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

fletcherscustoms

10-16-2008, 10:39 AM

As seen at SEMA 2009, PRI, Chicago, Indy, and on Car Crazy and PowerBlock TV!!!!!!

This thread has really taken off and the support and contributions from this community and its vendors, is honestly "unreal". You folks never cease to amaze me! I thought it would be best that I list sponsors up here as they are added. Keep reading through the posts to see all the new news as it happens!

Vendors/Sponsors

Inland Empire Driveline (www.iedls.com)
They have offered to donate a complete driveshaft for the project!

Billet Accessories Direct (www.billetaccessoriesdirect.com)
Jason donated a custom one off billet steering wheel that will match the wheels!

Modo Innovations (www.modoinnovations.com)
Shannon donated a set of their awesome pedal covers!

Hoodpins.net (www.hoodpins.net)
An awesome set of billet hood pins!

Autorad Radiators (www.autoradradiators.com)
Custom built aluminum radiator, prototype 2nd gen core support and overflow tank!

Ben @ Hermance Design (www.hermancedesign.com)
Special thanks to Ben for all the hard work he has done on the design and layout of the car!

Morris Classic Concepts (www.morrisclassicconcepts.com)
Front 3 point retractable belts and matching rear belts!

Anvil Auto (www.anvilauto.com)
Carbon fiber Formula hood, nose, lower valance, rear spoiler, rear bumper, tail panel, dash gauge bezel, console and other various pieces! Special thanks to Matt, Tyler and the gang at Anvil!!

Marquez Design (www.marquezdesign.com)
Custom interior door panels and rear pacakge tray! Thanks Pacual!!

AGR Performance (www.agrperformance.com)
Larry with AGR graciously donated a Billet 12.1 Steering Box and one of there great billet steering pumps

Fesler Built (www.feslerbuilt.com)
Chris has donated a set of his hood hinges and will be doing a ton of new parts for 2nd gen firebirds, with us getting the first sets! Tail lights, front signals, markers, along with a bunch of other goodies he is going to try and replicate, all out of nice shiny Billet!!

US Collision
Mario (DOOM) has donated ALL the paint materials for the car. PPG base, clear and all other needed reducers, etc

Pro-Touring F-Body (www.pro-touringf-body.com/index.html)
Dave has donated a set of their awesome G-braces for the car!

Phoenix Transmission Products (www.phoenixtrans.com)
Greg Ducato has graciously donated:
- Special built version of there PT700R4SX 700R4 tranny
- Torque Max 9.5" 3000 stall convertor
- Ponitac adaptor plate
- TV cable system
- Dipstick and tube
- Tranny x-member

Auto Custom Carpet Inc (www.accmats.com)
Donated a full custom carpet kit, with one of kind custom embroidered floor mats!
Thanks Julie!!

BMR Fabrication (www.BMRfabrication.com)
BMR's contributing the first production version of their new rear torque arm suspension for 2nd Gen F-bodies!! The suspension kit includes the torque arm, Watts link, coilover conversion kit, coilover shocks, driveshaft loop, and transmission crossmember all wrapped up into one sexy BOLT-ON package!! Along with their tubular upper & lower control arms up front with one of their front sway bars! Special thanks to Allan Miller at BMR for jumping through hoops to make this possible!

Shiftworks (www.shiftworks.com)
Herb donated a 4-speed conversion kit to convert the stock slap stick shifter over to a 4-speed auto to work with the 700R4 from Phoenix Transmission Products!

Hedman Hedders (www.hedman.com)
Donated a set of #28150 ceramic coated headers to project CF-71 Freedom Bird!! Special thanks to Vic Wood for working this and helping us out with the project!

American Autowire (www.americanautowire.com)
Graciously donated a complete “Classic Update” wiring kit to the build!! Special thanks to Donnie Bock for working hard on this for us and helping out with the project!

Kevin Swaney at TIN INDIAN Performance (www.tinindianperformance.com) (TIP) has partnered with Jeff Kauffman at Kauffman Racing Equipment (www.krepower.com) (KRE) to build the 400cid Pontiac engine into a 440cid-stroker! The new engine will feature ALL aftermarket parts with the only original piece being the factory iron block... topped off with KRE heads and TIPs custom engraved billet valve covers!

Pypes Performance Exhaust (www.pypesexhaust.com)
Chris is hooking us up with one of their XVF13s 3" x-pipes and MVR16S 3" RacePro mufflers!!

MityMounts (www.mitymounts.com) DynaTech donated a set of its patent-pending Lock-Up® motor mounts!

RobbMc Performance Products (www.robbmcperformance.com)
Robb contributed a complete fuel system for the car; RobbMc 1100HP fuel pump, deadhead regulator and 1/2" pickup! Not to mention the 100 micron & 40 micron filters and all the needed adapters and clamps!

Wilson Muscle Cars (www.wmcdesigns.com)
Special thanks to Ron Wilson @ Wilson Muscle Cars/WMC Design Engineering for creating the billet emblems for the car! Pieces of automotive jewelry!!

Holley/NOS (www.holley.com)
Bill at Holley not only hooked us up with one of their billet throttle cable brackets, he also supplied us with a NOS Top Shot nitrious system! Thanks Bill!!

Personal Folks, who have made donations be it money or parts

-camcojb-Jody
-SPchiv- Full poly bushing kit and stainless bolt kit
-70bird-Mark
-gearheads78-Richard
-2ndgenracer - Brett

Thread originating post from 10-16-2008:

Ty (OLDFLM) contacted me last week about the possibilty of rescueing his car from paint jail. Ty is a 23-year active duty enlisted member of the Air Force and had the all too famous trapped story. Car was dropped off for a simple scuff and shoot, suppossed to take 3 weeks, and when I picked it up it has been 14-weeks or so with very minimal work done. So I agree to do the car on Ty's budget. It's one of those "pay it forward" things. For over 23 years he's been doing things for me, and my fellow Americans, so I had to give back in a way.

So fast forward to last Saturday, I make the plans, hit the road and drive up to pick up the car from the local guy who has it. Get there to find the car sitting in the rain... not usually too bad... but the guy had already applied some bondo to the quarter seems, and in some places there was quite of bit of bare metal on it. So immediately I see that this is gonna turn into a lot more work... now I got to strip out all the mud he put on the car.

Anyway, we get it out "paint jail" and bring it back to my place. Where I jump on it and by midnight Saturday it's stripped and ready to start. A few days pass by and I jump back on the car last night. Me, Jerry, and new guy Micheal jump on the car trying to sand off all of "local guys" body work. And low and behold we start to find very old filler and repairs from way back before Ty owned the car. So we ditch the little sanders for 4.5 angle grinders with 3M pads and go to work. 4 hours later and lots of work we got a shop 2" in dust and bare metal on both quarters!

Way back when apparently the car got rearended and the shop who fixed it did some nice work!! You know, instead of pulling out the dent in the lower valance lets jut slap in 3" of mud and call it a day. Filler must have been cheap back in the 70's!!! Basically I had no plans of stripping the car to metal, but once I started and didn't find things I liked then I had to... This wasn't included in Ty's budget, but I just can't bring myself to leave crap!! Anyone who wants to help out let me know. Let's give back to our troops!!

Current Plans while at Fletcher's Customs:

Bodywork, bodywork, bodywork... did I say bodywork!! Lots of metal work, I don't like mud so there's gonna be a lot of time spent with a hammer and dolly to get things straight!
-Paint a nice Burgundy that pops
-Install KORE 3 brake kits
-Install 18" Rushforth Superspoke wheels and tires
-Install Autometer gauges
-fix some other little issues

Few pics from earlier in the year, with the Resto Mod look
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/Fall07Pics024.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/Fall07Pics027.jpg

Right after it got in my shop

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/1-2.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/2-1.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/3-1.jpg

fletcherscustoms

10-16-2008, 10:41 AM

Some pics after last nights sanding thrash!!!

Jerry getting it done!!
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/4.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/5.jpg

Micheal getting in the action
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/6.jpg

By 9PM she looked better
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/7.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/8-1.jpg

fletcherscustoms

10-16-2008, 10:44 AM

the final look

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/attachment.php4?attachmentid=12632&d=1215608833

ProdigyCustoms

10-16-2008, 11:02 AM

Glad Ty is in good hands now. I am sure it will be fantastic

Vegas69

10-16-2008, 11:33 AM

Good for you man....an American that appreciates a member of the military. To few and far between with all these lazy winers that call themselves Americans.:cheers:

OLDFLM

10-16-2008, 11:55 AM

I can't tell you how excited I am that Fletcher's Customs is working on the car now!! I'm 41 and have had this car since high school (1985)... it was my first car and carries alot of sentimental value and memories as you can imagine. Somehow traveling around all these 23+ years while on active duty in the Air Force I've managed to keep the car and work on it when time and money allowed. I'm anxious to see the car finally make the jump from restomod to pro-touring!! ... and that sick feeling in my gut is fading knowing that it's in good hands now... Thanks Chad!:patriot:

camcojb

10-16-2008, 12:18 PM

Yes, Ty has been keeping me in the loop on this one. Gonna be a very cool car, and so glad you're helping him out! :thumbsup:

Jody

buickfunnycar.com

10-16-2008, 12:25 PM

Looking good Ty,glad to hear you're in good hands now.:yes:

redfire69

10-16-2008, 02:40 PM

another great ending..or beginning!! Going to bare metal is always worth it!

fletcherscustoms

10-16-2008, 02:44 PM

Now all we need is a good project name!! Something that shows the meaning of the project!!

brownz

10-16-2008, 04:03 PM

sweet ride, i see an OHIO plate. what part of ohio do you live in?

BBC69Camaro

10-16-2008, 04:49 PM

Oh that is a very nice looking car, keep the updates coming! :yes:

tones2SS

10-16-2008, 04:53 PM

That is a nice looking car and seems to be in pretty good condition.
Can't wait to see the final product!!:thumbsup:

DriverzInc

10-16-2008, 05:12 PM

Glad to hear it Ty. I know you've had the wheels now for sometime, and they will definitely be going on a more than worth car once its done!

7TSS

10-16-2008, 05:27 PM

Glad to see it's going to get done right this time. :thumbsup:

Ty, also wanted to thank you for your many years of service to our country.

NOT A TA

10-16-2008, 06:36 PM

Thats looking awesome Ty! Glad to see it's getting back on track. Looks like you'll be much better off long term.

OLDFLM

10-16-2008, 07:46 PM

I've always called the car "Old Flame" since it's a Firebird and it was my first car... my wife thinks it's cheesy but it fits.

I've had the Ohio "OLD FLM" plates on there for years and probably have 1-inch of registration stickers on them!

But... it's going thru a major transformation so I'm open to suggestions!

p.s. I grew up in the northwestern corner of Ohio... Bryan/Defiance area... but left on 3 Oct 85 for basic training and still haven't figured out what I want to be when I grow up! LOL Seriously, I love what I do!! I must or I'd have retired 3 years ago when I became eligible... I'm humbled by your thanks and truly appreciate your support of those in uniform. It means more than you know... especially in times like these.

OLDFLM

10-16-2008, 07:53 PM

Now all we need is a good project name!! Something that shows the meaning of the project!!

Project "Jail 'Bird"?

fleetus macmullitz

10-16-2008, 07:56 PM

There's a saying I've heard ..."Don't retire, re-fire"

Project FreshFire?

Streetking

10-16-2008, 09:30 PM

Looks great!! Now you can start having some real fun!

SW

awr68

10-16-2008, 09:57 PM

Love the rendering! Going to be sweet! Good to see it's safe now!! :thumbsup:

And thanks for all your years of service!! :cheers:

dhondagod

10-16-2008, 10:50 PM

Nice car! Glad to see your being taken care of!

My youngest brother is active USAF in Ohio as well. Not exactly sure where but he's a Capt and a civil engineer. Had quite a few stories with the recent storms that went through there a month or so back. (no power, water for a few weeks)

Sorry for the hijack. Your car is going to be awsome! :thumbsup:

Chris:cool:

fletcherscustoms

10-17-2008, 07:05 AM

We got a good bit of metal work to do!! But for a car this old I was really happy about the condition under the paint. All I have found so far is a small pinhole at roof/quarter seem, and 1/2" or so hole at quarter/rocker seam both on passenger side. Easy fixes. Well and the rear valance is rough, but a hammer and dolly will fix that instead of filler like they did back in the day. I'll finish stripping the roof and doors tonight, then put the car back in epoxy primer and start the body work. For some reason bare metal cars are so hot!!!

OLDFLM

10-17-2008, 01:31 PM

Looking forward to more pics! (c:]

JayR

10-18-2008, 09:36 AM

That's just good karma or "car"ma in this case and there's some coming Boilermaker's way too! He got more done in a night than that clown did in 4 months. Glad to see progress finally happen and looking forward to seeing more.

OLDFLM

10-23-2008, 04:13 PM

Just got an update from Chad late last night... wait until you see how deep they are getting into the car now! :_paranoid

buickfunnycar.com

10-23-2008, 05:32 PM

Just got an update from Chad late last night... wait until you see how deep they are getting into the car now! :_paranoid

Hmmmmm...?:rolleyes:

Bowtieracing

10-23-2008, 11:39 PM

Some pics after last nights sanding thrash!!!

Jerry getting it done!!
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/5.jpg

Shuld we donate Jerry some protective gear so he could really enyou working with the bird ;)

fletcherscustoms

10-24-2008, 06:18 AM

Shuld we donate Jerry some protective gear so he could really enyou working with the bird ;)

You should hear the thing Jerry calls me when I wear gloves and mask!!! He's old school. You know how most people wear rubber gloves when doing filler work to keep the filler off of them. Not Jerry, once saw him with a 1/4" dried on his hand, so whats he do sit down with a DA and 36 grit paper and go to work on his hand! I swear the skin on his hand is tougher than some metal!!

WE are diggin in real deep. What started as a scuff and shoot is getting a little more involved. The running gear is completely out now. Will be stripping the entire underside of the car, and shooting it with bedliner. Then tearing down the subframe, media blast and paint body color. Complete rebuild of front end, all new bushing, body mounts, etc. And a rebuild of the rear axle and springs with paint.

This is just my way of giving back to the folks that protect my life's freedom! If there is anyone out there wanting to give back also there are few parts that I need to aquire to try and stay in Ty's budget as well as not break me totally. PM if interested in helping out...

syborg tt

10-24-2008, 08:43 AM

This is just my way of giving back to the folks that protect my life's freedom. If there is anyone out there wanting to give back also there are few parts that I need to aquire to try and stay in Ty's budget as well as not break me totally. PM if interested in helping out

I've got a set of Billet Hood pins that I would be more then happy to donate.

Locking or non-locking - you make the choice

http://www.hoodpins.net/home.html

OLDFLM

10-25-2008, 11:03 PM

It's the little things like your billet hood pins that take cars to the next level!

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your generousity!!! :patriot:

V/R,
Ty

Birdman

10-26-2008, 03:23 PM

VERY cool project! Glad to hear there are people helping out with this, if I come across anyone willing to help you out I'll let you know.

How about posting up a list of stuff you might need to see if any of us have it lying around?

fletcherscustoms

10-26-2008, 03:29 PM

Things we've came across that are needed:

-full poly bushing kit for the whole car
-Upper A-arms, either a set of used ones, or a set of tubulars
-body bushings
-rear leaf springs shackles, the rear oneshad to be cut off because the bolts were so rusted

Those are the needed things, for sure. There are still plenty of wishes Ty has that his budget just won't allow!

syborg tt

10-26-2008, 05:47 PM

Not a problem it's the least I can do.

ps - email sent

It's the little things like your billet hood pins that take cars to the next level!

As an enlisted family man on a very tight budget I can't tell you how much I appreciate your generousity!!! :patriot:

V/R,
Ty

fletcherscustoms

10-27-2008, 09:17 AM

A little history: Ty is 23 year active duty Air Force guy, with 4 kids, a wife and very tight budget. He contacted me, gave me his situation and his budget. My heart told me "it's the least I can do". This guy has helped defend my freedom, I can give back to him and touch his life. His budget is only about 1/4 of what I should be charging. I was simply going to rescue the car from the previous paint jail it was in and do a simple scuff and shoot!! But then I wanted to give back. So it's turned into a full on build. Complete strip of car, rust repair, lots metal work, bodywork, paint, strip and paint subframe, refinish underside of car with bedliner, etc, etc. You figure I am already 20 plus hours into the car now @ $50 a hour; that's half his budget already! And I've still got to buy a ton of materials.

I am doing a lot of stuff he didn't ask for, but its my way of giving back. Hoping that he and his family can enjoy the car and maybe he can use it in his daily life to show other active veterans how much we appreciate them!

There are a ton of things we need for the car!! I'm not a big high dollar shop!! I am simply a two man operation. No big budgets to throw at this car. So any help I can get on parts, etc is much appreciated and let us all give back! If there is anything or if you would just simply like to help out please let me or Ty know. Thanks from Fletcher's Customs!

OLDFLM

10-27-2008, 11:34 AM

I don’t know whether to be embarrassed or humbled by all the attention this project is getting… but I am truly grateful!

(I thought) The car was a pretty nice “restomod” but I wanted to go the pro-touring route… call it my mid life crisis…

As Chad described, his part of the project started out as just getting it out of a local 4 month paint jail… a scuff-n-shoot job that was quoted to take only 3 weeks. That was mid-June. Fast forward to the present and I think “good things do come to those who wait” because I’m certain I’ll end up with a MUCH nicer car in every aspect than if it had stayed where it was! I can’t thank Chad and Jerry enough for taking on this project and the deal Fletcher’s Customs is giving me on the car!!! He’s literally doing the entire car for what the local guy originally quoted me for just the scuff-n-shoot! About 1/4th of what he would normally get for the same job! These guys are amazing!!

Even taking Chad’s generous discount into consideration I’m still trying to avoid project creep as I am on a budget. I’m certain that the car has never been taken this far down before since it’s a 71 and I bought it in 1985 and it shows. It seems that nothing on the car has ever been apart and nearly everything needs to be replaced. Chad’s doing a great job of staying focused on what’s really “needed” to do it right this time and not letting me get carried away “dreaming” about what I’d like to do to the car if the budget allowed.

Here’s what we know is “needed” to continue:

- LUGNUTS! LOL I've misplaced the lugs that came from DriverzInc somewhere!

- Master Cylinder... either a 77 Malibu manual MC or the Wilwood deal

- Body bushings… Chad said the original rubber core support bushings crumbled in their hands when they took them out!

- A-arms… bushings weren’t installed correctly back in 1990 (PST kit) and the A-arms were bent

- Bushing kit… A-arm bushings, sway bar bushings etc.

- Ball Joints and Tie Rod Ends… 18 years old and need replaced.

- Rear spring bushings and shackles… the bushings are the original rubbers and the shackles had to be cut to get them out!

- Bolt/fastener kit… 90 percent of the bolts they touch either break or have to be cut out!

Here’s a laundry list that I had already started before Chad got the car… what I “wanted” to get to give it a deserved facelift:

- New shocks… the KYBs were put on there in 1990 along with the PST rebuild kit… it’s gonna be a driver!

- Gas tank/sending unit… had to buy new fuel and brake lines when they cracked while patching rust in the rear frame rails…

- Morris Concepts 3-point retractable seatbelts… front belts are inop... 3-points provide added safety factor!

- New glass… original side glass is badly scratched… front and rear glass is pitted/scratched… needs replaced

- Vintage Air… it’s gonna get hot down here next summer and I plan to use the car as my sunny day daily driver

- P O N T I A C emblem for trunk filler panel… Formula 400 emblems for the fenders…

- Hedman 28150 headers… freebie Summit 4-tubes are showing their age and one hangs an inch lower than the other

- Trans cooler lines… just prebent replacements needed…nothing fancy

- Overflow jug… junkyard find doesn’t seem like it’ll fit the car when done any longer!

- New Carpet… Original carpet is badly faded and smells like dead mice! LOL

- Dynamat/Hushmat/Second Skin… something to put under the carpet and quiet the interior

- New sill plates… just the $25 repops… no need for expensive NOS stuff here…

- New seats… even though they’re in good shape the stock seats don’t offer much support or bolstering

- Battery tray… the stocker is only about half there! Or we could move it to the trunk?

- Dash pad cap… the stock dash is badly cracked as is common in 2nd Gens…

- Washer bottle, hose, filter… missing in action… the car hasn’t had one since I’ve owned it.

- Interior trim screw kit… would like to replace all those dry wall screws

- Dome lens kit/bulb… again it’s MIA and has never been in the car since I’ve owned it.

- Remote battery kit (trunk mount)

- Bright Driver Headlights

- Upgraded altenator

- Selecta-speed wiper kit

Now, IF I weren’t on a budget and could build my dream: (c:]

- 463 stroker kit for the Poncho 400, KRE 290cfm D-port heads, Hyd Roller cam... OR...

- LS2/3/7… with a Schwartz drive by wire TBI intake and a repop Ram Air air cleaner to work with the hood…
(and Pontiac baby blue valve covers!)

- TKO600 5 speed

- 9" rear or 12 bolt

- Full Tubular Arm package

- Coilovers

- 4 link rear

- Aluminum Radiator

- Upgraded Seats

- 5 point cage

- Power windows, locks and an alarm system

- Killer stereo system

Again, I truly appreciate and am humbled by all the attention this project is getting! (c:]

V/R,

Ty

tony byram

10-27-2008, 11:41 AM

Boilermaker, you and your shop are a class act. Pure and simple. Its people like you that restore my faith in people. Other acts from people (and you know who you are..... are straight from the heart) Makes me proud to be a member of this site. When we help one another, we help ourselves and our hobby. :thumbsup:

fletcherscustoms

10-27-2008, 11:44 AM

L n L

10-27-2008, 01:47 PM

fletcherscustoms

10-27-2008, 01:58 PM

Thanks to SPCHIV for coming through with a gracious gift!

He donated a full Prothane poly bushing kit and a full Totally Stainless bolt kit from Year One!!!

Thanks to Syborg TT for his gift of a set of locking billet hood pins from hoodpins.net!

gearheads78

10-27-2008, 03:09 PM

I've been talking back and forth with Ty via email but just saw this. I knew the paint shop was taking much longer than expected but I had no idea it was turning into another on of those body shop rip off stories.

Is there a Paypal or snail mail address I can send a little something? :thumbsup:

-Richard

rlplive

10-27-2008, 07:03 PM

I don’t know whether to be embarrassed or humbled by all the attention this project is getting… but I am truly grateful!

(I thought) The car was a pretty nice “restomod” but I wanted to go the pro-touring route… call it my mid life crisis… but I sold my daily driver Pontiac G6 GT to eliminate the monthly car payment/free up funds and pulled the money for the wheels, brakes and paint out of my Roth IRA. I know, I know… don’t beat me up too bad over it… but that’s the only way I could afford to give the car the facelift I felt it deserved. I’d have probably lost the money by now anyway right! LOL

As Chad described, his part of the project started out as just getting it out of a local 4 month paint jail… a scuff-n-shoot job that was quoted to take only 3 weeks. That was mid-June. Fast forward to the present and I think “good things do come to those who wait” because I’m certain I’ll end up with a MUCH nicer car in every aspect than if it had stayed where it was! I can’t thank Chad and Jerry enough for taking on this project and the deal Fletcher’s Customs is giving me on the car!!! He’s literally doing the entire car for what the local guy originally quoted me for just the scuff-n-shoot! About 1/4th of what he would normally get for the same job! These guys are amazing!!

Even taking Chad’s generous discount into consideration I’m still trying to avoid project creep as I am on a very tight budget. I’m certain that the car has never been taken this far down before since it’s a 71 and I bought it in 1985 and it shows. It seems that nothing on the car has ever been apart and nearly everything needs to be replaced. Chad’s doing a great job of staying focused on what’s really “needed” to do it right this time and not letting me get carried away “dreaming” about what I’d like to do to the car if the budget allowed.

Here’s what we know is “needed” to continue:

- LUGNUTS! LOL I've misplaced the lugs that came from DriverzInc somewhere!

- Master Cylinder... either a 77 Malibu manual MC or the Wilwood deal

- Body bushings… Chad said the original rubber core support bushings crumbled in their hands when they took them out!

- A-arms… bushings weren’t installed correctly back in 1990 (PST kit) and the A-arms were bent

- Bushing kit… A-arm bushings, sway bar bushings etc.

- Ball Joints and Tie Rod Ends… 18 years old and need replaced.

- Rear spring bushings and shackles… the bushings are the original rubbers and the shackles had to be cut to get them out!

- Bolt/fastener kit… 90 percent of the bolts they touch either break or have to be cut out!

Here’s a laundry list that I had already started before Chad got the car… what I “wanted” to get to give it a deserved facelift:

- New shocks… the KYBs were put on there in 1990 along with the PST rebuild kit… it’s gonna be a driver!

- Gas tank/sending unit… had to buy new fuel and brake lines when they cracked while patching rust in the rear frame rails…

- Morris Concepts 3-point retractable seatbelts… front belts are inop... 3-points provide added safety factor!

- New glass… original side glass is badly scratched… front and rear glass is pitted/scratched… needs replaced

- Vintage Air… it’s gonna get hot down here next summer and I plan to use the car as my sunny day daily driver

- P O N T I A C emblem for trunk filler panel… Formula 400 emblems for the fenders…

- Hedman 28150 headers… freebie Summit 4-tubes are showing their age and one hangs an inch lower than the other

- Trans cooler lines… just prebent replacements needed…nothing fancy

- Overflow jug… junkyard find doesn’t seem like it’ll fit the car when done any longer!

- New Carpet… Original carpet is badly faded and smells like dead mice! LOL

- Dynamat/Hushmat/Second Skin… something to put under the carpet and quiet the interior

- New sill plates… just the $25 repops… no need for expensive NOS stuff here…

- New seats… even though they’re in good shape the stock seats don’t offer much support or bolstering

- Battery tray… the stocker is only about half there! Or we could move it to the trunk?

- Dash pad cap… the stock dash is badly cracked as is common in 2nd Gens…

- Washer bottle, hose, filter… missing in action… the car hasn’t had one since I’ve owned it.

- Interior trim screw kit… would like to replace all those dry wall screws

- Dome lens kit/bulb… again it’s MIA and has never been in the car since I’ve owned it.

- Remote battery kit (trunk mount)

- Bright Driver Headlights

- Upgraded altenator

- Selecta-speed wiper kit

Now, IF I weren’t on a budget and could build my dream: (c:]

- 462 stroker kit for the Poncho 400, KRE 290cfm D-port heads, Hyd Roller cam... OR...

- LS2/3/7… with a Schwartz drive by wire TBI intake and a repop Ram Air air cleaner to work with the hood…
(and Pontiac baby blue valve covers!)

- TKO600 5 speed

- 9" rear or 12 bolt

- Full Tubular Arm package

- Coilovers

- 4 link rear

- Aluminum Radiator

- Upgraded Seats

- 5 point cage

- Power windows, locks and an alarm system

- Killer stereo system

Again, I truly appreciate and am humbled by all the attention this project is getting! (c:]

V/R,

Ty

Heck at least you know you will be getting active duty retirement pay when you get out. I Have been in the air guard for 7 years and already have almost 4 years of active duty. Almost wish I would have went active duty for the retirement. Glad to see your car getting the care it deserves. Thanks for your service.
Ryan

OLDFLM

10-27-2008, 07:38 PM

Too Cool!

I first met Ty about 11 years (I'm guessing, you know, "memory"....) over at www.classicalpontiac.com. Not very often you meet someone so genuinely a "good guy", you gotta hang on to friends like Ty when you find them :thumbsup:

A few years ago, my son and I took a road trip in my '03 Mach 1, and drove up through Colorado Springs, where Ty was stationed at the time. Ty gave us a key to his house, and graciously let us "base camp" out of his place! My son still speaks fondly of the experience.

I know there are alot of flakes out there, but Ty is NOT one of them! He is an all-around great guy/friend/dad/husband/serviceman/gearhead. To all of those helping out on this, I congratulate you for doing a wonderful deed, and assure you that Ty is a very deserving person.

Thanks,
Lee Atkinson

Lee is responsible for taking what I had and making some real Poncho power!

I had an anemic 8.0:1 (or less) Pontiac 400 with bad heads and a WAY too small cam and was lucky if it made 200hp at the crank! Lee spec'd the custom Bullet cam that's in the car now, sourced the somewhat rare #13 Ram Air III heads (off a 70 GTO) and helped me sort it out to make nearly 400hp! And that's with cast iron home ported heads and cast pistons!!

Thanks for the kind words Lee!! You know better than anyone how long it's taken to get the car to this point! Has it really been 11 years since we first started talking about the "new combo"? LOL

V/R,
Ty

OLDFLM

10-27-2008, 07:51 PM

Thanks to SPCHIV for coming through with a gracious gift

He donated a full Poly bushing kit and full stainless bolt kit from Year one!!!

Thanks to Syborg tt for his gift of a set of locking brushed hood pins from hoodpins.net

I can't thank Steve (spchiv) and Marty (Syborg tt) enough for their generosity!!! MUCH appreciated guys!!!!!! :patriot:

fletcherscustoms

10-28-2008, 07:19 AM

OLDFLM

10-28-2008, 07:42 AM

the final look

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/attachment.php4?attachmentid=12632&d=1215608833

Here's a pic of my Rushforth Superspokes with my son Tyler!

I can't thank Jon and JayR enough for all their help in selecting these wheels!!

I'm simply blown away by the quality of these wheels and their truly personal service!!!

V/R,
Ty

p.s. Now if I could just find the dang lugnuts!

OLDFLM

10-28-2008, 07:51 AM

To complement my Rushforth Superspokes I called Tobin Knighton @ KORE3 and ordered up a complete C6 Z51 brake kit for my Firebird. You can't believe the quality and service that Tobin provides! He guided me through every step and offered great advice geared toward my intended driving applications.

My Firebird will have DBA 13.4" & 13" rotors front and rear with KORE3s matching black powdercoated PBR calipers and all the hardware to make the install a breeze for Chad and Jerry. And the best part? He had everything in stock and I had them in just over a week!

Tobin is great to deal with and I highly recommend KORE3 to anyone who wants a great product delivered in record time with great advice and customer service!

Check out KORE3s kits @ www.KORE3.com or call Tobin at 1-800-357-5467

V/R,
Ty

fletcherscustoms

10-29-2008, 09:20 AM

I am truly honored to be apart of this!! Giving back means so much to me and it really floors me to see the amount of respect and help folks are wanting to give back also! WE have people donating money and parts and we have some great companies coming along also. Wow what more can I say... you guys are the best!!

We have some great companies that have addressed interest in partial sponsorships and some freebies!!! But we are going to need to raise some money for Ty to get some of these parts. I'll have some more info after SEMA, but you vendors and folks are the best!!!

Companies that have expressed interest or given something already:

Hoodpins.net- thanks for the hood pins!!
Fesler
Anvil Auto
Marquez Design

You guys rock!!!

gearheads78

10-29-2008, 09:36 AM

Sent a small donation last night. Thanks for helping Ty out!!

OLDFLM

10-30-2008, 08:13 AM

Sent a small donation last night. Thanks for helping Ty out!!

Richard,

Thanks so much for contributing to the project!

Although I had to go through the whole paint jail ordeal it will be worth it in the end as I’ll end up with a MUCH nicer car (thanks to folks like you!) than if I had left it where it was!

I have Frank @ Prodigy to thank for putting me in touch with Chad @ Fletcher’s Customs.

AND I have Chad to thank for taking on the project to get it completed for the same amount as what the first shop quoted me for just a scuff-n-shoot! What a blessing and what a stand up guy to take on the project and then dig deeper to make sure it IS done right this time!

With the help from Chad and all the others who contribute I'll finally get to see this lifelong dream come true! (c:]

Thanks again my friend! Truly appreciated!!!!! :patriot:

V/R,

Ty

fletcherscustoms

10-30-2008, 09:10 AM

Wow, I am floored by the response this is getting! We have had so many great companies get back with us about helping out on the project. Even with SEMA going on they are still going out of their way to help out. This project gets better and better everyday! Ty will truly be getting back something he never imagined!

We are gonna have to do some fundraising! There are so many offers for great products at discounted pricing. And some secret things I would like to do for Ty also. If anyone wants to help out let me know, on here or by email.

I'm gonna take $500 of what Ty was giving me towards the paint and turn around and donate into the "Extra fund" for somethings he only dreamed about!! So now after my paint and material bill from this week, for the car, and deducting the $500. I am making $324.36. And that doesn't even include labor!!:cheering:

OLDFLM

10-30-2008, 11:48 AM

I'm sitting here, at work, in uniform, choked up and trying not to lose my demeanor... your generosity is amazing!!!
Thanks Chad!!!! You are truly a class act!! And I am a very blessed man!! Humbled and Grateful!
V/R,
Ty

fletcherscustoms

10-30-2008, 01:18 PM

Had a few minutes at lunch, so I ran by the shop and grabbed a couple of really crappy pics!! I really need a new camera!!!

Nothing major, just a couple shots showing it stripped. One day I'll learn how to pull a motor without making a mess!! There must be 40lbs of kitty litter on the floor. Tonight will be clean-up the shop and strip the interior!!!

Subframe!! It will be blasted, primed and painted semi gloss black!! more on that later!!
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/subframe.jpg

Two really crappy pics in the shop!!
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/stripped-1.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/stripped2.jpg

fletcherscustoms

10-31-2008, 07:20 AM

Wow the outpouring of generosity is amazing!! I want to personally thank the following companies for their contributions and for helping me to make Ty's dream car a reality!

-Inland Empire Driveline http://www.iedls.com/
They have offered to donate a complete driveshaft for the project!

-Billet Accessories Direct http://www.billetaccessoriesdirect.com
They have donated a custome one off billet steering wheel!

Thanks so much to everyone willing to be apart of this project! It's just one little way we can give back to the men and women who have protected our freedom without asking us for anything!

fletcherscustoms

10-31-2008, 07:43 AM

Few more pics!

Spent last night cleaning the shop, so not too much to show. But the shop was nasty and needed a good cleaning. Also had a couple of teenagers stop by that have a love for cars, and I try to mentor and teach them all I can. Well, I learned last night not to give them a couple cans of spray paint! lol

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/stripped4.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/stripped5.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/stripped6.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/IMG_0097.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/IMG_0103.jpg

fletcherscustoms

11-03-2008, 07:25 AM

Wow! What an awesome weekend! Really got a lot of stuff accomplished even though the pics don't show much. Spent Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday doing rust repair!! Woohoo! We all know how much fun that can be!! After this weekend we are 42 hours into the car, spent 9.5 hrs yesterday on the tail panel alone!! Car is really in a better place. Cut about 2 sq feet of rusted panels out and replaced with new metal. Had some major issues in the tail panel; little small 1/2" area in the rocker and some other pitting issues here and there. I forgot how much fun it is to tack weld for 4 hours!!! lol But everything is good to go now. After we welded everything in and smoothed with the grinder, we then covered with a skim coat of Fiberstrand filler. I've shaved hundreds of doors in my life and have always had the best results with a nice skim coat of glass reinforced filler down first. Anyway, onto the pics!!

Shot showing the skim coat of glass filler put on the shaved markers, quarter seam, etc.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/repair2.jpg

Cutting out the rust, this is one of my helpers Micheal, couldn't do it without him!
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/repair1.jpg

After we got it all cut out, we got two good places for exhaust outlets and a perfect spot for the trailer hitch to come through! :banghead:

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/repair3.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/repair4.jpg

fletcherscustoms

11-03-2008, 07:28 AM

New metal welded in !!
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/repair5.jpg
Little Grinding
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/repair6.jpg

Little Filler
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/repair8.jpg

fletcherscustoms

11-03-2008, 08:52 AM

And the support keeps coming!! This place and its vendors never cease to amaze me!!

I'd like to welcome Autorad Radiators http://www.autoradradiators.com/ to the project! They have agreed to donate a custom built aluminum radiator specifically for this project! Thanks for your help!!

OLDFLM

11-04-2008, 07:25 AM

And the Support keeps coming!! This place and its vendors never cease to amaze me!!

I'd like to welcome Autorad Radiators http://www.autoradradiators.com/ to the project! They have agreed to donate a custom built Aluminum radiator specifically for this project. thanks for your help!!

Thank you Jim and Karen for your generous contribution to the project!!! :patriot:

Look forward to hearing from you when you return from SEMA!

fletcherscustoms

11-05-2008, 12:44 PM

Ok all the rust repair is done and the big dents have been pulled. The bare metal has been killing me, seems like I all I do is remove surface rust that seems to pop up overnight, lol :pat: So last night we put the car in a coat of epoxy primer. Nothing special just thought I would post a couple pics

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/2-2.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/3-2.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/4-1.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/1-3.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/5-1.jpg

jy211

11-05-2008, 01:14 PM

looking good :thumbsup:

OLDFLM

11-05-2008, 05:23 PM

:woot: :thumbsup: :dance: :cheering:

OLDFLM

11-11-2008, 06:26 AM

gearheads78

11-11-2008, 10:07 AM

I just wanted to take a moment today as I reflect on all the others before me who have fought for our freedoms and for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for this great country and say thank you to all my fellow veterans and to all who have contributed to this project!! Your patriotism and support of our troops means more than you could ever imagine! :patriot:

Very Respectfully,

Ty

Did you say something? I was distracted by the TV :lol:

Seriously thanks to everyone that has served to protect mine and my families freedom. Equaly important but often forgotten is the sacrfice made many wives, husbands, daughters and sons of those service men. Thank you all!!!

frankenstang

11-11-2008, 10:44 AM

First; thanks to all the Veterans today. Without them, I'd probably be typing in German or Japanese right now.

This is coming from a "retired" auto mechanic. I have little to no hearing left in my left ear (childhood fever damage?) anywhoo, As I look at the pics of your helpers, I can't help but shutter at the thought of them using grinders and cut-off wheels without hearing protection.

Please get these kids to use some type of protection for their ears!! I have permanent ringing in my 'good' ear as well as what's left in the bad one. Whenever I work on my car or even blowing the leaves now, I HAVE to wear the 'ear muffs'. It's necessary to protect what I have left (only 37). I have a long time left on this earth and don't plan on not hearing.

OLDFLM

11-14-2008, 03:11 PM

The outpouring of support and the generosity of the vendors just continues to blow me away!!!

I'd like to personally thank Robin and her family at Morris Classic Concepts for their generous donation of front 3-point and rear seat belts!!! :patriot:

V/R,
Ty

http://www.morrisclassicconcepts.com/

fletcherscustoms

11-17-2008, 11:53 AM

Taken from Tony@ Mac Inks post over on Protouring...

In honor of Ty Ingle's service we are offering T-Shirts featuring Ben Hermance's rendering of 'Old Flame'. All profits will be donated to Chad (boilermaker) of Fletcher's Customs to help fund and complete the build of Ty's 71 Formula.

Shirts can be ordered here:
http://mac-ink.com/shirts/OldFlame

http://mac-ink.com/shirts/OldFlame_Shirt.jpg

fletcherscustoms

11-17-2008, 12:53 PM

This is one person that I have forgotten to thank!! And Ben I do apologize.

I need to thank Ben @ Hermance Design http://www.hermancedesign.com/ for all the hard work he is doing on the design and layout of the car! He is doing this out of the goodness of his heart, and I want to publicly thank him for all he is doing! He has been doing countless color combinations and changes for Ty and I to look over and I just can't thank him enough for all he has done!! Ben, thanks again!!

fletcherscustoms

11-17-2008, 01:33 PM

It's my pleasure and honor to welcome Anvil Auto http://www.anvilauto.com/

Matt has been gracious enough to donate a ton of Carbon Fiber goodies for the car and then in turn have the molds to be able to offer his great products for Second Gen Bird owners!

Here is some of the goodies he has coming!!
Carbon fiber Formula hood, full front nose, lower front valance, rear 3 piece spoiler, rear bumper(that'll be tucked and smoothed), tail panel, dash gauge bezel, console and various other pieces!

Now all I got to do is get everything refitted, blocked and sent out his way!

I would personally like to thank you for your support!! Thanks from Fletcher's Customs!

fletcherscustoms

11-17-2008, 01:41 PM

Ok I guess a progress update would be good too!! Unfortunatly no new pics right now. The last week was a blur, I spent the weekend of the 8th-9th in Atlanta painting a high dollar one of a kind import show car that's had more covers by itself than most shops get total. And needless to say while there I came down with something called the Roto-Virus. Last week was by far the worst week of my life!! Me and the porcelain became great friends as well as the trash can or two. I lost 13 pounds in 3 days!!! So, work on Ty's car last week was at a stand still. This weekend I mustered up a little energy to do some sanding but not too much. I'll have some pics later this week of the body work in progress as well and the refit of the sheetmetal before a ton of the parts go out to Anvil Auto for custom Carbon Fiber pieces to be made from them. Stay tuned!!

And once again thanks to everyone who is helping to make Ty's dream a reality!!

fletcherscustoms

11-18-2008, 09:21 AM

It's my pleasure to welcome Marquez Design http://www.marquezdesign.com/ to the build! Pascual has been generous enough to donate his custom interior door panels and rear package tray to the build. I want to personally thank Marquez Design for their involvement and support!!

syborg tt

11-18-2008, 09:42 AM

Wow - this awesome. Kudo's to the guy's at Marquez

Its my pleasure to welcome -Marquez Design http://www.marquezdesign.com/ to the build. Pascual has benn genourous enought to donate his Custom interior door panels, rear package tray, billet strikers, billet jamb vents, billet hood adjusters. I want to personally thank Marquez Design for there involvement and there support!!

OLDFLM

11-18-2008, 06:09 PM

This is one person that have forgot to thank!! And Ben I do apologize.

I need to thank Ben @ Hermance Design http://www.hermancedesign.com/ for all his hard work he is doing on the design and layout of the car. He is doing this out of the goodness of his heart, and I want to publicly thank him for all he is doing. he has been doing countless color combinations, and changes for Ty and I to look over, and I can't thank him enough for all he has done!!Ben thanks again!!

Ben has really gone way above and beyond the call of duty on this project!!
I simply can't thank him enough for all the time and talent he's put into it already!! :hail:

AND There more in the works from him gang so stay tuned! :drool:

OLDFLM

11-18-2008, 06:12 PM

Wow - this awesome. Kudo's to the guy's at Marquez

I second that!! Pascual really blew me away with his willingness to help with the project!
He's truly a standup guy and I'm proud to have him and his products as a part of this build!!! :thumbsup:

radrambler

11-18-2008, 07:04 PM

ty

very happy for you.
awesome growing line up of sponsors .
cant wait to see it come together.

radrambler

OLDFLM

11-18-2008, 07:07 PM

Its my pleasure and honor to welcome -Anvil Auto http://www.anvilauto.com/

Matt has been gracious enough to donate a ton of Carbon Fiber goodies to us, for the car and then in turn have the molds to be able to offer his great products for Second Gen Bird owners.

Here is some of the goodies he has coming!!
Carbon Fiber Formula hood, full front nose, lower valance, rear 3 piece spoiler, rear bumper (that'll be tucked and smoothed), tail panel, dash guage bezel, console pieces... now all I got to do is get everything refitted, blocked and sent out his way!

I would personally like to thank you for your support!! Thanks from Fletcher's Customs

What more can I say about these amazing new pieces from Anvil!! :bow:

I never onced dreamed I'd have exotic stuff like carbon fiber pieces on the car! Thanks Matt!!!! :patriot:

OLDFLM

11-18-2008, 07:18 PM

ty

very happy for you.
awesome growing line up of sponsors .
cant wait to see it come together.

radrambler

Thanks Rad!

You know the words "thank you" just don't seem like enough... :rolleyes:

I NEVER imagined my car being taken to the level it's risen to with the generosity of all the amazing folks who've donated to the project! :bow:

I can't express how greatful and humbled I am... this thing's gonna be amazing! :drool:

THANK YOU to everyone who's contributed to the project and for making my dream come true!!!! :woot:

And a special thanks to Chad Fletcher for taking this project on and sticking with it as it's taken on a life of it's own!!
I'm truly blessed to have you as my builder on this project! :patriot:

fletcherscustoms

11-19-2008, 01:20 PM

And the outpouring of support continues!

It's my pleasure to welcome AGR Performance http://www.agrperformance.com/ to the build! Larry with AGR has graciously donated a Billet 12.1 Steering Box and one of their great billet steering pumps. Thanks so much!!

Young Gun

11-19-2008, 01:23 PM

congrats! this is looking awesome!

TonyL

11-19-2008, 02:41 PM

OLDFLM

11-19-2008, 02:42 PM

And the outpour of support continues!

Its my pleasure to welcome AGR Performance http://www.agrperformance.com/ to the build. Larry with AGR has graciously donated a Billet 12.1 Steering Box and one of there great steering pumps. Thanks so much!!

I can't thank Larry enough for these critical pieces to making the car a real handling machine!!

Some of you may know or not... but Larry is a Vietnam veteran and spent time in a POW camp!

Talk about a true American hero!!

I thank you for your support in the project and I salute your service and sacrifice for this great country Larry!! :patriot:

V/R,
Ty

OLDFLM

11-19-2008, 02:47 PM

awesome Ty! I'm SO happy for you. And THANK YOU for all you've done for the country and for your selfless service. I just knew our communities would come through for you. I look forward to the updates.

Thanks Tony! I can honestly say that I NEVER imagined anything like this happening! The generosity of the vendors and this great community just blows me away!! :woot:

I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for making this life long dream not only come true but for making it more than I ever dreamed of!!! :patriot:

V/R,
Ty

fletcherscustoms

11-19-2008, 02:57 PM

It's my honor and pleasure to extend my thanks to Fesler Built http://www.feslerbuilt.com/. Chris Fesler has donated a set of his hood hinges and will be doing a ton of new parts for 2nd gen firebirds, with us getting the first sets! Tail lights, front signals, markers, along with a bunch of other goodies he is going to try and replicate, all out of nice shiny billet!!
Thanks for your support Chris!!

TonyL

11-19-2008, 03:20 PM

OMG! Awesome!

The way this project is shaping up, the next question is going to be, who's booth is it going to be in at SEMA 09!!

fesler

11-19-2008, 08:03 PM

OK we need pictures with updates on how its looking enough talking lets get to work.

Please let me say that with out guys like Ty who give everything they have to keep us safe we would not have this great site to meet and talk to everyone. Freedom is not free and Ty and all that serve this country keep us all safe and free. Our hearts go out to all the troops and their familys with the holidays coming. Be safe and we wish you all a safe trip home

fesler

11-19-2008, 08:04 PM

OMG! Awesome!

The way this project is shaping up, the next question is going to be, who's booth is it going to be in at SEMA 09!!

I will help Ty with a spot at SEMA, he will have to get it there and I am sure everyone on this site can help with that in some way.

fletcherscustoms

11-19-2008, 08:40 PM

Yeah I know I'm slacking on pics!! I spent all last week sick as a dog so I am way behind at the shop but most of all at my day job!!! I'll get some pics up this weekend once I dive back into it!! It'll be going on the rotisserie this weekend or first of next week. With all the down time waiting on parts now, I am gonna spend a good amount of time doing some repairs and cleanup to the bottom end. There has been a lot of exhaust on this car I guess. Where the hangars are mounted in the rear there are 19 holes and 22 holes drilled previously!! Come on guys use the same hole!! There's a little rust repair to do in the front passenger pan. There's also some rust in the rear frame rails that needs to be redone. The previous shop tried and did a pretty crappy job so now I got to cut theirs out and redo it.

We are kind of in a holding pattern till after the first till we start getting all the carbon parts in, and the rad support from Autorad!! I'm just gonna spend a lot time on some little details that weren't originally in the plans!!

Now if we can get a nice discount on some suspension and some seats. We're gonna have one bad boy pro tourer!!

fletcherscustoms

11-19-2008, 08:41 PM

I will help Ty with a spot at SEMA, he will have to get it there and I am sure everyone on this site can help with that in some way.

If it has spot it'll be there!!! I'll be bringing the Challenger out in the big trailer, and there just happens to be room for another car!!

fesler

11-19-2008, 08:49 PM

If it has spot it'll be there!!! I'll be bringing the challenger out in the big trailer, and there just happens to be room for another car!!

Then it looks like the car will be at SEMA in 2009, maybe we should call the car "Project Freedom"

fletcherscustoms

11-19-2008, 09:22 PM

Boy do I wish that I could be sitting in Ty's office in the morning when he opens this page and sees that!!

Chris, I don't know what to say man!! Just plain insane!! Thanks so much!

fletcherscustoms

11-19-2008, 09:36 PM

And the night just gets better and better!!

It's my pleasure and honor to add US Collision to the list of sponsors! DOOM (Mario) from the boards, who owns the shop contacted me and has offered to send all the paint materials for car!! PPG base, clear, reducers, etc!! Mario I personally thank you for you support and your contribution!! Thanks again from Fletcher's Customs!

awr68

11-19-2008, 09:59 PM

Very cool Mario! :thumbsup:

I love how this is working out for Ty!! :lateral:

TonyL

11-19-2008, 10:31 PM

HAHA! Awesome! This just gets better and better! (omg. what have we done?! a SEMA project??!)

Man I wish i could see the look on Ty's face when he sees this!

fletcherscustoms

11-20-2008, 06:41 AM

HAHA! Awesome! This just gets better and better! (omg. what have we done?! a SEMA project??!)

Man I wish i could see the look on Ty's face when he sees this!

Wow and here I was a couple months ago, all calm and collected that I had full year to complete my one SEMA project, the Challenger. Now there's two to get done!!!! Ty's car will be done way in advance and do the local southeast circuit before heading west!! But wow what great showing of support!!

radrambler

11-20-2008, 07:15 AM

ty

my dad was stationed at warner robins in the early 70s .where his service time ended.i was 4-5.
i dont know if it will help but i live about 3 hrs from coolidge ,ga per the computer map .i will drive up and donate the time to sandblast the suspension parts if you have someone to pressure wash the grease off of them.if you need that.(i blast @ home for $$) or i could bring it all back home blast and paint it then bring it back painted.
we cant have all these great part going on and not make the suspension look great also..... let me know what you guys have planned for this area .
or if you guys need an extra hand for assembly i could drive up and help with that . my qualifier i built a 71 camaro, ground up in the early 90s.click my hubgarage link in my signature to see..

radrambler

fletcherscustoms

11-20-2008, 08:09 AM

fesler

11-20-2008, 08:14 AM

yeah yeah I know I'm slacking on pics!! I spent all last week sick as a dog so I am way behind at the shop but most of all at my day job!!! I'll get some pics up this weekend once I dive back into it!! It'll be going on the rotisserie this weekend or first of next week. With all the down time waiting on parts now, I am gonna spend a good amount of time doing some repairs and cleanup to the bottom end. There has been a lot of exhaust on this car I guess. Where the hangars are mounted in the rear there are 19 holes and 22 holes drilled previously!! come on guys use the same hole!! Theres a little rust repair to do in the front passenger pan. There also some rust in the rear frame rails that needs to be redone. The previous shop tried and did a pretty crappy job so now I got to cut theres out and redo it.

We are kind of in a holding pattern till after the first till we start getting all the carbon parts in, and the Rad support from Autorad!! I'm just gonna spend a lot time on some little details that weren't originally in the plans!!

Now if we can get a nice discount on some suspension and some seats. We're gonna have one badd boy pro tourer!!

I am working on the seats now and am trying to get a killer price on Recaro so I will dontate some of the money towords them and maybe a few up here would like to chip in on them. what were you thinking of spending on seats or what is the budget for them. I have a set here in stock that I will donate half for the project.

I can work on suspension what are you guys looking to do on it. Air Ride? Bret might want to get involved with this because of the coverage the car is going to get now.

I will also shoot the car for the features and so forth if that will help. I have been shooting for 15 years now so we can get some good stuff on it. Just some thoughts and if we are going to help Ty out lets give him a car he could only dream of having. :thumbsup:

fletcherscustoms

11-20-2008, 08:23 AM

Suspension is still way up in the air!!! The budget is the biggest thing right now!! Ty's has given me $2500 to do my part, paint, assembly etc!! WE currently have $2700 in the account I set up with the donations we have received. So we are working right now with $2200 and need suspension, interior (seats, carpet, dash pad, etc.), the motor needs some attention now due to the caliber of the rest of the car, and I really want to do Vintage Air in car as Ty plans to drive this thing alot, as well as odds and ends we'll need along the way. The budget is the biggest hold up. I have donated $500 to the project and we've had a little response with cash donations but mainly companies products.

As far as suspension Air Ride would be my pick, but this is Ty's car not mine. I know he was talking about arms, coilovers, etc.

fletcherscustoms

11-20-2008, 08:56 AM

One of the best moments of my entire life just happened! I have been trying to get in touch with Ty all morning. And he has been teaching a class so no email or phone all morning. I've left him constant messages, etc. He calls me about 5 minutes ago. Where I proceed to tell him the bad and the good news. You can here him sigh and then ask for the bad, to which I respond "this time next year you'll be a little broker, than now" and he says "why?" To which I respond we're taking the car to SEMA 2009!! Nothing, nothing at all, no reply at all. Complete silence for what seems like an eternity, which is then overcome by the sounds of a grown man weeping in pure happiness!! He just didn't have the words to speak. But for one of the first times in my life, I felt his happiness! I felt his joy!! There is not a better person that I know of that deserves this car!! Cause through all of this he still gives it all to God, and continually thanks Him for what He is doing to bring us all together!! Look for him to be on here soon, when he gets a break from class!!

OLDFLM

11-20-2008, 10:29 AM

I can't say thank you enough!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know how else to say it!

A spot at SEMA 09 for my car!!! Are you kidding me??? :wow: UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!

I thought Chad was yanking my chain when he told me this morning! (c:]

And when the reality of it all hit me... it hit HARD! I was truly blown away!!

I'll admit it took me a while to regain my composure (in uniform) to say anything at all...

Words simply can't express my gratitude!! :bow:

You have no idea how grateful I am or how indebted I feel...

The generosity of everyone involved is AMAZING!!!!!!!

I am truly humbled and I'm a very blessed man!!!

I'm proud to be a member of this great community!! :lateral:

I THANK YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!! :patriot:

V/R,
Ty

fesler

11-20-2008, 10:35 AM

TonyL

11-20-2008, 10:39 AM

OLDFLM

11-20-2008, 10:55 AM

TY you deserve it and it could not have happen to a better person.

Chris,

What more can I say man? Not only did you offer to supply a set of your killer billet hood hinges to the project...
you offered to do custom taillights and running lights and a bunch of other stuff for the car!!

Then you offered to help with seats and suspension thru your well established network of friends.

And THEN you give the car a spot in your booth at SEMA 09!!!! UNBELEIVEABLE!!!

I am truly blessed and proud to have you involved in the project my friend!

I look forward to the day I can shake your hand and thank you in person! :thumbsup:

V/R,
Ty

OLDFLM

11-20-2008, 10:58 AM

Im so happy for you Ty! (home team! USAF! w00t!) There can be no better evidence of the brotherhood of the pro-touring community than this situation right here. To see everyone come together, without even really being asked, and make this happen is just awesome. If a magazine was looking for the feel good story of the year, here it is. :cheers:

I know Tony! I'm still in shock... and awe! :wow:

To think, when this all started, all I wanted was to give the car a pro-touring facelift with a "scuff n shoot" and some bigger wheels and brakes!

fletcherscustoms

11-20-2008, 11:55 AM

Well the design layout for the exterior is complete. Ben Hermance really knocked the design out of the park!
And the exposed carbon fiber stripe will allow us to really show off the parts from Anvil!!

So here are the three color choices in the running:

GM JetStream Blue

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/blue4.jpg

Toyota Avalon Maroon

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/maroon4.jpg

Sunset Red metallic

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/red4a.jpg

jy211

11-20-2008, 12:03 PM

I like the blue the best :thumbsup:

Then red

then maroon

TonyL

11-20-2008, 12:22 PM

Loving the sunset red metallic look. Nice! The exposed carbon is RAD.

TonyL

11-20-2008, 12:25 PM

I know Tony! I'm still in shock... and awe!

"Project: Shock and Awe" has a cool ring to it. It totally redefines that phrase.

I think we're all in a state of shock an awe over the generosity of the sponsors of this build. Those of you who have given ROCK.

wiedemab

11-20-2008, 12:50 PM

Blue!

DriverzInc

11-20-2008, 12:52 PM

Well the design layout for the exterior is complete. Ben knocked the design out out of the park. And the exposed carbon fiber striped will allow us to really show off the parts from Anvil!!

So here are the three color choices in the running

GM JetStream Blue

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/blue4.jpg

Toyota Avalon Maroon

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/maroon4.jpg

Sunset Red metallic

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o169/fletcherscustoms/red4a.jpg

Ty, we can probably get you some of our new Carbon Fiber caps to match all that carbon on the car.... :unibrow:

Oh, and I like the blue rendering.

skatinjay27

11-20-2008, 12:59 PM

sunset red!!!!!!!!!

Jimmy Sean

11-20-2008, 01:07 PM

GM JetStream Blue

OLDFLM

11-20-2008, 01:07 PM

Ty, we can probably get you some of our new Carbon Fiber caps to match all that carbon on the car.... :unibrow:

You guys ROCK Jon!!! Both you and JayR! :beavis:

fesler

11-20-2008, 02:57 PM

Ty, just want to clear one thing up, cant garantee the car will be in my booth at SEMA but we will get it there. I get two outside spots with my booth so I have a spot no matter what, I also have a ton of guys I work with that might be intersted as well so one way or the other it will be there showing off. Just dont want you to get upset if it gets in a better spot or another booth becuase we dont even have a clue what we are doing yet till we do the SEMA draw and that wont be till summer.

fesler

11-20-2008, 02:57 PM

BLUE with Carbon is the way to go looks sick

dylanCamaro582

11-20-2008, 03:00 PM

Thank you for your service to this country.
The Firebird looks like it going to be awsome.
I think GM Jetstream blue looks the best.
Your Firebird is giving me lots of idea for my own firebird project that i hope to start after college.
Thanks.

TonyL

11-20-2008, 04:33 PM

You know, the more I look at it, the better the blue looks. I change my vote to blue. It'll contrast way better with the carbon.

brownz

11-20-2008, 04:46 PM

BLUE with Carbon is the way to go looks sick

+1 on that:thumbsup:

slck6t9

11-20-2008, 04:56 PM

Being a fellow Air Force guy myself I say go with the blue to show off your pride (car and service).

OLDFLM

11-20-2008, 07:41 PM

70TWO NOVA

11-20-2008, 09:48 PM

another Air Force guy votes for Blue! Looks sick! Above and Beyond!!! lol :thumbsup:

fesler

11-21-2008, 05:52 AM

I'm still in shock that it's just going to be there!!! :willy:

I trust you Chris and defer to your experience in the industry!

My car at SEMA... who'd have ever thought it possible? :lateral: :woot:

Its the least we can do back to you for your years of service and this means you will get a pass to walk the show. We already have your name down so who will you bring out to see the show as well.

Did you pick a color yet?

Did you decide on the name yet? Its your car so that one is up to you. I think I will always call it "Project Freedom" but I know you already have a name for it and you can leave name on the plate this is just for the project here.

OLDFLM

11-21-2008, 07:39 AM

Its the least we can do back to you for your years of service and this means you will get a pass to walk the show. We already have your name down so who will you bring out to see the show as well.

Did you pick a color yet?

Did you decide on the name yet? Its your car so that one is up to you. I think I will always call it "Project Freedom" but I know you already have a name for it and you can leave name on the plate this is just for the project here.

Good thing I'm in shape as I hear that's a LOT of walking! LOL

I'll probably be coming out with Chad... he's already offered and I can tell war stories on the way! :drive:

Color... I'm personally torn between the ZR1 Blue and the PPG Red.
But it looks as though the ZR1 Jetstream blue is the most popular so far.
Maybe I should just start a poll to see it more clearly?

I've always called the car Old Flame (OLDFLM) but it's going through a complete transformation now and probably deserves a new name that somehow should tie into birds (firebird and flight) and my military service/patriotism... not to mention the generosity of everyone who is making this thing a reality!

I'm open to suggestions... :lateral:

fesler

11-21-2008, 07:49 AM

well as I stated before keep it called "Project Freedom" OLDFLM

L n L

11-21-2008, 02:59 PM

Ty,

You KNOW that, for as long as we've discussed this car (over a decade, now!), I've ALWAYS adamantly supported keeping it the original maroon color.

But, with the carbon fiber, based upon the renderings.....

Blue.

That was NOT easy for me to write!!

Congrats my friend, I am VERY excited for you!
Lee

radrambler

11-21-2008, 03:09 PM

L n L

11-21-2008, 03:24 PM

the motor needs some attention now due to the caliber of the rest of the car, and I really want to do Vintage Air in car as Ty plans to drive this thing alot,...

I've got a billet water neck (Tin Indian Performance) I can donate. Also gaskets (except head gaskets) if they are needed.

Lee Atkinson

OLDFLM

11-21-2008, 04:09 PM

I've got a billet water neck (Tin Indian Performance) I can donate. Also gaskets (except head gaskets) if they are needed.

Lee Atkinson

Lee,
You ROCK Buddy!!!! We can definately use that billet water neck for SEMA!!! Thank you my friend!!
V/R,
Ty

OLDFLM

11-21-2008, 04:11 PM

ty

i like old flame....
im checking out the airforce website and the airforce icon on that page is blue and grey and would look awesome on the car maybe in the middle of the rear spoiler kinda like the firebird decals.
what kind of weapon/missles do they have name for that might tie into the car?

radrambler

You know the new emblem might just work as a nose bird and tail panel bird!

I'll have to do some looking around too... SR-71 is already taken. :(

98ssnova

11-21-2008, 05:16 PM

Hey Ty here at Dyess we have a B-1B 86-100 that is named Phoenix. I thinks that since you are giving the car a new life. Like it is rising from the ashes. :cheers:

L n L

11-21-2008, 07:32 PM

My son & I were talking about this. How about
[drum roll]
Carbon Fiberbird!
[/drum roll]

:lol:

:rofl:

OLDFLM

11-23-2008, 05:29 AM

Our Air Force transport aircraft are designated with a C-prefix and carry cargo and/or passengers... C-5, C-130, C-17 etc.

Air Force fighter aircraft are designated with an F-prefix... F-4, F-15, F-16 etc.

So we have C & F... and with all the carbon fiber pieces that'll be on my 71 Firebird I was thinking CF-71?

Add to that designation, flights returning from an overseas area are often referred to as the "Freedom Bird", since they usually carry military members who are returning to the United States after what is commonly a one to three-year tour of duty.

So, what about:

OLDFLM's "CF-71 Freedom Bird" for a project name?

fesler

11-23-2008, 05:31 AM

OLDFLM's "CF-71 Freedom Bird" for a project name?[/QUOTE]

I Like it and it fits nice for everything going on with you and the car

OLDFLM

11-23-2008, 05:36 AM

It was your "Project Freedom" idea that really got me started thinking... :thumbsup:

syborg tt

11-23-2008, 06:23 AM

Perfect - This is how a name should be created:hail:

Our Air Force transport aircraft are designated with a C-prefix and carry cargo and/or passengers... C-5, C-130, C-17 etc.

Air Force fighter aircraft are designated with an F-prefix... F-4, F-15, F-16 etc.

So we have C & F... and with all the carbon fiber pieces that'll be on my 71 Firebird I was thinking CF-71?

Add to that designation, flights returning from an overseas area are often referred to as the "Freedom Bird", since they usually carry military members who are returning to the United States after what is commonly a one to three-year tour of duty.

So, what about:

OLDFLM's "CF-71 Freedom Bird" for a project name?

fesler

11-23-2008, 06:41 AM

It was your "Project Freedom" idea that really got me started thinking... :thumbsup:

Well I like it and we need to figure out a way to put it in the billet somewhere on the car or a paint mask small somewhere.

Maybe we can engrave it into the valve covers, if you have a billet set and want to send them to me we can do it. We just did it on the Nova and it looks sick.

syborg tt

11-23-2008, 09:32 AM

Maybe we can engrave it into the valve covers, if you have a billet set and want to send them to me we can do it. We just did it on the Nova and it looks sick.

That would look cool :thumbsup:

fletcherscustoms

11-24-2008, 06:38 AM

I love the name!!!! I've got some ideas of where to ghost it into the CF pieces or maybe painted somewhere on the car. And I also like the idea of valve covers!!

As far as updates there isn't to much to show. I have been doing a ton of stuff but really nothing that can be seen. Basically removing glass, pulling dash, etc, etc!! Plus not to mention the stomach bug came back, but this time it bit my family so I've been playing clean-up guy if you catch my drift!!! I did go out to the Moultrie, GA swap meet this weekend looking for some goodies for the car and nothing!! You Pontiac guys have it bad, there wasn't but one Pontiac guy at the whole place with over a 1000 vendors, and all he had was junk!!

There'll be a lot of updates and pictures coming in the next couple of weeks. I start my Christmas break from my day job here soon. So I'll be putting in full days now instead of nights only. Watch for CF-71 to take off here soon!!

67SSChevelle

11-24-2008, 07:09 AM

Hey Ty,
Looks to be a really cool build they have going for ya. Can't wait for the finished pics. Just finishing up my 20 in the Air Force as a weather forecaster. I retire next week.
There is a better chance of me buying my parts form the contributing vendors, providing they sell 67 Chevelle stuff :-)

Congrats again

OLDFLM

11-24-2008, 07:18 AM

Congratulations on your retirement Bryan!!!!!!!

I'm not ready to cross that bridge yet but I know that day isn't too far away as I can't stay in forever! LOL

Many of the vendors offer military discounts... just call them and tell them what you need and they'll take care of you!

God's speed and best wishes to you and yours as you close this chapter in your life's journey!

Your fellow Wingman, :patriot:
Ty

OLDFLM

11-24-2008, 01:40 PM

[QUOTE=boilermaker;179216]I love the name!!!! I got some ideas of where to ghost it into the CF pieces or maybe painted somewhere on the car. And I also like the idea of valve covers!! QUOTE]

What about "CF-71" side badges below the fender vents like these for the Z51 Corvette and then "F R E E D O M" on the rear filler panel where "P O N T I A C" would normally go?

We could also do "Freedom Bird" or something trailing the back edges of the hoopins (in black against the painted part of the hood)... and/or "CF-71" on the sides of the Ram Air scoops?

Let me know your thoughts...

V/R,
Ty

fesler

11-24-2008, 01:59 PM

Need to be carefull where you ghost anything in on the car so it wont take from the car, this is something you will have to finalize once you have paint on the car, I would do the blue car with carbon stripes and ghost it into the stripes and on the side of the hood like you stated.

If you get the valve covers Billet we can put the name in them and paint them to match the block. that would be a nice touch

fletcherscustoms

11-24-2008, 07:46 PM

I'm thinking very subtle. Maybe in a matte clear in the stripes or on the backside of the rear spoiler. Just something simple that doesn't take away from the car.

I'm still in search of a solid billet valve cover! All I can find at the big box companies (summit and jegs) are cast Edelbrock and some cast GM. You Pontiac guys have it tough!!

Roger M

11-24-2008, 08:11 PM

I'm still in search of a solid billet valve cover! All I can find at the big box companies (summit and jegs) are cast Edelbrock and some cast GM. You Pontiac guys have it tough!!

I found this one (http://www.alanminorracing.com/pontiac%20valve%20covers.htm) thru google. A little bit on the pricey side though. There are several others i found for less money.

COYBILT

11-25-2008, 02:32 AM

BILLET pontiac valve covers
who said I wasn't good for something.

http://www.tinindianperformance.com/pontiac%20valve%20covers.htm

JohnC

12-01-2008, 10:28 AM

I may have missed this, but how do you get carbon fiber on the rear panel and stripes like that???

Very cool...I love the sunset red by the way.

John

fletcherscustoms

12-01-2008, 10:45 AM

On the Firebirds possibly the Camaros also. The center section of the tail panel is a removable urethane piece. And Matt at Anvil is recreating it out of carbon fiber, along with the deck lid, rear spoiler and the rear bumper!

JohnC

12-01-2008, 12:50 PM

On the firebirds possibly the camaros also . The center section of the tail panel is a removable urethane piece. And Matt at Anvil is recreating it out of Carbon, along with the deck lid, rear spoiler and the rear bumper

Can you PM me Matt at Anvil's contact information...

Thanks
John

OLDFLM

12-01-2008, 05:24 PM

PM sent John...

V/R,
Ty

jy211

12-02-2008, 07:13 AM

where's some new pictures? :unibrow: :lol: :D

fletcherscustoms

12-02-2008, 07:19 AM

Yeah I know I'm slacking on pics!!!

I've had to pay some bills so been working on another car for the last two weeks off and on.
We have been blocking and getting all the pieces ready to go out to Anvil to repop in carbon fiber. I'll have some pics up this week showing the almost complete bodywork on the shell and the other stuff we've done!! We've been plugging away at it, just not really anything huge to show right now.

syborg tt

12-02-2008, 07:22 AM

Hi Ty,

New Style hood pin is ready to ship and ready to engrave what ever you need.

Just shoot me an e-mail (( [email protected] ))

OLDFLM

12-02-2008, 05:00 PM

Ready to engrave?! I didn't even know we could do that but what a GREAT idea and a perfect place to subtlely put the project name!

I'm TDY (on temporary duty) in DC right now but I'll shoot you an email shortly my friend!

This is too cool!! :thumbsup:

V/R,
Ty

fletcherscustoms

12-02-2008, 07:06 PM

Guys look for lots of big news about some new sponsors in the next few days!! PHR coverage is now a for a go!! With some nice web exclusive stuff on the build up along with a follow up when completed for print!!

As far as big news, just a couple of words "think.Pontiac.power"!!!

fesler

12-02-2008, 09:18 PM

We need more pics. Anything will keep us going.

I will shoot some pics of the Tail Lights soon, we are working on them now and they are going to look sick, we also have some other parts we are working on for the car.

70TWO NOVA

12-02-2008, 09:20 PM

dang i cant wait to see this thing, all this hype is getting me anxious! :willy:

OLDFLM

12-03-2008, 09:53 AM

Weldon0405

12-03-2008, 12:35 PM

OLDFLM

12-03-2008, 12:57 PM

I can't wait to see this bird finished! Ty, it looks like this will be a true "Fast Mover"! Personally, I love way the blue goes with the carbon fiber. Now, if only we can find a place to put the JDAM! :woot:

LOL Don't give Chad any ideas! :rofl:

We'll be glad to have you back safely!! When do you redeploy?
Did you see the project name? "CF-71 Freedom Bird"!
I'm sure you can appreciate the meaning behind it!

God Bless you and yours and keep your head down until you get on that freedom bird!

V/R,
Ty

fletcherscustoms

12-04-2008, 09:09 AM

It's my pleasure to welcome another great company to the project!

Pro-Touring F-Body http://www.pro-touringf-body.com/index.html
Dave has donated a set of their awesome G-braces for the car!

Thanks so much!!

OLDFLM

12-04-2008, 12:04 PM

Its my pleasure to welcome another great company to the project.

Pro-Touring F-Body http://www.pro-touringf-body.com/index.html
Dave has donated a set of there awesome G-braces for the car

Thanks so much

I can't thank Dave at Pro-touring F-body enough for his generous donation to this project!

His G-braces will not only improve the suspension by virtually eliminating flexing of the subframe but they'll also add a street fighter edge to the car!!

Thanks again Dave!!!!! :patriot:

http://www.pro-touringf-body.com/chassis_components.html

V/R,
Ty

pro-tour79

12-05-2008, 07:04 AM

thanks for the good words Ty, looking forward to the finished product

fletcherscustoms

12-10-2008, 08:55 AM

It's my pleasure and honor to welcome another great company to Project "CF-71 Freedom Bird"!
The amount of support continues and these great companies are going way beyond any of our expectations!!

Welcome Phoenix Transmission Product!!! http://www.phoenixtrans.com/

They have donated the following parts:
- A specially built version of their PT700R4SX 700R4 tranny
- Torque Max 9.5" 3000 stall convertor
- Ponitac adaptor plate
- TV cable system
- Dipstick and tube
- Trans x-member

Thanks again to all the vendors and people that are helping to make Ty's dream come true!!

Chad
Fletcher's Customs and Speed

markss28

12-10-2008, 09:45 AM

For the color I like the Blue or bright red. But more the Blue.

I think the name should be simple like (Blue bomber) or mega destroyer, or (Better then yours) Maybe the free bird theme is better then my ideas. But I still like the blue.

OLDFLM

12-10-2008, 11:20 AM

Its my pleasure and honor to welcome another great company to Project "CF-71 Freedom Bird". The amount of support continues and these great companies are going way beyond any of our expectations!!

Welcome Phoenix Transmission http://www.phoenixtrans.com/

They have donated the following parts
-special built version of there PT700R4ST 700R4 tranny
-Torque Max 2500 Stall convertor
-Ponitac adaptor plate
-TV cable system
-Dipstick and tube
-Tranny x-member

thanks again to all the vendors and people that are helping to make Ty's dream come true!!

Chad
Fletcher's Customs and Speed

Wow!!! What can I say... Greg Ducato and Phoenix Transmission Products simply just blew me away today with their incredibly generous offer!!!! :woot:

A 700R4 transmission, torque converter, adapter plate, TV cable system, dipstick and tube and crossmember!

The transmission will be a special version of their PT700R4ST to handle the extra power and torque of the "new Pontiac powered combo" :morepower , and the converter will be their Torque-Max 2500 stall model.

We'll be pro-touring for sure now with this new 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission!

Talk about a Merry Christmas!!! Thanks again Greg!!! :cheering:

spchiv

01-12-2009, 09:02 AM

Ty, Any Updates?

fletcherscustoms

01-12-2009, 09:12 AM

I'll have some pics and updates up shortly!!! WE have been working many hours on front sheetmetal fitup before sending things out to Matt at Anvil Auto for the carbon fiber pieces. As well as fixing the previous shops stuff on the rear quarters.

Kendall Burleson

01-12-2009, 01:12 PM

I want to see more!:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

OLDFLM

01-24-2009, 02:51 PM

Just a quick update to show everyone this cool little detail that we're able to incoorporate into the car with the help of Julie Tyson at ACC Auto Custom Carpets, Inc. Thanks Julie!!! :thumbsup:

ACC will be hooking us up with carpet, floor mats and a trunk mat for the car. The carpet will be very plush and will add a bit of luxury to the interior.

Attached is a picture of the custom Firebird emblem they're doing for the floormats! Julie had the guys do a test of the emblem on a sample of the carpet with a never before done custom colored thread in the center of the "flaming chicken"! How cool is that!

Any guesses on what color we've decided to go with on the car?
:lateral:

awr68

01-24-2009, 03:53 PM

Very cool! I think the blue will look good!! :thumbsup:

gearheads78

01-24-2009, 04:12 PM

Any guesses on what color we've decided to go with on the car?

:D Yellow ??

OLDFLM

01-25-2009, 08:11 AM

:D Yellow ??

ROFLOL!!!!!!:lol: :rofl: :faint: :lolhit:

PonchoJohn

01-26-2009, 05:45 PM

OOOOHHHH!! OOOHHHH, OHHHHHHHH!!!! Pick me!!!!
Is it blue, Mr. Cahhh-tuh????
:lol:

TreySmith

01-26-2009, 08:07 PM

How do you get a car into SEMA?

I wish I had some donated parts... :_paranoid Lol, good luck with the car!! Think blue looks great!

If anyone wants to start developing parts for a 70 GTO, hit me up.. :lol:

I think my next project will be a firebird, they have always looked great.. Either that or a 68-70 Charger.

OLDFLM

02-01-2009, 03:05 PM

In case you guys missed it... here's the sneak peak of the one off billet steering wheel that Jason at Billet Accessories Direct carved out on his CNC machine last week... it matches my Rushforth SuperSpoke wheels to a tee!!

awr68

02-01-2009, 04:05 PM

Looks like things are progressing nicely!! It's going to be one bad ass car!! :cheers:

OLDFLM

02-04-2009, 02:14 PM

Just a quick update on the status of the build... there's going to be a bunch happening in the next few months!

The goal is to have the car in paint next month and completed in late May... just in time for summer shows!
A lot of that is going to be dependent on how quickly we get all the parts of course... There's a lot of moving pieces to this build as I'm sure you can appreciate!

All the body panels that will be molded and made in carbon fiber are all pretty much finished and just have to be crated and shipped to Matt @ Anvil Auto early next week! The core support and radiator will also be shipping
to Jim at AutoRad!

So just 3 more months to see the car completed! Wahoo!! I can't tell you how excited I am to see this dream become reality!!! (c:]

The sad news is that the Year One Experience has been cancelled in Atlanta mid-May... we were planning on "unveiling" the car there... so we're seeking another large east coast venue to do so.

Cool Stuff: Working out the details to upgrade the current 390hp/400cid Poncho engine to 500+hp/500+ftlbs and finalizing the components for the suspension with the vendor... all while still trying very hard to remain budget minded!

I just can't thank all the vendors/sponsors and this community of great folks often enough!!!! :lateral:

It's going to be an exciting year, summer and SEMA!!! (c:]

V/R,
Ty

OLDFLM

02-10-2009, 11:52 AM

Firming up the details on the suspension... any guesses? :drool:

dylanCamaro582

02-10-2009, 11:58 AM

speedtech?

OLDFLM

02-10-2009, 12:04 PM

Not quite... although I did talk with Blake and they have KILLER stuff! (pun intended)

Here's another pic... :drool:

fletcherscustoms

02-10-2009, 12:06 PM

I know, I know!! If I guess right do I get a prize!!:cheers:

OLDFLM

02-10-2009, 12:11 PM

LOL You can't play my friend... you have unfair access to "privileged" information! :rofl:

OLDFLM

02-10-2009, 01:33 PM

Pretty dang cool! :thumbsup:

tony byram

02-10-2009, 02:14 PM

O.K. Is it Heidts? :question: Looks great by the way!:thumbsup:

tony byram

02-10-2009, 02:19 PM

P.S. That Gulfstream blue is drop dead, Gorgeous! Are you going to flatten the clear on the Carbon Fiber, or leave it glossy? Just curious.

fletcherscustoms

02-10-2009, 02:44 PM

P.S. That Gulfstream blue is drop dead, Gorgeous! Are you going to flatten the clear on the Carbon Fiber, or leave it glossy? Just curious.

Planning on a flat clear on all the exposed carbon fiber pieces

OLDFLM

02-10-2009, 04:27 PM

O.K. Is it Heidts? :question: Looks great by the way!:thumbsup:

Not Heidts either... sorry!

Here's a hint... "the devil's in the details"...:rolleyes:

Lemons

02-10-2009, 05:09 PM

I'm guessing BMR. Looks very interesting.

Chris

camcojb

02-10-2009, 05:18 PM

Firming up the details on the suspension... any guesses? :drool:

:)

Jody

GHOSTDANCER

02-10-2009, 06:18 PM

BMR torque arm :cheers:

skatinjay27

02-10-2009, 09:51 PM

yea bmr TA/watts like set-setup

but i didnt know they had or were making on for 2nd gens!

Musclerodz

02-10-2009, 10:05 PM

Not sure but looks cool

OLDFLM

02-11-2009, 09:23 AM

It is a BMR rear torque arm suspension!!! :thumbsup: It'll be the first car with their new rear torque arm suspension for 2nd Gen F-bodies! The suspension kit includes the torque arm, Watts link, coilover conversion kit, coilover shocks, driveshaft loop, and transmission crossmember all wrapped up into one sexy BOLT-ON package!! :unibrow:

I'm so excited about this suspension!!! :woot: Special thanks to Allan Miller at BMR for jumping through hoops to make this possible! No promises on delivery dates but production versions of the 2nd Gen system should be available early this summer!

Contact BMR if you're interested: www.BMRfabrication.com 813.986.9302

V/R,
Ty

syborg tt

02-11-2009, 10:14 AM

Contact BMR if you're interested: www.BMRfabrication.com 813.986.9302

calling him today

fletcherscustoms

02-11-2009, 11:17 AM

We would like to publicly thank and welcome Auto Custom Carpet!! www.accmats.com
They have graciously donated a full custom carpet kit, with one of kind custom embroidered floor mats!
Thanks to Julie Tyson for working this and helping us out with the project!

OLDFLM

02-11-2009, 11:51 AM

I just can't thank Julie @ Auto Custom Carpets enough!! :bow:

She went WAY above and beyond and got her guys to custom embroider the center of the Firebird emblem with a custom colored thread to match the color Chad will be painting the car!! Talk about incredible service!!!!! :patriot:

ACC is donating a full (modern/plush/luxury) carpet kit, those incredible custom floormats, a sound deadener kit and a trunk mat to the project!!!

V/R,
Ty

buickfunnycar.com

02-11-2009, 12:43 PM

Looking great Ty...as you can see I kept my mouth shut on the suspension.:yes:

OLDFLM

02-11-2009, 12:50 PM

Great point John! I'd like to thank you and the other members here whose advice I sought in making this decision!

The right decision for the project IMHO!!! :thumbsup:

OLDFLM

02-12-2009, 06:40 AM

BMR Torque Arm Conversion Kit

If you are looking for a rear suspension for your Camaro/Firebird that has superior handling, greater adjustability, and lower installation costs than most aftermarket rear suspensions, you should consider a Torque Arm Conversion Kit from BMR Fabrication.

This kit comes complete with a transmission crossmember, adjustable torque arm, Watts Link, double adjustable coilover shocks, shock upper crossmember, lower control arms, and all necessary hardware. This all adds up to a state-of-the-art rear suspension with performance benefits that make the archaic leaf springs obsolete. The long length of the BMR torque arm puts the instant center in the ideal location for a handling application and the Watts Link eliminates side-to-side movement of the rear axle housing and tires. The torque arm front mount uses a delrin-bushed, telescoping slider that allows the torque arm to slide forward and back without binding while also allowing full unrestricted axle articulation. Additionally, the torque arm is equipped for pinion angle adjustability. Watts Links provide the most ideal rear axle housing location, keeping the rear axle centered within the body even if the suspension is fully extended or compressed.

The BMR Watts Link has 5 different vertical mounting locations, so it can be adjusted for all ride heights and roll centers. The coilover shocks are double adjustable, so the compression and rebound can be adjusted independently on each side. This truly bolt-in kit can be installed without any fabrication or welding, so the installation costs are much lower compared to other aftermarket rear suspension kits. All parts within the kit come powdercoated in either red or black hammertone.

For complete product details, contact BMR Fabrication, Inc., 12581 N. US Highway 301, Thonotosassa, FL 33592, www.bmrfabrication.com, (813) 986-9302.

OLDFLM

02-13-2009, 09:32 AM

Now this is one BAD steering wheel!!!! Special thanks to Jason Hancock at Billet Accessories Direct (BAD) for creating this one off work of art for the car! Notice how the steering wheel complements my Rushforth Superspoke wheels! (c:]

Billet Accessories Direct manufacturers wheels, steering wheels, custom accessories and emblems, custom trophies, and custom one offs like this and more!

For complete product details, contact Billet Accessories Direct, 6533 E. Independance, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74115, http://www.billetaccessoriesdirect.com, 918.836.6030.

fletcherscustoms

02-13-2009, 01:39 PM

It's a honor to welcome another great company to the team: Shiftworks! http://www.shiftworks.com/
Herb donated a 4-speed conversion kit to convert the stock slap stick shifter over to a 4-speed auto to work with the 700R4 from Phoenix Transmission Products!

fletcherscustoms

03-16-2009, 02:45 PM

We would like to publicly thank and welcome another great company to the team!

Hedman Hedders www.hedman.com

They have graciously donated a set of #28150 ceramic coated headers to project CF-71 Freedom Bird!!

Special thanks to Vic Wood for working this and helping us out with the project!

OLDFLM

03-17-2009, 11:59 AM

THE ORIGINAL COATED HEDDER...
IS STILL THE BEST COATED HEDDER.

Hedman's Standard-duty, HTC Coated Hedders are manufactured using 18 gauge, mandrel bent primary tubes (some models built using thicker 16 or 14 gauge tubing), and 1/4 flanges (some models use 3/8" flanges).

Hedman Hedders is the innovator of many technologies used in today's exhaust market. Protective coatings is one of these technologies. Hedman Hedders introduced coated hedders to the world in the 1980's. Originally utilized exclusively in the aerospace industry, this ceramic-metallic coating protects your new hedders against heat up to 1400ºF, and resists corrosion caused by environmental factors, such as rain, road salts and oxidation.

The insulating properties of our finish keeps exhaust gas heat in the tubes, which speeds up gas flow and protects underhood components from excessive heat. This finish will not crack, peel or "Blue" like chrome, or less expensive coatings. Hedman's HTC coating is backed by a five year factory warranty.

These Hedmans are designed to fit the applications listed, and come packaged with the required gaskets, bolts, nuts, connectors and emissions components (where applicable).

Some hedder applications may require the use of special engine mounts, mini-starters, etc. Additionally, some stock or aftermarket components may interfere with the proper installation of these hedders on your vehicle. To ensure that you are choosing the best hedder model for your specific situation.

fletcherscustoms

03-23-2009, 08:16 AM

Please welcome to the build team!

www.americanautowire.com

They have graciously donated a complete “Classic Update” wiring kit to the build!! https://0193647.netsolstores.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=28047

Special thanks to Donnie Bock for working hard on this for us and helping out with the project!

Roger M

03-23-2009, 08:22 AM

Any update pics?

syborg tt

03-23-2009, 09:23 PM

Awesome Wire Harness.

Have it in Syborg, Dad's 57 and a few other friends vehicles.

Please welcome to the build team!

www.americanautowire.com

They have graciously donated a complete “Classic Update” wiring kit to the build!! https://0193647.netsolstores.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=28047

Special thanks to Donnie Bock for working hard on this for us and helping out with the project!

GvEman

03-24-2009, 02:16 AM

Wow awesome project! Allot of sponsors! That must be great! I will be looking forward on updates!

OLDFLM

04-16-2009, 10:36 AM

Guess what's in the crate and heading to Matt at Anvil Auto!!! :unibrow: :woot:

fesler

04-16-2009, 10:45 AM

Sweet, we need pic updates on this car and we should have some nice shiny billet for it very soon

DOOM

04-16-2009, 04:41 PM

Ty let the guys know Im going to resend the PPG SEALER and PRIMER ,UPS damaged and threw out in shipping. Filed a dispute with UPS but nothing. They said I did'nt package it correctly. Even though this is how PPG packages and ships there paint every day:mad: Just glad everthing else made it!

OLDFLM

04-17-2009, 07:07 AM

You ROCK my friend!!! I'll let them know... :thumbsup:

iakona

04-17-2009, 02:22 PM

very nice ty!! i'm watching and waiting. :yes:

Mr.VENGEANCE

04-17-2009, 02:30 PM

that better not be Iakona of the DSR bretheren.

iakona

04-17-2009, 03:05 PM

yes, it is sir Totem.

i've met airman Ty here on another forum and i'm stoked to follow his build. more jealous than anything, but he's a good guy, so i'm happy for him!!

i have missed my Impala so much, i'm finally getting down to brass tacks on my wife's '67 El Camino, so i'll be here bit more. :yes:

fesler

04-17-2009, 03:30 PM

:ttiwop:

We need some pics to follow this, pics of parts, pics of progress anything man, everyone is talking and you have all kinds of cool stuff going on the car you need to hook us up man. :willy: :willy: :willy: :willy:

fletcherscustoms

04-23-2009, 07:19 PM

Lots of stuff is going on right now. I have had to take on a couple of other quick projects to pay the bills around the shop. With Ty's car the budget is gone and not making me any money. So I have to do something to keep the man off my back and the lights on!! I am out on the west coast for 2 weeks right now working for my regular job. The good news is the parts are off to Matt at Anvil Auto so the carbon fiber parts will be coming soon. When I get back we'll be going full bore on it again as the other two projects will be headed home.

L n L

05-11-2009, 09:17 AM

Ty,

A project THIS involved is quite a learning experience, huh?!! From the experience I've gained with my own Falcon project, I'll suggest that you give up on trying to predict an actual completion date!! It is futile :willy: and will drive you bonkers!!

Since "finishing" my Falcon, I've had to send the tranny controller back to have it updated (nearly 3 week delay), pull the motor back out for an oil pressure issue (killed another 3 weeks), ignition box failure (1 week), alternator failure (had to send back to Summit, and await return - over 2 week delay), and now I'm waiting on a new radiator (into week 3 now...)

If you need it, I'll donate my time to assemble the motor for you.

Good luck, buddy!
Lee

syborg tt

05-11-2009, 10:42 AM

lol - ain't the the truth.

I've stopped putting a date on my truck. It will get done when it's done and I'll be happy with the final results.

Ty,

A project THIS involved is quite a learning experience, huh?!! From the experience I've gained with my own Falcon project, I'll suggest that you give up on trying to predict an actual completion date!! It is futile :willy: and will drive you bonkers!! Lee

OLDFLM

05-11-2009, 11:06 AM

Something I'm learning all too well as we go through this build my friends... :(

Case in point... Chad and his guys spent countless hours on my front nose, rear spoiler and Formula hood making them perfect for Matt at Anvil Auto to make the molds for the carbon fiber goodies off of... :drool:

Only to have the shipping company first lose the crate (yes they lost it and had no idea where it was "in system") and then when it was finally delivered and opened, Matt and Tyler discovered that its contents had been damaged!! :eek:

"A bunch of the anchor beams had broken apart and the parts were rattling around inside and hitting each other." - Tyler

I know delays are inevitable... but stuff like this just makes me angry and creates yet more work for Matt, Tyler and the crew at Anvil. :mad: Sorry guys!

More to follow when Tyler can snap some pics of the in-progress body work on the hood and nose etc. (Thanks Tyler!) :cheers:

V/R,
Ty

syborg tt

05-11-2009, 11:16 AM

Transportation company's are a joy to deal with trust me I do it daily.

UPS & Roadway are perfect test shipping company's. We use them to see how much damage they can do. Once we get stuff back from them with do our best to make a better package.

When shipping body parts "Wood Crates" with wood dividers are the only way to ship. The cost of a few sheets of 1/2" Ply wood and 2 x 4's are far less expensive then the time lost.

I could do a post on how to "Crate" a hood for shipping, that is if people are interested.

fletcherscustoms

05-11-2009, 12:16 PM

What a week... First the crate goes missing!! Then I find out it got there but is severly damaged! How do you destroy a crate made from 2x4's, 1/2" plywood, bolts, screws and nails!!! Now I got a box of damaged goods at Anvil!!! Wow what a week! And now the headache of fighting with the shipping company!

70rs

05-11-2009, 01:40 PM

I've been following the project and am waiting patiently for pictures from anywhere of anything to do with this car. :D

I feel for you guys having to deal with the shipping companies, I've lost alot of time and money because of them too.

It will all come together. Any project of this scope is bound to have a few snags along the way. Hang in there!
And get some pics posted!!:thumbsup:

fletcherscustoms

05-11-2009, 01:44 PM

I hope to be back on Ty's car full time in the next two weeks. Like I said earlier we had to take in a couple smaller projects to pay some bills and keep the lights on! But they should be done by end of month. I hope to have the firebird on the rotisserie by weeks end and get the bottom blasted and start on the floors and frame rail repairs in the spare time. I'll get some pics up this week of the progress.

buickfunnycar.com

05-11-2009, 02:56 PM

Sorry to hear about the delays Ty,can't wait to see more progress pics.:thumbsup:

Teetoe_Jones

05-18-2009, 05:43 PM

We got a huge crate of 73 Firebird parts from Chad last week. The shipping company used it as an example of what not to do with a shipment, and everything showed up damaged or chipped. We decided to fix them here and fill in a few areas to make the CF parts nicer.

We started with the nose piece last Wednesday and filled in the bumper jack holes and front plate recess. It was my first time doing any body work so it was slow going. Matt came in and did the final shaping to make it perfect.

Here is the nose as we go it out of the crate:
http://i42.tinypic.com/v33wy1.jpg

Here I am making rough foam parts to fill in the large void where the front plate sits:

http://i39.tinypic.com/zk1ezn.jpg

Then I begin learning how to sculpt with bondo! (note: I don't recommend filling a part like this that will ever see road time. For making a master tool it is just fine since the original will not be re-used after molding.)

http://i40.tinypic.com/2hs27n5.jpg

All shaped and primered with the bumper jack points also filled:

http://i42.tinypic.com/ojilmr.jpg

Next we will fill in the cowl vents at the back of the hood and then fix a crack in the rear panel. Stay tuned!

Tyler

OLDFLM

05-18-2009, 07:27 PM

That's a pretty slick mod Tyler!!!! It came out really nice and smooth!! :cheers:
LOVE everything you guys have planned for the parts and can't wait to see everything in carbon fiber!! Thanks for the updated pics!! MUCH appreciated my friend! :thumbsup:
V/R,
Ty

Teetoe_Jones

06-01-2009, 05:39 PM

Here are the parts about to be re-packaged and crated up to get sent to our factory for tooling:

Nose piece:

http://i43.tinypic.com/4v0pwl.jpg

Tail pan:

http://i42.tinypic.com/i4qu5j.jpg

Hood with vent delete:

http://i39.tinypic.com/25rz8l2.jpg

The other parts not shown are the front lower valance and center section of the rear 3pc spoiler.

Tyler

70rs

06-01-2009, 06:04 PM

Really nice work Tyler. I'd love to have some of that on my car!
Ty is getting a killer car when it's all said and done.:thumbsup:

syborg tt

06-01-2009, 08:41 PM

looks really nice. I can't wait to see them on the car

OLDFLM

06-02-2009, 07:43 AM

Here are the parts about to be re-packaged and crated up to get sent to our factory for tooling:

:woot: :thumbsup: :hail: :willy: :bow: :D

OLDFLM

06-12-2009, 12:56 PM

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/440%20Engine/thinkpontiacpower.png

Kevin Swaney at TIN INDIAN Performance (www.tinindianperformance.com) (TIP) has partnered with Jeff Kauffman at Kauffman Racing Equipment (www.krepower.com) (KRE) to build my 400cid Pontiac engine into a 440cid-stroker! The new engine will feature ALL aftermarket parts with the only original piece being the factory iron block... topped off with KRE heads and TIPs custom engraved billet valve covers!

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/440%20Engine/BilletTEKprototypea-1.jpg http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/440%20Engine/BilletTEKboltholea.jpg

Together, TIP and KRE have built some of the highest horsepower street friendly KRE D port combo's out there! From 475 HP to 680 HP and everything in between. When building a killer Pontiac pump gas street engine, they feel that the combination of parts tends to be even more critical. The parts need to match and compliment each other in order to optimize performance. When building a Pontiac engine, the selection of cylinder heads, camshaft, and intake are critical to building the right combination and making maximum power from off idle to redline.

We’re shooting for roughly 500hp on pump gas with KREs 74cc 325cnc Aluminum D-ports and a TIP custom ground Comp solid roller cam!

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

These heads come as cast with a 65cc chamber, with 74cc and 85cc CNC'd chambers available. They will bolt to ALL traditional Pontiac blocks and do not require you to run any off-set lifters or rocker shaft systems.

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/440%20Engine/KREvalves.jpg http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/440%20Engine/KREcloseup.jpg

Stay tuned as TIN INDIAN Performance & KRE build, break in and dyno tune to get the most out of this 440cid Pontiac!

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/440%20Engine/TIP_LOGO2.png

Kevin Swaney
Tin Indian Peformance
www.tinindianperformance.com
330-699-1358

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/440%20Engine/KRE-1.png

Jeff Kauffman
Kauffman Racing Equipment
www.krepower.com
740-599-5000

NOT A TA

06-15-2009, 09:11 AM

Sounds like you're going to have a really nice engine combo TY!

syborg tt

06-15-2009, 09:34 AM

Poncho Power

Man gotta love it - simply awesome project.

70rs

06-15-2009, 07:59 PM

Awesome news on the engine build Ty! 500 hp should make the 'bird haul the mail huh? Those valve covers are really nice!:cheers:

OLDFLM

06-16-2009, 07:32 AM

Thanks guys! I'm really excited about this 440ci engine as you can imagine! :willy:

When talking with Kevin @ TIP about what I wanted, we decided to do something a little different and out of the norm from the more popular Pontiac stroker kits out there (ie. 461/463/etc). This thing should be a real buzzsaw with a 1.05:1 bore/stroke ratio and will be a LOT of fun on the street and the occasional auto-x! :unibrow:

Add to the equation that EVERYTHING in/on this engine will be completely aftermarket with only the stock iron block being reused!!

Pretty cool stuff IMO! :thumbsup:

fesler

06-16-2009, 12:21 PM

Sick, the thing is coming along

OLDFLM

06-17-2009, 12:07 PM

I want to give a BIG shout out and THANK YOU to Chris at Pypes Performance Exhaust (www.pypesexhaust.com)!! :thumbsup:

I already had their 2.5" mandrel bent x-pipe header back system on the car with their 2.5" RacePro mufflers... http://www.pypesexhaust.com/gallery119.html

But when Chris heard about the power level of the new TIN INDIAN Performance/KRE 440ci-combo he offered up one of their XVF13s 3" x-pipes (http://www.pypesexhaust.com/xpipes.html) and MVR16S 3" RacePro mufflers (http://www.pypesexhaust.com/mufflers.html)!! :morepower:

Whether you’re working on a Classic American Muscle Car or a late-model Mustang, Corvette or Challenger their innovative products, superior quality, GREAT customer service and exceptional technical advice allow you to make your exhaust purchase with absolute confidence that you are getting the best materials, best fit and best value available anywhere! :cheers:

Take advantage of their online ordering system when you select one of their exhaust systems, X-Pipes or accessories. Listen to the roar of their systems, check out install instructions, or just browse the picture gallery. (http://www.pypesexhaust.com/pictures.html)

If you’re looking for it, chances are, Pypes (www.pypesexhaust.com) has it!! :lateral:

fletcherscustoms

06-17-2009, 01:04 PM

I can't thank all the manufacturers and folks that are coming together on this project enough!! Ty's dream is slowly becoming reality and its all thanks to a bunch of warm hearted, giving folks! Thanks so much from Fletcher's Customs!! Stay tuned as we are wrapping up two other builds and from now till SEMA we will be constantly working on and giving lots of updates on CF-71 "Freedom Bird"!

New site for the car also:
www.fletcherscustoms.com

OLDFLM

06-24-2009, 01:11 PM

Mark Kauffman at Kauffman Racing Equipment (www.krepower.com) (KRE) is boring the block today as we speak! :thumbsup:

- The pistons Keith Black (http://kb-silvolite.com/index2.php) donated are in!
- The TIN INDIAN Performance (www.tinindianperformance.com) (TIP) custom spec'd COMP Cam (http://www.compcams.com/DefaultWide.asp) should be in any day!
- Crank has been mic'd and is being balanced...
- Todd Ryden at MSD (http://www.msdignition.com/) is helping with the distributor!

Kevin Swaney @ TIP (www.tinindianperformance.com) hopes to begin assembly of the 440 next week!!! :woot:

1badchevelle

06-24-2009, 02:58 PM

Ty looking good.......:hail:

OLDFLM

07-06-2009, 06:57 PM

Check out the new CF-71 Freedom Bird build page at:

TIN INDIAN Performance (http://www.tinindianperformance.com/CF-71%20Freedom%20Bird.htm)

"There will also be a few new products that get revealed during this build
as well so be sure to stay tuned......" - Kevin Swaney :unibrow:

fletcherscustoms

07-06-2009, 07:22 PM

We're happy to welcome another great company to the build team:

RobbMc Performance Products (www.robbmcperformance.com)

Robb contributed a complete fuel system for the car capable of supporting up to 1100HP!

I think that's got us covered!? :_paranoid Thanks Robb from Fletcher's Customs!!

OLDFLM

07-06-2009, 07:36 PM

I just can't thank Robb at RobbMc enough!! I called him up to ask about one of their 550HP mechanical fuel pumps and he set us up with their top of the line 1100HP pumps, one of their deadhead regulators, 100 and 40 micron filters, and their 1/2" fuel sending unit!! Not to mention all the clamps and fittings needed! Talk about great service and one stop shopping for a complete fuel system!! :cheers:
http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/Pontiac1100HP.jpg http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/RobbMcDeadheadRegulator.jpg http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/RobbMcSendingUnit.jpg

Needless to say, we're sending back the 3/8" fuel line to In-Line Tube in exchange for a 1/2" line with AN fittings now! Oh! Robb even put a -8AN fitting on the sending unit for us free of charge!! :thumbsup:

Thanks again Robb!

70rs

07-06-2009, 09:40 PM

More cool stuff every time I look at this build! Way to go Ty. Hats off to everyone involved in making this happen for you!:thumbsup:

COYBILT

07-07-2009, 01:56 PM

You should make more then 500 with a roller cammed kaufmann headed d port pontiac if you don't there's something wrong. I am so glad you chose the right choice in performance parts I think very highly of kaufmann pontiac parts. I am also glad you chose a Pontiac v8.

[QUOTE=OLDFLM;217940]http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/440%20Engine/thinkpontiacpower.png

Kevin Swaney at TIN INDIAN Performance (www.tinindianperformance.com) (TIP) has partnered with Jeff Kauffman at Kauffman Racing Equipment (www.krepower.com) (KRE) to build my 400cid Pontiac engine into a 440cid-stroker! The new engine will feature ALL aftermarket parts with the only original piece being the factory iron block... topped off with KRE heads and TIPs custom engraved billet valve covers!

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/440%20Engine/BilletTEKprototypea-1.jpg http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/440%20Engine/BilletTEKboltholea.jpg

Together, TIP and KRE have built some of the highest horsepower street friendly KRE D port combo's out there! From 475 HP to 680 HP and everything in between. When building a killer Pontiac pump gas street engine, they feel that the combination of parts tends to be even more critical. The parts need to match and compliment each other in order to optimize performance. When building a Pontiac engine, the selection of cylinder heads, camshaft, and intake are critical to building the right combination and making maximum power from off idle to redline.

We’re shooting for roughly 500hp on pump gas with KREs 74cc 325cnc Aluminum D-ports and a TIP custom ground Comp solid roller cam!

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

These heads come as cast with a 65cc chamber, with 74cc and 85cc CNC'd chambers available. They will bolt to ALL traditional Pontiac blocks and do not require you to run any off-set lifters or rocker shaft systems.

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/440%20Engine/KREvalves.jpg http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/440%20Engine/KREcloseup.jpg

Stay tuned as TIN INDIAN Performance & KRE build, break in and dyno tune to get the most out of this 440cid Pontiac!

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/440%20Engine/TIP_LOGO2.png

Kevin Swaney
Tin Indian Peformance
www.tinindianperformance.com
330-699-1358

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/OLDFLM/440%20Engine/KRE-1.png

Jeff Kauffman
Kauffman Racing Equipment
www.krepower.com
740-599-5000[/QUOT