'79 Firebird-Year One Clone

[mc73nova]

My friend picked this up on Wednesday. It is a Firebird pretending to be a Trans Am now but none of that matters anymore! He just wanted a cheap older car that he could drive for now and fix it up in the future. Well, that didn't last long! It has a 301 with a 2 barrel carb and plans were to swap the intake and carb just so he could have a little fun with it before the snow came. Long story short, we agreed not to put any money into that engine but I didn't expect him to say, lets start the restoration now! So here are some pics of it as of last night. The goal is to make it look like the Year One Trans Am (pics below) He wants to go manual so an LS swap is what we are leaning towards right now.

*Just an FYI, if anyone else has one of these and needs parts, let me know. We are going to have some things that he is not putting back on. Engine & Trans(100k miles), Wheels & Tires for sure. The rest I wont know for a while until he starts ordering parts.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01509.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01510.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01511.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01513.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01516.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01517.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01518.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01519.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01522.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01521.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01526.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01527.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01528.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01529.jpg

Here is what he wants it to look like when its finished.
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/ban3ut2_535.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/0710phr_04_z1977_pontiac_trans_amyear_one_bandit.j pg

[BlackTopKing]

I love the Year One TA...I have the dvd of the whole build, if your friend hasnt gotten or seen it yet it may be helpfull-he can get it threw year one.

good luck

[Brendan713]

shes a beauty!!!!!!!!!!!!

[maroman88]

awesome! keep us updated!

[usp55]

just a little seafoam and she'll be good as new!

but seriously looks a like a solid car. GL

[transamws686]

Nice dude, if he wants to get rid of that sun roof, I have a hard top I cut off a donor car.

[mc73nova]

Thanks guys.

Nice dude, if he wants to get rid of that sun roof, I have a hard top I cut off a donor car.

He isn't sure about the roof yet. If you want to give me a price, I'll run it by him.

Here are some more pics. As you can see, we found some more work behind the back bumper. Overall it is still looking good, here's to hoping we don't find any surprises!

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01563.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01562.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01561.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01560.jpg

[BonzoHansen]

He isn't sure about the roof yet. If you want to give me a price, I'll run it by him.oh, he has to do a roof skin. that craptastic hole has to go

[transamws686]

I am want $100 for it?

Where are you guys locate? I have a ton of parts for that car, I have parted a few.

[mc73nova]

I'll run it by him. Located in the beautiful town of Paterson!!

[transamws686]

not to far away

[mc73nova]

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/12-14-10-175610.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/12-14-10-175557.jpg

[mc73nova]

No pics tonight forgot my camera and my cell phone died. Took the exhaust off and disconnected everything from the engine and trans so we can pull the sub frame on Saturday. Also took out half of the interior. Hoping to have it completely disassembled by the end of the weekend.

[omarcamaro]

I'll run it by him. Located in the beautiful town of Paterson!!

where in paterson are you located i have a spot off of east main

[mc73nova]

Over by St. Joseph's Hospital.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01565.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01567.jpg

[WildBillyT]

Over by St. Joseph's Hospital.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01567.jpg

Wow! Is... is that... is that an original cat? NO ****! Never seen one of those. :rofl:

[mc73nova]

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/12-20-10-192235.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/12-20-10-192255.jpg

Umm, that hole is a little off! Time for a new roof.
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/12-20-10-192347.jpg

[greenformula92]

an old t/a....almost gauranteed a surprise or two haha....looks pretty solid...i like the year one t/a...but i would go with gold wheels...that would look better and would give the car a more stock look...if thats what he wants...or course the LS under the hood might give it away

[mc73nova]

Some pics from today.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01625.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01626.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01627.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01628.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01629.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01630.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01631.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01632.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01633.jpg

[PolarBear]

Umm, that hole is a little off! Time for a new roof.
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/12-20-10-192347.jpg

I have a full roof too if needed, but it is from a Camaro though I dont think it will be any different.

Cool project!

[mc73nova]

I have a full roof too if needed, but it is from a Camaro though I dont think it will be any different.

Cool project!

Thanks, someone has offered me a roof already. At this point he isn't sure if he wants to go solid or t-tops. As soon as I know for sure, I'll let you guys know.

[omarcamaro]

i vote t-tops love open roofs

[PolarBear]

i vote t-tops love open roofs

If you like leaky roofs and rusted out floors :rollseye:

[mc73nova]

Its going to be a weekend cruiser only and garage kept. The only way it will leak is when he washes it!

Here are some pics from tonight. Just the glass and a few little things to take off and then its time to sandblast!

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01697.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01698.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01699.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01700.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01702.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01703.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01704.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01705.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01706.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01709.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01710.jpg

[PolarBear]

Looks like a pretty solid car!

[maroman88]

Looks like a pretty solid car!

was jsut think that! lucked out on that one!

[mc73nova]

Its official, we are going to pick up a t-top roof on Sunday.

The frame is solid and aside from the front passenger floor, the only really rusted spots have to be cut out to accommodate what he wants to do anyway.

[Featherburner]

Looks like a pretty solid car!:stupid:

[BlackTopKing]

cant wait to see this when its done

[mc73nova]

cant wait to see this when its done

Neither can I!!

Well we went for the t top roof today and it wasn't in the best shape. He did have a t top car and a solid roof car and my friend changed his mind and says he likes the clean look of the solid roof. We didn't leave empty handed though, we got a complete 77 front bumper for a great price. He had a rear bumper but it wasn't in as good of shape as the front, so we passed on it. Tomorrow, we'll finally pull the windshield and rear window. Gather up all of our supplies to get it to bare metal and start attacking it Tuesday. Motivation levels are up after being around muscle cars for most of the afternoon!

[mc73nova]

Windows are out.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01736-1.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01737.jpg

Our makeshift media blasting booth is up.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01744.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01745.jpg

[BonzoHansen]

Not too bad. How is the other side?
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01737.jpg

[mc73nova]

Not too bad. How is the other side?


Its about the same.

[BonzoHansen]

yeah. pretty typical. Mine has some. I refuse to look until I have to lol

[TaKid455]

I have a 77/78 rear bumper in decent shape if you are interested

[mc73nova]

yeah. pretty typical. Mine has some. I refuse to look until I have to lol

Lol, yeah I wasn't looking forward to it!

I have a 77/78 rear bumper in decent shape if you are interested

Where are you located? Do you have just the bumper cover or do you have everything to go with it?

[TaKid455]

I am in hackettstown. I have the whole bumper, cover, brackets, ect.

[mc73nova]

A little more progress. Sorry for the cell phone pics!

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/01-06-11-193518.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/01-06-11-193502.jpg

[BlackTopKing]

gotta love the media blasting- time vers money vers results- really cant beat it.

[mc73nova]

gotta love the media blasting- time vers money vers results- really cant beat it.

That was actually done by paint stripper. The time for media blasting will come! If I did the sheet metal with the gun, I would use soda blasting but I have everything set up for sandblasting and didn't really want to swap back and forth between the two. So, I decided to use the stripper for the outer body panels. It would be easier to just blast it all off but he is trying to use the money for the car rather than spending it on doubles of the tools I already have. Its taking longer than I wanted it to, to get where we are now but I really dont have control over when he is available.

[TaKid455]

Looks like mostly factory paint. That comes off really easy w/ stripper vs a repaint and body work.

[usp55]

Looks like mostly factory paint. That comes off really easy w/ stripper vs a repaint and body work.

mine is about 90% stripped with three layers of paint and body work - the aircraft stripper eats through it pretty quick, but did take an extra application or two.

Keep up the quick work and thanks for the motivation!

[mc73nova]

Looks like mostly factory paint. That comes off really easy w/ stripper vs a repaint and body work.

I wish it was factory paint, there is white, bondo, primer and black!

mine is about 90% stripped with three layers of paint and body work - the aircraft stripper eats through it pretty quick, but did take an extra application or two.

Keep up the quick work and thanks for the motivation!

We are about 50% through after one coat. It has a hard time with bondo, I'm just gonna rip it off with the DA. Should be nothing but bare metal in a few hours!

I will do my best to keep it going, my friend asked how long it was going to take. I told him it depends on how much money you have and how fast you want to spend it! He laughed!

[greenformula92]

looking good so far

[mc73nova]

A few more from last night.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/01-08-11-192409.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/01-10-11-194818.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/01-10-11-194705.jpg

[79T/A]

Actually looks familiar. Got rot in the same corner of the dash as I do. I'm loving the progress on this build.

[mc73nova]

Actually looks familiar. Got rot in the same corner of the dash as I do. I'm loving the progress on this build.

Thanks.
Here are a few more from tonight. I'm hoping to have the fenders and hood finished tomorrow. Just a small favor to ask of anyone checking out this thread, if you need 1/2" of depth in bondo you didn't do enough work with the metal. The car is surprisingly solid but whatever body damage there is, was horribly repaired.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/01-14-11-185418.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/01-14-11-185437.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/01-14-11-185529.jpg

[transamfan1981]

Wow. The projects lookin good.
I got some of that same dash rot goin on too. Wonder what it is about 2nd gens and dash rot.

Steve B.

[mc73nova]

Finally got to put some more time into it.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/01-19-11-191404.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/01-19-11-191447.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/01-19-11-191425.jpg

[usp55]

Looks great. In that door jam area are u blasting? Some spots I just can't to get to on mine with the sander or wire wheel.

[mc73nova]

Looks great. In that door jam area are u blasting? Some spots I just can't to get to on mine with the sander or wire wheel.

Thanks, I am sandblasting the jambs, firewall, trunk and floor(undercarriage). The interior, I am just going to scuff aside from a few pieces I have to patch, its in good shape.

[mc73nova]

The weather has been slowing down our progress but we got a good amount of time in today.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01819.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01822.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01823-1.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01820.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01824.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/DSC01825.jpg

[Brendan713]

look awesome its great motivation for me too, because one day i want to restore a 77, i already know some of the things im going to put in the car even though i don't have it yet!!!!

[maroman88]

update????????

[mc73nova]

I know its been a while but we just started working on it again. Not sure why we stopped in the first place but here are a few pics. Got in on the rotisserie and finished blasting it(the back panel wasn't blasted because it has to be cut out and replaced). He just ordered a bunch of stuff so we can start repairing the sheet metal as well as a very nice suspension kit from Hotchkis.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/rotis3.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/rotis2.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/rotis.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/40beffb8d2d1d461dc14758b536991c1_view.jpg

[1320B4U]

Nice...great thread to follow.

[L695speed]

Before you put in that Hotchkis suspension...I'm shamelessly plugging here but how about a Schwartz Performance chassis? I know they have one for second gen cars, as well as first gens. I went to school with Dale Schwartz whose Dad owns the company. I understand if costs are an object in that regard, but if they're not....

Good to see this one back underway. Look forward to more progress.

[mc73nova]

Nice...great thread to follow.

Before you put in that Hotchkis suspension...I'm shamelessly plugging here but how about a Schwartz Performance chassis? I know they have one for second gen cars, as well as first gens. I went to school with Dale Schwartz whose Dad owns the company. I understand if costs are an object in that regard, but if they're not....

Good to see this one back underway. Look forward to more progress.

Thanks guys.

We are going more of the bolt on route, nothing too custom or crazy. Tubular arms, sfc's, brake upgrade and some more but nothing too crazy. Its not going to be an exact clone, it will look real close externally but it will not be mini tubbed or anything like that.

[mc73nova]

Not a fan of getting rid of factory steel but it is what it is. Besides this car will be the furthest thing from original when its complete so I guess it doesn't matter much anyway. Here are few pics of just the beginning of the cutting fest! I just wish we could spend more time on it.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/floor.jpg

New Panels from Goodmark

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/download-1.jpg

[BonzoHansen]

Before you put in that Hotchkis suspension...I'm shamelessly plugging here but how about a Schwartz Performance chassis? I know they have one for second gen cars, as well as first gens. I went to school with Dale Schwartz whose Dad owns the company. I understand if costs are an object in that regard, but if they're not....

Good to see this one back underway. Look forward to more progress.

Jeff makes great stuff but you have to add a zero to the price tag so you really got to need that ultra high level of chassis.

The hotchkiss package will make for a good street car that can take some auto-x and track use.what arms and what sfc sd are you going took use?

[mc73nova]

Jeff makes great stuff but you have to add a zero to the price tag so you really got to need that ultra high level of chassis.

The hotchkiss package will make for a good street car that can take some auto-x and track use.what arms and what sfc sd are you going took use?

I would like to stick with the parts all being the same brand but its hard to justify the prices. Considering that my friend will just be cruising around in it, he is not the type to use a car to its full potential but I will have no problem doing that for him!

[L695speed]

Jeff makes great stuff but you have to add a zero to the price tag so you really got to need that ultra high level of chassis.

The hotchkiss package will make for a good street car that can take some auto-x and track use.what arms and what sfc sd are you going took use?

Yeah, I'm not sure if I would spring myself if I was on a budget. There are cheaper alternatives that utilize the factory chassis. And you're right, they do work very nicely. I believe I saw somewhere the base Chassis from Jeff is somewhere around 3K sans brakes etc. So yes you're adding 10K to the price to get a complete chassis from him. But if you have the money and going all out why not. Saw you had fun on the track from the looks of the pics in the run to the shore thread, even with a stock chassis.

[PolarBear]

Jeff makes great stuff but you have to add a zero to the price tag so you really got to need that ultra high level of chassis.


Only more like multiplying it by 3, that Hotchkis stuff is almost $4,000

[BonzoHansen]

Only more like multiplying it by 3, that Hotchkis stuff is almost $4,000

not what is in this pic
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/40beffb8d2d1d461dc14758b536991c1_view.jpg

[PolarBear]

OK, so if you add the shocks to what is pictured it is ~$3,000

[BonzoHansen]

OK, so if you add the shocks to what is pictured it is ~$3,000

no. for all that I paid well under $2000. At hotchkis site msrp pricing that picture is $1565.95. Add $543.95 for shocks. $2109.90. I'm sure savvy shopping reduces that price somewhat

http://www.hotchkis.net/tvs_systemsmall_block_7081_camaro_7073_firebird.ht ml

I'm not really sure why you are arguing this. will you feel better if I say the far superior Schwartz setup will be 4 times more? It’s all about intended usage and budget. The obvious OP comment “will just be cruising around in” makes his choice of the TVS kit pretty good. Sure maybe he could save a few bucks here & there but it’s a nice balanced and proven package. So no need for the 10/10ths the JS chassis would bring as you’ll never use it. Hell, for that setup I think from what I know now I might pass on any tubular arm, do GW del-a-lums in UCA and LCA and a tall UBJ and call it a day. Or what I did and keep the stock lower and a decent UCA. And of course SFCs and solid body mounts.

OP, my car is available for cruises whenever you want, Full Hotchkiss TVS.

[mc73nova]

That kit was $1280 shipped from SummitRacing. I might have to take you up on that!

[BonzoHansen]

That kit was $1280 shipped from SummitRacing. I might have to take you up on that!

get the matching bilsteins.

[mc73nova]

Not breaking any records with the build but its progress none the less!

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/newdsf2.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/newdsf.jpg
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/lildevii136/newdsf1.jpg