[ponyakr]

Well, the paint I ordered came in. So TJ did the letters on the driver side with it. But it was too thick and dried much too quick. So the letters are 3-D and a bit lumpy.

So, she decided to do the other side with the Rust-Oleum, and do extra coats as necessary. That worked better. They still need a little tweaking, but here are some pics from the last 2 days. I think it'll look OK at the track, from a distance. And it looks similar to her earlier "Born Again" cars. And that's the whole idea.

[Greg Reid]

That'll make an impression when she drives it to the local Kroger...ought to be fun just to watch the faces.

[ponyakr]

Originally Posted by Greg Reid

That'll make an impression when she drives it to the local Kroger...ought to be fun just to watch the faces.

Don't think this one will ever see any street duty. It's bracket race only. Or, unless I get a major sponsor, it may be for just an occasional trip to test & tune night. All donations accepted.

TJ got away with driving one of these on the streets of Monroe. But that was back in the '70's. Don't think it would work today, even in our little home town. The days when loud Musclecars could roam the streets are long gone, I'm afraid. But at least we have our memories.

But that reminds me of all the late model cars that now have more power than any of the old cars. And, as long as they act right when the cops are lookin, nothing is said about it. We always heard that the insurance companies would no longer insure the Musclecars, and the fed gov wouldn't allow the big power anymore. So, what changed ?

[ponyakr]

I don't like the grills in this car. Who ever did it, removed the headlights, then covered the holes with plastic of some sort. It's sort of a dull black primer color. I'll try painting the whole thing black, and see how I like it. But I figure I'll end up taking it all out and painting everything behind it. That way it will look more like the original '68 "Born Again".

[ponyakr]

OK, TJ has tweaked the letters. So, this is the final product. I gave 'em my stamp of approval.

How many of ya'll didn't know about the little Birdies in the door glasses ? I reckin that means these are originals.

http://firstgenfirebird.org/f-a-q/etched-window-glass/

http://firstgenfirebird.org/forums/u...74932&page=all

[ponyakr]

Here's a few more pics.

[ponyakr]

Did I mention that this is a LOW buck project.

The engine is a 455 with 6x-8 heads, a CC Magnum 292H cam/Rhoads lifters, and some free 3-tube headers. It has a TH400 tranny with a converter of unknown stall speed.

The rear is a 12-bolt with either 4.11 or 4.56 gears(I forget which). Either will be OK, since our local track is 1/8 mile. I'll pull the axles and try to check everything out. It's been quite a while since the car made a pass.

It still needs a good driveshaft and a few other improvements before going to the track. But, I sure hope to make a pass or 2 next season.

[ponyakr]

Merry Christmas ya'll !

Here's a Cajun Christmas song, from South Louisiana.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3d3Dt9Dvrm0

And here is a Louisiana version of a famous Chistmas song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBEKLDvDFTY

['ol Pinion head]

Merry Christmas!

[ponyakr]

Well, I drove the Bird around the house, to the shady side, and knocked some of the dust and pollen off. Thought about trying to go to a T&T last Sat, at our local track. But, all week long the weather report showed a rainout for Fri night. Didn't happen. There was plenty of weather, but it went to the North & South of us. We didn't get much more than a short drizzle.

And it would have been a good night for racing. The temp was cool, with a nearly full moon. Actually, beautiful weather here, for this time of year. The local weather guy just gave a 40% chance of rain for this Fri. So, who knows what the weather will do ?

Anyhow, hope to see if the old Bird will make a full 1/8 mile pass or not, soon. This would have been a good year to run a full bracket schedule. They just had a big money race Sat, at our local track--$4000 to win. And $2000 to win this coming Sat. Back when we raced a full schedule, $400 was a big payout. Most were $75-$125--less if there was a low car count. But, it's a nice track nowadays. Who'da ever thought it ?--especially after not running at all in 2010.

http://www.twincitymotorsportspark.c...er_5_flyer.pdf

Anyhow, things don't always turn out the way we'd like. My current budget won't allow much more than a couple of T&T's. And, the car could use several improvements, before it would be near competitive. But hey, at this point, just to make a few decent passes will be lots of fun, for this ole dude.

I'd still be happy to accept any and all cash donations, for my nostalgia bracket project !

[ponyakr]

Well, I thought I had enuff gas to drive around the house and back. Wrong ! Backed it up, to drive back around under the carport, and that's as far as I got. Had even used all the lawn mower gas. So, I borrowed TJ's truck and went to town for some 93 octane. Also bought some 87 for the generator. So, maybe I'll be ready for the T&T soon.

The 93 worked great. Was able to drive the Bird back under the carport, then back up on jack stands.

[ponyakr]

Was on a blackberry picking expedition, when I walked along the driver side of an old '69 Bird. It is one of three '69 parts cars, which I've been storing for a friend. I approached the car from the rear, and just as I passed by the rear window opening, I was startled by a loud rattle. Yes, it was the unmistakable sound of a big rattlesnake !

It was up on the sundeck, just under where the rear glass would have been. It was coiled, with head up--ready to strike. My right arm probably passed within 3 to 4 feet of it's head. Don't know if that was close enuff for a bite or not. As soon as I heard the sound, I just automatically jumped sideways, away from the snake. When a safe distance away, I turned around to look. It was still there, staring back at me, head raised, rattle shaking.

Well, that experience made me shake a little, when I realized how close I came to getting bit. During my berry pickin trips, I've been careful to look before I step. And, I was looking down as I walked by the Bird. But I was not expecting to encounter a snake that high off the ground.

Anyhow, I went back today and killed the snake. It measured just over 51 inches long, and has either 10 or 11 rattles and a button. After, I killed that one, I could hear some noise from somewhere down inside the trunk or back seat area. I figure the noise was probably made by a mate. Couldn't get the trunk lid open. I'll keep checkin on it, and try to get that one, if possible. I've heard they run pairs. Killed a pair at my sisters house, a couple of years back.

Pics won't upload for some reason. May have to resize and post later.

[Greg Reid]

Originally Posted by ponyakr

Was on a blackberry picking expedition, when I walked along the driver side of an old '69 Bird. It is one of three '69 parts cars, which I've been storing for a friend. I approached the car from the rear, and just as I passed by the rear window opening, I was startled by a loud rattle. Yes, it was the unmistakable sound of a big rattlesnake !

It was up on the sundeck, just under where the rear glass would have been. It was coiled, with head up--ready to strike. My right arm probably passed within 3 to 4 feet of it's head. Don't know if that was close enuff for a bite or not. As soon as I heard the sound, I just automatically jumped sideways, away from the snake. When a safe distance away, I turned around to look. It was still there, staring back at me, head raised, rattle shaking.

Well, that experience made me shake a little, when I realized how close I came to getting bit. During my berry pickin trips, I've been careful to look before I step. And, I was looking down as I walked by the Bird. But I was not expecting to encounter a snake that high off the ground.

Anyhow, I went back today and killed the snake. It measured just over 51 inches long, and has either 10 or 11 rattles and a button. After, I killed that one, I could hear some noise from somewhere down inside the trunk or back seat area. I figure the noise was probably made by a mate. Couldn't get the trunk lid open. I'll keep checkin on it, and try to get that one, if possible. I've heard they run pairs. Killed a pair at my sisters house, a couple of years back.

Pics won't upload for some reason. May have to resize and post later.

Glad you're here to tell the story!....(and post the pics) Probably right about the other one. Can't imagine anything else that would be hanging out in his neighborhood.

[ponyakr]

Resized. Let's see if they'll post now.

[Greg Reid]

Man, that's a bruiser. Old folks used to always warn us kids to watch out for snakes when picking berries. I guess small prey hang around those areas.

[Engine-Ear]

...you can call me a chicken (or a .....), but reading / seeing that is all I need to stay where I am. Yes our winters are cold and snowy, but I will never encounter rattlers (and friends) up here in Wisconsin.

Thanks for the continued story, ponyakr.

[JIMMYM]

ponyakr where do you live

[ponyakr]

Originally Posted by JIMMYM

ponyakr where do you live

North Central Louisiana.

Online info says the snake is called a "Timber" or "Canebrake" rattlesnake.

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourcei...mber%20rattler

There is plenty of timber & cane where this snake was.

Went back today. No sign of the mate.

Meanwhile, back to the nostalgia bracket car story, I just watched the local weather report. 70% chance of rain and T-storms Fri, continuing Sat.

Oh well, I'll make it to the track some time this season.

[ponyakr]

Well, all the blackberries are about gone. But, it's time for the Southwest Believers Convention ! There are several speakers, including former hot rodders, drag racers, a paint & body man, a rock musician, a commercial pilot, and even a decorated Top Gun pilot.

There should be something for everybody. There'll be great speakers, and lots of ministry to spirits & bodies. Ya'll can check it out on the Dish network ch 265. It's also available online, live and recorded.

http://www.bvovn.com/

http://www.kcm.org/events/2016/2016-...ers-convention

http://www.kcm.org/sites/swbc/

http://www.kcm.org/watch/live/optin

I just had some cold, sweet, 4th of July watermeleon.

Now, I'm watchin Keith Moore, at the SW Believer's Convention. It's a great 4th, so far !

[ponyakr]

Saturday, TJ & I went to a car show in West Monroe, LA. Most all the area Pontiac guys were there. There were four 1st gen Birds, two 2nd gen Birds, 2 A-bodies, a '69 GP, & a Pontiac powered Chevy truck !

Nice to meet up with the Pontiac guys, and talk about the old Pontiacs !

TJ took a few pics, including some engine shots. She had already taken a pic of an engine when she realized it was a Chevy engine. So, she didn't even bother takin a pic of the car. It's great to have a Pontiac wife !