Brokeass Bird- '68 Firebird Project

[mikewoods]

Good afternoon guys. I've been a lurker for a long time but I'm finally starting to collect parts for my build. Though it won't be a high dollar, done in one shot deal- it should be a nice cruiser and occasional track car.

This was the day i brought it home last August:

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I like to think I saved this car from its previous owner- Nice wheels, eh? :hammer:The car came equipped with a fake kill switch, $59 walmart CD deck, miscellanious "No Fear" stickers and exhaust tips plasma cut to look like flames...

In other news, if anyone wants a set of chrome 16's with good tires REAL cheap, let me know.

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I was able to overlook the cosmetic stuff once I saw the car a bit closer. On to the important stuff Drive line! The car was originally a 350/ 3spd car, but in 2000 the previous owner bought a wrecked 76 T/A and swapped in the 400/ Muncie 4 spd and 10 bolt with 3.55 gears. It has the original Rochester Q-jet carb, Edelbrock Performer intake and a small cam and some head work done. I think the numbers from the '76 400 wer a whopping 176 hp/ 250 ft/lb. Its by no means fast, but the heads/cam work helps and I've gotten the occasional slap on the right arm from my wife in the passenger seat when I turn the tires over shifting from 1st to 2nd.

One afternoon in the garage with a torch (the damn wheel adapters were stuck on the drum brake hubs...) and a heat gun and this is how the car looks now-
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Current/ Future plans are:

4 wheel power disc brakes

Year One 17" Rally II wheels with 245/40 fronts and 275/40 rears

Hotchkis 3" drop TVS

DSE Tubular A-arms

LS1 firebird bucket seats

Body color fiberglass bumpers

and some day- full color change repaint


I've gotten a ton of ideas and clarification from this website so I hope some of the information I may share will help someone else someday.

[drylegmcrae]

Nice project start. i can't believe you don't like those wheels. i think they look great ... if you're on acid. Good luck with the project!

[Jay71]

Those may be the ugliest wheels I've ever seen. Looks like you've got a nice driver now. Keep it on the road, make small changes as you go.

[ho428]

I think Craiglist may even have standards against those wheels...
Good to see yet another 68 Bird, we're going to start given the Maro's a run for their money before long.

[mikewoods]

Thanks for the compliments guys. My plan is to do a bit at a time and drive it as I go.

Gordon- you're not kidding about Craigslist, I have them listed locally for $150 for all four and have yet to get a single email... I may have to scrap the wheels and take my chances with the tires.

[mikewoods]

Here she sits today

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I've started collecting parts for an LS1 four wheel disc brake swap.

I ordered my drum hub/spindle adapter brackets from Rich Hoag- Shoot me a PM if you'd like his info. His price was very reasonable and he was very helpful. He even set me some photos and tips on doing the install.

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I picked up a set of Calipers and Brake booster from a 98 T/A. I'm in contact with a guy about picking up backing plates and the Master Cylinder from the same car- I wasn't clear that I wanted the whole she-bang when we spoke the first time, so I'll have to make another trip out to see him soon.

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The first thing to do is disassemble and send them off to the powdercoater.


One question I came up with- What is the popular opinion on ABS? I know the purists will say that its not needed if you're a good driver, but since I'll have my family in the car with me quite often, Its something that has crossed my mind. I have an ABS module, but no wheel speed sensors. This car will have an LSx some day and I wondered about adding it then.


Not much of an update, but between work, a 7 month old and another little one on the way my time in the garage is limited.

Cheers fellas!

[68firebird]

How the hell did anybody in the world think those rims on it were good looking, LOL. Looks good now though, body looks mint! and don't worry, there are a couple low budget builds ongoing on here, including mine, though mine at this time seems to be really low budget, hahaha. Definitelfy try to keep doing things on the side, meanwhile driving it. I had mine on blocks for about 7 years, BAD MOVE.

[dobie6982]

I love that color. Do you have any idea what the paint code is?

[Buryingthesun]

Them rims lol

[mikewoods]

Them rims lol

Aww, c'mon, you know you want them. Buy the tires for $100 and I throw the rims in for free! :bananna2:


I love that color. Do you have any idea what the paint code is?


Im sorry, i have no idea on the paint code, I was told it was STS blue.

[mikewoods]

Quick update: I got the brake cailpers powdercoated and started collecting front end rebuild parts. I'm looking for information on wheels at the moment. I found a set that I think will work, but wondered if 6.4" backspacing is too much on a 17x8" wheel. I'm on stock drum brakes right now, but plan to complete my brake upgrade as some point this spring. Any thoughts? I guess worst case would be to buy some wheel spacers.

[mikewoods]

Anyone have an opinion on polyurethane control arm bushings? Energy Suspension and Prothane are both the same price from Jegs. Is there much difference in polyurethane over stock, rubber bushings? Thank guys.

[SD455]

Anyone have an opinion on polyurethane control arm bushings? Energy Suspension and Prothane are both the same price from Jegs. Is there much difference in polyurethane over stock, rubber bushings? Thank guys.

I would hate to see you waste your money on polyurethane. I;m not sure how that stuff became popular,in my mind its right up there with No Fear stickers a goofy chrome wheels. The issue with the poly bushings is the binding. If you spend a little time figuring out how a rubber bushing works, it won't take long to see why these bushings don't make sense. A spherical bearing, or Del- a - lum bushing ( Global west ) is usually the best choice, but not in all applications. For example, on a leaf sprung car like yours, I would use The Global west on the front, and in the rear I would use a combination of a spherical bearing in the front spring eye, and rubber in the rear spring eye and shackle.

Be interesting to hear what others think on this topic. I just got re united with my old 65 GTO, and the last owner during his tenure with the car thought it would be trick to rebuild the suspension with "polyurethane" bushings…Wrong!! More creaks and groans than you could ever imagine!! Currently in the process of removing them.

Good luck!

[Later-A-body]

I have to agree with SD 455 regarding the bushings. I have been running the Global West spherical bearings and Del-a-lum bushings for years on my Pontiac and they are far superior than polyurethane. No binding, no noise. If you can afford them, it is better to wait and go that route.

[mikewoods]

Thanks for the responses guys! I was set on Polyurethane, but I'll look in to Del-a-lum.

We finally had a nice day yesterday so I was able to get the car out of its corner of the garage and tear in to the front end. I always enjoy being out in the garage, but I have to say, the lower control arm bolts are reallytesting my patients!! I must have worked on the front drivers side bolt for about 2 hours. The nut came right off but the bolt must be rusted to the bushing. I'll work on it for a while longer, but I may have to end up cutting them out and replacing the bolts. I also had a hell of a time getting the lower ball joint to separate, but I think I finally got that figured out. I hope to post some progress pictures in the next day or two!

[andrewb70]

I have to agree with SD 455 regarding the bushings. I have been running the Global West spherical bearings and Del-a-lum bushings for years on my Pontiac and they are far superior than polyurethane. No binding, no noise. If you can afford them, it is better to wait and go that route.

I completely concur with the above statement. Run the Del-a-lum bushings!!!

Andrew

[Buryingthesun]

Go global west and never look back! you will be happy in a few years when you dont have to replace them again

[mikewoods]

I decided to replace all the bushings in the front end with Moog rubber. I'm looking to save money where I can, and I figured that i'll probably end up going with tubular control arms at some point anyway.

My next question is about the rear leafs. I can't afford drop leaf springs right now. I see the popular opinion is that when using lowering blocks, 2" is too much. Will it matter much with a highway cruiser? Should I use the block that has the 3 degree taper for driveline angle correction?

This thing is finally starting to come together. I can't wait to drive it again soon.

[mikewoods]

Well, I ordered my front coil springs and rear lowering blocks from Summit. I decided to try to 2" block in the rear- for $28 if its not right I'll take them off and hang them on the wall.

I went with Moog PN 6308 replacement springs for the front. The information from the Pozziracing website says they're a stock replacement for a Z/28 spring and should lower the car about an inch from stock. Can't beat the price at $66.

I bought these as well. They should be here on the 24th.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/DSC09807-1.jpg

The weather is finally decent here in Michigan and its killing me to have the car sitting on jack stands, why didn't I do this work earlier in the year?!

[69BRRRD]

Mike that bird is looking good! It's good to see you're taking your time and working through the details and options. Everybody here has a story or two about trial and error and you can learn a lot as you go. If it was easy there would be cars like ours everywhere!

[lucky13firebird]

Nice bird. You' ve probably figured this out already but you really don't need abs. I have the same ls brakes on my bird and they work awesome with no abs or booster or anything...

edit to add--- and yes my family is in my firebird everyday and its perfectly safe, i'm not the least bit worried and neither is my wife about the kids safety or hers while we go about our business every single day. in fact, my only real worry is getting rear ended by someone with abs and a booster... ;-)

[lucky13firebird]

this is where i bug you to post more pics of that beautiful blue bird...

[68firebird]

this is where i bug you to post more pics of that beautiful blue bird...

Yea, I'm wondering if you've tried the gto rims on it yet????

[mikewoods]

Hey Guys- I didn't see your posts until now. I got most everything sorted out with the new front end parts, suspension and brakes, and I did get the wheels put on. I want to give a HUGE shout out to Billy and B&B Classics (better known around here as 72novadriver) for getting it turned around quickly and correctly! We got it all put together so I could make it to a local F-body show last weekend. Last thing we need to do is bring the front end down another inch or two and get a good alignment. ON TO THE PICTURES!

Before:
96852

After:
96851

[68firebird]

I can't see the pics Mike, tried my phone and work computer. Don't know if it's just a problem on my end. I tried chrome and internet explorer with no luck.

[mikewoods]

I uploaded them directly to the site here, did that work?

[68firebird]

I uploaded them directly to the site here, did that work?

yes, thank you. the gto rims look pretty good on there, no problems with fitment at all?

[mikewoods]

No problems at all so far. I've driven it about 100 miles like this and have had no rubbing or binding. I measured from the ground to the bottom of the wheel opening and the front is still sitting about 1 1/2" too high. I hope to have it taken care of on Friday. I'll report back then.

Its amazing how much more fun it is to drive with all new bushings, suspension and brakes!

[AtomicFirebird]

Looking good

[mikewoods]

Update in the silly chrome wheels; I sold them!! Some poor b*stard even payed $200 for all four!:headbang:

[Gil]

Too bad I missed your wheels, sure you would have prefered to ship them out of the USA ! LOL :screwy:
Pics with the new ride height ?
Very nice car !
Gil

[Buryingthesun]

Update in the silly chrome wheels; I sold them!! Some poor b*stard even payed $200 for all four!:headbang:

MINT! you couldn't even get that for scrap

[mikewoods]

Too bad I missed your wheels, sure you would have prefered to ship them out of the USA ! LOL :screwy:
Pics with the new ride height ?
Very nice car !
Gil

Thanks Gil! I will have ride height pictures this afternoon, I am going to pick it up at lunch time and take it over to the alignment shop.


MINT! you couldn't even get that for scrap
I know right?! I almost felt bad taking the guys money... Almost. As my grandpa used to say, There's an a$$ for every seat...

[68firebird]

Update in the silly chrome wheels; I sold them!! Some poor b*stard even payed $200 for all four!:headbang:


HAHAHAHAHAHA, Awesome!!!!!!

[mikewoods]

Not the best picture, but here is final ride height after suspenion, steering and brake work this spring.

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[Gil]

Very nice. Seems in really good condition...
Never rain in your state ?
Gil

[68firebird]

Looks way better low!!! thumbs up from me.

[mikewoods]

Very nice. Seems in really good condition...
Never rain in your state ?
Gil

Thanks again Gil! Haha, Michigan has some of the worst weather in the union, I just keep it in the garage on those days!




Looks way better low!!! thumbs up from me.

Thanks Rene! Here's another shot after I spent Friday afternoon cleaning it. A clean car is a happy car...


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I took it for an alignment this morning, Then its off to Norwalk, OH for the HRPT tomorrow!

[mikewoods]

An update from the Hot Rod Power Tour! One of the best days I've had in a long time!!


Woke up at 5am. Stopped at Bob Evan's in Toledo, OH for Breakfast
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Rolled down US20 to Norwalk
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Pulled in to Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk around 11am.
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Lined up for fun runs on the drag strip at 1pm
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Started raining at 1:15pm
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$1 Ice cream for lunch at 1:30pm
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Finally lined up (against my grandfather) at about 2:30pm
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The old man whooped me!
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Watched drag racing for a few more hours in the sun with my Grandpa
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On the way back, about 50 miles from home my shifter came apart. Luckily the car stayed in gear, so I was able to limp it in to a parking lot but I couldn't shift at all. A quick call to Hagerty got me home with a free flatbed ride! (no pictures of that...) Upon closer inspection when I tore in to it last night, the mounting plate came apart from the transmission. Amazingly, the bolt was still in the hole, it just didn't have any threads engaged. I'm pretty glad it was a cheap, quick fix. I think my wife would draft divorce papers if I spent another dime on this car this month.

On that note, after a 3 hour drive sitting on those '69 Camaro buckets, I decided it was time to upgrade, soI bought these from a member here yesterday. SHH my wife will never notice... Oops!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/gto_zpsa1e1ed95-1.jpg

[68firebird]

If I remember correctly, those seats were like $600 in the for sale section, I'm thinking she will notice, LOL. hey, at least you had a good time at the power tour! I'm jealous of that.

[mikewoods]

Quick Update! Got the new seats installed. With my limited fabrication abilities and knowledge, I couldn't make the GTO seats work, so I bought a set of Procar Rally Series 1000's. I've had a short amount of seat time in them so far and I can't believe how much better these seats are than the originals.

Here are a few quick photos.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/upload_1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/upload_1-2.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/upload_1-3.jpg

The car is on jackstands in the garage right now as I am having the wheels painted Cyber Gray Metallic
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/upload_1-4.jpg

I got some Conti Extreme Contact DW's to wrap them in. Should be all back together and on the road Monday afternoon!

[1968CamaroSS_Sam]

Nice looking car. Love the color. Those painted rims will look great on your car. Seats look comfy too.

[Gil]

Vintage style bucket seats looks great !
Can be an option for me too, I like them !
Wheels will nicely match with the blue of the car
Nice upgrades !
Gil