1969 Firebird Convertible

[Bandit69]

Hello,

Posted on Pro-Touring site so I thought I should post here as well.

Bought a 1969 Firebird convertible from friend who lost interest. Car sat for past 2 years by beach so I've spent last 6 months just getting it driveable again. Now, its time to fix it up.

First I must admit that initially I'm more of a OEM/slight restomod fan than pro-tourer (Give me 15 inch 60 series tires on Cragar five spokes any day). However, taking a look at the pictures on the site of everyones cool rides has changed my tune a bit. (I may even allow myself to go wild and move up to 17 inch wheels!) Ideawise, I'm thinking of four different looks but all will be based on the look of a 1969 Firebird Trans Am (stripes/hood scoop/rear wing).

Black with Gold Striping - I'm thinking a 1969 version of the Year One Burt Reynolds Edition Trans Am they've created. (Hence, my username). I think their new snowflake billet wheels look great and want to see them on an older firebird

Orange with Black/Yellow Stripes - car was originally Carousel Red which is the color most associated with 1969 GTO Judge. I'm thinking trans am stripes but using the black/yellow combo like the Judge stripes

Candy Red with White or black stripes - saw Rybar's 69 Camaro and just loved the color

Candy Blue with white stripes and red pinstripes - saw something similar recently on "Overhaulin" to a 1967 Camaro.

Those are the basic themes for my ride. Enginewise, I'm gonna keep it Pontiac so I think I'll stroke it out to a 383 and then add a Barry Grant six-shooter for that tri-power look. Back that up to a Bowler trans and a Moser rearend. Suspension wise, I'm looking at a global west/QA1 combo with some DSE parts as well. The interior will be mostly stock but I want to change the gauge panel. Does anyone know if the DSE panel for 69 Camaro will fit the firebird?