[Squidward]

Everyone needs a daily driver. But with the price of new vehicles, has anyone considered making a classic a daily driver? How would you build it? What drivetrain? What kind of interior elements? Safety features? Elements of performance and reliability would have to come into play. I think of Steve Barcak, who drove the wheels off his GTO making numerous long distance hauls.

At the end of the day, these cars are just possessions, and should be enjoyed often!

If it was me, I would do a 2nd gen Firebird. They are my fave. They handle nicely, and the leg room was always outstanding. They were always my favorite blend of styling, handling, performance, and comfort. T-tops would be a plus, but also pose a security liability. Here in Mesa, AZ you can get a collector car emissions exemption, but a 1967+ daily driver would require smogging.

Vehicle:

• So... late 70's Firebird.

Drivetrain:

• Mild engine, like a Pontiac 350, or maybe a SBC.
• TH350 trans. Rear gears no steeper than 3.08's in a 10 bolt.
• Cam that would accommodate stock valvetrain components for reliability and longevity. I'm thinking of a Summit 2800 or other equivalent for a Poncho motor.
• Induction would be either a Qjet, or aftermarket EFI. But I would make the EFI fuel system scaleable so I could switch back to carb with little hassle.
• Ignition: HEI, or points distributor with electronic conversion. Or if going with EFI, control timing with locked out phaseable distributor.
• 5.3 LS with 4L60E might be nice, but I don't feel so adventurous unless the car already had it done.

Interior:

• Stock 70's bird interior is nice. No need for weird custom stuff, but I wouldn't be averse to aftermarket buckets with better adjustability - as long as it didn't mess with a stockish vibe.
• Audio is limited to single DIN in a 2nd gen, even tho I love touchscreen displays. So this would require compromise.
• Digital electric gauges are cool. I would enjoy these. I don't want any mechanical gauges. I really like the Intellitronix kit I put in my 67 Firebird.

Safety:

• 3 point seatbelts would be a must. Later 2nd gens were standard with 3 point belts. If it didn't have it, I would make it happen.
• AC is a must. Aftermarket or a stock setup wouldn't matter. I DO like the cleaner setup with a Sanden compressor and orifice tube system.

With a daily driver, how far would you go with paint and body?

Let me know what you think, have fun with it!