68 firehawk update

[68firehawk]

It's been forever since I've posted on my bird so I thought I'de try and keep things a little more up to date. My new house has kept me fairly occupied this summer so I haven't had as much time to work on the car as I would have liked. I think my first post was under a slightly different name. Anyway. I've got the frame notched ready for the 335's and also working on fabbing in the roll cage. I've also attached some pictures of the rear roll sliders installed. I'm still waiting for the rear end to get back from the shop. After that I can mock it in place, finish up the mini tubs, rear shock mounts and trunk pan. Exact dimensions on the rear end were exactly 53 7/8" hub to hub.

Jacob

[4MuscleMachines]

WOW, from the looks of it, it will be one fine car. Its good to see another Firebird in the PT mix. Nice work!

[CliffS]

Looking good. Keep us updated. Love to see another '68 Poncho.
What wheels are on the pic?

Cliff

[F70t/a]

Look's great. Any pics of your rims?

[primate]

what size rim did you use?

looks great.

[68firehawk]

These aren't the most gradifying pictures. They are even sweeter looking in person. especially mocked up in the rear fender wells. "Man i can't wait for my rear end to get back form the shop. My DSE springs should be here any day too.
I chose to go with Budnick M5's. The rims are 11"x17". If I remember correctly I think I went with a 6.5" offset. When buying rims and your looking to save money, make sure to find out where the price breaks are. For example: Budnick has a price increase if you order anything above an 11" wide rim. I also decided to keep away from the flat lip design. The flat lip design is much better looking but not worth doubbleing the cost at this point. There is also another cool little trick I learned and there was no added cost. You can have them mount the valve stem on the inside of the rim. It makes for a much smoother look.

Jacob

[RobM]

those things are deep dished! i love it

[383blown]

Nice taste in wheels I have Budnik M-5's on my 67 Firebird also![img=http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/6551/birdinprogress0015gc.th.jpg]

[68firehawk]

Very nice Bird. Have any pictures of the rims installed?
I haven't purchased my front rims yet.

[formula98]

It's looking great! I'm doing similar with a Wayne Due front sub frame (67 Camaro). I have the C4 version. Will 335’s fit? I would like to use that size tire, but am concerned with the fit. I have the DSE mini-tubs but am not sure what my largest tire size is. I want to run 18” wheels and have been waffling between 295’s and the 335’s. Looking at your pictures it looks like it is going to be real tight. Keep the posts coming. I’ll be adding some soon of my DSE install and my C4 IRS install.

[68firehawk]

It's looking great! I'm doing similar with a Wayne Due front sub frame (67 Camaro). I have the C4 version. Will 335’s fit? I would like to use that size tire, but am concerned with the fit. I have the DSE mini-tubs but am not sure what my largest tire size is. I want to run 18” wheels and have been waffling between 295’s and the 335’s. Looking at your pictures it looks like it is going to be real tight. Keep the posts coming. I’ll be adding some soon of my DSE install and my C4 IRS install.

With enough work you can make anything fit. GM's dimensions can very more then 1/2" from one car to the next. I also had to cut and roll my inner fender lips for added clearance.

Jake

[72NovaSS]

Looks awesome! Hope to see more pictures up soon!

[formula98]

Where did you get your tires? I just spent 2 hrs looking for 335's and the largest I can find in anything for an 18" wheel is 295's.

Thanks,

Ron

[LSRS7]

Tire Rack>>>>>>>>>Sponsor>>>>>>>>

[formula98]

I was on their site earlier tonight nothing in the 335.30.18 range. I like the BFG KDW's, Goodyear, and the Pilot Sports, but none in this size on their site today.

[Mike Hall]

Does that AM subframe bolt up or weld in? I have been thinking about maybe getting a custom front clip made for my 67 camaro as Wayne no longer makes them. Any info on that sub you can provide would be great.

Thanks
Mike

[rohrt]

Firehawk

Your building my (wish) car. It looks awsome. Where did you snag the motor/Tranny? Wich motor is it? What did the frame run you? My 68 is white to.

[68firehawk]

Firehawk

Your building my (wish) car. It looks awsome. Where did you snag the motor/Tranny? Wich motor is it? What did the frame run you? My 68 is white to.

My rims are 17” not sure about availability on an 18”.


The motor and transmission are from an 02 Camaro (T-56 and LS1). I also plan to put on a Pro-charger before all is said and done. E-bay is a good start but I ended up calling LKQ auto recyclers to find one that had less then 20K miles on it. This was well over a year ago. I just recently checked and they are getting almost double for what I paid for my setup.


I choose to go with a weld in frame for added stability and less weight. It also allowed me more flexibility with the stance of my car. I will be able to fit 285's up front. As of now I don't think they are planning on offering a bolt in but it wouldn't hurt checking with them to see what their future plans are. Kevin was a big help when I ordered my frame. It's also nice because they are only 30 minuets from my house. Their C-5 front sub frame starts at $1440. You can choose to buy all the hardware, suspension and rack from them if you like. Check out their on line catalog for more info.

[68firehawk]

Attachment 13357



I finally finished the rear axle and it looks great. Here are some cool before and after shots. One of the last things I had to do was find the shock mount locations and finish up the spring perches. I also included pictures of the upper shock mount/rear sub frame cross member.


I'm very happy with how things are turning out.

[68firehawk]

I’m finally finished most of the fabrication. I have a few more loose ends to tie up then it will be time to strip it down and start bodywork.

The stance shown is still a little higher then final it will be about 1” lower then shown.