1991 Firebird
#1
1991 Firebird
I've been waiting to get some professional pictures taken for the longest time, finally got some. There are more to come in the coming days. Here is what the car looked like from the day I brought it home, progression pictures, to just this morning.
Last edited by CharcoalBird; 08-26-2012 at 08:04 PM.
The following users liked this post:
CKone (01-22-2020)
#2
Senior Member
Re: 1991 Firebird
Very impressed with the turnout, any plans to exchange the v6 out for a v8?
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 87 Trans Am, 99 WS6, 16 Mustang GT
Engine: LB9, LS1
Transmission: 700R4, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Posi, 4.10 Posi
Re: 1991 Firebird
You have one of the best looking cars on this board CB.
The whole thing looks fantastic. The black wheels with the polished lip look great, and they go well with the paint. Your car even pulled off the RA II hood spectacularly.
I was shocked when I saw you had a V6. You would never guess by looking at it.
The whole thing looks fantastic. The black wheels with the polished lip look great, and they go well with the paint. Your car even pulled off the RA II hood spectacularly.
I was shocked when I saw you had a V6. You would never guess by looking at it.
#4
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 1,374
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 06 SRM M6 GTO, 98 Grand Prix GTP
Re: 1991 Firebird
My favorite part is how you're missing the gfx in the earlier stages, and you're missing it now too. :P
Jk, you know I have to razz you a little. Those wheels really do look great on there, especially in that *** shot. It's night and day a different car. Makes me almost regret selling mine.
Jk, you know I have to razz you a little. Those wheels really do look great on there, especially in that *** shot. It's night and day a different car. Makes me almost regret selling mine.
#5
Re: 1991 Firebird
You have one of the best looking cars on this board CB.
The whole thing looks fantastic. The black wheels with the polished lip look great, and they go well with the paint. Your car even pulled off the RA II hood spectacularly.
I was shocked when I saw you had a V6. You would never guess by looking at it.
The whole thing looks fantastic. The black wheels with the polished lip look great, and they go well with the paint. Your car even pulled off the RA II hood spectacularly.
I was shocked when I saw you had a V6. You would never guess by looking at it.
Yeah, people somewhat lose interest in it when I tell them it is only a V6. One day that will change.
My favorite part is how you're missing the gfx in the earlier stages, and you're missing it now too. :P
Jk, you know I have to razz you a little. Those wheels really do look great on there, especially in that *** shot. It's night and day a different car. Makes me almost regret selling mine.
Jk, you know I have to razz you a little. Those wheels really do look great on there, especially in that *** shot. It's night and day a different car. Makes me almost regret selling mine.
#6
Supreme Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Streetsboro Oh
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1987 T/A WS6 T-Tops/92 RS
Engine: LB9/3.1
Transmission: 700R4/700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73/3.23
Re: 1991 Firebird
Not a fan of the hood, but over all super nice car-you did a very good job on it.
#7
Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 1992 Firebird & 2009 Nissan 370Z
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: W.C. T5
Axle/Gears: 4th Gen Posi, Disc Break/3.42
Re: 1991 Firebird
Insanely nice car man. That paint with the tint and black wheels looks great.
What rims are those?
What rims are those?
Trending Topics
#10
Re: 1991 Firebird
Thank you, Luis. I originally had the same wheels as you, the 15x7 and decided to upgrade to the 16x8 Formula wheels. They will definitely add to the look of your car while maintaining the style. Try and find 4 fronts as the rears have less of a lip to them.
-Jim
-Jim
#12
Supreme Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Streetsboro Oh
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1987 T/A WS6 T-Tops/92 RS
Engine: LB9/3.1
Transmission: 700R4/700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73/3.23
Re: 1991 Firebird
Don't run all fronts. I have the PW7 wheels on my car and you notice a differance from the fronts to the rears so swaped them out. I now have the deeper fronts on the rear and vice versa. I had to run a 1/4" spacer on teh fronts, but no big deal and the car looks way way better.
#13
Re: 1991 Firebird
Don't run all fronts. I have the PW7 wheels on my car and you notice a differance from the fronts to the rears so swaped them out. I now have the deeper fronts on the rear and vice versa. I had to run a 1/4" spacer on teh fronts, but no big deal and the car looks way way better.
#15
Re: 1991 Firebird
The first set in 87' was actually different than the 88-92' versions. I had the 88-92' version on my car which concaved. Since the 87s were only available on the Formula for 1 year, they are harder to find. Here is a link for the info on the wheels. Post #7 has the pictures so you can see the difference.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...la-wheels.html
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...la-wheels.html
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Morgantown, WV
Posts: 524
Received 100 Likes
on
69 Posts
Car: 1990 Trans Am
Engine: 5.7 350 HSR afr195 xfi268
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 posi
Re: 1991 Firebird
WAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY too cool CB!!!!!
ur car really has done wonders from the first pics .... and this pic vvvv
ur car really has done wonders from the first pics .... and this pic vvvv
#21
Re: 1991 Firebird
So yesterday was very slow at work. During lunch I decided to do some detail work to the car. I started off with taking the paint off the exhaust tips that the paint shop neglected to mask.
Some of it was already starting to peel off so I started in those area and worked outwards from there. I used some all-purpose cleaner and some steel wool and they came out great.
Sometime this week I will pull it on the lift at work and clean down there.
Next I decided to clean the door panels. They didn't look dirty, but I wanted to see how they would clean up. I've had the car for 8 years and have never cleaned the fabric (). Needless to say, i'm glad I did because the previous owner must have had coke spilled on the passenger side and I never even noticed it.
Yes I know, gross. I want to hit it once more to make sure all of it is out. I was going to do the seats and carpet but the fabric is so worn out, they need to be replaced instead. Also ran out of time.
Some of it was already starting to peel off so I started in those area and worked outwards from there. I used some all-purpose cleaner and some steel wool and they came out great.
Sometime this week I will pull it on the lift at work and clean down there.
Next I decided to clean the door panels. They didn't look dirty, but I wanted to see how they would clean up. I've had the car for 8 years and have never cleaned the fabric (). Needless to say, i'm glad I did because the previous owner must have had coke spilled on the passenger side and I never even noticed it.
Yes I know, gross. I want to hit it once more to make sure all of it is out. I was going to do the seats and carpet but the fabric is so worn out, they need to be replaced instead. Also ran out of time.
Last edited by CharcoalBird; 09-09-2012 at 06:42 PM.
#22
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Apopka, Florida
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
6 Posts
Car: 1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: cammed LS1
Transmission: Monster SS 4L65E
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt posi w/ 3.70 gears
Re: 1991 Firebird
Wow Jim, nice transformation of your car! It looks great! Just leave the hood down at car shows and keep everyone guessing until you get a V8 in it!
Wow Luis, I don't know where you found that pic, but my '85 that I used to have looked exactly like that car except I had the rear spoiler like yours. Weird
Wow Luis, I don't know where you found that pic, but my '85 that I used to have looked exactly like that car except I had the rear spoiler like yours. Weird
#28
Re: 1991 Firebird
Thanks guys.
I was going to polish my front brakes but it was too dark out to do so. Plus, I don't have an outlet in my carport. Hell, I don't have one anywhere outside I just noticed. That needs to be addressed. Will be out helping bradley23150 tomorrow, so it own't be till late til I can actually do anything if at all. I need a garage ASAP. My workshop needs the garage door mod soon!!!!!
I was going to polish my front brakes but it was too dark out to do so. Plus, I don't have an outlet in my carport. Hell, I don't have one anywhere outside I just noticed. That needs to be addressed. Will be out helping bradley23150 tomorrow, so it own't be till late til I can actually do anything if at all. I need a garage ASAP. My workshop needs the garage door mod soon!!!!!
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 87 Trans Am, 99 WS6, 16 Mustang GT
Engine: LB9, LS1
Transmission: 700R4, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Posi, 4.10 Posi
Re: 1991 Firebird
Next I decided to clean the door panels. They didn't look dirty, but I wanted to see how they would clean up. I've had the car for 8 years and have never cleaned the fabric (). Needless to say, i'm glad I did because the previous owner must have had coke spilled on the passenger side and I never even noticed it.
Yes I know, gross. I want to hit it once more to make sure all of it is out. I was going to do the seats and carpet but the fabric is so worn out, they need to be replaced instead. Also ran out of time.
Yes I know, gross. I want to hit it once more to make sure all of it is out. I was going to do the seats and carpet but the fabric is so worn out, they need to be replaced instead. Also ran out of time.
#30
Re: 1991 Firebird
I used part all purpose cleaner and water. The vacuum you see in the picture has a water separator so once I scrubbed good with a brush, I wiped it with a towel and then vacuumed it dry. I also have a hot water extractor I could use but that would be for the carpet and seats.
#33
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Apopka, Florida
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
6 Posts
Car: 1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: cammed LS1
Transmission: Monster SS 4L65E
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt posi w/ 3.70 gears
Re: 1991 Firebird
Yeah, I think I agree with Luis. It adds a little extra flavor to your already cool ride!
#34
Re: 1991 Firebird
Started polishing the calipers today. I have a lot of work ahead of me. I'm also thinking of just grinding down all raised marking as they are a pita to sand around. When I bought the car is came with these. I have never carfaxed the car so I don't know of any previous damage that may have been done. The calipers as well as the strut mounts have junk yard writing on them. Yes I will replace them both, one day.
Also started to do the tint on the taillights and clear the center section. It sprays on fairly dull. Once dry I will lightly sand it with 1000 or 1500 dry, and then spray on some clearcoat. I moved the lights to a non-dusty place so nothing would get into them. Will let them dry and continue with them tomorrow. Excuse the mess in the workshop. Leaves and such blow in there easily. I plan to swap out that door and put a large roll up or garage door so I can actually park my car in there. Right now my mower won't even fit in there.
Mud dauber nest behind the taillight. I also taped up the mounting holes so nothing would get inside. That is the bad thing about living outside of the city. Mud daubers, frogs, snakes, rats, more species of spiders than I can count, and an endless supply of roaches. I went to fill up the gas tank the other day and on the gas cap was a bright orange and black spider and a huge roach.
Also started to do the tint on the taillights and clear the center section. It sprays on fairly dull. Once dry I will lightly sand it with 1000 or 1500 dry, and then spray on some clearcoat. I moved the lights to a non-dusty place so nothing would get into them. Will let them dry and continue with them tomorrow. Excuse the mess in the workshop. Leaves and such blow in there easily. I plan to swap out that door and put a large roll up or garage door so I can actually park my car in there. Right now my mower won't even fit in there.
Mud dauber nest behind the taillight. I also taped up the mounting holes so nothing would get inside. That is the bad thing about living outside of the city. Mud daubers, frogs, snakes, rats, more species of spiders than I can count, and an endless supply of roaches. I went to fill up the gas tank the other day and on the gas cap was a bright orange and black spider and a huge roach.
Last edited by CharcoalBird; 09-19-2012 at 01:33 PM.
#35
Re: 1991 Firebird
So I put a second coat of clear after the first was already dry...also cleared 1 taillight and both had this white color to it. Will wetsand it smooth and hope the white/haze comes out. I know paint goes bad over time, but does clear? I shook the can pretty well. This is temporary by the way. Eventually I will do it the correct way and shoot it with a real paint gun.
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Morgantown, WV
Posts: 524
Received 100 Likes
on
69 Posts
Car: 1990 Trans Am
Engine: 5.7 350 HSR afr195 xfi268
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 posi
Re: 1991 Firebird
looks good...never bothered with clearcoat with vht though usually came out nice
calipers alot nicer too when polished!!!
calipers alot nicer too when polished!!!
#39
Member
iTrader: (16)
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: TX/FL
Posts: 469
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 88 GTA/86 C20 Burb/91 325i
Engine: L98/454/M20
Transmission: 700R4/NV4500/Getrag
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt/3.73 14 Bolt/3.73 IRS
Re: 1991 Firebird
Sweet. That might be the first RAII hood I've seen on a 3rd Gen that I actually like. Seeing the progression pictures really shows how far you've come with that thing, keep up the good work.
Got any down the road plans for what kind of V8 you're going to go with when you do the swap?
-cal30sniper
Got any down the road plans for what kind of V8 you're going to go with when you do the swap?
-cal30sniper
#40
Re: 1991 Firebird
Thank you, Cal30! Probably LQ4/9.
Finished the tail lights. Took some 1000 wet, then 1500, then 2000 followed by some compound and they actually shined up nicely. Definitely not perfect though. They need to be replaced anyway so when I buy a new set I will take them somewhere to be done. Need to do the third brake light on the wing also. It is non-functional but I can't remove it due to the wing having been painted on-car. Please excuse the car. It is impossible to keep it clean under the car port.
I'm thinking about just leaving the brakes alone also. A lot of work to polish them only to replace them one day.
Finished the tail lights. Took some 1000 wet, then 1500, then 2000 followed by some compound and they actually shined up nicely. Definitely not perfect though. They need to be replaced anyway so when I buy a new set I will take them somewhere to be done. Need to do the third brake light on the wing also. It is non-functional but I can't remove it due to the wing having been painted on-car. Please excuse the car. It is impossible to keep it clean under the car port.
I'm thinking about just leaving the brakes alone also. A lot of work to polish them only to replace them one day.
Last edited by CharcoalBird; 09-24-2012 at 03:36 PM.
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Morgantown, WV
Posts: 524
Received 100 Likes
on
69 Posts
Car: 1990 Trans Am
Engine: 5.7 350 HSR afr195 xfi268
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 posi
Re: 1991 Firebird
^looks good,IMO i would rather keep the ones i did rather than a shops work bc its ur work....nothings perfect especially older cars
yes the calipers will eventually be replaced but u can clean them up nicely with a drill and wire brush attachement quickly and will accent the new wheels alot more (until new ones)
Some motivation CB
PS may be in FL nov 10 keep u posted
yes the calipers will eventually be replaced but u can clean them up nicely with a drill and wire brush attachement quickly and will accent the new wheels alot more (until new ones)
Some motivation CB
PS may be in FL nov 10 keep u posted
#46
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Apopka, Florida
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
6 Posts
Car: 1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: cammed LS1
Transmission: Monster SS 4L65E
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt posi w/ 3.70 gears
Re: 1991 Firebird
I just cleaned my calipers up with the wire wheel and painted them with the aluminum color brake paint. Turned out real nice. Something to think about maybe.
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
Last edited by dprest68; 09-25-2012 at 09:44 AM.
#49
Member
iTrader: (16)
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: TX/FL
Posts: 469
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 88 GTA/86 C20 Burb/91 325i
Engine: L98/454/M20
Transmission: 700R4/NV4500/Getrag
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt/3.73 14 Bolt/3.73 IRS
Re: 1991 Firebird
I just used a big welders wire brush from Tractor Supply, some mineral spirits, and gloss black/silver caliper paint on mine. I went with the black so they would stay a little more clean. I should have painted the axle ends, but they were supposed to be covered by centercaps. I left the centercaps in the sun while they were drying, and they melted. Thanks Texas.
The paint as held up very well for several months. Luckily, my wheel design lets me clean it off when I wash the car without taking the wheel all the way off.
-cal30sniper
The paint as held up very well for several months. Luckily, my wheel design lets me clean it off when I wash the car without taking the wheel all the way off.
-cal30sniper