1967 Firebird Convertible - Project "LEGACY"

[Firebird-Geek]

First off: title/name explanation:

I am a 34 year old IT Manager (Computer guy)... hence the "Geek" title... I have always loved cars and dream of building one that I can enjoy with the family and then passing it on to my kids some day.

Project: 1967 Firebird convertible

Back around 2000 I searched high and low to find a Firebird convertible. I respect and like all the Camaro's out there, but thought it would be fun to be just a bit different, and go with something a little less seen. Being that the car was to be build for fun... the wife and I decided a convertible would be best. I ended up placing an ad on a website looking for a "rust free"as possible car... not caring what drivetrain it had, for I wanted to choose that for myself. Ended up finding a car on the Idaho/Nevada border. (figuring it was at least not in the rust belt where I live... South Dakota) story on this... to follow!
The trip to get the car was a story of it's own...trailering it home through a blizzard.

Flash forward 11 years and I am just now starting my project. Thanks to the bank (loan) I now have a place to build it... and thanks to my family... I have been able to squeeze some time in lately to get it started.

Between me being a bit of a perfectionist... and having a family (2 teenage stepdaughters and a 6-year-old son with high functioning autism)... I expect work on the car to be a bit slow.. but hopefully steady!

I have not gone to school for this, nor have I ever done a complete car before. I will be doing most of the work myself, due to budget and the satisfaction of doing it myself. I was raised on a farm and can thank my dad for teaching me to weld/fabricate... I hope to share the little I can and get advice and tips from all of you that have already been down this road... there are some AWESOME cars on this site that I have been drooling over for months!

Here we go:

Ideas: (as of now.. I seem to change my mind after seeing some of the awesome stuff some of you guys are doing)
Engine: LQ9 408 Stroker. (was going to do a LS3... but wanted something different)
Trans: 4l80e (I know "NOT AN AUTOMATIC" but I have a wife and step-daughters that will want to drive it. Plus, they are damn near indestructible)
Suspension (front): Speedtech full subframe (Bang for the buck... can't beat it... Plus, these guys are AWESOME to deal with! THANKS Roger)
Suspension (rear): Speedtech torque arm (compared all the competitors... easy decision... GREAT PRODUCT!)
A/C: Restomod A/C - Haymaker System (There stuff is AWESOME... quality - look - design)
PLUS.. then some GEEK stuff... on-board computer... etc...
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Sfh1FNKbwhg/ThcbkypPneI/AAAAAAAAAGE/ozEQ6dpAxfY/s640/8-31-05%252520021.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CXLt1hh9OvE/ThcfKpzNg1I/AAAAAAAAAHo/NmZykisOqyY/s640/8-31-05%252520022.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gc_16pkqHE0/ThcdfLS3xOI/AAAAAAAAAHU/0tcM-t6yTY0/s640/8-31-05%252520024.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cVRhooVV0Hg/Thcb9CDvLMI/AAAAAAAAAGM/FFhK7VtyCY0/s640/8-31-05%252520014.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0fdwvk3xy-Y/ThcZMW1iZTI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/zmH6_l_PYNo/s640/Engine%252520Bay%2525202011.jpg

[Firebird-Geek]

The previous owners added some "NICE" touches...:goofy:

they removed the fan shroud so I am guessing it didn't cool enough... SOLUTION: add a custom electric fan! (notice the wiring... it actually looped back directly to the battery.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T7vLjeH22pk/ThcZRq6cHAI/AAAAAAAAAFU/_leyGkHhqRk/s640/IMG_20110430_123810.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Wlla4v9Bvgw/ThcYT_phIwI/AAAAAAAAAEk/JETTl7qDUTc/s640/Front%252520Fan.jpg]
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BLsf1nx2jQk/ThcZY5pOObI/AAAAAAAAAFY/QPQSwd5rKXw/s640/IMG_20110430_123422.jpg

[Firebird-Geek]

The next "upgrade" the car had in the past was the stereo guy... need to add some speakers... NO PROBLEM... I'll get my torch!
He actually torched the GM doors...
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wIn6wROPgxg/ThcYMgt4udI/AAAAAAAAAEY/SvqKlqawcCg/s640/Torched%252520Doors.jpg
cut and bent in the inner rocker panel braces to fit some speakers (I already bent it back)...
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4aKkNhYaVMw/Thc5KB_EKqI/AAAAAAAAAIM/8BPhr7eplF4/s640/IMG_20110707_204347.jpg
cut (by drilling hundreds of little holes) the back seat panel.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JwiNcOMNDTM/ThcZh2871oI/AAAAAAAAAFc/kjvrJvkwRiI/s640/IMG_20110430_130556.jpg

[214Chevy]

Man, sweet ride. Nothing beats a convertable. After the few fixes from the speaker damage and your finishing touches, she'll be a beauty.

[Ron Fox]

Looks like a fun project. Good to see another Bird. :thumbsup:

Keep the pics rolling.

[Tuske427]

Sweet car! If I were going to have a convertible, this would be the car to have!

Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

[56pickup]

cool project! Have fun! :thumbsup:

[geberhard]

awesome project! I am starting on a 68 vert so stoked to see another one on the block. I gotta get off my but and update my stuff...

[DIGI-TAILS]

gOOd luck!!! Thats an awesome project... :thumbsup:

[Firebird-Geek]

Thought I would share the banks and my "Shop" where we will be bringing this thing back to life...have been working 7 years (just on the building) to get to this stage... (I will need to work until I am about 95 years old to pay this all off it seems)....

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uvpkKhNw4UM/Tl42VvwHn0I/AAAAAAAAAPw/58mfp52GqOQ/s640/The%252520Shop%252520%252528Large%252529.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-25VKSQHrlCU/ThcYWaXu2dI/AAAAAAAAAEo/66yKTVdrmNA/s640/Firebird%252520in%252520Garage.jpg
Yes... there is a HUGE mess on my benches...
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vKkdQXGLUS4/Tl5IZ0nyuLI/AAAAAAAAAP4/_9iTukbLgVU/s640/IMG_20101013_202541%252520%252528Large%252529.jpg
I was able to get the lift used from the dealership I work at (came out of another dealership we purchased)... It is AWESOME addition...
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-A7RS8mPS89w/Tl5IaW4--qI/AAAAAAAAAP8/KaVgSUl1Ypw/s640/IMG_20101013_202627%252520%252528Large%252529.jpg

[Firebird-Geek]

Here is my helping crew... :)
My son... and stepdaughters...
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bDTOOhxSVxw/ThcYOiOA4mI/AAAAAAAAAEc/PZ6c_JeQ8lg/s400/Ethan%252520Firebird%2525202011.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zYEJUsdHYp4/Tlf2LFes85I/AAAAAAAAAKA/sprdLaOU6jA/s640/Girls.jpg

[Firebird-Geek]

Tear down begins... have been working the last few months on getting it down to the skeleton. Mostly new parts going back on... so most of these will never see the car again!
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1EPvAMXvWYM/Tl1XKyKPRyI/AAAAAAAAAO0/2tJKOnh6-zQ/s640/IMG_20110430_130939%252520%252528Large%252529.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3kxrcAQqZP4/Tl1Wy3AehUI/AAAAAAAAAN0/D-7YcRmY5WI/s640/Front%2525205-15-11%252520%252528Large%252529.jpg
Tired old 350 getting ready to be pulled out...
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vU0AgG51ADQ/Tl1Wwd26ZJI/AAAAAAAAANk/2mVXGCV51pg/s640/IMG_20110515_200521%252520%252528Large%252529.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wIwjVa5sxbA/Tl1WzfdKrtI/AAAAAAAAAN4/ovhrrhRnFlQ/s640/Front%2525206-03-11%252520%252528Large%252529.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x9aTOEuUGcQ/Tl1WwI5GN8I/AAAAAAAAANg/AiaYi6qz-uI/s640/IMG_20110603_134410%252520%252528Large%252529.jpg
This old subframe will not be coming back... decided on a Speedtech complete replacement... Roger and the crew over at Speedtech have been WONDERFUL to work with. They take the time to actually help you decide on what you need and offer tips and advice were they can. Customer service is #1!!!
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l6sIKPsGX-I/Tl1XWD3fVfI/AAAAAAAAAO4/0DDP9stIcw4/s640/Speedtech%252520Subframe%252520%252528Large%252529 .jpg
subframe is in bare steel... so I just rattle canned it silver to see what it would look like until I get it powder coated.

It is amazing to see the welding and fabrication difference between the stock subframe and the Speedtech... WOW.

[69MyWay]

Awesome project!

Having just come out on the otherside of that tunnel with our 68 Bird build....(okay - not quite there yet)...

I can tell you that there is plenty of fun in store.

Let me suggest you look into the Dakota Digital VHX gauge cluster. That has to be the single coolest addition to our 68.

Good luck and keep the updates coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Firebird-Geek]

So off comes the subframe... but I wanted a way to still be able to move the car around without re-attaching it... so I build this caster system that bolts up to the subframe mounts... out of 2" square tubing and some casters I had.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WmKQlhcskmc/Tl1MqiCBKFI/AAAAAAAAAKo/Vu1AtxI9D6U/s640/Front%2525207-07-11.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZyD-8PG9ecI/Tl1Wxwmy8cI/AAAAAAAAANs/urB-po53U3Y/s640/IMG_20110712_144623%252520%252528Large%252529.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MxtG4ipJOL8/Tl1WxNi1q0I/AAAAAAAAANo/d9mzVmbKe1o/s640/IMG_20110712_144613%252520%252528Large%252529.jpg
Works great!!

[70rs]

Looks great! The shop, lift, crew, car and new parts. It's good to see the kids involved.
What are your plans for the drivetrain?

[Firebird-Geek]

Looks great! The shop, lift, crew, car and new parts. It's good to see the kids involved.
What are your plans for the drivetrain?

I work for a GM dealership... so I plan on using a LS3 "Hot cam" crate engine... and we have a great trans guy that builds killer 700R4 transmissions. I know it isn't a manual... but with 2 stepdaughters and a wife that do want to drive the car... it has to be an automatic.:)

[Firebird-Geek]

So I was looking into bracing the car...

Car has SOLID:
-rockers (both inner and outer are very good)
-rear frame rails look to be in very good shape

Jig?:
I know many on this and other sites build a body jig to hold the car to factory specs while building. (I was hoping to avoid this for I don’t need to do some of the structural changes they needed, Plus… time (with a wife and kids) is hard to come by, and the jig would take more of it. That and the fact that with the cost of all the steel, I can buy more parts for the car. (Unfortunately I am under a budget)

2-post lift:
I do happen to have a 2-post lift and would like to utilize it for the replacement…figuring I could get underneath easier to do the welding and adding the convertible braces back on the complete floor.

PLAN: Weld 2” square tubing down the side of the rocker panels… (this way when I pick up the car with the lift it is spreading the pressure along the entire rocker, not just front and back)… then weld 1” tubing across (from the 2” tubing) to locate and lock into place the rear frame rails. Plus, possibly do the same to locate the subframe nuts so as to have a reference when the new panel is in place. (kind of a welded in place jig)

Example photo:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pJW1nrnzXm4/Th9EK3IUpLI/AAAAAAAAAIo/icBLtDRU74A/s640/floor%252520replacement%252520idea%252520%252528La rge%252529.jpg

Here it is:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ngp2iUyChkc/Tl1W4okZIvI/AAAAAAAAAOc/q6EjHKYYFs8/s640/Jig%252520Bracing%252520Front%252520%252528Large%2 52529.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cER2flazuQA/Tl1W6NdcH8I/AAAAAAAAAOs/llS2zvO5RJk/s640/Jigg%252520Cross%252520Braces%252520%252528Large%2 52529.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-navDUKnfKik/Tl1W5N7VJfI/AAAAAAAAAOg/e0yTr3Timd8/s640/Jig%252520Rocker%252520Bracing%252520%252528Large% 252529.JPG

There is a little bump at the rear of the rockers that would not let the 2" tubing sit flat against the rockers and still sit straight on the car... solution was to weld some flat iron spacers on the rockers then mount to the 2" tubing. This way everything is level.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1eTqQL2QWvo/Tl1ZzFhuulI/AAAAAAAAAPo/7HXN_gdUDE8/s640/IMG_20110731_140434%252520%252528Large%252529.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EDj8o5S8r3U/Tl1W5vP8OHI/AAAAAAAAAOk/YMjNK5fKmzk/s640/Jig%252520Rocker%252520Bracing%252520Front%252520% 252528Large%252529.JPG

I used some tubing and a flat washer and centered the subframe bolts into the existing floor location then welded 1" tubing to attach these to the 2" side tubing... this way I should be able to lay the new floor in and if I can thread the bolts... I should be in the exact same location as the old floor.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AR8vekz-cK8/Tl1W9fuHXdI/AAAAAAAAAOw/lXg1mbZBumA/s640/Jigg%252520Subframe%252520Mount%252520%252528Large %252529.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KUHxSB2mD0U/Tl1WyTqvC8I/AAAAAAAAANw/Ds1eWinIfMw/s640/IMG_1568%252520%252528Large%252529.JPG

Next welded 1" tubing to the frame rails to keep them in place during the floor removal and replacement.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DHVanxvfk5o/Tl1W24_1zLI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/tAwmyQXZLrc/s640/IMG_1569%252520%252528Large%252529.JPG

In the rear I bolted on some casters that allow me to still move the car... plus, I added some tubing up to the rear frame rails just to make sure they don't move during the trunk floor removal.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Q-MSni1STDo/Tl1W6hos1hI/AAAAAAAAAOo/qgb-wlwVQiY/s640/Jigg%252520rear%252520wheels%252520%252528Large%25 2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

It has been awhile... figured I would get my thread a bit more up to date...

Well with everything braced up... it was time to start cutting things off...

I originally didn't think I would be cutting that much off the car... but it seems the more I tried to remove rust from here and there, the more panels started to come off.

I knew I wanted to go with a complete floor pan, but figured I would only use a partial trunk pan. But the more I looked at the back seat brace in the car... the more I feared how much rust was sitting underneath that thing... if you look at the photos... it didn't look that bad... but wait until later... there was some seriously hidden "rot"
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nXL3UmDVDTY/TtVWlLAyrXI/AAAAAAAAATY/abGJTn58PPs/s640/DSC02001%252520%252528Large%252529.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FyY7hDlYfLA/TtVWj54MmiI/AAAAAAAAATI/JK9C_qbKW34/s640/DSC01995%252520%252528Large%252529.JPG

Doesn't look like anything bad... but wait until later, and see what was under this section...
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IyGZi9743f4/TtVWkW6nAFI/AAAAAAAAATQ/os1vu39xR5Q/s640/DSC01999%252520%252528Large%252529.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LQvmY4jSBJU/TtVWlU3YodI/AAAAAAAAATg/NsYRBJic0GQ/s640/DSC02000%252520%252528Large%252529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Out comes the plasma cutter... I am sure there may be better ways to get this rear seat brace out... but this is what I did.

I drilled out all the spot weld I could find that held the brace to the floor the the car....

The car had lots of undercoating in the wheelhouses... I heated and scrapped as much as I could out... I know I would not be using the inner housings, for I am going with DSE minitubs. With all the gunk in the wheelhouse, I could hardly find the spot welds... so I figured I would just plasma it out of there...
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VYh53ACCHUE/TtVbXLN35uI/AAAAAAAAAT0/iLTa23LA_7A/s640/DSC02006%252520%252528Large%252529.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zVvD767tZ0g/TtVbZJEmyMI/AAAAAAAAAT8/I6OcCJWk6bc/s640/DSC02007%252520%252528Large%252529.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-17xvYImYQWU/TtVbZ7Gv-ZI/AAAAAAAAAUE/dzer_p-A5UM/s640/DSC02008%252520%252528Large%252529.JPG

Then used a air hammer to remove the leftover wheel house skin.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-guBsnPWZaFE/TtVcUwyqLxI/AAAAAAAAAUU/jv22UaQY2pY/s640/DSC02010%252520%252528Large%252529.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-peqXsButFgI/TtVbfuuSZeI/AAAAAAAAAUM/DKFVMFXc3lw/s640/DSC02012%252520%252528Large%252529.JPG

Well after all that the rear seat brace was still fighting me... so I decided to remove the rear part of the brace, so as to only have to deal with on panel at a time.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-albpWNqN2Hk/TtVa9Lru-2I/AAAAAAAAATs/dXRamhhC_Z4/s640/IMG_1601%252520%252528Large%252529.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-r3jpcNnr9iA/TtVdVvS2IYI/AAAAAAAAAUc/zts5VYQllxg/s640/IMG_1602%252520%252528Large%252529.JPG

Finally it was out...
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RmIN56fJsN8/TtVd9o7R6qI/AAAAAAAAAUk/Qv68Q5PQhss/s640/IMG_1603%252520%252528Large%252529.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ynLWKOBf4nA/TtVd-SAi3FI/AAAAAAAAAUw/Dtwg40jOZOY/s640/IMG_1604%252520%252528Large%252529.JPG

Remember what I said about hidden rot... look what was hiding behind that brace. Looks like it going to be a Full Trunk pan now! (see the list keeps growing!):rolleyes:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TFm7_KZT-Mg/TtVd-7k1rbI/AAAAAAAAAU8/5A6Z82JHWhc/s640/IMG_1606%252520%252528Large%252529.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WvysnH8tw2M/TtVd_Gkh39I/AAAAAAAAAVA/EyWLjGXdR3M/s640/IMG_1607%252520%252528Large%252529.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zjNkNrTcw9I/TtVd_auaqhI/AAAAAAAAAVI/JnsRKh6khG0/s640/IMG_1608%252520%252528Large%252529.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mjyayPf4IcE/TtVd-S0FUaI/AAAAAAAAAUs/CKEy-x5qEyw/s640/IMG_1605%252520%252528Large%252529.JPG

[AtomicFirebird]

Subscribing

[Firebird-Geek]

Look inside... Looks like a full trunk pan was a wise choice.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OsNZETw1To8/TzFlzUxWf_I/AAAAAAAAAYs/EywzoOV4hvM/s640/IMG_1697%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Had to get a little crazy with the plasma cutter to get in here...
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PwwnAqVJh5w/TzFlzU8GhEI/AAAAAAAAAYo/rCRI9-E2Yv4/s640/IMG_1702%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[geberhard]

You are a BRAVE MAN!!!

[Firebird-Geek]

As you can see the trunk floor was in need of replacement anyway. Original plan was to just to a partial trunk floor, but after all the rot uncovered under the seat brace... it was decided to do a FULL trunk pan.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tBGfmZc8nBc/TzFkKNFwqBI/AAAAAAAAAWM/5Y_3AECBfRw/s640/IMG_1625%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

And a few minutes with the plasma... look at all my trunk room now!:P
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6cnw0sfpoVE/TzFkUvbIDpI/AAAAAAAAAWc/JiGoyByGzIs/s640/Trunk%2520Removed%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Next was the Tail panel... after finding these beautiful repairs under the bumper... I knew a new tail panel would be easier than to undo all the wonderful bodywork.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mQY64MIOQt0/TzFlfeoft3I/AAAAAAAAAYU/QXK5tLFbUt8/s640/IMG_1584%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-t8MdcK7erqs/TzFlfLivYwI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/FvENf9cpk8U/s640/IMG_1585%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Off it comes... I must say, knowing I wasn't going to use any of the metal under the tail panel made it WAY easier to remove than if I had to hunt down all the spot welds and surgically remove it. It was a bunch of air-hammer time!:D
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4FIr0XyJ4M4/TzFln9A57RI/AAAAAAAAAYg/rpGxBsmcvxA/s640/IMG_1641%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wjWyax8UB2g/Tz7McUB2mTI/AAAAAAAAAcg/vq-Fwa9klmk/s640/Rear%25208-28-11%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uhioxUioYOQ/Tz7MgECOzDI/AAAAAAAAAco/QWg0Xs4_ms4/s640/Tail%2520panel%2520removed%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Moving on to the quarter panels... This car is one of those examples of what you can hide with paint and bondo. I started by sanding down the paint in a few test areas to see what I was dealing with.... looks like a classic quick fix. :rolleyes:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LQ26YBp5h28/TzFuqd--NuI/AAAAAAAAAZA/eScj60jd8_Y/s640/IMG_1587%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HSnJDrQR8PM/TzFuqgkfiJI/AAAAAAAAAZI/1r2ynunxmf0/s640/IMG_1589%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

So I started to sand down to the metal, so the plasma cutter could ground enough to cut... DAMN this guy must have used a gallon of bondo per quarter.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ktkdj-Mo9y4/TzFutem417I/AAAAAAAAAZQ/-ztvlDVAPx0/s640/IMG_1615%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-t1Q9lztYKP0/TzFutba68BI/AAAAAAAAAZg/AP7xZ16RIAI/s640/IMG_1616%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

This is a 67 Firebird... but someone sure wanted to make it a 68... look at the beautiful job they did making the Pontiac emblem cutouts in the quarters. :goofy:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9gUBnOJv3jE/TzFutcxEzKI/AAAAAAAAAZU/TY8zPVHD9Ws/s640/IMG_1617%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Finally got them ready for the Plasma... I will be removing the entire quarter, but just started with the center first.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Uf05R7giJB8/TzFu6JQbseI/AAAAAAAAAZo/QeRDaEqXTcI/s640/IMG_1662%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mJQQ_Ptz7XY/TzFu6tAXyCI/AAAAAAAAAZw/DM4nCiKo90w/s640/IMG_1663%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7GQhITGy_tE/TzFu7EtDa2I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/whnZ4rY_WUs/s640/IMG_1611%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a0SAETmaXMs/TzFu7ii7WzI/AAAAAAAAAaA/NeKpxDZp_v8/s640/IMG_1612%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Look at the hidden treasures I found under the quarter panels,in the wheelhouse area. Looks like "more is better" was the approach to the bondo situation.:omg:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AKflQT6HrUM/TzFvMH9V3UI/AAAAAAAAAaI/FWxF6sZBkys/s640/IMG_1670%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BbkGH0ft3nw/TzFvMgJvOXI/AAAAAAAAAaU/TUhK_gF-Qts/s640/IMG_1671%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Looks like on the passenger side he couldn't get the bondo to even build up enough... had to use some mesh in there to hold it together! :rolleyes:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LTMayqnSfpM/TzFvMqEnkZI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/EKAyz-h70JY/s640/IMG_1674%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dP3kZ9MxaMI/TzFvNP_hEOI/AAAAAAAAAag/Oc36d3oC40c/s640/IMG_1677%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Amatouring]

It is great to see you bringing the car back to life the right way. It looks like the previous body guy was a bit of a sculptor.

[Firebird-Geek]

After some real "quality time" with the air hammer... the rest of the trunk is out... down to the frame rails. Good news is the frame rails look really good... not even any rust pitting (just some surface rust). There seemed to be enough "gunk" on them from undercoating the car at some point in its life.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4Amy8DZV9xk/Tz7LbyJqZEI/AAAAAAAAAbU/CiC-Ul63A-Q/s640/IMG_1748%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WPH_Q3uBLm4/Tz7LKqoz4KI/AAAAAAAAAa8/lc9QwUxzwLw/s640/IMG_1710%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

I left the front part of the door jam, and upper part in place (temporarily) to... 1: give the car some strength in the rear due to how much structure I removed.
2: give a reference for hanging the doors... should still be able to line the doors up with whats left of the door jam.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AHjtDzsfbD8/Tz7LP5limbI/AAAAAAAAAbM/TPulm0QCfVg/s640/IMG_1745%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QrwT9GYFEc8/Tz7LNTgAwmI/AAAAAAAAAbE/Xo8VgpFl538/s640/IMG_1744%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

I also left the outer wheel housing in place for structural reasons and to be able to help locate the inner wheel housing. (With this much metal removed... need SOME reference points) :) After the trunk, main floor and inner wheel housings are in, I will then cut these out and replace them.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eSBqmiFSmhk/Tz7Lh1wcvMI/AAAAAAAAAbg/BJjAhYP1Qng/s640/IMG_1749%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[geberhard]

all that custom bondo work for nothing :( Major progress keep her coming just got my 68 vert back from paint, feel like a little kid :)

Gui

[Firebird-Geek]

I must say... i HATE sandblasting. After about 2 days, and about 1,000lbs of sand... I finally have a clean slate to start with. That stuff gets EVERYWHERE... took over 2 hours to blow the sand out of all the nooks and crannies.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kdgSpXshbi0/Tz7LulTBCmI/AAAAAAAAAbw/KyUcS59m5sQ/s640/IMG_1758%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-C6U7Qe6KjuU/Tz7L1RYGR9I/AAAAAAAAAb4/M0-_Fz6C97I/s640/IMG_1764%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7xYpxoa23Hw/Tz7L3k7h2EI/AAAAAAAAAcA/52n3_DcNj9Q/s640/IMG_1765%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--N5Db3xSBe8/Tz7L8kd4l7I/AAAAAAAAAcI/i4Dz8PepxfI/s640/IMG_1767%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cJ8J_HM9YiE/Tz7MBaNiwAI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/k1GNaT9zCP8/s640/IMG_1769%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

The outer wheel housings, inner valance panel and main floor are still rusty, because they are only there to hold things together a bit longer. Once more more structure is added... OFF they come!

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yw5Y5aBcOFY/Tz7MOpcN0FI/AAAAAAAAAcY/DHZYawHYfc0/s640/IMG_1763%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[captainofiron]

I must say... i HATE sandblasting. After about 2 days, and about 1,000lbs of sand... I finally have a clean slate to start with. That stuff gets EVERYWHERE... took over 2 hours to blow the sand out of all the nooks and crannies.


Too Much Info...

haha just joking

looks great man. Wish my bird was that clean. When I finally start on the body, finding the sheet metal amongst the rust and bondo is gonna be like a needle in the haystack

[Firebird-Geek]

Sealed everything off with a few good coats of epoxy primer. Not dealing with this rust AGAIN!! Considering that GM didn't bother to coat any of the underlying metal, should be MUCH better than the factory job!

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oivRutmk5pk/T6L7z10KQ-I/AAAAAAAAAdg/C3GhRY7rDHM/s640/IMG_1782%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TKAWUaEI_Y0/T6L703ia6VI/AAAAAAAAAdg/B-L85fNUqtw/s640/IMG_1789%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Like I said before, outer wheel housing, rear inner valance and complete floor are coming out, as I get more metal put into place.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eqS0dR6pA_k/T6L709D7U3I/AAAAAAAAAdg/lgHKysb0Qk0/s640/IMG_1787%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Pb8FAOE8cUo/T6L71SYhp9I/AAAAAAAAAdg/_YpD8O16CsQ/s640/IMG_1796%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Too Much Info...

haha just joking

looks great man. Wish my bird was that clean. When I finally start on the body, finding the sheet metal amongst the rust and bondo is gonna be like a needle in the haystack


Well... I didn't specify where all those nook and crannies were...:eek: Each night I would pick sand out of my eyes for hours. I went through about 10 screens for the sandblasting hood.

[geberhard]

Danng!!! I like to see that level of commitment! Keep it coming!

[Firebird-Geek]

Well, it is finally time to add some parts back on. Before I go ahead and cut the main floor out, I decided to put the trunk floor in place and weld it in. This way I put some rigidity back into the car before cutting out the main floor. Otherwise with both out I run the risk of things moving around (never a good thing!! :_paranoid )

Got my new AMD full trunk floor...
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CjpD6S8F-uk/T6PoO0Dk33I/AAAAAAAAAeA/FbPgitJ2vyU/s640/IMG_1724%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QH4RgTzsM6U/T6PoQVyek_I/AAAAAAAAAeY/dYzqRbFzXk4/s640/IMG_1741%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Between the Trunk Floor and the Main Floor... there isn't anything left to change out... just a LOT of work!! :yes:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8CNe1RxQZjU/T6PoPXb5FyI/AAAAAAAAAeI/WiDKlfAAtBg/s640/IMG_1736%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Note to self... next time measure how far back the lip of the trunk floor is... BEFORE cutting out the old one. :yes:

So I lay the new trunk floor into place... and even though these are quality parts... I see that I will be having to clamp the @#($ out of the panel to make it lay tight against the frame rails.

Issue is you can move the trunk pan forwards and back a good inch. To far forward, trunk panel will sit inside of the quarter panels to far. To far back and I will be sticking out the back of the quarters.

I took a photo of the gap between the rear inner valance panel and the back edge of the trunk pan.. but didn't take any reference measurements.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EIoy5kpzgvc/T6PoOri7wPI/AAAAAAAAAd4/z-awZplDRo0/s640/IMG_1646%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

My solution:
to make sure everything squared up first... I clamped some square tubing to the back of the trunk floor, and used it as a measuring point to square the floor up with the car. (since the floor moves around a bit, you really can not just lay it in there and start welding it up).
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZOSAbcziHyU/T6PoWpo5lVI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/4C3yK9AOY9w/s640/IMG_1835%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Et6zji9UYXs/T6PoVhtZUpI/AAAAAAAAAgI/Pn7pegXDWK8/s640/IMG_1832%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1BaqDL2-p5s/T6PoRyIC9jI/AAAAAAAAAew/08tFqhFzMHU/s640/IMG_1815%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

I then used this bar to measure from center of remaining quarter panel front lip and a few other reference points to make sure things got squared up.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0v0LDDZo5MI/T6PoYMTMkUI/AAAAAAAAAgw/fPVp7b1D5KI/s640/measurement1%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-veZHufTa0e8/T6PoYlHXphI/AAAAAAAAAg4/D5k4zGEpFqk/s640/measurement2%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg

a few other measurements to make sure things were where they should be.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--vIe1jrt9Ng/T6PoaQ3wOJI/AAAAAAAAAhA/ZPkZJcM26jM/s640/IMG_1855%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UC-gcLG0IOI/T6PoXwX7dvI/AAAAAAAAAgo/oAE_6M9DNsk/s640/IMG_1848%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

What I finally did was to hang the passenger side quarter panel and make sure the trunk was not to far forward or to far back.. (sorry didn't get a picture of this)

I also left the main floor in place to make sure I was going to have enought of an overlap to weld in the new floor.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NdLI1QEmUDE/T6PoWHDiyAI/AAAAAAAAAgg/lwLix-eDV98/s640/IMG_1834%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

NOTE: I thought I could get some measurements off of my father-in-laws 68 camaro to give me a idea of how far forward/back to place the trunk... NOT A CHANCE... these cars have WAY to much tolerance between them to take measurements off of one car and use it on another. So DO NOT USE MY MEASUREMENTS ON YOUR CAR!!! :)

[Firebird-Geek]

Once I had the trunk where it needed to be... I marked it with a chalk pencil and pulled it out to be drilled for the plug welds.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lHcLhKSesD4/T6PoSdp-gQI/AAAAAAAAAfA/piCfVWG4QwU/s640/IMG_1818%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6czH0_lWI0o/T6PoSBqqRPI/AAAAAAAAAe4/Gr0uj_wGWMI/s640/IMG_1817%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

All drilled and ready to go...
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-H9DFlSvsBj4/T6PoS88_0PI/AAAAAAAAAfI/koUq26Ba744/s640/IMG_1820%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9lg2ZzqGva8/T6PoSz6UfGI/AAAAAAAAAfg/N5SWFLZFyLs/s640/IMG_1822%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Drilled out the front part of the frame rails where I will be welding the trunk floor from the bottom.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tv84nbtk7Wg/T6PoTF8i2EI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/dVC53y42QWQ/s640/IMG_1823%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Recheck all the measurements... I was so concerned about getting this right I think I have about 6 hours in just placing the trunk in the right location.:yes:

I then (again forgot to take a picture) put a screw in almost every other plug hole and clamped the trunk down to the frame rail... this worked GREAT and really tightened everything up. Then I would just remove a screw and weld the plug hole as I went.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-W-B92URDl7I/T6PoTqIqcpI/AAAAAAAAAfY/V4C4qJbQKVs/s640/IMG_1825%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Sorry forgot to take a picture after it was all welded in. PS. make sure you use enough heat to get good penetration to the frame rails (this is a major structural piece of the cars strength.) Not the most fun thing to weld in... like welding a pop can to a frame rail. I would weld in short bursts to fill the plug hole rather than one continuous weld, otherwise I would get burn through with the amount of heat I was using.

[Tuske427]

Coming along nicely!

[Firebird-Geek]

Trunk Floor all welded in... Finally adding parts back ON!!! :willy:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QTaPKUFD4k8/UA8SJy4Al9I/AAAAAAAAArk/DBEFFA0z5-A/s640/IMG_0116%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HKMe0rz4eB4/UA8R_NE0x-I/AAAAAAAAArs/H0heF4pD4KM/s640/IMG_0167%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

I will dress (grind down) the welds when I am ready to prime all the work.

[Firebird-Geek]

Now that I have some structure welded back to the frame rails... I can go ahead and start removing the main floor... Thanks to the previous owners CUSTOM work they did on the tunnel to add a 4 speed... and a leak probably due to a crack in the convertible drip rail allowing water inside the car. I decided to complete replace the main floor with a AMD complete floor.

OLD floor...
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RDKniJc35yc/UA8Rc2eY2cI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/FTgghFqYAlU/s640/IMG_1793%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Previous owner did some lovely work to add a 4-speed.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6T2yiEafIac/Tl1W1PtDEbI/AAAAAAAAAOE/Bio7FA-YljE/s640/IMG_1546%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Drivers side rear seat pan... looks like some moisture was let in. The drip rail for the convertible was cracked and probably let water in this area often. Getting close to a Flintstone mobile... :D
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uXMty6Met-E/Tl1W1xvsKNI/AAAAAAAAAOI/zdXZFGFR5Jw/s640/IMG_1548%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

PLUS... that means I don't have to clean up this... it is a nice mess of oil and undercoating.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hYoegDw97fU/UA8Rd2ME2TI/AAAAAAAAAqY/604VB08n37o/s640/Jig%2520Bracing%2520Front%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Needless to say... a FULL floor was PERFECT to get rid of all the past "fixes" that were done to the car. I ordered a Full AMD floor. It is a coupe floor, for it is missing the rear floor brace. But this can easily be added, to make it a convertible floor.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BKuj7dRUP40/Th9DiDkIESI/AAAAAAAAAIk/Hghh1FzcP9o/s640/IMG_20110707_204830.jpg

[Firebird-Geek]

Between using the plasma cutter to make room and the air hammer to help seperate those spot welds... OUT comes the old.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_8Ij5TAJbtA/UA8RMTtqXVI/AAAAAAAAAlk/MwPGuoD6Bds/s640/IMG_0095%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-L7NneuQSgiI/UA8RNDZIhxI/AAAAAAAAAlY/uABuLjXD_MI/s640/IMG_0096%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

I will be removing the rear section... just spit it into two for ease of removal.

[Firebird-Geek]

To keep the frame rails from moving when removing the floor... I already had 1" square tubing welded to the 2" tubing that runs along the rockers and then to the frame rails themselves. This should not allow any movement of the rails.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DHVanxvfk5o/Tl1W24_1zLI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/tAwmyQXZLrc/s640/IMG_1569%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Plasma + Air Hammer + Grinder... damn it was NO FUN removing this part. I broke off 2 air hammer chisels with this section. There are LAYERS of metal that make this part of the floor up.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DSu2rM0kLNc/UA8ROoYsFcI/AAAAAAAAAl4/A2oVBut-pzo/s640/IMG_0114%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

FINALLY it is OUT!
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SuqcKcKYMMA/UA8RO7an0oI/AAAAAAAAAl8/WikwAK8YU1U/s640/IMG_0117%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pnm_dwIbAsM/UA8RQP027YI/AAAAAAAAAmY/63Ywf8JdtZE/s640/IMG_0119%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-POr0M-hWAkU/UA8RPGqi2II/AAAAAAAAAsA/r-TcUisfGlg/s640/IMG_0118%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Tuske427]

Cool, it's looking like you're making good progress

[Firebird-Geek]

The front toeboards had a bit of pitting on them... the drivers side was worse than the passenger. But, being that I have gone this far, leaving pitted metal didn't seem right.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wQ7gp6UXoww/UA8NW0OIBuI/AAAAAAAAAhw/DgWGbC76s88/s640/IMG_0003%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Oddly the floor pan was not rusted bad at all on the drivers side of the main floor. Carpet must have held more moisture on the toeboard, for it sure did have some good pitting.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T8eB02271o8/UA8NXEuSSoI/AAAAAAAAAh0/uxOpB0FcXjw/s640/IMG_0004%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Looking back, I may have been able to leave the passengers... for the pitting was not bad at all, BUT there was some junk under the panel that was good to get to and seal up.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6EtdQquP51A/UA8NXBjXmcI/AAAAAAAAAh8/OucVJHwCH6c/s640/IMG_0005%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

New "show quality" drivers side toe board patch panel... not really sure if it is "show quality". :)
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xZ3cCUAR1yU/UA8NXkTypmI/AAAAAAAAAiE/xUSnLvakJkQ/s640/IMG_0006%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Trimmed patch panel to the contour that best worked.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NmWvmE4j6Ys/UA8NYQaoCdI/AAAAAAAAAiU/oMC2niCd4P0/s640/IMG_0008%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Clamped and marked area to cut...
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bEx_JE6H2Xs/UA8NYF2-oPI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/L3ot2DHq5b0/s640/IMG_0007%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Cut out the the area to be patched... it was nice that I could alteast get in there and clean this area up before welding in the new patch.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HnbTxgj0JTs/UA8NYzsOobI/AAAAAAAAAig/0p9rVAVzFuU/s640/IMG_0010%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

removed all the rust, and then gave everything a few good coats of epoxy primer to both the backside of the patch panel and the floor structure.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-spbydAYeddQ/UA8NaG_8PMI/AAAAAAAAAi4/I8okkaweLfU/s640/IMG_0104%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-l8M7yp26f7M/UA8NZ823-WI/AAAAAAAAAiw/oFau8knVBVA/s640/IMG_0103%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Did the same with the passenger toeboard. Look at the junk under the toeboard. So even though the area almost didn't need to be cutout, I felt better that i was able to get in here and clean it up.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WFCLJDJG0gY/UA8NbUadmjI/AAAAAAAAAjI/pHuM1P7BUiU/s640/IMG_0106%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Vhjq47w5c_s/UA8NbzDOHpI/AAAAAAAAAjU/bBlj2SqiIg8/s640/IMG_0108%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Started to tack everything back together. But welding this thin stuff can be lots of fun. A tip my dad (who taught me to weld at a very young age) gave me... if you have a large gap that is to much for your mig to easily fill, take a metal cloths hanger and feed it into the welding pool (almost like a tig welder) and it will easily fill the gap.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LTIPbtu-Xrg/UA8NcQqkyQI/AAAAAAAAAjc/UAdB_C600BU/s640/IMG_0109%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jIKk09vlVo4/UA8Nc3fQrXI/AAAAAAAAAjo/uk1r8dFfBzM/s640/IMG_0110%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Welded in... just need to dress the welds a bit and hit it with primer.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-a4CbTZIcsPE/UA8NeIl47sI/AAAAAAAAAkA/438D7kRuv6o/s640/IMG_0113%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

In goes the main floor for a test fit. It did fit pretty good... just needed to be pulled back into the frame rails (there was about a 1/4 inch gap). To remedy this, I used rachet straps and attached them to the square tubing I have attached to the car acting as a temporary jig for the body. It worked great!
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EWawhJNlhrY/UA8RPhMo9hI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/iHOmR4spuKk/s640/IMG_0122%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-B-RJEAxJQXM/UA8RQAxcNpI/AAAAAAAAAmc/h-aJXDM71Bk/s640/IMG_0123%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

After numerous times of taking the floor in and out to check fit... I finally was able to scuff the e-coat (checking for rust) and apply a few good coats of epoxy primer before it gets put into place. I know I will have to do this again after welding the floor in, but it is so much easier doing the initial scuffing with the floor out, and not attached to the car.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9B8F68ZfbFE/UA8Rel2NnfI/AAAAAAAAArI/dUcNz4rCEqo/s640/Prep%25201%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-t_UQERik6zQ/UA8Re86qvvI/AAAAAAAAAq0/MapCCZb4fFg/s640/Prep%25202%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

The "subframe locators" I installed worked GREAT.

I used some tubing and a flat washer and centered the subframe bolts into the existing floor location then welded 1" tubing to attach these to the 2" side tubing... this way I should be able to lay the new floor in and if I can thread the bolts... It should be in the exact same location as the old floor.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M19oJSapf7U/UA8RJmGdMlI/AAAAAAAAAkw/A2FJJCGz6fU/s640/IMG_0073%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-A6fzPWRDuB4/UA8RTKjloLI/AAAAAAAAAnk/rTKmxTplkPg/s640/IMG_0141%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Had a few gap issues with the front of the floor... nothing a little cutoff wheel and welding can't fix!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ewXA5JkhcRE/UA8RRU0SrgI/AAAAAAAAAm4/f49SwyVgouM/s640/IMG_0135%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

cut a relief into the corner, then a little persuasion from the hammer... brought the corner in where it needed to be.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z5JhhyGPDTQ/UA8RR3V42cI/AAAAAAAAAnE/LLdLEuyp-0E/s640/IMG_0137%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-k03mtF-oWQs/UA8RVye6MzI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/JJmFW9nHDB4/s640/IMG_0151%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Tools of the trade you need for this... Hammer, screws. clamps and lots of patience! :)

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-owP2m88-ciQ/UA8RTGs-hHI/AAAAAAAAAnY/X_UPLTw2RtI/s640/IMG_0139%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

I know how important the floor is for structure for these unibody cars... so to get even a bit more penetrationinto the rails and rockers (which are WAY thicker than the floor) I would use a drill and slightly drill into them so as to get deeper penetration! Might be overkill, but makes me feel better. :)

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ycs4-_PTxPE/UA8RT4LrhfI/AAAAAAAAAns/cNDAbng1S2E/s640/IMG_0145%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lQuHk11c5Co/UA8RZbVVbCI/AAAAAAAAApc/eGz4rrqNCvc/s640/IMG_0185%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Then I just turned up the HEAT!! welding them as hot as I could to get as flat of a plug weld as I could.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vRlV77sIlZQ/UA8RXXzIXBI/AAAAAAAAAow/Ww0ZXXxSkwE/s640/IMG_0158%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

BIG IMPROVEMENT!! nice NEW metal! With both the full trunk and full main floor, I now have a solid base. Still have to add the convertible bracing but that will be a bit later.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GT-6PHyOu4U/UA8RXW0Hc8I/AAAAAAAAAo4/CpnwXkzh6_8/s640/IMG_0168%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r8qB9NLzt7Q/UA8RX-bGp5I/AAAAAAAAApA/68gLXVRDE1Y/s640/IMG_0169%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zT2vwnD9cN8/UA8RYaLuv2I/AAAAAAAAApI/gFfsl1T22is/s640/IMG_0170%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[firebirddady69]

nice work :thumbsup:

[Steve68]

nice work, and shop,

[Firebird-Geek]

Well it has been a year and a half since I started this project. (But have owned the car for over 12 years). WOW, has it been a lesson learner! Before finding sites like this and doing HUNDREDS of hours of research and studying, I would have never imagined being this DEEP into a project. The information and knowledge on sites such as this one and others has given me the GUTS and confidence to bite off WAY more than I ever imagined!

When I first started visiting these sites and reading all the members AWESOME builds, the more I seen it was quite prevalent to give the cars/builds names. It does make it easier to recognize the thread/build and also shows how some of the cars have an EXTREME amount of heart and soul into their creation.

At first I didn't feel a need or want to give my project a name. But the more time I spend out in garage working on my car, planning, designing, and implementing... the more I wanted to personalize this journey.

I must admit, I totally underestimated the amount of dedication it takes to turn one of these 45 year old neglected beauties into something even BETTER than when it rolled out of GM's production plant back in 1967. To date, I have around 400 hours into the car and HUNDREDS more to go. I am doing all the work myself, and will only be outsourcing the paint, and upholstery. This allows me to spend a bit more on quality parts and build it "right" the first time. OCD would almost describe this project so far, for I have spend HOURS and HOURS going over even the smallest detail of my build. I truly am trying to build the best car my abilities and checkbook can produce!

Anyway, I know it means more when the project name means something to the owner. So after much thought... I would like to introduce: project LEGACY.

After what will amount to hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of work, planning and dreaming, I hope to build a car my whole family will enjoy for a LONG time! In-fact there is NO plans on ever selling this car. I hope to someday pass it along to my kids, whom may even pass it on to theirs to enjoy. It will not be just another 1967 Firebird convertible... but a reminder of all the blood, sweat and tears that went into its construction and vision!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zN2AbOed9DU/UHXbzrG3pqI/AAAAAAAAAt4/LFO8DLV-ipg/s640/LEGACY%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg

[Firebird-Geek]

Progress has been a bit slow lately... "life" has gotten in the way. My wife has had some medical issues that needed to be priority #1, and a host of other things have popped up. When you build these cars by yourself, one MAJOR issues is that when you are not working on the car... NOBODY is working on the car.:P

Anyway, I have been working on completing the mini-tubbing on the car. I did a few modifications to build more strength into the rear of the car (since this is an issue with convertibles.) I will show more on this soon.

But I did get one of my major pieces recently... Thanks to Roger and the guys over at Speedtech I am the proud owner of one of their Torque Arm systems w/ complete 9" rear-end! The quality and craftsmanship of their components is amazing... only thing better is their customer service! :thumbsup:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-T_Q-ufJC3Uc/UHNMIml71DI/AAAAAAAAAs0/J6u_R9FGub4/s640/Torque%2520Arm%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[geberhard]

Jarrod the torque arm looks pimp!!! Looking forward to see how it works out on the vert! Gui

[captainofiron]

amazing

[Firebird-Geek]

So on to the convertible floor braces... these were a bit of a PITA! the initial fitment showed that I would be using LOTS of screws to suck them up and get them to contour to the floor.

I used a Trans-Jack to hold the main brace into place so I could mark it off and drill out the holes so I could weld from inside the car. When plug welding, I like to weld to the THICK metal of the floor brace, rather then to the thin metal of the floor.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PtE-n74CdyY/UMDz9qo7F_I/AAAAAAAAAuo/DrluW3LRNao/s640/IMG_0418%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mp3H1JB6Phg/UMDz9uQz5MI/AAAAAAAAAwc/2V6P5m-EZCk/s640/IMG_0422%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Epoxy primed the inside of the braces...
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EGjbJ9sE7ao/UMDz9ncIIgI/AAAAAAAAAus/zDxg2ux3dkM/s640/IMG_0424%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Using the Trans-Jack to hold brace in place to mark floor...
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3lr_JtJeKZg/UMDz-lIEQUI/AAAAAAAAAvM/pGGjjW6wmuo/s640/IMG_0426%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Used screws to SUCK the brace up to contour the floor... it actually turned out to look JUST like the original that I still had in the shop for reference.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IPmalftKBkU/UMDz_dRm9rI/AAAAAAAAAvA/B9v2tE1in2Q/s640/IMG_0430%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Used the original floor to take some measurements... but also used some measurements off of the front firewall to make sure braces were squared up with the car.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_OQzMCtfv7Q/UMDz_bufygI/AAAAAAAAAvE/7FJKCWWVYTM/s640/IMG_0433%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Here you can see all the screws holding the floor in place... it has some welds already done.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bnzQy042U8M/UMD0AlXodUI/AAAAAAAAAvc/6F0rFDr_6DU/s640/IMG_0435%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-v4B1KoigORA/UMD0A0JdYjI/AAAAAAAAAvY/BtRKW7cfpNY/s640/IMG_0436%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

NOTE: make sure you use either the original cross brace or whatever brace you will be using to make sure it will bolt up BEFORE you weld in the left/right rear brace. Here I am using Speedtech's Torque Arm brace to make sure everything is OK before I mark off the location for the left/right rear braces.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X33vxj3hRxk/UMD0A-9TIrI/AAAAAAAAAvg/1jqpCVBQ3V8/s640/IMG_0437%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Marked off for the left brace... drilled holes to plug weld from the top.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qaW8qL-yGwE/UMD0CNY9TGI/AAAAAAAAAvw/h4kbmm-RduI/s640/IMG_0463%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Not a fan of having to weld upside down... but was very pleased how my welds turned out where the left/right braces meet up with the main brace. I used LOTS of HEAT!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kixslha_EiQ/UMD0CaZVGZI/AAAAAAAAAwA/g_M0YxxYOOs/s640/IMG_0468%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pHfX1uLPGZg/UMD0CdaIDEI/AAAAAAAAAv0/ZINpVT-5RKY/s640/IMG_0470%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

All finished... I will clean up the welds when I go over the entire floor before I epoxy coat it then truck bed line it.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LGpOEkUpvnw/UMD0C7QTqEI/AAAAAAAAAwI/BzEsw4J865s/s640/IMG_0472%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

It was quite amazing to see how much strength these braces put into the floor. (You could really tell when you would stand inside the car... there was NO give anymore.) I can not believe some of the photos out there where people leave these off during a restoration... they are a MAJOR structural piece for the convertibles.

[WSSix]

Looking good, Jarrod!

[zingercustoms]

Yeah, lots of hard work but looks great...doing it right. Love the birds...

[Firebird-Geek]

Yeah, lots of hard work but looks great...doing it right. Love the birds...

Love what you guys are doing with the 69 you are building... I am following the thread!:thumbsup:

[Firebird-Geek]

Next up... Mini-tubs.

I know they say it usually takes about 40-50 hours to mini-tub a Camaro/Firebird... honestly, I probably have closer to 100 due to wanting to build in more strength into this area.

ISSUE: Convertibles put MUCH more stress into this area than coupes do. This is due to lack of having a roof, the convertibles use the rear seat brace to compensate (plus thicker rockers and extra bracing.) On the sides of the rear seat brace (where it attaches to the inner wheelhouse) there is actually a few layers of steel used here to build up the strength so as to reduce body flex.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nXL3UmDVDTY/TtVWlLAyrXI/AAAAAAAAATY/abGJTn58PPs/s640/DSC02001%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IyGZi9743f4/TtVWkW6nAFI/AAAAAAAAATQ/os1vu39xR5Q/s640/DSC01999%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FyY7hDlYfLA/TtVWj54MmiI/AAAAAAAAATI/JK9C_qbKW34/s640/DSC01995%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Being that I will be running a WAY larger set of rear tires, cutting the frame down for the mini-tubs and adding MUCH more horsepower than the car had originally, I wanted to OVERBUILD this area to compensate. I know some people put in roll cages to handle some of the body flex, but I am building this with my family in mind, and didn't want to deal with the cage being in the way of using the rear seat. So my plan is to BEEF UP this area.
Stay tuned for the PLAN. :D

[Firebird-Geek]

Here is where I am starting...
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WWcLG8Cj7mY/UMEcaChNU-I/AAAAAAAAAww/EOp4UTMXYZ4/s640/Before%2520Mini-Tub%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

I didn't take as great of pictures on the passenger side (where I started)... so you will see more when I show the drivers side installation.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ymQzjkFpEt0/UMEcceK8aVI/AAAAAAAAAxE/DohaOgZ6b9o/s640/IMG_0172%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ekTdEGOEzYw/UMEcctf0KOI/AAAAAAAAAxM/P4gRf3I5R9c/s640/IMG_0174%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KtcmiMGTHMg/UMEcdlaaBsI/AAAAAAAAAxc/PxngM9xLdiM/s640/IMG_0175%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Will be installing the DSE (Detroit Speed and Engineering) min-tubs...
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JMBN3RPOBJE/UMEceX6Yu9I/AAAAAAAAAxg/irmJITvuZDI/s640/IMG_0179%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

I will go over the process better on the passenger side (due to better pictures). But you can see here where I marked my cut line about 2.75" inside of where the inner wheelhouse would be mounted

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--43_jE9GsSI/UMEcfcB09eI/AAAAAAAAAx0/O4-NGxw8Bwk/s640/IMG_0187%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Then with the help of a cutoff wheel / Plasma / and sawzall I removed the necessary metal. (This was the first cut... there is MUCH more trimming and cleaning up done before the tub goes in.)
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bFIMIdgbFvk/UMEcgAMia9I/AAAAAAAAAx8/11aWNcOqUNk/s640/IMG_0206%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Here is the passenger side tub being trial fit into it's location.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jfsljgrSjno/UMEchAG-m4I/AAAAAAAAAyM/ncG2FZ3bX0k/s640/IMG_0208%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

OK my plan for "Beefing Up" my mini-tub install. :idea:

Like I said before, (on the convertibles) GM addressed the loss of rigidity that the roof gives the coupes in a few different ways. One of the major ways it did this was to build in more support between the wheelhouses with a much larger and more structural brace between them (the rear seat brace.)

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LRc6p4mAyjM/UMEcj-zXJ7I/AAAAAAAAAyo/AbP7LbavGCU/s640/IMG_0224%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Here you can see where they used some 20 gauge sheet metal to mount the seat brace to the wheelhouses. (NOTE: this brace is not clamped tight up against the front of the floor... so it is sitting almost an inch forward and low.)
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nr9ETOfC8pw/UMEcdDeAErI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/7UxdCT7hUi4/s640/Convertible%2520Seat%2520Brace%2520%2528Large%2529 .JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

I wanted to use this idea, but make it MUCH stronger... so I started by making a template of GM's design...
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LZVzbiYgpjA/UMEcjzYbRzI/AAAAAAAAAyk/x2AWw_4A3NI/s640/IMG_0240%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ie5UK42WoY8/UMEclNb_5SI/AAAAAAAAAy0/0QOUXOvrYnY/s640/IMG_0241%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GEfJaLD7O34/UMEcmOClbRI/AAAAAAAAAy8/unjKzWFFcSE/s640/IMG_0242%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Here it is taped into location on the passenger side.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rHEySdxzYvM/UMEcmSXMJKI/AAAAAAAAAzE/V-hxWQZPJKY/s640/IMG_0249%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kRlmQAhc5yA/UMEcnAFwGZI/AAAAAAAAAzM/jzf8D4TXruc/s640/IMG_0251%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Here you can see how the rear seat brace gets tied inbetween the wheelhouse and trunk floor.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MNKbDKHRiNQ/UMEcoStS6qI/AAAAAAAAAzU/YuYtPcaY73A/s640/IMG_0255%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

To make room for the larger tubs, you must cut into the frame rails. To compensate for the loss of strength, DSE suggests that a person welds 1/8" steel plate back into the missing portion of the frame rail. For this is MUCH thicker metal than what GM actually used on the frame rails themselves.

Here you can see the missing portion of the frame rail.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--5qel9MRgN0/UMEcyB4ZmwI/AAAAAAAAA1I/kHDecw3Gq5w/s640/IMG_0296%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

My plan was to add to DSE's plan and also incorporate GM's design... but BEEF UP both!

[Firebird-Geek]

So rather than just close up the frame and patch shut the missing portions in the trunk floor, I would build a plate that would do both. PLUS I would incorporate GM's brace... but not out of 20 gauge sheet metal.

MY PLAN:
If welding the frame back shut with 1/8" steel plate builds strength back into the frame... making this plate twice as high and running it all the way to the front of the trunk would add MUCH more strength into the car.
Here the plan... the transparent red area is where I will be welding in a 1/8" steel plate to not only build back up the missing portion of the frame rail, but also add in a MUCH larger area for the inner wheelhouse to make it's connection to the frame and rear seat brace.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3pKry3NM7lw/UMEcaLIrDFI/AAAAAAAAAw0/yd7Xj5wdi0c/s640/Brace2%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg

Here you can see how much more of the wheelhouse I will be making contact with and basically doubling the height of the frame rail in this section.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nKPMTJr4Cts/UMEcaDYOwKI/AAAAAAAAAws/vR1Me3ef2Pw/s640/Brace1%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg

[Firebird-Geek]

Out comes the cardboard! (had a hard time finding good cardboard to use... ended up using some old signs we took down at work)

It was ALOT of trial fitting to get the template just right....
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EHClp4RM1fU/UMEctBXNThI/AAAAAAAAA0I/5dAscPuwGk4/s640/IMG_0284%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Here you can see how it will take the place of the GM template I used from the rear seat brace.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tEBrNr3o35c/UMEcsYzKDLI/AAAAAAAAAz8/1h8m2kAlLuU/s640/IMG_0287%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Test fit the inner wheelhouse to see how it will work...
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fiaTcm3xj_o/UMEctH4aAvI/AAAAAAAAA0E/NPOYo2HgSMw/s640/IMG_0288%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Transfer the template to 1/8th inch steel plate.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-G_eHWNZ5P1M/UMEct8Cc7NI/AAAAAAAAA0U/8XhIjPOShO0/s640/IMG_0289%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lob7vQXRMcY/UMEcuxUKj-I/AAAAAAAAA0c/d40Y0Dk7xDE/s640/IMG_0290%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

I have a attachment for my plasma that is suppose to make it easy to cut straight lines... but I found using a piece of wood as a "fence" worked GREAT!
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-M9peMJxlyGM/UMEcvAMHD3I/AAAAAAAAA0k/B4uhtNgWi24/s640/IMG_0291%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Be4W2YlppzM/UMEcvbyDo1I/AAAAAAAAA0o/RBFulOjb90Y/s640/IMG_0292%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Here it is after using a MAP torch and heating the end to create the curve... I also drilled in a few areas so as to be able to plug weld it to the structure underneath.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TwJbhz69RKk/UMEcwFguE2I/AAAAAAAAA00/BYOQub-yMho/s640/IMG_0294%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Here you can see how much further in the mini-tubs are compared to the "stock" side.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fmqvDA5uUBQ/UMEcqUv0m_I/AAAAAAAAAzk/aqCbD2hm-Y4/s640/IMG_0263%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

On to the drivers side...
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DP4lRHwBj9M/UMEcz6gOoPI/AAAAAAAAA1c/DZ3Jbt2ZKW4/s640/IMG_0309%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KSa24RKkPXo/UMEcz5sn2UI/AAAAAAAAA1g/f9xnSvYAyMA/s640/IMG_0310%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IQkYiLwOls4/UMEc0hczpXI/AAAAAAAAA1o/cCXL00wb7EU/s640/IMG_0311%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N01B1EX80AY/UMEc17aGGDI/AAAAAAAAA10/Gs4NHv8ra8k/s640/IMG_0312%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Did you see all the spot weld GM used where the inner and outer wheelhouses meet each other. I was original going to try and keep the outer wheelhouse. but after seeing the rough shape they were in and the HELL it was to separate the two... I decided to put new ones in their place. So I drilled all these for NOTHING! :bang:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-35pAuZ_cKK0/UMEdPIYXEHI/AAAAAAAAA7E/bN43sOulP6E/s640/IMG_0378%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Marked off...
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-y6SBosHcswo/UMEc13u0QQI/AAAAAAAAA14/X6d5U8jIkQ8/s640/IMG_0314%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-y8jUCTZIGUc/UMEc205DeAI/AAAAAAAAA2I/_QBw2r63cNQ/s640/IMG_0317%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

For Me... one of the tricky parts was making sure this rear curvature was correct to follow the tub. They tell you to come in 2.75" and mark for the cut... but DO NOT do that all the way around.. for the wheelhouse isn't 2.75" larger all the way around... so take your time making sure the curve is as close as you can make it to match the tub.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HDX-L5wn2rU/UMEc4B4e-BI/AAAAAAAAA2U/X2HGppWuM6Q/s640/IMG_0319%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Tools I used for the job... (I also used a sawzall)
Side Note: I really didn't use the Plasma that much... it is hard to cut through multiple layers effectively with a Plasma torch... Plus doing it VERY straight. I did use it to make quick rough cuts in some areas... then cleaned it up with a grinder.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GRMHU_wPjzA/UMEc4eij6BI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/_q5EBPgoX_U/s640/IMG_0321%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Here is the first "rough cut"... you can see the bottom of the rail is still there.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pn0yHLaVrxw/UMEc5-7spQI/AAAAAAAAA2s/s8nnkZpiQO0/s640/IMG_0323%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

That little flange in the front of the opening is left in order to form a lip to make contact with the wheelhouse.

Just clamp onto it and bend it down into place.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fQdQDY0Xb08/UMEc6OSiGmI/AAAAAAAAA2w/c35Z9Y9YWBo/s640/IMG_0325%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nNVWJ_RCArM/UMEc6wKzciI/AAAAAAAAA28/pFQhujeMUWc/s640/IMG_0327%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

After cleaning up the initial cut... I am ready to start fitting the brace I will need to make for this side.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-J2iHfqaQ67A/UMEdCI7zB4I/AAAAAAAAA4k/6KbIwHGZfHg/s640/IMG_0347%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1qjInSXYvcc/UMEdC3F5FrI/AAAAAAAAA4s/-gPzUNxMT7E/s640/IMG_0348%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VZdwDPRCckg/UMEdD0Vl6RI/AAAAAAAAA40/GAbZwiSzVlQ/s640/IMG_0349%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Test fit the template on the drivers side...
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QBOhxhISAdA/UMEc-mSri0I/AAAAAAAAA3k/3GVOT6M9qEo/s640/IMG_0333%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Time to make another brace... transferring the template to 1/8" steel plate.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NLtCXz_1EV4/UMEc-sLFTmI/AAAAAAAAA3o/Ec27a6qn2Ys/s640/IMG_0337%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

I always start the plasma away from my cutline... that way if the plasma sputters or starts funny it doesn't destroy my cutline. I also don't start at the edge, for it seems to produce a bad cutline. (atleast for me)
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AGR7xFHN-QU/UMEc_JYtFBI/AAAAAAAAA3w/TXUfG8NlCs8/s640/IMG_0339%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZYLW-OPLmBo/UMEdAN-1JhI/AAAAAAAAA4A/8v-dSoKJzrw/s640/IMG_0340%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XOf3QN7bTVk/UMEdAAW2UBI/AAAAAAAAA38/hX-kecQ1V_8/s640/IMG_0341%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Now to make the curve...
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tDKsBbdczeY/UMEdAaBOa6I/AAAAAAAAA4M/fZplMFk6ApA/s640/IMG_0342%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cSbqXCK8-xw/UMEdBlCDw7I/AAAAAAAAA4Y/dndm6jtgs08/s640/IMG_0343%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8wXC4aMoZJ8/UMEdBfTNPKI/AAAAAAAAA4U/rQZoY_mTccg/s640/IMG_0344%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Felt like a true blacksmith on this one... :D

[Firebird-Geek]

It took a TON of fitting to get everything to match up nice and tight and get everything true. (there is alot of layers to deal with in this area)

This was a bit tricky to weld in... for I wanted to use enough heat to penetrate
the 1/8" plate, but not burn through the floor. Not the prettiest... but it should be STRONG... :welder:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-na1TDI8OW9w/UMEdHZ-uTaI/AAAAAAAAA5c/5mWamio3ON8/s640/IMG_0360%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG


Got good penetration through the plate...
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-znsg7ZTyCSw/UMEdIMsrsTI/AAAAAAAAA5k/HDXdjLnXzug/s640/IMG_0361%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

When I was welding... I would concentrate my welding pool onto of the 1/8" steel plate area... then swing down and connect to the thin floor sheetmetal. This way I would get the penetration needed for the thick metal and not burn through the thin stuff.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-j9_NrdQ3TuE/UMEdGgHqjtI/AAAAAAAAA5U/8AaA8J6yQSM/s640/IMG_0355%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Now to close up the hole here...
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LOThmCCpVpk/UMEdItfBZcI/AAAAAAAAA5s/GxAKmzVcxfU/s640/IMG_0365%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Started by taping off the section to create the fill in piece.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GPWw8Cx6VoE/UMEdJ6k25RI/AAAAAAAAA50/sElrh5nHmTk/s640/IMG_0366%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x39mb5oK1lU/UMEdKRA1xyI/AAAAAAAAA58/DqJeGj4xrTg/s640/IMG_0367%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Transfering it to 1/8" plate...
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cXK8Bb_cfFM/UMEdKnlABLI/AAAAAAAAA6A/RnfxPmrPfl8/s640/IMG_0368%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Using my trusty plasma
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-O1NToWA2WDs/UMEdLuYAglI/AAAAAAAAA6M/TKjDiST6QhY/s640/IMG_0369%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lj2_jz6pFn8/UMEdMWTeMpI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/6G5E0wPinjE/s640/IMG_0370%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HsmTjIQOo3U/UMEdMx3FRUI/AAAAAAAAA6k/ATkZi-s71SM/s640/IMG_0372%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Kind of a cool action shot of me tacking in the fill plate.

YES, I know I should be wearing a long sleeve shirt... but I wasn't welding long.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-x4bZkQNxlfk/UMEdN0X1pKI/AAAAAAAAA6w/Nh1lXYy-BU0/s640/IMG_0373%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

All cleaned up...
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NL7PDLTHDpo/UMEdZGQl5CI/AAAAAAAAA88/noyr59jgJjg/s640/IMG_0480%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

So I was very pleased with how it turned out... I know there is WAY more structure and strength in the area now than when it rolled out of GM back in 67.

Here you can see in the "Before" photo the surface area that would be making connection to the wheelhouse...
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-peAj0llQmtg/UMEcg1rFodI/AAAAAAAAAyE/S2XJFEbI3js/s640/IMG_0190%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

VS after...
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xT1vs49lRns/UMEdUbevOPI/AAAAAAAAA8M/HAB73uH6vwE/s640/IMG_0409%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG


Then epoxy primed it...
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HUrDBOSmf3U/UMEdWVhibBI/AAAAAAAAA8U/ooO8JD4qugs/s640/IMG_0416%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Here is another BEFORE and AFTER....
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WWcLG8Cj7mY/UMEcaChNU-I/AAAAAAAAAww/EOp4UTMXYZ4/s640/Before%2520Mini-Tub%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KPBjae75ixY/UMEdSQXJbSI/AAAAAAAAA7s/pZyO9eYgns4/s640/IMG_0392%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Put inner wheelhouse in place to mark off for drilling the plug weld holes. Here you can see how much more "contact" I am making with the wheelhouse.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_UTI_wAYPWo/UMEdTIeftFI/AAAAAAAAA70/SH6k96Ypu5I/s640/IMG_0395%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Marked off... ready to be drilled...
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hTJnfgu2-HA/UMEdTt5TSRI/AAAAAAAAA78/nymWaGApOZo/s640/IMG_0396%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Yes, it looks like I turned the wheelhouse into swiss cheese :eek:... but once all welded up, this should result in MUCH more strength in this area.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jePDQ03wcnE/UMEdTwfjFVI/AAAAAAAAA8A/CoDM_ZjmjpI/s640/IMG_0398%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Primed backside of the wheelhouse, then started to fit for final placement.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V6YjoOTim7s/UMEdWnXXxYI/AAAAAAAAA8c/Kuvl3FIivkA/s640/IMG_0439%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qQYGLnXyRAw/UMEdW02FSgI/AAAAAAAAA8g/mFHVzbLFWVA/s640/IMG_0440%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Once I was happy with the placement... I used screws to hold the wheelhouse in place. I will not weld this area up until I know that the quarter panels are where they need to be. This way I can still tweak this area a bit if need be.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C83TUfEFT98/UMEdYF4a5AI/AAAAAAAAA8s/stAEPwGCKEA/s640/IMG_0442%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-27jaQLUW8Bw/UMEdYbupBMI/AAAAAAAAA80/B6Spm9gzD-s/s640/IMG_0443%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Rinse and repeat on the other side... :D

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-t9CUC_4vDPo/UMEdaGG2PZI/AAAAAAAAA9M/CmNjTR4szcI/s640/IMG_0485%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[waynieZ]

Nice work it looks good.

[Sonar Chief]

Very Nice work on the tubs, going to be much stronger than OEM :thumbsup: That is exactly where I am today .... close outs :superhack:

Thanks for the write up!

[Firebird-Geek]

Very Nice work on the tubs, going to be much stronger than OEM :thumbsup: That is exactly where I am today .... close outs :superhack:

Thanks for the write up!

:thankyou: ... I have learned so much from these forums, I just want to give back if at all possible.

I looked at your pics... looks great! :thumbsup:

[Firebird-Geek]

With both inner wheelhouses fit and screwed into place, it is time to remove those NASTY outer wheelhouses. :yes:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FE-SPLKnM5c/UMoB2ebr58I/AAAAAAAAA-Y/3mrEEaYHZrY/s640/IMG_0446%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HJjZJVF_dBY/UMoB25OtWaI/AAAAAAAAA-o/dRnoMVUxc8E/s640/IMG_0452%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yuXqgbAY2YY/UMoB4CNX7SI/AAAAAAAAA-4/f7b-mw2coPI/s640/IMG_0486%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nY-xr2KI-SU/UMoB4jSpxGI/AAAAAAAAA_A/Ld8E07i2eqQ/s640/IMG_0488%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

A few more spot welds to drill...:rolleyes: and out comes the FINAL rusty pieces off of the car!:dance:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Wzq2P8fBPXg/UMoB3kCLXXI/AAAAAAAAA-w/YC3RcerhL3k/s640/IMG_0457%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oo2YGZXN_o4/UMoB4891YrI/AAAAAAAAA_I/l5rInU_8AMM/s640/IMG_0458%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4MhPDdd_I-s/UMoB4z5qAxI/AAAAAAAAA_M/_Giwss9pPtU/s640/IMG_0490%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Started to fit the outer wheelhouses into place... At first I was wondering if I would even get them to follow the contour of the inner wheelhouse... BUT (Like most of these aftermarket pieces) I find that if I just take things slow and tweak it here and there... all of a sudden it starts to fall into place. PATIENCE is a virtue that MUST be kept when putting these old cars back together! :yes: Oh... that and A LOT of clamps! :D

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zjQTCszTYaU/UMoB6tNZFDI/AAAAAAAAA_k/_BNNUaEHqLA/s640/IMG_0495%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tQFk2uSZvn0/UMoB6RgcDiI/AAAAAAAAA_w/82jvJnl1iQk/s640/IMG_0493%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_AmSrC5kilc/UMoB7L8HkbI/AAAAAAAAA_4/j5PSAzMNSjs/s640/IMG_0498%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Once everything was where I wanted it... I started to put a few screws into the wheelhouses/braces... to make sure everything stays put so I can test fit the quarter panels.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-B6nuP-Vf7uw/UMoB87qmj9I/AAAAAAAABAM/mN1eOIkFtcQ/s640/IMG_0501%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Rs7eSwgTGug/UMoB979X4YI/AAAAAAAABAg/vEx_yuzbB8w/s640/IMG_0516%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kfbifKBG5VI/UMoB908mqBI/AAAAAAAABAk/2jlZMSp-F3w/s640/IMG_0517%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4tlfnpDLxgY/UMoB-SCTuzI/AAAAAAAABAo/Zv_Wuiv5BM4/s640/IMG_0518%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Finally Mini-tub project is pretty much done...(just have to be welded in) I will fit the quarter panels and tailpanel first to make sure everything is where it is suppose to be, before I even think about welding it in.:yes:

Overall I am very happy with how it turned out... FINALLY I don't see RUST anymore! :clap:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qmrwuWXL_Lc/UMoB9D-DGHI/AAAAAAAABAU/JyrDzF28V40/s640/IMG_0515%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

PLUS... look at all the extra room I now have to fill up with tire! :D
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DlSou3QELUE/UMoB_ceWghI/AAAAAAAABA4/-5eceu3J-go/s640/IMG_0522%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Here is a BEFORE and AFTER of my mini-tubing project... Now on to the NEXT stage. :yes:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WWcLG8Cj7mY/UMEcaChNU-I/AAAAAAAAAww/EOp4UTMXYZ4/s640/Before%2520Mini-Tub%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ss_Wn4Rcl9o/UMkMKV0HNjI/AAAAAAAAA98/cnI6Hz-3U4U/s640/Tubbed%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[captainofiron]

Here is a BEFORE and AFTER of my mini-tubing project... Now on to the NEXT stage. :yes:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WWcLG8Cj7mY/UMEcaChNU-I/AAAAAAAAAww/EOp4UTMXYZ4/s640/Before%2520Mini-Tub%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ss_Wn4Rcl9o/UMkMKV0HNjI/AAAAAAAAA98/cnI6Hz-3U4U/s640/Tubbed%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Very very cool

with those mini-tubs will you have to relocate the leaf springs inboard?

[Firebird-Geek]

Very very cool

with those mini-tubs will you have to relocate the leaf springs inboard?

Actually I will be installing SpeedTech's Torque Arm system. So it is one less thing I have to worry about! :yes:

[Firebird-Geek]

To further strengthen the car, I decided to go with DSE (Detroit Speed Engineering) subframe connectors. I liked these for they actually go through the floor of the car to add a more rigidity to the whole car. With a convertible they add even more strength for they also intersect through the floor braces. (you will see this later in the photos)

Being a convertible, I felt even though it is more work, it would be well worth it. Plus I would rather do it now with no interior in the car, than later when I would have to worry about carpet, upholstery and everything else inside the car.

First thing I did was to install the SpeedTech Subframe under the car.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rx9T3y3kDm8/UZFOZgvfAKI/AAAAAAAABHk/bNZfYpYnNdU/s640/IMG_0547%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P10kSpmj0H0/UZFOZucmx0I/AAAAAAAABHs/LX7PMM22bHM/s640/IMG_0548%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Then with help from my step-daughter, we hung plumb-bobs off of suspension points and location holes in the frame to square the subframe to the body.

This actually took MUCH longer than I thought it would, I would say we put almost 2 hours into getting it just right. We got it under and 1/8 of and inch difference between the cross measurements. (I think I read somewhere that GM used up to a 1/4 of an inch tolerance in this area.)

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nFIH13aJ_Ng/UZFTz_Qc00I/AAAAAAAABLI/7Jvj6Wt6p4Y/s640/framespecs.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uJNjOBKWKvI/UZFOb_fmvnI/AAAAAAAABIg/xYjhT_Utwoc/s640/IMG_0578%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h3zWKUwqBMA/UZFOb9MeTxI/AAAAAAAABIk/AOX8vYVhb_0/s640/IMG_0577%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-973XTP2ZIp8/UZFOciMYI8I/AAAAAAAABI0/FKflwoHzbPc/s640/IMG_0581%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Before we start cutting away...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-niMyYWv3Sok/UZFOZopxvcI/AAAAAAAABHo/pOgH4sR3Ejg/s640/IMG_0551%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Started to mark off where the connector will go meet up with the subframe...

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DrHUzvVEqDM/UZFWkLPp-RI/AAAAAAAABLY/c8twa0D8DK0/s640/IMG_0560%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

DSE does give a template you can use to help get a rough idea of where to cut.

I also used a laser level to shoot a line so as to make my mark to line up the back frame rail to the subframe. (You can see the laser line under the paper template if you look close)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dSWwZXAJOmo/UZFOanZPjZI/AAAAAAAABH8/bnjZKdEpPRE/s640/IMG_0563%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Marked off and ready to cut.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PviYjnNmYKc/UZFOcBC3p9I/AAAAAAAABIo/-ZbHF5ha_mE/s640/IMG_0580%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Here is what I will be installing... DSE Subframe connector kit.

I know some people make these themselves... but trust me, I have enough to do on the car myself, if I can speed up the process a bit, it helps.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uFgc-ntKXZg/UZFObR5SVCI/AAAAAAAABIY/yKN7x9NaclI/s640/IMG_0574%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dOqfHSV8Bak/UZFObUpHicI/AAAAAAAABIU/BD-HfbDMeeg/s640/IMG_0576%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

A few minutes with a cutoff wheel and sawzall and I now have a hole in my new floor. :superhack:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tXRuJ4jOiv8/UZFOdma34zI/AAAAAAAABJQ/CiEEtzhoaFw/s640/IMG_0594%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FQFSZvnLA1E/UZFOeHaj01I/AAAAAAAABJc/6RSTKGpTEfg/s640/IMG_0598%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

This project is much easier on coupes, for they do not have to deal with the extra braces the convertibles have... Here you can see I had to notch the front brace, for the connector does not go all the way up into the floor, but rides right underneath in this area.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kJ7QmQiuTYA/UZFOc20pF_I/AAAAAAAABI8/omZ9xftF61I/s640/IMG_0590%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Started to test fit the connector to line up with the subframe...

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_l2o_2kvJGU/UZFOdY6ZJhI/AAAAAAAABJM/I3Pw3kRo2WE/s640/IMG_0592%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Plus, see how they fit inside of the car...
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5SsMXca-bsM/UZFOedOSSfI/AAAAAAAABJo/Iwo5u9kABWs/s640/IMG_0619%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Once everything is where it should be and they line up correctly... fire up the welder.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CxiyMRgceXk/UZFOeeFFNvI/AAAAAAAABJk/l986pJbm4MM/s640/IMG_0602%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bkXvPyn5kuU/UZFOfR1-5AI/AAAAAAAABKA/EDP-OeC9iM0/s640/IMG_0637%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Now I DID NOT weld the connectors to the subframe... for this will be done once all the weight is in the car... (motor, transmission, interior, glass)...

Normally they have you leave the little "ears" off of the connectors and weld them on when you weld the connector to the subframe. BUT, due to the convertible brace right behind the subframe, I needed to attach the "ears" before I even put the connector into place.

I left the "ears" slightly spaced away from the subframe and will make this connection once the car is pretty much complete. So they are close to the subframe, but NOT connected.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Fm0lpzSq8Rk/UZFOgjCSyjI/AAAAAAAABKo/TBa8lcM_zU8/s640/IMG_0660%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qr3DOc8o3V8/UZFOghUEw7I/AAAAAAAABKs/KTnfhFSJqpg/s640/IMG_0661%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

You will also notice the rear seat floor braces that convertibles have are missing. This is because this is an AMD coupe floor.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bkXvPyn5kuU/UZFOfR1-5AI/AAAAAAAABKA/EDP-OeC9iM0/s640/IMG_0637%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Easy fix for just add the braces in... and it becomes a convertible floor.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OuPbrOgRdl8/UZFOfKtbBvI/AAAAAAAABJ8/vphEYl16z3g/s640/IMG_0634%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gDRI1FaF4Pc/UZFOflHNk7I/AAAAAAAABKQ/cfCRbew2Xu0/s640/IMG_0638%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

This brace also adds even more strength to the connectors for it is another connecting point to the car.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Po-mzmKUvc/UZFOgF5tTMI/AAAAAAAABKY/MpyfdJbuG-s/s640/IMG_0642%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_7lHE7--tFc/UZFOfzqqv1I/AAAAAAAABKU/Z9sVtfmy7xY/s640/IMG_0641%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Cross this one off the list and on to the next step... :yes:

[Sonar Chief]

Nice work .... what kind of laser level did you use to get the back and the subframe double checked? Thats a really good idea!

I saw the quarter panels on .... for good? just wondering how all the mini tubs came out?

Great work and nice write ups, right behind you .... albeit slower.

NICE LIFT TOO!!!!!!!!!!

[Firebird-Geek]

Nice work .... what kind of laser level did you use to get the back and the subframe double checked? Thats a really good idea!

I saw the quarter panels on .... for good? just wondering how all the mini tubs came out?

Great work and nice write ups, right behind you .... albeit slower.

NICE LIFT TOO!!!!!!!!!!

THANKS, the laser level was just a cheep Home Depot type. I just wanted to make sure I was lining up all the way from the back frame rails to the front subframe.

As for the quarter panels, in the picture they are just hanging there with a few clamps... I currently have them screwed/clamped in almost final placement. I will have some pics and info on this ADVENTURE to follow in the next few days.

The lift... I am so THANKFUL that my work let me purchase it from them cheap... it is a priceless addition to the shop.

Don't worry you will catch up to me soon... work has been a bit slow on the car, but I hope to get things rolling again soon. Time and Money... two things I seem to never have enough of!:)

[Firebird-Geek]

With all the body work going on, I thought it would be a nice change of pace to use some wrenches instead. :D

So I started to fit the Speed Tech front sub-frame and suspension.

Unfortunately my build is not an unlimited budget build. So early on I decided if I could learn and do the work myself, the money I save would allow me too purchase some of the better parts to put on my car.

I think I looked at just about every sub-frame on the market, and bang for the buck decided that the Speed Tech sub-frame would match what I was looking for the best. The only thing more impressive to me than the quality of their products, is there customer service! These guys don't just sell you the parts and wish you luck, they will assist in any way they can... even if it isn't directly tied to there products! Roger has been my go to guru with a many dumb questions that I have had. :yes:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PczZ7Cjaz-0/UZZNVhzTeEI/AAAAAAAABO4/yP51T8SpCAw/s640/SpeedTech%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C9KgZGwh4N8/UZZNVkFrs7I/AAAAAAAABOw/YbkLOPbPmxI/s640/Subframe%2520Instructions%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

The frame comes bare steel (you can have them powder coat it right away) but I wasn't sure what I was going to modify or color I wanted, so I just opted for bare steel... I just rattle canned it silver during the mock up stage.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Y0BOwxiiQv4/UZZNSUsamJI/AAAAAAAABNE/-oku7J2PawU/s640/IMG_0643%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-U6NF4b0dGzk/UZZNS9Gi0RI/AAAAAAAABNc/g6AzoIrAEVI/s640/IMG_0645%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

I decided to go with the Speed Tech aluminum solid body mounts. I do believe it is recommended that you use solid mounts if you will be installing sub-frame connectors. Plus, 30-40 years from now I don't want my kids to have to worry about the body mounts looking like this... :confused59:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vs5lKDNDDxA/UZZNSYJh4-I/AAAAAAAABOs/rzCbGpz0baM/s640/Body%2520Mounts%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

One nice thing that Speed Tech sub-frame allows is that you can use any factory replacement tubular control arms... so if you already have some, they will work with this frame.

I didn't have any... this is what I had (check out the coil springs... I DID NOT DO THIS!!) :lostmarbles:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-N0Sl8vguN_Q/Thccbm0iuLI/AAAAAAAAAGg/igtiobwQPRk/s640/Left%2520Front%2520Spring.jpg

So I ordered the complete kit...

Here I am installing the lower control arms.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-na79s_Bq3K0/UZZNTCjlQ6I/AAAAAAAABNU/mv36U38wwC8/s640/IMG_0649%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

The complete kit also comes with Unisteer power rack and pinion steering system.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iroDWxoQTHQ/UZZNWJphaQI/AAAAAAAABO0/YtV7zl2cvK4/s640/Unisteer%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

The control arms are already powder coated black. To try and protect them during mock-up, I just taped them up to for a bit of protection.

Here it is loosely mocked up...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-J4AsPSq0dQo/UZZNVCEmKeI/AAAAAAAABOc/YYT8vVjyINU/s640/IMG_20130324_160233_748%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fHem_Xrrruc/UZZNVO3IqKI/AAAAAAAABOI/3MDFXx0D2nw/s640/IMG_20130324_160243_111%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg

[Firebird-Geek]

A little before and after...

Before:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x9aTOEuUGcQ/Tl1WwI5GN8I/AAAAAAAAANg/AiaYi6qz-uI/s640/IMG_20110603_134410%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg

After:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GhxZd__lMMk/UZZNTeDDdxI/AAAAAAAABOo/3e09ZliJ8aw/s640/IMG_0652%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Next I fit the AMD radiator support.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vHtphPG_qKk/UZZNTgM8N-I/AAAAAAAABOk/d7a3_cT1Dp8/s640/IMG_0682%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gq4OaJAxf_M/UZZNUde72OI/AAAAAAAABN0/fztuPbvn7Og/s640/IMG_0685%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

That completes that stage... on to the next project.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hQnAo5JCAmY/UZZNUhvff3I/AAAAAAAABOg/ATJWrsdUfak/s640/IMG_20130324_160223_553%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vHtphPG_qKk/UZZNTgM8N-I/AAAAAAAABOk/d7a3_cT1Dp8/s640/IMG_0682%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

I was VERY pleased with my purchase. I think this will make a HUGE difference on how the car handles and drives... to bad it will be a few more years until I get a chance to drive it. :(

[Sonar Chief]

Looks NICE! :excited: Speed Tech is on my list for suspension, so is RideTech ..... we'll see. Are those uppers the high clearance arms? What size front tires do you expect to run with stock fenders?

Looking good!

[waynieZ]

It looks great in there. It will be a big difference.

[SS 454]

Amazing garage build. Lots of good information & picture. One question about your garage how big is it?

[Firebird-Geek]

Looks NICE! :excited: Speed Tech is on my list for suspension, so is RideTech ..... we'll see. Are those uppers the high clearance arms? What size front tires do you expect to run with stock fenders?

Looking good!

Yes, I do believe they are the high clearance uppers... I ordered their full kit for the front sub frame. This is what it said in it's description:

•High Clearance upper and lower control arms
•Tubular, heat treated, powder coated, chrome moly sway bar
•Billet aluminum upper shock mounts
•Qa1 adjustable coil overs
•Power rack and pinion with steering arms
•Adjustable motor frame mounts
•adjustable transmission cross member

They have been an AWESOME company to deal with. A+ on both product and customer service!

As for the size of the front tires... I am currently starting to plan out my wheels and tire purchase... (I have been back and forth a ton of times)
I am thinking: 275/35-18 on the front to take advantage of the sub frame, and (here is the part I have been back and forth on) 325/30-19 on the back or 335/30-18. I am working on getting my quarters finalized so I can get the rear-end under it and take some measurements.

[Firebird-Geek]

Amazing garage build. Lots of good information & picture. One question about your garage how big is it?

Thanks... the "Shop" as the family calls it was a 7 year adventure... for I had some friends in the construction field help build the structure, but then I finished the entire interior (with some help from family) on my own to keep it affordable for me... and the bank. :)

The size is 32' wide by 48' deep with 12' sidewalls...

A few things I would do differently the 2nd time around.
- I would have never put a slope in the floor toward the center drain... it makes leveling things out SUCK! There is an almost a 2" slope in it right now.
- If you want to put a lift in... 12' is the very MINIMUM... I had to cut a pocket in-between my ceiling trusts to fit the lift.

[SS 454]

Thanks for the information. :thumbsup:

[Firebird-Geek]

My original drivers door was in BAD shape, it had been previously re-skinned with a pop can (atleast it the same gauge of metal):headscratch: Then they took a torch to the inside structure to probably fit some KILLER speakers! :wacko:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wIn6wROPgxg/ThcYMgt4udI/AAAAAAAAAEY/SvqKlqawcCg/s640/Torched%2520Doors.jpg

So I decided to just replace the entire shell. I accidentally received 2 drivers doors... which turned out to be a bit of a blessing, for it allowed me to pick the better of the 2... plus one of the doors had a pretty decent flaw.

One of the doors was a Goodmark... not sure on the other brand.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-X-k-NP6oe9Q/Ufkn0DVgYkI/AAAAAAAABc8/RRqtazFkw08/s640/IMG_0664%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7dBeBcFTBAk/Ufkn0BC2jWI/AAAAAAAABc4/O2MOJGMTj0c/s640/IMG_0662%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9bOFOfDTz6E/Ufknz2XOhNI/AAAAAAAABc0/sv80rWUbLUo/s640/IMG_0663%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Do you see a difference?

Goodmark door (FRONT), unknown door (behind attached to car)

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5ab2HxGqDs4/Ufkn-rnkRaI/AAAAAAAABes/Nur8Ll5MHQM/s640/IMG_1008%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

It seems the geniuses skinned a 67 door frame (It has the correct hinge bolt pattern) with a 68 skin. For the mirror location is not correct due to the vent window location. (the Goodmark door is correct)

Without both doors sitting side by side, I might not have noticed the difference until it was to late later... after paint. :hairpullout:

Here are some other shots that show the slight differences in other areas:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-t-SmUAPXLQE/Ufkn_h58CsI/AAAAAAAABfE/fKPbUze5RzQ/s640/IMG_1012%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-V228KsQyM74/Ufkn_vJ68AI/AAAAAAAABfI/Ms_RGuoHJt0/s640/IMG_1013%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bcDWFlE931U/Ufkn_KgX3RI/AAAAAAAABe8/rSBqIxGTLPk/s640/IMG_1011%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

So onto the passenger door... This was the one panel I thought I might be able to save. And I know if at all possible keep the GM doors over aftermarkets. BUT, i swear this car wants nothing to do with its previous parts! :shakehead:

Enter... the "Red door"....

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1RsmhEDbV2c/UfkoCALjmQI/AAAAAAAABgA/pC_TQnKUwVk/s640/IMG_1048%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

P.S. This door jack that my work is letting me borrow is AWESOME for hanging doors by yourself!

Anyway... I knew there was a decent amount of mud on the door, for the whole car at this point seemed to have had a heavy coat of it. But I ground down all the corners where I thought there may be rust... Nothing. I figured I had a clean door.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5oHYtyO3aho/UfkoCuYUezI/AAAAAAAABgI/IV-V0qaBmW4/s640/IMG_1068%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QZF5u7iJKPc/UfkoDNiOnsI/AAAAAAAABgM/GW8zTfAw1DM/s640/IMG_1072%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

UNTIL I took the whole door down to metal... I think the car was a getaway car at one point, for it looks like the door went though a war zone and was shot with a shotgun. There was alteast a 1/2 gallon of mud or more on the door.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AZqk3mGOmLA/UfkoEDcdxxI/AAAAAAAABgk/15JeRcpUYVA/s640/IMG_1142%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-plSRqB30R6U/UfkoFFkM9LI/AAAAAAAABg4/L_6HMMh4Chk/s640/IMG_1148%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Look at the body line (wavy as hell)... it was completely built out of mud... it was over 1/4 inch thick at the body line. The photos don't show just how concaved in it was in many places either. :confused59:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DH6tLMWsf7c/UfkoE9KVRzI/AAAAAAAABg0/sXL7defJ5r0/s640/IMG_1147%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-i4mn1c6UAM4/UfkoEix0TlI/AAAAAAAABgo/9XLFXtVOF4Y/s640/IMG_1146%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Out comes the door jack... OFF comes the "red door"

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_610-8lxKOE/UfkoFm6hHyI/AAAAAAAABhA/XUeEXeDcr50/s640/IMG_1165%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

I know I could have re-skinned the frame, but due to inner structure having a torch taken to it, and I don't think it was straight either, for it wanted to bow where it meets the quarters.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UQvMjevicok/UfkoCkPckKI/AAAAAAAABgE/I5l-PeRsK5w/s640/IMG_1052%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

I already had a new aftermarket door, so I put it on to give it a try...

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nEF62yxvHVI/Ufk2bVeYAOI/AAAAAAAABhU/jPRLeW5FeVo/s640/IMG_0962%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

MUCH BETTER!! I know the aftermarket doors get a bad rap for not fitting as well as the GM panels. But I have to say this door is not bad at all. In fact I got my GM NOS front fender out and set it up against the door (I did not gap it) and the fitment was actually very good. It also seem just as heavy as my original.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IGsjPh2xuK0/UfkoBGscvtI/AAAAAAAABfk/0_bd7pQ9hqE/s640/IMG_1166%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1V5aVAftvIo/UfkoBGXPN8I/AAAAAAAABfo/4SU_hfQIbdE/s640/IMG_1167%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

I am currently working on fitting my quarter panels. This has been one of my biggest fears, for with the entire rear portion of my car being replaced other than the rails, reference points are not many!:_paranoid PLUS, these are the FIRST full quarters I have ever put onto a car.

I have a FULL write-up of my quarter panel troubles on a thread in a different forum...

So I will do a brief overview here....

First a little info:
- Both quarters are Tri-plus (AMD) I do believe AMD is merely a reseller of this brand and it is not "their tooling". BUT, I am NO expert on this matter.

It quickly became apparent that the drivers side quarter would be my biggest foe. For it started fighting me almost immediately during fitment. I was having a HECK of a time to get the quarter panel to sit far enough back (evenly). This was causing poor gap between drivers door and quarter panel. It also makes it hard to get the panel back far enough to meet the trunk fill panel and the tail panel. When I did PULL it hard enough to get it back, you will see that it pulled the top of the quarter panel back but not the bottom (this also causes the body line to be wrong.)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IvglXblmd5Q/UdMfIY4qvVI/AAAAAAAABTY/Izt9ryI7isE/s640/Door%2520Gap%2520WIDE%25202%2520%2528Large%2529.JP G

This was the door gap I was getting... :censored:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VpUYNWyUawU/UdMfIAWMbDI/AAAAAAAABTU/C2F3kAqrghI/s640/Door%2520Gap%2520WIDE%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Well... after a boat load of hours, and pulling the quarter on... off... on... off more times than I could count. God must have been looking over my shoulder, for I ended up with this:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nJGoyUaQHFQ/UfgDIdiVAYI/AAAAAAAABVA/kntARg7wpEM/s640/FINALLY%2520FITS%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

With my door gap becoming: :excited:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lX1g9KUJYEM/UfgDJRaO6aI/AAAAAAAABVg/OJRTjAUjT3g/s640/IMG_1195%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

My final tool I used to level everything out perfect was to use 2 bottle jacks in the trunk then loosen the outer wheelhouse from the inner and push the wheelhouses and convertible inner frame up to where they needed to be to line up perfectly.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YaApswV5g-Q/UfgDI6JlzoI/AAAAAAAABVk/DqnMu8K2YlU/s640/IMG_1191%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

I would then string my body lines again and look everything over 10 more times... then I clamped the SH!# out of the wheelhouses and braces to make sure NOTHING moves! :D

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lr8CupWkF_w/UfgDNelAGnI/AAAAAAAABXk/tcWbJdMEWEI/s640/String%2520to%2520Level%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ySPRSgxGFqo/UfgDIWvBa0I/AAAAAAAABVI/865h8gJkDuM/s640/IMG_1190%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[KPC67]

Your gaps are coming together beautifully. I think most of us at this stage have the same problem with re-pop sheet metal, but as you found it seems like the more you take the panels off and put them back on the more tweaking you do and can end up getting them fairly close.
Keep at it. :thumbsup:

[Sonar Chief]

Any updates on the quarters? I'm right behind you .... wondering how the battle goes? Nice writeup, keep the pixs coming!:popcorn2:

[Firebird-Geek]

Any updates on the quarters? I'm right behind you .... wondering how the battle goes? Nice writeup, keep the pixs coming!:popcorn2:

I have them close... I just need to get out there to work on them!:yes: I have a few pictures of some problem areas I had... but havn't posted them yet, JUST to make sure the fixes I made actually work! Don't want to give out bad INFO!:_paranoid

Stay tuned! Will have status results soon! I HOPE!

[bdahlg68]

So you want to come to Detroit and hang my quarters next? :gitrdun:

[Firebird-Geek]

So you want to come to Detroit and hang my quarters next? :gitrdun:

Not sure you want me there... as slow of progress that I have made on mine... I might be there for a month or two! :D I would start to feel like a permanent house guest.

I am hoping to make some progress this weekend, if I can make it out to the car. I will report my progress SOON! I hope!

[Firebird-Geek]

Thought I would post a status report from the front line (Battle of the quarter panels).:bigun2: :hairpullout:

After an absolutely absurd amount of hours... I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel. :hapdance:

I have managed to get the quarters/Tail panel/Wheelhouses/drop offs/braces to all play nice together. The quarters are not welded yet, but I have them 99% located in there correct location. I will then take them off and prime/seal and reinstall them back on before finally welding them up.

My largest battle has been the inner structure... with so much of the car removed, I couldn't base ANYTHING on the fact of prior placement of panels. Every panel had to be slowly tightened up until the entire structure worked together. I moved my drop offs at-least 5-10 times. Wheelhouses 4-5 times... Trying to not let any one panel dictate where the quarters would sit. After HOURS and HOURS of working the panels, I did start to get a feel for what needed to be moved and how it would effect the surrounding panels.

I have never questioned my build more than I have working on these panels. There were MANY moments of concern and frustration! :bang: But there were also moments when the panels would actually cooperate and line up where they are meant to be! :D

This is FINAL MOCK-UP... before I take the panels back off to prime and seal the inner structure.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-piAB0BdP0tI/UlLkM-AfloI/AAAAAAAABo4/lDm_YBRgE48/s640/IMG_1528%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cr22iVXAXfU/UlLkO5BEEWI/AAAAAAAABpY/ZTmVUdq8tfE/s640/IMG_1552%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

To show my OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) in all of its glory... I never trusted my eyes, nor the panels to make sure alignment was true all the way around the car. Plus my floor has a slope in it due to a central drain in the shops floor (so a person can not take measurements from the floor up, due to its irregularity) :rolleyes:

SO... I constantly checked everything with stringers.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bXDGWzlAtA8/UlLkN5sEMWI/AAAAAAAABpE/z7qWTe9Vwtk/s640/IMG_1547%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jhstfrM93a4/UlLkNVmwkGI/AAAAAAAABo0/z2JENWJt5lo/s640/IMG_1542%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

In-fact, I even would take pictures and use my computer to make sure everything was aligning properly.

This would show me what needs to be tweaked, and what needs to stay put!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4V-uGYEwUSc/UlLkPp6KOxI/AAAAAAAABpg/eQgA_yXVm-g/s640/MEASUREMENTS%2520%2528Large%2529.jpg

[Svegliato]

Hey, did you ever get that LQ installed in your Firebird? How well does that work? Much work, etc?

[Sonar Chief]

Nice to hear you are winning the war with the quarters!!! My driver's side AMD quarter came in yesterday ..... so here goes, well I'm only doing one side at a time, for my reference THE OTHER SIDE!

Good luck getting it back together ... test of patience fer sure.

[Firebird-Geek]

Hey, did you ever get that LQ installed in your Firebird? How well does that work? Much work, etc?

Actually its is Both Quarters, tail panel, wheelhouses, rear valance, trunk fill panel and drop offs...:hairpullout:

I am about 98% there with final fitment, then I will remove 1 quarter at a time to prime/seal the inner structure and back of the quarters, then WELD away! :welder:

Nice to hear you are winning the war with the quarters!!! My driver's side AMD quarter came in yesterday ..... so here goes, well I'm only doing one side at a time, for my reference THE OTHER SIDE!

Good luck getting it back together ... test of patience fer sure.

Yes, once side at a time is DEFINITELY going to help! I just had SO much metal I was replacing and I REFUSE to sandblast inside of my shop, so I stripped everything and started from scratch. :willy:

I have managed to get everything where it should be, and it is starting to come together nicely... but DAMN, it has been A LOT of work! And yes, patience is a MUST! There are so many variables, that a person really has to concentrate and make sure that fixing one area doesn't screw up 3 other areas! :_paranoid Is it the panel that has issues? The adjacent panels? the inner structure? The car itself?... :wacko:

[Firebird-Geek]

Well, thought I would check in with everyone... still working the quarter panels! :confused18:

If I was writing a book... the chapter for my quarter panels (especially the inner bracing) would be labeled: "The Black Hole" or "The Bermuda Triangle" for I can go into my shop for hours and hours... and yet very LITTLE work seems to actually be happening. Move this, measure... move that, measure....

BUT, I am SLOWLY moving forward. Most of the panels are starting to play nice... Clamps coming off, screws going into place... For me this is progress! :D

I can not believe how many clamps I have had to use on this project...:confused59:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-y6XDUKLL9EU/Uma7UES-MAI/AAAAAAAABzs/AoOcmxqbPKo/s640/CLAMPS%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Panels are starting to find their rightful home... Screws then get placed!
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h0UKQGIn5aM/Uma7UN_3iVI/AAAAAAAABzo/qMBdXxM5V2U/s640/Screws%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

I have started to say a little prayer every time I go out to work on the car... IT WORKS! Things are starting to FINALLY line up and getting close to getting welded on! (still need to prep the panels first) :D
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SkQHoj8Ppec/Uma7UBh5rpI/AAAAAAAABzw/vwYFd9xOddo/s640/Top%2520Down%2520Fitment%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

For a bit of a break, I got the welder out and welded the front of the wheelhouses and braces together. Feels great to see things actually becoming permanently attached!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M2vKYCHHbT8/Uma7UnHC53I/AAAAAAAABz4/p6toWhZAlr0/s400/Welder%25201%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xAJTazgJzXE/Uma7U4uQGtI/AAAAAAAABz0/K7z-AMdUmdk/s400/Welder%25202%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[KPC67]

Hey nice work, love following your progress :popcorn2:

[Sonar Chief]

Car is looking great ..... another reason I'm only doing one side at a time? I don't have that many clamps :)

I'm watching you :ohsnap: Nice welder too!

[Firebird-Geek]

Just checking in again, Still working on the quarters... BUT, progress has been FINALLY moving in the right direction... (FORWARD)! :clap:

I have had my quarters on and off WAY more times than I can count... BUT over the last few weeks they have been in a semi-solid state. For I have been dialing in their final position. WELL, I think I have finally found it! And what a wonderful feeling that is!

I was a bit nervous about pulling them back off since they are where I need them, but with the tail panel screwed into location, and locator screws strategically placed, I should be able to line everything back up.

Looked everything over another few hundred times before pulling the quarters for cleanup/prime/seal.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JArpy4I74oo/UoPhjp_V4oI/AAAAAAAAB0s/X-DRhIAOLAM/s640/Ready%2520To%2520Pull%2520Quarter%2520for%2520Last %2520time%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

I will fine tune the gaps during mockup, but I am pretty happy with the drivers side. :yes: Passenger side not this nice, but easily correctable.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hxTvXreJ_ds/UoPhjc1dFVI/AAAAAAAAB00/xjOdTZGvqCs/s640/Pre-Final%2520Gap%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Off they come 1 last time! Will fix any imperfections I see while I have easy access to both sides of the quarter with a little hammer/dolly work.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2sSFQZgNprc/UoQAhzOHCiI/AAAAAAAAB1k/fvF6me0lRQE/s640/Cleaning%2520UP%2520Quarter%2520%2528Large%2529.JP G

Welded my door jamb back in... I had removed it to take it out of the equation when I couldn't get the quarter to fit worth a damn.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vWrlW4ZUm4k/UoPhkrvb9VI/AAAAAAAAB1E/iajUxgxyjSU/s640/Welded%2520Door%2520Jamb%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Inner structure being welded into place, AWESOME to see things becoming one structure again.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qRv2w3rkJGw/UoPhr2CtngI/AAAAAAAAB1U/6TPmeOzWut4/s640/Starting%2520to%2520weld%2520solid%2520%2528Large% 2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

When I started working these quarters WAY back in the early summer (yes I have been working these panels that long) :lostmarbles: it would be a MAJOR achievement to just get this quarter to sit on the car half ways decent. Plus it required more clamps than I ever thought I would ever own. :wacko:

BUT, again thanks to God looking over my shoulder (I say a small prayer before every session out in the garage and IT WORKS! :yes: ) I was able to re-hang the quarter with 1 clamp and it was almost in perfect alignment! (This was only to see how they fit now that all the inner structure has been welded into place)

Just to check fitment... look 1 clamp...:D
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Plb_01MH2jc/UoPhjv40WWI/AAAAAAAAB0w/CVHSJATxA6Y/s640/One%2520Clamp%2520Pre%2520Weld%2520%2528Large%2529 .JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

With all of the internal braces and panels welded into place, I started to clean up the inner structure for primer and seam sealer. At first it was kind of nice to be out in the shop and working without having to measure something every 5 minutes, BUT, after a few hours of doing this it became a bit tedious taking the structure back down to bare metal in preparation for the epoxy primer. All those nooks and crannies!:wacko:

During the process of cleaning up the inner structure. I forgot to grab a photo of this area once I was finally done and it was all back to shinny metal. (after 6 hours of cleanup):goofy:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YIZGuHgI0b0/UpyhFoahJFI/AAAAAAAAB2c/XhbeAaNH2wM/s640/Prep1%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8ePhJfblpUQ/UpyhGNb5U6I/AAAAAAAAB2k/Zw36OOYTzLA/s640/Prep2%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Inner structure sprayed with epoxy primer. Something GM didn't even seem to bother priming at all from the factory.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fEZaTpvoUBI/UpyhGdMHFZI/AAAAAAAAB3M/gAaocLQ7uQ0/s640/Primed%25201%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CkU-9rG91Gw/UpyhGiFTFPI/AAAAAAAAB28/uk28Bz5pcaw/s640/Primed%25202%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OHSuAbp-DK4/UpyhGy849DI/AAAAAAAAB24/YP_OBynmJPU/s640/Primed%25203%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Drilled out the Quarter Panels for final placement. NOTE: I located my plug weld holes further in on the wheelhouse lip. This is due to the fact that I plan on cutting the lip down so as to clear the larger rear wheels, plus clean up the area.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HJ8LfM6rEGI/UpyhHyOQTSI/AAAAAAAAB3E/JxeqQTbZlEA/s400/Quarter%2520Drilled%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

Quarter panels getting taken down in preparation for epoxy primer. Again forgot to get a final picture of this process... I was in a zone that day! :)

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ziU48tqPdMA/UpyhIebrTTI/AAAAAAAAB3k/3jm0xOpqmW8/s640/Quarter%2520Prep%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OMKQtSFBF_w/UpyhIpSkaTI/AAAAAAAAB3c/qrlonXISK8U/s640/Quarter%2520Primed%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

I then applied 2k seam sealer to all areas where 2 panels joined together or where there was overlapping joints. Keep moisture out of the seams, and seal everything up.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NcXnoh-Kggk/UpyhKvKPnxI/AAAAAAAAB34/ZKoFd_OY6mA/s640/Sealed%25202%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5i9V-pTW0ao/UpyhLJZKwfI/AAAAAAAAB4E/DptVBO7KA8g/s640/Sealed1%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CNWZ2dm7DVA/UpyhKdF_zyI/AAAAAAAAB30/a8K2pXWM2vw/s640/Sealed%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FtEniYvesVM/UpyhL_w20II/AAAAAAAAB4Q/T9qJzAkXGiU/s640/Trunk%2520Fill%2520Panel%2520Sealed%2520%2528Large %2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

Just for fun... looked through my tear-down photos...

BEFORE: (Notice all the bare where GM didn't coat anything)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mJQQ_Ptz7XY/TzFu6tAXyCI/AAAAAAAAAZw/DM4nCiKo90w/s640/IMG_1663%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AHjtDzsfbD8/Tz7LP5limbI/AAAAAAAAAbM/TPulm0QCfVg/s640/IMG_1745%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eSBqmiFSmhk/Tz7Lh1wcvMI/AAAAAAAAAbg/BJjAhYP1Qng/s640/IMG_1749%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

AFTER: MUCH BETTER! (atleast I think so!):yes:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NcXnoh-Kggk/UpyhKvKPnxI/AAAAAAAAB34/ZKoFd_OY6mA/s640/Sealed%25202%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CNWZ2dm7DVA/UpyhKdF_zyI/AAAAAAAAB30/a8K2pXWM2vw/s640/Sealed%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[bdahlg68]

Looks great and should never rust!

[214Chevy]

?... (Notice all the bare where GM didn't coat anything)

GM wasn't thinking about 50 years down the line. Looking good as well.

[makoshark]

Excellent work! That is a text book example of 'well put together.'

Don't have to worry about any rot there for a long...long time

[Sonar Chief]

Looks really good .... it is kinda cool to go back and look at the mess you started with and the car today!!!!

Keep up the good work .... I'm right behind you!

[Firebird-Geek]

Looks really good .... it is kinda cool to go back and look at the mess you started with and the car today!!!!

Keep up the good work .... I'm right behind you!

Yes, going back and looking at just what a mess it was before seems to help me... shows me that ALL those HOURS in the garage are actually paying off! :) For there have been times when I wonder why in the hell didn't I take up an easier hobby! :D

Yours is looking great! :yes: You will probably pass me up! Which is great, because then I can follow your lead! I am a visual learner! :popcorn2:

[Firebird-Geek]

With all of the inner structure primed and seam sealed, I am ready to do final fitment of the QUARTER PANELS! I have gotten so use to pulling them off and putting then on, that it has almost become second nature. Anyone starting this journey, the more you work with these panels, the more you will understand their placement, faults and just how they want to sit on the car. With that being said, I will NOT miss fitting these panels! :hairpullout:

The beautiful thing is that with the inner structure FINALLY in its correct location in relationship with where the quarter panels need to be, re-fitting the quarters back on the car was MUCH different than when I started on these panels in the early summer.

Started to hang the quarters for FINAL FITMENT!:clap:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wkQFXF3GCgU/UqH8Upta4-I/AAAAAAAAB5E/SxI9SOhZKZE/s640/Starting%2520Final%2520Fitment%2520%2528Large%2529 .JPG

A HUGE sense of relief seeing that after moving this much metal around on the car, things actually were lining up and the structure is LEVEL! Thank You GOD! (See those prayers DO work!) :)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7DIDNYq9Djs/UqH8UycC0UI/AAAAAAAAB5A/Yslt3kaB-Tc/s640/Level%2520Front%2520Quarters%2520%2528Large%2529.J PG

[Firebird-Geek]

Unlike mock-up stage, this fitment was more of a fine tuning session.

I first started by getting the quarter to return to where they needed to be. In the past this was a HUGE nightmare, but now with the inner structure in place, it was much easier. The porta-power in the rear was there just to fine tune the body line and tail panel location. It isn't doing much, other than acting like a second set of hands. The ratchet strap is putting a bit of pressure on the quarters in order to pull them in along the trunk fill panel and trail panel. Again, not much pressure, but another helping hand.

Again, not wanting to go by any guessing or inner structure locations, I used my string lines to make sure everything was lining up where it needed to be! I also used a 6ft level to sit along the top of the quarters in various locations to make sure they are also level with the rest of the car.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NeggJedj3KQ/UqH_44RHkMI/AAAAAAAAB5c/TrSWRb04nYs/s640/IMG_1776%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG


This shot makes me the HAPPIEST! For I have stressed, anylized and dumped TONS of HOURS into this quarter panel in order to get it to sit level with the car. (Never cut the quarter, all done through HOURS of fitment) FINALLY laser straight! :hapdance: :woot:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zQh4wzgzhNs/UqH_7nJG84I/AAAAAAAAB6I/mYvjH6lITJI/s640/Stringer%2520Level1%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[Firebird-Geek]

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YgSzDv2cJ8g/UqH_4pbYjEI/AAAAAAAAB5o/UjE6McudHKQ/s640/IMG_1734%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-U6ruR746udU/UqH_5Tupn1I/AAAAAAAAB5k/Q6xovv4w9_o/s640/IMG_1785%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5mfpLhdaGWA/UqH_5vqfsdI/AAAAAAAAB6E/6nls-IKPE3k/s640/IMG_1786%2520%2528Large%2529.JPG

[rickpaw]

Looks great. You had a lot of work in there. When I did mine, I asked a couple of old school body guys about body lines/panel gaps not lining up, and they said if I were to restore it to when GM had it, then leave it alone. Which I did.