68Firebird

[68400BIRD]

I can't think of a cool name for my project so I will just post the progress and see if a name comes to mind.
I bought the car around two years ago. I made the mistake of looking at the car in sub zero temps with one flashlight.:( I was told that it was indoors in a shop. What that actually meant was that it was in the back of a pole shed with one 60 watt light bulb.
Frank, helped me come up with a project name "Project SnowBird"

Here it is on the trailer waiting to find a new home.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/firebird2.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/firebird3.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/firebird6.jpg

[68400BIRD]

At the time this was going to be a second project so my main goal was to find all of the missing parts. The car did not come with a motor or tranny and the mouse hotel inside the car was very busy. I started with the intentions of bringing the car back to 100% stock or as close as I could.

I started with finding the correct date coded motor and 400 tranny.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC05339.jpg
The transmision was not the correct year but close enough.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06335.jpg
The car had drum brakes up front so I swapped over the front brakes off of 69 GTO.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06331.jpg

[68400BIRD]

I had a little mishap with my 1977RS camaro and the insurance was not very good to me so I had to start over. Make sure your bodyshop has insurance.:mad:

So, this put me into another direction with the car. I wanted to still stay with the original drivetrain but I wanted a very good handling and braking car. So I tore everything apart and started over.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06758.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06759.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06764.jpg

[68400BIRD]

First I took the front clip off.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06765.jpg
Then the sub frame had to come out.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06770.jpg
Next was the rear end. I noticed that the rear end was not in coorect and everything was lose. Later I ran the numbers on the rear and found out it was out of a 1973 Firebird. The perches were not moved and it was to wide.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06772.jpg
I then put the car up on jack stands for the removal of the whole floor.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06771.jpg

[68400BIRD]

The car is from California but sat in Wisconsin with the windows cracked for a few winters. It was not very kind to the floor. How ever the rockers were very solid.
Heres what I started with.:censored: #$%@#$
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06780.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06782.jpg
I don't even want to add up the hours it took me to get here.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06786.jpg

[68400BIRD]

http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06787.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06788.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06790.jpg
The floor is finally all out and the toe boards are getting a rough trial fit.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06792.jpg

[68400BIRD]

Heres the complete floor getting prepped to be welded in.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06793.jpg
Installed and the welding begins.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06795.jpg

[Josh69]

Looks good so far Rob, keep up the good work! It was a pleasure to meet up again and show you my bird this weekend, looking forward to the day when we can park them at the drive-in together! I have a fondness for '67-68 birds so I'm excited to see this one come to life locally.

:lateral:

[67rstbkt]

Very nice, keep the pics coming....:thumbsup:

[70rs]

Nice project going there. Did you have a thread going on another site? This looks really familiar for some reason.

[68400BIRD]

Nice project going there. Did you have a thread going on another site? This looks really familiar for some reason.

Yes, LOL it's on PT and NastyZ28.com. I started out on Nasty when I had my Camaro. Now that I don't have my Camaro any more I started to look around for a site that would interest me more. And I think I finally found it.:lateral:

[68400BIRD]

Looks good so far Rob, keep up the good work! It was a pleasure to meet up again and show you my bird this weekend, looking forward to the day when we can park them at the drive-in together! I have a fondness for '67-68 birds so I'm excited to see this one come to life locally.

:lateral:

Thanks Josh, I can't wait to get this on the road again. I'll post more progress tomorow. That's all I could fit in while printing off MSDS sheets at work.

[68400BIRD]

Very nice, keep the pics coming....:thumbsup:

Thanks, I have a lot more pics to load. I need to figure out how to do more than one quote at a time:question:

[70rs]

Yes, LOL it's on PT and NastyZ28.com. I started out on Nasty when I had my Camaro. Now that I don't have my Camaro any more I started to look around for a site that would interest me more. And I think I finally found it.:lateral:

I knew I had seen it before. It was on NastyZ28. I am 70 splitbumper over there. I tell ya, I like this site better than ANY OTHER site out there. The CAMARO site is brand new and shaping up to be a lot like this one with the members bing so cool. You should go check it out. It is good for any and all years and styles of camaros and I imagne they would even let a 'bird owner in there too. :lol: (theCAMAROsite.com)

I read about the issue with the other car and insurance co. Major bummer. But now this one is getting the attention it needed and is much more unique.
:cheers:

[68400BIRD]

I knew I had seen it before. It was on NastyZ28. I am 70 splitbumper over there. I tell ya, I like this site better than ANY OTHER site out there. The CAMARO site is brand new and shaping up to be a lot like this one with the members bing so cool. You should go check it out. It is good for any and all years and styles of camaros and I imagne they would even let a 'bird owner in there too. :lol: (theCAMAROsite.com)

I read about the issue with the other car and insurance co. Major bummer. But now this one is getting the attention it needed and is much more unique.
:cheers:

This car does need a lot of attention. For the most part it has been fun. I'm ready to be done with all of the welding,grinding, and sandblasting. Time to bolt on parts real soon. I'm che77vy over on Nasty. I'll check out the new site, is that the one that Pete started?

[70rs]

This car does need a lot of attention. For the most part it has been fun. I'm ready to be done with all of the welding,grinding, and sandblasting. Time to bolt on parts real soon. I'n che77vy over on Nasty. I'll check out the new site, is that the one that Pete started?

No, Scott (the administrator here) and Jody and Charlie (both mods here too) started it just a few days ago. It is just getting off the ground but is great so far. It's good to have you over here, I really think you will like it better than the "other" sites. :_paranoid It's just a different group of guys and everyone gets along and is respectful of each other, much more than elsewhere. Plus the sheer amount of knowledge here is just amazing. And everyone is more than willing to answer questions and offer help. The camaro site is heading in the same direction.:cheers:

[ProdigyCustoms]

Here in Florida we call the norhteners that come down for winter "snow birds"

based on the amount of snow in those intro pics, and the fact you are buiding it during the winter, I think Project Snow Bird is fitting

[68400BIRD]

Here in Florida we call the norhteners that come down for winter "snow birds"

based on the amount of snow in those intro pics, and the fact you are buiding it during the winter, I think Project Snow Bird is fitting

Frank, I think you nailed it. I'll see if it will let me rename the thread.

Thanks.

[68400BIRD]

Someone thought that a big hammer and tin snips were the best way to put speakers in the rear deck. A friend on mine and myself spent a few hours and cut in a new one. I didn't know that you could buy the whole panel. It was just more pratice for welding and grinding.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06803.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06817.jpg
All cleaned up and painted
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06961.jpg

[68400BIRD]

I poked around on the rear quarters and figured that I could have just done the lower patches but I didn't want to spend all that time to just have something bubble up on me at a later date. I also didn't want to do full quaters. That was a little out of my price range and skill level.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06858.jpg
Heres the third hole that I have cut in my car.:lol:
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06859.jpg
Off with the inner wheel well and trunk drop off.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06860.jpg
New skin tacked in place.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06861.jpg

[68400BIRD]

That wasn't so bad lets do the other side.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06868.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06869.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06871.jpg
Tacked in place.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06872.jpg

[68400BIRD]

I had a good friend who offered to sandblast my subframe for me. I wasn't about to turn that down so I started stripping the frame down.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06843.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06844.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06846.jpg
Almost there.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06847.jpg
Bare frame, I drilled out the G-Mod and welded the entire frame up solid top and bottom.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06903.jpg

[68400BIRD]

Again, cutting more metal off of the car. The car started life with a vinyle top which was not so nice to the tulip panel and window channels.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06904.jpg
New panel.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06906.jpg

[68400BIRD]

I rolled the car outside for the first time in over a year. Time to rough in some body work and shoot some primer.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06910.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06912.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06914.jpg
Back in the garage after a days worth of sandblasting,bodywork, and primer.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06916.jpg

[68400BIRD]

The dash looked to be in great condition untill I took the window out. Right under the ribbon seal was more rust:(
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06924.jpg
All cleaned up and welded in.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06972.jpg

[68400BIRD]

I decided that I wanted air in this car so the custom made firewall panel had to be cut out.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06954.jpg
Cutting holes once again:D
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06955.jpg
All welded up.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06960.jpg
A little more grinding.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06963.jpg

[68400BIRD]

Body work on the smoothed firewall.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06965.jpg
A little DP90 primer sealer.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06974.jpg
Scuffed down and some high build primer.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06973.jpg
Painted in DCC PPG gloss black.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06995.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06994.jpg

[68400BIRD]

The car is now on the bird spinner. Time to paint the floor.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06968.jpg
I did not get a chance to get paint sprayed on the floor so I had to scuff it all down again and respray primer. Went out the following day and shot the bottom of the car in gloss black.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06985.jpg

[68400BIRD]

This is pretty much where the car is at right now. The whole shell is in primer and has the body work close to just needing high build primer to finish.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06996.jpg
I have secondskin sound deadner on the floor and roof.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06986.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06987.jpg

[67rstbkt]

How did you apply the second skin stuff; shutz gun? How do you like it? I was planning on epoxy priming my Firebird and going over that with Dynamat Xtreme. Would I be better off with this stuff?
Thanks:thumbsup:

[68400BIRD]

How did you apply the second skin stuff; shutz gun? How do you like it? I was planning on epoxy priming my Firebird and going over that with Dynamat Xtreme. Would I be better off with this stuff?
Thanks:thumbsup:

This stuff is great in my opinion. I used a brush and foam roller. It's all water clean up so it's pretty easy to work with. It's amazing when you would tap the panels before appling the product it would have a tinny sound. After applying numerous coats (I was shooting for 1/16-1/8 thick) it had a thud instead. The following day it seemed to even be better. I still plan on putting down a heat barrier I'm just not sure what to go with yet.

[67rstbkt]

This stuff is great in my opinion. I used a brush and foam roller. It's all water clean up so it's pretty easy to work with. It's amazing when you would tap the panels before appling the product it would have a tinny sound. After applying numerous coats (I was shooting for 1/16-1/8 thick) it had a thud instead. The following day it seemed to even be better. I still plan on putting down a heat barrier I'm just not sure what to go with yet.

Thanks for the info. :cheers:

[Chicken Louie]

Your progress is great!!:thumbsup:

[68400BIRD]

Spent most of last weekend running around getting things lined up for more work on the car. I finally removed the car from the rottisserie and put it on jack stands. Returned the rottisserie (4 hour round trip) worth every mile of the trip.:yes:
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07000.jpg
Picked up my subframe from a friends house.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06999.jpg
Started installing the control arms and sway bar.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06997.jpg
I have more to do on the lower mounting plate for the sway bar. The bar and bracket are much bigger than the stock one so I have to drill out new holes and make a threaded plate for the inside of the frame.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC06998.jpg
The brake and fuel line have to go in before the engine is bolted in. They run in between the engine brackets. I still need to bolt those on.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07001.jpg
I tacked the lower perches in place on the 12 bolt rearend. If the pinion angle works out correct, I will weld it in place and clean it up for paint.

[68400BIRD]

Just noticed I have the rear in backwards I will have to fix that.:lol:

[68400BIRD]

Got some work done. Sandblasted the motor mount brackets and tranny crossmember. Bolted onto the car with new hardware.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07002.jpg
Installed the QA1's and spindles everything is a little dirty from sitting in storage for so long.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07003.jpg
Tackled the motor and tranny by myself. Just had to be a little more careful.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07004.jpg
All bolted in and ready to go into the car.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07005.jpg

[waynieZ]

Nice progress it all looks great. Nice work.

[68400BIRD]

Nice progress it all looks great. Nice work.

Thanks.

Had a chance to get a little more done. I used four jack stands,4 car dollies, and two jacks and wrestled this in by myself.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07008.jpg
For a little motivation I grabbed one of my old wheels to see how it would look.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07009.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07007.jpg

[radrambler]

Man

you had fun wrestling all that yourself...AND IT LOOKS GREAT :thumbsup:

THE YELLOW PLUG WIRES ARE WAY TO BRIGHT IN CONTRAST TO YOUR ENGINE WHICH LOOKS GREAT ..:lol:
IM just trying to help....KEEP THE PICS COMING !!

Tom

[68400BIRD]

Man

you had fun wrestling all that yourself...AND IT LOOKS GREAT :thumbsup:

THE YELLOW PLUG WIRES ARE WAY TO BRIGHT IN CONTRAST TO YOUR ENGINE WHICH LOOKS GREAT ..:lol:
IM just trying to help....KEEP THE PICS COMING !!

Tom

I'm not a fan of the yellow wires either. But, it was part of a package deal. I bought a set of heads,cam,lifters,and the wires from a member on this board. I figured since they were 8.8's I would keep them for a while. When I get some extra money:lol: I will get a set of black Taylor wires.

[68400BIRD]

Finally, the car is down on the ground.:) Just checking pinion angle and to see if the wheels will work from my last car.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07010.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07011.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07013-1.jpg

I kind of like the old school look but don't want the tires sticking out to far. What do you think of the rears:question: I will probably go with a little less width on the next set of tires if I keep these on the car. I also have a set of RallyII's in 15". New rims and tires are not in the budget right now so I have to work with what I have.

[two68s]

The tires and wheels look great. It's refreshing to see an old school look around here. Seeing way to many 18"-20" wheels on classic muscle these days.

[68400BIRD]

The tires and wheels look great. It's refreshing to see an old school look around here. Seeing way to many 18"-20" wheels on classic muscle these days.

Thanks, I appreciate the comments. I still like the old school look as long as the tires are not sticking out of the wheel wells and you do not have air shocks:_paranoid . I might still check out my rally rims but I will still have a good size tire on a 15" rim.

[Josh69]

I'm not a fan of the yellow wires either. But, it was part of a package deal. I bought a set of heads,cam,lifters,and the wires from a member on this board. I figured since they were 8.8's I would keep them for a while. When I get some extra money:lol: I will get a set of black Taylor wires.

Hey, you can't have bigs n littles without some yellow Accel wires! :D

J/K, I sold them to him, so gotta convince him it was still a great deal LOL! BTW, lemme know if you want to sell me my heads back, I'm ready to switch back to gas, this E85 stuff is getting annoying. Want some milled 670's? ;)

I like the look of the Weld's on there, they don't stick out too far, considering that is the look most guys went for with that set-up. I'd pull out your Rally's and order up the stencil kit, repaint them, polish the trim rings and see what you like better. I still think that my car looked just as good the day I rolled it home from the paint booth on the 14" rallye's as it does with the 18's on it.

Oh yeah, great work BTW, I know what it's like to deal with engines by yourself in two car garages in the middle of winter!

[68400BIRD]

Still working on the car. Had a few set backs. Still working on the rear pinion angle. I want to make sure it is real close before welding it solid. I pulled the rear end apart and noticed that both axles were shot. Ordered up a set of axles,bearings,seals, and wheel studs. Wasn't really in the budget. Oh well!!

[68400BIRD]

I didn't like how the new sway bar mounted to the frame. With the bigger bar the brackets and bushings did not line up very well. I also thought that some spirited driving might pull the small bolts out of the threaded frame holes. I ended up using one of the original holes and drilling a new one. I also went up one bolt size. This is what I ended up with. I took a grade eight bolt and welded on a tab. I then dropped the bolt through the hole inside the frame. The tab hits the frame and keeps it from spinning. I decided I wanted the front bushings to have grease zerks to help with any possible squeaking. I drilled holes and tapped them for the new fittings.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07019.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07020.jpg

[68400BIRD]

My axles came a few months ago. I borrowed a ball joint tool to install the studs.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07021.jpg
Started to mock up my rear brakes.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07027.jpg

[Josh69]

Lookin' good! :thumbsup:

[68400BIRD]

Started on the front end steering. All new Moog parts, Speed Tech tie rod sleeves, and a newer steering box.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07055.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07054.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07058.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07059.jpg

[68400BIRD]

My first car that I restored was a 2nd gen Camaro and most of the OER parts did not fit very well. I was thinking that the 1st gen parts would be better. LOL RIGHT!!
I spent around five hours installing the dash. It would not pull down corrrectly with the original four studs. So I had to drill holes in my new dash and very carefully drill holes in the dash pad. I cut a drill bit down so I could not drill through the dash pad.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07062.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07063.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07065.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07064.jpg

[68400BIRD]

I also did some work on the exhaust.
Installed the long branch manifolds.
Installed sub-frame connectors.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07056.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07059.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07061.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07132.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07133.jpg

[68400BIRD]

On my second try I finally have some rims that I am very happy with. It's still amazes me how many people will tell you that you can fit a 9.5 rim in the back of these cars. You can if you want a 4x4 look with out tubbing it. LOL I have 7" wide up front and 8" wide in the back. I had to get my BS dead on and be careful with how wide I went on the rear tires. It's a tight fit but I stuck a 255-45 in the back. I have plans to use the stock PMD center caps which I think will make the rims look great. IMHO.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07139.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07140.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07142.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07143.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07144.jpg

[68400BIRD]

I was not looking forward to painting the upper dash, lower dash,glove box,ash tray, and other interior panels that needed a low gloss black paint. I had never sprayed a low gloss color before. It came out pretty good but I could have used some reducer which I did not have on hand. These pictures are just in DP90 a black primer.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07145.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07146.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07147.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07148.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07149.jpg

[tones2SS]

Looking good.

[geberhard]

Very sweet! Updates?

[KPC67]

Great progress.

[waynieZ]

Looking good.

[68400BIRD]

Updates. It looks like it has been a while since I have posted anything new.
Started on the steering column.
The turn signal switch was cracked in a few spots and the lower non tilt bearing was bad. I purchased a new switch from Classic which required changing over the terminal connection. I then had to change it again with the classic update wiring kit.
The lower non tilt bearing is not produced unless you want to purchase a kit. Which was a little pricey being that I only needed a fifteen dollar bearing.
I purchased a 69 lower non tilt bearing and used a little sanding drum to open up the lower plastic sleeve. Worked like a champ.
Here's the before picture of the column.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07172.jpg
New turn signal switch.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07180.jpg
Not that you can see what I did but this is the 69 lower bearing installed.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07183.jpg
Have a friend who started doing powder coating. We sprayed a satin black on the column.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07179.jpg
And back together.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07185.jpg

[68400BIRD]

The doors were next. I'm not sure how it happens but I always pick the worst days in the winter to do sandblasting. One of the doors had previous damage. I had to weld up all of the dent puller holes. There was just a little rust in the bottom corner also. Cut a new patch and it was all fixed.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07168.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07167.jpg
All sand blasted and welded up. Ready for primer.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07166.jpg

[68400BIRD]

The door internals were pretty dirty and needed a good cleaning.
Started with the latches.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07186.jpg
The passenger side door did not always work correctly. After getting all of the 1968 to present grime off of them I noticed a missing spring.
Not knowing that you could buy them I made one out of a throttle return spring. Works good so far.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07187.jpg
All cleaned up,repaired and ready to install.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07188.jpg
Next up were the door hinges. The bushings were still fairly tight but the heads had broke off most of them. Some of the bushings were made of plastic. Never seen that before.
Here is whats left of the pins,bushings,and detents.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07191.jpg
Three of the four hinges assembled. Need two more stock size bushings.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07192.jpg
All taken back apart. Sand blasted and primed.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07197.jpg

[68400BIRD]

New gas tank painted 2008 Pontiac silver and black powder coated straps.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07198.jpg
Nice shot of the tank back in the car.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07238.jpg

[68400BIRD]

I had some problems installing an oil filter on my car. I purchased the Pontiac long branch manifolds and the oil filter adapter. What I did not know is that the oil filter housing was incorrect for my car. I had a big body housing. The one painted blue is the incorrect part.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07218.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07217.jpg
The correct part number if anyone is interested.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07219.jpg

Lot's of small things installed.
New Lokar throttle cable and bracket.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07232.jpg
New Taylor wires.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07232.jpg
Gas pedal,Brake pedal,steering column and wiring started.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07235.jpg
New 19.5 flex fan and belts. Not real exciting but getting closer to hitting the key.

http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07234.jpg

[68400BIRD]

Next up was the parking brake assembly.
It seems they forgot to paint part of it from the factory.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07222.jpg
New pedals,handle,and bushings.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07224.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07225.jpg
Installed one of the power steering lines. Someone noted that I might have it on wrong. I will try and find a picture but I think it can only go on one way.
Also bolted on my CPP master cyliner/power booster combo.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07233.jpg

[68400BIRD]

I had some parts powder coated. I tried to stay with satin black on everything but had to use some high gloss silver after seeing some other parts coated.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07245.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07248.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07249.jpg

[68400BIRD]

Some other parts and small brackets.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07246.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07247.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07250.jpg

[68400BIRD]

Finally picked out some guages. I'm pretty happy with the quality so far. I wanted more of a stock look.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07259.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07262.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07261.jpg
Sending unit for the transmission.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07260.jpg
I still need to paint the bezel but at least you can see how they fit in the stock position.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07263.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07264.jpg

[68400BIRD]

I had some free time to work in the trunk area. I did not want to wire up the back half of the car until I had the trunk in spatter paint.
Before
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07266.jpg
After
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07267.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07268.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07269.jpg
I did have some problems with the clear top coat paint. I could not keep the entire trunk from getting overspray. I would spray one side down and then when I would paint either the back or the other side all of the overspray would just swirl inside the trunk leaving a haze over what I had just painted. I ended up using some oil based poly clear and gave it all one coat with a brush. It was a satin clear but it has a little more shine than what came out of the can.

[Lenie]

Some other parts and small brackets.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07246.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07247.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07250.jpg
What pieces are in the bottom pic and where do they go?:question:

[68400BIRD]

What pieces are in the bottom pic and where do they go?:question:

Those are the wire channel guards. They go under the carpet and door sill plates. I can take a picture of one side in the car if you would like.

[69MyWay]

Lenie

Those pieces in the bottom pic go over the rockers on the inside of the car. They fit together to cover over the tract that the wire harness runs in - the carpet goes over them when all said and done.

MAN...this car is looking sweet!

[69MyWay]

by the way - just wait until you put that front bumper together!

I have some nice pictures if you need them of the back side.

Then...get your buddies over to align it.

I got ours on - but I'm waiting on some fellows to come help hold it in place to get proper adjustment.

[68400BIRD]

Lenie

Those pieces in the bottom pic go over the rockers on the inside of the car. They fit together to cover over the tract that the wire harness runs in - the carpet goes over them when all said and done.

MAN...this car is looking sweet!

Thanks for the compliments, they mean a lot.:yes:

[Lenie]

Those are the wire channel guards. They go under the carpet and door sill plates. I can take a picture of one side in the car if you would like.

Would love to see a pic once you have them installed when you get the time, Thanx

Chris, thanks for the response also. How's the bird doing?

[Lenie]

Those are the wire channel guards. They go under the carpet and door sill plates. I can take a picture of one side in the car if you would like.

By the way, car is looking great! I'll probably have lots of re-assembly questions for you;)

[68400BIRD]

[QUOTE=Lenie;358163]Would love to see a pic once you have them installed when you get the time, Thanx

Here you go!
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07272.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07270.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07271.jpg

[70rs]

Looking great! :thumbsup:

[Lenie]

Thanks for the pics, it appears I just happen to have a set of those lying around.:lol:

[Chicken Louie]

Looking sweet, nice progress. How long did it take to get those guages?

[68400BIRD]

Looking sweet, nice progress. How long did it take to get those guages?

I found them in stock down in Trenton, Ohio. The place is called South Motor Sports. I just talked with Mark at New Vintage and he commented that new sets are going out now.

Thanks for the compliments, progress has been slow but I'm getting the itch to work on it again. Time,money and family always come first. LOL

[68400BIRD]

I painted the bezel in a satin black a few days ago. I also had some time to get some more wiring done on the guages. It's almost complete. I just need to hook up the 12+ ignition,12+ lights and a common ground. But, I need to look into where the power comes from for the speedo and console light. I did not have enough time to look into the other AAW wire packets. I had to have a sneek peek at how they were going to look.:D
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07278-1.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07277-1.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07276-1.jpg

[68400BIRD]

American Auto Wire was nice enough to mail me some wire connectors so I could wire my guage plug ends directly into their bulk head.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07274-1.jpg
Wiring almost complete.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07273-1.jpg
These are most of the tools that I needed to complete the job.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07275-1.jpg

[70rs]

Very nice! No more hacked up wire harness. I have a dream that one day I will be in that club too. Haha!

[68400BIRD]

Very nice! No more hacked up wire harness. I have a dream that one day I will be in that club too. Haha!

Thanks Eric, I think this will be my first unhacked wiring harness also. I now have three old wiring harnesses for a 68 that I was going to try and patch together. I will more than likely list them on ebay now.:_paranoid

[70rs]

I have also decided on the AAW Classic update kit. It has everything I need and more. And the price is not bad either. I would love to use the ISIS products, but it seems overkill for my goals with this car.
Were you happy with your complete kit? Any fitment or quality issues?
So far I have only heard good thing about it myself.

[68400BIRD]

I'm not very far into the wiring yet but it seems like a pretty good kit. The only thing that I'm not crazy about is using splice connectors to hook up all of the tail light sockets. I might put on terminal ends and then stagger them so I can hide them in the wiring harness cover. I'm not that far yet so I'm sure I will be asking some questions real soon. The only fit issue I have had so far is the emergency brake switch hits the fuse block. I need to oblong out the holes in the firewall a little to slide it over. Or I might just tweak the bracket a little. Overall it seems to be a very complete kit.

[70rs]

Thanks for the input. Let me know if you run into anything please.

Have you thought about soldering & heat shrink over the connections? It would give you a longer lasting/better connection and also hide easier than bulky connectors.
Just a thought. Soldering all those can't be any fun at all. Lol

[68400BIRD]

I would prefer to not have to solder every connection. I'm not a huge fan of soldering either. Every wire in the AAW kit is crimped along with most newer cars now days. Now I'm not trying to start a debate over which is better. Because I'm not sure which is better.:question:
I think they both have their place and location where they both are needed. With that being said I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet. I think a friend of mine has some soderless connections that have shrink tubing built into them. That might also be an option.

[70rs]

I only meant that solder joints would hide easier in the wrap. If they crimp everything anyway, I am sure that method is fine.

[68400BIRD]

I only meant that solder joints would hide easier in the wrap. If they crimp everything anyway, I am sure that method is fine.


You haven't seen my solder joints then:rofl:

Maybe I will give it a try again. I might need to buy a new solderding gun. (smaller) The huge Craftsman one that I have will give your bicep a workout after a few connections.:lol:

[waynieZ]

I haven't checked in in awhile Wow! its looking great. Nice work, the trunk and dash came out geat. Gauges and wiring are nice!

[70rs]

Yeah, I get it. Mine look like crappy welded lumps. Haha! With a bit of practice I should do ok.
Another option is the weather pack connections. More$$ but water proof and easy to remove if ever needed to. Tough to hide those though. Pretty bulky.

[tones2SS]

Great updates. Nice looking gauges. Keep up the great work.

[68400BIRD]

Great updates. Nice looking gauges. Keep up the great work.

Thanks.

Just finished detailing my rear tail light lenses.
Some before and after pictures.
Here is what I started with.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07279.jpg
Buffed out the lenses.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07280.jpg
Housings before powdercoating.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07281.jpg
After powdercoating.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07282.jpg
Lenses all cleaned up and painted black again.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07283.jpg
Lenses inside housings.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07284.jpg

[69MyWay]

Wow - those lamps look excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[69MyWay]

By the way....

One those brake lights, make sure the inside lip of the light socket hole is clean and free from paint as well as the back side (at least one) of where the mounting bolts/nuts go to the rear body panel.

The light socket doesn't have its own ground - it has to ground through the lamp housing.

Just got our lamps all in over this last week and found that out...the hard way.


:woot:

[waynieZ]

Those look great, you did an excelent job.

[68400BIRD]

By the way....

One those brake lights, make sure the inside lip of the light socket hole is clean and free from paint as well as the back side (at least one) of where the mounting bolts/nuts go to the rear body panel.

The light socket doesn't have its own ground - it has to ground through the lamp housing.

Just got our lamps all in over this last week and found that out...the hard way.


:woot:


Thanks for the advice. I'm already in the process of adding grounds to all of the tail light sockets. I'm not a fan of how they ground in the first place. Then add in that every square inch of my trunk now has several coats of spatter paint along with clear and my tail light housings are powder coated, will make for a bad ground for sure.:lol: The tail light sockets have a small hole that I can fit a wire down and solder to the grounding clip.

[68400BIRD]

Those look great, you did an excelent job.

Thanks Wayne!!!!

[70rs]

Killer job on those lights! Want to restore mine? :D

[68400BIRD]

Killer job on those lights! Want to restore mine? :D

Send them over I have more time than money:lol:

[geberhard]

Excellent job! What did you use to buff the lenses?

[68400BIRD]

Excellent job! What did you use to buff the lenses?

Thanks, I used 3M fiberglass polishing compound. It worked out great.

Not real picture worthy but, I installed my stainless steel transmission cooling lines and vacuum line. Finished up the wiring on my rear lights and installed my parking brake assembly.

[68400BIRD]

Like mentioned above I installed the parking brake assembly and the front parking brake cable. This should have been an easy project but it wasn't. The front bolt that holds the assembly to the dash was broken off in the lower dash. I tried to drill and remove it bit it would not move. I ended up going one size bigger and drilled and tapped for the next size up bolt. Which of course then needed the bracket hole drilled out to match it. After installing it the parking brake light switch was making contact with my new AAW fuse box. I had to grind away a plastic block on the side that seemed to serve no purpose but to be in the way.:lol: With all of that done I could now install the assembly.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07288.jpg


Transmission lines and vacuum line.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07289.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07296.jpg
New fuel pump and lines.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07295.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07296.jpg
Sanded down my rear inner wheel wells and rolled on three coats of a Eastwood bedliner/undercoating product.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07286.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07285.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07291.jpg
I replaced my 12 bolt axles a while ago after noticing that the bearing surface contact area was in pretty bad shape. I finally had time to install the new bearings and seals.
Old bearing and bearing puller.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07300.jpg
I used the old bearing to help install the new bearings.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07298.jpg
New bearing
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07297.jpg
New seal
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07299.jpg]
Guages are installed for what I hope will be the last time.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07287.jpg

[70rs]

Nice work, the gauges look great.
What is your goal for being back on the road?

[68400BIRD]

Nice work, the gauges look great.
What is your goal for being back on the road?

That's a tough question. It's going to be a couple of years before I can afford to paint it. But, I would like to be able to drive it next spring in primer.

[70rs]

That's a tough question. It's going to be a couple of years before I can afford to paint it. But, I would like to be able to drive it next spring in primer.

I can understand that. My goal is to drive to get a few tickets......i mean drive it to a few local events next summer. Primer is paint right? :D

Mine won't see paint next year either. And that's fine, I just want to drive it.

[geberhard]

Prime is not a crime :) Honestly, I have a few projects going and there is no way I can compromise waiting two years to get it on the road. Yep definitely ha dto make some compromises (i.e. get engine in before cleaning up the engine bay, etc), but was the only way to keep my sanity every time I stared at the bird teasing me sitting in the garage.

I am seeing some projects that are coming out amazing (like yours), and can relate and feel your pain, but stick to it and you will be happy. I ended up getting to the point of buying another POS driver bird to drive around and enjoy to help take that edge off :)

[68400BIRD]

I really want to get mine on the road to. I just want to drive something. LOL I had a car done a few years ago and lost it in a fire. Never had a chance to drive it. Here is a link to what happened to it.
http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=151808&highlight=lost+my+car

And here was my build thread.
http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125347&highlight=skipper

[geberhard]

Rob, darn SOOOOO sorry to see that argh! I had that happening with two froiends (full houses burined down along with their toys :(

really bummed to see that, but glad you recovered and dug into this project (even better that it is a Bid instead of a Z ;)

Keep it coming!

Gui

[68400BIRD]

Do you have a link to a build thread? I would like to see what you are building.

[geberhard]

I started a thread so need to dig it. You have to bare with me as I have project ADD :D

My current projects are:

67 400:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/geberhard/United%20Family%20day%202010/IMG_2911.jpg

68 vert:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/geberhard/Firebird%20vert/wheelmockup.jpg

68 coupe:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/geberhard/1968%20Firebird/IMG_0346.jpg

Jeep Wrangler of sorts

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/geberhard/IMGP0556.jpg

among other projects... I need help, probably clinical :)

[68400BIRD]

I started a thread so need to dig it. You have to bare with me as I have project ADD :D

My current projects are:

67 400:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/geberhard/United%20Family%20day%202010/IMG_2911.jpg

68 vert:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/geberhard/Firebird%20vert/wheelmockup.jpg

68 coupe:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/geberhard/1968%20Firebird/IMG_0346.jpg

Jeep Wrangler of sorts

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v256/geberhard/IMGP0556.jpg

among other projects... I need help, probably clinical :)

That's a lot of projects. I do think you need help but the help would be to help you on the cars and not to stop you from buying more.:thumbsup:

[geberhard]

Rob, yep I hear ya, but tell that to my wife...supposedly these were all supposed to be 'her"car...hmmm yeah... But she is cool, puts up with me and even wrenches, so a total keeper :lol:

[geberhard]

Rob,

Back on the taillights, I am having a hard time finding the 3m compound any more info on what you used or a pic\product name? #M make s abunch of stuff just want to make sure I get the correct one :0 Did you do it by hand or a dril\buffer?

Thanks!

Gui

[69MyWay]

Rob,

Back on the taillights, I am having a hard time finding the 3m compound any more info on what you used or a pic\product name? #M make s abunch of stuff just want to make sure I get the correct one :0 Did you do it by hand or a dril\buffer?

Thanks!

Gui

You might pick up a headlight polishing kit from you local auto parts store to try as well.

Our 68 lamps were broken so there was no hope. You know the good news is new ones aren't that expensive if you aren't able to save yours.

[68400BIRD]

Not much progress lately. Fall is a very busy time for me. Between yardwork, winterizing boats, firewood, and building my kids a fort I have only worked on the car a few hours over the last two months.
I spent a fair amount of time fixing my old rear seat frames. I had to weld in a lot of new supports.
Here's a nice rusty picture before clean up.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07312.jpg
Another one. I had to rebuild a good portion of this side.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07313.jpg
Here's a portion of what I cut out and had to weld back in.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07314.jpg
Painted and ready for new seat covers.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07317.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07316.jpg
New seats installed in the car.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07326.jpg
And just a few random shots that I took when the car was pushed out of the garage.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07329.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07327.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07328.jpg

[68400BIRD]

I started working on the front end brackets. I don't think there was one bracket that did not need some kind of tweaking or welding to make them fit correctly. I started with the head light buckets and brackets. I had one headlight that was mounted funny. I found out that all four headlight buckets are different. I was not sure which one I needed. But, after sandblasting them I noticed that they were all labeled with L1,L2,R1,R2. I had to come up with one to have a complete correct set. After that was achieved I moved onto the headlight bucket brackets. These were very bent up and needed about four hours to get them complately straight.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07343.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07342.jpg
Fixed, now just need to media blast them.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07346.jpg
I guess the PO did not like how the front end lined up and needed more adjustment. All three of these holes were made with a torch.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07350.jpg
I started with cutting out little pieces of metal and welding them in from both sides.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07349.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07351.jpg
All welded in and ground down flat.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07352.jpg

[waynieZ]

Nice patch job its looking great.

[E.rodz]

Rob looks like you are still making more progress in the forward direction.:thumbsup: keep it up and it will be on the road in no time.

[MaxHarvard]

Needs minitubs!! :D

[68400BIRD]

Needs minitubs!! :D

I wish I had done them while I was half way already in there. I would hate to undo everything that I already did. But I might at a later date.

[68400BIRD]

I guess I'm a little behind on any updates. I have not had a lot of time to work on the car over the last year so projects have been small and pretty rare.
I dropped all of the front end brackets to get powder coated that were on the last page at a good friends house.
Here they are not back at home.
Front bumper brackets.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07366.jpg
Rear bumper brackets.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07367.jpg
Seat tracks.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07359.jpg
Wiper arm assembly.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07369.jpg
Headlight assemblies.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07368.jpg

[68400BIRD]

One picture of most of the parts.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07357.jpg
Rear interior arm rests.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07361.jpg
Drain plugs.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07363.jpg
Installed with black silicone.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07364.jpg
Wiper arm assembly installed.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07376.jpg

[68400BIRD]

The next project took a lot of time but no money. I like those kinds of projects. I had a two speed power glide shifter that I wanted to convert into a three speed ratcheting shifter.:wow:
I took the original shifter and a early 70's shifter and combined the two together to make what I wanted. It seems that the mainbase of the shifters is the same from 68 to 81. The main difference is that the mounting brackets to the floor change from car to car and the 68 has the neutral safety switch on the shifter and not on the column.
I started with drilling out all of the brackets on the lower portion of my 68 shifter. I would need these welded onto my 71? shifter.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07375.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07370.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07371.jpg
These are the 71 brackets that I removed.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07374.jpg
Welding shifter back together.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07372.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07378.jpg
Neutral safety switch bracket.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07379.jpg
I now have a ratcheting three speed shifter that will bolt into the stock console. I can also use a push button knob or the T-handle.

[68400BIRD]

Next on the list was to convert the center caps on my American Racing V500 rims to accept the stock PMD cap.
Here is the stock cap.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07402-Copy.jpg
The backside of the PMD cap. I need to add longer studs.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07412.jpg
Centering spacer that fits into the hub of the rim in two spots.This helps keep the cap centered on the face of the rim.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07413.jpg
I don't have any pictures but I had to flatten out the dust shield caps to make a little clearancing room.
Spacer on PMD cap.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07414.jpg
Final product. Please excuse the smudged up rims.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07411.jpg

[68400BIRD]

I had talked with Tobin at Kore3 several times about solving some of my brake issues. It seems that the master cylinder that I had was not a good fit for the front brakes that I wanted to upgrade to.
I have a 12" kit in the back and I wanted to upgrade the fronts to at least that size if not one size larger.
I have to say up front that Tobin knows his brakes and was very patient with all of my noobie questions.
We settled on a Wilwood master and adjustable prop valve along with a C6 brake kit.
I almost forgot about the hubs that also needed to be machined for the kit. Tobin had all of the measurements and drawings on line to help with the project.
It seems that I gave my drum brake hubs away a few years ago so I had to find some again. It ended up with me receiving two sets of hubs. I had that all machined down so I would have a extra set for who knows what.:rolleyes:
Four crusty hubs.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07393.jpg
The rotor face turned down.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07392.jpg
Bearings and seals removed, and a sand blasting to clean them up.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07395.jpg
New seals,races,bearings, and studs. They needed to be a little longer than the stock ones. Also put on a fresh coat of paint.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07398.jpg
Drivers side all mounted up.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07399.jpg

[68400BIRD]

Kore3 mounting brackets for the C6 upgrade.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07406.jpg
Kore3 calipers.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07407.jpg
Wilwood master and prop valve.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07404.jpg
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07405.jpg
Rotors purchased from Jegs. Compared to the 69 front disc brakes that I had installed at a earlier point.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07403.jpg
Fill out the rim very nice.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC07411.jpg

[MaxHarvard]

Looks good!:thumbsup:

[68400BIRD]

Thanks Eric. I really need to get over to your place before Car Craft. I would love to see your car in person.:hail:

[67rstbkt]

looking great! Glad to see this one back on track. I've been in the same mode on mine, just trying to get a lot of the smaller pieces together.

[68400BIRD]

Getting closer.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC00019_zps613d4330.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00019_zps613d4330.jpg.html)

[68400BIRD]

Got the hood on today.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC00021_zpsdd17dc02.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00021_zpsdd17dc02.jpg.html)

[Tuske427]

Nice progress! Those rims look great

[rickpaw]

The car looks great Rob.

[68400BIRD]

Nice progress! Those rims look great
Thanks Brendon, I was trying to nail a some what factory look but in 17" rims. I bought these before Year One came out with the new Rally rims. I still might like mine more.:lol:

The car looks great Rob.
Thanks Tu, Your car is coming along great. Must be nice to have a more modern motor in there.

[rickpaw]

Thanks Tu, Your car is coming along great. Must be nice to have a more modern motor in there.

Thanks for the comment on the LS motor. I was at a car show last weekend, and a guy with a custom 68 Firebird stopped by. He saw my engine compartment and said " you ruined the car", then proceeded to point out all the "wrong" things on the car, then walked away in disgust. :lostmarbles:

[68400BIRD]

Thanks for the comment on the LS motor. I was at a car show last weekend, and a guy with a custom 68 Firebird stopped by. He saw my engine compartment and said " you ruined the car", then proceeded to point out all the "wrong" things on the car, then walked away in disgust. :lostmarbles:

So, he had a (custom) 68 Firebird and he made comments on your custom car.:lol: I grew up a Chevy guy, now I'm a GM guy and what ever else looks cool. Pontiac purists are everywhere and are very critical if you are not 100% stock. I feel that you should build your car the way you want to.

[rickpaw]

Yup. I did not want to get into a pissing match (LS vs Pontiac debate).

Looking forward to your next update.

[E.rodz]

Rob looking Good! looks like this is going to be a great summer coming up about july when it warms up. lol. remember this when anyone gives you any crap about any of your decisions it is not theres and it is up to you to build it the way you want it! so just do what makes you happy everyone has there own opinion of cool and that is what makes hot rodding cool if everyone liked the same thing life would be boring! keep up the great work.

[im4u2nvss]

I feel that you should build your car the way you want to.

I feel the exact same way.

[MX145]

Coming together nicely!

[69sms]

The PMD caps on the American Wheels are a really nice touch.
Car is turning out really nice. I had a 68 with a ram air III. It had abunch of power. Ponchos are good motors.

[WSSix]

Good job! Excellent color choice.

[waynieZ]

Rob the car looks great. The brake work is a nice upgrade, and the wheels fit the car perfect. Nice work.

[68400BIRD]

Rob looking Good! looks like this is going to be a great summer coming up about july when it warms up. lol. remember this when anyone gives you any crap about any of your decisions it is not theres and it is up to you to build it the way you want it! so just do what makes you happy everyone has there own opinion of cool and that is what makes hot rodding cool if everyone liked the same thing life would be boring! keep up the great work.

Eric, thanks for the compliments. I have to make it out to your shop before Car Craft. Your time rendering videos are great.

Coming together nicely!
Thanks:)

The PMD caps on the American Wheels are a really nice touch.
Car is turning out really nice. I had a 68 with a ram air III. It had abunch of power. Ponchos are good motors.

Thanks, the center caps were a little work but worth it in the end. Now I see you can get 17" tires with Red Lines. I might have to think about that after these tires are toast.

I had a 1970 Lemans with a 350-2barrel and that car moved out pretty good. I have not been able to open this car up yet. I hope it has a little get up and go.

Good job! Excellent color choice.

Thanks, I was trying to find a retro color with a little more schnaz to it.

Rob the car looks great. The brake work is a nice upgrade, and the wheels fit the car perfect. Nice work.


Thanks Wayne. It has been a fun build. Can't wait to drive it this coming summer.

[68400BIRD]

Car is out of paint jail.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC00036_zpsd30c78d6.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00036_zpsd30c78d6.jpg.html)
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC00038_zps238fd3c4.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00038_zps238fd3c4.jpg.html)
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC00041_zps83b09668.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00041_zps83b09668.jpg.html)

[WSSix]

Looks great! Congrats on getting it out of jail.

[68400BIRD]

Not much done lately. To cold and had massive rotator cuff surgery.
http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm461/che77vy/DSC00040_zps65620cc4.jpg (http://s319.photobucket.com/user/che77vy/media/DSC00040_zps65620cc4.jpg.html)

I have been collecting parts.
New rear view mirror
New emblems for the front fenders
New sun visors
Morris driver and passenger mirrors

Getting closer to having a complete car.

[Justin@EntropyRad]

Nice color..really flows on the car!

[rickpaw]

Looking good Rob.

Let me know how the Morris mirrors work out. I've been eyeing a set of those for my 67.

[Chicken Louie]

Awesome work so far!! Can't wait to see this one finished!

[68400BIRD]

Looking good Rob.

Let me know how the Morris mirrors work out. I've been eyeing a set of those for my 67.

Tu, the car is not on the road because of weather. But I did install and lock down the drivers side. Holds in place real tight. I did have a hard time getting the mirror on the car. I ended up using the old mounting bracket and got it to fit on.

[68400BIRD]

Tu, The mirrors hold rock solid on the car. They do not vibrate or move when the door is closed.
The supplied brackets did not work very well. I used my old brackets as they had a little taller lip on the opposite side of where you bolt them on. They are small mirrors but are the correct size for our cars. I'm so use to the oversize mirrors on my DD's.