Topic: New lease on life for a 1980 Firebird

[Tailgater]

ok, I know I havent updated this in a while, but I am still slowly making progress,

gave the subframe and firewall a good pressure washing to remove 30+ years of grease and grime


subframe removed, only one bolt came out, gas axe removed the other 3 


removing the dash







forgot to take a pic with the wiring and duct work removed, but the inside of the car is bare now except for the shifter assembly, almost ready to start on the floorpans.  I ordered two full length pans for the car from a local speedshop and will fabricate the toeboards myself.

heater box, steering column, brake booster and wiper assembly removed, firewall is pretty much bare at this point


subframe on jack stands ready for disassembly


next up is to get the windshield out and start on the floorboards, after i get the floor done the body is going on to a rotisserie, I want this car to look better then new when its done, inside and out.

I'm in way over my head on this project, but thats half the fun!   

[Raptor]

Cool project, I've just parted out a 1980 Firebird V6/auto, no A/C, Fiero Bronze and Camel Tan interior.

Your subframe seem to have been repaired previously, there shouldn't be a big weld line above the steering box bolts. I wouldn't use it. If you can find a clean one locally, go for it. If I could get one here in Europe, you should be able too

The thing that bothers me the most is the sunroof though.

[pancho400cid]

Looking Good.  Keep going!

[Tailgater]

I havent had a lot of time to work on the car, but the past weekend I was able to get a bit more done, the toeboards are completely rotted on the car, so I made up a new one for the passenger side, It was a ton of work for someone whos not great at fabrication, I figure I had about 20 hours into it by the time it was welded in place.





then I started fitting the new floorpan which is going way easier since I dont have to make it!



So it was a big weekend for me, for the first time since we got the car stuff is going back in instead of being cut out 

[Tailgater]

Well the passenger side floor is finished now, next thing was to tackle the rotted out subframe mount



Had to weld in a lot of new metal but it looks much better now and should be atleast as strong as it was originally



here it is back in place



next step, the drivers side

[CT Bird Fan]

Nice job on the welding! That's something I wanted to learn when I had my Firebird, but never got the chance. Can't wait to see more progress.

[Tailgater]

Thanks! I wish I could take credit for the welding, but my father has been doing most of it. I fit the pieces and tack it together and get him to weld it.  He welds for a living so I know when he does it, its done right.  I'm not that confident in my abilities yet.
 Here he is working on the floor pan


and here is what i got done today,

That is one big hole 

[Tailgater]

I haven't updated this thread in a while but progress is slowly being made,

I made a new toeboard for the drivers side and got it welded in,





and have the drivers side floor replaced



I also found a sub frame from a 79 Camaro that's in much better shape then mine as well as a T-bar roof.

[Tailgater]

the new subframe back from the sandblaster

[lwmartin67]

Nice work Tailgator... Any new updates?

[Tailgater]

Thanks, Progress is slow, but ongoing, nothing really picture worthy, slowly trying to get the front suspension done so I can get the car back on 4 wheels to make it easier to move around the shop.

[Tailgater]

Back on 4 wheels!

[Tailgater]

got a little more done, rear axle and gas tank are out and I've started cleaning up the underside of the car.  I'll be heading out to the parts store today to price out a new trunk pan, rear cross rail and tail pan.

[Nexus]

Reminds me a lot like my car...had similar issues in the same spots...only your working on yours...lol

Keep up the great work!!