Lateral-g Forums - 1971 Firebird Build ("The Other Woman", a.k.a. Project "T.O.W.")

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- - 1971 Firebird Build ("The Other Woman", a.k.a. Project "T.O.W.") (https://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php?t=29609)

Quote:

Originally Posted by carbuff (Post 481943)

:underchair:

I'll never be accepted as a real Texan now, apparently due to my lack of appropriate restaurant-selection skills.

Luckily you have a nice car. Make that 2 nice cars. :thumbsup:

:D

Quote:

Originally Posted by carbuff (Post 481942)

We made it... I laid it out in a technical drawing program to make sure everything fit, then I actually printed the gauges to scale, cut them out, and laid them onto the dash bezel to make sure. :) Eric used the bezel to cut the outside shape, and we spent a lot of time deciding which lines to use as our centering lines for the actual gauges. That original Firebird bezel is not centered horizontally as you would expect it to be, so it's trick to get it right.

Eric cut the outside with a jigsaw, then used a grinder to finish it. Then he used hole saws to cut for the gauges and vents. It's a delicate process to not bend the aluminum while drilling the big holes. Once it was done, it was glued back into the bezel and the top-lip was riveted back into place. I had both parts powder coated before reassembly with a satin black finish, so no reflections from that finish.

Overall, I'm really happy with how it turned out! It was one of the things I had envisioned for a long time while planning this project... :)

Thanks, Bryan. That's actually how I did mine as well. I guess I should redo it using thinner aluminum and being more patient because mine didn't turn out as well as your piece that's for sure. The biggest problem for me with the stock dash is I couldn't see the tops of the speedo and tac while driving. The way I've rearranged the gauges on my car makes it so I can see all the gauges easily. I just want it to look better.

Well hell - looks like I went to wrong BBQ place near Austin.

I flew into Austin last weekend for the V8 Supercar race - nice city but good lord it was hot as hell last weekend - well compared to NC for May!

Quote:

Originally Posted by WSSix (Post 482071)

I hear ya. I tried to make sure that the steering wheel wouldn't block any important gauges, and it looks like that is going to work out ok for me. We'll see how often I'm able to check the gauges while I'm driving anyway... :)

Getting the right size for the gauges was tricky also. I like Autometers, but the 3 3/8" gauges are too small for me, and the 5" are a touch too big. I really like the relative size of the Speedhuts 4.5" with the 2 1/16".

Good luck!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonecrrusher (Post 482094)

I flew into Austin last weekend for the V8 Supercar race - nice city but good lord it was hot as hell last weekend - well compared to NC for May!

That humidity was HIGHLY unusual for Austin, and if it makes you feel any better, we broke a record for high temps on Friday. :huh:

So which BBQ joint did you try? :)

Greg and Rob,

You will both be happy to know that Eric has solved the shaker dilemma! I present to you....

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps502696ef.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps040b6eaf.jpg

It fits perfectly!!! :confused59:

Nice air cleaner. :sarcasm_smiley: :lol:

Quote:

Originally Posted by carbuff (Post 482133)

Greg and Rob,

You will both be happy to know that Eric has solved the shaker dilemma! I present to you....

It fits perfectly!!! :confused59:

Maybe you could look for a compromise. More function than your first try and more ascetic than the current unit. :twak: :lmao:

What's that highchair still doing in the car :headscratch:

:) Actually, Eric and I have a new plan in the works that I'm order parts for today. We think we have a good solution which will use what we already have, but give me a good bit more airflow. Hopefully we can pull it together next week. :peepwall:

As for the seat, I gotta have something in there for the first drive this weekend! I've made some calls on those Recaros, we there may be a change in the near future... :G-Dub:

If you could get them to make a real classy looking billet Firebird for the top of the air cleaner, you might be able to pull it off.