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

[Flash68]

Bryan, those wheels are killer. Nice choice.

I like the gauges too. Not the usual Autometer stuff.

[carbuff]

So there are not enough of these to describe how I felt when seeing the wheels tonight!

We will get them mounted next week after we have some time to check the fitment (sheetmetal and rear axle need to be reattached first).

Kudos to Forgeline! I was promised that I would have them before the FW GG show, but to get them in 15 days from the day we finalized the order was impressive!

[RussMurco]

I love it when that happens!

[Al Moreno]

That's going to be a beautiful ride when your done. You got to love that body style.

[carbuff]

Another long weekend, and while it doesn't look like I accomplished a lot, I definitely did!

First, another solid day of Dynamat. I went up Wednesday night and did a few hours worth, where I finished with the Dynamat Extreme on all of the floor areas. I still have the doors to do, but I cannot do that until I get the glass in. I had planned to do that this weekend, but........

Do with the Extreme done, I started on the Dynaliner. I used 1/4" Dynaliner to cover pretty much everything so far. I attached it to the bottom of the package tray to make the installation of the tray easier. Then the back seat areas, the mini tubs, and up the floor to the firewall. I realize as I type this that I didn't get any good pictures of this, but I will this week.

Today I started in on the wiring. I ran RCA wires for a stereo, along with a trigger for an amp which I will mount in the trunk. Then I pulled out the AAW kit which I purchased oh so long ago. When I started looking at it, I realized that there's a lot there which I don't need. Honestly, I may have been better off to purchase on of the Highway series kits instead of the Camaro/Firebird kit which I purchased. But I digress... I started removing wires from the harness, and I pulled out a bunch: wiper switch (I'm using the DSE kit), the AC/Heater wires (Vintage Air wires), all of the gauge cluster wires (tach, oil, temp, generator light), then the starter and battery wires also. Eric and I are going to run new wires for those along with the EFI harness wires and gauge wires through the trans tunnel to prevent them from running across the firewall. Cleaner that way...

So after removing at least 1/3 of the wires, I stabbed the harness into place. I connected up a couple of items, but that's about all I had time for...

In the meantime, Eric is starting assembly of all of our parts. The DSE booster and MC are on, as are the clutch MC and DSE wiper. Today he was making the brake lines. I bought a new replacement front-rear line, but custom extensions are needed from where the hard line ends to the frame rails where the flex lines will attach. He also made new front lines which are really clean.

This week there should be some assembly progress. I'll get more wiring done, and Eric will probably stab the engine/transmission back in along with the torque arm and rear axle. The gas tank also needs to go in, then the real fun can begin: assembling the exhaust! I'm adamant that I want it to run all the way to the rear, and weaving some 3" pipes through the Watts Link is going to test Eric's fab skills I believe...

I have a few pictures, and I'll post the current money-shot first! I LOVE these wheels! ! !

[carbuff]

Oh, I forgot to mention that SW stopped by in what will be his next project for Eric to work on... It's a 'small' project for him, but a car which I love (and feels very familiar!). I look forward to seeing the new touches which it will receive...

[carbuff]

I stopped by again today to drop a few things off and snapped a couple of shots of the Dynaliner, wiring, and Eric's brake-line work...

[c.schulz]

Hey Bryan, car is looking fantastic. Really like how it is coming together.
A concern I saw was the support for the Lower control arm. Or maybe the lack there of......with all you will be putting this car thru do you think the UCA and LCAs need more support? Rear and Front mount

Chris



Also maybe the upper control arm and spring mount. Maybe add some vertical Chro Moly plates or struts to support the tube.

[68protouring454]

Originally Posted by c.schulz

Hey Bryan, car is looking fantastic. Really like how it is coming together.
A concern I saw was the support for the Lower control arm. Or maybe the lack there of......with all you will be putting this car thru do you think the UCA and LCAs need more support? Rear and Front mount

Chris



Also maybe the upper control arm and spring mount. Maybe add some vertical Chro Moly plates or struts to support the tube.

My suspension systems, particularly the 70-81 platform have more wheel to wheel road racing, etc then any other out there. I am not sure how much more you think it needs, but it seems to be holding up just fine. Topping that with a well thought out and computer designed susp and steering geometry,plus 4 years of wheel to wheel racing, plenty of curb beatings from watkins glen, to vir to njmp, limerock etc. No failures etc. Oh ya throw in a podium at the Nasa national championships as well.


I am sure plenty of things in a certain package can be made differently, or improved, but thus far there is no needing to change anything. Our Jrs 2nd gen runs as fast as Ta2 cars wherever we go.

[carbuff]

Jake is certainly the more authoritative source on the design of this setup... But I did dig up some pictures from when I first received the front clip that may help clear up any questions on the support of that lower mount.







Hope those help.