Firebird project

[j68bird]

I'm finally getting around to posting my intro. I was a little intimidated when I first started looking at this board, but after reading the "Garage built Cars" thread I felt a little better.
I'm building a 68 Firebird convertible that will be Pontiac powered with a 455.
When I started my build I was just going to fix a few rust spots on the the old car that sat out back for over 10 years. My plans changed and that turned into a project lasting 6 years so far. I've spent a lot of that time learning metal shaping and acquiring shop equipment. I recently finished installing a C3 Corvette rear and Air Ride shocks and am now I'm starting on the exterior sheetmetal. The tail panel was new and I modified it with a motorcycle gas cap and exhaust cutouts. I have all new sheet metal to install and I'm hoping that things will speed up a little. Next step will be the quarters, as soon as I figure how I'm going to do the "gills".

J.

[HRBS]

Nice to see you finally joined Jay.
Car looks great.
See ya Friday ?

[Musclerodz]

Is there some reason that most first gen Firebirds were Verado Green? I have seen more that color than any other. I even have a project and 2 parts cars the same color. Who made your cross member to bolt that IRS in? Looks sharp.

Mike

[AAW]

Jay! I'm so glad you finally posted and introduced yourself to these guys. You'll feel right at home here in no time.

Guys, Jay is a friend of mine and a hell of a good guy! He's visited us @ the shop (AAW) and is always at local car events and makes sure to stop and say hello.

His sheetmetal skills will be sure to impress...

Welcome Jay! It's nice to finally see you here. :thumbsup:

[Steve1968LS2]

Welcome to the site and it's nice to see a Firebird project!

Keep in mind we're a very visual group here and we love status and build shots! :thumbsup:

Again, welcome to the site and the lat-g community.

[awr68]

WELCOME Jay!! Everything looks great so far! Keep at it, I know how it can drag on as it took me over 5 years to get mine ready for body and paint work...although I started a family along the way so that took some time. :)

What do you have planned for the quarters? I did the 80% panels and never would do it again that way, as Frank put it 'they are 80% more work!'. If patch panels aren't enough, just replace the whole panel.

Again, welcome and I look forward to seeing pics of your project along the way!! :thumbsup:

[EFI]

Welcome!
Your car sounds like a cool project!
Looking forward to seeing more pics!


______________________
-Dan

[XcYZ]

Welcome aboard, Jay. :thumbsup: I'm looking forward to seeing updates of your project.

[camcojb]

Guys, Jay is a friend of mine and a hell of a good guy!

Jay, we won't hold that against you! :unibrow: Welcome to the site!

Jody

[jonny51]

Welcome Jay!Always nice to see more pontiac's around here.Any power goals with that 455?

[j68bird]

Thanks Guys,

Steve,
I'll see you at the Jackson show. I'll try not to talk your ear off, but I've got a bunch of questions.

Mike,
That was a popular color back then. Now a days people seem to love or hate it. I'm keeping the color close to that, but will brighten it a little and add a bit more metalic. Then cover it with a tri color pearl clear coat.
I made all the brackets and mounts, then powder coated it with a cheap Harbor Freight setup.

Theresa
If it wasn't for your threats, I mean encouragement I'd still be lurking. I'll try and get over to see you guys after you get back from SEMA. That way you can update me of all the latest stuff I'm going to be needing.

Steve1968ls2
I will definately post build pics. I'm not lucky enough to work with many car guys that understand this passion.

Anthony,
I am also going to use 80% quarters, and they're Camaro quarters too. I'll have to make my own "gills" since one side is
all bondo. I have a secret weapon though. The guy I'm learning metal work from has been restoring/repairing high end cars for 30 years.

Dan, Jody, & Scot
Thanks, I'll keep you updated.

Jonny51
I've got a 455 bored .030. I think that = 462! as far as hp goes it's not too radical. I'm hoping for 450+
All the machine work is done. I just need to decide a color to paint it.
I'm not liking the Pontiac blue for this car. I'm leaning towards a gun metal gray.

[deuce32]

where in s jersey are you from??? you project looks cool , im also building a 68 firebird as well. :thumbsup: