Quick update. . .I have actually started to work on this thing; I have replaced all the safety items (brake lines, pads, rotors, hoses, and fluids) since it has been in storage for so long; I'm hoping to actually drive this thing this spring/summer and participate in some local auto-x events so I can learn how to drive better.
Things have changed because different things are available now than when I started planning this out so I will post an update on what is going to change from my original plans (just components, not the idea of a TransAm inspired build). . .the other thing to change is this is going to be done in stages instead of all at once. By doing things in stages I will be able to minimize the down time, enjoy driving the car, and hopefully make steady progress instead of a big step in progress and then a long wait while I save for the next purchases.
The build-up stages are going to be dictated by my driving abilities/progress on the track. . .so I will start with a relatively stock car and I will leave it that way while I learn how to drive (saving money up for parts while I do this). Once my driving is improved enough that I'm being held back by the car's old suspension/brakes/drivetrain/wheels & tires (whatever it happens to be) that is when I will upgrade that part of the car.
I'm hoping to have this thing off the jacks stands and moving under it's own power again by the middle of March. . .I will post pictures of it then.
Congrats on sticking with this build through all the ups and downs! That's an accomplishment in itself I think. Good luck moving forward. I think you've got a good plan laid out.
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Trey
Current rides: 2000 BMW 540i/6 and 86 C10.
Former ride: 1979 Trans Am WS6: LT1/T56, Kore 3 C5/6 brakes, BMW 18in rims
So I thought I would post some pictures of what I'm starting with. . .this is the '67 Firebird as it sits now; the only thing i have done to the car since I bought it is to remove the rear seat and some interior trim.
I thought I document start to finish. . .
. . .you'll have to forgive the messy garage; my Dad passed away and I shipped two antique tractors, 3 box trucks of tools & equipment, and a box truck of tractor parts. I haven't had time to get it all put away neatly yet.
Just had my first Auto-X experience. . .in the rain!!! Got to take a ride in a Pontiac Solstice and a Subaru BRZ; then my buddy let me dual drive his Mitsibishi Lancer EVO IX. . .HOLY CRAP!!!! Hooked!!!
I ordered an Energy Suspension Hyperflex kit, new Moog ball joints and inner/outer tie rod ends. . .once they come in I will installed, take care of the front disc brake swap, get rid of the high-rise tunnel ram intake and hopefully have that done in time for the next Auto-X event in April.
I will keep updating progress on the project as I make progress.
I've been working on disassembling the front end of the car. . .I mentioned I had the Energy Suspension polyurethane bushing kit, new Moog upper/lower front control arm ball joints, and inner/outer tie rod ends, as well as solid 7075-T6 aluminum subframe/body mounts I machined.
I now also have my front shocks (Koni Classic adjustables), front coils (722# coils), new 1.5" taller spindles (with a 2" drop) to improve the camber curve. . .waiting to get installed.
I just placed my order for Koni Classic adjustable rear shocks, and Kore 3 GM Short Spinlde C5/C6 325mm (12.8" rotor) big brake kit with Kore billet hubs (w/the 1/2"-20 ARP wheel studs) and billet grease cap, C6 calipers, Centric 120 rotors (for now), and Hawk HP Plus pads. I also have a set of Corvette ZR-1/Camaro SS 5-spoke wheels (17" x 9") with 265/40ZR17 (front) and 275/40ZR17 (rear) tires.
Once the billet hubs and brake rotors show up I will be taking measurements and machining wheel spacers so the front wheels will fit. . .probably make them out 6061-T6 aluminum initially. . .
What I have left to figure out is what rate I want for the front anti-sway bar and to save up a little more money for a DSE rear leaf spring relocation/multi-leaf conversion kit and rear mini-tubs and the rear disc brake upgrade. . .I will be running a Kore3 C5/C6 disc brake set-up on the rear as well. I plan on adding DSE subframe connectors this year as well.
I plan to run with this set-up until sometime next year when I have more driving time under my belt and some more money saved up to upgrade the front end to the ATS AFX aluminum spindles, DSE upper/lower control arms with JRi coilovers and I will have had time to design a 3-link rear with a Watt's linkage and JRi coilovers there as well.
Disassembly pictures aren't very exciting, but I should have made enough progress to start posting pictures of the new upgrades getting installed by next weekend. . .takes a while to get all these 49 year old joints/fasteners apart!!!
Finally got the whole front suspension apart. . .man 49 year old fasteners can be a real PITA!!!!
Now I have to clean everything up, paint or powdercoat what is going back on (upper/lower control arms, center link, and idler arms), and get ready to install the new parts and put everything back together. . .
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
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