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

[fletcherscustoms]

not at my shop!! at the boiler plant where I work during the day. Got down to 15 degrees so idiot decided he needed to put the 250,000 btu propane heater under his desk. Then he decides it'll be fine while I go to lunch. WE can all guess what happens next. Luckily its was only about $15,000 in damage. building is still intact, just got a lot of stuff in it and tons of money in product waiting to be shipped. One of which was a the coilover going back to Afco for failure anylaysis

[awr68]

Wow! It's like this car is cursed! :faint:
So......if all goes well from here on out, what date will it be finished? When's that taping with the beautiful Courtney? :unibrow:

[70rs]

Wow! It's like this car is cursed! :faint:
So......if all goes well from here on out, what date will it be finished? When's that taping with the beautiful Courtney? :unibrow:

Yeah, if it wasn't for shi**y luck, there wouldn't be much luck at all huh?

[fletcherscustoms]

Like?? Hell this car is cursed or haunted one!! I warned the boys at Prodigy bout it, and you can ask Andrew or Micheal. And they'll agree!!

[70rs]

How are the paint repairs and finishing of the car coming along these days?

[70rs]

Happy Monday guys! Any updates on the 'bird?

[OLDFLM]

Chad's out of town this week at a trade show for his boiler company... nothing to report this week. Filming with the PowerBlock is still set for March 3rd and we are working out the details for attending two more shows in March... one in Indy and one near Chicago... details to follow!

[70rs]

Chad's out of town this week at a trade show for his boiler company... nothing to report this week. Filming with the PowerBlock is still set for March 3rd and we are working out the details for attending two more shows in March... one in Indy and one near Chicago... details to follow!

Very cool! Thanks for the update Ty. I hope you are well. I know you have been busy. :cheers:

[slamdimpala]

Hope it comes to chicago i would love to see it. Please keep us updated as to when it might come up here.

[OLDFLM]

Okay... the details were just finalized so I can announce them now...

The FREEDOMBIRD will "fly" to the

Race and Performance Expo

Date : March 6-7

Location : St Charles , IL

http://www.raceperformanceexpo.com/Home.htm

This show is put on by Winner’s Circle (a large speed shop outside of Chicago). Vic Edelbrock and Rick Moroso will be there to give a speech. This show is open to the general public. This is the largest automotive performance expo in Chicago .

AND the

Hot Rod and Restoration Show

Date : March 11-13

Location : Indianapolis

http://www.hotrodshow.com/

This show is put on by SEMA. It is an industry-only show (similar to the SEMA show in Las Vegas ). This show is specifically targeted at the street rod market and the muscle car market.

So be sure to look for it and take lots of pictures as military obligations will prevent me from attending unfortunately...

V/R,
Ty

[mexMan]

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/attachment.php4?attachmentid=21596&d=1260715308

I know what's missing in that picture, BMR plates.

Where are the burnout videos? Freedom Bird is so cool, awe and some.

[BMR Tech]

Okay... the details were just finalized so I can announce them now...

The FREEDOMBIRD will "fly" to the

Race and Performance Expo

Date : March 6-7

Location : St Charles , IL

http://www.raceperformanceexpo.com/Home.htm

This show is put on by Winner’s Circle (a large speed shop outside of Chicago). Vic Edelbrock and Rick Moroso will be there to give a speech. This show is open to the general public. This is the largest automotive performance expo in Chicago .

AND the

Hot Rod and Restoration Show

Date : March 11-13

Location : Indianapolis

http://www.hotrodshow.com/

This show is put on by SEMA. It is an industry-only show (similar to the SEMA show in Las Vegas ). This show is specifically targeted at the street rod market and the muscle car market.

So be sure to look for it and take lots of pictures as military obligations will prevent me from attending unfortunately...

V/R,
Ty

Thanks Ty, we are looking forward to having your car in our booth at these shows. It was definitely a hit at PRI!

[ZVT]

WOW Ty this has come a loooong way since that first little photochop I did for you...

That is just awesome:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[syborg tt]

Alright Brother now your talking. Your in my neck of the woods so that means I get to see you.

Chad bring your bike I am taking you out on the singeltrack trails so plan on it.

ps Bring some warm cloths the weather sucks here.

Okay... the details were just finalized so I can announce them now...

The FREEDOMBIRD will "fly" to the

Race and Performance Expo

Date : March 6-7

Location : St Charles , IL

http://www.raceperformanceexpo.com/Home.htm

This show is put on by Winner’s Circle (a large speed shop outside of Chicago). Vic Edelbrock and Rick Moroso will be there to give a speech. This show is open to the general public. This is the largest automotive performance expo in Chicago .

AND the

Hot Rod and Restoration Show

Date : March 11-13

Location : Indianapolis

http://www.hotrodshow.com/

This show is put on by SEMA. It is an industry-only show (similar to the SEMA show in Las Vegas ). This show is specifically targeted at the street rod market and the muscle car market.

So be sure to look for it and take lots of pictures as military obligations will prevent me from attending unfortunately...

V/R,
Ty

[DOOM]

Alright Brother now your talking. Your in my neck of the woods so that means I get to see you.

Chad bring your bike I am taking you out on the singeltrack trails so plan on it.

ps Bring some warm cloths the weather sucks here.

Then plan on a killer dinner down town.. I'll be pm'ing you.. Marty you need to come to!!

[OLDFLM]

Check out the current issue of Pontiac Enthusiast on news stands now for an update on the FREEDOMBIRD... full engine article coming in next month's issue! :thumbsup:

[BMR Tech]

Check out the current issue of Pontiac Enthusiast on news stands now for an update on the FREEDOMBIRD... full engine article coming in next month's issue! :thumbsup:

Sweet!

[fletcherscustoms]

can someone scan and post. I can't find this mag to save my life

[fesler]

Check out the current issue of Pontiac Enthusiast on news stands now for an update on the FREEDOMBIRD... full engine article coming in next month's issue! :thumbsup:

Ty

Scan some of us cant find this thing. Thanks man

how is everything going

[fletcherscustoms]

Car is still blown apart. Lots of little things left to do. install some parts that didn't make it for SEMA, and fix some minor problems. Still not running as all fluids have to be out so she can be on its side at the two shows with BMR. And shes in the trailer headed north in a few weeks.

Why do I keep thinking of some Chick named "courtney"??

[GregWeld]

This build reminds me of the Everready Bunny.... It keeps going and going and going....

http://coolest-homemade-costumes.shippony.com/images/characters/energizer-bunny/energizer-bunny-02.jpg

[fletcherscustoms]

Biggest reason for not moving so fast , as I have to make money. So I have to work on the money making everyday projects first. Ty's car gets shuffled in and out of the work rotation based on if time is available. I know a lot of folks want to see it done, and God knows nobody wants to see it go home more than me. But right now I have to do what keeps food on the table. After it gets back from the two shows up north. Its nothing more than fluids and a few little things and shes ready to tune and tear up the road.

[syborg tt]

Biggest reason for not moving so fast , as I have to make money. So I have to work on the money making everyday projects first. Ty's car gets shuffled in and out of the work rotation based on if time is available. I know a lot of folks want to see it done, and God knows nobody wants to see it go home more than me. But right now I have to do what keeps food on the table. After it gets back from the two shows up north. Its nothing more than fluids and a few little things and shes ready to tune and tear up the road.

Chad - feed your family first and then worry about Ty's car. I am certain Ty doesn't mind.

[OLDFLM]

NOT AT ALL!!! One of the biggest things I've gained from this project... (other than a totally bitchin' car that exceeds even my wildest imagination!) is a lifelong friendship!! :thumbsup: ... Quite a few actually!

Please keep in mind that Chad, Jerry and Josh all have full time day jobs and families AND that they built the FREEDOMBIRD completely in their spare time working only nights and weekends! :bow:

This build is not just about the car... it's about this incredible community of car guys and the friendships built along the way... :lateral:



Greg, watch your six for a JetStream Blue "bunny" comin' up fast! :drive:

[OLDFLM]

Ty

Scan some of us cant find this thing. Thanks man

how is everything going

Try this link... (page 53)

http://editions.amospublishing.com/PCEN/Default.aspx?d=20100301&pagenum=16&f=

There's also a full write-up on KRE's prototype North Wind intake that debuted on the car! (page 32)

Next month's issue will have the full engine build article...

[syborg tt]

This build is not just about the car... it's about this incredible community of car guys and the friendships built along the way... :lateral:

Yep it'a about friends - who really cares about these sily cars

[OLDFLM]

Pontiac Enthusiast has the engine article in this month's issue: (p22-31)

http://editions.amospublishing.com/PCEN/Default.aspx?d=20100401&pagenum=1&f

Compete with build pics and dyno comparisons... registration is free on-line!

I think you'll be surprised by this potent Poncho combo!! :thumbsup:

Special thanks to Kevin Swaney at TIN INDIAN Performance and Jeff Kauffman at Kauffman Racing Equipment
for building this unique 440 stroker for the FREEDOMBIRD!!

www.tinindianperformance.com

www.krepower.com

[70rs]

Very cool Ty. I am glad to see the car getting the attention. I can't wait to see it on Power Block. Do you have an idea on the AIR date for that?

[OLDFLM]

We drive up to Franklin TN to film on the 3rd... air date is slated for 8-9 May... I'll keep you posted though my friend!

[syborg tt]

The guys at Tin Indian have to be stoked - Great Article

ps i emailed you the pdf version

Pontiac Enthusiast has the engine article in this month's issue: (p22-31)

http://editions.amospublishing.com/PCEN/Default.aspx?d=20100401&pagenum=1&f

Compete with build pics and dyno comparisons... registration is free on-line!

I think you'll be surprised by this potent Poncho combo!! :thumbsup:

Special thanks to Kevin Swaney at TIN INDIAN Performance and Jeff Kauffman at Kauffman Racing Equipment
for building this unique 440 stroker for the FREEDOMBIRD!!

www.tinindianperformance.com

www.krepower.com

[DOOM]

Ty.. Who's coming to Chicago next month??

[fletcherscustoms]

Neither Ty or myself can make it up!! BMR will have the car

[DOOM]

That SUX!!!! :(

[OLDFLM]

We both have prior work commitments unfortunately...

Mother Air Force won't let me go and Chad's gonna be busy with his new toy... :rofl:

Actually he's on a business trip too... but the attach is still funny! :lol:

[GregWeld]

Biggest reason for not moving so fast , as I have to make money. So I have to work on the money making everyday projects first. But right now I have to do what keeps food on the table.

Money must be coming in pretty good then! New project and lots of brand new parts too!

Good for you!! Glad to hear things are going well for you! :thumbsup::woot:

I'll have to send this spare food I collected to Haiti! :rofl:

[OLDFLM]

"THE DYNO DON'T LIE"

"Depending on which carb was used and whether a 1-inch spacer was sandwiched between it and the intake, the CF-71 Freedom Bird's 440 made between 576 and 601 horsepower and between 541 and 551 lbs-ft of torque - more than enough to make Ty Ingle's Firebird Formula 400 really fly when he lights it up." :burnout:

:morepower :lateral:

[OLDFLM]

For your viewing pleasure...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY9uujKbseY

YouTube quote from TIN INDIAN Performance about the video:

"This is the 440 cid Pontiac engine we built for Ty Ingle's CF-71 Freedom Bird. The engine is based off a 400 cid pontiac block. Pro-Warrior 4" stroke crank and Pro-Warrior 6.8 long rod were used on the bottom end along with a set of KB forged pistons. A Tin Indian Performance custom ground Comp Cams solid roller was also used with Crower solid roller lifters. The engine is topped off with Kauffman Racing Equipments new North Wind intake manifold and a custom Pro Systems carb. The combo pulled 11" of vac at 850 rpm! It made 590 hp and 550 ft lbs of torque."

:morepower

[70rs]

Hell of an engine Ty!!:thumbsup:

[OLDFLM]

Hell of an engine Ty!!:thumbsup:

Thanks Eric! Jeff Kauffman and Kevin Swaney did a hell of a job collaborating on this unique 440cid stroker and building it for the car!

Here's another video of it just idling at 850rpms:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMpFDzNCBTI

Think anyone will buy that "it's just a rebuilt Pontiac 400?" LOL


Okay... One more just because I like to hear it "cackle!" (c:]

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=TinIndianPerformance#p/u/6/DQ9HmLhbS3w

[6D9]

Sounds sick!

[70rs]

Thanks Eric! Jeff Kauffman and Kevin Swaney did a hell of a job collaborating on this unique 440cid stroker and building it for the car!

Here's another video of it just idling at 850rpms:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMpFDzNCBTI

Think anyone will buy that "it's just a rebuilt Pontiac 400?" LOL


Okay... One more just because I like to hear it "cackle!" (c:]

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=TinIndianPerformance#p/u/6/DQ9HmLhbS3w


I seriously doubt you will be able to pass it off as "just a rebuild" LOL!!

[fletcherscustoms]

Well we are finally getting close to light at the end of the tunnel. Its really amazing the little things that you put off to get a car ready for SEMA, that is done prior would have taken a hour now take a day to do cause you got to take the car apart to do it. We are getting close I hope to get fluid and fire to it this week and get the bugs and kinks worked out. WE are gonna hopefully debut it at a local show on the 22nd and then it will go back home to Ty till we do some events later this spring and summer!

[OLDFLM]

:yes: :rolleyes: :unibrow: :thumbsup: :hail: :faint: :wow: :willy: :bow: :cheers: :woot: :eek: :drool: :dance: :patriot:

Yeah, that kinda sums up how I'm feeling!!

[fletcherscustoms]

Made head way this weekend, but still not fired up yet... Spent Saturday chasing leaks, and finishing the AC install. This week we will be ready to go! We worked Saturday afternoon on brake leaks mainly, just letting air in the system that gave us hell trying to bleed it. We had to tear most of the system apart and add some new fittings and tighten some other ones. But its ready now, just has to be bled. Engine has oil, trans has oil, and rear has oil. Just have to put water in her and bleed brakes and she's ready to fire up!

[fletcherscustoms]

Set your DVR for Car Crazy on SPEED Channel!



Our “SEMA thrash” interview with Barry Meguiar will air
Monday night, 19 April 2010 at 11pm EST!!! (8pm Pacific)

http://www.carcrazycentral.com/Images/car-crazy-central-logo.gif


“Friends at SEMA”
Mon 4/19/10 11:00PM
Sun 4/25/10 8:00AM
Mon 4/26/10 4:30AM
Mon 4/26/10 3:00PM
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_meguirs2.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_meguirs.jpg

[fletcherscustoms]

Its been a crazy time with the car. Finishing all the little details that got left behind in the SEMA thrash, that have taken hours to do now instead of minutes if they would have been done beforehand! But finally yesterday we got her all buttoned up and added fluids. And fired her up and pulled her out of the shop for the first time under power!! Shes headed down to my buddies stereo shop to have a nice simple system installed in the trunk to complete the package. WE are going to debut her fully completed this Saturday at a local charity show and I have all plans on coming home with some "Best of Show" hardware!! Once again I want to thank everyone for everything that you have done on this project, your support, your products, and your "well wishes". None of this ever would have happened without folks and companies like you. Thanks again and don't forget to Watch the Speed channel tonight at 11PM eastern- 8PM Pacific, for our interview with Barry Meguire for "Car Crazy Friends At SEMA"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy4_jzOm370
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOXILIoFtiE

[awr68]

Sounds good, that is a mile stone right there!! What's with the open headers? I thought Michael built a nice system for it?

[fletcherscustoms]

BMR redigned the torque arm setup for the rear. And shortened the arm and changed the mounting location in the front by adding a new crossmember at the rear most body mount on the subframe. in turn that messed up the way we had the exhaust routed and done under the car. So we got to build new pipes and mount some new mufflers. Would be done sooner, but my orange car is on the lift with no suspension under it so kind of hard to roll it out of the way

[fletcherscustoms]

Heres a couple of new pics I took today down at my buddys stereo shop.

Stereo detail

(2) JL audio 10w1
(2) JBL 400x4 amps Ty has had for years
pair of Pioneer 6x9 and 6.5"
All wiring etc,etc

http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMG00033-20100420-1212.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMG00034-20100421-1123.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMG00035-20100421-1314.jpg

[fletcherscustoms]

The stereo is finished!!!

http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMG00036-20100423-1247.jpg

[OLDFLM]

Yeah baby!!! :dance: Man that came out nice!! :woot:

[fletcherscustoms]

Couple pics from a local car show this weekend. Much to everyones dismay we brought home no hardware. Damn original cars get all the love

http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMG00037-20100424-1232.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMG00038-20100424-1234.jpg

[98ssnova]

Where are the center caps on the front wheels no wonder you didnt win:cheers:

[fletcherscustoms]

The center caps will not clear the hubs. Slight over sight when Ty ordered brakes and wheels a couple years back. Wheels are coming off today to be sent back to Rushforth for new centers in the front with a thicker pad and a little less back space, rears are also getting tucked in .75"

[OLDFLM]

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/Firebird/Freedombird_ani01.gif

My 'bird will be home soon!!!

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/SEMA%202009/0114.jpg

Just gotta do some small projects like place/install the power window switches where I want them, swap out and install some more gauges (trans temp/oil temp/D-PIC) we got from Autometer (in the map pocket area) and she'll be done/done!

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/SEMA%202009/normal_tysema6.jpg

Sending the wheels back to Jason next week to get the backspacing adjusted since we have more room out back with the BMR suspension than with the stock springs and then find/fix a rear main-ish leak (probably just the oil pan gasket - hopefully) and a couple other little things and she's finally home... after two years!!

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/SEMA%202009/tyscaar2.jpg

WELL WORTH THE WAIT!!! (c:]

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/PowerBlock%20TV/004.jpg

I just can't thank my friends and builders Chad, Jerry and Josh at Fletcher's Customs enough for all the time, talent, sweat, (and swearing LOL) that went into this project!!!!!!! Along with ALL the sponsors/vendors involved with the car over the past 18-months...

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/Firebird/sponsorboard1.jpg

The journey has truly been a car guy's "bucket list" of dreams-come-true!!! SEMA, PRI, Car Crazy and PowerBlock TV... Whoever would have thought it would have turned into the caliber of car it is or taken us on the journey it has... not to mention all the lifelong friendships that have been created!

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/PowerBlock%20TV/PowerblockTV.jpg

Stayed tuned as there's more to come with Peach State, Goodguys, Run-thru-the-Hills etc.

[syborg tt]

Yahoo

[mexMan]

^OMG SPAM!

I really love your car Tyler, I'm a fan of second gen Firebirds, I love it it's so cool, the sexiest lines ever designed.

[greycamaro]

glad to see your getting it back drive safe and have fun
alex

[bonecrrusher]

Damn - I should go to the peach state challenge - its not that far.

I'll probably see this at Run Thru the hills!

[ChiChiBo]

AMAZING build. :hail:

Tyler/Chad - I was in touch with Anvil auto (I now have one of the full CF hoods made from your mold!) and also contacted Fesler about a billet hood hinge set. When i spoke to both Matt and Tracy at Anvil and the person at Fesler that I discussed hinges with (sorry!...forgot the name, but a very pleasant woman who was also aware of the CF-71 build) they weren't sure what the spec was for your gas hood springs or what lb. tension to use on the gas hood springs for the Anvil hood.

Do you guys remember the spec on the gas hood spring?

Sorry for such a detailed question, but if anyone else would know, it would be you guys!

Thanks!
Chi

[fletcherscustoms]

I can't remember the exact part number or weight but its the lightest strut they offer. And they are still a little strong, so they want to push the back of the hood up when fully closed. You have to do a little modifying of the hinge to allow it slide down lower on the mounting bolts in the fender. Very simple mod, just lengthen the hole so the hinge will mount lower on the inner fender

[ChiChiBo]

I can't remember the exact part number or weight but its the lightest strut they offer. And they are still a little strong, so they want to push the back of the hood up when fully closed. You have to do a little modifying of the hinge to allow it slide down lower on the mounting bolts in the fender. Very simple mod, just lengthen the hole so the hinge will mount lower on the inner fender

Chad thanks so much for the response. When I spoke with Fesler initially they thought 112-135 lb spring but I think the lowest weight they offered was 80lb, but she thought that might not be enough to hold the hood up...


sending you a PM...thanks again!
Chi

[awr68]

Did the car make it home yet? I bet Ty can't wait for some hot summer nights in this beast!

[fletcherscustoms]

I'm currently storing the car for Ty. He is still figuring things out since retiring from the Air Force and trying to get settled down in Florida. So its sitting patiently waiting on him.

[CAMAROBOY69]

Dang this car turned out amazing. Went through the entire thread. Watching the car convert from beginning of thread to end was a great read and lots of great pics especially the rush for Sema as the car was being painted, sanded, and buffed. The color selection is also very nice. I love how great the car looked when flipped up on the side to view the undercarriage. Thats awesome. Congrats on the progress and all the coverage. Amazing project. :thumbsup:
I would love to work for one of these shops working on builds like this. Anyone in Florida hiring?

[fesler]

Hey Guys when you get a chance can we get some killer shots of the car to put up on our billet site. Thanks and hope you enjoy it for years to come

[OLDFLM]

We'll get you some fresh pics Chris!!

Many thanks for the complements Adam! I'm sure everyone involved is glad to hear it even still! Welcome back to the board btw!

I've said it here before, but words just can't express how cool this community is and how much I appreciate everything everyone did to make the car into what it is!! Hard to believe it's already been two years since the thrash and SEMA 2009!

The car is simply amazing and truly more than I ever could have imagined!!
We are settled in Orlando now and I plan to take it to all the regional shows and cruise-ins and enjoy it for years to come!

We are just 45 minutes from the beach and 45 minutes to Disney and we have a dedicated guest room, so if you're ever in the area :lateral: you and yours are welcome!

V/R,
Ty

[70rs]

Hmmmmm.....Florida beach..........Disney..........cool people, cool cars ........guest room........ I think I need to work on my tan soon.......:D

[jr2226]

Hey Ty there is a cruise here in daytona called the dream cruise on oct 21-23 .it will be up at the bellair plaza like the trukey rodrun. 3rd year running fun time nice cars and free come check it out. i will have my 71 pt camaro out for the frist time that fri and sat hope you can make it and others from the board:thumbsup:

[fletcherscustoms]

The car is back home. Ty took delivery of it last week