1971 Pro Touring Trans Am with a twist

[garickman]

1971 Firebird

[camcojb]

What happened with this?

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=34813

[fleetus macmullitz]

Hi Greg,

Like many here I too have been wondering about the progress of the memorial car. :)

Sorry to hear of the lack of progress recently.

The Firebird you're starting with looks amazing...wow!

Are you going to post a rendering?

You do know we have a 24/7 pic issue, right?

:underchair:

:lol:

[Ron in SoCal]

Congrats Greg! Everything you do is honorable, selfless (except giving Vince a hard time which I'm sure he deserves). :D

Please keep in touch and be mindful of the all powerful mod's comments :cheers:

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Now, for this build. Unlike the police car, about 90% of the parts for this build have already been acquired. The engine is getting shipped to Wegner Motorsports next Monday. Vince has already completed installing the DSE quadralink and subframe connectors. The old tubs have been cut out and the DSE mini tubs have been fitted and mocked up. Vince should be done installing them in the next few weeks. (:poke: Vince are you reading this??) I will be posting some pics later this evening for your viewing enjoyment. I don't have a rendering just yet.

Yep, Im here, just happened to be finishing up with this weeks spread sheets and getting my purchase orders ready for the up coming projects.

I know Greg has been through the wash with other builders so I will do my best to keep progress going at a resonable pace. I'll throw as many pictures that I can up as well. I have a few parts ready to go into CAD for my machinist and many will be as innovative as we can get them. I just wish I had a Lassy trained metal fabricator to come down and lend a hand. I have a bunch of cool tools and equiptment to work with and always have 3 filled argon tanks ready to go in the shop. All of which are paid for might I add.

This should be a pretty fun project for us and we hope it builds interest and momentum for his charity.
Right now we are going through the strip down so we can get it ready for the media blaster for an underside,interior and firewall clean up.

Some of the features to come:

Modify firewall and space for the Peterson (http://www.petersonfluidsys.com/) dry sump oil tank
raised floor and widen transmission tunnel
modifying and relocating the factory floor supports
notching the frame and DSE tubs to clear the monsterous rear end from The GMR (http://thegmr.com/).

Here is the car the way we received getting prepped for the DSE (http://www.detroitspeed.com/) subframe connector installation.
enjoy

[fleetus macmullitz]

Congrats Greg! Everything you do is honorable, selfless (except giving Vince a hard time which I'm sure he deserves). :D

Please keep in touch and be mindful of the all powerful mod's comments :cheers:


Very well said Ron. :thumbsup:

(the parts I understood).

:D

[Ron in SoCal]

^ Thx Skipper. I think you understood perfectly :D

Greg did I miss the wheel selection?

[Streetking]

Oh Oh, did someone mention the word Trans Am?:confused59:

[fleetus macmullitz]

Looking real good Greg and Vince. :thumbsup:

Any truth to the rumor that when you 'notch' a gorgeous DSE subframe you need to get their written permission first?

:innocent:


:D

[Sieg]

I don't know about written permission but when Vince said he was going to notch the frame, I thought lightning might strike the building so I went home for the day and had him send me the pics.
Don't worry, it's not the first DSE sub to be "butchered." :thumbsup:

http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p603/67CamaroLS7/Camaro%20XV/DSC_6710_zps633c533b.jpg

[BBBluey]

Simply WOW! I'm sure it's going to be amazing.

The 70 -71 Firebird is my dream car. I would've loved having that car just the way it was before you started.

I'm starting to count and save my pennies for your auction.

BTW- I've been reading on this forum a long time and this is the first time I've been inclined to post. Best of luck to you Sir and I'm truely sorry to hear about your friend.

[Flash68]

What an impressive project! :thumbsup:

That Vince guy got some skillz. :guns:

[intocarss]

Everything looks awsome and what a great thing you and the others are doing!!!:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Sieg]

Everything looks awesome and what a great thing you and the others are doing!!!:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Absolutely! My hats off to all involved in this project. :thumbsup:

[Sieg]

Thanks guys! Now if some one could teach me how to answer multiple quotes in one post it would be appreciated
The "+ icon at the bottom right corner includes that post in the ones you want to quote, use the "quote" icon for the last post you want to quote and you're there. :thumbsup:

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Thanks guys! Now if some one could teach me how to answer multiple quotes in one post it would be appreciated

ahh don't worry about it till you get to 10k posts. I like the blue color, its going to pop against the carbon fiber.

I think we need to make you a de burring station.

[Sieg]

:ohsnap: I'm on fire now!:fire:
NOOOOOOO, we've created another multi-post monster!
:D

[carbuff]

This original rendering from 1969 brings up something I would like to get some opinions on. My current plan for the car is all black. Black exterior with a black leather interior and no stripes. Hoping that will appeal to the masses for an auction car.



My personal opinion on these cars is that black drowns out a lot of the good looking body lines of the T/A, especially in pictures. It's hard to photograph a black car well. Granted, you will be at a live auction, but you will want to drum up interest prior to the event.

And while the car is not an original T/A, the white/blue or blue/white combination really does look great on that car!

Red is always a popular auction color also, and perhaps better than the black choice. One of my favorite red cars is John's (NOT A TA) car.

In the end, I personally would probably choose any color BUT black, and this coming from someone whose daily drivers almost always ARE black. :) Take a good look at the picture below. While an awesome car, that is some good camera work to get that shot:

http://thebeautifulist.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/1970-Pontiac-Firebird-All-Speed-Customs01.jpg

[BBBluey]

Well, since I'm winning this car, just go ahead and paint it Corvette Anniversary Silver with Black stripes for me. :G-Dub:

[BBBluey]

I think that in an effort to appeal to the masses, adding stripes would be something the new owner could do easily should they choose to do so. Leave it solid.
For example, I would be very tempted to add the shaker scoop to the hood as well...just like the Firebird in the movie Corvette summer...so stripes on the car could throw that off.
Trans-am with a twist... Check this link:
http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_24184-Pontiac-Firebird-Trans-Am-1971.html

[Sieg]

My concern with the 2nd Gen snorkel hood is it detracts from the downward slope of the fenders making the nose taller and the squared openings parallel the hood line and not the sweep of the nose. The 1st Gen TA hood does both of those well........just something to consider from someone who's idolized the lines of 2nd Gen TA's since they were new. :thumbsup:

[Sieg]

White and blue has always been a classic for the model......could you go with with carbon accents and tint the carbon blue with clear?
Dark green with carbon could be sharp also but not as popular as the classic white. Just thinking out loud.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

I agree that the CF might date it in the future but I also like the blue stipe idea. You can do a translucent blue over the CF so it still shows in a subtle way.

[Sieg]

If it ain't broke don't fix it?

[Vince@Meanstreets]

I don't know what to think anymore, I like the formula hood but in reality I think the shaker hood would bring more buyers no matter what the paint color is. I am hoping Albert from Carbon Kustoms joins in on the fun. I'm sure he would have a pretty good insight on what would be best for an auction car. im with Sieg,no, keep it unique. I like your planned but never built theme. It is going to set the car apart from other T/A's. Try not to let things sway your initial ideas. occam's razor theory applies in the car building realm too.

[tazzz2_ca]

I don't know what to think anymore, I like the formula hood but in reality I think the shaker hood would bring more buyers no matter what the paint color is. I am hoping Albert from Carbon Kustoms joins in on the fun. I'm sure he would have a pretty good insight on what would be best for an auction car.

Greg the trick here (resale) has proven to be utilizing stock appearance packages with a twist... I will share a design with you that I plan to build for myself in the next year or two as a 85% Composite TA...

The White with Blue TA package is for the most part the equivalent of a "Re-sale red sports car".... That considered I have identified a composite that will allow me to create the look of a White 70 TA with a "Candy Blue" Carbon Fiber stripe... The interior would be done like my Blue Formula Cochise with the exception of replacing the color and material with 1970 deluxe Blue two tone/actual materials.. The seat stitch pattern would stay constant with mine,, but the material would be swapped out....

It is my personal opinion that this combo will appeal to the broadest range of buyers and give the car a "really sharp" sporty feeling and energy... I also believe it would photograph pretty well given the bright contrast colors and however I don't know how well the base code 10 polar White paint reproduces in print media and maybe someone like Rob McGaffin can chime in here/comment....

[tazzz2_ca]

Here is a few pics of the chromoly GMR/DSE rear end that Jason and Jay built for me.

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/thegmrfullfloaterprotouringDSEdertoitspeedengineer inggen2camarofirebirdquadralinkwilwoodsetup4.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/thegmrfullfloaterprotouringDSEdertoitspeedengineer inggen2camarofirebirdquadralinkwilwoodsetup4.jpg.h tml)

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/thegmrfullfloaterprotouringDSEdertoitspeedengineer inggen2camarofirebirdquadralinkwilwoodsetup5.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/thegmrfullfloaterprotouringDSEdertoitspeedengineer inggen2camarofirebirdquadralinkwilwoodsetup5.jpg.h tml)

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/thegmrfullfloaterprotouringDSEdertoitspeedengineer inggen2camarofirebirdquadralinkwilwoodsetup7.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/thegmrfullfloaterprotouringDSEdertoitspeedengineer inggen2camarofirebirdquadralinkwilwoodsetup7.jpg.h tml)

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/thegmrfullfloaterprotouringDSEdertoitspeedengineer inggen2camarofirebirdquadralinkwilwoodsetup2.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/thegmrfullfloaterprotouringDSEdertoitspeedengineer inggen2camarofirebirdquadralinkwilwoodsetup2.jpg.h tml)

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/thegmrfullfloaterprotouringDSEdertoitspeedengineer inggen2camarofirebirdquadralinkwilwoodsetup3.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/thegmrfullfloaterprotouringDSEdertoitspeedengineer inggen2camarofirebirdquadralinkwilwoodsetup3.jpg.h tml)

What was the weight on that rear end complete bud?,,, gotta speak to these guys about a future project and weight is the critical factor for it.... I've been told that titanium wants to fight with itself so to speak so I'm guessing a custom designed light weight Molly rear end might fit the tab (who knows maybe even re-forced with composites too ;-)

[RussMurco]

This is one to keep an eye on and boy, that is some serious eye-candy! Looking great so far!!!

I will share a design with you that I plan to build for myself in the next year or two as a 85% Composite TA....

:huh: 85% composite?! :huh:

[Sieg]

Every time I see The GMR rear's I'm wow'd, even nicer than the ones in Playboy. :unibrow:

Greg, you've really put the pedal down on this build and I'm really looking forward to watching this bird take flight. :thumbsup:

[Flash68]

Greg, this is the first I have seen someone use the integrated primer on an LS motor. Very trick piece they came out with. :thumbsup:

What did Bill Dailey have to say about that primer? (I ask because he has told many a people that priming is unnecessary for most dry sump engines)

[fleetus macmullitz]

Remember it is an auction car in which I am hoping to break the six figure mark so it must appeal to the masses.

Any thoughts??

Greg,

Just wondering, have any Trans-Ams 'clones', for lack of a better term, brought $100K or so at auction?

[Xplosiv]

Im sure you guys know this, but CF hoods and accents can be made out of carbon/kevlar using the black carbon and blue kevlar. That would give it a blue tint without being outwardly bright blue.

[Rybar]

Impressive build, love the direction. Not sure how I missed this thread.

[DaleTx]

First class build here... great pics... I will be following this thread :thumbsup:

I'm curious about the primer for the dry sump system. I haven't seen that before, nice feature.

[T_Raven]

Very nice build so far!

I didn't know that about the formula hood originally being intended for the TA. It would be cool to see a TA built with that hood now that I know that, unfortunately most people don't know that and anyone who owned the car would forever hear how they "ruined" it by putting the wrong hood on.

Of the two styles I prefer the shaker hood and that would probably be better for resale value. Whatever you do don't put a shaker in a Formula hood. I can't stand seeing that. Two induction styles on one hood is dumb. It'd be like ram air scoops on a Camaro cowl induction hood.

Loving that axle. I'm hoping to put some GMR stuff under my 67.

[intocarss]

Drooling comes to mind :trophy-1302:

I never knew that about the T/A hood Thanks, now I can stump my friends LOL

[RussMurco]

Drooling comes to mind :trophy-1302:

I never knew that about the T/A hood Thanks, now I can stump my friends LOL

You can also stump them with the original design for the 1970 Formula hood, the one that appeared on the 1976 models!

[ProTouring442]

Well sort of. Did you notice I mentioned in my title Trans am with a "twist". I guess this is as good as time as any to explain the "twist".

As most of you know and for those that don’t, the twin scoop formula hood was designed by Pontiac’s lead designer Bill Porter and it was originally meant to be used on the Trans Am. However, at the time, competitive performance models such as the Dodge Challenger, the Plymouth ‘Cuda and the Ford Mustang were all using functional shaker hoods and the GM exec’s also wanted that feature for the Trans Am. Bill Porter was very much against the design because it cut into the hood’s slender spline and it would not be as functional as the twin scoops. Obviously the GM exec’s won and the twin scoop hood was relegated to be used on what would become the Pontiac Firebird Formula. During a 2000 interview, Bill Porter once said “I always kind of wished the double scooped hood that became the Formula hood, originally done for the Trans Am, would have prevailed because it is functionally superior. Those twin boundary layer scoops up front really gulp in the air!” My plan for this build is to bring the car back to the original design by using the twin scoop formula hood along with the original trans am side vent fenders. Kind of the way it was supposed to be. I guess you could say it's going "Back to the Future".

Here is an original rendering from 1969 and it details what the 1970 Trans Am was supposed to look like.

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/JeffDenisonPontiacEnthusiastVol2Issue1.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/JeffDenisonPontiacEnthusiastVol2Issue1.jpg.html)

By the way SW, I got some inspiration on this build from both of your T.A's. The first thing you will probably notice is the darker shade of metallic blue on the engine. The original Pontiac blue's just didn't look right.:thankyou:

As I recall, the shaker was designed to allow a tunnel ram in the Trans Am racing series, which allowed for two carburetors, but specified a stock hood. So they positioned the Shaker (just the air cleaner) to allow for clearance for a tunnel ram. Unfortunately, there was a rule change that kept it from being used in this fashion.

I forget where I read this, so it may not be true.

[CRCRFT78]

If your having a hard time deciding which hood for resale value, how about painting up both styles to match the car as an option for the buyer. They would have the option of having both styles or choosing the one they prefer.

[WSSix]

Very interesting info on the hoods for these cars. I never knew the Formula hood was designed to be on the TA.

[Track Junky]

I have thought about that often. It's been difficult to try and figure out the best decision for this build.

Here is a picture of Bill Porter who designed the original Trans Am. He is standing next to his original 1973 Trans Am with what he calls the "correct" hood.

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/BILLPORTERSORIGINAL1973TRANSAM.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/BILLPORTERSORIGINAL1973TRANSAM.jpg.html)

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/BILLPORTERSORIGINAL1973TRANSAM3.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/BILLPORTERSORIGINAL1973TRANSAM3.jpg.html)

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/BILLPORTERSORIGINAL1973TRANSAM2.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/BILLPORTERSORIGINAL1973TRANSAM2.jpg.html)

Thats the ticket right there Greg. I think your biggest challenge will be choosing the color and to be quite honest that red with Trans Am logo is looking pretty sweet.

[T_Raven]

I have thought about that often. It's been difficult to try and figure out the best decision for this build.

Here is a picture of Bill Porter who designed the original Trans Am. He is standing next to his original 1973 Trans Am with what he calls the "correct" hood.

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/BILLPORTERSORIGINAL1973TRANSAM.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/BILLPORTERSORIGINAL1973TRANSAM.jpg.html)

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/BILLPORTERSORIGINAL1973TRANSAM3.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/BILLPORTERSORIGINAL1973TRANSAM3.jpg.html)

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/BILLPORTERSORIGINAL1973TRANSAM2.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/BILLPORTERSORIGINAL1973TRANSAM2.jpg.html)


That actually looks really good. I'd love to be there when someone tried to tell him it was wrong and he schooled them on the fact that he designed the thing in the first place lol

[tazzz2_ca]

Greg,

Just wondering, have any Trans-Ams 'clones', for lack of a better term, brought $100K or so at auction?

When a F-body is pro-toured or modified to this extent it won't make a difference... these are one of a kind rolling pieces or art that eclipse the original cars in so many ways that there is no comparison back to orginal.....

[fleetus macmullitz]

Albert,

I respect your vast experience in the T/A market.

Do you believe Greg's build is being done in a much different 'climate' for selling such a heavily invested in one-off Firebird, then when the rarest of the rare, a '69 Trans-Am Convertible, was 'cloned' and PT'd (on this forum and others), and sold for $85K at auction IIRC?

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Albert,

I respect your vast experience in the T/A market.

Do you believe Greg's build is being done in a much different 'climate' for selling such a heavily invested in one-off Firebird, then when the rarest of the rare, a '69 Trans-Am Convertible, was 'cloned' and PT'd (on this forum and others), and sold for $85K at auction IIRC?

I think its going to come down to 3 things:

How badly 2+ people will want the car
The popularity of the build
Support and build up for the charity

I think it was Charley that said if you want to build a $100K car you'll have to put $300K into it.

i'll add...or have Stielow build it.

Remember this car isn't for bragging rights , recognition or the money. Its for a charity.

[BBBluey]

[QUOTE=garickman;485400]
The bright blue leather and suede interior looked like they were getting ready to make a porno movie in there.QUOTE]

Lol !!!

Well, I'm drooling over this car. I actually told my wife that I'm considering spending our home downpayment for it as I can always use a 0-down VA loan for that...but even that won't add up to 6 figures...regardless, I'm hoping the very best for you Greg.

[RussMurco]

I'm quite sure I have lost the purists, but I am definitely going after the the PT crowd. I can't guarantee what this car will bring at auction but I can guarantee it will be an amazing street car with equally amazing track capabilities.

Let the purist fuss over 20 shades of underhood black and what brand and ply count of toilet paper was used in the Norwood factory during the 3rd shift on November 23, 1970 so they can put the right number of lint pieces on their lug nuts. We're PT folk, cut it up and build it right!

Thanks for the pics of the DSE parts going in, looks great!

[frojoe]

... cut it up and build it right!



THIS!!!

[syborg tt]

I love the entire concept of this car and all of the reasons behind why you are doing it. If possible I would like to offer to pay for your dinner and make a donation to your Organization.

As for color - you need to search all of the recent auctions and look to see what these cars have actually sold for and what colors seems to bring the biggest draw. You also need to find an auction house that will wave the buyer & sellers fee's.

I am pretty sure this was the TA that sold at mecum for 170,000 ( please correct me if I am wrong ).

http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=SC0513-154176

I am looking at your build and your pretty much building a 150 to 200 thousand collar car. I am hoping that most of the parts are donated or given at a reduced cost if your goal is to get this car into the six figure mark. It kinda seems like a loss.

Okay so since I am long-winded sometime I will try to explain my next thought. Years ago my best friend started a fund raiser for Jane Bowel ( www.ridejanieride.org ) who had cancer. They raffled off a Chevelle that he had built and raised close to $100,000 the first year. Since them they have raised over $500,000 and all of the money has been given back to local family's with children that have cancer. I have been lucky enough to help the last 5 years and it is truly rewarding. This year was really hard because 4 weeks before the fundraiser one of the recipients passed away.

You may want to look at something slightly safer then an auction as it's hit or miss. A raffle is something you can guarantee. Sell 1,000 tickets for $100.00 each or 2,000 for $50.00 each

[Rick D]

Wow Greg, not sure how I missed this one? I commend you for your efforts on this build and the dedication to your charity.

This will no doubt be a very cool car and very capable car for sure.

Two things that come to mind. And I know you did ask for my opinion so please take this with just what I seen over the years in our car hobby.

First is I couldn't agree more with Marty on this one. Do a raffle it is way safer and can protect your interest much better? Promote the car on every forum you can get on, now this is where I would get on the phone with Marty?? He has some experience at promoting a build on the internet?? Remember a little mini truck he built?? I had a customer that built a Chevelle for a charity (no where near the level of this build) but they did a raffle and I think they raised over 50k for the charity. It was for batter women to help them get back on their feet.

The second is and I may get flamed on here (:tiptoe: :underchair: :tiptoe:) just kidding guys. But you said you are trying to build a car not to your taste which is very hard todo when building a car. But you are also building the car to a smaller segment of our hobby? You are also building a car with more of a race car feel then a street car feel? Dry sump very cool, oil primer very cool, but very race car? Believe it or not not everyone likes the cars we build, and the street rod segment is still way bigger then ours. And I don't mean 30s, 40s and 50s street rod but our same cars? Maybe street machine would be a better word.

It's hard to put it all in to words on a forum but I think you can get an idea of what I'm trying to say?

Not in anyway am I trying to say that this car wouldn't be very bad azz, but you will appeal to more poetical buyers or ticket buyers if it was maybe toned down some from the PT crowd and built more for the man stream hot rodders?? Just my thoughts and either way it will be very cool and if I wasn't all the way in the Midwest I would offer to do the body and paint for you on this in a second?? But guess that's what they make transport for right. Please don't take my comments as negative not trying to do that at all, just want you to get the most possible for your charity!!!

[GregWeld]

So do you have a real charity?? Or is this something you're doing out of your hip pocket?

[BBBluey]

I love the raffle idea. Consider a set amount of tickets vs continual sell of tickets until deadline. Just hope one person doesn't buy all the tickets before I can get my hands on one.

When you make a decision Greg, I'll def help put the word out and promote your endeavor.

If you do decide to go with a raffle, then maybe you could just primer the car and let the winner decide the color...it could ease your stress.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

The only thing out of my hip pocket is the five or six thousand dollars I have spent to get my organization up and running. In short, the answer to your question is yes I have a real charity. It is called In Memory of the Fallen and it is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with a non profit tax ID number of 45-3039517.

Here is a link for verification purposes.
http://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/mainSearch.do?mainSearchChoice=pub78&dispatchMethod=selectSearch

And yes, the rest of my story is true also. I have lost 12 of my friends in the line of duty with the Oakland Police Department. One in the Oakland Hills fire of 1990 and the other 11 by gunshot, including my former partner Mark Dunakin. It is also true that I missed a dinner date three weeks before my former partner was killed along with 3 more of my friends on one tragic day in Oakland California on March 21st, 2009. It is very true that when I called Mark's wife hours after his death, she said to me "you never did make it to dinner". It is those memories and those words that haunt me. That is what drives me. My organization is still new, still going through growing pains. It may not be the greatest non-profit out there but it sure has the potential. I have some pretty good ideas, to make peoples lives better, to help at risk youth, to change some things for the better. To make sure that those men and women who died protecting our lives and our property did not die in vain. I don't want to spend my free time bitching about everything that is wrong with our country and our society with out having the courage to try and change those very things. So yes, Greg. My charity is VERY REAL.

I hope its real, im not donating 1000's of hours of fabrication, design, solidworks seat time and CNC milling cause your a nice guy. :rules: :sarcasm_smiley:


Before I moved in 2010 I had my shop smack in the center of East Oakland for 12 years and I can appreiciate the hard work that the guys and gals in blue have to do. Like I said before Im personally not doing this for money, recognition or TV time. Its about the charity....and the cars.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

I love the raffle idea. Consider a set amount of tickets vs continual sell of tickets until deadline. Just hope one person doesn't buy all the tickets before I can get my hands on one.

When you make a decision Greg, I'll def help put the word out and promote your endeavor.

If you do decide to go with a raffle, then maybe you could just primer the car and let the winner decide the color...it could ease your stress.

I like that idea too. Let the new owner decide what colot that they want.

[GregWeld]

IF I'd have noticed the link in your signature line --- I could have clicked it and gone to the website to see your 501 c charity status.... DOH.

[Rick D]

Nice Work Vince!

And Greg just let me know when you and the misses are on your way!!! :hairpullout: :D

[Ron in SoCal]

Nice Work Vince!

And Greg just let me know when you and the misses are on your way!!! :hairpullout: :D

x2!

Rick I have a car you can paint for free. Seeya next week! Oh, and you're using that top quality paint you sell, right? Cause if not...:lol:

[Rick D]

x2!

Rick I have a car you can paint for free. Seeya next week! Oh, and you're using that top quality paint you sell, right? Cause if not...:lol:

Hey you :poke: I'm hungry! Where's my food??? :D :relax:

[Ron in SoCal]

Just you wait. I've got an LA icon in store for you...:D

[Track Junky]

I pesonally think those stripes are too narrow. They should be at least as wide as the snorkels. I know your shooting for an original look but I think the GM designer was out to lunch when that call ws made.

[Flash68]

Yeah very cool car otherwise.. Those stripes are no bueno.

[Rick D]

I agree no go on the stripes. A little wider would look better.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

im thinking white paint, full flat black hood with black accents on the sides like SW's GT3 RS.

http://fototime.com/756A0CCECAA80BE/xlarge.jpg

[Vince@Meanstreets]

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/7753/gt2parked.jpg

can you send me an email please? that nose would look good too. :stirthepot: I like this version, it opens up the front alot.

[Rick D]

im thinking white paint, full flat black hood with black accents on the sides like SW's GT3 RS.

http://fototime.com/756A0CCECAA80BE/xlarge.jpg

I'm way ahead of you Vince. I pulled this picture from my file folder titled Firebird paint ideas!:idea:

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/dsc_0131.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/dsc_0131.jpg.html)

Hey would you guys get out of my head!! That's what I was thinking for my Pumpkin!! :catfight: :catfight: :peepwall: :mock:

[Vince@Meanstreets]

no, i see silver in your future...distant future.

[RussMurco]

Much appreciated. I'll have to do my homework, but the more I think about it, the raffle is sounding like a pretty good idea...

+1 on this idea! I wouldn't be able to muster the $$$ to buy the car at an auction but I could see myself ponying-up a couple hundred to buy raffle tickets!!!

[GregWeld]

I'm personally pleased to see this post... and only wish the explanation/reasoning could have been forthcoming earlier without "the drama".

[fleetus macmullitz]

I'm personally pleased to see this post... and only wish the explanation/reasoning could have been forthcoming earlier without "the drama".

Something we can both agree on!

:grouphug: ???

:D

[BBBluey]

Any new pics or progress updates?

Metallic Charcoal with Pearl white...
or
Deep Burgundy with Heavy Flek and Matte Black...

[Vince@Meanstreets]

the body is getting stripped down and its almost ready to go to media blasting.

[Rick D]

Greg is this an org paint car?? Can't wait to see how it looks under the paint.

About the gaps, my 73 has very nice gaps, better then any 1st gen I had? Seen they did a better job on the second go around of the F body's?

[Royalworks]

I can't say they did a better job on the F bodies. I use to build Trans Ams all day long and it seemed you could get a nice one in once in a while. But most of the time they didn't fit. You could take three doors and throw them on a car and they would all fit differently. Same with fenders. Hoods were usually pretty consistent. Sub frames were different as well.

[ScottieB]

I would like to pledge $500 worth of tickets if you end up going the raffle direction. If it goes to auction, I will donate to your charity. Nice work!

[Rick D]

I am not sure if it is an original paint car. I believe it is but I have never seen another quezal gold firebird in person. I have seen pictures and it does appear to be the correct color. Unless someone did a really good masking job back in the day I don't think it has been repainted. The trunk has the original splatter paint and when we removed the carpet and door panels everything seemed to be consistent like it was from the factory. I did sand down the lower valance and that for sure was the original paint.

After discussing it with Vince, I think we are going to have the under carriage, firewall, window and door jams and the interior/trunk floors blasted and I am just going to suck it up and sand the body by hand. I am a little worried about the larger panels being warped during blasting, especially the roof. Any thoughts on this Rick?

.

I must have got one of the better ones because these gaps on this car are damn near perfect. Me and Vince have joked around and said too bad there wasn't a way we could rebuild this whole car and repaint it without removing the doors and trunk. I'm sure they will be perfect again, it's just going to take a little effort.

Greg, I never use media blasting any more, I either strip by hand or have the parts dipped. The shell I da sand and the bolt on parts I will have dipped to remove everything and have a nice place to start or junk left lol.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

We are just doing the firewall, undercarrige, trunk and interior floor. There doesn't seem to be any rust on the body so i'll get to enjoy watching Greg DA that old paint off. Should be good to go. It looks like a respray but its hard to tell. No edges in the jams.

Doors will never be removed.

My media guy is the best in the business and knows how to clean metal. Never had an issue with Meyer's media in Oakland CA. Been using him since 87.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

I was trying to get the body to the media blasters before I went on vacation but I had a few drop ins that had to get done.

The body is almost ready to go. I will cut out a few panels so he can get in all the nooks and crannies.

[Ron Sutton]

Just got a little bit of info from Wegner Motorsports. I don't necessarily know what all this means, but I thought it might be of some interest. I told Wegner to make the engine very street friendly.

Since I have a tall deck block, it was suggested that I use connecting rods with a 6.460 length, so I will be using Callies Ultra XD I beam rods.

Flat Top Diamond Pistons
Stroke: 4.125
Rod Length: 6.460
Comp. Height: 1.230
Block Deck Height: 9.750
Piston to Deck: +.003
Cylinder Bore Length: 6.300
Comp. Ratio: 10.8:1
Chamber Volume CC: 68.2
Estimated Horse Power: 650-700

Here is the info on the custom grind from Comp Cams:

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/Untitled.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/Untitled.jpg.html)

Greg,

The cam profile is interesting, and they are doing what you asked them to do. The combination of 12° duration split the 115° lobe center work together to build a broad powerband.

I don't recall running as high as 12° duration split before. 10° ... yes .... but not 12°. I think the engine will have throttle control like a rheostat ... which is good ... smooth & linear as opposed to "peaky."

Would you share with us how it runs after you get it all together?


.

[Ron Sutton]

Ron, Wegner Motorsports and Comp Cams came up with that profile on their own. I know nothing about building an engine. When I look at that spec card, it might as well be in another language! The only thing I told them was that I was willing to sacrifice some performance for a more street friendly car that can run well on pump gas. So I hate to sound ignorant but I am when it comes to engine building. I don't know if the profile had anything to do with the fact that I am running a Harrop Hurrican ITB intake. The engine will be in the assembly room on Monday. Wegner said he would send me a video of the dyno testing.
You're in good hands. Wegner is a sharp builder & I have loved working with the Comp Cams guys since 1983. They understand lobe shapes better than anyone ... and I have found ... know where to give & take to get the best power.

That is not what they have done here & that's what caught my eye. Running 12° duration split & a 115° lobe center will not build optimum power. It will really spread the power range out ... which is what you asked for ... versus building the highest power numbers in a smaller rpm range like race engines are built to do. We wouldn't build race engines this way, but for a street & track engine, it will be awesome.


I noticed you high lighted the piston to deck +.003. I don't know what that means but I am all ears if you care to give me a quick education.

Most "typical" engine builders run .030" piston to deck clearance. Add a .030" to .040" head gasket to that and you end up with .060"-.070" piston to head clearance ... which is very "safe" ... but doesn't build optimum power, because the squish band is not tight enough.

The "squish band" is the outer area of the bore between the flat top surface of the piston & the flat bottom surface of the head at TDC. .060"-.070" piston to head clearance doesn't make for an optimum squish area. Making that squish band "tighter" or thinner is one trick to optimizing the flame travel during combustion process, & therefore increasing power in high performance & race engines.

Wegner is not a typical engine builder. They have made your piston to deck clearance .003". So that ... plus whatever head gasket thickness ... is your engine's squish area. If the head gasket compresses to .042" ... plus that .003" = .045" squish band.

That's the same as we run, because it's safe. You can run less, but it gets risky & I don't like the risk for the small reward.

[Ron Sutton]

Looks cool. :cheers:

.

[EBMC]

My media guy is the best in the business and knows how to clean metal. Never had an issue with Meyer's media in Oakland CA. Been using him since 87.

Plus he's in a beautiful area!:_paranoid
Seriously though, its looking good, I'll have to stop by and check on it when I'm on that side of the bay.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Plus he's in a beautiful area!:_paranoid
Seriously though, its looking good, I'll have to stop by and check on it when I'm on that side of the bay.

haaa haaa, No doubt Steve. My shop was 4 blocks away 12 years ago. Had a loaded shotgun over my desk and everyone knew it was there. :bigun2:

Your welcome to stop by anytime.

[BBBluey]

This brings up a point I would like some opinions on. I am planning on doing a rear seat delete in this car. Do you think it would help or hurt the sale of this car to install at least a 4 point cage?

My preference is to keep the rear seat. I've been dreaming of this car...and in the dream I'm cruisin the 1 with my family in it.

Rear seat delete + roll cage = track car. So why make the motor so street friendly?

Also, please don't go with the white and black stripes paintjob. That's for Euro racecars.

If you plan on putting the car for auction then most likely the person who's got the $ to buy it will simply add it to his/her collection and the car will be a garage queen so none of this will really matter other than appearance. If you put the car for raffle then I believe the average joe will want something for street use to include the rear seat. .02cents

[Vince@Meanstreets]

the red roll cage looks sharp.

BB, its a tough call on the direction. Greg isn't a guy that rolls the dice on whats gonna go. Im sure he is losing a lot of beauty sleep on this one.

[BBBluey]

I guess the black and white goes with a Police theme as well...

Food for thought on the stripes though, I saw this on Car Warriors (go to 39.57 JIK) dry paint brushing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GseLfMT1sQ&feature=player_detailpage&t=2397

[Vince@Meanstreets]

This past week I was also able to have my laser cutter make this trick little aluminum panel for me. This will be installed in the trunk as an access panel to get to the top of the vaporworx tank so there is access to the wiring and the ZL1 module.
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/GMRREAREND031.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/GMRREAREND031.jpg.html)

looking good,That rear will look nice in satin black.

better check your DSE finishing tool, it might be set on harsh.

[RussMurco]

Looks pretty darn good! I hope mine comes out that clean, the media blaster gets credit too for leaving such a nice finish!

[Vince@Meanstreets]

so now that I have the body back I can get the clearance work done. The GMR is a hefty piece.

[Rick D]

Hey what happened to Greg having to sand the car :mock:???

Not to bad guys, mine seems to be to a little nicer except for my LT fender!! Which had WAY more filler then that qtr!! :lostmarbles:

[RussMurco]

The media blaster did a great job. If you notice the 3rd picture up from the bottom there is a small strip of body filler on the right rear quarter panel. They left that little strip on purpose so we could see how thick the body filler was that was used on the repair.
Yikes! At least it was a fairly small area!


http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/GMRREAREND026.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/GMRREAREND026.jpg.html)

I forgot to ask, what is that mount attached to the LCA bracket for?

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Yikes! At least it was a fairly small area!



I forgot to ask, what is that mount attached to the LCA bracket for?

That is the parking brake caliper mount bracket.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Hey what happened to Greg having to sand the car :mock:???

Not to bad guys, mine seems to be to a little nicer except for my LT fender!! Which had WAY more filler then that qtr!! :lostmarbles:

I had another 70 Camaro project getting media blasted and came back just before this firebird was going in and he saw how nice the body came out. It took him a few days to make the decision to go from and undercarriage to a full body blast. It took an extra week but it was well worth it.
It makes it much nicer surface to fabricate on. I was having issues during the DSE quad link install with rust contamination. I knew it would e even worst during the DSE tub reinstallation. Even if you prep and clean you may pull contaminants that is in or on the other side of the metal.

[RussMurco]

Yeah, what Vince said. I am using the spot caliper mounts from The GMR.

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/thegmrfullfloaterprotouringDSEdertoitspeedengineer inggen2camarofirebirdquadralinkwilwoodsetup3.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/thegmrfullfloaterprotouringDSEdertoitspeedengineer inggen2camarofirebirdquadralinkwilwoodsetup3.jpg.h tml)

Oh duh, I forgot how far back the brakes are mounted on the GMR rears!:knock:

[RussMurco]

That's Grade A automotive porn right there...

[tellyv]

Looks bad ass! I'm going to start building a 70 soon its also going white too! Hopefully I'll have my rendering soon.

[camcojb]

:king:

[Flash68]

Wow now that is original, fresh and looking great. Killer stuff there! Wow.

[kmdracer]

f you don't mind some noobie input, I have a suggestion for paint:

I've always loved the factory blue with white strip on these year car.

http://www.allmusclecars.com/pontiac/by1970tapf.jpg

I would definitely go with the ram air hood. This was my favorite as well. Keep the back seat!

Al that said, kudos to you for starting the charity. I'm retired vol firefighter, former USAF, and do appreciate those who stand.

Oh, NOT my car or picture. Pulled from the net to demonstrate the color and hood combo.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

I don't think there will ever be a public render done. The build is going to be very out of the box and the main theme will be open.




Think of this picture as major inspiration.
http://fototime.com/756A0CCECAA80BE/xlarge.jpg


2nd gen back seats are almost non existant stock so compromising suspension and components design seems futile. There will be a use for it. Just not for and 5 ft tall 2 legged creatures.

[streetbird]

I jizz in my pants

[Vince@Meanstreets]

:lmao:

thanks i needed that.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Started to install the rearend and suspension back up. I'll have it as a roller when I start adding the rear crossmember, cross brace and roll over bars.

Have a bit more cutting to do before I can start putting metal back in it.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

yep its getting there... does it make you uneasy knowing we have to add 3" to your DSE tub. :slingshot:

[Flash68]

that looks TUFF.

[Streetking]

You are teasing me!! Looks great!

[Track Junky]

Looking good Vince :thumbsup:

[WSSix]

x2 you're doing great work, Vince.

The motor looks fantastic. I love the detailing. :thumbsup:

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Thanks guys, it's rare to have an owner give you free reign of a build. Should have the rear body/frame structure back in by next week.

Wish I could stay on this one all week but I have 3 other cars being built at the same time. Bare with me.

[Rick D]

Nice work there buddy!! I really wanted to see Greg DAing the car :stirthepot: maybe you can get a shot of him swiping up??? :lmao:

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Haa ya. I remember the first car I DA stripped. After 3 hours of humm numb I looked like a cross between frosty the snowman and scarface...the pimp scarface at the end, not the FOB sanitation worker at the beginning scarface. LOL
Don't know how you guys do it, I still smell body filler.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

The project switched to 345's so I had to make a few adjustments. Also we decided to remove the rear cross member completely build a better one.

I counted 9 factory spot welds that didn't penetrate to second layer of 16g. Bye Bye

Tire is sitting better now.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

The DSE tub will get a 3" stretch and tilt in wards at the top.

[Rick D]

Vince how come the stretch? How wide are those 345's? I know my BFG 335's where 13.5" wide which was wider then the 345's that Mario had? Is it just to have more room if needed?

Funny how the factory can make mistakes even today but when we fix them and they are a millimeter of people go nuts :hitaxeonthehead:

Great work as aways!!

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Thanks Rick, I always put in more room than what is needed.
My very first mini tub looked like it had plenty of room but the tire rubbed as my customer pulled into his driveway. Not happy with it, I had to redo it. I learned my lesson.
Just that extra 1/4" up top between 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock can make a huge difference.

70's standards were lax to say the least.

[73camarols1]

Just curious how much room you recommend leaving from the tire to the fender lip and from the tire to the inner tub? With the DSE quadra link like this. Love this build. Thanks

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Just curious how much room you recommend leaving from the tire to the fender lip and from the tire to the inner tub? With the DSE quadra link like this. Love this build. Thanks

Thank you for your interest,
It really depends on the rear suspension system and tire profile you have.

On this particular car we will have it around 1/2" to the outer well. The DSE pan hardbar, 4 link along with the 19" rims and 30 series tires hold pretty well. Inner space will be anywhere from 1 3/4" to 2" depending on how creative we get.

[Track Junky]

That is awesome looking Greg!! Love the Blue!!

[BBC71Nova]

Uhm wow. Those valvecovers in satin please...

[Flash68]

Well I got the preliminary dyno numbers from Casey Wegner. Anyone care to take a guess before I post up the video and dyno sheet later tonight. Keep in mind we went much less aggressive than we could have in order to make this a much more pump gas friendly street engine.

Guessing is fun and I wanna play, but I looked back and I am missing a couple things.

Cam specs
stroke (I see bore is 4.165 unless it changed)
Header size

[tazzz2_ca]

Harrop posted this picture to their facebook page and it got 1100 likes and 96 comments in just 5 hours. Mad props to the guys at Wegner Motorsports.

https://www.facebook.com/harropperformance

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/WEGNER030.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/WEGNER030.jpg.html)

Looks like a piece if jewelry,,, congrats to all involved.....

[Flash68]

Check post #126 on page 13 and post #133 on page 14. I think that should have all the info you are looking for. DSE headers which I believe are 1 7/8".

Thanks Greg.

Wow, 450 cubes! :thumbsup:

715 hp @ 6600
610 ft lbs @ 5200

[Vince@Meanstreets]

It's a baby cam so I'm going with 650-670 hp

[Flash68]

It's a baby cam so I'm going with 650-670 hp

I don't see any way this makes less than 1.5 hp per cube.

Baby sized cam maybe, but 1.8 shaft rockers are not baby. :)

[Flash68]

Awesome Greg! That thing is gonna be so fun to drive. Torque everywhere and not peaky.

Oh, and what do I win? :lol:

[Ron in SoCal]

Yeow man! This calls for :theresa:

Congrats to you and Casey :cheers:

[Flash68]

A free ride :whenitsdone:

I'll take that. :bigun2:

Post the dyno sheet when you get it.

[zbugger]

Looks really good Greg. Am I at least allowed to look at it when it gets here?

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Just to make you feel better ill put it up front closest to the always opened door. I'll be sure to put a bowl of condoms next to it too.

[markss28]

Absolutely awesome! What an amazing piece of machine!

[Ron Sutton]

These numbers are nice ...

710 HP @ 6400
651.5 FT LBS @ 5100

But the thing that is bad ass is the flat torque curve and hp like a rheostat. This thing will be great to drive. That cam you posted is the key to this wide power band.

Congrats !

[glassman]

you guys are gross, oh you meant condiments....

seriously though, that is on of the best looking engines ive seen....

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Thanks!



Thanks Ron. What does it mean to have HP like a rheostat?

he's trying to say that your gonna have to turn your heat and AC off at the house cause your gonna be spending all your money in tires and gas. :computer:

[FETorino]

I will post the video which shows the dyno results at 1700 hours (5PM). I can tell you that one of you is much closer than the other.

Well I guess no one else wanted to play. And the numbers are........

710 HP @ 6400RPM
651.5 FT LBS @ 5100RPM

Here is the video, thanks Flash68.

JWnl9Cc4tqc

Geez some of us on the West Coast have to get home from work first before we can join in the guessing fun.:headscratch:

Congratulations. You build what looks like a very trackable motor there.:thumbsup:

A rheostat is a resistor used to adjust voltage. It does it in a linear, progressive and smooth fashion. Predictable and controllable power delivery is what you have there just like a Rheostat adjusting the speed of an electric motor.

:cheers:

[Ron Sutton]

Thanks Ron. What does it mean to have HP like a rheostat?


A rheostat is a resistor used to adjust voltage. It does it in a linear, progressive and smooth fashion. Predictable and controllable power delivery is what you have there just like a Rheostat adjusting the speed of an electric motor.

:cheers:

What Rob said = The horse power curve is linear, progressive, smooth, predictable and controllable.

[Rick D]

Nice diet on the front there! Greg do you have any more info on those headlights?. :D

[carbuff]

This dude just left :ups: He brought me these;

Fiberglass nose from VFN which weighs in at a whopping 3 pounds. That's almost 50 pounds less than the original nose.

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/VFNNOSEANDHEADLIGHTS003.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/VFNNOSEANDHEADLIGHTS003.jpg.html)


I'm curious to see how you end up mounting the VFN nose. I had one, and decided against using it, simply because I wasn't sure how I wanted to mount it. You are definitely right on the weight though! It weighs nothing, especially compared to the 80 pound original nose!

[gnx7]

Beautiful motor setup.....RHS block and Harrop intake! zoinks. Love the rear end and work being done by Vince.

Coming along nicely!

[carbuff]

It's funny you mention that. I have no idea how we are going to mount it. I have scoured the internet looking for someone who had already done this but I couldn't find any pics. I guess that's why Vince is being paid the big dollars:idea:. I must say that it does appear to be a very good quality.

I agree with the quality, it was a nice piece in my opinion. I've been a bit frustrated with the hood, but since we reinforced it, it's worked ok. I'll be curious to see what you come up with on the mounting of the nose. Certainly I would have liked to shave that weight also!

[Beebe]

It's funny you mention that. I have no idea how we are going to mount it. I have scoured the internet looking for someone who had already done this but I couldn't find any pics. I guess that's why Vince is being paid the big dollars:idea:. I must say that it does appear to be a very good quality.


Greg, I have a VFN Nose on my 72 Bird that we installed back in 1994 or 95.
Im not sure if the mounting tabs on your NEWER built nose are exact to mine. Do you have a pict of the back side of the nose?

And I currently have the nose off of the car (minor turbo and intercooler mods...lol) So when I get back to the garage I can take a few picts of how we attached mine. It might take me a day or two but I figured I would let it be known.

Will Beebe

[WSSix]

Car's coming along nicely. Awesome power out of the gorgeous motor too.

[Beebe]

Nice Bird! Thanks for the offer, I would appreciate the pictures. So almost 20 years ago huh. How is that nose holding up after all these years?

The VFN nose has held up great! Zero signs of stress or any signs of needing repairs. The top center peak that matches up with the body lines on the middle of the hood , needed some filler to get a perfect match to the contours of the hood...but no biggie. Overall I have been very satisfied with the nose.

Beebe

[glassman]

epoxy tabs, one of which is secured with rivits? just a guess...i've got reproduction issues of my own on my 2nd gen...

[Vince@Meanstreets]

epoxy tabs, one of which is secured with rivits? just a guess...i've got reproduction issues of my own on my 2nd gen...

I was looking at it and it would be easy to resin in a few AL dzus tabs in the grille area and have screws to the fender behind the headlight buckets. We'll figure it out when we make it to that end of the car.

We mocked the gas tank in and trial fit the rear tray. Now to box the frame.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Sorry I haven't been updating the progress. We had an emergency rush job come in and it took a week to get through.

I side tracked myself with the extra bracing, then frame rail trimming but managed to get one side of the frame rail modified and inner structure for the support bar in, now I have to go back to work on the frame rail cap templates so we can get it all welded up on Monday. Then repete on the other rail.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Left and right frames are done and boxed. Now on to the crossmember and cross bar.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

bend er up son!

[BBBluey]

In hibernation?

[Vince@Meanstreets]

No, there's been a bunch of metal work done but I've been so busy during the holidays I haven't been able to put pictures up and write a brettatorial.

I'm finishing up two projects this week and I'll try to get some pictures up for you guys.

Thanks for the interest.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

more of the II Much vent supports....

[Vince@Meanstreets]

with the rear hoop in and the supports finished.

rear down bar test pipe mocked in. I think we will be doing a 45 then terminate back farther.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

thats gonna look nice...is it still goint to be a two piece fender?

[streetbird]

this car is not mini-tubbed, its mega-tubbed

[WSSix]

That front end splitter is going to look great, Greg. :thumbsup:

[preston]

In that valence/exhaust tip photo you showed is that TIG'ed with silicon bronze wire ?

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Yes it is, but I did not do it as I don't know how to tig weld. I don't even really know when or why it is used.

Guys like to use it cause its easy to control heat in tight places,which is very important for long flat panels and it blends real nice.

[chichirone]

That front air dam is killer. Nice work.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

i think them running lamps should be sucked in about an inch.
:twak:

[Rick D]

Looking good Greg, glad to see this still moving along! Can't wait to see more pictures!!!

[waynieZ]

Looking good.

[syborg tt]

Well that looks cool

Just got an update from Jeff at Munssey Speed and Design. He is almost done with the plug for the front air dam.

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam--20140205002_zps6fcb1826.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam--20140205002_zps6fcb1826.jpg.html)

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam--20140205001_zps974d571a.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam--20140205001_zps974d571a.jpg.html)

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/AC9269DD-893F-45A1-B665-8A2E36A690D5_zpsylj9fzo6.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AC9269DD-893F-45A1-B665-8A2E36A690D5_zpsylj9fzo6.jpg.html)

[RussMurco]

I was hoping to come see it next week, but I have to go to the LA area instead... Crap!

[Rick D]

Thanks Rick. Still moving along pretty good. Hope to have a bunch of pics in the next few weeks. We've done a lot of modifications to the rear seat area, rear cross member, rear frame rails, rear firewall and package tray. The car won't have a back seat, instead it will have some storage areas and also house the battery, a JL Audio amp and 10" subwoofer. We also raised the rear seat floor pans up about 4 inches so the Borla mufflers are actually about 1/2 inch higher than the rear frame rails.

There is a lot of folks on this site that make this kind of work look much easier than it really is. My hat is off to them. I probably have 40-50 hours just making cardboard templates.

Awesome Greg, you'll be ready for paint in time :hairpullout: I remember the first min tubs I did, I thought what's the big deal? Well a week later I wasn't saying that :waveflag: Now I can knock out a side in a day or so!!

[Vince@Meanstreets]

I was hoping to come see it next week, but I have to go to the LA area instead... Crap!

I'd save your travel and spouse miles for when we light that monster up....or during final assembly.

Awesome Greg, you'll be ready for paint in time :hairpullout: I remember the first min tubs I did, I thought what's the big deal? Well a week later I wasn't saying that :waveflag: Now I can knock out a side in a day or so!!

I've been trying to get Greg to come out and give me a hand part time...it would be nice to have at least one guy in the shop that has been formally trained to use the nice equipment I have. :hitaxeonthehead:

[RussMurco]

I'd save your travel and spouse miles for when we light that monster up....or during final assembly.

Oh, I'm sure I could justify another business trip to Cali this spring! On the other hand my job description got a little bigger this morning!
:underchair:

[RussMurco]

Oh!! So should we be expecting some new billet parts on the horizon:popcorn2:

We have a bunch all ready for production but we are at almost 100% capacity in the shop with other projects so we may need to farm-out production, and that creates it's own headaches! It's a nice problem to have, I consider it a blessing!
:excited:

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Vince, the only problem with that is I would have to use my vacation time to come and help you. As you already know, I only get 52 weeks of vacation per year plus one floating holiday every four years but I use that for leap year so that day is out of the question also.

fricken retired frackin fricks :thankyou:

[FaBrycation]

Coming along nicely.

[BBBluey]

Maybe I have bad taste but IMO, I don't think the style matches the nose. I think the front edges of the intake sides should be oval to match the top nose...and the lower lip should def extend in the front and farther at the ends in a rounded patern and possibly tailor up towards the qrtrs.

Not sure if you're going for an intimidating look in the front?

[Vince@Meanstreets]

not intimidating, its abstract and absurd. at the same time.

[Streetking]

Maybe I have bad taste but IMO, I don't think the style matches the nose. I think the front edges of the intake sides should be oval to match the top nose...and the lower lip should def extend in the front and farther at the ends in a rounded patern and possibly tailor up towards the qrtrs.

Not sure if you're going for an intimidating look in the front?

+1, not feeling it..

[Flash68]

Even with the contours in it from the pics posted, it looks very boxy relative to that very curvy TA front end of IMO. But like you said, reserving judgment til completion is probably a good idea.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

That gun metal center is going to go great with that Cyber grey paint job.

[Bozeforged]

Just got off the phone with Zak from Boze Forged and finalized the wheel order. I can't say enough about the positive experience I have had in dealing with Zak and Boze Forged. Excellent customer service to say the least.

I am going with their Pro Lite in a 3 piece which will built to DSE specs. 18X10 with a 6 1/8" backspace for the front and 19X12 with a 5.5" backspace for the rear.

Since they don't have a picture on their website yet of the 3 piece Pro Lite's, here is a quick view of what they look like. I am going with a semi-gloss black on the inner and outer barrels and a gloss gunmetal finish on the center section. The perimeter bolts on my wheels will also be semi-gloss black to match the barrels.

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/Buick1.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/Buick1.jpg.html)

Hey Greg, I'm glad I was able to help you out. Thanks for the nice comment!

[WSSix]

Coming along nicely, Greg!

[chichirone]

Greg, the front end is looking awesome. What are your plans for the splitter? What materials? Color? Integrated into the OEM wheel flares? Will you incorporate turn buckles? If I missed it I apologize but your design has me very intrigued as we are working on a splitter for our 73 TA and I love checking in on your build to see the progress you are making. :thumbsup:

[214Chevy]

Looking good Greg. Good choice on the wheels.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

plate came out nice...going to look killer with the inserts in it.

[RussMurco]

Loving that rear treatment! The tank set-up rocks too, just, how do you check and fill it under the fender?

[Ron in SoCal]

Hey Greg - I love the ideas and thought that is going into this car. On the tank fill, Petersen makes a tank with an angled spout/cap which would give you some clearance from the top of the fender if you moved the tank inward just a bit. Doesn't look like it would clear from where it sits now.

On that note, will the tank even clear the fenders? Looks like it sits a bit farther out from the pics.

:cheers:

[garickman]

More air dam/splitter construction from Munssey Speed & Design.

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-201403050001-2_zps77638bf4.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-201403050001-2_zps77638bf4.jpg.html)

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-201403050001-3_zps02299021.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-201403050001-3_zps02299021.jpg.html)

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-201403050001-5_zps91516932.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-201403050001-5_zps91516932.jpg.html)

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-201403050001-4_zpseb4aa315.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-201403050001-4_zpseb4aa315.jpg.html)

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-201403050001_zpsf9c7ae63.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/AB-1004-GregRickman-AirDam-201403050001_zpsf9c7ae63.jpg.html)

[Al Moreno]

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/OILTANK003.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/OILTANK003.jpg.html)

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/OILTANK001.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/OILTANK001.jpg.html)


Greg that looks tight! What tank are you using?

[glassman]

Man that looks nice!!! did our friend from across the bay do that or ????

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Don't forget the rest of the down bars that will continue down to the factory frame rails.

Looking good.

[RussMurco]

Hey Russ, Here are a few shots of how we are keeping the 3" exhaust tips perfectly centered and rattle free in the 4" openings in the rear valance...
http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/exhausttips001.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/exhausttips001.jpg.html)

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/ROLLPAN007.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/ROLLPAN007.jpg.html)

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/ROLLPAN009.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/ROLLPAN009.jpg.html)

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l609/garickman/ROLLPAN010.jpg (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/garickman/media/ROLLPAN010.jpg.html)

Very slick! I like McGyver solutions!!!

[preston]

Very clever on the exhaust tips. I've struggled with how to do something simliar. It seems like at some point you have hard mounted the tips though, even with a flex joint it could be a bit NVH'ey. But what a clever idea. Front end is looking great too. I was never a fan of that front end until I saw what you and Stropped and some other have been doing with it.

[CURVES]

I like that wheel look for sure!

What does Zak call the color combo?

[tones2SS]

That's a killer looking wheel.
Talk about deep dish! :thumbsup:

[WSSix]

very nice! That's going to look great on the car. How's the front end coming along?

[CURVES]

Thank you,

I'm looking at the Clutch concave, hopefully with something like your color combo.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Fascia is out of the mold and is getting installed. Along with the splitter and air damns.

[Ron in SoCal]

I love it :thumbsup: Greg

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Jeff did a great job on it.

[WSSix]

Looking good!

[Musclerodz]

Looks awesome!

[ONEBAD78TA]

:trophy-1302:

[RussMurco]

Updates??
:thankyou:

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Project was put on hold for a bit. Now back on line.

Had a few issues with the rear tubs and the Miller floater. We had to clearance the tub more for the caliper to clear. Which required sectioning the front section. Easier said than done considering the tub was partially welded in.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Now that the project is back on the car will be fully assembled and sent to body. This is the 4th time re-assembled.

Strapless Ricks tank mounted. Tighten up the rear bumper a bit.

[WSSix]

Cool! Really hope it gets finished out this time. Good luck Vince

[Bozeforged]

Looks Great Vince!

[cpd004]

Any progress pics?

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Some crazy lat g member made me an offer I couldn’t pass up. Finished all the fab, wiring work and it sold as soon as it hit the ground. I’m hoping he posts progress.

[ScotI]

That is just beautifully wicked looking. Stance is on point.

[WSSix]

Great work, Vince!

[BBBluey]

I dreamed about this car. Shame that powerplant got separated.