Start of a car

[Robert Swartz]

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

[Tom keedle]

take lotso pitchers.......

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

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

[Tim H]

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.

[Prostreetbird]

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.

[Alan Warman]

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.

[Dion Hildebrandt]

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

[Tod Lane]

Originally Posted by Tim H

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.

Any links to their site? came up blank on google

[Greg Hill]

Robert the good thing about building your own car is that you get to do it like you want. Parsons and Myers in Dayton woould be an excellent choice for your stocker heads.

[Dragsinger]

Robert,

I have a set of IHRA legal, 330 horse heads done by Bruce Parsons. [Parsons and Meyers Racing Engines] Bruce bought new, GM castings then performed a complete stocker prep. He ran these heads on his personal Crate Motor Camaro, they when as fast as 10.70's. The heads are fresh from Bruce, ready to be installed. Included is the intake matched to the combination and a set of new, GM self-aligning rockers.

The price is $1120.00 plus shipping.

If you are interested, let me know. I can provide more info and can put you in touch with Bruce to verify the facts.

Larry Woodfin
Kilgore TX
903-983-2277 shop
903-985-1162 cell

[Troy Henderson]

Originally Posted by tomslik

take lotso pitchers.......

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

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

Now that sounds cool.