Okay!! Now I've seen this car everyone is fighting over. I'm considered a "purist" cuz I don't like evo 2 kits. Anyway, I love what you did to your car. If any of you people complaining about her car have so much as a different exhaust pipe than the GM restrictive one BACK OFF!! If you have those white gauge faces BACK OFF! If you have 4th gen seats SHUT UP!! RAIF, you have not changed the overall appearance to the point of nonrecognition. We still know it's a Firebird no question about it. You've solved the problem of never having to buy a motor for the headlights. That's one thing to keep me away from Birds and Vettes. Your car show's your creativity and uniqness (sp). I'm trying for the shaved door handles myself. some jackmunch would call that "rice" but oh well. I'll never have to worry about a thief breaking my cylinder and redoing a paint job again. A broken window at minimum which is much cheaper.

Don't be surprised if you start getting questions as to how you did something. We all mod our friggin cars one way or another that's why we are here.

Peace

 

If you read my post a bit better you'll see I said Camaros a meant to look stock, not keep the engine stock also , unless you have a 25th anniversay camaro convertible, but thats another story and I have no objection as to what she did, I just wouldn't do it on my car, she wanted an answer and I gave her one, if im gonna get flamed for my opinion.

My opinion is one out of many, thats what I think, and thats how I keep my car. Sure adding a new hood or black outs are ok on certain car's, those are other peoples bags baby, heck, i used to have black outs on my old car, I like the sleeper look, that's why I keep mine stock, im just talking about body kits, and things of that nature.

 

Just a quick personal note: scauffiel, thx for the backup while I was away...though I rather enjoy pointing out idiocy myself, you did a better job then I'd usually do...lol, 'Mr. Orono', I think I need to put that in my sig....and finally, the car looks different, but not really my thing...whew.

 

Hey, I LOVE the car. I think the more you do to change from stock to more personal taste the better. It just assures that you have a 1 and only car, it suits your tastes, and that means it's worth more if you should decide to sell it. I like the front end and the lights inside, but howabout some red ground effect lights from street glow? That would make your car cooler than it already is. I also like the engine, and the fact that you kept the 2.8 and made it look that nice. I always see nice engines, but they are all small block v-8's and that. What kind of paint did you use for the engine?

So you did all that work yourself eh? That is amazing, really. Do you work at a bodyshop or is it just a hobby? Either way, you have skillz. How much do you have invested in that? Im sure it's alot.

Oh, 1 more question. Where and how much did the shaved door handles cost? I would love to do that to my car, that is sweet!

 

<----------My opinion


I like your car. It is different and well done. As far as guys not talking to you about your car, I understand. The Formula in my sig is my wifes car and our autocross racer. Guys will not even talk to her about it unless I'm with her and even then the talk to me first. I think it's great your into cars. Keep up the good work and keep modding.

 

Hey, I didn't know you were a girl till now! Learn something new everyday. Maybe I would have been less rude about how your car looked earlier. I think I liked it when ya first got it, thats MO. Funny how us guys call our cars "her", and girls call their cars "him". I'm amazed of the work ya put into it! Especially since you're a girl, I mean c'mon there some guys I know, that don't know what trannsmission fluid means, aaaahhh idiots. You put a lot of work into it, however I'm not fond of the specifics. So you earn my respect, I don't think I would ever put that much work into my car, I mean why? But hey if you got the determination and passion for it, go for it! Putting a spoiler on the bottom of the front GFX lip? Crazy I don't think I would ever thought of that. You certainly have creativity thats to be admired. As for your question about people not asking you questions... hmm, tough, haven't been to any shows for first hand experience. But... I think if I was told that YOU did it, I would talk to you. You don't seem intimidating, ya seem nice, and you're not Wabaam hot. (honestly no offense, just not my type, I'm into the brunettes!) So I don't think I would be nervous so much that not one word would leak out. So I dunno what ya could do.. just don't worry about it, just make sure your BF mentions that YOU did the work. Peace.

 

This is how I see it:
An attractive girl that has a nice car and that might possibly know more about cars than a guy could very easily make most guys feel intimidated. This is , in my opinion, why the guys dont talk to you.

I have a VERY attractive girlfriend that is a member here and I have to admit it's great. We can talk about cars all day and we relate on so many different things and it's so much fun messing with our cars together. She likes the same things I like about cars and hates the same things I hate and we just connect on so many different levels on this topic and I think our love for cars sparked our love for each other.

Most guys feel intimidated by you, I think. And since gilrs into cars are so rare, they kinda think you're a freak or something, just kinda wierd. But if these guys would look past the little things like that and talk to you I'm sure you would have no problem. It's just a sort of stereotype sort of thing.

 

Man, by the way some of the members were talking I didn't know what to expect when I went to your page. Personally, I think the car looks great in addition to the driver. There is a great amount of detail in the work you did and that's what really separates a good car from a great car. Now, where's the tech article on the shaved gas filler door?

 

Okay, heres my thoughts on 2 hours of sleep at a long day of at work.

I'm seeing alot of people trying to be nice, saying "Well, its different, so I respect the amount of time you put into it" and stuff, but personally, I think you're a little biased because its a thirdgen fbody.

For example: If you see a Honda Civic, with the usual altezzas, rice cannon, wing, one wiper, blue lights all over, and yellow stickers with a body kit, what do you think? Chances are, you think "Oh my ***, that looks ridiculous" not "Wow, they must have spent 7 hours putting on all those stickers, so this is a respectable car." Correct?

Or if you saw an Integra with a spoiler bolted on upside down under it, would you be thinking "Wow, that must have taken work, sweet car."? Doubtful.

What I'm trying to say is, it is my belief that most of you have a soft spot in your heart for a thirdgen fbody, no matter what. So no matter what someone does to it, it's still a thirdgen fbody and has that going for it. I am included it this. If a ***** cuts me off, he is automatically the biggest ***** in the world and I hope he dies (okay, so not that harsh ) But if a thirdgen fbody were to cut me off, sure, I'd be upset, but I wouldn't be AS upset cause hes got a car I like.

This post is not trying to start any wars with anyone. If it does, I'm sorry. I promised myself I wouldn't post on the boards when dead tired, but I'm doing it anyway

 

I guess my car is going to look ugly in your eyes as well.
Mine is far from stock.
It is almost 50% 4th gen already. And I don't want to hear "If you like the 4th gen stuff then go buy one" crap.
I already owned 2, a 96 Trans Am and a 96 Camaro.

About the topic at hand, the president of one of the clubs I am in has a 95 Formula 6 speed, she always gets asked if that is her boyfriends car. She hates that.

 

I think you look like Jodie Foster ...

 

He must be a tree hugger from that April Fool's joke.

 

Well, at least his username fits.

Lamer.

S.

 

yes, I would say I don't realy like your car, because I don't like 4th gen all together, some people change the Interiors from third gen to fourth gen, when the third gen int. is one of the things that make it so unique, but hey thats just one man's opinion.

my friend has a 1994 Trans am and i think its awesome, but i wouldn't get one because I love third gens

and zepher... why the F%#@$ would I tell you "If you like the 4th gen stuff then go buy one"!? I'm not that type of guy... jeez, why don't you go farther down and read my second post before you mis judge me...


some people take things the wrong way, I've yet to have a problem like this.

 

red, i love your car. i presonally liek a nice looking firebird, i dont think it loks ***** at all. i think the look of somehting different is good. i love zephs car, that high rise camaro wing i think looks good on TA's. its all personal preference though, dont worry about whut opther like, if you liek it then its all good.

 

Redraif, I'm graduated from Jonesbor Sr. High in '87. I lived in Jonesboro most of my life unitl I got married and moved to McDonough. As for you 'Bird...It's your car and your tastes. I applaud anyone that invests their time and money to customize their cars. You have done an excellent job and should be proud of your hard work...regardless of what anyone else thinks.

 

If everyone in the world liked the same thing it would be a boring life. By the way I should have my 89 Black 5.7 GTA with T-Tops done in a few more months. It took a while to get mine too. I don't care for the red windows. I do respect the hard work it took to get the car looking like it does. I have 100's of hours at this point on my car and can not even drive it. I would say it is hard to believe a lady could do this. Even harder to believe a good looking one. (You look alot like my wife).She loves cars too. I don't let her help because its my baby. My car will be close to stock but I like the ram hood.Good Luck. Try saying do you like my car? This may start the ball running for a talk.

 

Redraif,

Your the one that owns it,your the one that has to drive, and its your money that you invested in your car, do what ever you feel to do to it.
It's different to see any lady to take an interest in cars, if anybody disses you or your car tell'um to @#$%'um selves.
Your car is detailed to the max.

 

No, I didn't mean you would say that. A lot of other people say that.

 

I can't easily afford a 4th gen, I just got really good deals on them and sold them to get some money to buy more parts for my 3rd gen.

About the "begging" for paint money, that was more of a joke since I knew no one would send me the $1.00 donation to my paint fund.

 

I guess I over reacted, but I'm nothing like that for the record lol

 

Hi,

Your car looks great :rockon:

Most people just say what they think and don't think about the work and effort another person puts into their ride. You seem to have put alot of both, and it shows.

Anyways, most guys don't know anything about looks good or bad.

Your car seems to be sticking its tongue out at me

There are so many reasons by guys might not talk to you. After seeing your pic, I could understand if they thought you were a model showing the car. Most guys also find it easier to talk to another guy then to a girl who may own the car or maybe a model. Me, I pretty much don't talk to anyone, just admire the work and think about what would look good on my car.

Well those are a few reasons.

I was thinking if you want more people (guys) to ask you thing maybe put a data sheet on the car with your name under owner and a few facts about the car, so they have less dought about asking you about it, knowing it is your's and all.

Try not to let anyone bother you too much.

Good luck :hail: :hail: :hail:

 

huh where do i start?

well staying on the subject i dont know why guys wont come and talk to you at the car shows??? and to be honest down here there are no girls that have their own car and show them so i dont know what to do

But this one time... at band camp i saw a girl pop the hood of a cherryed out 66 rustang and she was checking the oil.. and she was hot and i didn't know what to do but i know thats the type of girl i want to marry

sorry guys got carryed away :sillylol:

oh and redraif: ditch that 2.8 and put a V8 in it :rockon:

i mean that is if you want too

 

Shannon-If I saw your car. I would come talk to you. I actually like girls who love cars. Not too many around here so when you find one, its pretty cool.

I can't comment on your car b/c the computer isnt showing the pictures on your website but I'm sure you like it and thats all that matters. If someone came up and announced that 13 inch gold rims were the in-thing to do to camaros, would everyone go buy them???

BTW-you are attractive. (I guess thats the best way to say it without my g/f killing me) lol

 

Well said! My wife and I work on our cars together and she knows just as much about them (She is still learning) as any normal person around here.

Good lookin woman+knowledge=YUMMY!!

Mark

 

Your car looks pretty cool. especially the spoiler.
If your having trouble at car show why don't you do what I've seen other people do. They make a board of the thier car that states the owners name, the car, and is stats.
That way by reading your name people will know its your car.
Unless you have a name that can be a boy or girl name. Or if your names Hank.
Is your pontiac 2.8?
see ya

 

hmmm...cute



:lala:

 

Shannon,

I cannot view your pictures because they are doing the maintanence thing again :: sigh :: But, just don't let people get you down about your car. I personally love a non-stock look, sometimes to the extent that some people would call "rice", but I think a lot of that may have to do with me being younger (18). I have only been on this board for a week or two, but I'm thinking that maybe a lot of people on this board are older and they would prefer a more stock look? Just an idea, I really have no idea. But as long as you like it, do it, that's all that matters. I'm sure if I could see your car I'd love it, lol.

 

yeah I'm one of those "older" people. I think the reason may be that the stock look will more than likely outlast some of this "*****" image. when I was a teen the muscle car look was in and still is today (not to the same extent however) as it was back in the 50's --stock is tried and true-- rice may turn out to be a fad just like fins from the 50's or the box look of cars from the 80's (eeeww) the 90's brought us the bubble look. I'll have an easier time if I decide to sell my "stock" (in quotes cuz it has mods) car than someone who put on a kit of some sort and has gotten older and needs a grocerey getter.

Peace

 

I wish my GF showed more interest in cars. She's alwayz like "you and your car...." and I say "ya, what of it?:P" She is starting to get more of an interest though, which is cool.

 

Hey everybody. Thanks for all the reponses. I wanted to reply sooner, but my computer had a meltdown this weekend. I had to wait till I had some time at work.

Hey Kandied91z:
I wondered when you would pop in. My boyfriend only wishes he could have come up with those ideas. He has taught me alot about the performance aspect. He has helped me tons w/ the suspension and improving it. Hopefully he will teach me how to build and install a V-8 for RAIF soon. I plan to turn every bolt on it, but I'm not quite brave enough to just dive into an building an engine by myself.

 

Thanks again jawz...

 

I tried really hard to still be true to the core look of my car. I tried to do things that enhanced the lines of the car. I still want people to see its a Firebird. I just want them to see personality when they look at it. I tried to do body mods in such a way that they look like they were designed for my car.

The headlights were something I always wanted to do. Well, at least since the first time I had to replace a motor. Shaved handles aren't to bad. The only problem is getting a reliable remote to open the doors. The odd thing is that most people don't even notice the shaved handles.

I'd be happy to field any questions you might have.

 

"I tried to do body mods in such a way that they look like they were designed for my car. "

I dont think an upside down spoiler bondoed to the underneath of the front ground effect looks like it was designed to be there.

 

I am already planning on getting an underbody neon kit in red for it.

On the engine, in those pictures...It was Duplicolor's High Heat Red. On the reservoirs, I used Testers Candy Apple Red. Since then I have gone to candy apple red accesories and polished aluminum pieces. For the candy, we cleaned primed, used Duplicolor's Metal Flake Silver, then testers candy, and then Dupl. clear coat.

Its a hobby. I asked tons of questions every chance I could and then just experimented till I got it right. I thought about working at a bodyshop. Figured it would help me learn how to paint the car myself, but never did it.

How much invested? Well, I did the work, so there are no labor rates, but easy $8000 -10,000. Rims, tires, stereo, alarm, hood, lighting, gfx, soundproofing, shaving... Would have been way more if I paid someone, esp the custom work.

I bought the door poper kit from Summit, I believe. VPA is the manufacturer. Sorry, I have no info on the costs of shaving. My boyfriend's father actually did the welding. (I cleaned up and organized his 3 car garage for payment.) During the job, I helped him by taking out the handles, filler, and antenna. Then I got some patterns made up, so he could cut some sheet metal and weld it to fill up the hole. Once welded, we sanded and filled. Once we got it level, I took it to a friend to have the body work finished up and painted.

 

They aren't bondoed. That would never hold up to driving conditions.

Honestly, the rear looks like it should be there. The curved sides line up directly with the body, the angle of the legs flow into the rear effects. Its a mirrior image of the hatch spoiler. Its a neat effect. When you see the car in person, you can see these details. You are just to hung op on the idea of it being a spoiler.

The front is still being tweeked. It was added to match the rear, but because of the angle of the nose it is taking some work to get the angles to flow. So yes it still looks a bit ackward, but all prototypes are a bit rough until the kinks are worked out. Its not easy to have a perfect turn out on the first try. Again I said I have tried, not that I totally suceeded.

 

Thanks Prime,
At least I know I'm not the only one. I'm actually planning on giving Autocrossing a try this year.

 

Thanks alot.

I have noticed that I seem to focus on alot of details that others would never think of or notice. I have people say that when I point things out. I had one guy this weekend at a show dragging his buddies over. He has a 3rd gen Camaro he has shown for years and was amazed by the things I had thought of. He says its all the attention to detail he loved the best.

Tech article on shaving the gas filler...
Oh man what a bear. That was the biggest pain in the butt.

After alot of trial and error it came down to a few steps.
Drop the tank and cut off the filler neck.

Cut a hole in the fender well on the inside of the car. I access it thru the cargo box. I had taken out my box long ago and put my cd Changer in there. We got a hole saw and cut away.

Put the tank back in and tried to reroute the filler neck with a flexible piece to the hole. Shesh. We had to put in a rubber piece as well so it could make the sharp turn. We got a shop to weld the upper part back on to the new flexible piece we added, but it messed up the filler. Still we got it to work temporarily.

Then get a patch welded in and filled, then off to a body man for the final body work and paint.

We will see if I pass emissions next week. I'm still using the factory filler so the gas cap is stock. I should be ok. We have an aftermarket recessed filler, but I need the emissions tech to clear it first. Again I will find out next week. If all goes well I can write a tech article.

 

I get that alot. Something about the jaw line.

 

My boyfriend has owned three 4th gens and says he would rather have a 3rd. After helping me with the work on my car he feels they just got a bit to cheap on the 4th gen mechanical pieces. The cars just don't seem to last. Examples: heater cores going out, the dreaded Opti spark, Dex-cool... Then they are such a pain to work on...no header clearance and the engine being so far under the dash. Even changing the plugs is a pain.

I like the functionality of the 4th gen interior, I just wish they had covered the plastic with vinyl or leather. Although, so far I really don't need to change my interior. Its still in amazingly good shape for original pieces. I'm definately up for some seats though. Mine are worn out and I'm ready for leather.

 

I have my horse down in McDonough. Don't go there much with my car though. Henry County loves to give me a hard time. I graduated from Jonesboro in 92. Small world.

 

My boyfriend said the same thing about it when we developed the pics. That was supposed to be a fang actually. Oh well.

I tried that. It still doesn't work. "Shannon" is too much of a Unisex name. I could probably put a sign with my pic and in big words write I MODDED IT ALL BY MYSELF, and they would still go ask him.

Women usually assume I did the work because of the attention to detail. I had an older lady tell me that at one show. She said no man could or would bother coming up with all those ideas. Then she freaked when she found out I still drive it everyday in rush hour traffic.

 

Well the name is Shannon, so its a bit too unisex for the board idea.

Yes, sadly it is a 2.8. But hopefully not for much longer.

 

hot girl nice car........respect is keeping all other naughty comments in my head for now



Chris

 

I know the feeling grils are always flirting with my hubby till they find out who really owns the Camaro , then they turn round and walk off, now when guys ask me (when theyask me) bout my car it is interesting to see the look on their faces when i go tech, on them. I work on my own car, no help unless the job is to big, like in March when i replaced the rearend.

 

When I do get asked questions, they want to know who I paid to do the work. I tell them, "no shops just me," & I get the jaw drop effect quite often. They just can't believe I could even have a clue about cars. I get the "No, really" response.

 

id ask you alot of questions...of course id use a real suave approach .id start off with the car then id move on down to................ ......then , oh maybe the girls are ac/dc ? maybe they dont wana talk to your bf

 

now i am worried

 

Chicks who dig cars rock. Period. :rockon:

 

Well, if that's the case, all I can say is:
Thank goodness I have not been hit on by any of them!!!!
I don't know what their intentions might have been. I didn't care to ask.