'69 Firebird Build Thread
03-26-2014, 10:52 PM
#1
'69 Firebird Build Thread 9/5/18: While a car is never truly done, I did “complete” it and have sold it. I still have the LSX Greenbrier and am looking for the next thing, a cool family cruiser like an old Cadillac or Continental.
This car has been a work in progress for over a decade. Many things having gone on in between.
The Car: 1969 Firebird - originally limelight green with deluxe parchment interior. At some point it was painted black and given standard black interior. Picked it up in North Hollywood in 2003. I've put maybe a whole mile on it since I've owned it, like I said many things going on.
5/21/2014: she runs!
Since it's starting to come together, I figured I'd start the build thread.
Unfortunately I'm not building the car, the near-by prison is. They've done very good work on this car and my dad's '65 mustang and some of the other stuff they've put out is amazing. I think they were/are doing work for Shelby too.
One of these day's I'll get some pics for it, when I do, I will post.
The car is being built by Silver State Industries, the "local" minimum security prison. My car is kind of a guinea pig for them as it's the first LS swap they are doing. They did the paint and body, which was in pretty sad shape. They also did the suspension and are going to do the interior once the swap is done. I have seen first hand some of they work they have done and it is gorgeous. From what I understand they used to, and maybe they still do, have a contract with Shelby to work on (I think paint) their cars.
69 Firebird Photo Album
Based on my searches and research I've done, I'm going to edit this portion of the post with part numbers so anyone doing the same as me doesn't have to root through the whole thread for the pertinent information.
Motor: LQ9 from a 2004 Silverado SS (137k)
Trans 4L80E from 2003 Express 3500.
Exterior:
Paint: two tone black(top) with silver (bottom) (inspired, if not totally lifted from a bird that has the same scheme, but is blue on top and silver on the bottom, and that one has a Stingray snorkel nicely grafted to the hood.
Interior:
BMW 6 series high optioned black leather convertible seats, the biggest selling point on these was the integrated seat belt, the power and heat were just a bonus. Pictures posted in a subsequent post, or click on the photo album above.
New deluxe interior ordered, carpeting, headliner, package tray, window rebuild components including seals, dynamat, and VHX gauges. I went with black alloy and blue lighting as well as the ODBII connector for the feeds.
Air Conditioning/Heating:
Vintage Air p/n 964468 even though I have factory air. When all is said an done, a complete rebuild of the factory setup, including condenser, compressor, lines, and everything within the suitcase was going to cost a little more than the VA setup. The VA setup included the new Sanden compressor with p/n141810 bracket to mount it to the truck compressor. After seeing mixed reviews on the factory Denso compressor, and the fact that the cost differential was almost a wash, I went with the Sanden.
Suspension:
Factory spring set up with poly bushings (is not going to work, at least up front)
Suggestions needed here. The car sits pretty much as high with the motor in it as it does in the below pictures, and that's without a motor in it.
Thinking 2" drop spindles and adjustable coil overs, all suggestions welcome.
Power Steering:
Power Steering Gear Box: Lares 1282 - Quick Ratio (2.5 lock to lock) High Effort from 85-88 Monte Carlo SS
Rag joint: Dorman 31011
Engine Related:
Dirty Dingo DD-LS-ALT-PS bracket
Mounts: BRP Hot Rods First Gen Kit
Oil Pan: BRP LH8; Was going to be the Autokraft pan, but it hits the center drag link on the steering. May go back to it if/when I do R&P setup. (4/1/14: Autokraft pan including dipstick and shipping listed for sale in forum)
Mobil1 5w-30 Synthetic
Transmission Related:
Jegs 4l80e flex plate p/n 555-601062
ARP flex plate bolts p/n 244-2901
ARP bell housing bolts p/n 136-0901
Pump Seal: Pioneer 759073
Tailshaft Seal: National Oil Seals 9449
Trans Filter Kit: Carquest 96021
Shiftworks.com floor shift and detent kit: SC2262 undecided on NSS setup
Peak Dextron VI ATF
Tans had to be clearances on both sides about 1/4" for the headers.
middlefingerspeedshop.com 90* 4L80E fittings
Flex Plate Spacer - Jegs p/n 601010
Flex Plate Spacer Bolts - Jegs p/n 601011
(2) -6 to 1/2 -20 inverted flare fittings - p/n 640330
(2) -6 90* swivel full flow connectors - p/n 613165
(2) -6 straight fittings - p/n 610025
15' -6 stainless braided hose - p/n 632080
Exhaust Related:
BRP mid-length headers for first gen F body
X-Pipe Stainless Exhaust Pypes SFG70 exhaust
Tail Pipe Ends Pypes EVT58
MBPR 45* Stainless Pipes p/n MB1006
Fuel:
Spectra Premium First Gen F-Body efi tank setup: GM32BFI
Fuel Pump: AC Delco EP381 (going to use this pump and keep the supplied spectra pump as an emergency back up, not too confident that their pump has longevity).
Fuel Cap for GM32BFI: Stant 10646
Speedway FPR kit: 91012800
Russel 5/8-18 SAE to - 6AN p/n 640610 (to attach to fuel supply fitting on fuel tank that runs to FPR)
5/16" hard tube to -6 AN XRP 992005 (attach to SAE fitting on the fuel tank that runs from FPR)
(6) #6 Straight Hose Fitting Swivel - Russell p/n 610020
-6AN Hose - 20' - Russell p/n 632090
-6AN Cushion Clamps - Russell p/n 650980
Cooling:
fans: Dorman p/n 620-634 (98-02 Camaro)
Radiator: Spectra p/n CU1486 (98-02 Camaro)
Radiator Cap: Stant 10334 (18 psi Lev-R-Vent)
Upper Rad Hose: Gates 22353 from 98-02 Camaro.
**The hose is not long enough to work with the truck accessories/water pump. There might be a better hose out there, so if you have a part number or vehicle that has a hose that works w/o modification, let me know, in order to make this one work, I bought:
HPS 6061 1.25" by 6" aluminum hose coupler
Lower Rad Hose: Gates 22354 - Fits fine
Serp Belt for use with DD alt/ps repo bracket: Gates K060780
Allstar Performance Overflow Tank - Summit p/n AAF-ALL36150
Cold Air Intake for less than $100:
4" 90* intake w/ 1 and 7 " legs spectre p/n 97990
4" couplers (2) spectre p/n 9771
4" MAFS adapter spectre p/n 9705
4" conical filter 6*6.75 - blue - spectre p/n 8136
Brake Related:
Right Stuff Detailing slotted and drilled front rotors - Summit p/n RSD-BR02ZDC
Right Stuff DetailingFront Brake Calipers - Summit p/n RSD-BC03RN&LN
Timken Front Inner and Outer Bearings and Seals: Summit p/ns TMK-SET6, TMK-SET2, TMK-8705S
Right Stuff Detailing 11" Brake Booster - Summit p/n RSD-RPB1001
Right Stuff Detailing Brake m/c - Summit p/n RSD-DBMC09
Rear Brake drums - Summit p/n RSD-BD01
Factory driveshaft shortened, balanced, new U-jionts, 4L80E yoke. (pic in post 26) I will likely go with the Driveshaft Shop CV set up though.
Things I'm leading towards:
Ride Tech Tru Turn w/coil overs and 4 link, because 10" wide tires all around are very tempting.
Gen IV Camaro 4 wheel disc conversion. Using BRP Hubs and Plates.
Oracle LED Halo's
Rear 3 pt belt setup
This car has been a work in progress for over a decade. Many things having gone on in between.
The Car: 1969 Firebird - originally limelight green with deluxe parchment interior. At some point it was painted black and given standard black interior. Picked it up in North Hollywood in 2003. I've put maybe a whole mile on it since I've owned it, like I said many things going on.
5/21/2014: she runs!
Since it's starting to come together, I figured I'd start the build thread.
Unfortunately I'm not building the car, the near-by prison is. They've done very good work on this car and my dad's '65 mustang and some of the other stuff they've put out is amazing. I think they were/are doing work for Shelby too.
One of these day's I'll get some pics for it, when I do, I will post.
The car is being built by Silver State Industries, the "local" minimum security prison. My car is kind of a guinea pig for them as it's the first LS swap they are doing. They did the paint and body, which was in pretty sad shape. They also did the suspension and are going to do the interior once the swap is done. I have seen first hand some of they work they have done and it is gorgeous. From what I understand they used to, and maybe they still do, have a contract with Shelby to work on (I think paint) their cars.
69 Firebird Photo Album
Based on my searches and research I've done, I'm going to edit this portion of the post with part numbers so anyone doing the same as me doesn't have to root through the whole thread for the pertinent information.
Motor: LQ9 from a 2004 Silverado SS (137k)
Trans 4L80E from 2003 Express 3500.
Exterior:
Paint: two tone black(top) with silver (bottom) (inspired, if not totally lifted from a bird that has the same scheme, but is blue on top and silver on the bottom, and that one has a Stingray snorkel nicely grafted to the hood.
Interior:
BMW 6 series high optioned black leather convertible seats, the biggest selling point on these was the integrated seat belt, the power and heat were just a bonus. Pictures posted in a subsequent post, or click on the photo album above.
New deluxe interior ordered, carpeting, headliner, package tray, window rebuild components including seals, dynamat, and VHX gauges. I went with black alloy and blue lighting as well as the ODBII connector for the feeds.
Air Conditioning/Heating:
Vintage Air p/n 964468 even though I have factory air. When all is said an done, a complete rebuild of the factory setup, including condenser, compressor, lines, and everything within the suitcase was going to cost a little more than the VA setup. The VA setup included the new Sanden compressor with p/n141810 bracket to mount it to the truck compressor. After seeing mixed reviews on the factory Denso compressor, and the fact that the cost differential was almost a wash, I went with the Sanden.
Suspension:
Factory spring set up with poly bushings (is not going to work, at least up front)
Suggestions needed here. The car sits pretty much as high with the motor in it as it does in the below pictures, and that's without a motor in it.
Thinking 2" drop spindles and adjustable coil overs, all suggestions welcome.
Power Steering:
Power Steering Gear Box: Lares 1282 - Quick Ratio (2.5 lock to lock) High Effort from 85-88 Monte Carlo SS
Rag joint: Dorman 31011
Engine Related:
Dirty Dingo DD-LS-ALT-PS bracket
Mounts: BRP Hot Rods First Gen Kit
Oil Pan: BRP LH8; Was going to be the Autokraft pan, but it hits the center drag link on the steering. May go back to it if/when I do R&P setup. (4/1/14: Autokraft pan including dipstick and shipping listed for sale in forum)
Mobil1 5w-30 Synthetic
Transmission Related:
Jegs 4l80e flex plate p/n 555-601062
ARP flex plate bolts p/n 244-2901
ARP bell housing bolts p/n 136-0901
Pump Seal: Pioneer 759073
Tailshaft Seal: National Oil Seals 9449
Trans Filter Kit: Carquest 96021
Shiftworks.com floor shift and detent kit: SC2262 undecided on NSS setup
Peak Dextron VI ATF
Tans had to be clearances on both sides about 1/4" for the headers.
middlefingerspeedshop.com 90* 4L80E fittings
Flex Plate Spacer - Jegs p/n 601010
Flex Plate Spacer Bolts - Jegs p/n 601011
(2) -6 to 1/2 -20 inverted flare fittings - p/n 640330
(2) -6 90* swivel full flow connectors - p/n 613165
(2) -6 straight fittings - p/n 610025
15' -6 stainless braided hose - p/n 632080
Exhaust Related:
BRP mid-length headers for first gen F body
X-Pipe Stainless Exhaust Pypes SFG70 exhaust
Tail Pipe Ends Pypes EVT58
MBPR 45* Stainless Pipes p/n MB1006
Fuel:
Spectra Premium First Gen F-Body efi tank setup: GM32BFI
Fuel Pump: AC Delco EP381 (going to use this pump and keep the supplied spectra pump as an emergency back up, not too confident that their pump has longevity).
Fuel Cap for GM32BFI: Stant 10646
Speedway FPR kit: 91012800
Russel 5/8-18 SAE to - 6AN p/n 640610 (to attach to fuel supply fitting on fuel tank that runs to FPR)
5/16" hard tube to -6 AN XRP 992005 (attach to SAE fitting on the fuel tank that runs from FPR)
(6) #6 Straight Hose Fitting Swivel - Russell p/n 610020
-6AN Hose - 20' - Russell p/n 632090
-6AN Cushion Clamps - Russell p/n 650980
Cooling:
fans: Dorman p/n 620-634 (98-02 Camaro)
Radiator: Spectra p/n CU1486 (98-02 Camaro)
Radiator Cap: Stant 10334 (18 psi Lev-R-Vent)
Upper Rad Hose: Gates 22353 from 98-02 Camaro.
**The hose is not long enough to work with the truck accessories/water pump. There might be a better hose out there, so if you have a part number or vehicle that has a hose that works w/o modification, let me know, in order to make this one work, I bought:
HPS 6061 1.25" by 6" aluminum hose coupler
Lower Rad Hose: Gates 22354 - Fits fine
Serp Belt for use with DD alt/ps repo bracket: Gates K060780
Allstar Performance Overflow Tank - Summit p/n AAF-ALL36150
Cold Air Intake for less than $100:
4" 90* intake w/ 1 and 7 " legs spectre p/n 97990
4" couplers (2) spectre p/n 9771
4" MAFS adapter spectre p/n 9705
4" conical filter 6*6.75 - blue - spectre p/n 8136
Brake Related:
Right Stuff Detailing slotted and drilled front rotors - Summit p/n RSD-BR02ZDC
Right Stuff DetailingFront Brake Calipers - Summit p/n RSD-BC03RN&LN
Timken Front Inner and Outer Bearings and Seals: Summit p/ns TMK-SET6, TMK-SET2, TMK-8705S
Right Stuff Detailing 11" Brake Booster - Summit p/n RSD-RPB1001
Right Stuff Detailing Brake m/c - Summit p/n RSD-DBMC09
Rear Brake drums - Summit p/n RSD-BD01
Factory driveshaft shortened, balanced, new U-jionts, 4L80E yoke. (pic in post 26) I will likely go with the Driveshaft Shop CV set up though.
Things I'm leading towards:
Ride Tech Tru Turn w/coil overs and 4 link, because 10" wide tires all around are very tempting.
Gen IV Camaro 4 wheel disc conversion. Using BRP Hubs and Plates.
Oracle LED Halo's
Rear 3 pt belt setup
Last edited by sprech; 09-19-2018 at 11:23 AM. Reason: Updates
03-27-2014, 04:19 AM
#5
Very kewl build. I have a 69' bird myself still running with the Pontiac 400 and 4 speed. Someday I plan to due this swap buy with a 5.3 and a 60e...
your project is sweet bud,..
your project is sweet bud,..
03-27-2014, 08:26 PM
#6
Thought at first that the truck intake wouldn't fit, but it does. Turns out the alternator is sitting too high, so it will need to be relocated, looking at various kits. Many they are a little pricey.
The trans cooler line ports are too close to the trans tunnel, so had to order TCI p/n 831010. I supposed the tunnel could have been massaged, but this is a better solution.
The trans cooler line ports are too close to the trans tunnel, so had to order TCI p/n 831010. I supposed the tunnel could have been massaged, but this is a better solution.
Trending Topics
04-05-2014, 01:01 AM
#11
More parts
Flex Plate Spacer - Jegs p/n 601010
Flex Plate Spacer Bolts - Jegs p/n 601011
(6) #6 Straight Hose Fitting Swivel - Russell p/n 610020
-6AN Hose - 20' - Russell p/n 632090
-6AN Cushion Clamps - Russell p/n 650980
MBPR 45* Stainless Pipes p/n MB1006
90* trans cooler line fittings
Dirty Dingo Alt/PS relo mount p/n DD-LS-ALT-PS
Engine has been mocked up with headers.
Fuel tank in, filter/regulator space identified
Driveshaft measured
Flex Plate Spacer - Jegs p/n 601010
Flex Plate Spacer Bolts - Jegs p/n 601011
(6) #6 Straight Hose Fitting Swivel - Russell p/n 610020
-6AN Hose - 20' - Russell p/n 632090
-6AN Cushion Clamps - Russell p/n 650980
MBPR 45* Stainless Pipes p/n MB1006
90* trans cooler line fittings
Dirty Dingo Alt/PS relo mount p/n DD-LS-ALT-PS
Engine has been mocked up with headers.
Fuel tank in, filter/regulator space identified
Driveshaft measured
04-05-2014, 07:11 AM
#12
Very kewl build brother. I have 69'bird myself, but I'm still rockin' the Pontiac 400 and 4 speed. I intend to do a 5.3 swap in the future. Ill keep you build thread in mind. Thanks a bunch...
Manny
Manny
04-05-2014, 11:47 AM
#15
Unfortunately, this is not a picture rich build as I'm not doing it myself, but I hope to have chronological pictures are some point in the near future. The Cadillac will be a different story. Since I'm doing the build on it, there will be a lot more pictures. Hope to get started on it mid-May.
04-08-2014, 11:49 PM
#16
Cold Air Intake Hodgepodge:
All from Spectre, all ordered from Jegs using their online price match. All parts were cheaper with Amazon Prime, but since Jegs will price match, I like giving them the business.
4" 90* intake w/ 1 and 7 " legs spectre p/n 97990
4" couplers (2) spectre p/n 9771
4" MAFS adapter spectre p/n 9705
4" conical filter 6*6.75 - blue - spectre p/n 8136
Got out for less than $100, so big victory there considering all the "kits" were $220 +
All from Spectre, all ordered from Jegs using their online price match. All parts were cheaper with Amazon Prime, but since Jegs will price match, I like giving them the business.
4" 90* intake w/ 1 and 7 " legs spectre p/n 97990
4" couplers (2) spectre p/n 9771
4" MAFS adapter spectre p/n 9705
4" conical filter 6*6.75 - blue - spectre p/n 8136
Got out for less than $100, so big victory there considering all the "kits" were $220 +
05-09-2014, 07:06 PM
#19
Staging Lane
Join Date: Jan 2014
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Just got the pn for the stant gas cap, thanks. Saw that you wanna do 3 point seat belts. Back when we restored our car 13 or so years ago I got some Nissan 200 or 240 seat belts out of a junkyard and made them work in our car front and back. Pretty easy actually. Fronts bolt in the factory spots. One rear mount point s behind the rear side window lower panel (have to have a slit cut in the panel for it to travel), another mount point is in the factory spots under the seat, the shoulder straps go through the package tray and the seat belt recoil assembly mounts in the trunk. I'll take some pics for you next time I'm home. Just a thought for ya.
Last edited by Hybrid 69; 05-09-2014 at 07:13 PM.
05-09-2014, 07:13 PM
#20
Just got the pn for the stant gas cap, thanks. Saw that you wanna do 3 point seat belts. Back when we restored our car 13 or so years ago I got some Nissan 200 or 240 seat belts out of a junkyard and made them work in our car front and back. Pretty easy actually. Fronts bolt in the factory spots. One rear mount point s behind the rear side window lower panel (have to have a slit cut in the panel for it to travel), another mount point is in the factory spots under the seat, the shoulder straps go through the package tray and the seat belt recoil assembly mounts in the trunk. I'll take some pics for you next time I'm home. Just a thought for ya.