OLDFLM's (Ty) 71 Firebird comes to Fletcher's Customs!! Giving back for my Freedom!!

[fletcherscustoms]

Wait a minute Holley/NOS is a sponsor!! Bill I need a truck load of NOS energy drink ASAP!!:woot: :lateral:

[70rs]

Hey guys, any updated pics of it out of the booth? I'd like to see that in the sun. I bet it just "POPS".

[awr68]

I REALLY like this shot!! :thumbsup:
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/paint14.jpg

[OLDFLM]

You and me both my friend! :thumbsup:

It's raining again/still here in Georgia so no outside in the sun pics until possibly this weekend I'm afraid...

[70rs]

It is looking good Ty. I didn't realize you were down there right now.

[fletcherscustoms]

yeah we had to wait out the rain last night before bringing it home from the booth. Finally got the car back in the shop at 10 last night. Got a crew starting the cut/buff process this afternoon. And then I'll move on to assembly in the next day or so. Wish I could say it came out the booth perfect, but nothing on this car has gone how it was suppossed to so why should paint!! lol But nothing you really wouldn't expect, couple pieces of trash and a little sag here and there from having no booth heat!! All in all I'm happy its blue!!

[RECOVERY ROOM]

Nice color.

[OLDFLM]

Nice color.

I REALLY like it too Tracy! :thumbsup: :wow:

It's kinda funny now as I didn't really pick it out! :_paranoid

The car has always been burgundy in the 25 years that I've owned it... when I bought it in high school and when I had it repainted in 1990. The "original" plan was for Chad to just put another burgundy on it... LOL

But then Ben Hermance came up with those fantastic renderings and I was torn between the blue and burgundy so we put it up for vote right here thru a poll! So, in reality the Lateral-g community picked the color... and I LOVE it!!! :cheers: :lateral:

[fesler]

I REALLY like it too Tracy! :thumbsup: :wow:

It's kinda funny now as I didn't really pick it out! :_paranoid

The car has always been burgundy in the 25 years that I've owned it... when I bought it in high school and when I had it repainted in 1990. The "original" plan was for Chad to just put another burgundy on it... LOL

But then Ben Hermance came up with those fantastic renderings and I was torn between the blue and burgundy so we put it up for vote right here thru a poll! So, in reality the Lateral-g community picked the color... and I LOVE it!!! :cheers: :lateral:

Ty, I told you that the blue would look sick. this is going to be one sweet car and your tail lights should be on the way today.

[OLDFLM]

I know you did my friend and you were right!! :thumbsup:

I'm heading down today with my Dad to see it for the first time in person!!!!

This will be the last time I'll get to see the car before SEMA! :wow:

[OLDFLM]

Spent the morning at Fletcher's Customs yesterday... the color looks INCREDIBLE!!! Got some great shots of the car too... but our home computer crashed last night at 0230am... got the blue screen of death and everything!
I need to check with Chad to see which pics I can post up and then I'll try to get them up early this week after I get the "Computer Man" to check out our "boat anchor" of a computer.

[L & H Kustoms]

Ty love the color it looks awesome cant wait to see it at SEMA :thumbsup:

[OLDFLM]

Chad, Josh, and Jerry really did a great job!!!!!!!! :thumbsup:

Here's a few pics... I love the way the color highlights the curves of the car!

Picture of my Dad with the car... at 72 he drove down from northwest Ohio to see it!

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/Firebird17Oct09002-1-1.jpg

Trying to capture all that flake in the paint:

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/Firebird17Oct09006-1.jpg

Artistic shot (attempt)... reflection of the engine in the firewall:

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/Firebird17Oct09005-1.jpg

I can't wait to see it after it's been cut and buffed!!! It looks AMAZING already!

Just ten more days until we leave for SEMA... :woot:

[fletcherscustoms]

Only 10 more days till we head west!!! We are getting close, the light at the end of the tunnel is shining bright and we can finally see it and almost touch it. Car is cut and ready to be buffed this afternoon. Once again Josh and Alan come through and get things done!! I spent 32 hours this weekend wiring the car. Such tedious work but I enjoyed, finally something on this car I could dictate and the car wasn't fighting me. All the wiring is wrapped in "tech flex" and routed to stay out of the way. i didn't get all creative and try to hide wires in places. There just routed tastefully and finctional. I'm impressed with how it all came out. Lots of things going on. interior will start going in tonight if they finish buffing. All interior parts are ready just waiting on the body guys to get out of my way.

Heres some pics from the weekend.

josh getting the dash ready to spray "hot rod black"
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/8454843.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/8864654.jpg

Heres the car cut, waiting to be buffed
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/884656.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/84649835.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/89798754.jpg

[fletcherscustoms]

Holy hell!! I just woke up staring at my computer, no idea how long i've been a sleep here at my desk. Or if anyone seen me!! I really need some rest!! I'm doing 100 plus hours a week between day job and Ty's car!! Its starting to catch up to me!!

SEMA thrash in full bloom!!!

[fesler]

Holy hell!! I just woke up staring at my computer, no idea how long i've been a sleep here at my desk. Or if anyone seen me!! I really need some rest!! I'm doing 100 plus hours a week between day job and Ty's car!! Its starting to catch up to me!!

SEMA thrash in full bloom!!!

must be nice to sleep in till noon LOL :willy:

[fletcherscustoms]

yeah I slept in yesterday. I didn't hit the shop till 8 AM!!! I must have been out for a at least a hour sitting here. Last email I read was at 2:06 and had new ones since then. oh well, anothe rhour I can work tonight!!! naps rock!!

[chr2002ca]

Congrats on the continued progress. Thanks for keeping us posted. After all your hard work, things are really coming together now and I know you must be very excited. I can't wait to see the finished product and how all of those new carbon fiber body panels fit together. The exposed carbon stripes are going to look really sharp with that color blue. :bow:

I was looking at the rear wheels/tires in the photos. Maybe my eyes are playing tricks on me, but it seems like the tire is sticking out a little bit or at least dead even with the rear wheel well lip. Once all the additional weight is added(interior, glass, etc) and the suspension has settled in, do you think there will be any tire rubbing issues on the outside of the rear tires? Or maybe I just need to get my eyes checked or what you have there is not the final setup.

Keep up the great work! :thumbsup:

[fletcherscustoms]

the rears sit about even with the outside edge. But the car is also slammed down as low it will go.

[fletcherscustoms]

Well we got the car cut down to 3000 tonight. Still got to buff tomorrow. The interior also started going in. Seats and carpet are installed!! pics in the morning

[waynieZ]

THe car looks great , I love the color. Nice work.

[KPC67]

wow! looking very nice:thumbsup:

[tony byram]

WOW, sand with 3000, flys gonna bust his a$$ when he tries to land, what color is that boilermaker? You guys do some GREAT paint! Cant wait to see more pics of this car!:thumbsup:Sorry dude just went back and saw it was Jetstream blue,BEAUTIFUL!

[fletcherscustoms]

yeah I like to sand 1000,1500,2000,then 3000 gets it really slick and cuts a lot of buffing time out!! She should be nice when we get done.

[fletcherscustoms]

I'm gonna start slacking off on pics!! Its getting close to completion and I want everyone to see it completed at SEMA. So I'll give some teaser pics from now till SEMA and then final pics from SEMA.

check the door panels out
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMG00056-20091019-1257.jpg

Seats and carpethttp://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMG00059-20091019-2019.jpg

Dash sprayed black
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMG00057-20091019-1719.jpg

[OLDFLM]

The interior is turning out exactly how I'd hoped and envisioned! Subtle, updated, functional and comfortable!! :thumbsup:

All that black Arizen leather looks great against the JSB paint!! And the Marquez door panels look amazing!! Clean and classy! :cool:
I can't wait to see it with all the little detail elements bringing it all together!! :willy: :woot:

[fesler]

Here are the lights guys we put back up in them for you. You will have them in the morning.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj73/FeslerBuilt/Img0003-8.jpg
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj73/FeslerBuilt/Img0007-3.jpg

[OLDFLM]

Those are just sick Chris!!! "Billet Jewelry" for the car! :unibrow: I just can't thank you enough my friend!!!

The LEDs from Dave at RestoreaMuscleCar will light them up nicely too!

[waynieZ]

Nice chris. They look great.

[fletcherscustoms]

Car buffed out really good tonight!! Few small places that need a little more cutting then a rebuff!! We also sprayed the front clip tonight so that'll go on tomorrow afternoon. Things are starting to come together!! :thumbsup:

[OLDFLM]

This SEMA thrash is really beating the guys up... we leave in just 5 more days!

Chad sent me this text pic and everything is black and blue!! :P

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/IMG00063-20091024-1713-1-1.jpg

[fletcherscustoms]

The car is really beating us up. But the car is striped and cleared. And shes smokin!!

Free drink to whoever can identify whose paint booth this is in??

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/DSC00820.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/DSC_0249.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/DSC_0253.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/DSC_0255.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/DSC_0256.jpg

[fesler]

Looks good. I bet it can hold a bus that place is huge

[GregWeld]

This is the first build I'm going looking for at SEMA....

EEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAA!!

[fletcherscustoms]

We made a executive decision to reSpray the car due to some issues we couldn't get right. Came out 100 times better and we finally got the stripes on it also. Tomorrow exhaust install

[NOT A TA]

Hey can I guess on that booth? AHAHAHA

[gearheads78]

words don't do it justice

[fletcherscustoms]

Yeah its franks booth at ?prodigy. I came down friday morning to have micheal do the exhaust install as my tig died a painfull death. And frank offered to have micheal do it if I brought it down. well I got down here and frank and myself really felt like the car needed to be touched up paint wise as we had some bad metallics and some other flaws. So then he volunteered bob and andrew. Some blocking and some elbow grease we had the car back down. And started the paint process over. Got the striped on it also which was one thing I was scared might not make it. Special thanks to ?prodigy for all the help this weekend. Frank went beyond the call of duty and charged me nothing.

Exhaust install tomorrow then back home to ga tomoRow night. Its gonna be a close one, but SEMA I'll see you in few days

[awr68]

It's amazing what can happen when a few guys hit it hard and refuse to sleep!! Great Job Team Prodigy....you guys ROCK!! And you have to love the size of that booth!! :thumbsup: :woot: :lateral:

Car looks good!! Drive safely!! :cheers:

[fletcherscustoms]

Still a long road ahead. Only five days left till we ride out to vegas. Cut and buff, finish interior, glass, and see what else we can get done. Little setback in the plans. But car is much better then it was when I arrived. This has been a full build in six weeks and we got a long way to go

[awr68]

Chad, best of luck to you guys! Remember, for the show it just has to 'look complete'!! You will have enough time when you get home from SEMA to get it ready for the Power Block deal!! :cheers:

[waynieZ]

The car looks great I love the color. I think I read somewhere Frank said he had no SEMA thrash this year . I guess he got his fix. Nice work Chad and Prodigy.

[OLDFLM]

It looks AMAZING!!! I just can't thank Frank, Michael, Andrew and Bob enough for stepping up and doing all of this! Team Prodigy!!!! :bow:

[skatinjay27]

YEAH, right when i saw the pics I thought that looks like the prodigy booth.

and for some reason Im some how not surprised that frank and the prodigy crew would step up and do something like that!:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Vegas69]

Way to go guys....:thumbsup:

[DOOM]

Chad n Frank pm sent ....

[radrambler]

GUYS, TY

what an amazing effort by this community of great car people.
ty, im sure your blown away.this story should be told in a mag(PHR ?)
from :bow: FLETCHERS to PRODIGY and all the SPONSORS ,OUTSTANDING EFFORT.:cheers:
to me it doesnt matter how finished it is when sema hits .its about the effort of people to come together as a community and help someone you may not even really know end up with more of a car and memories than he ever imagined.
overhauled--LATERAL-G STYLE

CONGRATS TY

TOM

[GregWeld]

X's 1000 !

[fletcherscustoms]

Yeah frank and his guys stepped right in knocked the paint out of the park! Now back to GA to get it buffed out and interior install

[awr68]

You just have to love stories like this! It really shows that there is far more going on here than an online forum....this is a great group of friends we have here....the best on the net! But what I really love to hear about is how willing the L-g members are to help eachother and not ask for anything in return! That is just awesome!! From helping work on cars, to moving cars around the country, or storing them as needed this community gets it done...and well I might add!! :bow: :lateral:

I can't wait to see it in 'Vegas!! :woot:

[OLDFLM]

GUYS, TY

what an amazing effort by this community of great car people.
ty, im sure your blown away.this story should be told in a mag(PHR ?)
from :bow: FLETCHERS to PRODIGY and all the SPONSORS ,OUTSTANDING EFFORT.:cheers:
to me it doesnt matter how finished it is when sema hits .its about the effort of people to come together as a community and help someone you may not even really know end up with more of a car and memories than he ever imagined.
overhauled--LATERAL-G STYLE

CONGRATS TY

TOM


I'm so blown away I'm speachless!!! Really, how do you go about thanking someone for doing something so

selfless and taking this thing to a whole new level when you already thought it was beyond your wildest dreams?!!

This is WAY better than Overhaulin' IMHO!!

This story is really less about me and the car than it is about how this great community of car guys comes together... the journey and the friendships made!!! :lateral:

[70rs]

Ty,
You are almost there. The car is looking really nice!
I agree with what was said above, the friends and the journey are the best part. :cheers:

[syborg tt]

WOW - Team Prodigy / Fletchers

You guy's are incredible. I can't wait to see the car at sema.

[ProdigyCustoms]

I guess we just felt a bit naked with no SEMA thrash this year! LOL! Chad called Thursday night.............I need some advice buddy! He told me about his situation, it took only a few seconds to tell him to load it up and bring it to Florida. My pour guys..........They had no clue! You should have seen the look on my crew's faces when I told them Friday morning at 8AM that any minute now a little emergency work would be coming down the driveway, ROFLMAO! I explained the situation and a series of "OH WTF's" followed. But the guys went from "This Is F---in Impossible" at 10AM Friday to "We Got This" by mid day Saturday!

Michael just finished the exhaust. Man I wish there was a way to get tailpipes on it but that particular Torque Arm set up leaves zero tailpipe solutions unless the fuel tank is cut Way DOWN! So it is a dump system but Michael made it look real nice.

Right now the car is in the trailer and headed back to Georgia at 2AM!I asked Chad to grab a few hours sleep at our house then go, but Adrenalin has him right now.

Everyone involved is pretty much exhausted after our little 3 days emergency thrash, but my team and myself get to catch up on sleep now. Chad has 5 more sleepless nights and a 46 hour straight through road trip to Vegas in front of him........................Oh I remember those days well!

Ty, it was not buffed when it left, but paint looked be pretty damn good even before buffing. Color is REAL nice and Andrew really laid it down nice and even. I am sure sanded and buffed it will look fantastic.

I mentioned to Chad, with everyone watching these threads, I liken these thrash scenarios to Evil Knievel jumps. Many watch hoping for sure you will make it against the odds, but there is also a group watching silently hoping it comes up short and a crash! Either ending is exciting in very different ways. We jumped in this weekend to try and help assure a safe landing. I suggest you call in to work sick the rest of the week and spend the week at Chads. You also probably should be ready to do the lions share of the driving. According to my math you guys can leave as late as 5PM Friday if you drive straight through. You can even do some light minor assembly once on the floor at SEMA. But Chad and his guys are going to need additional help to make a smooth landing with any room to spare.

Good luck guys. We are changing into our cheer leading skirts now.

The pleasure was ours!

[OLDFLM]

Frank,

Words just can't express the gratitude I have toward you and your crew!!! :hail:

Many don't know that this adventure started with a phone call from me asking for your advice over a year ago... and you put me in contact with Chad... Who would have ever thought we'd be where we are now my friend!? :)

The car looks ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and I know Chad is excited about how it came out too!! We've got an extra set of hands (from here on the boards) heading to Chad's today and then I'll be down there as soon as I can get off work... (Uncle Sam won't let me call in sick... LOL) :patriot:

This is no Snake River jump, we'll be there!! With the help of some great friends and a lot of sleepless nights, we'll be there!! We'll see you at the Pypes Performance Exhaust booth #24542!

Let the SEMA thrash continue... :lateral:

[GregWeld]

Like I posted earlier in the thread. This is the first car/booth I'm heading for.

FRANK -- I can't imagine ANYONE that would be rooting for a fail here! How could anyone wish that. Well... don't answer... I know there are d*+kheads out there that probably would.

I know he would have gotten much more help - if the shop was in or nearer a major city. I checked flights to there - and it's a "you just can't get there from here" kind of spot.

Not sure where the 46 straight hours of driving comes in -- it's only 1900 miles from Atlanta to LV... so that's more like 31 hours... but either way - it's a long haul... but there's a big difference between 46 hours of driving and 30ish... LOL -- See the bright side? They have to "extra" 8 hour shifts to work on the car!! (I have to provide a positive spin here!)

:woot:

[GregWeld]

Okay -- we have to do the "drive imput" thread here...

There's 3 ways to go via major Interstates.... I40 - I70 or I20

I 40 - through Oklahoma is the shortest

I 70 - through Kansas and Utah

I 20 - through Dallas and Ft Worth

My thinking - and I could be wrong here - would be via I 40 because once you clear Arkansas -- you can hammer down...

But I 70 through Utah - where some of the posted speed limits are now 80 MPH - so you can bump up against 85 and nobody is looking... but towing at 80 is a little "out there" for me personally....

SO :lateral: What say you??

[fesler]

Okay -- we have to do the "drive imput" thread here...

There's 3 ways to go via major Interstates.... I40 - I70 or I20

I 40 - through Oklahoma is the shortest

I 70 - through Kansas and Utah

I 20 - through Dallas and Ft Worth

My thinking - and I could be wrong here - would be via I 40 because once you clear Arkansas -- you can hammer down...

But I 70 through Utah - where some of the posted speed limits are now 80 MPH - so you can bump up against 85 and nobody is looking... but towing at 80 is a little "out there" for me personally....

SO :lateral: What say you??

you need a larger tow rig to do the high speeds. I dont even know my trailer is behind me no matter how fast I am going. laoded to Columbus we were about 62,000LBS

[130fe]

Frank, you and your crew show us once again that you are all stand up guys. I bet the last minute wrenchings can be pretty nerve racking!

[GregWeld]

you need a larger tow rig to do the high speeds. I dont even know my trailer is behind me no matter how fast I am going. laoded to Columbus we were about 62,000LBS

Too funny Chris!!

I was trying to be PC.... by not publicly "encouraging" a cannonball run...

Although - I have looked down at the speedo and gone "holly crappolly" - that speed thing just sneaks up on ya...

However... I will stay with my comment -- towing at 80 is about as fast as I care to go. And then it's got to be wide open - wide lanes... like through Utah on I 70 or parts of Oregon etc... where the only wreck is going to be "yourself".. :willy: :lol:

[GregWeld]

I only have a 2006 Ford F-350 Crew Cab long bed Dually.... with a Talon Suspension system and Gale Banks Big Hoss Bundle... but I'm dragging a 24' Tag... A MotorTrac 4000 and it only has dual axles... And the tires are Hecho in Mexico... after I replaced the Hecho in Chinaco that I had put on to replace the brand new OEM versions that came on it. The Hecho in Chinaco BLEW on I 10 pulling out of Palm Springs... I replaced all 5 with the current tires once I hit Phoenix. I just don't think "trailer tires" are rated for high speed extended cruising... :lol:

If I had a gooseneck -- and triples.... I might creep up to 82 !!

LOL

[fletcherscustoms]

WOW what a weekend!!! Frank and his crew are true professionals and stepped up and helped me out in a clutch! Frank has always been a good "mentor" and buddy to me throughout my 5 or so years of trying to make a name for myself. He's always been there to offer kind words and knowledge when I need it. Then to offer his shop and his guys to come in on a "pinch hit" deal and knock a bases loaded grand slam!! WOW! It was a long weekend with tons going on... I finally left Prodigy Customs at 2 AM this morning and pulled up to my place at 6:30 AM. Grabbed a shower and layed down for a "few minutes" with plans of being at my normal job at 8AM. Well that didn't work, and I'm just now rolling in here!

I can't thank Frank, Andrew, Micheal, and Bob enough!!!! :thumbsup:

As far as mileage, it is a 42-hour straight drive for me. I am right above Tallahassee, Fl. So, we either go I-10 and then cut up in AZ or we cut through Alabama and catch 40. For us from here 10 is the fastest way by about 150 miles. But, it's the worst road in the world with absolutely nothing to look at. But it is pretty much 70mph speed limit whole way!!

[OLDFLM]

(Think Smokey and the Bandit theme song...)

We'll take back roads through Montogomery AL and on up into Arkansas and pick up 40...
It's faster than going up to ATL and then over from Chad's shop...

EDIT = see Chad's post above! :D

[GregWeld]

I was only trying to have a little FUN with the "route".... and as usual learn along the way - as many people "here" have driven various routes that would have taken them along these freeways...

I've always figured 60 mph AVERAGE when towing... the trucks take longer to fuel - and you can't bob and weave in traffic - and you have to stop for some roadside "relief" -- after eating McDonalds at the truck stops... I even make my own coffee along the way - and keep a thermos full at all times. I'm a coffee snob - since I don't drink - and take my whole beans - grinder - and maker with me wherever I go...

I have played with the "route" --- I 40 vs I 10 -- I 40 is shorter in milage even thought it doesn't look it on the map... and at 60 mph 'average' -- it's almost 2 hours shorter. But what the routes don't tell you - which is why I said 'lets talk about it' - is hills etc which can really toss a wrench in your 60 mph average if you don't have the capacity to haul some serious butt...

I drove I 10 once - through Midland and Odessa I had to wear a large handkerchief over my face to keep the "west Texas dust" out of my nose. I followed a truck because I couldn't see where I was going. When I woke up the next day in Shreveport, Louisiana -- it had rained - and the streets ran with RED west Texas dirt... :lol: It sand blasted the front of my 2002.... and I had to get it painted when I finished the trip.

[fletcherscustoms]

I take that back, 40 is 150 miles shorter!! My brain is not functioning properly today!! We'll go 40 over more than likely!! At least thats what I'm leaning for. Jerry is a truck driver by day so hes made this trip countless times over the years, so it'll be his call. He takes a lot of different variable into account based on what time we leave and then at what time we will go through major cities. One way might be quicker by mileage but if your gonna hit a couple of major cities during rush hour going that way you just through your mileage advantage out the window. We will make the call as we enter the truck to head west. Lots of activity tonight, interior guy will be there for headliner, interior panels, and seat install. John Paige will be there to do dash and guage install. Josh is reclearing the hood , as we had a nasty bug that got in the booth and did the tango in the center of the hood, and if I can can get in the action I'll get the glass going in.

[fletcherscustoms]

Well the day job is drawing to an end. Time for a all nighter in the shop. Interior guys at the shop doing headliner, and interior panel install. We'll also knock out the front and back glass tonight. Along with what ever we can get done!

Woohoo SEMA , I ain't scared of you!!!

[OLDFLM]

Careful buddy! Don't tempt the demons! :_paranoid

[70rs]

Careful buddy! Don't tempt the demons! :_paranoid

Uh, yeah. :lol:

Hang in there guys. This is almost over.

PRODIGY CREW/FRANK Way to go guys!! Outstanding! That is what this car thing is all about. The people, not so much the cars. The cars just bring all of us to the same place. My hat is off to the whole crew there at Prodigy!!
:cheers:

[fletcherscustoms]

Demons?? Yeah this car has them!! I thought I was the only one who they fought against but I think Andrew and the guys at prodigy will back me up, this car is possessed. Divide and Conquer!!! Plan of the week, divide up the work to all my guys and folks are stopping in to help out, and conquer this demon car once and for all!!

[OLDFLM]

They can hear you my friend!! :evil:

[Lenie]

Frank and Prodigy team, all I've got to say is wow! Way above and beyond. Best of luck Ty.

[rwhite692]

Ty, just catching up on this thread, the paint looks fantastic, wish I were going to SEMA this year to see it, an awesome effort by everyone involved!

[OLDFLM]

I couldn't agree more my friend!! :yes:

What a week so far already! I just don't see how these guys do it...

Chad, Frank, Michael, Bob, and Andrew basically pulled a 72-hour straight thrash at Prodigy Customs over the weekend... and now with the car back home at Chad's shop; Chad, Josh, Jerry and special guest John (NOT A TA) are continuing the thrash to get the car back together after paint and fully assembled so we can start the journey west in just two days!

Prodigy and Fletcher's Customs are the real deal and I'm honored to have been given a glimpse of all the talent they possess! This really is/has been one of those life experiences that I will cherish forever... :woot: and it's not even over yet!!

Thanks again guys! :lateral:

[fesler]

I cant wait to meet all you guys at SEMA we have 3 days and I have 2 cars of 10 done with one going into paint today and another one going in tomorrow. We are all crazy and we should just forget about SEMA. its killing me I know it is

[fletcherscustoms]

We getting closer. cutting and buffing right now!!! Headliner and interior panels are in. Glass going shortly. John (NOT A TA) is at the shop now doing the dash and cluster install!! Its all coming together but man its killing us all!!

[jy211]

pic's ? :lol: :D

[fletcherscustoms]

I'll snap some pics tonight or tomorrow. Not gonna do any big all over shots!! saving the suspense for SEMA!!

[fletcherscustoms]

wow, 2 more days to go~

Shop is crazy, currently 7 guys out there!! Wow does this place get small. I broke away to check on things and send out a sponsor update and was looking back through all the pics on my website. And its crazy how far this car has came. And what it has now become. There have been so many people and companies that have stepped up to be a part of this project. Its just pure out insane!! Thanks to everyone who has been apart of it!!

Just thought I'd do a quick picture progress post

Day I brought it to the shop
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/ftp_upload/freedom_bird/1.jpg

Stripped her down to find my future hell underneath!!
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/ftp_upload/freedom_bird/6.jpg

Complete floor and framerail rebuild

http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/DSC00367.JPG
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_7.jpg

Rolling chassis 9/8/09
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_54645345.jpg

Fully assembled for first time since10/6/08
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/ty5.jpg

[buickfunnycar.com]

Great teamwork guys...way to go...best luck to you Ty.:thumbsup:

[OLDFLM]

I'm going crazy with anticipation!!! :willy:

I've got a briefing to give here at noon and then I'm hoping my boss will let me out of here early to day so I can head down to Chad's shop to join in on the tail end of the trash before we load the car up and head west!

"Are we there yet!" "Are we there yet!" "Are we there yet!" :rofl:

[fletcherscustoms]

come on down you the next contestant on grab a wrench and a part and get it on the car ASAP!!!!

Last night was nutty!!! Had seven guys in the shop and boy the shop gets small. I actually just had to step back and play boss, and point everyone in the right direction.

Were getting close but we will be pushing into the weee hours of Friday morning before hitting the trailer and heading west!!!

have I told you how much this car hates me, and how I'm beginning to feel the same towards it?? lol :thumbsup:

[Vegas69]

Cars just aren't meant to be put together that fast. I can only imagine the four letter words flying around that shop. I'm sure the reward will be worth the trouble. Look forward to seeing it next week.

[fletcherscustoms]

Things are progressing rather fast, but not smoothly!! this car has demons!!! And they love to mess with me!! We have given the car a new nickname "do twice" because I don't care what it is your gonna do it twice before it comes out like it should!!! Only 48 hours till our deadline till the latest we can leave!!

[70rs]

it's just after 4pm on the west coast. How are you guys doing?:cheers: :willy:

[fletcherscustoms]

moving along and checking things off the list~~ Car is cut, buffing in the morning had to reclear a few things tonight. Interior is in. Buttoning up a few things under the car (driveshaft, wiring, centering rearend, etc) It'll be sometime Friday before we head west

[Teetoe_Jones]

Good luck. We're all counting on you.

http://www.independentcritics.com/images/airplaneSPLASH.jpg

Tyler

[fletcherscustoms]

Well its 4 39 and ty and myself are still going at it! Things are going smoothly for once , knock on wood! We've wrapped up interior, seats, door panels, etc. Moving to exterior for rear tail panel and tail lights. Wish us luck boys and girls.

[fleet]

Well its 4 39 and ty and myself are still going at it! Things are going smoothly for once , knock on wood! We've wrapped up interior, seats, door panels, etc. Moving to exterior for rear tail panel and tail lights. Wish us luck boys and girls.

That's good to hear all the progress you've made.

Just wanted to say I am so impressed with what you're doing and the generosity of the Prodigy folks to step in and lend 'hands'...wow! :thumbsup:

[Neil B]

Looking great guys. That shade of blue with the CF accents looks fantastic on the 2nd gen body style. Can't wait to see it finished. Keep going, you're in the home stretch!

[awr68]

are you done yet...........................:D

[70rs]

are you done yet...........................:D

I was going to ask the same thing. Almost there guys. Hang in there!!

[fletcherscustoms]

Were still going at it but we almost there. Just got done having a four person buffing party and boy is she shiny. Putting her all back together pics coming later I promise

[radrambler]

GO FLETCHERS

:cheering:

UNBELIEVABLE EFFORT GUYS
CONGRATS TY

TOM

[NOT A TA]

Ok, heres some update pics for you guys! These start Tuesday morning and end tonight after midnight.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/NOTATA/SEMA%20thrash%20at%20Fletchers/FirebirdTAdashbuild210.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/NOTATA/SEMA%20thrash%20at%20Fletchers/FirebirdTAdashbuild212.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/NOTATA/SEMA%20thrash%20at%20Fletchers/FirebirdTAdashbuild214.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/NOTATA/SEMA%20thrash%20at%20Fletchers/FirebirdTAdashbuild216.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/NOTATA/SEMA%20thrash%20at%20Fletchers/FirebirdTAdashbuild223.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/NOTATA/SEMA%20thrash%20at%20Fletchers/FirebirdTAdashbuild227.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/NOTATA/SEMA%20thrash%20at%20Fletchers/FirebirdTAdashbuild247.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/NOTATA/SEMA%20thrash%20at%20Fletchers/FirebirdTAdashbuild250.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/NOTATA/SEMA%20thrash%20at%20Fletchers/FirebirdTAdashbuild257.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/NOTATA/SEMA%20thrash%20at%20Fletchers/FirebirdTAdashbuild258.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/NOTATA/SEMA%20thrash%20at%20Fletchers/FirebirdTAdashbuild259.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/NOTATA/SEMA%20thrash%20at%20Fletchers/FirebirdTAdashbuild262.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/NOTATA/SEMA%20thrash%20at%20Fletchers/FirebirdTAdashbuild265.jpg

[GregWeld]

NOW THAT IS A THRASH!!


:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :lateral: :woot:

[buickfunnycar.com]

pulling an all-nighter I see...

[youthpastor]

way to go guys...who's driving, have a safe trip!

[ProdigyCustoms]

just remember the lights at SEMA are brutal. Whenever you think you have it compounded and ready for polish, make another full compound pass over the car!

I have seen some of the most famous builders on the planet leave the shop with a nice shinny buffed car and watch it roll over and die soon as the lights come on!

Good Luck and drive safe

[70rs]

Is it on the road yet? Good luck guys and have a safe trip!!

[buickfunnycar.com]

just remember the lights at SEMA are brutal. Whenever you think you have it compounded and ready for polish, make another full compound pass over the car!

I have seen some of the most famous builders on the planet leave the shop with a nice shinny buffed car and watch it roll over and die soon as the lights come on!


Thanks for reminding me never to bring one of my cars to SEMA Frank...

[fletcherscustoms]

West bound and trucking!!! Finally! Still got a few things to do once we arrive car is so low we can't mount front valance. So its hanging out in the back seat. We got a long road ahead. I'm fixing to crash for the first time since wednesday morning. 60 hour thrash! See you in a few days

[joshatfletchers]

Best pic so far! SEMA here we come

[fletcherscustoms]

ok I got the laptop out!! So I'll help Josh out

[Vegas69]

Congrats guys! I am going to be honest, I didn't think you would make it. What booth? I need to stop by and shake your hand.

[fletcherscustoms]

I wish I could say she was complete and could drive it in but oh well **** happens. Way to mny other things to deal with. Damn chrome trim was a nightmare door molding 1 inch to long, hood trim to short. Welded bumper had paint issues, so quick fix this morning was spray original silver and go. Actaully not that bad in my opnion! Gonna do some parking lot painting on the tails once in vegas. Not digging the polished. When we get it back we still got plumbing, under dash wiring, and other little things. I needed those two days I lost to the repaint

[Vegas69]

Let me know if you need anything. I have a nice plethra of tools at your disposal.

[awr68]

West bound! That's great news!! Congrats on getting it done enough for the show....we know it wasn't easy! I'll see ya in a few days!! :cheers:

[98ssnova]

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[NOT A TA]

Lunchtime

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/NOTATA/SEMA%20thrash%20at%20Fletchers/FirebirdTAdashbuild266.jpg

The hood pins from hoodpins.net were the first part donated and the last part installed before the car was loaded. Ty installs the final screw before the trip.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/NOTATA/SEMA%20thrash%20at%20Fletchers/FirebirdTAdashbuild267.jpg

Random engine compartment pic

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/NOTATA/SEMA%20thrash%20at%20Fletchers/FirebirdTAdashbuild269.jpg

On the road in 5 minutes!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/NOTATA/SEMA%20thrash%20at%20Fletchers/FirebirdTAdashbuild271.jpg

[OLDFLM]

Car in trailer ON TIME... Check!

Flip Flops on (in support of Josh)... Check!

2am EST, driver change in New Albany MS... Check!

Monster Energy 32oz "B F C" and 450 miles behind us now... Check!

Big stupid grin getting bigger with every passing mile... PRICELESS!

[radrambler]

FLETCHERS

to you and all the gang that thrashed .WHAT AN EFFORT!! :cheers:
thanks for keeping us posted as you did the final push to the trailer.
once at sema please snap a few full shots and post. wanna see what the BIRD looks like .good luck on the road trip
TY ,again congrats. even though she is not completed i know you must be thrilled to go through this experience.have fun at SEMA .

tom

[buickfunnycar.com]

...it's all downhill from here.:thumbsup:

[abadsvt]

Hey Ty! I have been talking with fletcher and when you get back there might be a little garage art waiting for you :D . Its kind of hard to photograph the banner cause its a a little reflective but it came out pretty good. If i remember right its 48" wide and is going to look sweet on your garage wall! Anyways good luck at sema!

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc83/abadsvt/tysbanner.jpg

[buickfunnycar.com]

Now that is cool...:thumbsup: :cheers: :lateral: :woot:

[radrambler]

Now that is cool...:thumbsup: :cheers: :lateral: :woot:

VERY COOL
TOM

[fletcherscustoms]

Well its lunch time somewhere in western oklahoma! Were making pretty good time. Ty has slept all but one hour of the trip! Estimated arrival is 6 AM or later. Road trips are fun. We stopped at subway and our server is kicking a catholic school girl outfit and let me tell you she should have checked the mirror before leaving home. Seems muffin top is on the menu

[70rs]

Car in trailer ON TIME... Check!

Flip Flops on (in support of Josh)... Check!

2am EST, driver change in New Albany MS... Check!

Monster Energy 32oz "B F C" and 450 miles behind us now... Check!

Big stupid grin getting bigger with every passing mile... PRICELESS!

Awesome Ty!!:thumbsup:

[fletcherscustoms]

Just got fuel outside amarillo , did a driver swap. And back on the road. Nappy time for me. I'll take the wheel again in about 350 miles and make the final push on in to vegas tonight!

[buickfunnycar.com]

I feel like I'M driving to Vegas...:unibrow:

[spchiv]

Congratulations guys! This has been fun to watch.

[fletcherscustoms]

Well we have been driving for almost 24 hours and still got another 12 to go!! SEMA here we come!!

Things have been getting pretty crazy in the truck!! LOL 4 guys running on about 15 hours of sleep combined in the last 4 days, things are getting awfully funny around here!!!

We've seen a 45 year old woman working at Subway in a Catholic School Girl costume for Halloween who had no business wearing it! I didn't know they had "muffin tops" at Subway! LOL Then there was the attack of the killer bees and Texas sized wasps at our last gas stop! And now Ty has become known as "bobble head" as we'll be right in the middle of conversation and look over and he's out!! I guess that 72-hour straight trash at the shop took a lot out of him... he slept the first 12 hours of the trip! LOL

Here's a few pics if I can get them to upload (from west Texas):

- Car in trailer (Ty checks on it at every stop!)
- Relaxing at our last gas stop (before the bees attacked!)
- Josh and I crashed out in the back of the truck...

[OLDFLM]

Hey Ty! I have been talking with fletcher and when you get back there might be a little garage art waiting for you :D . Its kind of hard to photograph the banner cause its a a little reflective but it came out pretty good. If i remember right its 48" wide and is going to look sweet on your garage wall! Anyways good luck at sema!

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc83/abadsvt/tysbanner.jpg

That is going to look GREAT on the wall in my garage next to the car!!!!
Thanks a bunch!!! Very unexpected! :woot:

[pro-tour79]

does that truck smell like a locker room yet :rofl:

[70rs]

:faint: :drive:


:rofl:

[Blake Foster]

Times UP!!! time to drive!!! :thumbsup:

[fletcherscustoms]

Hot diggity dog we made it! That is all I'm going to bed

[awr68]

AWESOME!!!! Now get those tools out and get the front valance on and clean, clean, clean!! Oh, and rest any chance you get!!

See ya guys on Tuesday!!!! :woot: :cheers:

[70rs]

Nice work guys! I am glad you all made it there safe. Have fun!!:cheers:

[fletcherscustoms]

Well we slept till round eleven. Boy was a bed nice after the 72 hour straight thrash then the 40 hour drive! Cleaned till about 5 and in the booth at 6. It looks great. Pics coming later its time for a little fun

[youthpastor]

congrats guys, enjoy the week, you deserve it:thumbsup:- Chris

[Matt@BOS]

Congrats on making it, you guys had a hell of a thrash! Bet the last several weeks are all just a blur now.

[fletcherscustoms]

Yeah we are unwinding tonight vegas style! Its over for a while. Get it back home and finish it up and give it back to ty! Thanks for all the support guys

[awr68]

Enjoy the hell out of this week...you guys deserve it...and don't forget to buy a round for the Prodigy crew!!

[OLDFLM]

Today is the first day of SEMA!!! I feel like that little kid on the Disney commericial who says "I'm too excited to sleep!" LOL :willy:

We're here and the car looks GREAT in the Pypes Performance Exhaust booth!! I just can't thank Pypes and all the other vendors, sponsors and supporters enough!

The car simply looks AMAZING!!! I look forward to meeting many of you today and throughout the week!!! The car is here because of all your support and because of this great community coming together to make this happen! :lateral:

Special thanks and admiration of the incredible talent of my friend and builder Chad Fletcher and to Jerry and Josh for putting their lives on hold to get the car here and for all the sleepless thrashes to get it here on time!!!

Okay, it's 0645 (am) and we're heading over to the show for one last wipe down and shine before the gates open... somebody pinch me! :woot:

[chr2002ca]

Congratulations again. You all have worked so hard. I can't imagine how excited you must be today. I hope you and your team thoroughly enjoy the event and the recognition to follow. You truly deserve it. :thumbsup:

[buickfunnycar.com]

what a feeling that must be...:thumbsup:

[terico]

Hey Guys...we are waiting back here in Georgia to see pictures (Ty-Freebird) on the floor at SEMA!!! I am so proud of you...Chad! I thank God for the special man you are! Thanks Jerry and Josh for walking (running) this venture with Chad and Ty! God bless you all...have a wonderful time and safe trip back home!:thumbsup:

[fletcherscustoms]

Things are going awesome! Car has been a hit with everyone! And now I got my mother posting! What's next

[terico]

Wow...it looks GREAT! I am sooooooooooo proud!:bow:

[buickfunnycar.com]

Wow...it looks GREAT! I am sooooooooooo proud!:bow:

Killer...:cheers:

[Vegas69]

I just stopped by the booth and it looks great.:thumbsup:

[OLDFLM]

Wow do my feet hurt!!! LOL Everyone warns you but there's just no way to prepare for it! The dogs are tired!! Just wanted to pop in here and thank everyone for their continued support of the car! The response has been mind numbing!! Everyone loves the car! From the Pontiac purists to all the great folks from this wonderful community that we've finally been able to meet face to face! My feet hurt and my throat is scratchy from talking all day but I LOVE IT!!! :thumbsup:

[70rs]

Congrats on getting there Ty! I am so happy for you to have this chance and to be able to finally relax and enjoy the time with the crew from Fletchers AND your car.
I really wish I could have made it there to see it and meet you and the guys in person.

Enjoy your time there!!

Drop me a line when you get back and give me all the details.:cheers:

[skatinjay27]

just checked the car out today... gotta say its turned out KILLER!
when the question came up about which color for the car i said the maroon one but know seeing the the blue all finished up, I LOVE IT!
car came out real smooth too and got a chance to shoot the shiz with chad for a sec. (very cool guy) :thumbsup:

[OLDFLM]

Chad and I were just talking about how much we hate that this week is coming to an end... yes, we want to get back to our families and put the craziness of the thrash to get here behind us but it is tough knowing that tomorrow is the last day of a once in a lifetime experience! It's been fantastic being able to meet everyone this week and finally shake the hands of so many who either helped out or supported the build!!! :lateral:

[skatinjay27]

Chad and I were just talking about how much we hate that this week is coming to an end... yes, we want to get back to our families and put the craziness of the thrash to get here behind us but it is tough knowing that tomorrow is the last day of a once in a lifetime experience! It's been fantastic being able to meet everyone this week and finally shake the hands of so many who either helped out or supported the build!!! :lateral:
ty you guys aint gonna stay an extra day to hang out at the optima event?

you wont regret it.

[OLDFLM]

We really want to... but we both have to be back to work on Monday and it took us 42-hours to drive out here... leaving as soon as we can get the car loaded after the show tomorrow so we can get home on Sunday my friend...

[NOT A TA]

TY, see if you can get someone to take a couple really nice pictures of that dash I built. The ones I took in the shop after I put it in aren't that great because of the lighting and I want a couple for the dash build thread.

[EBMC]

Hi Ty, it was great to finally meet you and congrats on the car. It looked great!
Steve

[OLDFLM]

Hi Ty, it was great to finally meet you and congrats on the car. It looked great!
Steve

You too Steve!! And thanks!

Meeting folks from the boards was the best part of the show!!

[mdprovee]

Ty

Congrats on the car, and thanks for your service!

[fletcherscustoms]

Well we are back!! made the 37 hour drive back, and rolled into the shop yesterday bout 10AM. What a week!! more coming on that soon. I got to get caught up with email first

[fletcherscustoms]

Any pics you guys find, please post up or email to me at [email protected]

[fletcherscustoms]

SEMA was killer, the Freedom Bird really stood out among the crowd! What a week!!! SEMA was such a blast! I still can't get over how well the car turned out and all the members that came by to see it! Thanks to everyone that stopped by!!

What a piece of work my guys turned out for Ty!!! Really. Pics just don't do the car justice! The crowd around the car all week was huge, as was the grin on Ty's face! I got some great shots and will attach them here...

Ty, Josh, Jerry and I just got back yesterday after yet another 36-hour drive straight thru to get home! Our minds are still fuzzy and Ty is still doing the "bobble head" thing today I'm sure! That guy can sleep anywhere! LOL We're tired, our legs hurt, and our butts are still numb from the drive but it was all worth it and all for a great cause! Those of you who met Ty understand... I still can't think of a more deserving guy! And if you were at the Pro-Touring.com dinner you saw how humble and heartfelt his appreciation is for all that we did collectively as a community to make this build happen!

We appreciate the accolades from all the members and sponsors very much! And the kudos from some of the big time builders who stopped by to check out the car, those builder to builder complements mean a awful lot too! Ty and I are close, both geographically and in the way that only this kind of build can breed a brotherhood. A brotherhood shared with many who helped to make this car happen and get to SEMA on time and in grand fashion! To all those involved, thank you from Fletcher's Customs!

The car needs a little bit more before she's road warrior worthy, but nothing an upper radiator hose fab and a fuel line won't fix! Then she's off this very next weekend to sit with the Pypes folks again at the Moultrie GA swap meet !! Rounding out the year will be a guest appearance at PRI with BMR Fabrication in their booth to show off that incredible torque arm/watts link rear suspension!

So stay tuned as we're looking forward to a few magazine features and some TV spots that are coming up in the near future! As Barry Meguiar said about our thrash to get the car to SEMA, we are certifiably "Car CRAZY!"

Thanks again to all our sponsors/vendors and to everyone who stopped by at SEMA for making it such an awesome week!!! And stay tuned for SEMA 2010 project coming soon!!

100's of pics being posted to my site as I type!!

http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/projects.htm

[fletcherscustoms]

http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_tysema1.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_tysema6%7E0.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_tysema9.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_tysema7.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_tysema8.jpg

[fletcherscustoms]

TV interview with Barry Meguiar for "Car Crazy" about the thrash it took to get the car to SEMA...
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_meguirs.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_meguirs2.jpg

[syborg tt]

Hi Guys,

All I can say was the car looks awesome. I just wish it was mine.

To the crew at Fletchers - you guy's went above and beyond.

Ty it was great meeting you and I am glad that we have become friends and I am happy I got to meet you in person.

[fletcherscustoms]

Thanks for the kind words Marty!! Now how come i never met you, or hell did I and I just forgot!! I swear I talked to at least 2500 people if not more over those 4 days!!

[syborg tt]

Thanks for the kind words Marty!! Now how come i never met you, or hell did I and I just forgot!! I swear I talked to at least 2500 people if not more over those 4 days!!

Hi Chad,

LOL - yep you met me.

I was the guy that gave you and your guys a hug.

[fletcherscustoms]

Ooh yeah now I remember! Its a damn good thing I right notes on business cards or. I would have no idea who these 126 people and companies are

[OLDFLM]

Hi Guys,

All I can say was the car looks awesome. I just wish it was mine.

To the crew at Fletchers - you guy's went above and beyond.

Ty it was great meeting you and I am glad that we have become friends and I am happy I got to meet you in person.

You too my friend!!! Your hoodpins started this ball rolling nearly a year ago afterall! Who would have ever thought that it would turn out like it did huh!! The car is absolutely amazing and the friendships made along the way are PRICELESS!!!! :cheers:

[markd]

Ty,

Hope you had a good Veterans Day! It was great to meet you and the guys from Fletcher’s last week at SEMA. Your car looks great and I bet you can’t wait to drive it!

Stay in touch…


Mark

[awr68]

Chad and Ty, it's good to hear you made it home safe! :cheers:

[syborg tt]

You too my friend!!! Your hoodpins started this ball rolling nearly a year ago afterall! Who would have ever thought that it would turn out like it did huh!! The car is absolutely amazing and the friendships made along the way are PRICELESS!!!! :cheers:

Just remember good things happen to good people. I have been fortunate to have meet Ron and the two of us worked together to come up with the hood pins. Heck if it wasn't for Ron this may have never happened.

So life is really cool when you think about it.

[OLDFLM]

Ty,

Hope you had a good Veterans Day! It was great to meet you and the guys from Fletcher’s last week at SEMA. Your car looks great and I bet you can’t wait to drive it!

Stay in touch…


Mark

The pleasure was ours my friend!! I keep thinking back to a week ago... it's all so surreal now! LOL

Meeting everyone from this great community was the highlight of the show!!!!! :lateral:

... stay tuned for the next landing of the "Freedom Bird" ... coming soon! (c:]

[70rs]

Ty, your PM box is full.:cheers:

[tazzz2_ca]

SEMA was killer, the Freedom Bird really stood out among the crowd! What a week!!! SEMA was such a blast! I still can't get over how well the car turned out and all the members that came by to see it! Thanks to everyone that stopped by!!

What a piece of work my guys turned out for Ty!!! Really. Pics just don't do the car justice! The crowd around the car all week was huge, as was the grin on Ty's face! I got some great shots and will attach them here...

Ty, Josh, Jerry and I just got back yesterday after yet another 36-hour drive straight thru to get home! Our minds are still fuzzy and Ty is still doing the "bobble head" thing today I'm sure! That guy can sleep anywhere! LOL We're tired, our legs hurt, and our butts are still numb from the drive but it was all worth it and all for a great cause! Those of you who met Ty understand... I still can't think of a more deserving guy! And if you were at the Pro-Touring.com dinner you saw how humble and heartfelt his appreciation is for all that we did collectively as a community to make this build happen!

We appreciate the accolades from all the members and sponsors very much! And the kudos from some of the big time builders who stopped by to check out the car, those builder to builder complements mean a awful lot too! Ty and I are close, both geographically and in the way that only this kind of build can breed a brotherhood. A brotherhood shared with many who helped to make this car happen and get to SEMA on time and in grand fashion! To all those involved, thank you from Fletcher's Customs!

The car needs a little bit more before she's road warrior worthy, but nothing an upper radiator hose fab and a fuel line won't fix! Then she's off this very next weekend to sit with the Pypes folks again at the Moultrie GA swap meet !! Rounding out the year will be a guest appearance at PRI with BMR Fabrication in their booth to show off that incredible torque arm/watts link rear suspension!

So stay tuned as we're looking forward to a few magazine features and some TV spots that are coming up in the near future! As Barry Meguiar said about our thrash to get the car to SEMA, we are certifiably "Car CRAZY!"

Thanks again to all our sponsors/vendors and to everyone who stopped by at SEMA for making it such an awesome week!!! And stay tuned for SEMA 2010 project coming soon!!

100's of pics being posted to my site as I type!!

http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/projects.htm


Great to hear you made it back safely and all went well.... Chad I really appreciated the call on route home as well my new friend...

Anyone (especially an American) that has not seen this car first hand in person needs to make a point of doing so!!! Ty, Chad and all the people & sponsors involved made a piece of "American History" that needs to be covenanted, and supported in times like these in a very big way!!!! To me the car represents a "Great build" and stands for something greater than any one of us..... It represents the "Freedom, the sole and the strength of America" and how "incredibly strong" we stand as a united America under the flag (and just happens to be an outstanding rolling piece of art while doing so)... God bless a little patriotism as it is a beautiful breath of fresh air these days,,,, and congratulations guys. I tip my hat to all the vendors that plain "Just got it" and supported this significant build,, thank you.

Ty God bless buddy,,,,,,,,,,, You desire this.
Albert

P.S. Chad,,, Now you know I'm still gonna kick your butt next year buddy ;-) ROFLMAO....

[fletcherscustoms]

Al,

I can't think of a better guy for those words to come from!! Thanks for the kind words and all the fun in Vegas!

PS. You don't have a chance in hell buddy!!!

[tazzz2_ca]

Al,

I can't think of a better guy for those words to come from!! Thanks for the kind words and all the fun in Vegas!

PS. You don't have a chance in hell buddy!!!

And so the game is on ;-)
Now your going to need to hang on to your shorts there little buddy, that was a Canadian breeze that just past ya there Pal LOL...

[fletcherscustoms]

oh yeah game is on!!! Its second gen F-body battle royale!! TO be decided next year at SEMA , on the roads to SEMA and on the track at Optima

[syborg tt]

oh yeah game is on!!! Its second gen F-body battle royale!! TO be decided next year at SEMA , on the roads to SEMA and on the track at Optima


Can I play - I promise to bring a 2nd gen

[fletcherscustoms]

heck yeah!! Bring it on!!

Al and myself made a nice friendly bet for SEMA 2010. Build a car , must be driven to SEMA, and then who ever finishes higher in the optima challenge wins!! I think the looser has to treat the winner to a $500 night out!!

[syborg tt]

heck yeah!! Bring it on!!

Al and myself made a nice friendly bet for SEMA 2010. Build a car , must be driven to SEMA, and then who ever finishes higher in the optima challenge wins!! I think the looser has to treat the winner to a $500 night out!!

Okay - lets see what i can come up with.

[fletcherscustoms]

The other kicker is you must drive your own car. So no "hot foots" allowed!!

[syborg tt]

The other kicker is you must drive your own car. So no "hot foots" allowed!!


Well if i am going to drive it cross country I assure I will drive the car.

Also I will have my mountain bike strapped to the back of the car. Which means you guys are going to have to play on my turf and meet me at:

http://www.bootlegcanyon.org/

for a little Downhill Mountain Biking.

[tazzz2_ca]

Well if i am going to drive it cross country I assure I will drive the car.

Also I will have my mountain bike strapped to the back of the car. Which means you guys are going to have to play on my turf and meet me at:

http://www.bootlegcanyon.org/

for a little Downhill Mountain Biking.

LOL, bud you have to meet me and know me well enough to realize that bike deal is never gonna happen LOL..... I broke out in a sweat reading the post let alone actually opening the link and seeing the exercise involved ROFLMAO.

[fletcherscustoms]

Oh that sounds like a for sure appointment with the local "helicopter life flight" for me. Afraid I might have to pass on that.


I think this could be little cool deal. Little grudge match action between some builders and guys that are building cars personally. Another aspect the the whole sema optima challenge. A challenge within a challenge. Um now my wheels are turning. Maybe setup that there's a buy in and all proceeds go to charity

[tazzz2_ca]

heck yeah!! Bring it on!!

Al and myself made a nice friendly bet for SEMA 2010. Build a car , must be driven to SEMA, and then who ever finishes higher in the optima challenge wins!! I think the looser has to treat the winner to a $500 night out!!

Hell ya buddy,,,, $500 it is (and no Cameras LOL) this is gonna be a blast (just us driving)... Now all we need to do is poke at each other for the next 12 months Pal ROFLMAO.

[tazzz2_ca]

Oh that sounds like a for sure appointment with the local "helicopter life flight" for me. Afraid I might have to pass on that.


I think this could be little cool deal. Little grudge match action between some builders and guys that are building cars personally. Another aspect the the whole sema optima challenge. A challenge within a challenge. Um now my wheels are turning. Maybe setup that there's a buy in and all proceeds go to charity

Man your ears had to be burning, I just got off the phone with Jimi Day about a charity being involved in my next build,,,, I'm down for the Charity deal..... Count me in for sure!!! Call me Chad...

[GregWeld]

Doesn't look so tough to me -- looks like anyone could fall down to the bottom and win!

:rofl:

[syborg tt]

Doesn't look so tough to me -- looks like anyone could fall down to the bottom and win!

:rofl:

been there done that not fun. I would say at least 5 of the bones i have broken have been MTB related.

[70rs]

How is Tys car coming along? When is the next appearance for it? I think I remember another show or TV spot coming soon? Any dates and event descriptions? How is the finish work going since you guys been back from SEMA?:cheers:

[fletcherscustoms]

How is Ty's car?? lol

I just finally got it out the trailer last night. After the last few weeks and not seeing my wife and two kids. I took some time off. Been spending time with them, forgot how nice it is to kiss them goodnight and read the a story at bedtime!! I'll be back on it this weekend

Appearances:

November 20-22 - Moultrie , GA Swapmeet, 2nd largest swapmeet in Southeast. I have a indoor 10x30 booth , I'll be displaying the car and promoting my shop

December 10-13- Orlando, FL -PRI will be in BMR Fabrications booth

There will be magazine features and TV taping december through January still working out all the dates

[70rs]

Thanks for the updates.

[fletcherscustoms]

I can just see me trying the whole down hill biking thing!!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UPs-KZinriw/STiXHrJ4jPI/AAAAAAAABHY/2F-bJFTCAUA/s1600-R/mountain%2520bike%2520crash(1).jpg
http://www.mtbtrailreview.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/mountain-bike-crash-endo.jpg

[tazzz2_ca]

I can just see me trying the whole down hill biking thing!!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UPs-KZinriw/STiXHrJ4jPI/AAAAAAAABHY/2F-bJFTCAUA/s1600-R/mountain%2520bike%2520crash(1).jpg
http://www.mtbtrailreview.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/mountain-bike-crash-endo.jpg

Yeah can't you just see me in that deal ROFLMAO.... You know I'm a little confused,,, I didn't see any pic's/sections where they're filling my glass with a nice Pinot Noir and taking in the view so to speak LOL...

[OLDFLM]

Do I get to play next year too? :(

[fletcherscustoms]

Heck no!! you already had your year!! :wow:























Of course buddy, I figure on you being right there with Al ,trying to keep up with me :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: !

[OLDFLM]

The other kicker is you must drive your own car. So no "hot foots" allowed!!

Haven't done this part yet... SO looking forward to it though!!! :burnout:

[BMR Tech]

The car looked great under the lights at SEMA! We are looking forward to having it in our booth at PRI. The way it will be displayed will give everyone an appreciation for all the detail work underneath the car that never gets seen :yes:

[OLDFLM]

We're looking forward to it too Bret!!

Here's a quick text pic of the car in Chad's booth at the Moultrie Swap meet this weekend... more to come when he gets the good pics downloaded!

V/R,
Ty

[awr68]

Ty are you going to use inner fenders?

[radrambler]

ty

ill shoot some tommorrow and post .ill be there..:D .

tom

[Roger M]

He's probably waiting for Anvil to crank out some in carbon fiber. :unibrow:

[fletcherscustoms]

He's probably waiting for Anvil to crank out some in carbon fiber. :unibrow:

That's what I'm hoping for!! Anvil said it may be another month or so though!
We didn't put them in for SEMA to show off the AFCO coilovers and BMR front suspension better...
And after getting back, I've been being a little lazy and dedicated the last 2 weeks to my family.
We started on a set (one of six) and got them bedlined before SEMA, if BMR wants them in the car I'll have them painted and installed for PRI... if not we'll put them in after...

[fletcherscustoms]

The Moultrie swap meet has been crazy busy!! 3500 cars for sale and 30,000 people came through the gates today! I've been talking about the car since 7AM this morning and just got home. I'd almost forgotten how much attention this thing attracts!! LOL

[OLDFLM]

Ty are you going to use inner fenders?

Trying to hold out for the killer carbon fiber ones that Anvil is making but Chad's already got a set nearly done for the car too... after these initial shows are over we'll get them in the car before it gets on the road for sure! :thumbsup:

[OLDFLM]

ty

ill shoot some tommorrow and post .ill be there..:D .

tom

Can't wait to see your pics Tom! Sorry I couldn't be there to meet you in person my friend!! Maybe at PRI?

[radrambler]

ty

i just walked in the door.
sorry the lighting SUCKED and people all around it non stop.i took a couple but i knew that even with a flash this wouldnt turn out ..notice the drop light so people walking by could see the engine bay ok....COOL CAR
Chad great to meet you..enjoyed hanging out.


tom

[tazzz2_ca]

Looking good Chad,,, great to see the public out pour of support for this cool car...... I've spoken to Matt and we're on the inner wheel wells and and TA hood and fenders buddy.....

[OLDFLM]

REALLY looking forward to the cf inner fenders!! Doubt I could talk Chad into painting the car for a THIRD time just to put the cf fenders on the car though... :rolleyes:

[70rs]

Just wondering how things are coming along?

[fletcherscustoms]

We are finishing up odds and ends. Thats the bad thing about SEMA projects. You end up not doing a lot of little things to make sure the big things are right. So then when you get home you have to spend a week doing something small that would have taken a couple of hours originally. Car is pretty much done, finishing up fuel line tonight. And then after PRI I got to tear the guage cluster out and finish wiring all the guages. Other than that shes almost there. When we go to Power Block taping January 20th she'll be finished

[OLDFLM]

We are finishing up odds and ends. Thats the bad thing about SEMA projects. You end up not doing a lot of little things to make sure the big things are right. So then when you get home you have to spend a week doing something small that would have taken a couple of hours originally. Car is pretty much done, finishing up fuel line tonight. And then after PRI I got to tear the guage cluster out and finish wiring all the guages. Other than that shes almost there. When we go to Power Block taping January 20th she'll be finished

I might have the garage cleaned up and ready by then! LOL :yes:

It's funny how things fill up with junk when you don't have a car in there!

[GregWeld]

.... those dang pesky radiator hoses!

[fletcherscustoms]

thats been a animal in itself. nothing off the shelf has worked. WE had to fab from 1.75 inch tubing and use rubber peices on the ends for vibration. Its at the power coater now

[70rs]

What is the show schedule for the car for December? And what are the taping dates for Power Block?

[fletcherscustoms]

PRI next weekend. Then back in the shop to tear interior back out to wire cluster and finish AC install

Powerblock is January 20th

[OLDFLM]

Here's a text pic from PRI with the FREEDOMBIRD in BMR Fabrication's booth!

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/PRI.jpg

[70rs]

When I think of "flipping the bird" that is not what comes to mind.:rofl:

Nice shot. I would have liked to see that in person!

[syborg tt]

Here's a text pic from PRI with the FREEDOMBIRD in BMR Fabrication's booth!

Ty

Awesome Picture

What is the name of the Car Tilter that they are using. I need so I can get to work on my project

[OLDFLM]

When I think of "flipping the bird" that is not what comes to mind.:rofl:

Nice shot. I would have liked to see that in person!

LOL Now that's funny! Me too! I just couldn't make it down there this time though...

Chad just sent me this text pic and will have some good quality camera pics to post up next week!

[OLDFLM]

Ty

Awesome Picture

What is the name of the Car Tilter that they are using. I need so I can get to work on my project

It's called an "Easy Tilt" Marty... I have a video of it I'll send you!

[radrambler]

Ty

Ill take some pics tommorow.im heading down there in the morning.:woot:


Tom

[OLDFLM]

Thanks Tom!! MUCH appreciated my friend!

[70rs]

Can I look forward to pictures of the car on the tilt machine at the show tomorrow? Very cool!

Ty, have you been given a firm date on when the car comes home? I want to see those pictures of you and the family cruising in it.:thumbsup:

[OLDFLM]

Soon my friend, soon. After PRI she's going back to Chad's shop to finish up the last of the odds & ends and for a nut/bolt check and shake down to check for leaks etc... all the normal stuff. But no sooner will she come to nest in my garage then we'll be loading her up to fly north for the PowerBlock shoot.

[70rs]

Soon my friend, soon. After PRI she's going back to Chad's shop to finish up the last of the odds & ends and for a nut/bolt check and shake down to check for leaks etc... all the normal stuff. But no sooner will she come to nest in my garage then we'll be loading her up to fly north for the PowerBlock shoot.

Well that's not too far away then, very cool! I didn't realize it was going to be home before the taping of Power Block. How cool will that be to drive it into the studio and get to hang out with Courtney for the day.

Did I already ask you to get me an autographed bikini poster??:lol:

[radrambler]

Ty

HERES THE PICS..CAR LOOKS GOOD LAYING ON THE SIDE...:lol:
if you mention the Firebird on its side everyone said "Oh yeah i saw that car"
I got in at 11 and was wore out..Pri was fun.Hung out with chad all day.watched him buy tools....damn..
Anyway here we go

[radrambler]

MORE PICS ..OOPS

Tom

[GregWeld]

Nice Billboard!!

:lol:

[OLDFLM]

As much as SEMA showcased the topside of the car I think BMR did a great job displaying the car this way at PRI to show off the bottom! The Easy Tilters allowed everyone to see the suspension and drivetrain components from an angle they don't normally get to see! :thumbsup: Once again the FREEDOMBIRD was the talk of the show!

[radrambler]

:cheers: Ty

those work for ya???
If i had a company that needed to display whats was under a car,this would be the way to do it!! A whole car display on its side..I would imagine BMR is happy with the traffic..

Tom

[OLDFLM]

Definately! Thanks for taking those pics Tom!!

"... car displayed on its side.." = "banking manuever!" LOL

[70rs]

Definately! Thanks for taking those pics Tom!!

"... car displayed on its side.." = "banking manuever!" LOL

That is some serious banking then!! A tad bit more than Daytona...:drive:

[tony byram]

Saw the photos of Old Flame on its side Ty, And man! Is that thing just as beautiful on the underside as it is on the TOP!!! Beautiful second gen Firebird my friend! :thumbsup:

[OLDFLM]

Thanks Tony! All the credit goes to Chad, Jerry and (newlywed) Josh at Fletcher's Customs!!!
They really outdid themselves on every aspect of the car! :thumbsup:

[70rs]

Just checking in to see how things are going. Any updates on the 'bird?

[fletcherscustoms]

WE moved the car into storage for a week. WE purchased a lot of new machinery and equipment for the shop. And in order to get everything organized and setup we are moving everything out and doing a complete cleaning. Shop needs it!! I'll be moving her back in tomorrow and wrapping up the wiring inside over the next week...

[GregWeld]

Sounds good Chad!

You get that new automatic wiring machine that just came out in time for Xmas?

:rofl:

[fletcherscustoms]

You don't realize how much is left on this car. It looks great sitting but there is no internal wiring, no door glass, or door guts installed, etc, etc. You skip lots of little things to get it to SEMA, that intails tons of hours when you get back home. Cause you got to tear the car down and start over. Its a lot more that I thought !!

[GregWeld]

I realize it - I've built a few cars... and am doing a full body off.. frame change... LS2 motor - 6 speed - p/w - door locks - trick stereo - inner fender wells - A/C - trick dash car right now - for FREE for a friend.

It's why it takes about 2 YEARS to build a car like this... and the worst part of it is - I keep going to the shed expecting something to be done, and items crossed off the to do list... but I've made a gruesome discovery... they just don't seem to build themselves while I'm out messing with other stuff. Can't tell you what a let down that was... :rofl:

[fletcherscustoms]

I know the feeling!! We're trying to get it done. December has just been a bad month. Josh got Married so I haven't had him in the shop all month, Jerry's real job has kept him out of the hsop for 6 weeks. And my day job is always nuts at years end. And my wife goes in for surgery tomorrow, so I'll be on kid duty for at least a week while she recovers

[OLDFLM]

Don't worry about the car my friend... it can wait... family comes first!!! :yes:

[70rs]

WE moved the car into storage for a week. WE purchased a lot of new machinery and equipment for the shop. And in order to get everything organized and setup we are moving everything out and doing a complete cleaning. Shop needs it!! I'll be moving her back in tomorrow and wrapping up the wiring inside over the next week...

Cool, new tools. Sounds good Chad. Please post up some pics of the new toys and the car. Is the car getting power windows? I would love to see how those go together in a second gen. Can you post up pics when you get to them too?

[70rs]

Just checking in for any updates. How is the wiring coming along?
:cheers:

[fletcherscustoms]

I've been out of commision the last couple of weeks. Doing daddy duty while the wife recovered from her surgery.

[70rs]

I've been out of commision the last couple of weeks. Doing daddy duty while the wife recovered from her surgery.

I can relate. I just had mine yesterday. I hope she has a speedy recovery.

[fletcherscustoms]

Should be back to work on it next week full time again. We are delivering a clients car to Atlanta next weekend, so we have to finish buffing and assemble this weekend

[awr68]

Ok, time for a burn out pic/video!! :unibrow:

[70rs]

Ok, time for a burn out pic/video!! :unibrow:

X2 ^^^^^^^^:cheers:

[GregWeld]

Okay!! HANG ON!!! What did I miss... I go out for dinner and come back to find out this bad boy is up and running and doing burnouts??

EEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA


Chad -- Dude (Spicolli) post it up!!

[fletcherscustoms]

In due time!! I had no idea how much crap I caused to myself doing the SEMA thrash!!! We have basically had to blow apart the entire car. Got a couple of pieces going in the booth this weekend for repairs from some trailer damage on the way home from SEMA. plus its been damn hard to work when its 20 degrees in the shop at night!! I live in the south cause its supposed to be warm

[70rs]

In due time!! I had no idea how much crap I caused to myself doing the SEMA thrash!!! We have basically had to blow apart the entire car. Got a couple of pieces going in the booth this weekend for repairs from some trailer damage on the way home from SEMA. plus its been damn hard to work when its 20 degrees in the shop at night!! I live in the south cause its supposed to be warm

Sounds like progress! Cool! Are you doing a full repaint or just some touch up?

[awr68]

Trailer damage? What's this? I didn't hear anything about that! :faint:

I know of a couple other spots that needed tuned up....but, what happened in the trailer?

[fletcherscustoms]

If anyon ever questions how bad of a road I-40 is? I have a story. On the return trip from SEMA , we actaully snapped the shaft on a front coilover, which allowed the tire to contact the fender. Not that much damage, just a small crack in the paint and a little wave at the fender edge. Easy 3 hour fix. You really have to pay attention to know its there. Plus we got the burn through on the a-pillar and some touch up spots here and there.

[GregWeld]

Sounds to me like you've got an "issue" with the front suspension if you managed to snap a coilover shaft while TRAILERING... I've seen bad wrecks with A arms and all manor of carnage and haven't seen that kind of damage.

[fletcherscustoms]

We not a 100% sure what happened with the coilover. Everything in the suspension is correct. WE had the shock going back, but i was sitting in my shipping dept here at work last week, when the entire buidling caught on fire and burnt!! So lost it to the fire. WE thank we know what happened but not to sure.

[70rs]

uh, fire......??:_paranoid

[Garage Dog 65]

WRONG kinda burn out Chad !! Hope everyone was ok ? Sounds like you're having a rough month too !

Jim