[Captainofiron]

I recently restarted on my 68 Firebird Project

And since I knew it had some rust problems I was going to start by tearing it down and getting it blasted

I thought just the floor was rusty but man just about every panel has issues

So far the rockers look decent but that's about it

Has anyone else felt like they were going to completely have to rebuild the metal work on their cars?

Any advice?

[Captainofiron]

Here's some context:

[Captainofiron]

The previous owner "repaired" it by riveting .125" sheet....

[72projectbird]

She's a little crusty, but definitely not the worst I've seen.

[gtospieg]

Captainofiron...Just work at it one panel or area at a time. I WISH my car had been that solid when I started. 67 Tempest...inner and outer rockers, full floor, full trunk, full quarters, dropdowns, tail panel....I think you get it. Carry on and good luck.

[Captainofiron]

Thanks guys for the responses, it's just nerve-wracking to take something off and everytime see a giant hole or be able to poke your finger through what was supposed to be steel

Hopefully I'll be able to get it to the blaster early January

[1965gp]

I’m sure I’m in the minority- but does the car have sentimental value? I’ve restored several cars I shouldn’t have because of who owned them. It was worth it to me. Make sure it’s worth it to you.

[Greg Reid]

I know how you feel. My '68 needed an entire roof plus sail panels and that's on top of all the normal stuff that most of them need...
I had no clue until I decided to sand the primer off. The PO had used expanding foam in all the roof rust holes, sanded it and primed it. Looked great until you scratched the surface. The happy ending is that I got over the shock and just sucked it up and repaired it with donor metal.

[Captainofiron]

Originally Posted by 1965gp

I’m sure I’m in the minority- but does the car have sentimental value? I’ve restored several cars I shouldn’t have because of who owned them. It was worth it to me. Make sure it’s worth it to you.

It does, it's my first car, my dad got it for me when I was 13 as a project for him and I to work on. That being said I've been going back and forth on buying one in working shape now vs restoring this one

Originally Posted by Greg Reid

I know how you feel. My '68 needed an entire roof plus sail panels and that's on top of all the normal stuff that most of them need...
I had no clue until I decided to sand the primer off. The PO had used expanding foam in all the roof rust holes, sanded it and primed it. Looked great until you scratched the surface. The happy ending is that I got over the shock and just sucked it up and repaired it with donor metal.

Oooooofffffff expanding foam?!?!? That's pretty bad

Looking over the parts catalog I'm amazed at how many replacement parts you can get now. You but basically buy a brand new unibody

[455Grandville]

You’re staying active and using your hands, which is as rewarding as restoring a car.

[1965gp]

I still have my first car (which was my dads so I suggest you keep going. It’s one of those things you can never get back

[Simple Man]

I've seen worse brought back. Go for it!

[thepontiacman]

Good luck with your project.

If you decide it's too bad, I have a 68 Firebird project in AL for sale.

Sent from my Moto Z3 Play using Tapatalk

[Pecosbill]

If you’ve got the resources, both in terms of money, time and also have a good bodyman or have those skills yourself, go for it. These cars need to be fixed and consider it your task to save another one from the scrap heap. When it’s done not only will you be proud of what you’ve accomplished but you’ll have the pride of knowing that your work will most likely be here being enjoyed by someone long after you’ve gone.

[CDub76]

To answer your question: Has anyone else felt like they were going to completely have to rebuild the metal work on their cars? Oh yes! When finished, my 67 GTO project will be mostly replacement sheetmetal. The deeper I get into it, the more rust I find. (Tried include a pic but couldn't figure it out.) I'm in the process of replacing the rear LH inner sail panel to roof support as well as the rear roof support and window channel. I've already replaced the complete firewall/cowl section, floor pan and toe boards. The only original reusable parts are the doors, deck lid, roof and LH front fender. It's a lot of work but I'm learning a lot and really enjoying it. I recently restored a 79 Trans Am that had some rust issues but not like this.

[Scarebird]

Devil's advocate:

How much is your time, sweat and skill? When added up this is not a bad deal at all:

http://www.dynacornclassicbodies.com...irebird-coupe/

[max 93]

I would be mad if I ordered a68 Firebird and that showed up.

[Hikin Mike]

Originally Posted by max 93

I would be mad if I ordered a68 Firebird and that showed up.

Yeah I saw that too.

[Scarebird]

Let us hope it is simply the same pic on the website and not the wrong shell.

[Captainofiron]

Originally Posted by Scarebird

Devil's advocate:

How much is your time, sweat and skill? When added up this is not a bad deal at all:

http://www.dynacornclassicbodies.com...irebird-coupe/

Haha I've had that in the back of my mind this whole time.

I guess we will see once the media blast is done how much is truly left