1971 Firebird455 - Project

[LeighP]

Those are the "on top" style...they sandwich the hood between the catch flange and the nuts/washers underneath.
You can buy a flush version, but that either bonds to the hood, or requires screws with countersunk washers on the outside of the hood. I thought the flange style would be stronger.
These are also lockable, which I like.

[Ripper]

yeah, I know. But some people lowers them down in the hood so they sit in the same level. However, since your hood is a fiber glass I was curious if you done it some how...


lockable is nice, definitely...

[LeighP]

I see what you mean...thats a neat job, but no, it didn't occur to me to try doing that....they are just surface mounted. Looks good, though.

[Takid455]

Both have pros and cons. The recessed one has a nice flush look but debris can build up in the void and may be tough to clean. The flat mounted one, well will have an obstruction on an otherwise flat surface.

I would have used them if I knew about them prior to painting the hood. No if I want to install them, I would need to have the top mounted style as making the recessed area will damage the surrounding paint.

[LeighP]

So, I'm still doing small projects to fill in time and save time later.

Fitted up the Autometer Trans Oil and Engine Oil Temp gauges to the A pillar pod housing I got from Anvil Autos. They do lots of cool CF parts for 2nd gens.





And I fitted up an eye level centre brake light to the rear headliner trim retainer, as well as refinishing the front and rear trims in satin black.





The pegs are just holding the wiring where I've bedded it into some sealant while it sets - to stop it moving around.

[FirebirdSteve]

Very Interesting........

[LeighP]

Wow, thats a blast from the past.....sort of matches the vintage, though....lol.

[LeighP]

OK...so we've reached the stage where theres enough progress to warrant more pics.
Car is back in pieces, getting the final undercoat - it'll be blocked and get the base colour on it next week.....theres a public holiday coming up, so its a short week, but at least it should be in the base colour.

Heres a pile of Firebird parts ready for priming.


Doors are done.


And the body freshly primed.

[LeighP]

WE HAVE SOME COLOUR!!!!!!

Well, its only the base colour, they still have to apply the top colour (pearl green) over the base, but he's identified a couple of extremely slight low spots he wants to fix first....so since tomorrow is a public holiday, the guys are also getting friday off to make a long weekend...so mine will sit till next week...hardening up a little.

[aronhk_md]

Leigh.....all I can say is wow....on all of it. Can you come help me with mine? lol

[bhcustomdesigns]

Its looking good Leigh,I cant wait to see it finished its going to be a very nice car!Now if I can just get mine that far along lol.

[LeighP]

Thanks guys....pretty happy with how it looks...the flash actually fades out the colour....its not a bad colour on itsown, but with the pearl jade green over the top, its AWESOME!!!!! lol.
Be nice to live closer to a bunch of other 2nd gen guys, help out on projects etc...there aren't that many of us around!

Just had some good news on the registration front...they changed some rules on the required paperwork recently, meaning a $450 compliance certificate required on imports to ensure they meat government design rules.....well, it seems the cut off point is cars built after 01 AUG 1972, which means all I need is a vehicle ID and safety check, rather than the expensive compliance certificate....yippee, $450 better in my pocket!

[68400BIRD]

It's looking great. Can't wait to see the top coat and clear on it. This is going to be a long weekend for you. LOL

[Doug1]

It won't be long now! That is really looking sharp Leigh. I'm looking forward to the action photos!

[LeighP]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!! COLOUR!!!!!!!

They phoned me late today....seems the booth was free and the painter was keen to paint it....

Even the panel shop owner is impressed with the colour choice.

Without further delay.....the shell - freshly painted.









Is that cool, or what? The pearl in the paint really shows off under the lights of the booth - I can't wait to see this in the sun. And this is just "off the gun".

[ccm399]

Very NICE sir!

Make sure to post up those pics in the sun!

Chris

[cowboy1]

Love the color!

[68400BIRD]

Wow!!!! That really pops, can't wait to see it put back together. I bet those AR500's are going to look great.

[Olav]

Nice!!

[ATOMonkey]

Wow, that paint really POPS! Should look even better in daylight.