1969 Trans Am Clonification [Archive]

ZMAN1969

11-27-2008, 10:11 AM

Some of you may have seen what I started over 4 years ago on P/T website but I look in here all the time too just thought I'd introduce myself - Im Rich and my son Bill are building a p/t 69 TA "Clonification" - not all clone not all resto mod of a 69 Trans am with what i started with a stock 98 LS1 auto and have changed direction and gone with a LS6 with goodies and a T56 the car is now mini-tubbed and flared 1" per side - that will be hard to notice as is not so radical but i have test fitted with 17x11 and a 315 tire. currently waiting to install the rear a 8.5 10 bolt with 3.42s and F-body disc brakes on it. i don't feel a 12 bolt is warranted as 8.5's will take all I have IMO i wouldn't wast your money on one thats why they quit making them as the 8.5 was the HD replacement rear. its been in body man jail and is finally getting close to painting. here are pics that I've taken along the way - enjoy
OK updating some pics - THANKS PHOTOBUCKET!

ZMAN1969

11-27-2008, 10:13 AM

photos re-added

ZMAN1969

11-27-2008, 10:18 AM

more photos re-added

dhutton

11-27-2008, 01:02 PM

waynieZ

11-27-2008, 07:26 PM

Looks good ,nice job on the subframe. I like the way you put the rack on.

XcYZ

11-28-2008, 06:27 AM

Very cool. More please. :cheers:

ZMAN1969

11-28-2008, 08:38 AM

Looking good ZMan. I saw your paint pics over on pro-touring.com. I hope you have better luck with your hood than I did. I recommend a test fit with the bumper and headlight surrounds before you paint.

We'll have to get together once we are both on the road.

Don

I cant imagine that my bodyman wouldnt. its not a complete glass hood its a glass skin on a steel oe frame. now somebody is making a complete steel repop hood - saw them selling on e-bay $1250 - ouch :faint: id of bought one or waited if i had any idea that they would make one. I REALLY didnt want to have hood pins on it. I dont have much more but will update this as things happen
FNQUICK thats BRP Hotrods conversion - the jury is out on it -I'm worried about bump steer they claimed it dosent have any but i really doubt that even year one has changed subframes out og that pace car looking LS powered camaro- I wonder why.... Id love a DSE hydro frame but 8+k isnt in my budget. someone offers a bare frame for like $2600 that takes C5 suspension- that may be doable but its a long way till i get this driving - then ill think about it

dhutton

11-28-2008, 08:47 AM

I cant imagine that my bodyman wouldnt. its not a complete glass hood its a glass skin on a steel oe frame. now somebody is making a complete steel repop hood - saw them selling on e-bay $1250 - ouch :faint: id of bought one or waited if i had any idea that they would make one. I REALLY didnt want to have hood pins on it. I dont have much more but will update this as things happen

My hood is also the fiberglass one on an OEM steel frame. The Parts Place was the source and now they are the ones making the complete steel ones. I wonder if they got the beak right on the metal ones. I saw a progress pic of Empty Nest where they were modifying the beak so I don't think I am the only one to have this problem.

The hood latch on mine doesn't line up very well for some reason. I might have to resort to some nice billet hood pins if I can't get it to work. I like the locking ones from hoodpins.net.

Don

ZMAN1969

11-28-2008, 11:47 AM

My hood is also the fiberglass one on an OEM steel frame. The Parts Place was the source and now they are the ones making the complete steel ones. I wonder if they got the beak right on the metal ones. I saw a progress pic of Empty Nest where they were modifying the beak so I don't think I am the only one to have this problem.

The hood latch on mine doesn't line up very well for some reason. I might have to resort to some nice billet hood pins if I can't get it to work. I like the locking ones from hood pins.net.

Don

my hood was from some place in New York -I'll pass your info on to my bodyman- thanks for the tip!

murtah

11-30-2008, 04:35 PM

Digging the project. What part of the metroplex are you located? I'm from Denton.

ZMAN1969

12-03-2008, 06:59 AM

Digging the project. What part of the metroplex are you located? I'm from Denton.

pretty close I'm in Lewisville neighbor

ProdigyCustoms

12-03-2008, 07:48 AM

ZMAN1969

12-03-2008, 11:46 AM

Car is coming along nicely

The hoods are made by Early Birds (who ships out of Niagra Falls). They need a LOT of work to fit. They are basically TOO BIG for the opening because the fiberglass skin is much thicker then the original steel skin. We have done 5 of these now and we figure 40 hours of trimming and body work to make one fit.

UHG! not what i wanted to hear:faint: . that co name dosent sound right but from what i remember about the skin it was like 1/4" thick - really wish they came out with that repo all steel hood earlier have you tried fitting that hood yet Frank?

dhutton

12-03-2008, 12:18 PM

I had to dimple the fiberglass to clear the buttonhead screws that attach the fenders to the gusset. Even then the clearance to the fenders is very tight, I cannot install the fender bumpers. I could probably add more dimples for the fender bumpers but the fit is so tight that I don't think they are needed. It took quite a lot of trimming just to get it to clear the fenders. I think the gaps are around 1/16" on each side. Sounds like Frank did a lot more trimming.

I did finally get the hood latch to work.

Make sure you have your body guy do a mock up soon.

The metal hood has to be better (how could it be any worse?) but it's hard to spend another $1300 after spending $800 or so on the fiberglass hood...

Don

ProdigyCustoms

12-03-2008, 12:35 PM

I have not. I am building another one and will use the steel hood this time.

almcbri

12-03-2008, 05:03 PM

looking good. :thumbsup:

ZMAN1969

12-09-2008, 11:49 AM

Well we took the motor and got it bolted up to the trans, new LS6 clutch, slave friday evening- did it in the back of my pickup truck, tied it down and saturday went up to my body mans place - its about 40 mi each way which isnt bad but at least its not a $25 trip now, unfortunately with the colder weather he didnt get a chance to paint the fire wall so it didnt "make it home" but will be next trip we did pull the old 8.2 pont rear end and springs out. we figured up where the shock crossmember needs to be welded in the lower back half of the car will then get some paint on it and the built 8.5 rear end will be ready to install with the Hotchkis springs and hardware. was hoping to get that done but his welder was inop at that time - oh well, more delays but it was some progress.
We then turned our attention to the interior we pulled the steering column, all the wiring harness and all the rest of the insulation - thats falling apart anyway and we also used some body filler spreaders to scrape the cardboard like stuff off the roof - all in all, nasty dirty work that HAD to get done sometime! Dirty nasty stuff- blowing all that out of the car and then his shop I'm glad that its done! We did also manage to have some tasty beverages :cheers: so it wasnt a total loss - next time out I should have some pics of the engine drop in and the rear getting put in it.

ZMAN1969

04-10-2009, 07:57 PM

its been a while but finally got the rear end in and back on the tires

ZMAN1969

04-10-2009, 08:00 PM

finally rolling again

GHOSTDANCER

04-11-2009, 06:49 PM

Looking good :thumbsup:

GrabberGT

04-13-2009, 02:45 PM

Hey Roanoke neighbor here. Love the hood. Good luck with it.

ZMAN1969

05-13-2009, 06:48 PM

only 4 years at the body shop to get to the point where I could install the motor says it will be painted by June - any takers? NOT ME!

ZMAN1969

05-13-2009, 06:57 PM

shifter in its place too

waynieZ

05-13-2009, 08:04 PM

Nice project . Thats a sweet drive train.

Josh69

05-14-2009, 11:02 AM

Those pics sure bring back some recent..and painful memories! Haha! Nothing like scraping the gunk off the roof to build up a good sweat. I sat in there for two nights with a scraper doing that before I could install the new dynamat in it's place. Argh! Keep up the good work!

Best of luck with the hood and bodyshop purgatory. FWIW, I just spend last weekend fitting my steel '400' hood, and the gaps are pretty close also, I had to move both fenders out a hair and remove my hood bumpers also. I 'dimpled' the sides in to clear the bolt heads as well, and was able to put the little bumpers back in. Dang, I thought these old cars had all kinds of room...but apparently not when you're trying to line up the nose and hood on a '69 Bird. My gaps are barely 1/4" all around after much massaging. I had to hammer in all four corners to get that...they pretty much touched. Good thing it wasn't painted yet.

You're in for some REAL fun times when you get to the nose. Mine fits like crap, gotta pull it all apart and start over now that I got the hood on. NOTE TO SELF...don't put the nose on without having the hood and fenders lined up first..DO-OH!!

The new HP Pontiac magazine has a brief article on putting the nose on a '69 bird. It wasn't real informative or detailed, but they did recommend building it up in pieces on the car, checking headlight cover to fender clearance as you go....I'm going to try that method since mine obviously didn't work. :willy:

I would recommend, if at all possible, to fit the nose to the car before paint, everything, including the bumper and headlight trim. I wouldn't worry about the headlights or grille inserts. But all my stuff was painted, and it got pretty hacked up in spots where they would interfere. Trust me, you want to know exactly how that goes back together and make and corrections BEFORE you get to that point. Most of mine will get repainted once I get it to fit. The aftermarket valance is a hair too wide, if you have one of those, beware. My sub-structure was bent, but I was able to straighten it out and it works, but I may need to find a new one and start fresh. 1/4" doesn't seem like much, but by the time you get it all together and it's off by that much...it's annoying has heck.

ZMAN1969

05-14-2009, 05:17 PM

Josh and guys thanks for the encouragement. my roof was cleaned in a hour or so - used a filler spreader and it came right off - what kind of sound insulation did you use? will it stay stuck to the roof? here in Texas it hits 100 degrees regularly and I can see the roof hitting 130 or so im afraid it will end up stuck to the headliner. as far as the front end its will all be fitted prior to paint - it sure aint as easy as a 69 Camaro - pretty well bolt part A to part B i used to have a nice 400 hardtop car -

and someone had it lined up pretty good IMO-OK the hood is sitting a little high in the pic (kinda what I don't like about 67-68 birds is few people ever get the bumper lined up well with the fenders) Ill look up HP Pontiac mag for that article
thanks for the tips

Samhatco

05-20-2009, 02:31 PM

Hey Zman, looking good!! :thumbsup: I just got my engine installed also. Looks like were getting there.

http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/27994252807.jpg

Sam

ZMAN1969

05-21-2009, 08:00 PM

Samhatco

05-22-2009, 06:14 AM

Sam , no one likes you very much :D
yours is ALOT farther than I am and its is looking SWEET! but some progress is better than none!
I just got my 3.5" aluminum Denny's drive shaft was looking at going up to my buddy's where the car is Saturday and installing it and a bigger yoke for the larger u-joint they talked me into the larger due to the power this will be putting down -easy enough to do. also was going to play with my Percy's wheel rite and see what offset wheels I need hoping for 17x11 in the rear with 315's I'm still hoping i can stuff 17x9 with a 275 in the front but cant check till the front end is on - my green 69 above had 16x8 with 255/50 that were an easy fit so whats 1 more inch gonna hurt?
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t35/zman1969/P1010637.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t35/zman1969/P1010638.jpg
sure wish it would stay looking like this clear-coat anyone?
Sam, by the way what seats will you be using? I've been looking for some blue GTO seats ...........

Awsome drive shaft!!! As far as seats, I'm not sure. I had GTO seats but sold them due to the fact that they were too wide and too tall. Some guys have figured out how to make them work in 1st gens, but it seems they are not willing to share how they make them work. One thought I have is to take my original seats and rework them into GTO seats. Keep up the good work, looks awsome :thumbsup:

Sam

ZMAN1969

10-20-2009, 07:17 PM

I had the hood hinges powder coated gloss and I like them, not into 600+$ billets
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t35/zman1969/P1010582-1.jpg
and it actually looks like a car! first time since I've owned it
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t35/zman1969/P1010588-2.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t35/zman1969/P1010587-2.jpg
not much progress but its some really wish my body man didn't have so many excuses - couple more years and this may actually get done:(

70rs

11-15-2009, 04:20 PM

How is the car coming along? Very cool project. I'm sorry to hear you are having to deal with a SLOOOOOW body guy with excuses.
Post some updates. :cheers:

ZMAN1969

02-18-2010, 06:43 PM

well My Body man is sinking deeper into debt and he finally bailed on me he's getting desperate and is trying to boom out for a year job in Iraq to make enough to payoff his house and stay at his acreage - I don't hold it against him but now I have to find another shop to finish it - and anybody know any shops that like coming in after someone else started it? not hardly or I can bring it home and try to get most of it together then take to shop after its running? kinda depressing at this point so much invested and dead in the water.Ive got some time to decide which way to go now. will post more when things start getting done...

98ssnova

02-18-2010, 09:28 PM

Sorry to hear about this Im sure somebody in metroplex can hook you up. keep your head up things will work out

waynieZ

02-18-2010, 09:52 PM

Sorry to hear that, good luck with the search.

tones2SS

02-19-2010, 12:44 PM

ZMAN1969

02-19-2010, 04:04 PM

Have you talked to Pete at COMP-SPEC?!?
He does killer paint work. See to Karma to verify. Good luck!:thumbsup: :cheers:

who is that? never heard of him, where is he at?

DOOM

02-20-2010, 07:05 AM

who is that? never heard of him, where is he at?

Pete is a supporting vendor on this site. He's in the Boston area. Go to his web site his work speaks for it's self! One of THE best here!!! And one of the nicest guy's you'll ever meet I might add..

waynieZ

02-20-2010, 01:35 PM

I've seen his work in person , Very nice .

Northeast Rod Run

02-20-2010, 02:59 PM

Pete is an awesome guy that does killer work.

The Boston World of Wheels is coming up in a couple of weeks, and they should just rename it "Pete's House of Worship":hail: , because for the percentage of cars that enter that show, that he has painted or worked on in some way, the awards given out to them are definitely above the status quo for a normal shop's number of entries.

I'm just bummed that I can't make it this year (bad timing for me) with my car that he painted, so I could maybe get an award in my class for the third year in a row

ZMAN1969

03-03-2010, 11:04 AM

are you speaking of the Boston in Mass.?? that aint gonna happen! I'm in Dallas area and I have a few leads locally that I'm looking at

ZMAN1969

02-01-2018, 10:03 AM

Time to bring this back from the dead!!!
https://i.pinimg.com/236x/7d/89/5c/7d895c897538f72855e5946b80ea2e3d--monty-python-dead.jpg

Well now where do I start, Life I guess happens this old pile of mine has been sitting patiently, well we did buy a new home for little more room and enough space to build a shop its 30x30 with a lift I figured I had to do this so when I retire I have a place to play with cars so in 2012 we built it, insulated it, roc'd it(UGH) painted and bricked it. I did buy and install a DSE subframe and that has made me re-engineer the exhaust that I had installed
old sub out and new sub in
also got fuel system in and plumbed
then a good friend had a wreck in a ZL1! so...(always thought that it would be great parts car! well it was but its not going in this car :BlahBlah:

ZMAN1969

02-01-2018, 10:43 AM

sad to say it was totaled! I looked into what I'd have to do to put a LSA in a first gen and I've seens several cars that its been done to so I looked ito other options like fixing the wrecked car, So while looking for a parts car on Copart, I was surprised that even wrecked 6 cyl camaro's bring a good bit of coin, I found this car stripped of engine, trans, tires, wheels, brakes and seats and instead of doing bodywork (I'm not that guy) it was more mechanical and right up my alley! I have to say I learned alot about the newer body Camaros! now I got the power and the complete suspension package of a ProTouring car that is LatG worthy and I am loving it! the handling, braking and all of it but now this ZL1 project is done, I am getting back on the Trans Am clone car. havent lost the want to about building this car just got sidetracked.

WSSix

02-02-2018, 05:36 PM

Welcome back. Good luck making progress with the TA clone.

ZMAN1969

02-05-2018, 09:04 AM

OK the S/W headers I had for OE subfram will not work with this R&P dammit!
now 1000$ headers now are useless, I started looking for options other than the $2k+ headers I tried the Ebuy Speed Engineering that almost worked looks like #1 tube would clear steering linkage! here are some views when they were installed, I was happy of the quality and fitment except the issue I have is how low they hang. So Im looking into another option - coming soon

randy

02-05-2018, 10:30 AM

stainless works or ultimate headers for the dse subframe work great.

ZMAN1969

02-06-2018, 07:00 AM

when I spoke to SW they said they didnt have anything for DSE frame I looked at Ultimate and thought may fit but was expensive for shorty's.
I decided to go with stock Gen5 camaro headers from a Z28 not as fancy like SW but this isnt a max effort build. I have to figure GM felt it was worth building these special for the Z they had to be better than LS3 or LSA

dhutton

02-06-2018, 10:53 AM

ZMAN1969

02-06-2018, 11:52 AM

I used the same stainless tri-y manifolds with an LSA on my Art Morrison subframe. They are a quality piece and should work better than cast manifolds. I saw one guy that had them polished but I am retaining the factory heat shields.

Don

Hey Don! I am back on this again after my other distractions. Hows the wifes and your car coming along? I'm still trying to make progress on this one exhaust, electrical and brakes then I'll be coming to see you

waynieZ

02-06-2018, 01:57 PM

They look like they fit good, plenty of room.

WSSix

02-06-2018, 05:31 PM

I was gonna say, remove the heat shields and either polish or coat them but Don beat me to it. I think they look great.

ZMAN1969

02-06-2018, 06:05 PM

Going to run with OE heat shields I'd ceramic coat them but they wouldnt look that good IMO with all the bosses welded to tubes for the heat shields

Edit note went back and deleted Photobuckets dead link and uploaded more pics, theyre not 100% in order so excuse me, no fun looking back if you dont know how it started

214Chevy

02-06-2018, 07:30 PM

Nice project!! I'm in Dallas too...Mesquite area.

ZMAN1969

02-07-2018, 03:03 PM

Nice project!! I'm in Dallas too...Mesquite area.

Thanks for props! its been way too long coming some of my pics are from 2007
Time to concentrate on the bird! I'm actually in Lewisville
this site used to be blocked by my work so Shh, maybe they wont go back but I have more time during work to post in evening. this car is my most challenging one for couple reasons its a LS swap - my first doing alot of updates like new electrical system rewiring with AWW kit, minitubbing (its done) but little nervous about wheel and tire sizes(to me this is something you have to nail right the first time) too small looks funny too big and rubbing isnt fun! dealing with painters my first got me close but no bananna. and some small challenges like I know what I need and can do but dont have the right tools to do it, I'm a hobbyist not so much a fab shop. mine isnt going for show car, best of anything just building it to drive and enjoy it

ZMAN1969

03-30-2018, 08:09 AM

update, new subframe made eng/trans move back so I had to get new driveshaft shortened :hitaxeonthehead:Check!
https://i.imgur.com/fvnlnhr.jpg?1
and had to change exhaust
https://i.imgur.com/slVfqWV.jpg?1
tight around crossmember more than I like
continuing on....

ZMAN1969

04-19-2018, 12:46 PM

update got exhaust finished had to make my own head pipes from the 2" manifold outlet to 2.25" pipe to 2.5" header back system
Bought a couple 90's and couple feet of straight pipe

https://i.imgur.com/48CECL3.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/ZVNRRgZ.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/FxR5gXK.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/5nG1MEV.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/GPlCFfu.jpg?1
Got them high enough no scraping over speed bumps
https://i.imgur.com/G5VXVZc.jpg?1

now I'm looking forward to electrical, not my strong point - doing AAW update kit I want ECM to control the fan- I'm using either a 3.8 Taurus or MkVIII (cant remember which I got a couple years ago) anyone have thoughts on a relay setup to use?

WSSix

04-20-2018, 08:11 PM

Nice work on the exhaust!

ZMAN1969

05-10-2018, 08:53 AM

Ok I dug out the O gauge battery cable that I was saving for this car, courtesy of Unique Performance(the company that built Eleanor mustangs) when they were shut down I bought a couple of cabinets from auction and one was full of electrical supplies- probably 40ft of O gauge and a almost a full spool of 1 gauge cable, terminals, crimper 2 blue mechanics fans and a Mac vacuum bleeder to name a few :cool:

https://i.imgur.com/xKLH2fbl.jpg

also had welder buddy reconnect new subframe to connectors

https://i.imgur.com/uNnZ4Ogl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/i7CYFV6l.jpg

and patch a weak spot on drivers front floor
https://i.imgur.com/2IvIh2ml.jpg
I also ran AAW harness front to back and wrapped it in a nylon sheathing to see how this was gonna fit/work although without head or taillights in car I'll just leave loose till they're installed and ready to wire up
some progress but not alot, thinking that if I were retired I'd have more time to spend working on it

ZMAN1969

05-23-2018, 03:43 PM

Update: got shifter installed had to make hole more rearward than before
https://i.imgur.com/fKFotc3l.jpg
and started making cables this is from firewall post to starter. ordering way more terminals than I thought I'd need also made 4 ga charge cable to alt
https://i.imgur.com/nhKlve2l.jpg
bought a 30$ hand held hydraulic crimper worked well IMO
think I have enough cable? :lostmarbles:
https://i.imgur.com/AowaMMnl.jpg

ZMAN1969

04-18-2019, 07:23 AM

Well this car has been sitting I have most of the harness installed more wiring run and been waiting on a friend that was going to rebuild my steering column and paint it I told him 1/2018 that I would need it soon and about a month ago I gave up and bought another off E-buy and waited for two and half weeks for USPS to get it from michigan to Texas unreal I could of walked it here faster so it finally arrived! so let the fun? begin......
note to self clean the counter off before momma gets home
https://i.imgur.com/1Q6epI0.jpg

ZMAN1969

04-18-2019, 08:40 AM

I hate working on tilt columns there I said it. I have never completely tore one down before but I recently did one for my 90 Firebird so I'm a recently refreshed, but the newer ones with wiper/dimmer in column are a real pain so this wasn't that bad
this is a second gen going in a first so the firewall plate had to go
https://i.imgur.com/ENh0PKv.jpg
now its ready for prime time!
https://i.imgur.com/lXZsZ6c.jpg
and paint time I did add satin clear over it
https://i.imgur.com/ttB4dNm.jpg
now time to start assembling, if you haven't done this ever or want some help I found this thread was SOOOOO much help:
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/images/d/d6/Jazzman_Steering_Rack_Rebuild.pdf

https://i.imgur.com/LjrM70Q.jpg
then little more :wacko:
https://i.imgur.com/3AJO0c7.jpg
and finally...
9XYvIH4TgKE
https://i.imgur.com/NO1h4M2.jpg

Roscoe03

04-18-2019, 08:55 AM

Nice to see that you haven't given up on your project. Can't wait to see the finished product!

ZMAN1969

04-19-2019, 06:54 AM

Nice to see that you haven't given up on your project. Can't wait to see the finished product!

caint give up now! I'm getting older I'm going slower have to take breaks more often plus having more cars, I used to be able to concentrate on one car I got one old third gen back and picked up another orphan third gen that also is getting some rehab the orphan was a lucky score it had a rare dual air SLP intake on it- thats really all I wanted to buy but seller wouldn't split them up when it came home it had a rare Dana 44 in it so it was like hitting a jackpot the car is a 90 formula 350 carshowing 71K
https://i.imgur.com/XiRyWELl.jpg?1

but now I have to push this off a bit and concentrate on the 69 I wanna get it running at least then get it to the painter guy - member here- Mr. Hutton :poke:

ZMAN1969

05-13-2019, 07:37 AM

Little update column installed - sort of
http://i.imgur.com/LFu6EZtl.jpg (https://imgur.com/LFu6EZt)
http://i.imgur.com/3jAveBAl.jpg (https://imgur.com/3jAveBA)
this took longer than expected as I had to install firewall pad and I already had fuse block, pedal hangers and parking brake installed Ugh I hate having to remove and reinstall then I spent another couple hours looking for Borgesen joint for column - gave up and bought one so some day I will find the one I lost :smiley_smack: at lease installing shaft wasn't too bad the good news is it fit with the 2015 Z28 headers that I went with :yes:
https://i.imgur.com/KIqvvPql.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KCV2FYJl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/HDvCRZzl.jpg
so I'm happy something is done now the steering column a '80?? model didn't quite plug and play with the AAW classic update harness as I expected the T/S harness plug had to have a new connector installed (included in the kit) and it then clipped right into harness plug BUT the Ign switch plug didn't fit the later switch :bang: turns out the AAW harness fits stock 1969 Firebird column and they are different than the later so I called AAW and they have another plug that will need to be repinned to make this work :catfight:
OK my rant here: if your going through installing an update harness why would AAW think your not putting a newer column IE tilt ot Ididit or and wire it for the common Ign switch and note that if your using the original 69 Firebird column you will need a new switch or include one that would work since this kit was supposed to be so inclusive?? Ok what do I know
so I will wrestle with that next opportunity I have
Funny thing is now when the steering wheel rotates L&R the front wheels turn?? WTH? :drowninga:

qnitro

05-14-2019, 09:14 PM

Nice meeting you today.. Im starting to think Don knows everyone...

Love the project and the car talk, even though the wife broke into it ;)

ZMAN1969

05-17-2019, 06:03 AM

Nice meeting you today.. Im starting to think Don knows everyone...

Love the project and the car talk, even though the wife broke into it ;)

you too! nice to see others with a bad car habit! Car-holics anonymous anyone?
Nah that's for quitters!

ZMAN1969

08-08-2019, 06:35 AM

So I have some more progress~ I bent up some sheet aluminum to mount the cooling fan

https://i.imgur.com/1V5fNlN.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/IucSrRZ.jpg
well I ended up doing twice
https://i.imgur.com/IbwOP4Ol.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/LYpQcZ3l.jpg
I like this now but this fan is kind of thick and will be a little hard to work the 4" air intake by it. If I end up using this I will add some sheet rubber between the brackets and tha radiator so it doesn't cause a leak later
Vintage Air install is next on the list stay tuned...

ZMAN1969

08-14-2019, 02:01 PM

Another update: making it cool : literally
https://i.imgur.com/Q3GO3tXl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/7FE0x6Fl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/OSG8hwXl.jpg

well, Vintage Air has pretty good instructions so its going fairly well-so far,
I did find out with the Holley Bracket you need 97-01? Vette Tensioner and idler pulleys and the idler pulley goes on the tensioner and the tensioner pulley is mounted to bracket solid- the belt would of been K060960 except I used a U/D pulley so I needed smaller belt so 2 trips to O'reilly's auto parts Bam! got my belt
chipping away at my list of to do's !

ZMAN1969

08-19-2019, 09:07 AM

Some more progress - think were over the hump of Evap box in and out repetitions but time will tell, My son did the AC control mods and it was PITA not real good instructions - not mentioning that other brackets needed to be removed till it was together also bought new knobs and lend for it and a BIG thank you to him!

https://i.imgur.com/gww9a9Ch.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/7yTEs5zh.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/BP9x0Y6h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2W3WAU0h.jpg?1

still need to install ducts and wiring but I think that'll be easier I couldn't imagine one person doing this install without a helper :buttkick:

ZMAN1969

08-23-2019, 02:56 PM

Now here's a score that I'm glad I did 6 hour road trip to Oklahoma for minimal rust and no repairs ever and under 5 bills- what y'all think?
I'm glad I talked myself into it :RunninDog:

https://i.imgur.com/wtlnMoth.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/HlfMOz8h.jpg

ScotI

08-23-2019, 04:20 PM

ZMAN1969

08-27-2019, 09:37 AM

Got a little swap done this weekend and got both fender wells on, the inner fenders looks almost like new metal with nothing covering them! - will need to epoxy prime these after bits of rust is repaired. Then I started fabing block off plates for fenders
Check out new cold air - what ya think cut a hole in center of T/A hood and put a cone filter on top? :idea: man gotta cut back on drinkin and workin at the same time?

https://i.imgur.com/9k8WMvch.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/FphIouMh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/PxTIkjmh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Yzy7eSih.jpg

Tim john---

08-28-2019, 06:00 AM

ZMAN1969

10-06-2019, 11:52 AM

Do not tighten up the inner fenders wells until you have the front end, as in headlight surrounds, core support, lower valance, hood on and aligned etc. assembled. The inner wheel wells will prevent you from obtaining perfect gaps. Tighten them after final assembly. Love the 69 Trans Am's.

Tim john---

Tim John that's a good tip!
have a little update, got some work done on the air intake just need to find someone to tig it for me
happy with results never fabbed anything like this before so had to make a few cuts and see where it went. Definitely not professional I'm sure most would cut tubing with a band saw? I made due with my Sawzall :superhack: :knock:
now once its been welded up- trying to decide what finish to put on it - raw? powder coat? bedliner? insulate it?

214Chevy

10-06-2019, 12:08 PM

Nice updates. Who's doing your work in Dallas?

ZMAN1969

10-06-2019, 07:09 PM

Nice updates. Who's doing your work in Dallas?

doing my work?

Brianstanford

10-07-2019, 01:23 AM

lookin good! think i'm gonna spray paint my air intake satin black. i'm in texas also, south of houston

214Chevy

10-07-2019, 11:22 AM

doing my work?

Yes...the work on your car. Or are you the man himself with all of the skills?

ZMAN1969

10-07-2019, 07:44 PM

Yes...the work on your car. Or are you the man himself with all of the skills?

Son and I are building but gonna farm out the bodywork. and as far as skills I'm trying to get some. A buddy of mine advised not to quit my day job :sieg:

lookin good! think i'm gonna spray paint my air intake satin black. i'm in texas also, south of houston
well Howdy I'm thinking satin black too but textured? hence my thought of bedliner

214Chevy

10-08-2019, 08:56 AM

Son and I are building but gonna farm out the bodywork. and as far as skills I'm trying to get some. A buddy of mine advised not to quit my day job :sieg:

I think I saw this car at a shop a few years back over off of Forney Rd in the Pleasant Grove area of Dallas. Behind that tire shop. Am I correct?

ScotI

10-08-2019, 11:16 AM

Son and I are building but gonna farm out the bodywork. and as far as skills I'm trying to get some. A buddy of mine advised not to quit my day job :sieg:

well Howdy I'm thinking satin black too but textured? hence my thought of bedliner

My vote would be any coating that helps insulate as a priority.

If you can do a Ceramic type barrier coating that insulates inside & out, you should. You can also then wrap the outside w/a secondary heat barrier (flexible exhaust wrap). Anything that helps prevent under hood heat from transferring which will impact the incoming air.

ZMAN1969

10-10-2019, 09:12 AM

My vote would be any coating that helps insulate as a priority.

If you can do a Ceramic type barrier coating that insulates inside & out, you should. You can also then wrap the outside w/a secondary heat barrier (flexible exhaust wrap). Anything that helps prevent under hood heat from transferring which will impact the incoming air.

yeah, that's why I was inquiring, not sure what others have done on theirs

I think I saw this car at a shop a few years back over off of Forney Rd in the Pleasant Grove area of Dallas. Behind that tire shop. Am I correct?

no sorry, not this car! I'm in Lewisville used to work in the grove back in '80 - used to be a GY on Buckner blvd. It was at a buddies shop north of Sanger got some of the bodywork done until he gave up on it and gave it back to me.

214Chevy

10-10-2019, 09:14 PM

no sorry, not this car! I'm in Lewisville used to work in the grove back in '80 - used to be a GY on Buckner blvd. It was at a buddies shop north of Sanger got some of the bodywork done until he gave up on it and gave it back to me.

Cool, good deal!! Looking good and nice progress. Keep the updates coming.

ZMAN1969

12-02-2019, 07:10 AM

Update: on 12/1/2019 after figuring fuel supply problem (polarity was reversed ) it came to life - its running! Now there's motivation to keep on this to its completion. Its only been 11 years! Life gets in the way- I moved I built a 30x30 shop and other cars. My thought at first would be 2-3 years and this was going to be fun on Power Tour but Its been so long and I have tired of all the traffic and same old routes thats goes with HRPT I will try Cruise the coast and other events - does anyone know if they have anything to cruise the PCH? that would be on my list!

this pic is from 3-4 years ago sorry didnt take any current pics but will again soon
https://i.imgur.com/VLlK5vx.jpg

WSSix

12-02-2019, 05:45 PM

Congrats on getting it to run! That's a huge step forward.

ZMAN1969

12-09-2019, 11:25 AM

Spent Saturday working on brakes and clutch, I tried a different approach on clutch bleeding- I disconnected line at reservoir and hooked up my Mityvac hand pump and out vacuum and slowly bubbles started coming through the line actually quite a few when they stopped I reconnected line to reservoir and topped it off well pedal is low but then feels fine, Its adjustable so I will play with adjustment when I can get doors fully open. Then the brakes :catfight: I tried initially with a vacuum bleeder and couldn't get anything out of rear so I went back to master and cracked lines starting at the top till I got fluid coming out and then chased fluid at several points till we got it to rear brakes and success! we have a brake pedal with one little issue the adjustable prop valve i mounted on drvrs frame rail where OE was mounted. Its leaking out of the 1/8" NPT fittings on the valve where the adapter fittings tighten in so I will have to deal with that next chance I get the Mfr suggested Teflon tape on the fittings
https://i.imgur.com/JO6urPIh.jpg

the fittings had some red sealer like above but it didn't work
anyone else ever had to deal with this? I've never seen anything in a brake system that had pipe threads on it

dhutton

12-09-2019, 03:04 PM

I’ve had good luck with this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Permatex-56521-High-Performance-Thread-Sealant-Each/192007043237?epid=2300255798&hash=item2cb482f8a5:g:EfoAAOSwpY5byAOW

Don

ZMAN1969

12-10-2019, 06:36 AM

I’ve had good luck with this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Permatex-56521-High-Performance-Thread-Sealant-Each/192007043237?epid=2300255798&hash=item2cb482f8a5:g:EfoAAOSwpY5byAOW

Don

Thanks Don Ill try teflon tape first since I have it on hand, if same results I'll do the permatex if that don't work then comes a gallon of gasoline!
:fire:

Hey just want to make sure I am on the list now?
:goofy:

rickpaw

12-10-2019, 02:01 PM

Thanks Don Ill try teflon tape first since I have it on hand, if same results I'll do the permatex if that don't work then comes a gallon of gasoline!
:fire:

Hey just want to make sure I am on the list now?
:goofy:

Some had suggested against using teflon tape on brake fittings, since pieces of it may break off, and plug the orifice.

Not sure there's any truth to it, but I always use the thread sealant Don posted just to be on the safe side.
:headscratch:

ZMAN1969

12-11-2019, 09:10 AM

Well I had a few minutes to attempt a seal to these lines last night - when removed there was nothing left of sealant that was on the fittings - Hmm where dit go? :EmoteClueless:so I cleaned and carefully (careful that no tape was overhanging the end past threads) wrapped with the Teflon and re-installed will need my sons foot pedal pressure to see if it only helped or if it fixed it. I did search Jegs and out of the 4 2 port valves they offered all have 1/8" NPT ports - I cant imagine ever having NPT fittings in a brake system?? :sieg: IMO the block s/b cast iron with flare fittings like the rest of the system has
I'm kinda beefed that something so basic isn't that well designed
:flag2:

https://i.imgur.com/ZKvYUj5m.jpg https://i.imgur.com/dWT8nCZm.jpg

ZMAN1969

12-12-2019, 09:40 AM

well looking this morning I'm gonna say Teflon tape is a no-go! Thats a Negatory Maverick that pattern is full and this is with Zero pressure applied - see the drop? :wow: Ugh
https://i.imgur.com/LGXxmtum.jpg

Tinker

12-13-2019, 03:48 AM

I have always used teflon paste on NPT joints. No tape to break free in the lines, and seals much better.

WSSix

12-14-2019, 07:27 AM

I'd contact classic tube and ask them. https://classictube.com/

I think something's not fully right about this. You may have to crank on the adapters harder than normal to get a seal. Which also doesn't seem correct.

Good luck. I know this can be annoying.

dhutton

12-14-2019, 10:57 AM

NPT fittings really have no place in brake systems imho. I just went through this on some through frame fittings used by a frame manufacturer on a preplumbed frame. Every one leaked. The Permatex stopped the leaks.

Don

ZMAN1969

12-16-2019, 01:06 PM

well Yesterday I removed the valve and fittings cleaned them up (found where red sealant went to :( in the ports of the valve ) and used the liquid sealant as recommended says 72 hours to cure so wednesday I'll hookup I'm afraid all the fluid is left the building so it may be a while till I get help with bleeding. I had the RF coil over started leaking zero miles maybe 250' rolling- probably due to age and since I am not orig owner D/Speed wont warranty so after $110 I got it back and reinstalled it -kind of a pain had to remove sway bar arm and link to gain space to R&R it, glad that's done! Oh and I noticed the p/s hose I fabricated is seeping already :smiley_smack:
https://i.imgur.com/XjESUWyl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ZAQxoSvl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/wJ0ABrUl.jpg

ZMAN1969

01-02-2020, 08:43 AM

Happy New Years all, OK I have no more brake leak the liquid stuff worked!! took 2 attempts first one I had brass fitting strip (happy was brass fitting not stainless flare fitting) so second time was charm! bled lines now have good pedal, and no leaks at Prop valve WOO HOO!! also hooked up oil pressure gauge, ran engine again and have good oil pressure. I ran it little longer this time but still need to add coolant so I guess next on my list would be to put some more bolts in fenders and see if can be driven back and forth in the driveway this is first time since I got this car around 2003-4 that its been running. :excited:

ZMAN1969

01-27-2020, 12:58 PM

not a whole lot to update but one thing I have noticed is firewall flex just pushing the clutch down I can see the booster and all move a noticeable amount add pushing the brake pedal down it will probably move even more IDK maybe its me but it seems like more movement that one would want - any thoughts?
FWIW it has solid sub frame bushings so no movement there

ZMAN1969

05-10-2020, 06:26 PM

While waiting for the body shop to have an opening, we found a little more needed work getting ready for power windows- a boot for wiring from pillar to door. Years ago I bought the repo crap, I figure how bad can they screw up a rubber boot? well one has already split so went with option 2: factory GM boots from a off a 2000 trans am I parted out years a ago.
First off the size hole needed are irregular at 2.75" on pillar and 1.9" hole for the door best time is with doors off, well missed that boat 10 years ago so you either work around like we did on drivers side or remove the door like we did on passengers side. For the size hole to mark, I dug through my stash of carrier shims and found both sizes we needed. We could of bought a hole saw for about $50 but elected to buy an air saw from Harbor Freight ended being about same money but IMO its a more universal tool -
I'm happy with the results, what do Y'all think?

https://i.imgur.com/4L26cGql.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/aeWgNEKl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ikYthsPl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/DsABUaJl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KeXYSUGl.jpg

WSSix

05-10-2020, 08:14 PM

Nice work on that boot. It's those little items that really take the time but also make the difference.

ZMAN1969

05-11-2020, 02:13 PM

Nice work on that boot. It's those little items that really take the time but also make the difference.
Thanks I've been doing all sorts of car things on my fleet, others getting more attention than this poor car, really ready to give it to body man - is there anything more motivating than a shiny new car that needs finishing up?

ZMAN1969

09-05-2023, 02:09 PM

So, looooooooong time since last update:

thanks to all the body men that can't seem to run a business.
they can kill a hobby quick
finally got some work done to this same car that I started this thread on years ago
since last update its now running (not driving yet) I will update when we get some color on it

camcojb

09-05-2023, 04:10 PM

An all too common tale. Good luck with the project!

WSSix

09-07-2023, 06:38 PM

I'm sorry you're running into issues with the body work and finding competent people. Glad that progress is being made though. Good luck!

ZMAN1969

09-14-2023, 06:27 AM

getting little further

WSSix

09-14-2023, 07:16 PM

The white and blue on these cars is such a great combination.

ZMAN1969

09-25-2023, 08:44 AM

slowly but surely making progress, their telling me the doors are up next cant wait to see this back in one piece - a complete car again!

Goosesdad

09-25-2023, 09:46 AM

Awesome!!

syborg tt

09-25-2023, 07:26 PM

Holy cow does it look fantastic.

ZMAN1969

10-09-2023, 07:47 AM

Thanks Syborg and Goosesdad this has taken way too long

and still getting more updates
Brick by Brick, piece by piece

ZMAN1969

10-29-2023, 07:42 PM

Coming along

syborg tt

10-29-2023, 08:14 PM

I am in love with this color combo

ZMAN1969

11-01-2023, 08:13 AM

I am in love with this color combo

I'm with you! after being gray for a decade plus its looking pretty good. I can't wait to see it up close and in person. Years ago, when I bought it - was a parts car for a Camaro I had then, I found out body wise was in much better shape decided to for Pontiac and sold the Camaro. I'm a couple weeks away from bringing it home and going forward with the rest of the build, But I still haven't made up my mind on seats.

ZMAN1969

12-18-2023, 11:32 AM

still need to install rest of front end- valance, bumper, headlight mounts, batwing, I'm being told it should be back in my shop next weekend guess I need to make room for it lol
long way to go still: glass, interior, tires/wheels

ZMAN1969

12-29-2023, 01:47 PM

its home now, time to get organized and all of the rest of the parts needed to assemble. its nice to see as a complete car

Note: does anyone have an interior assembly list? - you know as in order
I've shot myself in foot before

complaints:
1) they let battery discharge/Die over last 1.5 years - its dead as a doornail, was fine when he picked up. Fine I can deal with this

2) It runs like crap says it loaded up cyl running it w/o MAF/air intake hooked up - hope it just needs plugs

3) I expressed my concerns of wanting nice body gaps from the git go and most is OK - except the trunk Ugh

front end isn't assembled as it was supposed to be
body guy says hell comeback when I get new headlight cushions to assemble and I just hope its gonna fit nice

ws6 beat

01-03-2024, 09:19 PM

Your thread has motivated me to finish mine up. Great job.

ZMAN1969

01-05-2024, 08:07 AM

Your thread has motivated me to finish mine up. Great job.

good glad someone is motivated! my motivation is I want it done before I die! seriously!
I just ordered around 2k in parts for this mostly exterior trim.
on the spark plugs- Jeeze I had new NGKs in this, whgen got it back had 4 ND plugs 4 Delco's and 2 were gasketed plugs - WTH? body man didn't say a word about that he swapped them, it does need a tune done and I'm looking for local or mobile tuner

syborg tt

01-06-2024, 10:20 AM

good glad someone is motivated! my motivation is I want it done before I die! seriously!

Good thing I wasn't drinking my Ice Tea when I read this as I am sure I would of spit it all over my screen.

and honestly I feel the same about mine.

jarhead

01-06-2024, 02:47 PM

Beautiful!

ZMAN1969

05-15-2024, 08:46 AM

little progress I bought all new glass-Grey tinted and headliner needed to go first so we did it,(I know its not completed yet rear tack strips are backordered for years) then had glazer over for frt and rear glass install, funny I cant remember if this has ever had them in, under my ownership. Thats the problem with 20 year projects!

syborg tt

05-16-2024, 08:10 AM

Progress is Progress and don't worry all of my friends this I have fear of finishing my car.

214Chevy

05-17-2024, 07:09 AM

I've always loved this paint scheme in the 69 Trans Am.

ZMAN1969

10-23-2024, 01:52 PM

Well working on this some more, my son came over and I took couple days off, back in March I ordered all new glass for this in Grey tinted and the company Auto city Auto glass did a $50 shipping to local Pate swap meet in May so we took all the old hardware off and swapped to new glass, found out I didn't get quarter glasses with it so called them and they shipped them out well :bang:
we added a set of power windows for this - at least 15 years ago so any way we watched some you tube videos about install and adjusting them had to wait for some odds and ends to show up I'm pretty happy but the quarter gasses are almost flat compared to side windows? seems odd anyway what y'all think?

still deciding if I like the blue trim on stainless it kind of matches :sieg:

syborg tt

10-23-2024, 07:04 PM

I think it looks good

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Tinker

10-24-2024, 08:29 AM

My factory glass quarters seem to match the side window better FWIW.

CarlC

10-24-2024, 03:50 PM

The aftermarket glass, like may aftermarket parts, is very hit-and-miss on fit. Many here have had to go through 4+ sets of glass to get one that fits.

ZMAN1969

10-28-2024, 06:53 AM

The aftermarket glass, like may aftermarket parts, is very hit-and-miss on fit. Many here have had to go through 4+ sets of glass to get one that fits.
I have contacted the supplier to see if they can provide a good solution - I sent them these pics, not expecting much though
first pics is curve of drivers door and second is quarter glass looks like 1/4" to 1/2"

ZMAN1969

10-31-2024, 06:24 AM

Well the vender is helping out they're sending new quarter glasses they compared to OEM glass I'm paying the shipping and having to redo them again they sent some comparison pics at leased I'm recently experienced with the replacement ritual and adjustments :knock:

ZMAN1969

11-19-2024, 12:33 PM

Well Son and I worked at some comfort? maybe for him fitting not so much for me, these are gen 6 Recaro's and they are up high for this big guy - I'll just have to get used to them I guess? second pic is fully reclined LOL I'll need to fix that and were going to make seat cooling work ad that of list of things to do

ZMAN1969

12-02-2024, 08:13 AM

over the holiday I got the LED taillight upgrade -DigiTails I had ordered and arrived so I did install and ready to be installed and wired in - have to say could have had better instructions the 6 harnesses that connect to the plugs in second pic - 3 had super long like 4' of wire and 3 that were like 18" dont know why so long and I found out the 10 special washered nuts were needed to mount the housings were needed so I went to hardware store as I thought were 1/4" thread, were nothing I could match so Heartbeat City here I come! frustrating as to ship these 10 approx 1/4" nuts shipping is $10 :shakehead: Grr happens when you buy a car disassembled at least it had all 10 of the studs

camcojb

12-02-2024, 08:46 AM

Nice upgrade! :thumbsup:

ZMAN1969

03-14-2025, 06:43 AM

time for another update and shout out to my son! he tackled rear Digitail and marker light, front Turn signal and headlight wiring he's more detail oriented than I am. so all exterior lights are finish wired, YAY! all LED lights except the headlights, can't wait to have this out at night for better visual I wanted rear LED tails because I feel that the OE isn't all that noticeable people need to see the taillights! I also found I need 1 horn like pictured that mounts to core support AND pass quarter window chrome as A/M don't fit great so if anyone has either please message me

note: any thoughts on how to stop the light leak from quarter Bird emblems?