69 Firebird Build

[Lenie]

Looking good. I believe you forgot to mention you've purchased a 68 Firebird. It looks to be in great shape.

[JPMACHADO]

very clean. I love it

[69TAPoser]

The '68 Bird has been a bit of a distraction, but I am back on the '69.

Got the fuel line to the firewall. I will be running it under the heater box and into the fuel log from the back for a "cleaner" look:



Back side:


Changing the heater core to a Camaro big block core/cover to push the heater hoses away from the back of the valve cover:


I hope the 'Bird body doesn't reject the Camaro organ.

Oh yeah, and I made a new mascot too:



Phil

[MrQuick]

looking great Phil,

one suggestion is to get that fuel line up over the pinch a bit. You don't want the lowest part of your car's body being fuel line.

[gearheads78]

looking great Phil,

one suggestion is to get that fuel line up over the pinch a bit. You don't want the lowest part of your car's body being fuel line.

I was going to say the exact same thing. Needs to be as tucked away as much as possible

[69TAPoser]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I took your advice and flipped the clamps the other way to move the line up behind the body seam:



test fit the b/b core and cover:

[Young Gun]

looks awesome! love the new logo!

[69TAPoser]

Okay, back on the '69. I sold my summer driver '68 Firebird (aka "The Distraction") over the weekend. No more "other" cars until I am done with the '69. My wife even made me promise her.

Fuel line is now complete:



The line looks tight here, but it is not...plenty of clearance:


Also installed the headers...one step closer to getting th motor fired up...



...darn dust. See what happens when you don't work on it for 8 weeks???

I also order my Procar seats today. I hope to have pics of them installed this weekend.

Phil

[Motown 454]

Oh so sweet getting closer. Be sure to post a video when you fire it up.

[CliffS]

Phil, sweet as always.
What brand headers do you have, or are they custom pieces?

[69TAPoser]

Phil, sweet as always.
What brand headers do you have, or are they custom pieces?

Thanks Cliff, they are Doug's headers. I am rally happy with the clearance at the steering box and they are nearly flush with the subframe underneath.

Phil

[trapin]

Phil...phenomenal job. That is going to be a great car. This is a very good build thread. Kept me entertained for awhile.

Can't wait to see it finished.

[CliffS]

Thanks Cliff, they are Doug's headers. I am rally happy with the clearance at the steering box and they are nearly flush with the subframe underneath.

Phil

Phil,

I see you also have a Canton pan. Does it have a wind. tray on the bottom? Maybe a part#?

Thanks!

[69TAPoser]

Phil,

I see you also have a Canton pan. Does it have a wind. tray on the bottom? Maybe a part#?

Thanks!

Hi Cliff-

It does have a tray, but the engine was assembled a few years ago and they "customized" what what was avail. at the time (i.e. I can't use a stock dip stick and I had to "clearance" the pan a bit). I believe there is actually a new (and better) tray available now that will circumvent these issues.

I have always had good luck with Butler Performance and they have a few tray options...scroll down this page:

http://www.butlerperformance.com/new_products.html

If you are looking for one, I would give them a call and see what they recommend for your application.

Phil

[CliffS]

Hi Cliff-

It does have a tray, but the engine was assembled a few years ago and they "customized" what what was avail. at the time (i.e. I can't use a stock dip stick and I had to "clearance" the pan a bit). I believe there is actually a new (and better) tray available now that will circumvent these issues.

I have always had good luck with Butler Performance and they have a few tray options...scroll down this page:

http://www.butlerperformance.com/new_products.html

If you are looking for one, I would give them a call and see what they recommend for your application.

Phil

Ok Phil, the stroker assembly and some other goodies under my hood are from Butler. I give them a call.

[69TAPoser]

Installed the ProCar Rally front seats today. There are well made and VERY comfortable. I love the side bolsters and the adjustability (they fold back flat). The install was fairly easy. Per usual, some hardware was missing but they were all common bolts that I could replace. They compliment the interior perfectly and fit very well. They look pretty close to the console, but the bolsters actually angle up and just over the console. I wouldn't want them any closer, but the fit is very good. They are perfect for me, but I am only just over 5'8" and about a 38" waist. I would think anyone over 5'10" would need to do some "adjusting" to the seat adapters (I have heard of others having to do this). But for me, the fit is perfect. I couldn't be happier with them:





Phil

[SamHatco]

Great looking seats, Phil! Those seats look like they were orignally designed for that car. Keep us posted!

Sam

[Motown 454]

Looks good Phil If people didn't know, they would think they were a factory upgrade they fit so well. Is that it for the interior, or is there more to do ? Keep up the good work and keep us posted.

[Jarcaines]

I second the comment on the seats, very nice! I have been debating what to do with my seats to keep a factory look in my interior, those are killer!

[69TAPoser]

Thanks guys!

The interior (minus the doors) is just about done. I need to align the qtr glass and get the dash buttoned-up. I ordered Simpson camlock belts over the weekend (just lap belts).

I really want to focus on getting the engine fired-up at this point.

Phil