Start of a car
 

The old saying about a "journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step" is finally about to become our motto. This past weekend, the 1979 Firebird finally came into our official possession. Now the work really begins.

I know we've batted around the merits of buy versus build and debated cost as well. Be all that as it may, this is going to be done. Here is my game plan.

I'm going to pull the doghouse. Then clean and paint the front end. Rebuild it with a bunch of Global West parts. In addition add a set of Moroso front springs. While I'm doing this, be a good time to put aluminum bushings under the body.

Next step, put in subframe connectors and add an 8 point roll bar. Then a set of Cal-Tracs and split mono leafs. Rebuild the 10 bolt rear end with a good spool, axles, gear and a girdle or cover. Rebuild the brakes front and rear. Add shocks. A fuel cell, plumb and wire everything. Put a drivetrain in and we're ready to go.

Sounds easy, I know it will be alot more involved. Hopefully the day will come when I can show up at a race and not just be another message board warrior. If anyone has any advise or alternatives, I'm open to listen.

Robert Swartz

Re: Start of a car
 

take lotso pitchers.......

i'll be watching and asking questions (if you don't mind)

i'm collecting parts for a stock stick rambler.....

Re: Start of a car
 

Looking forward to following your progress. I enjoyed when the Parker Stocker Camaro was built and the details and pics were posted on their site. That car turned out really well . It is a late 70's F body as well.

Re: Start of a car
 

When I bought my 67 Firebird back in 1986, it started out to be a S/ST car. My brother ( Derek Clark S/G 174 ) was a big help in building the car which I still have today, but due to things that happen in life, its a street car now. Build it your way, take pride that you did it your way and built it from the ground up. A lot of money and time yes, but its yours.

Re: Start of a car
 

Good luck on your journey mine started on Feb 10,2006.I am walking down the last couple of miles.It was a lot of fun and I would do it again.Just listen to every one's advice and use what best fits you needs.

Re: Start of a car
 

congratulations on a project to focus on. its fun to build, frustrating when it doesnt work, but a real rush when it does start to work. im still pretty green in my adventure in stock eliminator, but lovin the 'cheap class racin' you will too

Re: Start of a car
 

Good luck, Robert.
What engine combo are you going to be using?

Re: Start of a car
 

Now that sounds cool.

Re: Start of a car
 

Yes,take pictures of everything. You will not regret it. I did mine twenty years ago & took a few pictures with my instamatic but not nearly enough. My Nikon D60 seems to have a better memory than me & wish they were available then. Fortunately I have one now to follow doing my project again this time.
Plan to spend a BIT more than you are thinking you will now.. There always seems to be something else to buy you had not figured in.
I look at it this way. Just as well to throw it into the car. At least you have an investment when its done.

Allan

Re: Start of a car
 

Yes lots of pictures, can't have too many.

Cost of doing it?? Always more than you planned. I just got my Duster back from the
chassis shop and 8 point roll bar, back seat firewall, frame connectors and a "few"
other items I added along the way sent my bill up about $1000.00 over my original
estimate. Did I complain....NO, was I happy with the workmanship....YES!!!!!

Cheaper to buy a turn key car? Probably, but I bought a car that "ran", but had been
sitting for many years and needed lots of updating.....fuel system, brakes, the roll
bar just to name a few.

Did I have the $$$ to buy a true turn key race car....No. But the build is part of the fun.

Just my $0.02 cents.