When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Restoring my 1 owner 1997 Convertible W68, I got questions..
Hi ladies and gentlemen,
It's been ages since I posted anything on the forums. Please bare with me as I have a dilemma. I bought my convertible Firebird brand new in November 1997. I rolled her off the show room floor with 17 miles on her engine. Please don't hate as it is a V-6. Got it for the looks not for the speed. Now that we got that out of the way, let me tell you that.... this was the best car I have ever owned. It turned faces all her her running days.
This was taken back in 1997, with my young wife..
Me in 1997
Started building our own home in that same year...
In the year 2000 I had my first boy and since before He could walk He loved my car. By the time he was old enough to understand, he called dibs on it and as far as I knew, some day that car would be his. I promised him soon after that, that when he passed to 11th grade I would redo my car like new and that would be his first car and graduating present.
Well, the time is almost here and I need to have "Amanda" rebuilt, almost from the ground up. I'd say, I want to do a 90% rebuild. Keep it a V-6, as I don't want my boy to hurt himself or someone else. I want to keep her completely original as it sits right now. Same engine with matching numbers. Same color and interior colors. Original wheels, the whole thing needs to be redone as it once looked when I drove her off the dealership.
This is one of the last picture I took of her before the engine seized, due to running it on low oil pressure for a bit. Now, it's been parked for a couple of years.
Now, my first question...
Does anyone know of a reputable shop that can do everything I need done to "Amanda" in the Houston area? Engine overhaul, transmission conditioning, Convertible top, paint, suspension, interior and any other thing I need to make her beautiful and safe, as it once was. Like a one stop do all shop?
Man that car looks clean! MTI is located in Texas and I've heard they do pretty good engine work. Since it's getting nice out, go to a few car shows and talk to other people and see who they suggest for the other work.
That's a beautiful car man, looks like she will just need a good thorough wash, and bumper repainted to get her to shine again. As far as the repair goes, looks like the ideal opportunity to swap an LS1 in there. Besides the power you are getting a much more reliable engine (not hating on the v6... just LS1 is that much better ) and likely you will be getting the just about the same fuel economy for just a little more up front cost, as your probably looking to get a new engine for it anyways.
I washed it yesterday after 2.6 years of neglect..
This is the way it looks now...
I want to keep it a V-6, as I don't want my boy to hurt himself or someone else. I want to keep her completely original as it sits right now. Same engine with matching numbers. Same color and interior colors. Original wheels, the whole thing needs to be redone as it once looked when I drove her off the dealership.
There's nothing more I would love to do. Doing all that you said would be my dream, but as I stated my eldest is going to inherit "Amanda" in 2.6 years. The car goes with a few rules, tho.
If I could baby her through 15 year, he must baby her through nothing less then 10 years without having a single wreck of his own fault... or physically breaking something that should have not broken. No drugs at any point or at any part or in and around his being.
If any of the above happen I personally will hand deliver a set of keys to an all rusty...... 1974 Pacer and take my beautiful "Amanda" back. .. and do an LS Swap and Ram Air front clip conversion.
I contacted by e-mail Monkey Garage and Classic Cars of Houston about getting my car back in shape... my request,
Engine overhaul, transmission conditioning, new convertible top, paint, suspension, new interior and any other thing I need to make her beautiful and safe, as it once was.
I want it done by the best shop... you guys!
I want her looking as sharp as it was when new. I'm attaching some pictures of how it looks now and what it used to look.
My budget up to 15K to 18K
Make/Model -- Pontiac Firebird Convertible W68
Year -- 1997
Photos -- See attachments
Condition -- No dents, dings or rust
Maintenance Needs -- Engine overhaul, transmission re- conditioning, Convertible top, paint, suspension, new interior
Your phone number -- 713 702-XXXX ask for XXXXX XXXXXXXX
04-22-2015, 04:10 PM
Restoring my 1 owner 1997 Convertible W68, I got questions.. 
) and likely you will be getting the just about the same fuel economy for just a little more up front cost, as your probably looking to get a new engine for it anyways. 
