69 firebird T/A convertible

[icebird84]

looking Excellent keep it up

[SamHatco]

I'm worst than a kid on Christmas morning. I was going to pick the car up after work but the sun was shinning and I couldn't wait, anyway here are some shots out in the sun and loaded up to take home.

This thing really pops in the sunlight.





Money shot of the wheels.



This is the view those mustang guys are going to be seeing most



Those 18x10s 275/40s really fill up the rear wells. I rolled the outer lips just for a little insurance.



Engine bay just waiting for the LS1/T56



Finally home!!



This car has exceeded my expectations





I just love the 69 camaro, but I've always have been a pontiac guy, my first car was a 70 Grand Prix that would really run, but I think these birds are not getting the respect they deserve. This thing is going to be a killer pro touring car (not to toot my own horn, but I guess I am )

So now the fun really begins. I hope to have steady updates in the coming months.

Sam

[carnalsupply]

Hey Sam,

That is one RIGHTEOUS F'bird! I drive by a '69 convertible Firebird (Triple White) every day on the way to work and wonder why they're just letting it sit there untouched: what a shame.

After seeing what problems you began with, and were able to overcome, gives me great hope for my own project ('64 Plymouth Fury), so keep up the good work!

[Young Gun]

looks amazing! makes me want a white car!

[MuscleRodz]

Looks great Sam

[Rybar]

That is one SICK looking Bird Sam. Killer Job you have done so far. My hats off to you for sure!

[dropit69]

Damn Sam..lol...paint looks killer !!! now comes the real fun..how long was it in paint jail from start till now?..holy cow i just looked your town up i just came to houston a few wekes ago on rt59 to get a 69 convert if i had known how close i was i would have dropped by..

[SamHatco]

Lol... Yeah Darrin, just 70 miles north of Houston. Time line was purchased car in March 07, started restoration in April 07, was at the sandblaster for 6 weeks in summer of 07, delivered car to body shop in July of 07 and stayed there until Jan 08, for metal and body work. Picked up car in Jan 08 to start fab and fit of engine, interior, suspension, brakes. Returned car back to body shop for final body prep and paint in Aug of 08. Just picked up car today March 09. Man, time flies when your having fun.

Sam

[zman1969]

Looking great Sam, that engine bay is too white? makin me jealous!!

[Motown 454]

Sam I'm all excited the car is home ,and its not even mine. I'm happy for you. Keep us posted.

[SamHatco]

Since I got the car back home it seems that other matters get in the way working on the car.... you know, anniverseries, spring break, and the such, anyhow I have managed to do a little bit of work on the car. I installed B-quiet in the interior and Dynamat inside the doors and rear bulkhead. I also installed the convertible top frame and tested it's operation.





Since it was my anniversery last week the wife and I are taking a cruise tomorrow so I will be out of town for a few days.

Sam

[SamHatco]

I was goofing around the garage and decided to try out my idea of the third brake light. I think they will see me stop now.







What do you guys think? That's all for now bon voyage.

Sam

[CliffS]

Awesome car!! Love the third brake light

[Motown 454]

Looks great.

[Jamess113]

Wow nice looking project Sam! Keep up the good work! I can't wait to see it finshed.

[logikal6785]

What did you have to do to the new GTO steering shaft to make it fit ?

[ProdigyCustoms]

Sam, a little present came in today and left for you today. Should see it Tuesday.

[SamHatco]

Sam, a little present came in today and left for you today. Should see it Tuesday.

Awsome, Frank! I was wondering when it would arive. Thanks, for the great price.

Sam

[BlueBull]

Will you replace the top yourself? Can we expect some photos from that work? Great car!!

[SamHatco]

What did you have to do to the new GTO steering shaft to make it fit ?

Basicly we had to drill out the GTO shaft and replace it with a piece of double D bar stock. We also pinned the bar stock in the GTO shaft to insure that it would not fall out. The difficult part was milling the double D bar stock into a round shape to fit the GTO collum. It can be done, you just have to have a creative machine shop to jig up the double D bar stock. My machinist has about 40 yrs of experience and was able to make a jig to be able to chuck the double D bar stock onto his milling machine.

Sam