"The Swedish Bandit" (swedishbandit)
04/05/2020 at 13:00 • Filed to: joy
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"The Swedish Bandit" (swedishbandit)
04/05/2020 at 13:00 • Filed to: joy | 7
| 12 |
It’s been almost 2 years ago since I last made an update on here about my Firebird build.
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
Project has since then been moving forward since then but I just haven't found the time to post on here. However due to a series of strange events I’m stuck in a hotel in the middle of nowhere, Ohio. With cabin fever setting in I thought now might be a good time to update everyone on what has happened.
So without further ado, here comes a bunch of pictures with some comments added in between;
The control arms were update with all new polyurethane bushings. Certainly helps with having shop press when doing this kind of work.
Original springs were in good condition, so they would be re-used but cut off 2.5 turns
Springs and control arms installed
Steering linkage was updated with new baal joints and covers
Bearings from front rotors were completely shot so now was a good time to replace them
Calipers were restored with all new internals and some fresh paint
Wheels back on
Old trans and engine separated as the trans will be re-used
Trans received a transgo shift kit as well as a smaller converter
New engine de-mothballed from storage
Old headers were cleaned up and received a couple of coats of high-temp paint
It’s all coming together
Just slides right in
Installing engine in subframe and subframe on car is not the easiest thing to do on your own.
But after taking m time making sure everything lined up properly it’s finally connected
More updates to follow shortly!
Bandit
> The Swedish Bandit
04/05/2020 at 13:10 |
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Welcome back! Everything looks awesome, man! The work on the suspension and subframe will totally payoff. Also, I’m so jealous of your heads.
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The Swedish Bandit
> Bandit
04/05/2020 at 13:28 |
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Hey you’re still here! Awesome! Hope everything is still working out for you and your car.
The suspension is probably what I’ve put the least amount of money and time into so far. This was just the cheapest possible route for me to go while still getting a car that’s very nice to drive on the road. In the future I plan on going with a compete suspension package from qa1 or similar just to get it from okay performing to really good on the road.
And yeah those heads are probably among the most expensive things I own.
John Norris (AngryDrifter)
> The Swedish Bandit
04/05/2020 at 13:32 |
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Nice. Real progress. Still a lot of work remaining but certainly some satisfying mileston es achieved . And sta ying true w ith a real Pontiac block I see.
I see you chose to forgo the steel toed flip flops for the documentation effort.
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The Swedish Bandit
> John Norris (AngryDrifter)
04/05/2020 at 13:50 |
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Thanks! In the project is a lot further along in reality but I plan to share posts on here over the next couple of days until I’m up to present day.
I remember the day I put the engine in the subframe. It was really hot outside and it was before I had AC in the garage. I remember saying to myself that it’s probably a bad idea to handle all this heavy equipment in only flip flops but I was too lazy to go back into the house and change to real working shoes. But hey!, still have all my toes so I guessed it worked out.
My bird IS the word
> The Swedish Bandit
04/05/2020 at 14:45 |
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Nice to see someone who is further along than I am lol.
Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW!
> The Swedish Bandit
04/05/2020 at 15:24 |
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I am looking to update the front end on my Firebird as well. I was also thinking of doing the Energy Suspension bushings. Looks awesome! Can’t wait to see it finished!!!
Tapas
> The Swedish Bandit
04/05/2020 at 15:25 |
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That is fracking amazing!
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The Swedish Bandit
> My bird IS the word
04/05/2020 at 15:35 |
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A little bit each day will get you there. When working on this car I always tried to acomplish at least one thing, no matter how small each day. Spoiler alert: in the end the car was “ finished”
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My bird IS the word
> The Swedish Bandit
04/05/2020 at 15:38 |
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Yeah, I have been trying to go towards small jobs because I am really starting to hate working on the thing. I think I just need my car running and legal so I can actually enjoy it for a while.
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The Swedish Bandit
> Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW!
04/05/2020 at 15:38 |
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Do it! I bought the full kit for my car and I can tell you it's night and day since before the restoration. Really good results for such a small investment.
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The Swedish Bandit
> My bird IS the word
04/05/2020 at 15:43 |
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I know what you mean. There were days I couldn’t stand looking at the thing. During those days I would always try to do a simple easy job and that in turn would motivate me to continue with the bigger jobs.
And beer. Beer also helps...
pip bip - choose Corrour
> The Swedish Bandit
04/06/2020 at 05:49 |
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slowly but surely. you’ll get it going one day