Project Frankenbird - 1968 Pontiac Firebird

[bdahlg68]

Originally Posted by Rick D

Is the E9X platform the M3 series? Or just any 3 series?

E9x is all encompassing (coupe, sedan, wagon, convertible) regular and M3 versions. Obviously all variants have their unique parts. Chassis is pretty common though except for M3 which has uinique subframe, control arms / toe link, and tunable parts.

[bdahlg68]

Finally starting to make progress again. Picked up the needed tools and steel to do what I want to do and started on the chassis table.

First thing I addresses was lighting. I typically only get to work in the garage after 8 or 8:30 at night, so the 3 standard bulbs weren't cutting it. I replaced 2 of the sockets with flush mount 2 bulb T5HO fixtures. Nice improvement.



Then I had been looking at a Quincy 3.5 hp compressor for a long time. Finally bit the bullet. Should be plenty for me. Not wired up yet, but hope to have that wrapped up soon. Hoping it's quiet enough (rated at 76 db).



Then I pieced together the MIG / plasma / cart from Eastwood as they each went on sale. Boy, gas MIG is wayyyyyy better than flux core. Pretty much no spatter whatsoever. I have not tried the plasma yet as I need the compressor hooked up first and need to install a dryer.



Lastly I ordered about 750 lbs of steel to build a chassis table and frame rails. Chassis table is underway. With some helpful tips I'm pretty happy with the levelness / straightness so far. Just tacked together for now and moved out of the way until I get some more time to work on it.



That 69 T/A hood motivates me every time I see it. Hoping to have the chassis table wrapped up in another week or two. Then I'm going to have a beer party to get the car on it!

[bdahlg68]

Just about finished with the chassis table. Need to weld on the supports for the leveling feet and 2 more casters. After a final level and flat check I will weld it all up, clean it up, and maybe paint it before putting it to use.

[Rick D]

Nice table, is it big enough to have the complete chassis on it at once or just the shell?

[bdahlg68]

Originally Posted by Rick D

Nice table, is it big enough to have the complete chassis on it at once or just the shell?

Thanks Rick. Should be big enough. 10' x 6'. Wheelbase is about 107 as I recall? Might need to extend a bit to do bumpers, but that shouldn't be too difficult.

[bonecrrusher]

Digging the table.

Is that a 3 bay garage?

[bdahlg68]

Originally Posted by Rick D

Nice table, is it big enough to have the complete chassis on it at once or just the shell?

Originally Posted by bonecrrusher

Digging the table.

Is that a 3 bay garage?

Yes. 3 bay - they call them 3.5 car garages here. But I can only manage 1.5!

[waynieZ]

Table looks great, nice work.

[Tuske427]

Nice work on the table. I would recommend one more pair of casters in the middle. It'll give you more support/ disperse the weight load better. Just a thought, hope it's helpful...

[65_LS1_T56]

Originally Posted by bdahlg68

Just about finished with the chassis table. Need to weld on the supports for the leveling feet and 2 more casters.

Originally Posted by Tuske427

Nice work on the table. I would recommend one more pair of casters in the middle. It'll give you more support/ disperse the weight load better. Just a thought, hope it's helpful...

He's planning on two more and leveling feet also. He just needs to pick up the pace, so slow