rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

In the summer of 06 I got a call from a buddy about a car. 91 firebird owned by the original owner that needed to be sold. Not long before that a bunch of tornadoes ripped through Springfield, IL tearing up everything in their path. Well this guys house was ok but his garage was destroyed so he had no where too keep a car he barely ever drove. $220 later (price he had just on a water pump install) the car was mine. The car has sat since then, but this spring I started working on restoring it. It is almost ready for paint so I thought I would throw up some pics of the progress. Please excuse a few of them, they are tiny and I lost the originals.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

It is a 305 tbi for now, and I am going to keep it that way till the body is finished. I do have a 350 TPI I have started working on though. Will be my winter project.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

and some more tear down shots.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

I needed a few things like new rear brake lights, arm rests, etc. Thanks to eBay I ended up winning an 88 TA for $98 lol. Went and picked it up for parts. It has been recked, and had frame damage but had what I needed.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

a few more of donor car

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

Interior tear down

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

a few more tear down pics

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

Sound deadener install and a couple misc pics. Now I just need some nice weather so I can finish a few odds and ends and get the thing to paint. Should be getting sprayed very shortly. I also can not stand the 91-92 ground effects so it is going to the earlier style. Will have all the effects, front and rear bumpers, etc all for sale shortly.

ADMZ24

iTrader: (1)

Looks like quite a project. You planning on a new interior??

I also live here in Springfield. Just came in from rebuilding my headlihgt motors and saw your thread. Thought I would say hello.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

Nice! Gotta represent the hometown. Ya I have new black carpet and got some used black interior trim pieces. Also have seats from a 98 TA that is am going to reupholster. Ordering the kit from Hawks for them.

Derth Deboblo

Agreed, hell of a project. Good kills on both cars!! Shame your switching to 85-90. Though, I may need some of those '91-92 GFX in the future...lol!! Good luck on the build and keep us updated!

PS- To all those across the land fixing rust buckets.....stop. From the looks of it, this guy found two rust free ones for CHEAP! In Illinois no less! See....these cars are still out there. Go find them!!

strc09

iTrader: (5)

Very nice.

1Aauto

Good looking project car.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

I got a little more work done this morning.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

I purchased some used black interior pieces, and I needed to paint some of my own pieces so I started that process tonight. Took a couple pics. Nothing finished but a look at what I am doing. I figure I will spray all the plastic so it will all match and look nice. Here are a couple before shots and what I am using. The dispenser and alcohol I use at work so I brought them home to make it easier. Before I used the alcohol I just cleaned the pieces with soap and water. Nothing fancy.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

and a couple more

MrPink

iTrader: (6)

Keep the pics coming, I'm going through the same process with my 91 and its good to see how others are doing it. Also, I will take those GFX and front nose off your hands ASAP $ LMK.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

I have the front and rear off, just not the front impact bar yet. I am not taking the sides off till paint time. Maybe a month or so till they are all off and ready. Shipping for all that would be a nightmare I imagine.

MrPink

iTrader: (6)

All I need is the outer most front bumper shell, and the two GFX that go from the front tire and attach to the front bumper. I would pay all shipping costs and give you a good price. Can't find the damn things anywhere. Let me know and thanks! Oh hey, what color you gonna paint it?

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

Is that the bumper you already have or do you have the older one? If you have the older style you will need the impact bar also. It holds the fog lights, shaped for the front, etc.

MrPink

iTrader: (6)

No, I have the new style, just wanting to replace it cause mine is broken underneath where those two 12" GFX hook onto it. If its possible, could you PM me or post some pics of the two GFX parts and the bumper. I would like to buy right away if you want to sell.

slia67

If Mr. Pink backs out, I would be interested in the front bumper and the gfx also. Let me know, especially if the shipping is too much for him. I'm only 1 1/2 hours away. But I don't want to c-block him.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

The UPS man brought me some gifts at work today!!!

MrPink

iTrader: (6)

What size rims/tires are those..look nice? Oh, where did you get those door panels..they look pretty good. I like how you can cut your own holes. Hey, we still on for the nose/Gfx?

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

The rims are 17x9.5 front 17x11 rear. The door panels are from Hawks and they turned out real nice. The back has the pop outs for all the accessories already there. Makes it real easy. I still have the pieces but I will not have them all together and off for a few more weeks. Not until the car is at the painter.

Got a little more done tonight after work and before dark. Not much though.

MrPink

iTrader: (6)

Looking good. I opted to stay with the stock gray colors, but I'm liking the black a lot. I'll have to put up some pics soon. You'll have to let me know how the tire size works for you. I have 11's all around right now and it handles great, but doesn't look as good as I would like.

slia67

Where did you pick up the rims & tires? what brand are they? and if you don't mind me asking, how much did they set you back?

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

The are American Racing Torq Thrust II's with Nitto 555's on them. New rims and tires mounted, balanced, and shipped with lugs was $1604. (Man, that's a lot when I look at it lol) I ordered them through hubcaphouse I think it was. Saw their ebay store and emailed them about a package. We ended up working that set out.

slia67

Wow, they are beautiful. But a little to rich for my sons budget.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

Just a quick update. I have hit wedding season, with 4 out of the next 5 weekends so I am busy. :^( I did get a little work done on the front, and I am picking up a new rear end next Monday. She is coming along slowly but surely.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

The work on the car has defiantly slowed because of how busy I am but I did want to post some new pics of progress. The car is getting prepped for paint now. Started removing the old paint and it just falls off. Great Job GM

Aviator857

What are you using to strip the paint that isn't taking the primer off?

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

That is from using nothing but a small scraper and same as no pressure.

Thirdgen Ranch

iTrader: (5)

It looks like it's really coming along.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

It's been slow going this summer with work and travel but the car is creeping along. Should be done with paint this weekend and then I can finish the interior. Getting close and I am starting to get excited! Here are a couple quick shots with my phone.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

Big props to Hawks Third Gen customer service. I received my new upholstery and they had sent me a split rear seat set instead of one piece. I called them up and they are shipping me out the correct one at no charge to me, and they were polite and extremely understanding. I have done a ton of business with them and they have been great each time.

Derth Deboblo

Looking great so far!

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

Thanks! I hope to have it completed by mid July. I have already missed a ton of cruises and shows this year and it is killing me.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

Put my new seat upholstery on today. Here are a few pics. The rear seats is from my 91, but I picked up used fronts from a 99 firebird and ordered the kit from Hawks.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

A couple shots of the original covers off. The fronts were not in bad shape but the rears were trashed.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

BACK FROM THE DEAD! I moved and that put a huge halt on the car. settled in my new place and finally started finishing the thing. Some updated pics.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

Sorry for bad photos. Crappy camera phone.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

Biggest P.I.TA. I have ran into so far was a stripped locking lug nut. I had to end up welding another lug nut onto the end of it and turn it that way.

collin2201

I would have never thought of welding another one to get one off! Smart thinking on your part.

CaliChevyLover

pretty clever idea on the lug nut issue nice project

Derth Deboblo

I was wondering what happened to you. Nice to see your still chugging along with it.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

..

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

After way too long of having other priorities and buying and selling other 3rd gens, I have almost completed my build. I need to tuck the rear wheels and lower it, but otherwise it is set.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

Getting the interior installed.

rdhanded2

iTrader: (3)

Interior is almost done. Need to install the radio, different steering wheel, and remove infl rest bulb from dash.