New Full Restoration in the shop Saving an F-body 1969 Pontiac Firebird

On this video we introduce the next restoration car a 1969 Pontiac Firebird that has been rusting away in fields for 20 years. Its in rough shape and will basically need everything replaced and brand new. Stay tuned for this special build.
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[@twinh53]

So many times people are heard saying “my first car was ….” Followed by “I wish I still had it”. You had the foresight to hang on to yours! This should be an interesting project and hearing the backstory of the car is even better. Also, it’s great to see your kids are included in the project. That part is priceless.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you very much I know what you mean I feel very lucky to still have it. Thanks for watching!

[@ozcrane5984]

Precious memories watching you and your family working on the cars together brings back memories I’ll treasure as long as I live. I had 3 uncles all n the used parts business and I’d carry the kids daughter was 8-9 son was 4-5 downtown uncle A C s recovery yard and turn them loose when they would come back they were complete dirt balls . My wife (lord rest her soul ) would have a fit but she’d end up laughing as we gave them showers n the back yard with a water hose. Later it was nothing to come home and find the yard full of the neighbor hood guys and girls working on a car or more often pieces of a car under a home built gantry (two phone polls and a piece of I beam) n our back yard. At 77 all the kids are scattered around and moms up on the mantle waiting on me but I thank U for bringing back the memories. Hey have a great day!

[@carthageclassiccars]

You are welcome and thank you for watching and sharing about your life with the car years past. Its so great and motivational to hear some get so much out of the little things I seem to over look sometimes.

[@santoscamacho3361]

If it's rare car..and that's your dream car..who cares what people say...if you can do it and have the resources..go for it!...man you've inspired me to get back to my build!..it's been sitting for a year and I lost motivation but watching you build something that needs more work than my car puts me to shame and makes me realize my car isn't so bad and I should tear it down and restore what she needs....88 Monte Carlo luxury sport is my ride...I too served in Iraq..Thank you for your service!

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks for your service brother! Man you made my day hearing this helped motivate you, hang in there do a little at a time, every bit of forward progress helps and take pictures, go back every so often and look at them. It may seem like you have not got anywhere until you look back. Good luck on the build it will be nice when done.

[@aMAYSingMetalWorks]

Thank you brother for the shout out. If you need and help let me know. Can't wait to see this car come back to life

[@carthageclassiccars]

You are welcome man and thank you!

[@roonbooks3227]

I like that you include your son . he's going to be an expert. My dad taught me a lot.he was a round track racer in the 50s. His stock car was a 34 ford!! Hes 92 now. My uncle is Jeb Allen ,so ive been around the drag pits when i was young...im probably right full of lead hehe from all the leaded fuel back in the day

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks for the comment and I feel very lucky he is a part of this at times just like I am sure your dad was. I am into the circle track stuff but always thought how cool it would be to be in the scene back in the era you were a part of. Also we still have leaded fuel on the racetrack so not everything has changed.

[@spitzemays2414]

I really appreciate what you're doing and enjoy watching - also, thanks for the shout out to Jubee & aMAYSingMetalWorks!

[@carthageclassiccars]

You're welcome for the shoutout and I really appreciate you watching!

[@tracycolorado]

Hell yes, tach on the hood makes it worth more. Good looking family, even the dog wants to be a part of it

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you really appreciate that, yea I always though the hood tach was the coolest part of this car.

[@is3180]

Great 2 c u working as a family... ✌️

[@carthageclassiccars]

I do feel very blessed to be able to share the experience with them.

[@donsonbr]

Sentimental is an interesting word to use.....meaning semi-mental and this project describes that to a tee. lol However if it was not for that, the industry would not be what it is today...we need more Sentimental people today. I love the project and can not wait to see the work you do.

[@carthageclassiccars]

I agree with you 100%, the classic car industry is only alive because of that. Most of the times people will put more money into these cars then a new fully loaded practical car for the connection.

[@danielburke4113]

I have no doubt it will be beautiful when done. Plus the kid's will get an education.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you, I feel very fortunate my kids are around something I feel is constructive.

[@ty3095]

I look forward to following along on this build. Keep the videos coming, thanks.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks for watching!

[@oacumulador]

Great project 👏

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you

[@eduardorivera2460]

Man dude you're the man!

[@carthageclassiccars]

thanks

[@johnferet8178]

A lifetime ago I had a '69 Firebird convertible in not as bad of shape, but not much better. Never had the time or money to fix it, so I resold iit after a few years. The dream for it (since you're looking for ideas) was to build a modern version of the '69, paint it the blue that was on the old Dodge Conquest, and put black Trans Am GTA crosslace wheels on it.

[@carthageclassiccars]

I have a set of GTA wheels, not opposed to trying them out at least and see how they look, thanks for the suggestion.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

This is a super cool project Rick... I have to watch this in more detail. Really cool you are saving your early life car. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks for watching Max. Yea i said it when i got it ill make it really nice. It only took 25 plus years but if I don't build it now I probably never will.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

@carthageclassiccars hah isn't that always the story. Seems to be a constant in all car guys I meet I swear at least half the people I film with have this scenario as well. I still have my 2nd car (first one I ever bought myself) when I was 22 standing on the side of my house. It's been off the road for almost 9 years... but your story is much more impressive I can't wait to see what you are going to do to this thing!

[@davidbrown-55]

Beautiful. I can’t wait to see this total build. I have a 68,69,and 76. Excitement is in the air. Jubee is a gd dude. Congrats on the project.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks a lot, that's really cool about the firebirds, once you get one it seems the others find you lol. Yea Jubee is really cool!

[@yardsausage]

i have never seen anything from you until now..and i was glued to this video..i subbed..

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks I appreciate it!

[@brucebartlett1950]

Same here own a collision repair shop in Texas at home nights and some weekends working on my 72 Camaro in my garage wife thinks I'm crazy it's relaxing as i started at 16 with a70 Camaro something ya can't explain..

[@carthageclassiccars]

Nice sounds like a great project, you either have that type of personality or you don't I agree with you 100%

[@GoGoGarage]

Cool, look forward to watching the build.

[@carthageclassiccars]

thanks for checking it out

[@jeffg9013]

Excellent video!!! Great quality and you are very descriptive!!!

[@carthageclassiccars]

thank you

[@UnconventionalMetal]

Telling by your accent, I guessed Pennsylvania or New York. Thanks for your video on chassis frame building, I’d been considering it for my Blazer resto. Also, thank you for your service.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Glad you enjoyed it and yes Pennsylvania around the north eastern part of the state!

[@onedayiwillmakesomecontent]

Love it! Tuned in from Australia 🇦🇺

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you

[@robtanner5583]

Looking forward to this build … firebirds have the best front end …. Ponchs (CHiPs) back in the day was my introduction to early firebirds

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks and Yes I think that bumper on front really sets it apart.

[@patwelter5092]

I bought a 65 Mustang convertible in Rhode Island back in 1980. It was essentially a basket case, but I took it on anyway. After going through it a total of three times, I still have the car. The hood and trunk lid are the only body panels original to the car. The six cylinder drivetrain is gone, replaced with a 351W, AOD transmission and Granada rear end. I learned a lot getting that car to its current state. I wish there had been resources like your vids back in the day. Your work is great!

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks a lot. Awesome to hear about your Mustang that is really cool and a great car to have and bring back to life.

[@lr7633]

go for it!

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks!

[@jackclayton7419]

Great video on many levels.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you very much!

[@paulkolb3045]

Great videos, I really enjoyed them!

[@carthageclassiccars]

thanks a lot its great to hear the feedback!

[@toddhendley67]

Rick...I'm a MOPAR guy but would LOVE to see you do both a 68-71 Ford Torino/Mercury Cyclone and a 68-72 Chevelle.

[@carthageclassiccars]

If the right one crosses my path at the right time I hope I am one day able to build at least the Chevelle but also the Torino would be cool

[@toddhendley67]

Thanks!

[@toddhendley67]

And thanks for your service in the US Army

[@carthageclassiccars]

@@toddhendley67 Thank you very much. I really appreciate your contributions to my channel!

[@fernandobarrera8613]

Wuaua nice car

[@carthageclassiccars]

thank you!

[@whatintownation6347]

Thank you for your service sir can’t wait to see how this one turns out

[@carthageclassiccars]

You are welcome.

[@67NovaJayFoxbodyRestoration]

Great family project, glad you hung on to it.. It's was nice here some of your background and thank you for your service. Can't wait for the next video..

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you very much, the next video will be out this afternoon. I appreciate you following along.

[@johnkelly6942]

I wouldn’t buy any car that has been repainted unless the seller had photo/video proving the condition of the car before paint. I hit the subscribe button and will follow the project

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you. I do agree with you there are plenty of really bad ones out there covered up with some paint.

[@grantr5417]

This previous video I missed just showed up. I get it 👍

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks for checking this one out also!

[@johnnyfeher3412]

Awesomeness! Cant wait to see this beauty bought back to life!

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks for watching!

[@normaguerra6158]

Following…..👍🏻👏🏻

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks

[@icedog75]

Looking forward to this series for sure. Your work is over and above....the world has really changed since the days of my 1968 Nova SS....sure wish I had that car now!

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks for following along, maybe one day you can at least find one similar if that's what you want.

[@mightymikethebear]

You have been involved in other people's projects for many years. Now you will be doing your own project from start to finish - which is cool. I am sure your subscribers are ready to follow your progress.

[@carthageclassiccars]

I am excited for the build thanks for the comment and checking it out!

[@teamidris]

Similar story: My 1958 landrover was my 16th birthday present. I fixed it up so I could take my driving test in it :o) I bent the front wing outer panel real bad when I was 17 and it wasn’t good to start with :o at 51 years old I had the skills to panel beat and work it back into shape. (For 30 years it had a glass fibre replica panel, which actually looked perfect)

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thats really cool, thanks for sharing!

[@67polara]

Who is fluffy-butt? We have a Golden Retriever ourselves such snazzy dawgs !

[@carthageclassiccars]

The killer shop dog, flash! They are such a great breed of dog for sure.

[@eduardorivera2460]

Man bro love your story! Its actually very similar to my life story too. We're about the same age too. Very proud of you. Watching all your videos is so inspiring and I have the upmost respect for what y'all are doing with your shop.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks a lot I really appreciate it!

[@kennethmays6830]

It’s gonna be nice. Can’t wait to see your work and the finished product

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you!

[@michaelsidhu4079]

Looking forward to seeing the progress on this Firebird. 😎

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks

[@Jstme303]

Late here but good back story.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you for checking it out!

[@jeffkirkwood7833]

Looking forward to following along with this project, I really enjoyed the Nova you did. I have a ‘71 Nova 396 w/TKX 5 speed, 4:10s. Working on finishing the body. Thanks

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks for watching the nova and following along to this one also

[@chuckypaonita7974]

That's a great project!! My opinion is the same as yours, I you like it then build it, I have a 67 Camaro that needs work, roof panel and quarters so watching you build this car will help me tremendously, thanks for sharing!!

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thats great to hear I really hope it helps.

[@SkYsLiDeR9000]

Used to have a 69 Formula 400. Forty years ago. Good luck with the build, looking forward to seeing it progress.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you!

[@markkushba1335]

I'm looking forward to future videos of your "BIRD".

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks yea trying to put them out in a timely matter so everyone doesn't have to wait too long

[@mrmalone2222]

These are one of my favorite F-Bodies. Can't wait to see your personal touches. I know you will excel in workmanship. I hope there is a plan to install mini-tubs, and maybe a manual transmission.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks a lot, I am going to say without giving it away but I think you will be happy with some of my choices.

[@raymondw7875]

This is going to be a great series! I wonder if we would have crossed paths in Iraq in '05.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Its a small world you never know, I was over there with 525MI

[@nanonorthlabs3375]

Please brother start the build, go step by step, and finish it. The amount of channels that die because they don't is insane, but the amount of traction you will get will be heavily rewarded by KZbin and fans. I am telling you as a long time subscriber of many channels, I remember GoonSquad's growth from back when they had 30k subs, now they are in the millions. There are guys like me who dream of rebuilding cars but understanding it step by step is very difficult without a full proper rebuild. Your channel will be the new upcoming car channel, I can promise you that. Just to prove it, I am 30 years old with a full software company I run, and we watch your videos in our office.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks a lot for the inspiration that was really cool to hear about you watching them in the office. I plan on doing exactly what you requested on this car, step by step as best as I can.

[@nanonorthlabs3375]

@@carthageclassiccars my pleasure, we also love seeing the kids get involved you are an amazing dad

[@carthageclassiccars]

@@nanonorthlabs3375 thank you!

[@adubbelde1]

My first new car was a 69 firebird. I paid $3926 for it. Would love to have another but I'd probably put an LS or LT in it.

[@carthageclassiccars]

That's awesome don't we all wish they still sold for those kind of prices.

[@DirtyOleMopar]

As much as I love, Mopar, actually my father gave me a 69 Firebird that has been in the family longer than I’ve been alive

[@carthageclassiccars]

That is so cool hopefully you're able to keep it up and running well

[@Squarebodychevy1985]

Nice bud

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks!

[@jameslovay7683]

Nice project. I know what you mean. I have a 1972 gran torino sport, formal roof, that probably isn't worth the effort to anyone else, but it is to me. Will be watching for sure.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks a lot and nice good luck with your Gran torino

[@junkyarddawgfixit8970]

Looks like you have all the elements for a great series here, a very challenging build with hands on family support, and its "your car", it dont get much better than that. Its scary to think about how many cars in that condition have been "disposed of" for whatever reason, many of them well optioned and low production numbers. Still trying to figure out how many 1975 firebird esprit 4 speed, 350 4bbl cars were built in bimini blue with white/blue contrast interior and a/c. The car is in pretty rough shape but still runs and drives. We plan on restoring it to as built configuration in the near future. Keep rolling.....

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thank you, I really hope it works out. Good luck on your build. If you film it let me know I would be interested in following along.

[@MichaelGerber-mo1sx]

So your in Pennsylvania also that's cool you do really great work maybe some day I'll find me a 1972 Nova SS with a 4speed manual transmission and a 350 like my first car and bring it to you for a perfect restoration but for now I'm going to watch you videos

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks a lot and hopefully one day Ill be able to build a Nova for you.

[@MichaelGerber-mo1sx]

@@carthageclassiccars and if I get money I will definitely do that I'm impressed with your work very good fabrication love to see one of your paint jobs

[@pnuts1649]

What a mess. Should have bought a dessert car when you were at Fort Huachuca. Oh well, look forward to the rebuild.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Yea well its more then the model of the car but the memories in this car, it should be able to be fixed

[@davebarron5939]

Whoa! Whats with the beautiful 3rd gen Camaro next to this car????

[@carthageclassiccars]

Another car that I use to hot rod and now sits there waiting for something to be done with it and maybe back on the road.

[@jayhilliard4365]

I have a bunch of original 69 camaro parts that you may want that switch over to the firebird. If you are interested, let me know.

[@carthageclassiccars]

I thought of that initially 10 plus years ago, but honestly I lose the interest in the car and doesn't seem the same to me as a camaro. My first car was a firebird so it will actually be similar to what I envisioned but updated in 98 when I first saw it.

[@jayhilliard4365]

@@carthageclassiccars I was not suggesting switching over to camaro. I have some parts that work on both cars. If you run into something you are missing let me know as I may have it. I am basically giving stuff away as I am not building another first gen.

[@brdarley]

The most expensive resto is the one done by a sentimental owner! Ask me how I know 🤪

[@carthageclassiccars]

Nice, we all got to learn the hard way!

[@brdarley]

@@carthageclassiccars You happen to have a chevelle comin anytime? Im hoping you do. Im having a hard time figuring out the bottom quarter to trunk drop off extension connection with these aftermarket panels.

[@carthageclassiccars]

@@brdarley As of right now I do not sorry.

[@nigcor]

I have a 1970 roadrunner a shop pulled the trunk floor quarters rear taillight panel ,I purchased AMD everything for the rear ,well minus a couple things, will you take this on

[@carthageclassiccars]

You can feel free to contact me at [e-mail] thank you

[@danielmazurek7559]

Hi Rick, I have a question. Since the shell is weld to the jig, how do you intend to strip the car to bare metal to prep for restoration. Do you sandblast the shell? Chemical dip? Hand grinder? Just curious since the shell is weld to the jig.

[@carthageclassiccars]

Thanks for checking out the build, usually with the cars that come to the shop its a case by case basis as there is no one easy answer. For this car I will show the process, but the quick summary is I gut the car first, cut out anything I am not keeping, It will be wet blasted, but there will literally be nothing external left of the car when it goes to blasting. There will be no floor ect so getting underneath shouldn't be a problem. There is a video I did of a 69 Charger sandblasting if you look where I dry blast that car in a similar state. I also personally do NOT believe in media blasting external body components so if I was keeping anything on the outside it would be hand stripped.

[@67polara]

Just please put a Pontiac engine and not an LS in it. Yeeesh !! Okay okay it's yours but dang when is enough LS's enough ?!! LOL

[@carthageclassiccars]

haha I won't say for sure but I think you will approve of my engine decision