First drive 1968 Firebird since reassembly from restoration, what could go wrong??!?

1968 Firebird restoration, time to reap some of the rewards for several hours of playing cars. Completing a nut and bolt resto takes a lot of time and not always fun but a joy ride would
Most certainly be a whole lot cooler.
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#Pontiac #Firebird #restoration

[@davidcoffey3949]

Old girl looks spectacular!!!!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Not to shabby for a garage overhaul.

[@johnhowardesq]

Makes me feel 18! So freaking beautiful!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Heck yeah!

[@andersonrowland]

Great transformation! The car looks awesome.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

It should last for many more years now too.

[@kbsingleton]

Wooo!!! BIG milestone! Congratulations!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thanks!! Wish I had it done for the trans am nationals

[@IndyBass]

Absolutely beautiful! And the Mountain Dew seat is a decent color match, so that’s a bonus. 😉

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Yes it’s almost a perfect match.

[@twobeards6714]

There's something about the sound of a Poncho engine that gets me going. I was headed there yesterday but my princess won't go out in a thunder storm!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

I agree and even the factory exhaust sounds great as well.

[@perrywe1]

great progress. Maiden voyage was successful. Good luck finding the rear end noise. Keep us posted.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

I am going to start by looking at the left side axle bearing for the noise.

[@honeybadger-pg2nb]

Looking forward for future episodes especially on the rearend fix

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Right on I will definitely get that on video.

[@TheOneAboveAll-001]

That's a badass driveway 😆

[@VinylVillageGarage]

I can’t complain that is for sure.

[@BruceStargardt]

I have to admit that you have motivated me to finally start on my own restoration journey (hope mine ends as awesome as the Great Pumpkin). I bought a 68 firebird convertible 32 years ago that literally had a 4 inch diameter tree growing through the floor pan preventing it from being moved. I had to bring a chainsaw with me when I picked it up and it (the car not the tree) has been hanging out in my garage waiting for the time when my finances and free time were finally in alignment to start the restoration. I retired about a year ago and started exhuming the bird from all the stuff that had been piled in and on it over the years. I have learned a lot from your videos and hope to start tearing her down in the next few weeks. My dream is to be able to take the drive you took in the GP in my own bird within the next couple of years. Thanks for the motivation.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

No better time then the present to get started. I hope you will be behind the wheel of your bird soon as well. I have rescued cars that trees where growing thru, wish videos phones where a thing back when i did. It was sunk into the ground, no tires or wheels. It was a day long adventure just to get it freed and drug out of the woods. I wish you the best of luck and a fun adventure. Gotta save them birds

[@leegreen2163]

Remember the scene in "Smokey & The Bandit" where the Bandit drove the Trans Am out of the trailer, stopping on the ramp to talk to Cletus? When you opened the garage door.....lol! AWESOME BUILD!!! Thanks for all of your videos!!

[@jamessharp9790]

I can’t say how great it looks. Can’t wait to see full interior . Ty for all you do- it sounded great

[@VinylVillageGarage]

I am surprised how nice the factory style exhaust sounded, I just about have that interior done and video soon as well

[@jamessharp9790]

@@VinylVillageGarage well , no cars going now but you’re inspiring me to get my 80’ Honda Cr250R USA built this year only build moving once I get going after knee replacement.

[@JamesBurch-ms1ml]

It looks and sounds sooooooooo great! Love the sound of a true Pontiac dual exhaust.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

For a factory exhaust I think it sounds fantastic as well

[@IITopherII]

CONGRATS!! I've been going really really slow on my project. But I love watching your videos. They keep me excited to plug along.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Nothing wrong with that slow And steady wins the race. Ironically enough years ago i watched overhaulin to get a little more momentum to keep building. Seems to put me in build mode

[@davidbisnette7673]

Gorgeous car transformation, great job !

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Huge change from a year ago. So close to be complete

[@davidbisnette7673]

You have done a fantastic job with that car

[@ArrowheadGarage]

Oh yea I LOVE THE COLOR.... and FIRST DRIVE HELL YES!!!!!!!!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Wow that was fun and made this journey even better and rewarding. Something about building something with your hands and the putting it to the test. Its a bit of a rush.

[@JL-rg7se]

It’s alive!!! Wow what a transformation

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Huge change since a year ago

[@kevinmanning4880]

Congratulations on your maiden voyage! Looks amazing. Your videos are so educational. Thank you for your dedication to Us viewers. Look forward to more videos!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Wow thanks, yeah I have a lot more to share so I don’t see this adventure ending anytime soon.

[@kevinmanning4880]

@@VinylVillageGarage glad to be along for the ride.

[@stephenhoosick7434]

Came out nice and sounds great....

[@VinylVillageGarage]

for a factory style exhaust it sounds great!

[@TheOneAboveAll-001]

Wow it looks Awesome! Dassdope! Inspiring!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thanks a ton!

[@brian2359]

Looks great out on the road!!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thanks. Looks and feels great!

[@milesunderwood2380]

Sounds great looks awesome you do excellent work, the no seats reminds me when I was in highschool my shop teacher had a Corvette he let me do the engine, transmission and drive train and the kids in the body shop do the body but after I finished the drivetrain and had the body back on no seats just milk crates we took it for a drive and got pulled over 😂 didn't get in trouble but he was chewed out for having me in the car and out on the road with it not finished but hey we was having fun 😂 best teacher I had , and now I really miss having my old 69 bird some day things will change and my son and I will get one till then Thanks For Sharing yours and your videos they give me hope and keep me going 👍👍

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Memories is what it is about, making them and sharing the stories and the good feeling that goes with them come back every time. I hope you do find another 1969 bird

[@TheRealRyan68]

Congratulation!!👏👏👍👍

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thank you! I am gearing up for the next one

[@billmiller5075]

Very very nice

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thanks buddy wished I could have made it to the nationals with it.

[@Schrimpieman]

Famtastic!! Congratulations!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

It was a good day and felt great

[@firstgenerationgarage2803]

That Firebird came out looking amazing my friend You knocked it out the park 👏

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thanks buddy yours is looks nice as well. And I get to see it next week

[@melissadunagan6596]

It does look great.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thank you! Many hours well spent

[@Ron-gm8jk]

Fine job!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thanks!

[@burntclutches]

That thing is stunning in the sunlight!!! Going to be sad to watch it go but that just means next project!!!!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Yup I have a couple in mind to do next.

[@johnstevens3778]

Looks great love the color

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thank you!

[@chevyfan82]

Nice 👍

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thank you

[@drewpackard6646]

Mike you have done a fantastic job on the Firebird!! Looks amazing!!👍🏽

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thank you. Should be finished with it completely in the next few weeks

[@RandDCustoms2]

Car is looking great!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

thanks!!! yours will too

[@Kevin_Ruz]

Looks great in the sun! Gotta love the first drive. The excitement and well. Find out all the stuff that isn't quite right. Yet again. Awesome job!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

You got that right! And not much to fix either which is even better

[@jraposo911]

Love it😊JR

[@VinylVillageGarage]

You and me both. 😎

[@richarddobreny6664]

Looks amazing!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Much appreciated!

[@GoGoGarage]

Yup, feel the same way, just want to go for a drive. It's looking good, thanks for sharing.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

You are getting a lot closer to that first drive as well

[@honeybadger-pg2nb]

Soooooo gooooooooood!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@VinylVillageGarage]

I think so too.

[@browser90]

Absolutely amazing

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Definitely not the same car from a year ago.

[@patrickmerriman2952]

Speaking of attention-to-detail, you misspelled "Pontiac" on the spoiler! J/K ;) Phenomenal job, Jon! It looks fantastic! Better on the road for sure.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

You know spelling was my worst subject in school. You had me worried for just a second 🤣

[@rajcam80]

Awesome job sir!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thank you kindly!

[@rajcam80]

@@VinylVillageGarage Hard to imagine like you said, a hr here and there will get things done. That is proof it is possible.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

@@rajcam80 yeah I spend a few hours a week in the garage but it’s not my full time job either. If it was I could build several cars a year I bet

[@rajcam80]

@@VinylVillageGarage I say impressive!

[@Pontiacs_and_Pickin]

Outstanding work as usual. Love the color combination on the pumpkin. I subscribe to only one channel on KZbin and it’s VVG!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thanks! That is quite the honor much appreciated.

[@bradsrestorations1085]

I've been waiting to see it in the sun. Absolutely stunning! Your documentation of this build has been fantastic. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your build.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

It does look even nicer outside, a few small things to wrap up and onto the next one

[@russellking9657]

Thanks so much ! Watching you build this bird has helped me immensely on my first build ! Beautiful ride!! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Fantastic news! Glad to hear another one going back together as well

[@eric530]

DAMN she is pretty!!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thanks. I hope it can make it to FirebirdFest next year

[@eric530]

I'm also hoping to take mine next year! Hopefully you can help Brian out so he can get his there too! @@VinylVillageGarage

[@VinylVillageGarage]

@@eric530 I am all in on helping him. As soon as his engine is back from the machine shop I will be in Arizona to help assemble and install is the goal.

[@davidbrown-55]

Very nice boss! Put som redlines on it.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

That would be a nice touch as well

[@randyrhine9896]

Awesome build! Just because the car won’t make it doesn’t mean you can’t go. Drive The Judge! Hope to see you there Saturday!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

I still have my convertible too. I might have to sneak over for a few hours.

[@johnsupko6615]

My brother had 68 convertible autumn bronze with a white top. Dashboard was black as was the console.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Yes That is how they where from the factory. The pearl interior had black accents. This was a custom touch the owner requested. Same as the headrests and few other small items

[@JK_Nex_Garage]

Looks great and sounds great. Can’t imagine what the first drive feels like after all that work. We will when ours is done. All of us on the other end of these videos are so lucky you took the time and effort to make these videos of this build. Thank you for that.👍

[@VinylVillageGarage]

First drive even though it’s not a 100% done is just so rewarding. Then when it’s finished even better. I hope that you and the miss’s get there soon and that will be an awesome day. I hope to see it in person as well.

[@dpin6072]

Bet that thing shines like the sun outside! Think I saw your T/A at the TransAM nationals (Saturday). First Gen Firebirds well represented.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

I parked close to the in progress area. Loads of beautiful birds. I hope next year to have two cars there.

[@dpin6072]

Had a opertunity to talk with a lot of car owners this year. My favorite part of the show is hearing the storys behind the cars.

[@dpin6072]

Few cars caught my eye. First did you see the 68 Silver bird in the back. Don't see a lot 1st gens in this OEM color. There was a blue 69 Camaro RS conv in the parking lot adjacent to the show, gorgeous! The wife like the KITT clone the best, full audio and TV show dash. The white with black zebra strips first gen with huge slicks was an eye catcher too. Been awhile since seen a factory 60's stright 6 under the hood. Forgot how long those blocks are.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

@@dpin6072 my youngest loves the kitt car she even got to sit in the seat. Got a cool pic too. I did see the Camaro across the lot. I didn’t walk over to Check it out but it looked decent

[@VinylVillageGarage]

@@dpin6072 mine too. The stories are quite interesting, like where they found it, how that got it home even.

[@billiebrew2185]

Looking gooder Jon! Milk crates work well for first drives , lots of good memories of sitting on them. That battery cover is pretty cool. Can’t wait to see the interior finished up.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Yes it does! what a cool gift. I have been know for sitting on the spare tire. has a little more mass and the tire sticks to floor which is nice if it’s a manual trans car.

[@raymondsmith1956]

Don't lose a minute of sleep over not making the TA Nats because as you said you have a real life that isn't consumed with cranking out the next video. You have done a great job on the the Great Pumpkin as so many of us can attest to because we have watched every singe episode. Man, how I love my Pontiacs and your channel is a real oasis for those of us infected with the Tin Indian Virus!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

and that is a virus I would like to see spread too. thanks for joining us on bring back this car every step of the way. I can’t thank you enough.

[@cliftsgarage4974]

I picked out a good used 67 Camaro on leave while home with my dad long go. He said it needs an axle bearing as soon as I got back overseas. It was only 4 years old so that might be common. Press on bearing to axle type. He replaced it and drove it a bit until I got out. If the sound does not change when turning both directions its the 3rd member though.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

It seems to change pitch when shifting weight left to right. Louder when loading the left side. I am going to pull the left axle first and inspect the bearing

[@cliftsgarage4974]

I will admit it sure sounded like pinion bearing. That or the drive shaft possibly rubbing on something but since it was consistent but you weren't going over bumps or humps.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

@@cliftsgarage4974 still could be, That mystery will Be solved soon when I tear into it

[@woodrowdelozier1]

I am in love with that bad ass car 💪😎

[@VinylVillageGarage]

You and me both. I will miss it when it goes.

[@kenny3217]

I bet you it is one or both of the carrier bearings on the diff. The 12 bolt posi on my 69 Camaro was making the same noises and that fixed it. Also the lash on the ring to pinion gear was too loose.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

I hope to dig into the diff here soon and solve the mystery

[@jesseowens1492]

Ive bever seen anyone oook that small in a firebird...

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Wow. Interesting I am 6’2”

[@ParadiseBayCustoms]

👏👏👏

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thanks! You will be doing the same soon as well. I will tell you it makes the time invested worth it

[@Kyle_Nelson]

Driving the car Always makes the work feel worth it! I still can't believe that paint was done in your garage without even a make shift booth setup. Great Job! Also I would like to send you a tool for your projects, how do I get the address? And my Best friend just moved to Indiana and drug his mint 68 Camaro all the way from Cali that has been in his family since the 70's!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Heck if that Camaro was from Cali I bet it’s almost rust free and definitely worth hauling to Indy. Send me an e-mail [e-mail] then i can get you a shipping address

[@Kyle_Nelson]

@@VinylVillageGarage ok email sent

[@user-fk5dl6cs3q]

Hi Jon, how did you get such a perfect match on the dash re-cover. I saw the material you used was not the final color. Did you paint it with a flex agent?

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Yes I have a paint that I used on the interior parts, holds up good on flexible parts too when prepped well

[@timg8045]

Hey Mike, what size is that fan spacer that you have? I need to get my fan out of the shroud a little more, yours looks to be spot on. The car looks great, nice job! 👍🏻

[@timg8045]

Sorry, I meant Jon..

[@VinylVillageGarage]

I have no spacer, I am running factory water pump, pulley and 7 blade fan with fan clutch

[@JoeBraden-q7o]

Looks great... do you ever sale any of these cars ??

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Lol. I haven’t yet. Well completed cars that is. I have sold a few of my projects off

[@tansantangianu7299]

i was sweating there for a minute. i wasnt sure that 69 deluxe firebird seat would fit (🤣). how did you get the ammeter hooked up? the last video didnt show.

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Still have to do the ammeter hook up and video. Those are actually 1968 seats I modified them to accept headrests.

[@tansantangianu7299]

the seat looks really good (the whole car does actually) they look really white though, is there another color besides parchment? thanks for the replies ill keep an eye out for the ammeter install and the rest of the wiring.@@VinylVillageGarage

[@rogerkisling8869]

That is way to high caliber car to hurry..it has the rest of its life for show and shine parties..

[@VinylVillageGarage]

thanks and I agree the nationals and other car shows will be there next season when it’s all done up right.

[@JamesWoodring-mu2iz]

really enjoyed ur video beautiful car. my first ride was a 68 i bought in 81. guy i bought it fromput a 428 ram air 3 in in it backed by a turbo 400. i was only 19at the time and i crashed it after having it about 6 months. still miss that car after all these years good luck on the car its something to be proud of

[@VinylVillageGarage]

I could not imagine the trouble I would have gotten into at 19 with a 428 powered bird myself. You could always find another one 😎

[@bigbrian2486]

Love that color,awesome job on the rebuild!

[@VinylVillageGarage]

Thanks! It is a really cool color for sure