1969 F body installation of Outer Rockers, Subframe, cowl and dash panel Camaro & Firebird episode 5

[@johnnelson5659]

The best car building videos on the internet

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you very much!

[@paulthompson8642]

I am on a sitting and watching these videos this weekend

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you so much for the support. With this firebird I will be back on it soon with the next video in the series but there are plenty of other full build content on the channel

[@user-hc5of8xk3r]

Your son's going to grow up to be a master metal body man, a real unicorn in this day and age, most kids don't even want to think about learning stuff like this. When the rest of the world is lost, your son will be in high demand.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you I really hope so. Honestly I have been trying to find a balance between pushing a little but not making it where its already a job for him and he hates it.

[@tracycolorado]

Teach our children well, and they will never stray. You the man , Chase 😊

[@carthageclassiccars]

I am really proud of Chase, I try not to push the car stuff and make it enjoyable as best I can when he wants to be a part of it. Thanks for the kind words.

[@rphxbyr7473]

Amazing. Absolutely a true builder beyond anyone else I've seen. You should pursue a TV series.

[@carthageclassiccars]

I really do appreciate it, that is really nice of you to say.

[@bryancostlow8508]

Nice work. I don't understand why you don't have 250,000 subscribers

[@AndrewVerran]

12 months and he will, i'm certain.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks a lot its all good I really appreciate you all that tune in and support the channel.

[@jameslovay7683]

Very well done. I really appreciate your videos. Educational and very helpful.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you very much!

[@themillsvideos1556]

Outstanding! You are very knowledgeable and descriptive in cars / rebuilding.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you very much!

[@c.n.9074]

This is really coming together really well, your son is a great helper too. He is right there with a clamp, screw or tool right when you need it. You and your wife must be very proud of him, great job Chase!!

[@carthageclassiccars]

Yes he is a great helper for sure we are both really proud. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jeffsuggs8597]

I enjoy watching and learning ways of rebuilding better than they were

[@carthageclassiccars]

I do appreciate you following along!

[@michaelsidhu4079]

Your videos are perfect. Straight forward, no nonsense, no manufactured drama. So don't change a thing. 😎

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you very much for the feedback and watching!

[@michaelsidhu4079]

@@carthageclassiccars it's an absolute pleasure to watch each episode. Top quality channel. 😎

[@johnkelly6942]

You are a natural born teacher. Very nice video.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you!

[@johnnyfeher3412]

Thanks Rick and Family for giving insight, literally, on the vehicle's innards! Very informative.

[@carthageclassiccars]

You are welcome thanks for the feedback and watching!

[@johnjunker1454]

Another ambitious project.i like the fact that you are doing this indepth of a project.most "builders" I've seen on utube are not even close to doing stuff like this.they might show how to align a panel or show how to install a suspension or something like that. They are auto mechanics you are a builder. Build on bro.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks a lot for the nice words and watching. I really appreciate it!

[@robertbreland4356]

Most enjoyable Rick. Again, you are the "go to" for the best information available. Well done my friend.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks a lot I really appreciate you watching and the feedback!

[@jamesdonnell1969]

This channel is by far the best auto resto how-to on KZbin. Thank you for sharing your knowledge for wanna-be guys like me. If I lived near you, you would never have to buy beer again! Lol. Thanks again!

[@carthageclassiccars]

Haha thanks a lot I really appreciate the kind words and yes too bad you didn't live closer that sounds like a great offer.

[@Taxpayeroftherepublic]

GOOOOOOD to see Chase WORKING. Build some SKILLS!!!!

[@carthageclassiccars]

Yes It really makes me happy when he shows interest. Trying to get him to learn while not making it a job for him always a balancing act.

[@jerryezernack2769]

I'm a ford guy but my first new car was a 1975 trans am, like to see you keep a pontiac engine even if you fuel inject it and late model trans. Totally understand sentimental value! Good luck and thank you for your military service. Also good to see your family in the shop helping out.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you very much appreciate you watching

[@thruitallauto2538]

Love these videos, starting my 73 camaro, after 10 yrs,you’ve helped me tie up some lose ends in my head ,an set me on the right path, I have done some fine tuning on my car jig I built about 14 yr ago,

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks for watching and that's really awesome to hear good luck on your build.

[@randyrussell4331]

The bird 🕊️ is sprouting new feathers looking good 💯 looking 👍 good great job keep up the good work.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you very much!

[@raymondw7875]

I really enjoy these videos and am always looking forward to the next one. It is super cool that your son is involved with this build.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks a lot for following along and yes I feel really lucky when he is willing to help out and show interest.

[@raynyhus2026]

Your work is worth every penny. Id happily pay.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you

[@SuperMakDaddyMakar]

Omg Chase has the same hair style you had when you were in Grade school! 😂. Anyway great video Ricky keep up the great content ❤

[@carthageclassiccars]

Haha yes I guess he also saw the old pictures probably around the same time we were driving around in this car lol. Thanks Tom take care ill talk to you soon buddy!

[@middletownmookie1904]

I am really enjoying this series. I had a 1978 TA that was rotted out when it was only 16 years old from Chicago winters. I had high hopes and lots of panels. Didn’t have KZbin then and storage was becoming an issue. Gave up and kick myself every day. Thanks for sharing your story and hanging onto your Firebird. I’m doing a 87 Squarebody and all the welding tips are great and I look forward to seeing the progress. Thank you.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thats really awesome to hear the videos are helping. Sucks about your TA but glad you got the pickup to build on. Pickups now are becoming so popular, good luck on your build!

[@charlieseidelmann6702]

Great content. I appreciate the details and the reasons , pro and con that you do things the way you do.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you very much for watching and the feedback!

[@GoGoGarage]

Looks good. Thanks for sharing.

[@carthageclassiccars]

I appreciate you checking it out!

[@rafalkowalski5062]

Great work!

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you very much!

[@christinewhybrow8813]

I just want to thank you for your tremendously informative videos. I've got a '72 Charger I bought a while back. Having watched all your videos, & feel I might actually be able to tackle this car. Also, just want to say how awesome your son is! I can just imagine how fantastic he will be when he's grown up. I can see you as a fantastic shop teacher, as you work and talk. Again, THANKS!

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you very much for the kind words and feedback. With your car take your time maybe start on one area at a time so you don't get overwhelmed and I feel you will be just fine. Practice on the welding I think that is the most important part on keeping it safe and let me know if you have any questions.

[@brdarley]

Really looking forward to seeing the quarters go on so I can see the quarter to trunk floor extension!

[@carthageclassiccars]

I will try and highlight that part when I start installing them.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Fantastic video will need to watch this in detail as it covers some of the issues im having. If not its just good to learn! Great work as always dude

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks a lot and once you really dig into your car just take it slow and think about it you will be fine.

[@chuckypaonita7974]

Hey Rick, love watching your videos, I wish I could bring you my 67 SS, I need a roof panel and qtr panel work...

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you very much, email me @ [e-mail] and maybe we can set something up.

[@roonbooks3227]

You're basically building a brand new car

[@carthageclassiccars]

That is in my head what I am trying to do with almost anything that comes out of this shop. I feel for as expensive these cars are its almost the only way to justify the cost.

[@hollyrock911]

Nice job!

[@carthageclassiccars]

thank you

[@RichardHeadGaming]

Add rust repair to the description of your videos, panel replacement, etc. The more keywords you have the more searches you will pop up in.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you for the advice I will go ahead and add that recommendation.

[@bobfrankish8883]

Fantastic work Rick. Really enjoying this build. I am from the UK and always loved these cars. Am I right in thinking that this was the Jim Rockford car in "the Rockford Files" 70's TV series?

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you very much I believe the rockford files firebird was a second gen car so would have been a few years later but yes it would have been a firebird. I appreciate the comment and watching!

[@clydearmstrong6378]

Once i get everything aligned where i want it i make pen marks and i can use screw holes but my pen marks are thee absolute point of alignment .

[@carthageclassiccars]

That sounds like a good idea

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Is the cowl panel the same on a Nova? Mine is TOAST. Thinking about saving it but would be so much easier to re-do it. But my inner cowl is fine just the whole top. Thoughts?

[@carthageclassiccars]

Yes they are not interchangeable but in general they should be the same process to install. Getting the upper cowl out without damaging the lower will be the challenger but possible. I would personally replace it if it is that bad, then you would be able to get to the lower cowl from the top and seal it up with epoxy and make sure you don't see more damage you missed from the bottom.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

@@carthageclassiccars okay good point thanks man!

[@robertandlinda53]

I was watching you weld and it seems like we use the same welder. Lincoln mig. I have a lenco spot welder I use for my spot welder. I am just so impressed with you and your wife. you guys make a good team. what part of north carolina are you from? do you paint all your cars? well catch up with you later . I dont see how you get so much done doing a you tube channel plus doing the work to. talk later

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks a lot for watching and commenting. I appreciate it. Yes the welder I have is the Lincoln pro mig 180. For the sheet metal stuff it has been a good welder and I have had it over 15 years. I have though about upgrading but as you know it welds nice and rarely ever gives me issues. I am from Carthage NC and actually we don't usually paint cars anymore, mostly the metal work. I will do one and two here and there for really close friends and family to keep in practice. With the youtube and working, it can be a little bit of a balancing act but I try and set goals on videos and shop time and try to stick with them. Thanks again

[@Supanova70]

Question at 19:05 in vid right next to c-vise grips on the windshield cowl are 2 small oval holes punched out .I thought it was rot on mine and welded them closed. Do you know what they were for alignment locations from GM?Hopefully nothing important. What a great build!

[@carthageclassiccars]

Humm I know the dash covers over half of them. I think your ok as the last 69 firebird I assembled I don't remember screwing anything into them

[@jimdrechsel3611]

So much preparation you’ve done to make it assemble on camera relatively smooth. It’s was great watching your son get into it. I was wondering if he will follow your footsteps or if the demand will still be there in the future. What seam sealer did you use? You talked about strengthening the car frame with welding the seams. I was wondering if you thought about welding it together like a unibody and why you would want to keep the design of frame removal? It would seem stronger than a car resisting torque with just bolted locations. Just wondering cause of your racing background. When you did customized race cars didn’t you weld solid frames? Enjoyed the video. Did you teach your son to weld?

[@carthageclassiccars]

So I used believe it was ACdelco seam sealer on this project, I rotate seam sealer at times. Actually its funny last night I started welding in the subframe connectors from the rear frame to the front and this car also got a rear roll bar and down tubes. Another week or two before that video comes out. The build was planned from the beginning to be welded together the front clip to the rest of the car and yes I feel it is far superior in strength. So the bolt in front subframe is to locate the chassis before welding while making the fenders and everything else line up. When I build "true" race cars most of them were full tube chassis cars with a body hung on the chassis so its a whole different ball game vs the street "fun" style cars as this one will be. Also yes my sin has a litte bit of welding under his belt both TIG and MIG, I am not trying to push it so its still only fun for him now.

[@jimdrechsel3611]

That’s a great approach for your son. I grew up learning about metal working in a machine shop from my grandfather and father. Never realized how much I was able to learn and take advantage of until later in life from old school methods then learned how to weld. If he doesn’t know now he will realize later how much skill he develops from his dad right at home as compared to others who have an interest but have to pay for technical skills. Maybe he will get the finish painting skills and have the whole package. You will have to build an addiction in the future. Thanks for the responses. I will continue to watch and wait for more. Maybe some time you will do a custom rod design for racing. That would be interesting to watch as well as restoration work. Enjoyed it.

[@lionellambert9456]

Can you please give a link to where you get your panels for the f-body? I'm having a hard time finding parts.

[@carthageclassiccars]

try www.npdlink.com/ they should have most of the stuff you need or autometaldirect.com

[@joepatten4258]

maybe a stupid question but assuming the jig is level, the rocker should be level too?

[@carthageclassiccars]

Yes when building I level out the JIG all different directions and when mounting the car to a JIG I level out the rockers

[@Supanova70]

Where did you purchase the cowls. I got R/s from Muscle car central (AMD)and needed to split and pull apart upper inside corner and patch and weld. D/s i got from American performance (Ebay) aka Taiwan absolute junk., Is there anything made in America anymore?

[@carthageclassiccars]

No I don't believe there is any parts made in America anymore that is just the world we live in unfortunately. Both the cowl side pieces are AMD here. What I ended up doing is pulling and prying off the JIG and they seemed to work just fine.

[@zeeelander]

Are you out of Carthage Tx ?

[@carthageclassiccars]

No ....... Carthage North Carolina

[@gmwrenos7222]

Were there thoughts to making it a Camaro after taking it down this far?

[@carthageclassiccars]

So this is my first car since before I could legally drive, if it was anything but a 69 firebird I feel even the little what was left of it still would not feel like my first car so for this one not at all. On the flip side I know a 69 camaro is a lot more popular / valuable of a car and if I was hunting views and being a "professional youtuber" then yes that would have been the better plan.

[@gmwrenos7222]

@@carthageclassiccars Makes sense. I knew there had to be a reason. Was just curious what it would be.

[@carthageclassiccars]

@@gmwrenos7222 Yes if you get time and check out the first video on the car I go over the backstory on it if interested.

[@clydearmstrong6378]

Factory spec tolerance is 3 mills or less >> that is why you need a proffessional frame machine so you can actually measure what you are doing .