1969 Firebird, TT Pontiac engine

[69Phoenix]

So what reasoning do you tell yourself when you look back at 12 years of work and probably a million dollars spent on an old muscle car that can't even be driven? Hope you are able to insure it. I think all the trick fab work is quite beautiful but Jesus, might as well light your money on fire.

Mike

Well.... you know what they say... if you’re going to do a job, do it right. Certainly many ways to peel the onion and get to a similar ending on a car build. Things always have a way of spiraling out of control and one thing always leads to another. Definitely not a million dollar car, not anywhere close and in the end it won’t be an old muscle car anymore, it’ll be a new muscle car in an old skin. Why buy a Ferrari or Lamborghini just to be a guy driving an off the lot car? Always good to be different IMO. I love fabrication and machining, it’s the industry/business I am in personally and how I make my living. Working with builders like the folks at BBT Fab is enjoyable as I can relate to what they are doing and am involved on many levels. We made the grill and heat exchangers for the hood ourselves, in our own factory so at least we saved a few bucks. As for lighting money on fire. In the end it is just paper right? Can’t take it with me and would certainly never “waste” it but at some point as we age we have to either “sh*t or get off the pot”. I am choosing to “sh*t” a little bit before I get too old and don’t get to make such a decision for myself anymore.

Insurance... yeah... its out there and won’t be any fun to pay but at least if something happens to the car it won’t be a loss.

As for “can’t be driven”. Bah-Humbug. This thing is going to spend a few weekends at the Texas Mile in Victoria Texas and I can assure you it will get driven. The car is not being built just for show... the go is there too and I intend to use this vehicle. Not a daily driver but it’ll be put through the motions and I’ll be sure to keep the juices flowing regularly.

[69Phoenix]

A parting shot from Friday at BBT Fabrications. Things are are coming to and end and will wrap up next week in preparation for the long haul to Vegas.

[69Phoenix]

Car is ready as it’s going to be. BBT is loading up tonight and heading out mid morning tomorrow for Vegas. Safe travels to all those hitting the road. Swing by Jet-Hot’s booth #20143 behind the Ford stage and say hello.

[skylark guy]

The metal all looks amazing. You guys did great work on this thing. Can't wait to see the full progression.

[69Phoenix]

BBT is officially on the road, arriving Sunday.

[67SSDan]

Been seeing pictures of this thing at SEMA already. Looking sharp man!!

Dan

[69Phoenix]

Been seeing pictures of this thing at SEMA already. Looking sharp man!!

Dan

Thanks Dan. We wore our feet out today walking. Tomorrow is a new day and there is so much to see.

[69Phoenix]

A few pics I took the morning. Engine compartment came out great. Jet-Hot coatings did a great job on the exhaust and turbos.

[stevehoj]

Very talented folks.

[67SSDan]

Very talented folks.

Yeah it's almost a shame to paint that thing!

[skylark guy]

Yeah it's almost a shame to paint that thing!

I agree, however I think it will look amazing when it is all buttoned up.

[69Phoenix]

A few additional pics from the Jet Hot booth.

[69Phoenix]

Close Up Shot of the billet valve covers, intake, and plumbing.

[captainofiron]

amazing work, also very cool sticking with the Pontiac engine and not going cookie cutter with an LS

[69Phoenix]

HID lights with an LED strip below allowing for amber turn signals and white driving accent light much like a halo ring but this one runs below the projectors at the bottom of each light assembly.

[CapSS92]

Saw it in person and it was awesome!! Good job man.

Alex

[69Phoenix]

Work continues post SEMA, the car is coming back apart and the interior sheetmetal/aluminum parts will soon be under construction. Hope to start posting updates again after the first of the year.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to Everyone.

[andrewb70]

...

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to Everyone.

Thanks! Same to you. Looking forward to updates.

Andrew

[76TA]

It's certainly not a vehicle I'd ever consider building (or rather be willing to pay to have built) nor owning but the craftsmanship is there and I can appreciate that.

With that said, at some point a build becomes more of a show piece than a car and this has definitely crossed that line regardless of how many miles are put on it in the near future; let's not kid ourselves!

Lots of man hours behind this and I can't bring myself to scoff at that.

[1965gp]

I love this car, not something I could do, but my god it is a work of art.