Project: Wickedbird progress report

[I15power]

The wickedbird is making progress and getting closer to completion. I purchased the car at the tail end of 2010 and took delivery in February 2011. Sadly, I haven't taken the time to time share the updates and pictures of the car since I took possession.

I picked up where Phil left off on the car after taking a few months to get more familiar with the car and ordering a number of parts.

Since March, my good friend, Steve, and I have performed the following

• Starting from rear of car, worked our way forward tightening every nut, bolt, clamp and fitting.
• Bled and tuned brake system and installed e-brake kit.
• Re-plummed fuel line and fuel system. Diagnose fuel delivery issue. Filter in backwards.
• Had a spacer machined for axle flange and rotors to align studs. Didn't want to rely on lug nuts to center rotor.
• Wired and plummed MSD ignition.
• Set timing
• Aligned subframe-- this was a challenge
• Installed engine and front end wiring harness
• Blinded heater hoses under manifold
• Filled cooling system, wired fans, moved radiator and machined billet pulley for proper fit.
• Bled and adjusted hydraulic clutch system-Brembo.
• Assembled front clip, bumper, headlights, etc. Tricky assembly on the 69's!
• Ordered lots of hardware, parts, speed clamps, and fittings
• Some carb tuning
• A lot more than I can recall now.

Notable experiences thus far-

• Shaking a clock and 3 pictures from the garage wall after starting the fire breathing 525 hp 579 torque with headers only.
• Driving car 5 blocks for exhaust system install with headers only.
• Driving car 8 blocks without glass or door latches down a high traffic 6 lane 45 MPH street....and running out of fuel. Coasting to safe zone. Headers only. No exhaust.

The body work is complete and body is aligned. All holes welded up excluding rear pontiac emblem holes and birds on rear quarters. I bought a steel hood. Saw too many problems down the road with the glass hood. I'm sticking with the original color of tungsten charcoal metallic. Just like Phil.... Im still struggling with doing satin silver stripes or going matte black. Want to match the wheels but sure do love the look of the satin silver. Thoughts?

[69TAPoser]

Looking awesome Greg! Glad to hear she has taken her maiden voyage! The exhaust looks awesome...post more pics when you can!

Phil

[LeighP]

Nice work...sounds like shes a beast!