Butch Leal Firebird

[lordgodbob]

I'm just starting on the Butch Leal Black Firebird. This is easily the best looking Firebird ever, and I want it to be as low as possible. Stance is very important to me and the Firebird/Camaro kits just are not low enough. I modify the front spindles and shorten the rear shocks, and that helps. But at some point the headers and chassis are nearly on the ground, which is a problem in of itself. I use the Jukebox Ford headers on these cars, they tuck up much further and give me better ground clearance, but still the cars aren't low enough. On this one I'm going to try something different. In addition to the normal tricks,  I'm shortening everything that attaches to the chassis pan by as much as is feasible so that the body sits lower on the chassis. This may cause a chain reaction that messes everything up, we will see! 

I shortened the firewall, and the cage sides, and next up is make the stringers that go over the rear end sit lower....I'll post pictures as I go.

Edited November 18, 2020 by lordgodbob

[TransAmMike]

Looking forward to this one for sure Tim. As you can see by my avitar, I'm a TransAm/Pontiac guy. 

[GoatGuy]

Looking good so far.

[Stingray wes]

Following this one! 

[dragcarz]

I’m curious, I like where this is headed. I’m fallowing.

[comp1839]

a better, more accurate way to do this would be to build it more like the real deal. if you'd like some pics and info. i could give them to you. LMK.

 

[lordgodbob]

On 11/21/2020 at 3:11 AM, comp1839 said:

a better, more accurate way to do this would be to build it more like the real deal. if you'd like some pics and info. i could give them to you. LMK.

 

I'm not sure what you mean by that, can you elaborate? I'm always looking for pics, so bring them on, definitely

[comp1839]

your headers on this car should not be below the chassis. so, instead of chopping up your entire chassis.  if you simply modify the existing chassis / floor pan  you can achieve moving the headers up to a point higher than the main rails on the chassis.

[lordgodbob]

1 hour ago, comp1839 said:

your headers on this car should not be below the chassis. so, instead of chopping up your entire chassis.  if you simply modify the existing chassis / floor pan  you can achieve moving the headers up to a point higher than the main rails on the chassis.

Ok, I see what you are saying, and I agree, the headers on those kits are not correct (in a lot of ways) and shouldn't hang so low.  I found headers that do not sit below the chassis and I use them when I build an F-Body. But, even after that, I can't get the car to sit low enough for my tastes. Even after drop spindles and shortened rear shocks the car just doesn't sit low enough over the tires, so I'm trying to lower the body on the chassis. I appreciate the tip, though!

Tim

[lordgodbob]

I'm starting with a street car body on this build, so I have to fill in marker lights, gas filler, etc. as well as fill in the seam on the nose. I have them scuffed up and they'll be getting bondo tonight. I also had to straighten out the body, it had a bit of a twist to it. I can't be working on just one thing... I have SIX cars waiting to be clearcoated and assembled. On those I  just need to get the last custom decals delivered then I'll get back on them, but in the meantime I started on this Firebird as well as the Vandergriff 57 Pro Mod, so I'll stay busy while I wait for my decals!

[lordgodbob]

Body mods done, now for primer and basecoat. I'm also trying a number of different finishes to try and replicate the gold anodized interior panels...spent way too much money on a bunch of paints.

[lordgodbob]

Bodywork done, basecoat on, chassis is painted, basic engine assembly is done. Now I need to finish the interior, do some light weathering and detail work to the engine, and get the suspension in. I need to get it on it's feet and see if the stance is acceptable. I found a set of the gold wheels in my stash, so that is taken care of. I love this car, it may be the best looking P/S car ever, and I'm excited to see it finished!

[TransAmMike]

Thats coming along great Tim?

[lordgodbob]

well...It's low. not quite low enough for my taste, but i think I can get the body to sit a little lower in the front, that will help. The upper front tubes hit the "tin" on the bottom and limit how low the body can sit, so I'll take those back out and modify them, and at that point I will have done all I can do. Tomorrow or the next day I'll post the modified hood/scoop I made to better replicate the original.

[Tortuga Kustomz]

I like this project

[lordgodbob]

Getting closer! I need to finish the engine, there are wires hanging everywhere, and the tin needs paint. And I still have to do decals. And clear. Maybe it’s not so close? Anyhow, pretty happy with it overall, even if I couldn’t get it low enough.

[Mattilacken]

Looks Epic! Stance looks good!

[lordgodbob]

Slixx decals are the best...I’m SO happy with this build and the decals are perfect.

clear and final assembly are next 

[lordgodbob]

Clear went on without an issue, now I just need to let it cure, then polish and assembly. Such a fantastic looking car, I’m glad Slixx came out with decals...

[AmericanMuscleFan]

Beautiful car Tim!  The stance is absolutely perfect and the end result speak for itself, you can be proud of it!  Drag racing at it's best!!! ?

[Scott8950]

The bodies on those pro stock cars were a little different than the production bodies, thats one reason they were able to get them so low.

Your build is very nice, you did an outstanding job replicating this car.

[Tortuga Kustomz]

Looks very good

[Ian McLaren]

Beautiful job, and your right it's a great looking car. Well done!

[lordgodbob]

Polished and ready for final assembly...

[Tortuga Kustomz]

Beautiful finish man