1969 Firebird Project - SR71 - Page 6 - Lateral-g Forums

Josh69 · #51 05-24-2010, 01:11 PM

Thanks Rob! I was told it'd be a week to finish once he starts, and he would be starting it this week. So we'll see, but I sure hope it's soon now that the interior is about to go back in!!

Josh69 · #52 07-23-2010, 08:11 AM

I've made alot of progress, but haven't taken the time to snap many pics or download them, so I'll just post a few cell phone pics.

The car is pretty much complete other than the trunk detail. I also added the DSE fender struts, and some Ring Bros hardware under the hood, and eventually would like a set of Ring Bros hinges..lots of exposed bolts holding up the nose on the bird that could use a little dress-up.

One of my favorite touches was a set of billet 9mm locks, had to re-tap them to fit my car.

Josh69 · #53 07-23-2010, 08:15 AM

I put about 50 hours into wet-sanding and buffing the car prior to Car Craft last weekend. I started on the prior Saturday, and realized quickly that I was going to be short on time. In only got through the 2nd stage of buffing (swirl-mark remover). I intend on going back over the whole car with the extra cut compound since the hood was the last thing I did, and I perfected my method and realized the rest wasn't good enough. All in due time, it's time to enjoy the car, but at least now the orange peel and fisheyes are gone.

I used all 3M compounds and pads with a Makita buffer. I'll get some pro pics up of the final product when I get a chance.

**XcYZ** · #54 07-23-2010, 08:17 AM

Awesome.

I can't remember if I asked you before, but where in MN are you?

Josh69 · #55 07-23-2010, 08:25 AM

The best change I've made is the new aluminum radiator and twin Spal electric fans with digital controller. I just got the install finished last night. It was running hotter than I'd liked (200-210*) and got especially warm at the Car Craft show where I had to pull over and let it cool down on the show grounds, which was not fun. Staring at my new Autometer temp gauge the whole time took alot of fun out of it.

Fortunately, my buddies tents were right next to Universal Parts Inc, an outfit out of Humbolt, IA that specializes in aluminum radiators with Spal fans. I got the whole set-up for $800, with the digital controller, relay, sensor, etc. I bought it on the spot. It's the best looking, and highest quality set-up I've seen for that kind of money. Fully welded, no epoxy.

Drove it to work today, and am very pleased. So much quieter and smoother without that big mechanical fan blowing. I was in such a state that I didn't realize the one I got was for an Automatic...it didn't occur to me that they may have a Manual version. Well, not much difference other than the fittings for the trans cooler. I am going to block them off with some plugs for now, but am thinking about turning it into a PS cooler...not sure if it'll be adequate for an oil cooler.

Josh69 · #56 07-23-2010, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XcYZ

Awesome.

I can't remember if I asked you before, but where in MN are you?

I'm in Rockford, just west of Plymouth.

Ron Fox · #57 07-24-2010, 01:27 PM

Nice additions Josh. The 9mm locks are a nice touch. Where did you get them and where did you mount the piece that goes with it?

I see in the pics you have added AC. Does it get hot in MN? It's freakin hot here in TN.

Thanks for the pics. Hope you post more.

Josh69 · #58 07-26-2010, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Fox

Nice additions Josh. The 9mm locks are a nice touch. Where did you get them and where did you mount the piece that goes with it?

I see in the pics you have added AC. Does it get hot in MN? It's freakin hot here in TN.

Thanks for the pics. Hope you post more.

Thanks Ron! The locks are from Steeda for Mustangs. I thought they would drive the point home if someone was foolish enough to start fiddling with it.

The thread is wrong, likely metric, but it's the correct diameter, so I figured there was enough material to just re-tap them, which I did and it works.

It gets very hot and humid here in the summer. Land of 10K lakes. It's in the mid 80's most of the summer and hits 90's now and then, but the real problem is the humidity. As they say, it's not the heat, it's the humidity!

I put about 100 miles on it yesterday just wandering the countryside aimlessly with the wife, and I can't express how much more she enjoys the car now. It got downright miserable without A/C last summer...stopping at every shady bench we could find. This year, we've reached a whole new level of enjoyment.

Even with the added cost of the new radiator and fans, my wife exclaimed yesterday that it was the best $2500 I've ever spent.

deanmellos · #59 09-09-2010, 11:55 AM

Josh,

The car looks great. I am in the market now trying to find a classic car and I came across your blog. How much are you selling it for?

Josh69 · #60 09-09-2010, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deanmellos

Josh,

The car looks great. I am in the market now trying to find a classic car and I came across your blog. How much are you selling it for?

Details here:

https://lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=28378

Edit: not really trying to sell it anymore, but if the price is right, everything is for sale.