"BLACK WIDOW" 68 Firebird MetalWorks Pro-Touring build

[MetalWorksClassics]

We just took in this 1968 pro-touring build. Our customer assembled a lot of great parts including a new Butler Performance engine, but then, like many projects it sat...so he sent it our way. The body has a LONG battle ahead of it, but are excited to see this one on the road.

Here is the 68 as it arrived...

P.S. We are calling it the "Black Widow" as we found 3 living Black Widows living inside it when we prepped it for acid dipping...1 male, and 2 females.

[Che70velle]

Tell us more! What's the overall plan for this car?
...are those bullet holes in the drivers door?

[Blackened]

Sweet love to see some black Firebirds. Too bad you couldn't encase one of those black widows in some sort of resin and CNC a shifter ball out of it...

Are you going to put a 69 TA hood on it?

[AtomicFirebird]

Wow, that's a cool idea!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Tell us more! What's the overall plan for this car?
...are those bullet holes in the drivers door?


Ha ha...no bullet holes...drilled holes from a previous attempt at pulling a dent out of the door...we will be re-skinning the doors.

The plan for the 68 is a Pro-Touring car, it will be running a Butler Performance engine backed by a TREMEC T-56 six speed tranny with a Centerforce DYAD dual clutch, all Ridetech suspension, Forgeline wheels tucked inside Detroit Speed mini-tubs, and big 14" Wilwood brakes on all 4 corners...should be a really fun build, and a great performing car.

[MetalWorksClassics]

The first thing we did was send the 68 off to our acid dipping facility to get us to ground zero before starting the metal work.

[T_Raven]

Subscribing. Can't wait to see what you do with it.

[HotRod68Camaro]

I'm going to be following this one.

[MetalWorksClassics]

The 68's main body shell had a great deal of damage...everything from dents, to rust, to poor attempts at bodywork by previous individuals. So we got busy removing panels...when we were done, the passenger rear quarter was about all that remained for external sheet metal...Here is day 1 of removal.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Here is after day 2 of sheet metal removal...we also melted out the factory lead, and removed the inner wheel tubs as we intend to install Detroit Speed mini-tubs.

[Che70velle]

You guys have been busy! What brand of Sheetmetal will you guys install on this car? Can't wait to see more...

[MetalWorksClassics]

You guys have been busy! What brand of Sheetmetal will you guys install on this car? Can't wait to see more...

We are using http://www.autometaldirect.com/ panels

Thanks for following the build

[MetalWorksClassics]

We opted to both bolt, and weld in our mount pts for our Ridetech 4 link kit.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Here we are installing the drivers side mini-tub allowing for a nice size rear tire within the wheel well.

[preston]

Really appreciate seeing the work in progress photos, thanks for sharing.

[paulk68]

Really appreciate seeing the work in progress photos, thanks for sharing.

Me too, I am getting ready to install my ridetech 4 link so this is GREAT!!!

[6camaro9]

The four link cradle is looking good. I bolted my cradle in and had Dan Holohan weld it in. After putting it in and bolting it down I just felt better getting it welded. Car is coming along nicely.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Really appreciate seeing the work in progress photos, thanks for sharing.

Thanks guys...glad the build pics are helping out.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Now it's time to start putting some sheet metal back on this naked bird...here we are mocking up the replacement pieces.

[awr68]

Looking good guys! Let us know how the new panels fit.

[GregWeld]

I really love seeing this kind of quality work being done!

[waynieZ]

Beautiful job guys. Nice updates.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Looking good guys! Let us know how the new panels fit.

Thanks for the input guys...the replacement panels actually worked out really nice...they are "Auto Metal Direct" brand.

[MetalWorksClassics]

We replaced both door skins...good amount of work, but they came out really nice.

[awr68]

Nicely done! Keep at it! :thumbsup:

[MetalWorksClassics]

Nicely done! Keep at it! :thumbsup:

Thanks a lot...

[MetalWorksClassics]

With the doors done, we got busy replacing the rest of the 68's sheet metal.

[Sonar Chief]

That's quite a lot of work to resurrect this 68!

Question: how do you plan on keeping the rust from starting again? Seems from the pics that you guys are putting on the panels without etching primer ... is there a coating on the car now?

Just curious ... love the pics!

Michael

[preston]

Along similar lines....

When you spot weld two panels together, the top side I can see is usually bare. Is the backside bare or do you have weld thru primer on it or do you leave the EDP coating on it ? and the 2nd panel below it, same question, is it bare, EDP, weld thru primer - Do you leave a coating on the back panel and then just scratch/drill it away through the welding hole ?

Love to see the skeleton dressed and looking good, I know from experience though what the photos don't show are hours of lining up panels in 3 dimensions.

[MetalWorksClassics]

That's quite a lot of work to resurrect this 68!

Question: how do you plan on keeping the rust from starting again? Seems from the pics that you guys are putting on the panels without etching primer ... is there a coating on the car now?

Just curious ... love the pics!

Michael

Everything will get epoxy primed and seam sealed once the panels are in place, so no moisture will get in.

Glad you are enjoying the pics!!

[GregWeld]

That's quite a lot of work to resurrect this 68!

Question: how do you plan on keeping the rust from starting again? Seems from the pics that you guys are putting on the panels without etching primer ... is there a coating on the car now?

Just curious ... love the pics!

Michael




I saw this same thing... Not going to argue the point, but I always used weld thru primer on everything before putting stuff back together. Bare metal WILL rust. I don't care whether it gets wet - there's moisture in the air.

[MetalWorksClassics]

We removed the drip rails for a smooth and modern look.

[AtomicFirebird]

Keep them coming, Please

[Sonar Chief]

There is many more on their website ...

[MetalWorksClassics]

There is many more on their website ...

Thanks guys...yeah, if you want to check out more of our projects in the works, here is our website: http://www.metalworksclassics.com/

Thanks!!!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Next we built up the rear quarters to get a nice door gap.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Final of the passenger side...

[waynieZ]

Nice!

[MetalWorksClassics]

After some measuring we found the tail pan had been pushed in at some point in its life...so it was decided to replace it. Here are some pics of the removal.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Taking the body to the paint shop for some epoxy.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Prepping the body for epoxy.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Coat of epoxy...

[awr68]

Nice and clean! Waiting on the new tail pan? What rear suspension?

[MetalWorksClassics]

Nice and clean! Waiting on the new tail pan? What rear suspension?

Thanks...the rear tail pan goes in next, then we will begin the mock up of the front and rear suspension...the rear setup is a 4 bar by Ridetech.

[DOOM]

Love when they get brought back from the dead!!!! Keep the updates coming.

[waynieZ]

It looks nice all epoxied, what are you using to prep the metal?

[MetalWorksClassics]

It looks nice all epoxied, what are you using to prep the metal?

We scuff all the surfaces, then treat it with wax & grease remover, then do a final wipe down before shooting the epoxy.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Here we are installing the new tail pan.

[awr68]

Looks like a car now! Metal on the car looks to fit well...that's always nice!

[DKz Garage]

Great to see the quality work going into this car....keep the updates coming!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Great to see the quality work going into this car....keep the updates coming!

Thanks a lot guys, we appreciate it...

[MetalWorksClassics]

The next big step was floors...we removed the seat risers, welded in the new floors sections, then put the original risers back in place.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Here are a few more pics...

[preston]

Looks good and this is not a comment on your shop/work at all, but I've never understood the point of grinding down welds that will be covered in sound damping and carpet. For me personally I find grinding down welds to be extremely tedious and time consuming. Obviously required on things that get paint or Ridler contenders but always seemed so pointless on floors, especially considering you actually lose some theoretical strength.

Is that just considered part of the process of doing a quality job ? I mean there is no functional reason to grind down internal hidden welds is there ?

[98ssnova]

Looks good and this is not a comment on your shop/work at all, but I've never understood the point of grinding down welds that will be covered in sound damping and carpet. For me personally I find grinding down welds to be extremely tedious and time consuming. Obviously required on things that get paint or Ridler contenders but always seemed so pointless on floors, especially considering you actually lose some theoretical strength.

Is that just considered part of the process of doing a quality job ? I mean there is no functional reason to grind down internal hidden welds is there ?


From my own standpoint I would say pride in knowing I did the job to what I would want it to be. Leaving them as is I would know they were not done a 100%. I know that nobody will ever see them but to me it's about craftsmanship/quality of your work.:welder: :thumbsup:

[awr68]

I agree with Mike. I actually had a friend stop by when I was installing my SFC's and raising the trans tunnel. He couldn't understand why I would dress all the welds if I was going to put carpet in. I just smiled and said why wouldn't I?

To me it's just a matter of knowing I did the best I could.

[Tuske427]

Sweet build, it's nice seeing another 'bird gettin' some love on here!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Looks good and this is not a comment on your shop/work at all, but I've never understood the point of grinding down welds that will be covered in sound damping and carpet. For me personally I find grinding down welds to be extremely tedious and time consuming. Obviously required on things that get paint or Ridler contenders but always seemed so pointless on floors, especially considering you actually lose some theoretical strength.

Is that just considered part of the process of doing a quality job ? I mean there is no functional reason to grind down internal hidden welds is there ?

Very good question, and thanks everyone for the input...for us it is mostly a preference of wanting our work to look as clean as possible, and for the floors to look stock...if down the line someone pulls back the carpet and sees thick weld lines, it is obvious there was floor work performed...we'd prefer it not show...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Sweet build, it's nice seeing another 'bird gettin' some love on here!

Thanks a lot...your build is looking awesome!!!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Here we are starting to mock up the Firebird's components...starting with the front stub.

[Sonar Chief]

The floor pans came out great ... I really like how you guys use your fork-lift a lot, man that must come in handy!

Michael

[MetalWorksClassics]

The floor pans came out great ... I really like how you guys use your fork-lift a lot, man that must come in handy!

Michael


Yeah...ha ha...the ol forklift is a VERY useful tool around the shop.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Here we are mocking up the rear wheels/tires...we are liking this.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Here we are installing the passenger side frame connector. We also made the front stub "bolt in" in case the clip ever had to come back out.

[MetalWorksClassics]

The finished passenger side...

[WSSix]

Wheels look good and fill up the well nicely. Will you be rolling the fender lip as well?

[MetalWorksClassics]

Wheels look good and fill up the well nicely. Will you be rolling the fender lip as well?

No plans to roll the lip...we will have enough room with the mini-tubs to clear.

[romayo]

nice smooth welds

[MetalWorksClassics]

And here is the driver's side...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Time to mock up the Butler Performance engine and Tremec 5 spd.

[WSSix]

Looks like it belongs in there.

[Gscherer78ta]

What oil pan are you using on that engine? Looking really good!

[MetalWorksClassics]

What oil pan are you using on that engine? Looking really good!

The oil pan is from Canton...it came on the Butler Motor...looks sharp, fits great.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Continued mock-up of the radiator and gas tank.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Our customer wanted a custom gas door, so we fab'd up a mounting plate.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Mocking up the rear suspension and rear end.

[tubbed69]

Very nice fab work,I like that gas cap:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[waynieZ]

I agree, very nice.

[preston]

Fab question -

Looking at pictures of that gas cap install, you show a picture of it welded in and sanded pretty heavily. At this point, you can still see the voids in the weld. This is what my metal work looks like after grinding/sanding. Then, in the next picture, it shows it completely sanded and smooth with no voids.

Was the first picture just an intermediate step, or do you go back in and weld it again to fill in the voids, and then do the final grinding to all smooth metal ?

[MetalWorksClassics]

Fab question -

Looking at pictures of that gas cap install, you show a picture of it welded in and sanded pretty heavily. At this point, you can still see the voids in the weld. This is what my metal work looks like after grinding/sanding. Then, in the next picture, it shows it completely sanded and smooth with no voids.

Was the first picture just an intermediate step, or do you go back in and weld it again to fill in the voids, and then do the final grinding to all smooth metal ?


Thanks for the question...yes, it was just an intermediate photo...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Adding bump stops.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Mocking up more of the sheet metal for fit as the car was apart when it arrived at the shop.

[Nine Ball]

Great build, guys. I like the engine choice, too.

Tony

[DOOM]

Great build, guys. I like the engine choice, too.

Tony

What he said!!!!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Great build, guys. I like the engine choice, too.

Tony

Thanks guys...yeah we really like working with Butler engines...we put one in a 78 TA that really turned out great...we have another one in inventory for a 65 GTO build as well.

Here is a link to the 78 TA... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOjPShkhnrs

[LanceL]

Three questions for you guys? What body mounts do you like to use? On the floor install did you cut the old floor using the new piece as a template or how do you guys like to do it? And it looks like continuous welds for the connectors? Do you not have to skip around and worry about warpage of the metal doing those? Thanks for the help and answers. We all appreciate the pics and knowledge.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Three questions for you guys? What body mounts do you like to use? On the floor install did you cut the old floor using the new piece as a template or how do you guys like to do it? And it looks like continuous welds for the connectors? Do you not have to skip around and worry about warpage of the metal doing those? Thanks for the help and answers. We all appreciate the pics and knowledge.

Sorry we can't help on the body mounts as they came with the project, we did not order them.
On the floors we cut the bellys out, then sat the new pan in place and traced around it with a marker, then cut the rest of the old pan out...this allowed us to butt weld the new pans in place.
I agree the frame connector welds looks continuous, but we actual did skip around only doing around 5 spots at a time.

Thanks for the questions...take care.

[LanceL]

Thanks a lot for the answers. Your car is bad ass. Following for sure.

[Centerforce]

Aw we wanted to see a good clutch shot before you put it together! :D

Did you end up going with a DYAD?

[MetalWorksClassics]

Aw we wanted to see a good clutch shot before you put it together! :D

Did you end up going with a DYAD?

Hey guys...YES we do plan to run a DYAD, but the motor and trans are only at the mock up stage...I will definitely get some good clutch pics of the final install...we've been having great luck with the DYAD sysetem with these high HP engines.

[Centerforce]

Hey guys...YES we do plan to run a DYAD, but the motor and trans are only at the mock up stage...I will definitely get some good clutch pics of the final install...we've been having great luck with the DYAD sysetem with these high HP engines.

We're glad to hear that they've worked well for you! Excited to see the install, and whats in store for the rest of the car!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Work continues to smooth out the back of the Firebird's body.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Metal working the front fenders.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Time to start body working this old bird...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Figured I should post the rendering of "Black Widow" before the build is over.

[pro66tour]

Partial to white w/ black centers...soooo....I LOVE IT! Classic look...

[DOOM]

Very nice!!! Well done!!!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Very nice!!! Well done!!!

Thanks guys!!

[waynieZ]

It looks great, nice work. I like the rendering.

[MetalWorksClassics]

It looks great, nice work. I like the rendering.

Thanks a lot guys...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Here we are doing more body work...getting most of the body in primer.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Shot on some guide coat...and start sanding again.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Looks like we have some serious work ahead of us to get the rear bumper to fit snug to the body.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Tim putting in long hours of body working the Firebird...sanding and primer.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Tom filled in the front turn signal holes.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Mocked up the FESLER flush mounted windshield and rear window...had to fine tune the openings for consistent gaps.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Adjusting and metal working the doors to tighten up the gaps.

[GregWeld]

Don't you know there's a rule about wearing Tillman TIG gloves while MIG welding!?!?!

LOL


Looks better and better all the time!


If people only realized how many hours it takes to make all these old piles of crap look perfect....

[87SS]

I just went through the whole thread......NICE WORK! Makes me want to learn welding.

:flag2:

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks guys...yeah, these old rigs do not build themselves...takes a lot of hours to make them nice.



Don't you know there's a rule about wearing Tillman TIG gloves while MIG welding!?!?!

LOL


Looks better and better all the time!


If people only realized how many hours it takes to make all these old piles of crap look perfect....

[Zoomin]

What are the wheel/tires sizes going to be? Are you going to use Ride Tech's Tru Turn up front?

Nice work!

[MetalWorksClassics]

The tires are 275/35ZR18 and 315/30ZR18...wheels are 18".




What are the wheel/tires sizes going to be? Are you going to use Ride Tech's Tru Turn up front?

Nice work!

[Zoomin]

The tires are 275/35ZR18 and 315/30ZR18...wheels are 18".

I guess 9's and 12's? Tru Turn?

[MetalWorksClassics]

Wheels are 10" and 11"...not sure on the Tru Turn...the front "clip" was supplied by our customer so I'm not exactly sure what all is included in the set-up and the clip in tucked away currently as the body in on a rotisserie in the body shop...but I'll try and let you know when we pull it back out.


I guess 9's and 12's? Tru Turn?

[MetalWorksClassics]

Tightening things up.

[Chicken Louie]

Love the work you are putting into this bird!!

[Juicypop]

Great job with the build looks awesome!

[EBMC]

Our customer wanted a custom gas door, so we fab'd up a mounting plate.

Nice work guys!! Thanks for using KD filler. Awesome build

[preston]

in that a photo of you using a spot welder to shrink the metal ?
or is something else going on there ?

If you are shrinking, do you use a wet rag or what after you zap ? Curious about your technique there.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Yes, you are correct...we were using the spot welder to shrink the metal...we would cool the metal with compressed air at each hit.


in that a photo of you using a spot welder to shrink the metal ?
or is something else going on there ?

If you are shrinking, do you use a wet rag or what after you zap ? Curious about your technique there.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Body working the front sheet metal.

[waynieZ]

Looking good guys!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Back to body working the front sheet metal...getting close to paint.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Mocking up the grille, then fine tunning the grille surround/bumper for fitment.

[fesler]

Our flush mount glass would be a nice touch for this bad ass ride.

Front
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj73/FeslerBuilt/OEvsFLUSH__67733.1455045095.1280.1280_zpsksohcfhb. jpg (http://s269.photobucket.com/user/FeslerBuilt/media/OEvsFLUSH__67733.1455045095.1280.1280_zpsksohcfhb. jpg.html)

Rear
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj73/FeslerBuilt/DSCF2660_zpsidxvxpu2.jpg (http://s269.photobucket.com/user/FeslerBuilt/media/DSCF2660_zpsidxvxpu2.jpg.html)

[MetalWorksClassics]

Chris,

Check out page 11 of the build thread...we agree, it's going to look great.

Thanks!!



[QUOTE=fesler;639050]Our flush mount glass would be a nice touch for this bad ass ride.

[MetalWorksClassics]

We welded up the stock turn signal openings, then began building custom replacements.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Tom getting the running lights dialed in.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Looking good!:D

[MetalWorksClassics]

Gapping out the flush mounted glass.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Fitting the camaro rear bumper after a bunch of custom work, then we added the front chin spoiler.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Making the cowl panel mountable with the flush mounted glass.

[DKz Garage]

Beautiful work! Can't wait to see it in paint!!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Beautiful work! Can't wait to see it in paint!!



Thanks...it's getting closer, can't wait for paint ourselves...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Not to bore everyone with body work pics...but unless you've ever done a car to a true show quality paint job, the amount of hours and effort in endless body work is rarely realized.

[Evan Iroc-Z]

Not to bore everyone with body work pics...but unless you've ever done a car to a true show quality paint job, the amount of hours and effort in endless body work is rarely realized.

I liken posts like this to the fundamentals of sports, Tim Duncan for example. Without those fundamentals the product is garbage, but with those fundamentals you make it look effortless to the point of being overlooked and always producing an out of this world product. You are doing exactly that in all of your posts. Keep up the impeccable fundamentals!

[WSSix]

You guys are doing great work. Good luck moving forward!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks guys, we appreciate the input, and the understanding of the process.


I liken posts like this to the fundamentals of sports, Tim Duncan for example. Without those fundamentals the product is garbage, but with those fundamentals you make it look effortless to the point of being overlooked and always producing an out of this world product. You are doing exactly that in all of your posts. Keep up the impeccable fundamentals!

[MetalWorksClassics]

The Firebird's loose components getting shot in epoxy...COLOR IS NEXT!!!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Loose components getting shot in layers of snow white paint.

[waynieZ]

Beautiful work guys!

[67XR7]

Amazing work, subscribed.

[BanditDave]

Diggin' the build man...subscribed.

[Mikael A]

Nice work.

[68MaroSam]

Very nice work. Looks great. Subscribing to this one.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks a lot everyone...we are excited to finally see some painted parts.


Very nice work. Looks great. Subscribing to this one.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Smoothing out the firewall.

[Centerforce]

Excellent job on the shave! All the extra little steps like that are what come together in the end to make the car truly impressive.

[waynieZ]

It looks good, nice work.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Shot under coat on some front end panels and painted the rear end.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Putting the body on the rotisserie in preparation for undercoating.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Shooting the underbody in Raptor undercoating.

[waynieZ]

It looks good under there. Did you thin this it to get it smoother?

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks...we coat them for sound deadening and heat reduction as well as overall protection.

It looks good under there. Did you this it to get it smoother?

[MetalWorksClassics]

Getting the body prepped for paint...feels good.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Car's looking really good! I love the underside of it, very clean work on the four link and undercoating.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Josh, thanks...yeah the underside came out great.

Car's looking really good! I love the underside of it, very clean work on the four link and undercoating.

[MetalWorksClassics]

We have body paint!!! Tim laid down coats of snow white paint and clear coat on the Black Widow.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Putting the core support and inner fenders in paint, and working over the 68 camaro rear bumper to fit the Firebird's body.

[waynieZ]

Nice work it looks great.

[Mikael A]

Very nice i love it.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Painting the firewall in satin black.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Installing the front stub and sheet metal.

[anguilla1980]

Looking great! Wow she's come along way. Can't wait to see her through!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks...yeah it has definitely come a long way since arriving at the shop.

Looking great! Wow she's come along way. Can't wait to see her through!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Laying out and prepping the stripes for paint.

[gofastwclass]

I like that you are carrying the stripe around the bend to terminate in the door jamb instead of simply painting across the gap. Another subtle detail often missed.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Laid down the stripe work paint.

[Zoomin]

Nice!!!

[Mikael A]

Very nice :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks!! It's really great to see the Firebird in color...now assembly starts.


Very nice :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[waynieZ]

Looks Nice!

[JDODDS187]

I love it! cant wait to see it all together!

[cpd004]

Very cool!!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Spraying in interior in epoxy...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Wet sanding and buffing the paint.

[waynieZ]

The paint looks great.

[Gscherer78ta]

Gorgeous! The paint is so nice it will be hard to drive it and risk messing it up.

[Mikael A]

Wow looks awesome....guide coat on the clear...i had no idea but it makes sense.

[SlowProgress]

The fade on the hockey stripe is really a nice touch. Thanks for sharing the guide coat trick, I think Ring Brothers showed something similar on their website. Little tips like that really help people out!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Thanks guys...the paint really came out nice...Heath really does an amazing job with a very delicate process.


The fade on the hockey stripe is really a nice touch. Thanks for sharing the guide coat trick, I think Ring Brothers showed something similar on their website. Little tips like that really help people out!

[Centerforce]

Looks like glass! Beautiful work as usual, guys! :thumbsup:

[MetalWorksClassics]

Started assembly work on the Firebird.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Assembly continues...

[MetalWorksClassics]

More assembly work...radiator, wiring, etc.

[kbclamper]

looks awesome

[MetalWorksClassics]

looks awesome

Thanks...we can almost smell the burn outs now...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Wiring and assembly work continues...

[98ssnova]

Whp makes the pedals?

[MetalWorksClassics]

Whp makes the pedals?

The pedals are Billet Specialties...feel free to give us a call at our Speed Shop if you need any help getting a set ordered up or need details. 541-341-3372

[gofastwclass]

Excellent work.

Would you share a few more pictures of the radiator / fan shroud / overflow or tank setup? Was that made in house or was it purchased?

[MetalWorksClassics]

Excellent work.

Would you share a few more pictures of the radiator / fan shroud / overflow or tank setup? Was that made in house or was it purchased?


The radiator set-up is right from Ron Davis...very nice piece...

[gofastwclass]

The radiator set-up is right from Ron Davis...very nice piece...


Of course it is a Ron Davis radiator. You are right it is very nice and well thought out. Thanks a lot.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Installing door glass, wiring in the AC controls, and prepping fenders for installation.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Hanging front fenders... starting to look more like a car.

[waynieZ]

It looks great guys. The Ron Davis setup is nice.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Installing the Fesler flush mounted glass.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Installing the Felser flush mounted rear window.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Dash is coming together...steering wheel mounted.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Assembly work continues...

[214Chevy]

Looking damn good. I love a thread with oodles and oodles of pics. :thankyou:

[gofastwclass]

Nice job guys.

[WSSix]

x2 it's looking great. Keep it up!

[MetalWorksClassics]

x2 it's looking great. Keep it up!

Thanks everyone...we appreciate it.

Assembly work continues along with plumbing.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Building and installing the custom Flowmaster exhaust.

[gnx7]

great job guys! car looks amazeballs!

I really love the white offsetting the black. Attention to detail at its finest :)

[MetalWorksClassics]

great job guys! car looks amazeballs!

I really love the white offsetting the black. Attention to detail at its finest :)

Thanks, we appreciate it.

[MetalWorksClassics]

We narrowed up rear seat, laid down some Dynamat...then sent the Firebird off to upholstery.

[DWC]

Very nice build, thanks for sharing.

Daniel

[F'in mine]

Details & craftsmanship top notch, bringing this one back to its former glory....nice!
Wondering who's Tremec trans crossmember piece you used.....is it a SST's?

[jarhead]

simply amazing, quite a Team @ Metal Works Classics!

I've also been watching the 68 Torino GT build, it's quite amazing too...

[MetalWorksClassics]

Details & craftsmanship top notch, bringing this one back to its former glory....nice!
Wondering who's Tremec trans crossmember piece you used.....is it a SST's?

Thanks...the crossmember was provided by out customer, but yes, I believe it is by SST: https://shiftsst.com/articles/cat/general-motors/post/camaro-firebird-1967-1969-perfectfit-kit/

[MetalWorksClassics]

simply amazing, quite a Team @ Metal Works Classics!

I've also been watching the 68 Torino GT build, it's quite amazing too...

Thanks a lot, we appreciate it...we are very happy with both builds have come along.

[CMillwheels]

Incredible build gentlemen. Just read through your entire thread on this car and loved it!

[MetalWorksClassics]

Incredible build gentlemen. Just read through your entire thread on this car and loved it!

Thanks a lot, we appreciate it. We'll be posting finished images soon.

[MetalWorksClassics]

Interior pics...external photos next.

[Trick-Tools.com]

really clean build!

[MetalWorksClassics]

This one is in the books...here are some finished shots. You can view a video of the Firebird and see the full build in even greater detail on our website:

http://metalworksclassics.com/portfolio-page/1968-pro-touring-pontiac-firebird/

[Flowmaster Exhaust]

Building and installing the custom Flowmaster exhaust.

Beautiful build! Thanks for the support!