Project Frankenbird - 1968 Pontiac Firebird

[Tuske427]

As I'm doing my car, I'm trying to fix one area at a time. This way, the rest of the car is still there to support and align things.

Because most of yours is apart, I recomment a lot of cleckos and sheet metal screws to temporarily put it back together before you weld everything up. The current and last month's issue of Car Craft covers a shop rebodying a 68 mustang coupe into a fast back. Many of the technical "how to" may be of help for you.

I hope this is helpful

Keep the pics coming!

[bdahlg68]

Originally Posted by Tuske427

As I'm doing my car, I'm trying to fix one area at a time. This way, the rest of the car is still there to support and align things.

Because most of yours is apart, I recomment a lot of cleckos and sheet metal screws to temporarily put it back together before you weld everything up. The current and last month's issue of Car Craft covers a shop rebodying a 68 mustang coupe into a fast back. Many of the technical "how to" may be of help for you.

I hope this is helpful

Keep the pics coming!

Doesn't look like they braced too much, just fit everything with screws. Makes me feel better as I want to get the floors and mini tubs done while the car is apart.

I'm starting to wish I just saved and bought a Dynacorn shell. Although I'd still end up hacking it apart to do the mini tubs and rear suspension. I hope once I'm finished, I feel like I made the right decision.

[elitecustombody]

Looks like you got your hands full, whatever you do, don't give up.Try to weld braces to keep the rest of it in shape. Post more pics of the progress.If you need a good deal on AMD sheetmetal,let me know, I'll hook you up.

[Jim Nilsen]

Originally Posted by Tuske427

As I'm doing my car, I'm trying to fix one area at a time. This way, the rest of the car is still there to support and align things.

Because most of yours is apart, I recomment a lot of cleckos and sheet metal screws to temporarily put it back together before you weld everything up. The current and last month's issue of Car Craft covers a shop rebodying a 68 mustang coupe into a fast back. Many of the technical "how to" may be of help for you.

I hope this is helpful

Keep the pics coming!

I held mine together with screws so I could adjust if i needed. I used a laser level for ceilings to make sure my panels were all in the same plane as my rockers and then measured side to side and square then welded it up slowly with a bunch of tacks to start and then when it all fit just right I did the final welding. The laser showed me where to raise or lower the rear of the panels to keep them from sagging dowm wich they wanted to do naturally it seemed. The shape of the rear quarter even looked better when it was lifted in the rear to make the body line all the same.

I never used any bracing inside and the measurements never changed, I didn't use a rotisserie which definately requires bracing. When all of the gaps and lines look right it doesn't matter if the car shifted the way I see it, the car could have been off from the factory and cause you problems trying to line things up that will never be right till you shift the car.

I would replace that trunk pan if it was me, but if not you better get something on it like POR or something to stop it forever.

[bdahlg68]

Last business trip of the year is done! A new record for me though. 129k miles on Delta. Hopefully next year isn't quite so hectic.

Anyway, on to the car. I got the drip rails and roof test fitted. Just sheet metal screws for now as I wasn't sure how to position the drip rails. The drip rails seem to be in pretty much the right spot (driver side may need to slide forward just a touch). The passenger side roof corner at the A-pillar doesn't seem to fit too well. Maybe some trimming is in order? I can squeeze it down flush but it is TIGHT. Also, the roof to drip rail support on the driver side is a bit off it seems. I'm hoping that sliding it forward helps that and putting in a few more sheet metal screws to really hold everything in place.

I also threw one of my G8 summer wheels under there for some inspiration. Looks good!

[bdahlg68]

Adjusted the drip rails a bit and I'm pretty happy with the roof fitment. Also, first VERY ROUGH placement of drivers quarter. Still cleaning up around rear panel and filler panel before it will fit correctly and hopefully relatively easily.



I also ordered nearly everything else I need to put the back half of the car back together. After it's all installed, I'll probably pick up the rear suspension and install that before moving on to the floorpan / front end.

[bdahlg68]

Got a nice delivery from Classic Industries today. Inner Cowl, DSE Firewall Fill plate, outer wheelhouses, tail panel and brace, rear valence, full trunk panel and side panels. Nearly everything I need to have a complete shell from the firewall back. I feel like a Firebird parts warehouse!

Still need floorpan, Anvil trunklid, and dash panel to finish the shell. That will be ordered after the Speedtech rear suspension I'm planning to order late February timeframe. Trying to get as many parts around me as possible so that I'm never waiting on them. Now it just needs to warm up in my garage!

[68FBODY]

Looking good! Firebirds are popping up on here more often now

[Ron Fox]

Nice Project!

Keep up the good work.

[bdahlg68]

Yup. This is my second 1st gen 'Bird. I thought I posted my original one, but I guess not, so here it is. I miss what a solid car that was. Didn't have to deal with all this damn rust!