[jer119]

Ever since I got lights, electrical outlets, and heater installed in my shop, the motivation to work on my cars has been at an all time high. The more I look at my Firebird, the more I want to replace about every panel. I'll be looking to set up a jig too, just need to decide which design to go with. This car is gonna be restored, not booger'd up, so I'm not looking to cut corners. I'm building this for me.
Here's a question... Is it just exterior panels that require some tweaking for fit? The reason for a question like this is, because of rust, I'll need the complete package tray, and some underlying stuff too. I was just wondering how correct inner structure replacement pieces were.

[4dblnkldude]

I'm no body guy and can't give you any advice there. But it is nice for your motivation to have some heat in the garage.

[jer119]

Has anyone here tried AMD's pre welded, inner/outer wheel house? My driver side has to be completely replaced due to an accident way back when. I'm in the works to start placing some parts orders and was just looking for an opinion. I think I can just patch the passenger outer lip using a repro.

[jer119]

For those of you who like to see progress in keeping these Birds alive, here is what I got done tonight on the body jig. I plan on finishing before the weekend.

[67'7F6'Bird]

Give Tony a call at Muscle Car Metal.

http://musclecarmetal.com/home2.asp

Steve Page

[jer119]

Originally Posted by 67'7F6'Bird

Give Tony a call at Muscle Car Metal.

http://musclecarmetal.com/home2.asp

Steve Page

Maybe I'll do that. I better come up with some good conversation material first, haha. My luck I'll call the guy and not know what to talk about. Well, I could just start by tellin him I have a rust bucket that I'd like to save, and wait for a response. Hopefully not a laugh.

[rohrt]

From my personal experience and looking back. I was about where you were when I started my bird. I bought a welder and did all the metal work myself. I had no prior knowledg in this area. I was able to do it and get it done spending 3 out 4 weekends a month for a year. That was just the metal work. Then another 6 monthes for paint work and a very long time to finish the rest. You got to love it and be commited. It also takes away a hell of a lot of time from wife/family. I work very slow since I don't do it for a living and try to do things right. I still made some mistakes but I'm about the only one who notices them.

If I had to do it over I might consider the musclecarmetal place. Finished quicker and straiter.

The garage looks very nice BTW.

[jer119]

Originally Posted by rohrt

From my personal experience and looking back. I was about where you were when I started my bird. I bought a welder and did all the metal work myself. I had no prior knowledg in this area. I was able to do it and get it done spending 3 out 4 weekends a month for a year. That was just the metal work. Then another 6 monthes for paint work and a very long time to finish the rest. You got to love it and be commited. It also takes away a hell of a lot of time from wife/family. I work very slow since I don't do it for a living and try to do things right. I still made some mistakes but I'm about the only one who notices them.

If I had to do it over I might consider the musclecarmetal place. Finished quicker and straiter.

The garage looks very nice BTW.

Thanks for your positive comments. I know I'm not alone wanting to take a car that was considered to far gone, and working on it till it rolls out of the garage completed. There is a definite reason I'm taking some basic steps at this stage (to avoid getting in over my head). I've been researching as much as possible.
I have worked in a collision shop full time and have helped out part time in the winters. So I do have some basic skills with newer vehicles. I figured I would try and break into a restoration and see what I can do. I don't know any of the "tricks of the trade", if ya know what I mean.
My shop took 2 years to get where it's currently at. I live and farm up here in Northern Minnesota and figured with long winters, I'd get my shop/hangout where I want it, and what would be better than to work on a project?
I'll take the advice and give Tony a call. I'm sure it will be worth the effort. Thanks again.