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Thanks!
Yeah, I've been thinking about aero catch or pins too. Aero-catch are nice, but I've recently started to striving for a more 60/70's era-correct look (well... almost...) and they will look too modern. Pins would work, but it would be great to make it with an under-hood solution.
Volvo P80 latches. They mount on the corners of the core supportQuote:
Originally Posted by Ripper
I'll take a look at those Volvo latches. Thanks!
Finally done with the fender mounts. Light and rigid!
https://static1.pt-content.com/image..._DSC9759-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image..._DSC9760-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image..._DSC9763-1.jpg
Plan was to continue with building mounts for lights, but once I realised how much the holes in the front moved around when I twisted it into the correct position, I changed my mind and started cutting up the front instead.
Building an entire car by yourself, after you've taken care of full time work, family etc always require topping up with food and beverages that contains quick energy. You start with chocolate, then you go for candy since it contains more sugar. Then go switch over to eating 100% clean sugar with a spoon, then coffee, Espresso, double espresso, tripple espresso. Red bull... Redbull with a tripple espresso etc. Right now I'm evaluating heavier stuff:
https://static1.pt-content.com/image..._DSC9784-1.jpg
With a pound of glass fibre dust in my lungs, it was time to cut up the front to (hopefully) have an improved fitment against the fenders and the hood.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image..._DSC9771-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image..._DSC9783-1.jpg
Made a wooden fixture, which would have made any Morgan owner jealous, and fixed the front against it with screws while I had it mounted to the car. Once fitment was good, I could just remove the front without risking to change the position of the surfaces.
Also removed about a 1/4" from each side of it. Grinded the inside surfaces with a angle grinder to remove excessive old polyester and to get rid of the oxidised surface since it's probably a couple of years old.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image..._DSC9788-1.jpg
Taped all the cuts trying to prevent ending up with polyester all over the floor.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image..._DSC9789-1.jpg
Three layers of glass fibre later and it was time to remove the wood fixture.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image..._DSC9795-1.jpg
Before:
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...9733zoom-1.jpg
And... I was a little nervous here... After:
https://static1.pt-content.com/image..._DSC9790-1.jpg
I know, it looks a little brutal with all the cuts, but all surfaces are in-line so it just needs gelcoat and some filler and then it will look better.
Previous owner (I bought it used - remember; budget project...) didn't succeed very well with cutting the outer shape.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image..._DSC9793-1.jpg
5 minutes with 80-grit paper and fitment was better.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image..._DSC9794-1.jpg
And this is what I'm doing right now: A simple mold to make a flange so that I can bolt it to the fenders. It will probably take another week or so before it's finished.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image..._DSC9797-1.jpg
You can also mask off the fender and use filler to merge the gaps as well.
Anders I needed a laugh today and this post did it for me and it brought back the smile to my face today. Thank You
Okay, WOW ! The Car looks incredible and I love the fender brackets and this car blows me away.
Thank you again for sharing your build and for me it's Dark Chocolate M&M's when I get tired and I am in my garage. I also bounce back and forth between my car and my mountain bike projects to keep me from falling asleep when I am in the garage. Of course the hammock in the garage does offer a nice place to nap when I get exhausted and don't feel like walking back into the house.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ripper
Project's not dead. At least not yet. :)
Lack of spare time right now - Career, second kid arriving any day, projects related to house and kids are 'taking' time for the moment.
I do have some limited time in the garage, but that's mostly focused at getting somewhere rather than uploading pics... I'll be back later this year, hopefully. Last kid demanded a 11 month break from the garage because of no night sleep at all, so we'll see how that statement will hold up. ;)
Anyway, working on lights right now so that I can route that part of the electrical system.
Tail lights prototype is done. Works better than I expected and eBay-leds are enough bright to work as brake lights (DRL in pic though).
https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...1a&oe=5DA08B06
And the front clip is on! Starting to look like a car!
https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...7d&oe=5DDD072D
I also found a Ram Air-hood north in Sweden that hopefully will arrive later this year. :)
Right now, updating the facebook page is easier (mobile pics, app in phone...), so make sure you guys are following that.
SyborgTT; Thanks a lot! Yes, it does start to look like a car again! There are some serious amount of hours needed to panel fitment (and some mods) before it looks the way I want it.
Don't blow away too far, it would be nice if you could reach the keyboard after future updates. ;)
I would kill for having a garage large enough to house a hammock AND a car. At least some ants, perhaps a rabbit or a deer...Quote:
Originally Posted by syborg tt
Any chance you can show the mounts you made for the nose to fenders and how you attach them to the fiberglass?
Thanks,
Stan
any updates?
anything?
I hope this project is still moving forward. Such a cool build.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ryeguy2006a
What? How can you not think it's moving forward? It's only been two years since last update! :naughty:
Hope you guys didn't hold your breath...
Been busy with family, work etc bot goal is to spend more time (read: downgrading hours slept per night...) during fall and winter to make some progress.
Already started a bit, but here are some overall pics so far.
Really like the stance right now. There's 10mm rake right, front wheels sits perfect but the rear could be appr 5mm further out. Rear wheel arches are modified, but the fronts still needs to be done. Low prio right now though.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...MG_73091-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_3608-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_3603-1.jpg
Looks good sofar ... I think we all have periods that life gets in the way of our projects [emoji6]
Such a mean looking Firebird
Good to see you're at it! Two years isn't so bad. We won't talk about how long it's been since I worked on mine, currently rebuilding the exterior of my house.
Don't get me started on house projects... Need to do some extensive gardening planning, but that project will hopefully be postponed until the Firebird is road legal again. When we moved to house, 9 years ago, we ended up with buying a 1 year old hose. Was mostly looking for houses built 1930-ish but today I'm really glad I haven't had to renovate an entire house. That would probably have stopped me from ever starting the Pontiac project...
Anyway, 1.5 years break. Then it must be some really juicy updates you think?
How about... ... ...the wiper motor! :yeah:
I got the lever from a Opel Corsa (since the steering column is from the same car) so I ended up with a motor from the same car too, to make the wiring easier. Tried to use the original motor (that has the parking-mode too) but never got the parking feature to work properly. And since that motor is made out of cast iron has the same amount of copper as a new Tesla, there was some appealing weight reduction with a newer motor too.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image..._DSC0121-1.jpg
Stock Corsa motor. The engineers has really made an effort not having any traditional mounting holes on the motor. two metal tubes are crimped onto the chassis. Attachment points are in the other end of the tubes...
...So I copied with aluminum tubes. Used a vise to make the ends flat, drilled them and put a rivet nut in them to make a good attachment point.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image..._DSC0122-1.jpg
Mounted where it should be. Engine is so close to the firewall so this was the only option. Should have painted the tubes black though. Gonna add that to the future-white-lab-coat-update-list.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image..._DSC0134-1.jpg
Water tank. Same thing here, not a really good place to put it in the engine compartment, so I put it as far back and as low as possible - I mean, it will carry 2 lbs of water. Don't wanna carry that weight in front of the wheels, doh. ;-)
https://static1.pt-content.com/image..._DSC0129-1.jpg
Nice work as always. I love seeing the updates on this car. Keep it up!
Thanks! :)
Have done some prepping for the windshield during the last days. Need to have that mounted in next week.
The end of the A-pillars looks really bad. Is this really stock, or has something happened to my car?
The cut is not aligned with the door, the shape is not parallell to the door (if you look at it from above) etc. I made a small piece of metal that has the same shape as the stainless window trim has.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image..._DSC0150-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...226B6A15-1.jpg
I'n not sure yet if I'm gonna cover the dash with something else but steel, but I made some templates for future projects.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image..._DSC0152-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image..._DSC0153-1.jpg
Also some finishing work of the base for my future headliner. Sun visors are mounted - they need some trimming to fit the cage. Headliner was trimmed around side windows and windscreen.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_5044-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_4924-1.jpg
Trying to utilise most of the original mounts
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_4921-1.jpg
I also printed mounts for the headliner to be attached to the cage at the A-pillar. They needed to be glued to the headliner before the windscreen was mounted. Printed in carbon fiber reinforced ABS. We get hot summers here, but not that hot so I think that should be OK.
They are just snapped around the cage, and a small screw in the bottom fixing the liner. The screw would probably have been enough, but avoiding potential rattle is important... :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_4989-1.jpg
Glued and fixed! :)
Good luck doing that with the windscreen sitting there...
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_5101-1.jpg
Also made a tool for releasing the window trim in the future.
[/img]http://www.propontiac.com/wp-content/uploads/A_IMG_5239.jpg[/img]
Finished the mod. Forgot to take pics of it, but I'lll do that later.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_5552-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_5553-1.jpg
One of the window trims for the rear window was cracked, so made an attempt of fixing it before buying another one.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_4848-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_4850-1.jpg
In the future when the car is at the painter, I'm planning to polish the trim, rechrome other parts etc but for now I settled with a quick polish. A little concerned of the different tone of the weld and the rest of it but that'll hopefully disappear once they're polished.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_4860-1.jpg
Adding filler...
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_6278-1.jpg
I am glad to see your still working on it and I understand the life get's in the way.
Love the updates and looking forward to more pictures.
Thanks Marty!
Some more updates. Windshield is in :)
Painted the metal inside the windscreen. Which I made paper templates of in last post to cover with vinyl. That I'm now painting. Before I'll cover it..
Well, we'll see what I end up with, but just to be safe I painted it now.
silk matte. It looked cheaper than I thought.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_6602-1.jpg
Nothing a little matte clear coat can't fix :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_6603-1.jpg
Even though paint still is far away in the future, I've decided color. Has taken some time and I was originally going with a light blue according to this render
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...1/vision-1.jpg
But then I stumbled across a light blue original paint, Adriatic Blue. This was the only -72 Trans Am that was painted in it and... ...I understand why.
EDIT: But when I look at it now, it looks better than I remember.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image.../ba09Axg-1.jpg
So... Some time ago I found another darker blue, painted on an old 911 and it looked really good.
Worthless sample, but it looked OK so I ordered a spray can.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_5629-1.jpg
And yes, that looks better!
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_6490-1.jpg
Discreet and sober, just like I want it. Chrome lists around the windows, dark interior and it will probably look like a lowered regular Firebird with some modern wheels.
Painted the window frames, and of course the 2k clear cote spray can broke and started dripping everywhere. But at least I managed to paint all surfaces beneath the window trim.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_6607-1.jpg
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Glued the windshield. First time I did this. Unfortunately, it ended up just a little to low for the trim to rest on the glass (it's really little, but I will have to do another attempt once the car is painted).
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_7018-1.jpg
Bought new wiper blades too, but due to Corona there was no regular blades so I ended up with aeeeeeeero blades!
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_8062-1.jpg
Designed and printed an adapter in CF-PETG so that they would fit. Bought other windscreen washer nozzles too, since I don't want them attached to the hood.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_8113-1.jpg
All for now. Next up is the dyno! Will hopefully have a result within the next few days! Or in the market for shopping a new block. Time will tell :)
Looking great, and good luck with the Dyno!
It went down a couple of weeks ago, just haven't had time to post much on the net.
Still in one piece! Never mind the smoke - it was a too small crank case catch can. Just didn't have the presence to pull the hose there and then.
Dyno belonged to a friend of mine. New installation, not very calibrated so there are no numbers to talk about. But what a difference! It runs smooth and has great response now. Still haven't driven it much more than up and down the street a couple of times.
Will do a revisit there during spring for fine tuning and some dyno papers. :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDoinoDsM7M
Very cool and i can't wait to be where your at on the Dyno.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ripper
Thanks! :)
Very cool man! Did you friend have any estimates based on the data from the dyno?
Nice!! Really like how this one is turning out!
That dyno installation was so new that it wasn't even calibrated. I received a paper saying 330hp (which happens to be exactly what I am allowed to have, during first registration ;) ).Quote:
Originally Posted by ryeguy2006a
It's just a 232/222 cam in it, so it's not a wild engine. In a calibrated dyno I'm guessing precisely over 400 on the wheels but not more. But the car weights apps 2600lbs, so to be honest I will probably keep it this way until chassis has seen some track time, is sorted out and I have that well balanced feeling driving it. You know, when you don't have to battle the steering wheel in every corner, but could just aim and turn.
I do have a small plan for a future (pontiac)engine with some custom internals, paired with a DCT-trans, but we'll go through that when it's time. Suspension, brakes and some modest aero first. Well... driving first, to be clear. ;-)
So, the car is back home again after the dyno session. A quick inspection didn't reveal much - nothing broken, all bolts still tight etc.
It usually takes me 2hrs to get it on jackstands. 10-15 minutes to get it there, then 1:45 crawling under and just admiring my work. lol :naughty:
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Car came home in the morning, so I took the day off and enjoyed some quality time home here, alone. :D
Later that night, it looked like this:
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_7748-1.jpg
My aluminum drive shaft was still straight, but one of my shortened half shaft has deformed. Not surprised, they were only intended for being mockups for the real deal later, but I was at least hoping to get some miles on them to evaluate the rear suspension a little more. Now it looks like I have to buy the expensive stuff this winter already.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...IMG_7502-1.jpg
Found a local guy doing rally half shafts, that can custom make two new ones for 800 USD including taxes, but then I saw that G-force makes versions with a separate CV-joint in the outer end. Which seems nice, not because of the CV-joint but that outer stub probably uses better steel quality than stock, and since that's the only piece holding my rear wheels to the rear axle, it would probably be a good update. G-force never replied to my mail, Inland Empire did but conversation died after a few e-mails.
Anyway, it will be so crazy expensive to import those shafts (in custom length too) and I'm doing a budget project, remember? ;)
I'm gonna think of it now during christmas, and might fire up the lathe next year if I can find some suiting material.
That's all for now! :)
How's the project going Anders? Please fill us in!
In my quest for lowering my camaro I seen your post. If I may ask. on the solid bushings you made there is a machined area to center the bushing in the frame hole and then its bolted in without a bushing on the topside (between the frame and body) is that correct? Thanks
I got excited when I saw this build pop up again. Hopefully he can fill us in what he's been doing on the car this year.
right there with you! I got exited! I always fear that cool builds like this just disappear and never get finished.
It will be finished! I rather quit my job, than not finish this build! ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyDoc
But pace is rather slow right now. I try to prioritze garage time, rather than screen time (but it's all documented, so updates will come!).
Anyway, it's rolling since a couple of weeks ago. Some minor issues to sort out before I can do the second inspection (of three for these types of builds).
A little too much brake in the rear and I ran out of adjustment on the balance bar (a new master cylinder is on it's way) a TPS-sensor or something else suddenly stopping the engine and a parking brake that didn't work as plannned. I might also have some possible overheating issues after high speed driving, but I think that's easy addressed since there is not much air intake for the radiator raight now. Other than that, the turn signal stalker is too far from the steering wheel ;)
Second inspection will hopefully be done before snow arrives, and goal is to do the third inspection early spring.
Paint and interior is low priority for the moment :D
So far impressions are "wow, just wow!". Chassis hasn't been adjusted yet and wheels aren't even aligned but the body is so much stiffer than in precious incarnation. If winter goes as planned, and the kids could try not to catch a cold every second week this winter, I'm really looking forward to start tuning the suspension and get this build to perform next year!
I have corner weight scales since before, and I ordered material a couple of weeks ago for making a set of hubstands next year too so that I can experiment with settings at home next season.
I'll be back in december or so :)
iAttachment 202569
Quote:
Originally Posted by AMPZ28
Yes, correct!
Attachment 202570
You'll gonna have to cut the top of the frame too if you want it to sit close to the body. No clue how it works in the front though, since I don't have the stock radiator support
Attachment 202571
More pics here: http://www.propontiac.com/subframe-igen/
BTW my website is indexed in the left column, ie if you wanna se all posts about the sub frame, or the roll cage etc just click on it to the left. :)
http://www.propontiac.com/blog/
Glad to see you're still making steady progress!
Andrew
thanks for the fix!!
just hope the next is before I start having withdrawal shakes!
Thanks guys :)
@FlyDoc; Haha! I'll do my best!
what size wheels and what is the offset? did you mini tub it? looks great
Quote:
Originally Posted by firebirdfever
Size are 18x10 front and 18x10.5 rear. Not mini tubbed, but suspension is all custom so you won't be able to copy my offset and put in on a stock f-body.
Yes! I've been out driving!
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...73scaled-1.jpg
Two weeks ago, I was able of taking it for a longer drive, sorting out some stuff and updating the to-do list for the winter. Snow arrived the day after my test drive, so it was literally the last chance before winter.
It's definitely not dialed in yet. No sway bars, and springs coefficients are just what I had laying around when i built it. But handling is already great! (Or to be honest, as great as you can explore on a public road with a fresh build…) Steering is direct (2.1 turns, lock to lock) and the adjustable electric assist is already over expectation. A small play somewhere in the linkage which prevents it from being perfect, but that must be addressed this winter.
And it brakes! It brakes d*mn well, even though pads and rotors aren’t even bedded yet. I measured 1.05G with cold tires from 70-0mph which is way over expectation. One part of that is probably the 295 front tires. But still - cold tires, new brakes, cold asphalt. It can only get better from here!
Entire engine compartment is covered with brake dust after the balance bar has been dialed in, so inner fenders are high up on the priority list too.
There’s a ton of minor things to solve this winter and except for that, I’ll be focusing at building a temporary interior (because it’s like sitting inside a drum right now) and fix as many small issues as possible. Other than that, I’m looking forward to start the final steps of making it road legal during summer -23.
A huge huge huge milestone, considering this project started in may 2009.
https://static1.pt-content.com/image...75scaled-1.jpg
Please keep us updated. I absolutely love the build. The De-Dion rear suspension is a great choice for vehicle dynamics. I would suggest the lowest spring rates possible and bigger bars with your car. Amazing work and congratulations on a great build!