97 formula, the dirty gets filthy

[transmaro93]

So my 1997 Firebird Formula is finally going under the knife again. For the most part just want a car with a straight body and nice paint job, but have a few tricks up my sleeve to make this car unique but subtle and clean at the same time. Mods feel free to move this thread the bounce house if it gets nonsensical. Stay tuned for more progress and pics to come. just started so here is all i got so far...

last pics of it as it was...
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/970542_10151729138985555_1056845991_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/400497_10151729140420555_539481256_n.jpg


this is as far as i got the other day, stripped interior out that needed to come out.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/574511_10151729140430555_1002559839_n.jpg

[grazi]

What are your plans?

[transmaro93]

new fenders and bumpers, bodywork and paint, wheels tires, mini tubs, dial in the stance. clean up engine bay more then i did originally

[Featherburner]

Same color?

[Blackbirdws6]

Sounds great. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

[sweetbmxrider]

Matte rootbeer is going to look killer

[Featherburner]

Matte rootbeer is going to look killer

Is that close to birch beer?

[sweetbmxrider]

Is that close to birch beer?

I would think that would require some sort of candy red base with brown effect over the top. That's how I like my birch beer!

[LTb1ow]

Mini tubs??

Oh lawdy lawd, in for this!

[transmaro93]

lol deff not keeping it black, to much maintenance. car will be blue. Using a 2013 mopar color called JAZZ Blue. seen it person a bunch of times and is closest color i could find to what i want. so no birch beer. but if someone wants to drop off a case of birch beer and a box of danishes i would be forever greatfull...

[sweetbmxrider]

:rofl::rofl: I'm definitely coming down with some beverages and some pastries when I come spectate!

[Blackbirdws6]

That is a nice color.

[transmaro93]

so saturday didnt do much but got the old springs and shocks out and swapped lower control arms. Had adjustable arms with poly bushings and swapped them for adjustable units with the spherical ends with offset bushings to help give a little more tire clearance...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/425256_10151736824520555_245929910_n.jpg

and today got home late from work but took a couple hours to drill out all the brackets and stuff from the right side so i can start cutting the inner wheel houses out. heres some pics of that...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/969235_10151736824535555_1500852101_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/971430_10151736824555555_857818316_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/600746_10151736824715555_559231417_n.jpg

so thats what i got for now. probably wont get back to it for a few days if not next week. i have like 3 other projects going on and 2 of which are kinda big. So this is going to be an extended project but it will get done. just want to take my time and make sure if all comes out right.

[LTb1ow]

So what made you decide to go full on race car Beckster?

[sweetbmxrider]

Wait, I can throw that **** the **** out? Hello weight reduction!

[transmaro93]

NO! that will all be modified to strengthen it back up once tubs installed... also took a bunch of measurements so i can get all the seat and seatbelt brackets back in place (hopfully)...mini tubs are not just for race cars!! no more racing for this car...

[Dudbird113]

Why u tubbing it? 10.5 slick not good enough?

[transmaro93]

no slicks... no racing.. no race tires... running 345/30/19 in the rear.

[Featherburner]

Why u tubbing it? 10.5 slick not good enough?ProStreet is making a comeback!

[transmaro93]

so heres the progress for the weekend (unless i go back out today)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/8607_10151745977535555_1071559340_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/5552_10151745977530555_1023926821_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/1003284_10151745977240555_594310805_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/600990_10151745977235555_710259968_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/995634_10151745977250555_2057982180_n.jpg

spent a few hours yesterday doing that. messed one cut up but nothing i cant fix. just have to be more careful on the other side. Have some more trimming and fitting to do, but they are close. hopfully wheels come in next week so i can fit the wheel before i weld it because would like to add some extra metal to strengthen that area a little more since i cut out that big plate that wraps around the spring.

[grazi]

Looks good. You going to mig or tig that?

[WildBillyT]

That looks like a great job!

[Blackbirdws6]

Looking good!

[transmaro93]

thanks guys! going to mig it. have only tig welded a few times before so not that great at it, but tig welding to me is for projects that will be seen out in the open and you want to look pretty. mig welding does the same thing but just not as clean looking. will be welded in with combinatin of plug welds and butt welding.

[transmaro93]

oh and btw dont ride in my back seat cause had to cut out the anchor bolt for the seat belt in the rear so will not have rear belts anymore lol. probably could make it work but no one ever rides in the back anyway so ill just deleate the belts. going to try and make seats fit again though

[PolarBear]

What are you planning on doing with the interior? I forgot if you already mentioned that

[transmaro93]

um not entirely sure yet on that. kinda playing that by ear because i dont know whats going to fit and whats not going to fit yet. id like to keep the rear seats and plastics. im assuming im gioing to have to trim some of the plastics to make room for the tubs and if the tubs will be seen ill probably carpet them up. going to deleate the rear belts (cant fit a car seat in an fbody anyway, not that it matters now but prob will in future). so ill have to figure out a decently clean way to cover the hole in the plastic where the belt goes though. thats all i got for interior plans for now. make it look as factory as possible really is the goal..

[LTb1ow]

I have a roll of ozite carpet Brandon, if you wanna see how that looks/feels to you lemme know. It prob won't end up in my car this season anyway.

[sweetbmxrider]

They look really good man, nice work.

[PolarBear]

um not entirely sure yet on that. kinda playing that by ear because i dont know whats going to fit and whats not going to fit yet. id like to keep the rear seats and plastics. im assuming im gioing to have to trim some of the plastics to make room for the tubs and if the tubs will be seen ill probably carpet them up. going to deleate the rear belts (cant fit a car seat in an fbody anyway, not that it matters now but prob will in future). so ill have to figure out a decently clean way to cover the hole in the plastic where the belt goes though. thats all i got for interior plans for now. make it look as factory as possible really is the goal..

I just wondered. Phil did a minitub in his 86 TA and the rear plastics didn't fit so he had to modify and fiberglass them to cover the tubs

[transmaro93]

lol thats only one side adam.. guess whose cutting out the other side haha hows your sawzall skills? and thanks matt is it gray? if its gray id deff like to take a look maybe to see how close it is to factory. where did you get it from?

[LTb1ow]

Its black beckster, think it comes in gray as well.

[sweetbmxrider]

I'm an idiot.

[transmaro93]

so your saying i shouldnt trust you with teh sawzall?

[sweetbmxrider]

Depends on how good the pecan pie is....

[transmaro93]

guess the pecan pie sucked... progress for today.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/5583_10151762862870555_2726201_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/992869_10151762862875555_1419624159_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/936423_10151762862825555_1727569734_n.jpg

got most of the right side welded in. have the bottoms of the front and back to weld in yet and some stock brackets to weld back in, including the seat brackets. then right side will be done. made a few mistakes with my cuts but nothing some extra metal and more welding cant fix. first time ever doing tubs so im happy with the progress so far.

[Blackbirdws6]

Looks good from here. Nice job.

[LTb1ow]

You are crazy Beckster, looking good!

[sweetbmxrider]

Have you ordered the wheels yet? Would enjoy teaser pics.

[transmaro93]

lol most pics at this point will be boring, prob wont post to many of the other side getting done cause it will be alot of the same. wheels should be in any day hopefully. they said 3 weeks when i ordered them at that was about 3 weeks ago... if i dont get them by thursday im gonna call them and see whats up. as long as they come out perfect they can take all the time they need. just bought all the supplies i need for the job minus sealer, base coat, and clear... wallets a little lighter this week. almost 8 years into the body shop buissness and it still amazes me when peoples eyes pop out when we tell them what a paint job costs... lol

[Jersey Mike]

Maybe I missed it, but what wheels are going on it? and I'm assuming 19x11.5 out back?

[transmaro93]

19x13 out back.. and ccw wheels 505a style

[Jersey Mike]

That should look really good. Congrats, man! I'm sure you're thrilled for the new and improved look.

[Blackbirdws6]

19x13 out back.. and ccw wheels 505a style

Wow. That should look amazing when its done.

[transmaro93]

hey thanks man, appreciate that. yea im pretty excited and also little nervous to hope it all turns out how i want it to.. ya know. iv waited a while to do the exterior of the car and decided to go as far all out as the budget would allow seeing i may not get another chance to do something like this for a while.

[transmaro93]

thanks brian... i hope so! lol

[LTb1ow]

Wow is right, dirty bird is def gonna be riding dirty.

When are you hoping to be all done?

[sweetbmxrider]

Maybe I missed it, but what wheels are going on it? and I'm assuming 19x11.5 out back?

Yeah he tubbed it out for some 11.5's :bertstare:

[WildBillyT]

Yeah he tubbed it out for some 11.5's :bertstare:

Ya Rly :bertstare:

[PolarBear]

19x13 out back.. and ccw wheels 505a style

Wont you need to offset the LCA with a wheel that wide?

[sweetbmxrider]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/425256_10151736824520555_245929910_n.jpg

You can't even complain that there is too much bs to sift through, its on page 1 of 2 :lol:

[Blackbirdws6]

Are they sitting in a glass of water?

[sweetbmxrider]

No, your monitor is :nick:

[Blackbirdws6]

No, your monitor is :nick:

It would be coffee, not water.

[PolarBear]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/425256_10151736824520555_245929910_n.jpg

You can't even complain that there is too much bs to sift through, its on page 1 of 2 :lol:

I am not sure what Phil had his rear wheels widened to, but he had to have more offset than that. Basically he had the middle of the LCA cut out, then a longer tube welded parallel to the LCA so it essentially went around the wheel and tire.

and yeah, WTF is wrong with that picture?

[sweetbmxrider]

Yeah if this doesn't work I think he is moving the mounts.

[transmaro93]

haha i have no idea why the picture came out like that and was to late to take another one when i realized. If that isnt enough offset then yes i will have to do something more "custom" but for now i have no wheels so going to try this first to see. you said this guy phil had a 3rd gen and to my knowledge 3rd gens have even less wheel well space then 4th gens. so hoping for the best right now. i did measure my offsets and everything for them to make the wheels to my specs so just have to wait and see what happens when wheels come in.

[PolarBear]

//<86TA>\\ here and on TGO, here (http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/suspension-chassis/458213-got-my-wheels-widened.html) is his build thread for the tubs, and he only went 12"

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s209/Phil_9111/PIC00035-2.jpg

[deadtrend1]

Damn. Look at those things!

[transmaro93]

yea thats extreme case scenario if i cant clear the LCA's... problem i have going that extreme is that pretty sure those arms will hit the "drag" rear sway bar links i have. so if i am forced to go that extreme then ill probably have to go with a more stock like sway bar in the rear. dont really need the drag bar but kind of like the way the car drives with it. might hate it with the coil overs who knows... like i said though at this point its a gamble in the wind because i dont have the wheels yet.

[transmaro93]

well no progress on the bird this weekend. going to try and hit it a few days after work this week. but worked on this all weekend. technically its my girls boat, but she says its both of ours lol. she bought it. i get to do all the work on it. only got one side done this weekend. we got it end of last summer and never touched anything on it cosmetically. fixed mechanical stuff last year now we trying to make it look better. you can see how bad it was in the pic i toook of the other side...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/179725_10151777745375555_280377547_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1012606_10151777745385555_1815515877_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1012759_10151777745370555_1780729729_n.jpg

boat had some kind of layer of clear or something over it that blushed out like that so i had to sand that all the way off and buff the gelcoat back up. came out ok for my first experience wet sanding and buffing gel coat. definitely a different animal the the clear coats im used to working with. came out ok though.

[Blackbirdws6]

You did a good job if this was your first time. It's not easy getting an even finish wetsanding colored gel coat. Is that a wellcraft? 26'?

[transmaro93]

nahh its a 93 sea ray 24'... yea could have come out better in some spots but its gonna get buffed prob every year so what i dont get out this year i will next lol

[sweetbmxrider]

The comparison looks great to me.

[LTb1ow]

The comparison looks great to me.

Def, good work beckster

Soda blast the bottom paint off and start fresh

[transmaro93]

thanks guys.. believe it or not the bottom paint isnt that thick so to not add more to my already enormous list of things to do just gonna re coat it for this.

so called today about my wheels. They said the powdercoating on one of them was insufficient, so they had to send it back to get redone. hopfully they will have that wheel back wed or thu and then pro send them out to me early next week and hopfully get them next week. but they pretty cool guy told me how it was straight up and didnt give me the run around and they sent me a teaser pic just to hold me over lol

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1044128_10151780655440555_1514406374_n.jpg

i think they look darker in the pic then they will be in person. either way im in love with them already lol. the center of the barrell in the pic where its lighter is how i think they should look color wise. color is called "satin pewter". apprently satin powder coats are a PITA to work with. i think this is a front wheel but no 100% on that. fronts have a 2in lip and rears have 3in lip. this looks like a 2in lip to me. worked on car for hour tonight still have yet to complete the right side tub yet but its close doing all fine detail work on it now. cutting little plates to block off stuff i dont want seen and so on...

[Blackbirdws6]

This pleases me.

[Tru2Chevy]

That is one hell of a teaser pic, glad to hear they are being upfront with you about the wheel issue and getting it corrected for you too.

- Justin

[PolarBear]

Thats a good looking wheel, and one of the few that I would consider putting on my car

[sweetbmxrider]

Wooow

[LTb1ow]

:drool::drool:

[transmaro93]

Thats a good looking wheel, and one of the few that I would consider putting on my car

oh no... should i be nervous? lol did you decide on wheels yet for yours?

thanks guys for all the good support. Deciding which wheels for this car was a huge decision for me. no matter what anyone says wheels make or break the cars look... period. take like adams or brians cars for instance with street wheels they look one way but as soon as they bolt on their drag wheels the car takes a whole new personality.

[PolarBear]

oh no... should i be nervous? lol did you decide on wheels yet for yours?

I have decided, but the wheels you chose were my 3rd choice and unless I lose my job and everything I own, I wont be getting the CCW's.

[transmaro93]

so that means your going even pricy-er... lol is it a secret for now?

[PolarBear]

so that means your going even pricy-er... lol is it a secret for now?

http://www.njfboa.org/forums/showthread.php?t=63153

:-P

[transmaro93]

yea i seen that thread a while back i wasnt sure if you settled on a wheel yet or not... those are going to look sick man on your car... i was in the same boat i like some more pricey wheels but only had so much to spend... and what i spent was enough for me lol.

[PolarBear]

Yeah, I'm ready to sell a kidney to buy my wheels, lol

[transmaro93]

so got some packages in on friday and did a test fit on the rear yesterday. looks like im going to need to do somthing with my LCA's. ill either call spohn and get those other ones that james brought to my attention. or just alter mine to work which is basically what they did. leaning toward doing it my self if i can get my hands on some heavy steel tubing. other than that they look like they will fit no problem everywhere else.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/971298_10151792151230555_1642219573_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1017245_10151792151200555_954769247_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1004409_10151792151220555_1543056260_n.jpg

[PolarBear]

Car is dirty! :p

[LTb1ow]

Dem small calipers

[Blackbirdws6]

Drool.

[sweetbmxrider]

http://www.shopjfi.com/jfiwall

[transmaro93]

thank you sir... and "dem small calipers" stayen on there for a while becuase brakes arent in the budget.. plug only have less then an inch of clearance left from the stock lt1 brakes so i have no clue what ill use in the back when the time comes... doubt there is a fixed caliper out there that will clear the wheel

[ThoR294]

LS1 brakes up front should fit... upgrade was ezpz

[transmaro93]

not worried about the front... the rear brakes is whats going to be the problem... idk what i can use back there to get a bigger brake setup..

[transmaro93]

well little progress on the car... but boat is just about ready to go in. gotta paint bottom yet and change oil and gear oil and should be set... got her striped, and new numbers courtesy of kirk@undergrounds (thanks again). also got brand new emblems...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/994845_10151819766360555_1302672438_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/971855_10151819766355555_1834080031_n.jpg

[ThoR294]

Rear brakes don't do a whole lot anyway... wouldn't worry about them

[LTb1ow]

Gear oil is by far the most repulsive oil there is. Aside from burnt gear oil.

[Blackbirdws6]

Lookin good

[sweetbmxrider]

I do agree gear oil is rather putrid. Burnt dexcool is pretty bad too though....

[transmaro93]

lol this is sad my thread has turned into a debate on which oil smells the worst....

[sweetbmxrider]

You should polish the trailer.

[LTb1ow]

You should polish the trailer.

That or POR15 it, rusty galvanized aluminum and bolts are a lame combo

[BonzoHansen]

That or POR15 it, rusty galvanized aluminum and bolts are a lame combo

POR15 and UV do not get along. get's all chalky.

[Featherburner]

POR15 and UV do not get along. get's all chalky.POR Top Coat.

[LTb1ow]

Updates Beckster?

[transmaro93]

nothing to update... havent touched it in weeks... fuggen boats... still working on dads

[transmaro93]

so after not touching car for most of july and august i got back to working on it a few weeks ago. got most of the left side tub in now. Right side is in and done for most part but i wanna go back and fix a few parts that im not happy with. got a couple spots to finish up on the left side yet but its getting there step by step. this project is to big to look at big picture at this point. just taking it day by day. took couple pics tonight of progress...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1374322_10151992602155555_1076188208_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1186323_10151992603195555_76102032_n.jpg

[PolarBear]

Nice work

[Blackbirdws6]

Looks great. Just curious but what is that coating?

[transmaro93]

thanks guys... its weld through primer brian... just coated whole thing to prevent it from surface rusting untill its done and i can etch prime and paint it. you that weld primer on pieces that your welding to that wont be accessible after you weld to help prevent rust.

[sweetbmxrider]

Sweet!

[WildBillyT]

thanks guys... its weld through primer brian... just coated whole thing to prevent it from surface rusting untill its done and i can etch prime and paint it. you that weld primer on pieces that your welding to that wont be accessible after you weld to help prevent rust.

Is the copper weld thru primer better than the aluminum?

I use Bloxide and while it does the job just fine, it takes FOREVER to dry.

[transmaro93]

iv had better luck with the copper. getting less spatter and cleaner welds. this stuff is u-pol brand takes probably 5 to 10 mins to dry depending on how warm it is where you are. SEM brand also makes a decent one that works about the same. any spray on is easier to work with then brush on though. thats just a fact.

[LTb1ow]

Pretty cool Beckster, gonna be set for cruising this spring?

[transmaro93]

hopfully... looking at heaters for my garage now so i can work through the winter, but dont wanna rush it either cause there is alot of little things i wanna do to the car that adds up to alot of extra work so its gonna take some time but id like to have it for next spring summer cause i i really missed driving it this summer

[Blackbirdws6]

From the looks of it so far, it will be worth the wait.

[transmaro93]

so just quick update... left side is now completely welding in. have few spots to grind and clean up, but next step now is to get the seats down and fit all that and figure out how i have to make them work. waiting for new set of control arms to come in. ended up having spohn make me them because im so far behind on this project its one less thing for me to worry about. once i get seats fit and tires fit for good then i can add some strength where i have room to and i can seam seal everything and prime and paint it.

[Blackbirdws6]

Pics? Progress is good!

[transmaro93]

so took seats down from attic last night for test fit and they just about fit. but they are snug. wont be able to use the stock latching mechanism for the seat back because doesnt fit between the tubs, and will have to make new brackets to mount the bottom of the seat because shape of stock ones dont work. So shouldnt be to bad. bigger issue is going to be cutting out the sail trim panel to fit the tubs because those are way off and its going to be tricky to get a nice clean cut around the tub so going to have to figure that out...

https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1395799_10152044542560555_796518899_n.jpg

[PolarBear]

IMO, the hard part is just beginning, lol. Nice work man

[Blackbirdws6]

The inner fenders, they comfort me. Looks cozy! Nice work buddy.

[sweetbmxrider]

Seriously. Upholster the tubs and add some arm rests on them, live like a king back there!

[LTb1ow]

And cup holders!

[transmaro93]

hahaha well thats the plan is to carpet the exposed tub that shows. Its deff a little claustrophobic back there lol but seats are more for show than anything else. with where the ride height is going to be set i doubt ill be able to run any weight in the rear like that anyhow.

[transmaro93]

so think interior is done for now. will have to pick up some carpet that matches factory carpet to cover the exposed tubs. but other than that seats and trim is mounted. came out "ok" probably could have come out better but never did this before so having alot of "firsts" with this project. next step is going to be to seal up the tubs and paint them. then i can final fit wheels and suspension and need to weld exhaust back up then put tank back in and start body work and clean up engine bay a little.

https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1458504_10152118763640555_1400303470_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1467339_10152118763670555_1588433270_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/580822_10152118763675555_1407768054_n.jpg

[Blackbirdws6]

Looks pretty good from here. Nice work!

[sweetbmxrider]

Nice man, too bad I never came down to see....

[Jersey Mike]

I've really enjoyed following this. I think it's coming along great and really excited to see the final product, man! Keep posting as you go please

[transmaro93]

thanks alot guys... yea ill keep posting as i go. I try and work on it a few nights a week. so far im happy with the way its comming out. trying to take my time.

yea adam iv just accepted the fact that you either just dont wanna help, i live to far, think blue firebirds are lame, that no pecan pie was provided, rainbow unicorns are more important, any of the above are satisfactory excuses feel free to pick from one provided

[sweetbmxrider]

Its you, just you.

:|

[transmaro93]

Its you, just you.

:|

hahahahahah excellent

[PolarBear]

Nice work man. Maybe you can help me with my IRS conversion, lol

[transmaro93]

so got tubs all seam sealed inside and out and painted the inside. outside will get painted and spray seam sealed (for chip resistance, sound deadening, and corosion protection) and then undercoated black. that will come later. next step is exhaust.. heres couple pics...

https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1470387_10152189680030555_1598801073_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1506532_10152189679955555_1366500176_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/1504088_10152189679990555_724694811_n.jpg

[Blackbirdws6]

Very nice. So when those are done, what's next?

[ar0ck]

Awesome work man, its coming along nicely. I have to ask though, why keep the back seats? I know that area looks kind of lame without them, but why not fab up something clean like the Corvettes have with their "waterfall". I just never bothered with passengers personally, but thats just me!

[transmaro93]

well you pretty much answered the question. never thought about fabbing up some sort of deco peice to fill the empty space and never liked the look of a rear seat delete on these cars. unless its a race car with a cage and what not... those seats will most likely never get used so they are just there for show. give the car a more factory and less chopped look inside. the car is probably going too sit to low to have passengers anyway.

[sweetbmxrider]

Looks great man, nice work as usual.

[greenformula92]

Good work man keep it up

[MyFirstZ]

this thing has some crazy potentianl. Getting some more gears turning. Wish i had somewhere to do this over a long period

[transmaro93]

thanks guys... really appreciate all the support. yes having a garage is deff key in doing somthing like this. Its alot more involved then i thought it would be. not so much "hard to do" as you have to think alot before you start hacking away at the car. and need to take your time. And brian next is to get exhaust back up and tank back in. then gonna rip off bumpers and toss them in trash along with fenders. then want to clean up under the hood a little. re route my front brake lines. maybe make some sheetmetal fuel rail covers to dress it up a bit under there. and start body work on 1/4's and rockers. block and repair small **** in doors and hatch. Still undecided if im gonna keep the hood i have or get a more factory looking ram air hood. dont wanna spend extra money but im on the fence about my current hood... sometimes i love it sometimes im not into it.

[Blackbirdws6]

Sweet. So it should be back on the road by New Years. :)

[sweetbmxrider]

Saw a rear wheel in person today.......:drool:

[LTb1ow]

Saw a rear wheel in person today.......:drool:

Jelli, beckster you live like 15min south of me now, didn't even realize you were so close :lol:

[sweetbmxrider]

Ya the pics do absolutely no justice at all. I can't wait till the car is finished, its really going to be something special. Even the mini tubs are awesome. You see them but they are done so well that it looks like the factory unibody. Really great work from Brandon like always.

[transmaro93]

ahh thanks guys.. ill snap some more pics soon.. got some good ideas on how to clean up engine bay a little better, compliments from adam... so will play with that in between body nonsense... hatch doesnt seem to want to fit correctly. got the rear glass out finally (not a fun job on 4th gen). but hatch gaps dont seem to work. so i either try a different hatch or start reworking mine to work... its fiberglass so anything is possible.. just doesn't make alot of sense...

[transmaro93]

and yea matt stop by sometime... and if you ever doin work on yours at your house drop a line ill come by..

[Blackbirdws6]

Can't wait to see all this work in person. I think I may need to copy you a bit regarding the CCWs. They wouldn't be as killer as yours but then again, you are taking your car to a different level.

I think I also have an easy fix for the headlight shake. Keep it in mind.

[deadtrend1]

I think I also have an easy fix for the headlight shake. Keep it in mind.

Stick your hand in and bend the tab at the end of the cable .... done

[Blackbirdws6]

Stick your hand in and bend the tab at the end of the cable .... done

That works but it might not entirely if there is too much slack in the line. I first did the tab bend but it wasn't enough.

[transmaro93]

looking forward to the headlight shake fix... and keep me posted on your wheel endeavors let me know what you decide when you do.. if you go 505a you wont be dissapointed... pictures really dont do the wheel design justice..

[Blackbirdws6]

looking forward to the headlight shake fix... and keep me posted on your wheel endeavors let me know what you decide when you do.. if you go 505a you wont be dissapointed... pictures really dont do the wheel design justice..

I def will. I need to see yours in person sometime.

[transmaro93]

So have been working on the car when i can. Making headway. very slowly but progress none the less. Tubs are done minus carpeting for interior. now trying to get the suspension to all fit and work good with no issues. easier said then done. Having never done this project before. I measured the lower control arms without the coilovers in and of coarse the coil over bolts hit the lower control arms. So i notched them the out and added some metal to strengthen them. I actually did that tonight but dont have pics of that yet. hopefully now i can paint them and everything will go in and i can move along with the project. Also there is a pic in there of the exhaust flange i put in the over-the-axle spot. first time welding stainless it came out ok, but its deff alot different then welding reg steel.. heres some pics

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1554454_10152628541585555_5356945156568459600_n.jp g?oh=67172b9cdcc75d959530ecbb81a845c9&oe=5425B129&__gda__=1411715088_c5ff93562fe88266263faf8731240eb 1
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10414902_10152628544840555_2777845771607238630_n.j pg?oh=2f9d8903e526d072aaa7dc3f3e408adb&oe=54193E4B&__gda__=1410419742_a8f9dd39f4313b14652f78f8fd75fbc 3
https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t1.0-9/10483280_10152628545390555_6977764982204674563_n.j pg
https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10341420_10152628545450555_4721697574566873965_n.j pg

[sweetbmxrider]

Awesome man!

[Blackbirdws6]

Nice to see progress is being made. Looking great so far.

[sweetbmxrider]

http://york.craigslist.org/cto/5697113722.html

Found you a sweet paint job!

[Jersey Mike]

All your pics are gone :(