Hitman's Pontiac Trans Am Forum

Trans Am Photos => Restoration Projects => Topic started by: 77FriedChicken on January 04, 2011, 05:15:28 AM

Title: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on January 04, 2011, 05:15:28 AM
New guy here checking in.
I lurked this site for a while and decided to join up since it has a ton of info.

I have a 1977 Formula Firebird that I bought off a friend for $350 a month ago

The car was a runner before it went to sitting
The engine was unfortunantly got rained on since the shaker scoop was missing  ::)
So the engine is locked

Anywho on to pics
You guys will have to forgive me
I'm a bit of a picture whore

Been sitting in a sand dune for about half a year or so
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0278.jpg)

On the trailer and heading 50 miles to its new home
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0538.jpg)

Unloaded
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0553.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0552.jpg)

Locked up 350
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0554.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0555.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0568.jpg)

Cylinders don't look to bad
Some boring and a nice hone should clean them up hopefully. That is if I decide to use this engine block

Goodies in the trunk
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0573.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0575.jpg)



Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on January 04, 2011, 05:16:39 AM
Wow those pictures are huge
Let me go resize them
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on January 04, 2011, 05:29:33 AM
Bird then founds its new home with a younger relative
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/IMAG0590.jpg)

Where I am in the process of ripping the engine out to see the rust carnage inside
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0621.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0619.jpg)

Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 4SPEED on January 04, 2011, 08:04:16 AM
looks like shes in good hands.   welcome
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: Tin Indians Rule on January 04, 2011, 09:34:39 AM
Best of luck with your new project.
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 4speed76 on January 04, 2011, 09:48:47 AM
Welcome to the site,  we all love pics here so make sure to keep us up to date with the progress.
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: rad400 on January 05, 2011, 07:31:51 AM
Welcome Good luck with the project.
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: T/A Kid on January 05, 2011, 07:45:46 AM
Glad you joined up looking forward to updates and pictures on the car.
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: deadfish on January 05, 2011, 07:58:40 AM
Ahh...now the fun begins  ;D. Good luck and welcome to the site!

Rick C.
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: Justin on January 05, 2011, 09:27:52 AM
Good luck with that. Glad to see the bird not roosting on the mound anymore.
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: Frode_skj on January 05, 2011, 12:55:18 PM
Good luck with the car :) gonna keep it a Trans Am clone?
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on January 06, 2011, 12:36:05 AM
Quote from: Frode_skj on January 05, 2011, 12:55:18 PM
Good luck with the car :) gonna keep it a Trans Am clone?

Yeah I might as well

Found a 400/Th400 combo forsale locally
Going to go check it out this weekend
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: mrandig on January 06, 2011, 08:14:25 AM
Hi Fried - welcome to the site.

I don't know where you are in TX (I'm in Houston), but I have a 400 tranny sitting on my floor that my wife has been tripping over for the last year - I wouldn't mind getting rid of it dirt cheap. It works fine; I just swapped it because I wanted a 700R4 in my SS. Drop me a line if you're interested.
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on January 06, 2011, 08:28:41 PM
I'm unfortunately quite a ways away from Houston.
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: '78 LadyBird on January 17, 2011, 04:28:21 PM
Another BIRDY saved!!  WOOOOOHOOOOO!
Welcome to the site!!
I'm on of the gals here!
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on January 24, 2011, 02:58:27 AM
Well hopefully this doesn't piss the purists off too bad but heres the engine I'm building for it

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0635.jpg)

The car as it sits now

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/164515_501471611904_519731904_6548615_5324671_n.jpg)
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: eroc022 on January 26, 2011, 11:06:32 AM
nice another ls1 build, thats what i did with mine
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: Justin on January 26, 2011, 11:11:06 AM
LS1 huh? Good luck with everything
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: SoonerTA on January 27, 2011, 06:08:44 PM
You have come to the right site!  Welcome!  Looks like you found yourself a nice project and with a LSx power plant you will have one nice driver.  Please keep us posted.

BTW, where are you located in Texas?
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on January 28, 2011, 02:24:08 AM
I'm in Midland

I go down to Austin all the time :D


Now feast your eyes on this



Is it sad that I busted out laughing after I got the head off?




[attachment deleted by admin, over 90 days old]
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: Justin on January 28, 2011, 08:43:08 AM
I dont see a pic.
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: PA Formula 78 on January 28, 2011, 10:09:14 AM
Ouch!
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: SoonerTA on January 28, 2011, 10:39:45 AM
Oh man...that's bad.
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: pancho400cid on January 28, 2011, 11:23:54 PM
Mr. Mackey voice from Southpark:  "uhhh that's bad mmmkaayyyyy"

I thought you must be out in west TX from you pix.   I used to live in Odessa.....

Good luck with your project....
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: Justin on January 29, 2011, 09:19:39 AM
I see the pic now. Wow that is ugly.
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 4speed76 on January 29, 2011, 05:12:42 PM
OH wow thats nasty.
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on January 30, 2011, 05:02:06 AM
Quote from: pancho400cid on January 28, 2011, 11:23:54 PM
Mr. Mackey voice from Southpark:  "uhhh that's bad mmmkaayyyyy"

I thought you must be out in west TX from you pix.   I used to live in Odessa.....

Good luck with your project....

The car has actually been sitting on a sand dune in Monahans for the past 6 months lol
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: Frode_skj on January 30, 2011, 11:45:29 AM
That engine was not a nice sight :O
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on February 12, 2011, 07:52:21 PM
Buncha progress today

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0773.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0774.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0775.jpg)

Engine jumping out!
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0776.jpg)

A little comparison
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0777.jpg)

Ghetto engine stands
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0778.jpg)
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: Joker (§ir£Ğragon) on February 12, 2011, 09:25:23 PM
Yeah, now I'm feelin like I'm falling behind. Gotta get back to work on The Phoenix. LoL

Great work! Looks like you'll have her back on the road in no time!
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on February 28, 2011, 02:06:21 AM
Bought a 6.0 LQ4 block a few weeks ago
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/175483_10150098271596905_519731904_6685369_8007392_o.jpg)

Torn down (block needs machining and new rings)
Probably going to bore it to a 370 and go with that

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG0799.jpg)
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on March 17, 2011, 03:44:53 AM
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/176832_10150120432306905_519731904_6896778_4215876_o.jpg)

Subframe finally decided it wanted to come out :)
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: golfswithglock on March 17, 2011, 09:01:02 AM
No offense to anybody here...But screw the purists. Your car, your time, your money. Build that thing and drive the hell out of it. Welcome to the group!
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: ZachAttack77TA on March 17, 2011, 09:33:09 AM
Quote from: golfswithglock on March 17, 2011, 09:01:02 AM
No offense to anybody here...But screw the purists. Your car, your time, your money. Build that thing and drive the hell out of it. Welcome to the group!
I agree.
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: Nexus on March 17, 2011, 09:48:15 AM
I like the project you have!!!

Congrats on your purchase and good luck with the build!!!!

I look forward to wathcing it unfold!!!!
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on March 17, 2011, 05:56:23 PM
Lol thanks guys

Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on March 17, 2011, 08:55:29 PM
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/190380_10150120994336905_519731904_6901352_1068229_n.jpg)

Will hopefully get around to sand blasting the frame this weekend :D
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: golfswithglock on March 18, 2011, 08:30:20 AM
I notice that you have scattered sockets like me. There really should be a garage maid service we can call after tinkering.
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on March 19, 2011, 07:16:28 PM
Done blasting the frame!

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/197897_10150122341861905_519731904_6913019_4041932_n.jpg)

Srsly who welds motor mounts in such a horrible location
(http://www.threadbombing.com/data/media/54/picard_facepalm.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/188331_10150122344151905_519731904_6913043_2315622_n.jpg)
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: y88rick on March 19, 2011, 08:47:04 PM
ehhh grind them off you'll be ok. they probably didnt want to go through the extra effort of putting them on with springs in the way?
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on March 22, 2011, 01:38:03 PM
I'm thinking they had a SBC in it at some point in time since those are SBC moutns.

They must've swapped the Poncho in when they got rid of it and thats what the figured to do to make the Poncho work with the SBC moutns.


My guess atleast.
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: birdseye78 on March 22, 2011, 02:27:11 PM
Looking great! I like watching it unfold when parts start getting cleaned. I am going to follow this one, too, I am enticed by the LS1 swaps you guys do on these, might just want to try it some day.......
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on April 05, 2011, 10:19:03 PM
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5593464261_2d81e3f715_z.jpg)


Finished sanding down the quarter panel and truck and threw some primer on them

Also smoothed some rough areas on the bumper as well
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: kjkjkcjkcj on April 06, 2011, 06:53:19 PM
wow what a sweet deal for only 350 bucks it sounds like you are turning her into a beast of a machine.  Keep up with the photos, she looks good.
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on April 13, 2011, 06:09:47 PM
Ugh this spot. Everytime I look at it and try to figure out a way to repair it and blend it with the original body lines it just discourages me lol

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/IMG_4019.jpg)

Hell I have a rocker thats 75% gone on the other side and it doesnt get me down like this spot does. rofl
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: Tin Indians Rule on April 13, 2011, 06:20:50 PM
Hey... HIJACK! Is the John Deere for sale?
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on April 13, 2011, 06:45:48 PM
Rofl no

Got that for free :D
Runs great too!
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: Tin Indians Rule on April 13, 2011, 09:57:33 PM
Thats my price range. U were lucky. im looking fir a 332, 322, 318, 455 etc. Something that needs wrenching on.
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: latemd66 on April 13, 2011, 11:08:43 PM
best would be to cut it out and use a good doner piece
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on April 14, 2011, 12:47:01 AM
Only good plan I can come up with

Couldnt even see any possible way of using body filler there rofl
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: deadfish on April 14, 2011, 04:16:11 PM
Quote from: 77FriedChicken on April 14, 2011, 12:47:01 AM
Only good plan I can come up with

Couldnt even see any possible way of using body filler there rofl
There's an aftermarket patch for that... I did both sides of mine. Starts at the rocker and ends right about in the middle of your slide hammer holes. You could fab a 2" extension on the top to cover those too.
These are a pics are from last year...the panels were just "roughed in". That whole section came off with the flares...rust city!
(http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll266/deadfish_2008/passrear9.jpg)
(http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll266/deadfish_2008/passrear10.jpg)

Rick C.
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on April 20, 2011, 03:02:23 AM
Where can I get one!
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on June 08, 2011, 01:31:58 AM
Engine porn

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20110603_175038.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/Americanmetal071/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20110603_175102.jpg)



Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on June 09, 2011, 02:27:04 AM
(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/253694_10150216228631905_519731904_7513388_2591917_n.jpg)
Title: Re: 1977 Deep fried spicy chicken
Post by: 77FriedChicken on July 01, 2011, 07:50:04 AM
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5109/5847336738_c59d768092_z.jpg)