from the outside, but it's insane how different climates will affect a car. Mine's never left the south so it doesn't have any salt damage and isn't as bad as yours, but typical areas like quarters need skins, floor pans patched, etc. I got about all my needed sheet metal, just waiting for the car to be blasted. You'll do it man, I'm a year younger than you are, and honestly better now than later! I can't wait to drive my car again, I literally only had about 15 minutes behind the wheel before it ended up in tear down phase, haha. Best of luck, subscribing!

Yeah man, there's really only one way to build a car IMO and that's the right way. But it's going to take time and money, both are not plentiful at the moment lol but I will keep pushing forward.

[Buryingthesun]

thats the part that scares me too

and trust me, your floor pan doesnt look too bad, when I bought my bird, when I finally got around to tearing out the interior, I pulled the carpet out and saw the floor pan I wanted to cry, I could stick my legs through the driver rear part, my hand/arm through the passenger rear, and there was 2 big pieces of plate steel riveted holding the driver seat and passenger.

The crazy **** people do to "fix" cars

[Buster12]

That's why my wife called my 67 project a harlot. Well guess what the valve covers are gonna say....

[Buryingthesun]

That's why my wife called my 67 project a harlot. Well guess what the valve covers are gonna say....

hahaha thats awesome!

[Gil]

Well guess what the valve covers are gonna say....

Should be this ?

http://youtu.be/sxs924BWX80

Sorry... :naughty:
Gil

[Buryingthesun]

Should be this ?

http://youtu.be/sxs924BWX80

Sorry... :naughty:
Gil

:naughty: Gil

[Buryingthesun]

Pulled the leaf springs out last night. That was a complete pain in the ass because all 6 captive nuts were broken and just spinning. I ended up grinding the heads off the bolts to remover the spring pockets. Unknown to me until the removal, my drivers side leaf spring was broken and only held in by the weight of the car resting on it!!!

[Gil]

Ouch !
Was time to stop to drive & take it apart...
Any plan for the rear suspension ? 4 links ?
Keep up the nice work
Gil

[Buryingthesun]

Ouch !
Was time to stop to drive & take it apart...
Any plan for the rear suspension ? 4 links ?
Keep up the nice work
Gil

Gil, I plan on installing a new Camaro/G8/Commodore rear IRS in the car

[captainofiron]

Gil, I plan on installing a new Camaro/G8/Commodore rear IRS in the car

NICE!

Post updates on how that goes

[Buryingthesun]

NICE!

Post updates on how that goes

I plan on it, once the time comes ;)

[Buryingthesun]

Oh yeah, Just started this thread for all the major body work

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/111244-D-I-Y-Bodywork-on-the-quot-Poor-Boy-quot-1967-Firebird?p=1099053#post1099053

['71cutlasluvr]

Hey BTS. Man you've been busy! But I'll give you big credit for sticking with it. I've been away for a while with work and family stuff so need to catch up on your posts. But from what I've seen so far, you've had many surprise during this project, and not the good kind!

I had subscribed a while ago but for some reason, stopped getting the notifications. Resub'd so hopefully will start getting them again.

Believe it or not, I was considering getting a Roadster shop complete chassis for my 442 PT project like another builder on the forum, but came to the conclusion just can't justify the expense, so back to modifying the old frame like yourself. I have the abc performance rear coil over kit for gm a-bodies to be installed over the winter. I plan on ordering the chicane front coilover setup you used also to be intalled over the winter. Probably won't install the minitubs from abc now that I'm not notching the frame. I hear I can 295's on there so that will have to do.

Also subscribed to your serious bodywork thread. I'm sure I'll learn a lot from your efforts since I have a couple of quarter panel replacements in my future. Not nearly as complex as what your up against, but you do some great documentation so your efforts will be easy to see.

Btw: My autocross season with the Miata was fun, if a bit short. I am hooked on autocross. Did a track day at Thompson. Not so good. For many reasons (car was setup for autocross, lack of driver talent, not enough sleep, etc) I hard a hard time with the faster speeds of a track day. Had two off track excursions, one I think knocked the front alignment out so now she's a bit twitchy, was rock solid before the slide off. So now I know I'll never be a track day star.. and my 442 pt project will never be a REAL autocross/track day car. Just a (hopefully) cool looking PT street cruiser with heigh adjustability for that low stance and a potent 468 cu in engine for fun.

I bought a 21 foot trailer for Miata storage and eventually to use to drag the MX to distant autocross events, anticipating using my son in laws 2002 F150 with the potent v8, but since discovered his brake lines are so rusted out that barely touching one cracked it open! The damn thing is falling apart, which I found out when we put the truck on my lift to install and new trailer hitch. Rust was horrible! So, the trailer will be relegated to storage only until I can afford to by my retirement truck and have a reliable tow vehicle. I would also like to take the 442 to Lebanon valley for the Hemmings muscle machines musclepalooza events once it's done. She's not going to be a trailer queen but with all the idiots on the road these days (Part of my job is driving, a lot, I've seen it all!) I'd rather rely on the safety of a trailer and a reliable tow vehicle for the a 3.5 hour drive to Lebanon, NY.

btw: Thompson was fun this year but our club is not going there anymore for either autox or track days, due to their crazy high fee's. We lost $ at every event this year and management will not negotiate. The sad thing is Thompson is soooo close for me, an easy drive sans trailer. The only other close venue for me now is the Mohegan sun Turtle lot, which is just as close. Probably about 5 or 6 events there for me this year, but everything else is too far away. So my autocross participation will be limited for the foreseeable future.

If I remember correctly you were planning on using your bird at Thompson for autocross. Unless management can come down on their fees or another club takes over the reigns for the autocross pad, you may be in the same boat as my friend. :pat:

Kudo's to you for sticking with your 'bird project and not throwing in the towel. Keep up the good work and the good fight against the tin worm!

:cheers:

kk

[slacker1965]

Gil, I plan on installing a new Camaro/G8/Commodore rear IRS in the car

I have just put in a GTO IRS in my 68 convertible.... you don't have to cut all the floors out like I did, it was just easier in my case due to rust. you should be able to search for my thread if you want pix. there is another swap build on here somewhere. hope yours goes well, look forward to seeing your project

[40STY]

Ive just put the G8/commodore IRS into my 68 firebird. Although it was relatively easy, you should consider using a GTO IRS instead. I posted some pics and description in someone elses build thred (who did the GTO IRS): https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/110180-68-Firebird-LS6-T56-GTO-irs-pro-touring/page2

Basically, the G8 IRS is probably easier to mount than the GTO (but not hugely different), because the 4 mounting point line up closely with the chassis rails in width and height but: 1. the extra width means custom wheels are a near certainty if you want to go any wider than the stock tyres. 2. The top mount of the control arm doesnt allow the unit to be tucked up as would be ideal, as they hit the trunk floor (fine if you dont mind cutting into the floor). 3. The stock fuel tank wont fit.

[Buryingthesun]

Ive just put the G8/commodore IRS into my 68 firebird. Although it was relatively easy, you should consider using a GTO IRS instead. I posted some pics and description in someone elses build thred (who did the GTO IRS): https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/110180-68-Firebird-LS6-T56-GTO-irs-pro-touring/page2

Basically, the G8 IRS is probably easier to mount than the GTO (but not hugely different), because the 4 mounting point line up closely with the chassis rails in width and height but: 1. the extra width means custom wheels are a near certainty if you want to go any wider than the stock tyres. 2. The top mount of the control arm doesnt allow the unit to be tucked up as would be ideal, as they hit the trunk floor (fine if you dont mind cutting into the floor). 3. The stock fuel tank wont fit.

Do you have any pics of how wide it actually is?

[expensivehobby22]

Pretty sure I see your wheels/tires on CL for sale. Very tempting.

[Buryingthesun]

Pretty sure I see your wheels/tires on CL for sale. Very tempting.

They were but they have since sold. I've been more active with this project now that all this snow is melting! Big updates to come soon

[Buryingthesun]

Minor update

Driver position parts are here. Time to lay out the roll cage finally!!!

[Buryingthesun]

More views of the drivers seat.

[Gil]

I like the seat very much !
I think Seats will be on my list this summer
Gil

[Buryingthesun]

I like the seat very much !
I think Seats will be on my list this summer
Gil

Thanks Gil, I will be sure not to break my neck in these seats!!!

[Buryingthesun]

Some really cool changes are in the works on this car, I just have to collect a few more parts.... I origanlly named this the "Poor Boy" build... Let me tell you it's been more expensive then I though or anticipated HA

[Buryingthesun]

More test fitting done today

[Buryingthesun]

Some nice Tilton products showed up a few days ago. Im glad I decided to run these after reading about other brands leaking and having issues.

['71cutlasluvr]

Very Nice Seats and steering wheel. You're making some great progress. For some reason, I didn't get any earlier notifications, just a recent one. Having this problem with some other build threads so I am playing a lot of catchup. Glad to see you're still moving forward BTS. I reference your build frequently when deciding what to do with my 442 restomod. Appreciate the posts.

:cheers:

[Buryingthesun]

Very Nice Seats and steering wheel. You're making some great progress. For some reason, I didn't get any earlier notifications, just a recent one. Having this problem with some other build threads so I am playing a lot of catchup. Glad to see you're still moving forward BTS. I reference your build frequently when deciding what to do with my 442 restomod. Appreciate the posts.

:cheers:

Im making steady progress lately but I was just laid off from work (been there 10 years) So I'm looking into starting my own company. This build is not doomed by any sense but it has gotten a tad slower lol.

[JakeD]

Minor update

Driver position parts are here. Time to lay out the roll cage finally!!!

What steering wheel adapter do you use for the Momo pattern? I have a 67 bird want to put a sparco wheel on.

[Buryingthesun]

So life changes and projects die on jack stands for years. . .

I ended up moving my firebird to a new location along with my entire life.
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I got myself a rotisserie and a tube bender

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I also have been collecting a pile of parts to rebuild my chassis

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[Gil]

That's the way life goes !
Glad you're at it again
Gil

[Buryingthesun]

Big decisions is where to mount the car on the rotisserie, Im assuming on the rear frame rails just having trouble finding pictures.

[Buryingthesun]

So I sold off the Iron 5.3 and found this Aluminum LC9 5.3 out of a 2013 Silverado with 10,000 miles on it. . . Bolted up my 621 bell housing and everything looks good. Time to get some mounts and a frame so I can bolt it all together and mock up my drivers position and get going on the roof cage fabrication.

129039129040

[Buryingthesun]

Just ordered a SpeedTech subframe on wednesday, Im really excited for this piece. Its the most expensive single part so far on the project but it will be well worth it.

[Buryingthesun]

here are some updates, wheels have been chosen and subframe has arrived. mocked up some suspension bits before I epoxy coat and paint the frame.

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[wyattroa]

Those weld rims are great, what size did you go with?...I have those exact ones bookmarked for my car!

[Buryingthesun]

Those weld rims are great, what size did you go with?...I have those exact ones bookmarked for my car!

15x10 3.5 bs Im going for more of a 60's-70's era trans-am racing look

[68400BIRD]

Nice looking batch of parts. Love the rims, looking forward to seeing some tires on them and mocked up on the car.

[Buryingthesun]

Nice looking batch of parts. Love the rims, looking forward to seeing some tires on them and mocked up on the car.

You and me both, I have some time a head of me before they get bolted on! I just got the rears in the size and backspace I wanted so I can do all the math and modifications to make them work. Tires might be ordered for fitment reasons I just hope I get to use them before they dry rot lol

[ryeguy2006a]

That frame looks killer, nice piece.

[Buryingthesun]

That frame looks killer, nice piece.

Thank you, I can't wait to get some paint on it. I just ordered a gallon of BASF EP569g chromate free epoxy to blast the frame with and all the new panels once they are installed. Almost $700 in paint kinda hurts but only the best I guess.

[F-Body International]

Great choice on those wheels! Should be as light as it gets for unsprung weight and look badass.

[Buryingthesun]

Great choice on those wheels! Should be as light as it gets for unsprung weight and look badass.

Yeah well in the "Poor-Boy" tradition I got a smoking deal on them and couldn't pass it up. Its not like I have to start over to fit them, I still need to get a rear end. I might as well get one a little narrower to fit the wheels :)

[Buryingthesun]

Some paint came in today for my frame. I ordered some extra epoxy for the rest of the car also.

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

[expensivehobby22]

Love the wheels!

[lucky13firebird]

Looking good.

[Buryingthesun]

Looking good.

Thanks buddy! You're a mad man BTW I love following your progress and stories with your firebird build!

[Buryingthesun]

Had a few friends over last night, Getting the frame prepped for paint. Taking the frame over to the booth now! Paint pics will be posted later on this evening :)

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[Peter Mc Mahon]

Wow! Just read the entire thing. I like how your going about it, keep up the good work.

[Buryingthesun]

Wow! Just read the entire thing. I like how your going about it, keep up the good work.

Yeah I've changed directions a few times, decided to stick to a solid plan

[Buryingthesun]

Staring to run out of day so Just got the BASF epoxy primer laid down on the frame today. I want to let it fully cure before sanding and laying down the finish color. Lots of prep work was done before spraying.

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[Buryingthesun]

Well sorry to disappoint anyone who's actually following this, Ive been really busy and saving more money to keep building this wretched car.

Got a smoking deal on a set of used AP-Racing 6-Piston front calipers at a swap meet yesterday. Im going to start cleaning them up and getting them prepped for a fresh hard anodize. more progress on this to come!

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

In other news, the frame has been painted and I'm starting mock-up assembly on that and some custom pieces for it!

[Godbolt]

Very nice indeed! You still planning on going IRS?

[Buryingthesun]

Very nice indeed! You still planning on going IRS?

No I decided to move away from that idea and do a more traditional rear end set-up. Im following the design of the Touring Car Masters series and just doing a 4 link set up with a watts link, its simple and effective.

[Buryingthesun]

Well I had some time yesterday to split the calipers apart, take measurements and inspect components. Im going to do a basic rebuild on them, so I need to get some parts ordered from AP Racing while these are sent off for stripping and refinishing.

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[Buryingthesun]

Some pictures from this morning, parts are still rolling in. I did a DOD delete on the LC9, still need to chose a cam. I plan on milling the heads .020 to bump the CR a tad.

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[Buryingthesun]

More progress

Engine mounted in the frame for mock up, control arms installed and AP Racing calipers completely stripped and ready for refinishing

[Buryingthesun]

ATS spindles arrived last week, What amazingly nice quality these are. I got them installed on my frame and started mocking up my calipers and measuring for rotor off set and taking measurements for a caliper bracket. I also started playing around with my wheels and checking for fitment.

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[gator68428]

Awesome build man! Just got the cage in mine and am going to do more Optima events. Looking forward to seeing this thing on the road and the track!