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My 1970 Formula Rebuild Project

70formula

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with the package tray reattached and holding the quarter panels together properly, I was able to cut out the brace I had welded in, and check the fitment of the decklid and tail lights. Still using the temporary clecoes to ensure that the tail panel and trunk pan and gas tank braces are all lined up properly, and not causing any weird gaps. Overall, considering the number of aftermarket panels this car is needing, I'm fairly surprised at how well everything is fitting together. Looks like I can start welding the gas tank straps in, and then the trunk pan!


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70formula

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Well, very solid day of progress was accomplished on my day off today. The package tray is now fully welded in, both shoulders are welded in, and it looks worlds better than it started...
Dont take my word for it...

Before...


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after


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Welds need to be ground down still, but overall, very happy for my first time every doing something this level before.
 
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Knightrider189

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Looking good. A lot of man hours but so worth it in the end.
Thanks for keeping us up to date.


1989 Pontiac Formula Firebird, 5.7, all OEM
 
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70formula

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Today's big progress was getting the upper package tray welded in. This piece fit like a glove and made the back half of the car so much more rigid...
Rust o Rama is July 20th....would love to get this back half the car back together in time to take her there...we shall see! Got a lot of work left to go but over the hurdle now...

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Munkyslut

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3 weeks sounds a little optimistic but considering your ability to get work done I reckon you have a chance! 👍👌👍
 
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70formula

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Been a busy few weeks with life and work, but I am going to be picking up a shell on Saturday to harvest the t top roof off it, the decklid, 4 speed hump, and maybe some quarter panels patches. I debated for a bit just using the whole shell and pulling the hood / doors / drivetrain / basically the subframe and front clip forward of my 70 onto the 78 shell.....as the shell Im picking up is fully rust free...but a frankenbird didnt seem right even if I did change the tail panel back over to a bird instead of camaro tail lights.


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Knightrider189

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I agree!

It's way too solid to slice and dice through.

Awesome find.


1989 Pontiac Formula Firebird, 5.7, all OEM
 
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70formula

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Well, my firebird has been listed for sale, and the funds will be used to build the new 1978 camaro. Cant afford both, and building the rust free body thats incredibly solid given that the cars are being stored at my in laws, its what needed to happen.
 

Munkyslut

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Haha I almost knew after you’d posted the news it wasn’t gonna get pirated for parts that it was gonna be the lead project……. & for what it’s worth I’m with you all the way, wise choice 👌👌
 
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Knightrider189

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Wise choice for sure!


1989 Pontiac Formula Firebird, 5.7, all OEM
 

70formula

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Haha I almost knew after you’d posted the news it wasn’t gonna get pirated for parts that it was gonna be the lead project……. & for what it’s worth I’m with you all the way, wise choice 👌👌
Yea, I had them sitting next to eachother and my brain kept saying - How could you possibly get the 70 to be this rust free...and I dont think I have the ability to. the 78...I can build it once, and do it right, and have a solid car.
 

Munkyslut

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Agree entirely………. decent long lasting body repair is a hard thing to master, installing mechanical parts is far easier to get right first time.
I hope if you’re allowed you can post some progress up on here? It’s still an F bomb after all!😎
 
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