[Project Blackbird] 1968 Pontiac Firebird

[six8fbird]

I got word I was deploying to Iraq. It was hard to break the news to my Parents. I give in and finally share the news as I board the U.S.S. Essex. I was part of 1st BN 3rd Marine Charlie Company 1st Platoon. We had been tasked to provide overhead coverage for M1A3 Abrams entering the city of Al-Fallujah for, “Operation Phantom Fury”. Days before all this went down, I spoke to my father on our Battalion Satellite phone.

The year was 1973 and my father had just sold his 1968 Firebird Muncie 4-speed for a 68 Firebird 400 RA TH-350. Twenty years later 1993, age ten, I started to appreciate the rich history of hot rods, muscle cars and Infineon Raceway (formally known as Sears Point Raceway), at my very own door step, Northern California.

The last thing my father told me over the phone was, “Come back home safe and the Firebird is yours son”. ****! (*&$(&^$(*&#)@!!!!

I have got to make it back from this deployment!

There was something about the Firebird and my infatuation with the SR-71 Blackbird as a kid. All I ever wanted growing up was his Verdero Green Firechicken.

Four years later after being Honorably Discharged from Uncle Sams Misguided Children, I am finally able to resurrect the de-commissioned Stealth Reconnaissance machine!

Mission:

Build a 3000lb-ish, Twin Turbo Machine like the SR-71. This bird will look outright obnoxious but have a subtle paint scheme. Run 11’s, Trans-American road trips, cockpit type interior.

• Twin Turbo LS3 – T-56
• Speed Tech Performance Suspension (Full Track Time Package)
• Torque Arm Rear Suspension - Narrowed Strange 9”
• Baer Pro Plus 14” brakes 6-Piston
• Speed Tech Performance Designed 3-piece wheels; 19”x9” & 20”x12”
• Michelin Pilot Super Sports; 275/30/19” & 345/30/20”
• Shaved emblems, drip rails, fuel cap door, trunk lock, door handles & locks, Door & trunk poppers, Flush mount glass front and rear, All body joints welded and smoothed, LED lighting front and rear, Relocated battery to trunk
• Speed Tech Performance Stainless Steel Headers Custom 3” Stainless full exhaust System
• 8-point weld-in roll cage • Recaro Seats • Dash customized with Autometer Gauges

[six8fbird]

Attachment 60087

[Big Eddie]

Nice project. Have a 67 myself. What type of headlights are in the pic? Really like the idea of one big headlight instead of two on each side.

[Happyfunballs]

One to watch. Thank you for your service.

[six8fbird]

Nice project. Have a 67 myself. What type of headlights are in the pic? Really like the idea of one big headlight instead of two on each side.

They are '33 Ford headlights. They will be outfitted with HID and have a LED strip on the inside edge for turn signal. Lights were ordered off of Speedway Motors

[T_Raven]

Looks good so far. Glad you made it back safe...for the Firebird's sake lol

[six8fbird]

Rendering of how the front should end up looking like. Forgot to photoshop the separation of lower front fender and lower valance.


Orignal bumpers are used for demonstration. Waiting on the Up22 glass bumpers to come in.

[Big Eddie]

They are '33 Ford headlights. They will be outfitted with HID and have a LED strip on the inside edge for turn signal. Lights were ordered off of Speedway Motors

Thanks! Can't wait to see the end product.

[WS6]

Sounds like a pretty neat build. Keep the pictures coming.

Thanks for your service.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Nice looking ride glad ya made it back and thanks..

[sr73bu]

Yeah man..that thing looks sick!

My best friend was with 2/1 a few years back and recently got out of the Marines...

Good luck with the build and Thank you for your service.


-Sean

[seancarole]

Thank you for your service.
Love birds I've got a 68 that seems to be married to jack stands for now.

[lickitysplit]

Great looking project. I have been throwing around the idea of mini-tubing my 68 Camaro. How long do you think it took you to complete the mini-tub on your car?

[six8fbird]

I'f I remember correctly he spent 40-50 hrs on the tubs. The DSE tubs are built for a maximum of 335. Some additional fab work was needed to stuff the 345/30/20!

[six8fbird]

[lickitysplit]

I'm speaking on behalf of Tim Conder at Conder Customs in Santa Rosa, CA. I'm currently over the pond back in the sandbox. I'll have to get back to you on the mini tubs. I'f I remember correctly he spent 40-50 hrs on the tubs. The DSE tubs are built for a maximum of 335. Some additional fab work was needed to stuff the 345/30/20!

I've heard 40hrs before so that seems to be a common trend. Now I need to decide if its worth it. I feel like I will regret it if I don't go with the tubs. Thanks.

[six8fbird]

A few goodies I got to order this last month.
*LS3 - Had only 40 mins of dyno time. Comes complete with computer and all front drive accessories.
*Ring Brothers Anodized Airframe Hood hinges and other misc billet anodized interior pieces.
*ATS (speedtech) Coil relocation bracket
*ATS (speedtech) LSx Motor brackets - Poly mounts
*Mcleod (summitracing) RST twin disk & steel flywheel package
*Wilwood (summitracing) Triple Master cylinders and Clutch/Brake pedals
*T-56 Magnum .63 OD from Hurst-Driveline conversions - Basic kit

[geberhard]

REALLY dig this project!!

[CliffS]

Sweet, like the subframe. Love the big headlamps, gives the Bird a totally different face.

[68firebird]

Looking great. I love how this bird looks.