I used my first 1968 Firebird hardtop as a daily driver for 16 years. That is what killed it. When I got out of the Army I needed a car and this one was in great condition, it had the OHC-6, automatic, Aleutian Blue, black vinyl roof, deluxe interior, low miles. I took it every where. It had a rough life with me.

I am working on a '68 Firebird convertible right now. I am at a crossroads as to whether I should make it gorgeous, or not so much. I have several friends that have restored their Firebirds to museum quality. They hardly ever take them out of the garage. Even with classic car insurance, they are scared to death some rubberhead will smash into them. You have to admit, these days that is a distinct possibility.

The reason I used my first Firebird so casually, was because, after a while, it was not very nice looking. It was mechanically sound, but in primer most of the time. Worse, I worked in a shady neighborhood and had to park it there for long hours. No one messed with it the way it was.

I was just on an auction site and found a red '68 Firebird 400 convertible. It was beautiful, but had a bad engine fire that even started to melt the dash items. It was still valued at $41.000. I know what these cars are worth is mint condition.

I live in NYC, where car theft is an art form. If I parked it in my living room, someone would try to steal it. A friend that lived close by had his '68 Firebird painted,. They stole it the next day. That is the main reason I stayed in primer. I also had a woman ram into my driver side door. Again, fixed and re-primered. EZPZ.

Now that I am, retireded, no need to park it anywhere but my garage. I have a long driveway and can park several modern cars in front of the garage. I am a good mechanic, but I suck at body work and painting. It would need a professional paint job.

Maybe a MAACO cheapola paint job? Another guy I worked with did some body work on his car every lunch hour. When he was done he took it to MAACO and told them to 'do the body work' and paint it. He knew they would find things he missed. They did a great job- it looked brand new. I have no problem doing the grunt work.

I would like to know what you guys do? Anyone use it as a daily driver? Or is it in a vault?