69 Firebird Project in New England

[69TAPoser]

I started out with a "Project" car that was "bodywork complete." :bsjerk:



I have since stripped the shell, had it media blasted, and ordered:

- A full floor
- A full trunk
- Inner rockers
- Roof
- Cowl
- Both toe panels
- Both rear frame rails
- Upper dash panel

The media blasting exposed the poor job that was done on the quarter panel patches (warped). So...this week I ordered full goodmark quarters and inners.


....basically, we are building a brand new car.

Seeing how I have gone this far into the body, I decided to do everything that I wanted to, so I am also ordering the DSE mini tub kit (should I go with 2" or 3" drop??) next week. I will also be going with the Global West front coil over/tubular kit.

The engine is done, it is a 525hp 455:



Looking for opinions on the 2" or 3" drop and what size tire/wheel combo.

Phil

[hdesign]

Wow, looks like you have a lot of work ahead of you. Cool project though!

[hotrdblder]

with all thw work your doing, do the dse qudra link, it is not all that muchmore money then leaf springs and ride quality and performance will be way better

[Beegs]

Welcome to the site. Great project!

Where did you have the shell blasted? I've talked to a couple of guys about blasting my shell (once I disassemble it) and they are shying away from it. They are scared of warping issues.

[69TAPoser]

Thanks for the comments and welcome guys.

Ben- that is some pretty impressive artwork. I will be contacting you in the near future. I'd love to have a rendering done for shirts and for a graphic for my website. I'd like to make a nice banner graphic.

Beeg- just to clarify, the warping was done by the installer of the qtr patched not the blaster (just in case I confused that). My body was done by Steam and Sand in Groveland, MA (the other side of Haverhill, MA) only about 8 miles from me. He used glass on the outside and black beauty on the inside (it had been coated with POR15). However, he was pretty aggressive. The body is fairly "grainy" but workable according to my shop.

If I had to do it again (and I will for the subframe), my shop recommends a place in Hamsptead that does mostly resto projects. they are supposedly more "gentle." I can get their name if you like.

Phil

[Beegs]

Beeg- just to clarify, the warping was done by the installer of the qtr patched not the blaster (just in case I confused that). My body was done by Steam and Sand in Groveland, MA (the other side of Haverhill, MA) only about 8 miles from me. He used glass on the outside and black beauty on the inside (it had been coated with POR15). However, he was pretty aggressive. The body is fairly "grainy" but workable according to my shop.

Phil, that would be great. I'm up the road a bit from you, about 15 minutes west of Lee traffic circle in Strafford.

[hdesign]

Phil, I've used the guy in Hampstead before. He's very thorough.

Funny, I grew up in the Merrimack Valley and never heard of Groveland. Though, I do remember getting my first concussion from a Linebacker from Haverhill back in HS.....ah, the glory days.


I'd be happy to help. Just PM or email me when you're ready.

[CliffS]

Welcome, any more specs on that beautiful engine?

[69TAPoser]

Ben - I dropped you a PM.

Cliff, it "desktop dyno'd" at 525hp and 550 ft lbs. Here are the specs:

- 455 (+.030)
- 9.5:1 Compression
- Crane Custom Roller Cam – 230-236 (@.050”) -114 L/S
- Crane Roller Lifters
- Edelbrock Aluminum Heads (custom ported)
- Cometic Head Gaskets
- Kauffman Valley Tray
- BHJ SFI Steel Harmonic Damper
- Torker II Intake (HPC Coated)
- TRW Pistons/Rebuilt Rods w/ARP Bolts
- ARP Bolts and Studs throughout
- Balanced and Blueprinted
- BOP Rear Main Seal
- Flowcooler Water Pump
- 1.65 Harland Sharp Roller Rockers
- MSD Billet Distributor and Coil
- New Timing Chain/Oil Pump
- Canton Race Pan
- Lakewood Scatter Shield
- Aluminum SFI Hays Flywheel
- Doug's Headers
- Custom built Holley 950
- GPE Mini starter
- March serpentine pulley kit
- Tough Stuff chrome power steering pump

...the cam is fairly mild and the compression is only 9.5:1, but it should be a stout cruiser.

Phil

[CliffS]

Sounds awesome, keep us updated!!

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Welcome to the site, Phil.

[Bandit]

Sweet project--looking forward to seeing your future progress!

Paul

[ProBell]

looks great. keep us posted. If you are thinking about drop spindles look at some of the threads on this topic. From what I can tell that is not good for the front geometry. Glad to see some more people from the Northeast. Randy

[toofun]

I know there is a company in the New England area that does Soda Blasting. In fact they will go to your house and do it in your driveway for you if you want. I have seen them at various shows in Massachusetts. I guess this method is suppose to be real good since it will not warp or ping the metal and in some way is actually good prep for the metal as well. That is what they say anyways. I have seen the final product after soda blasting and it is very very impressive. Anyone ever use this method first hand??

Mark
TOOFUN

P.S. Welcome to the site.

[hdesign]

www.newenglandsodablast.com Talk to Roger
www.shelbymustang.com talk to Bret or Mick

[69TAPoser]

Just a quick update, I have decided not to mini tub the rear (mostly due to my budget spiraling out of control ). I already have the GW rear lowering leaf springs and a Ford 9" with a Detroit Locker (N case) ready to drop in when I get the shell back from the body shop. Still need to choose a rear shock.

I will go with a complete QA1/GW, tubular/coil over front end.

I ordered GW frame connectors and the GW solid body bushings on Monday from NPD (both in stock!)

Phil