69 Firebird Build

[Lenie]

I really like that engine.

[69TAPoser]

Looking good Nice warm weather this week You should kick some butt if you get the time. Wayne

...If hockey coaching wasn't taking priority!

I really like that engine.

...It looks good but I haven't started it yet (still need to finish some wiring and install fuel line/gas tank)...so who knows if it even runs!

Phil

[69TAPoser]

Spent most of the weekend working on the headliner. I still have a few wrinkles to work on and the sail panels to put in:



And my tires arrived today:



3 more weeks until my wheels arrive.

Phil

[eric36]

Spent most of the weekend working on the headliner. I still have a few wrinkles to work on and the sail panels to put in:



And my tires arrived today:



3 more weeks until my wheels arrive.

Phil

What size wheels and tires did you go with..

[brownz]

2nd that

[69TAPoser]

235/40/18 up front with 4.75" BS on an 8" wheel
275/40/18 out back with 3.75" BS on a 9" wheel

I went with 40s vs 35s as I wanted a little more sidewall. I probably could have gone with a bit wider 245 up front, but Frank at Prodigy mentioned that you wouldn't notice the difference and the 235 is a "safer" choice.

Don't go by the rear back spacing for your car unless you have a shorter 9" Ford rear. This will give the rears a real nice DEEP dish with that back spacing.

I was also a little conservative on the rear and I may have been able to go with a 285 on a 9.5" wheel, but I measured with a wheelrite tool and it was going to be VERY close and I didn't want to risk it not working out.

I can't imagine what the tires look like in person for you guys running the 315/18s. The 275/18s looks massive to me!

Phil

[zman1969]

Phil if its not too late you may want to install a BB camaro heater core and box(yours can be modified too) and that would allow alot more room for your heater hoses - sorry its late i have been following your build and its been a while since ive looked in - keep up the Great work! its a pleasure watching a top notch car build!

[69TAPoser]

Ha! Funny you say that. I acquired a BB heater cover this past fall that I will be exchaging in place of the standard cover!

Btw, comments and feedback are always welcome!

Phil

[Motown 454]

Looks good as always, and another good idea using those paper clips to stretch and hold head liner Thanks Ataboy Phil!

[69TAPoser]

Looks good as always, and another good idea using those paper clips to stretch and hold head liner Thanks Ataboy Phil!

Thanks Wayne!

Spent another few hours working the wrinkles out of the headliner and I am now happy with it. It was my first time doing a headliner and it took me LOTS of time and patience (about 15-20 hours total)! I am sure the pro's do this in MUCH less time. I still need to install the sail panels, windlace, dome light, and rear interior trim:



It was really satisfying to finish it as it was a bit intimidating to start with...looking at the material rolled up in a box and 5 metal bows!

Phil

[zman1969]

Ha! Funny you say that. I acquired a BB heater cover this past fall that I will be exchaging in place of the standard cover!

Btw, comments and feedback are always welcome!

Phil

Phil im pretty sure core is different too - the tubes should be longer
KUTGW (Keep Up The Good Work)!
wish i could work on my car some

[69TAPoser]

Thanks zman, I was wondering about that and was hoping that wasn't the case. Oh well, I think it is worth swapping them, I could definetly use more room.

I know what you mean about time. I have been fortunate the past 2 months that I have been able to "sneak" in the garage quite a bit. However, I did get the "look" from the wife last night...so progress may be slowing just a bit!

Phil

[Motown 454]

Looks good nice and tight no rinkles. Wayne

[MrQuick]

Thanks zman, I was wondering about that and was hoping that wasn't the case. Oh well, I think it is worth swapping them, I could definetly use more room.

I know what you mean about time. I have been fortunate the past 2 months that I have been able to "sneak" in the garage quite a bit. However, I did get the "look" from the wife last night...so progress may be slowing just a bit!

Phil

The core is different and still available through aftermarket vendors..
$47 on ebay
Just a note, you can just redrill the outer box you have (since its painted) I can mail you a template or just copy off the one you might have already.Then install the reinforcing plate, gasket and 2 screws. www.Stevescamaroparts.com he has them in stock with the gasket you would need. UPS's daily.

M10018 PLATE Big Block heater core outlet cover plate EACH $19.95 67-72 I could not find them on line.

Headliner looks great, nice work. A heat gun is your friend for those pesky smaller wrinkles.

[69TAPoser]

The core is different and still available through aftermarket vendors..
$47 on ebay
Just a note, you can just redrill the outer box you have (since its painted) I can mail you a template or just copy off the one you might have already.Then install the reinforcing plate, gasket and 2 screws. www.Stevescamaroparts.com he has them in stock with the gasket you would need. UPS's daily.

M10018 PLATE Big Block heater core outlet cover plate EACH $19.95 67-72 I could not find them on line.

Headliner looks great, nice work. A heat gun is your friend for those pesky smaller wrinkles.

Thanks!

Phil

[TonyHuntimer]

Your project is looking great!

Be careful with the heat gun. They work great. Sometimes to great.

Tony Huntimer

[hectore3]

Hey Phil,

That Firebird is looking wonderful! Hopefully you can make it to Norwalk this year. Me and Jeff had a blast last year.

[69TAPoser]

Your project is looking great!

Be careful with the heat gun. They work great. Sometimes to great.

Tony Huntimer

Yeah, I was thinking that. I have so many hours into the headliner, I may keep the heat gun in the drawer and steal the wife's blowdryer.

Hi Hectore-

I would like to go to Norwalk this year. I need to reserve the dates.

Any pics of how your ride is coming along?

Phil

[hectore3]

Yeah, I was thinking that. I have so many hours into the headliner, I may keep the heat gun in the drawer and steal the wife's blowdryer.

Hi Hectore-

I would like to go to Norwalk this year. I need to reserve the dates.

Any pics of how your ride is coming along?

Phil

The actual car is still "rat rod like" LOL! Working on the drivetrain and electrical systems and so on. Finished the 428 with Jeff's expert help though. I am working mad overtime to get the car mechanically done in the spring/summer time frame.

With the real expense...... body work! Coming over the next winter period.

428 +.030 (434)
Wiseco custom forged aluminum flat top pistons
Zero Deck
Eagle 6.625 rods
10/10 crank
Race bearings
Melling MS54D pump
RPM intake.
72cc E-heads
.051" Cometic Head gaskets
Comp Custom Hyd "Extreme Street" lobes 248/254 @.050 .619/.639 lift w/ 1.65's
Crower Stainless 1.65 rockers
Mega brace
11.04:1 on pump gas
Ferra valves
Canton 15-452 road race pan, pickup, and windage diamond stripper
Shaker455's custom built 1000 HP annular
MSD Drop-in & Blaster 2
Accusump system 3 quart
15% under driven pulleys
TCI flexplate SFI approved

[69TAPoser]

Nice! I recognize that engine stand!

You'll be on the road before me!

Phil