Project budget WT..Fuschia? Firebird 68, 400? Ls1?

[geberhard]

Red? Pink? Purple? Fuschia? You decide! This project has been sitting on the sidelines and has received many names, some were great and some not so affectionate

As some side projects start, I came across this Firebird while looking on craigslist (the devil) for some parts for another Firebird. One thing leads to another, and after talking with the previous owner who was a great guy and had grand plans, I ended up adopting this puppy. Aside from the fugly paint-job and body, the bird had issues on his own, rough start when started, messy wiring, nasty interior with most of it missing (whoever said what is inside is what counts was lying), on and on. Also buying and picking up a car at night makes the challenge more interesting 

I put a little time on her, and she runs a bit better now, but still has a long way to go. The car started life as a 4 speed 350, and now has a Poncho 350 or 400 in it and a saginaw 4 speed.

After a bit of love, sweat, swearing and tears, I had the bird running decently enough again, and actually drivable to grocery shopping and parts store parts chase. It looked like the son only a mom would love Since I was already working on a couple of other projects, I tore her apart as much as possible as time allowed.

Then I started looking at pro-touring images, then found this site, and things started to go downhill fast

Continued stripping and tear down:

On to the body spa she went. Nose job with a new 400 hood:





Bringing her back home (first time):

[geberhard]

I am seeing some great projects over here which are excellent inspiration. My objective is to build this as a fun all around driver rig, however keep everything within a $10K budget. (hmm yep right)...

The nest steps are:

1- Suspension - will definitely be lower and a nicer stance; I am still debating what to do all around, leaves vs CO's in the rear.

2- Brakes - disc brakes front, possibly rear on phase 2. Got it - have a complete $500 front conversion new.

3- tires\wheels - staggered 18 and 20 or 18 and 18. I will try maximizing tire size on the rear avoiding mini tub as the body is very solid and I woudl rather avoid a major chop up just yet..but plans may change. I am shooting for a 275 max rear tire size for now. I am trying to keep the tire\wheel combo within $1500. Appreciaet all suggestions. I came across new BOSS 338 or Eagle 225 staggered with tires, etc in the $1200-1500 range...

4- interior - cage - clean and spartan. - got a bender, will travel have some stock low back seats, new harnesses, and other misc interior parts (Amex, Classic, leftovers form other projects, etc)...

5- Powertrain. Hmmm things may get complicated here. I am trying to keep the current engine, cammed, etc. I will try to give some life on the current engine before I do anything more radical, however I picked this up as well, so will see. I need to do more reading here on the LS1 swaps and see what way I will end up going... all help and info appreciated! I picked up thsi low mileage98 Ls1 with auto tranny, PM, harness, etc.



Ok, I need more bad influence, so appreciate all insight!

Thanks!

Gui

[geberhard]

Picked upa Camaro valance, need to see how this will work out. I was originally planning on a 67 Firebird valance (delete the corner blinkers) but I saw Lenie's Firebird here and liked the clean outcome, so I will play with it a bit.

[geberhard]

I am digging through a lot of info on the swap, so am hoping I can make it happen. The current engine in the Bird is plenty strong, so will give me some time to have fun while I gather and save for the other parts.

Just picked up some used semi-bling yesterday. Set of staggered Billet Specialties wheels, 18 fronts, 20 rears, lots of thread on the tires but unfortunately some curb rash on the wheel lips, not a huge biggie, but enough to bug me to want to address some time soon.

Pics on how the wheels look like:

[XcYZ]

Originally Posted by geberhard

It looked like the son only a mom would love

lol, great comment. Loved that part.

Cool project, keep the updates coming.

[geberhard]

Was hoping to do ore work thsi weekend, but the weather is not helping

The weather has been very crappy, so the second shot of paint is still a bit too tacky for 1500 grit paper and polish, but hoping some time in the sun will help baking it more

Sexay:

[6D9]

Nice bird man! Looks like a fun project for sure. I didnt know you were into cars too. This is Rockhog from POR.... I sold my bigblock powered Commando a few years ago....

[geberhard]

Definitely remember the Mando, I think was all black, some exo? Definitely small world. Yep, I have major project ADD, too much going on Are you still in the Bay (Stockton\Livermore)?

[6D9]

Originally Posted by geberhard

Definitely remember the Mando, I think was all black, some exo? Definitely small world. Yep, I have major project ADD, too much going on Are you still in the Bay (Stockton\Livermore)?

Yeah I'm still in Stockton. When you get her up and running we will have to get a cruise in!

[geberhard]

So time on the birds has been short but sweet! Well I am at the point of having to buy projects back that I helped buy with buddies and will stick the projects to completion... As I have severe project ADD, I picked up a 69 that was originally going to be for a buddy and now ended up finding its way to my garage, lol... so 67, 68 and 69 birds, I think I have enough birds in the nest to keep me busy. My wife wants a ride that will be far from stock, but be fast and comfy.

I juiced up the bird's engine a bit more, and now plans have changed about swapping the LS, and will possibly stick to the current Poncho powertrain, but again this is all subject to change with the weather, oil supply in kwait and the shirt I will wear tomorrow

I picked up a newer Firebird interior in black leather, and need to figure out what to do with the rear seat as the Camaro\Firebird rear seats seem smaller than the stock bird.

Pictures coming oson, but have started work on a cage design and the car's interior is fully stripped, ready for coating. More to come