Hi everyone I just bought a 68 Firebird and am wanting to retore it. I was wondering if I could get some ideas on where to start. Should I do the body and paint first the chassis and suspesion or the opposite? It is going to be a long project over a couple of years I am just trying to get oranized now.

Welcome aboard..! You are definately in the right place, as I can attest. Can you post some pictures of it so we can see where you are at...or what shape it is in...Are you intending on dissassembling a large portion of it or are you hoping to keep it somewhat intact as you go...have a look at my link, that was complete body off resto...

welcome to the site,lots of people here to help. what you do first depends on the shape of the car and what you want out of it,and how much money you have.post a pic.

Rear quarters, floors, tail panel, and most likely trunk pan need replaced. I don't midn tearing it all apart like I said it is going to be a long project and I want to do it right and have something to be proud of. Thanks for the replies here are some pics. http://s287.photobucket.com/albums/ll153/bubbatooth/
I know I am a noob but is there a way to subscribe to a thread so it is mailed to me if there is a new post?

Hoy hoy screaminchicken! I guess the question should be, are you going to do a rolling resto? That's how I'm doin' my two. That way you can have fun drivin' it while repairs are underway. I don't care what it looks like, to a degree.

Of course one day they will have an extended stay off the road. That can be due to several factors... time, funds and parts. Other things get in the way like work and family matters.

From your pics, it looks like you have quite a hand full. But don't let that scare ya off. One of the thing you should get your hands on is the documentation on your 'bird. Pontiac Historical Service is where to get that: http://www.phs-online.com/order.htm
Looks like you have some nice options.

I'm curious of your build date and option package. I'm sure the bench seat is from a '67 'bird. In '68 and '69 the Deluxe interior was the only way you could get a bench seat. Some have experienced cross over year changes that aren't documented.

Hope you'll be ready for the long haul.

Hey Screaminchiken. You picked a great site.

If I were you (and I was awhile ago) I would do the drivetrain 1st. It made moving the car around so much easier. Do the firewall and subframe resto while you have the engine out, that way you won't have to yank it again. Here's a link to my car, which is almost ready for paint.

http://s149.photobucket.com/albums/s75/pjt5959/New%20Bird%202/

This is a great site!!!

I don't plan on driving it until it is done. I am wanting a frame off and was going to do chassis and suspension first but my dad thinks we ought to do the body and paint. He is worried about over spray on the work we already done but I think that a good shop would spray the fenders and hood off of the body and cover the exposed suspension. That and I don't see putting a freshly painted body on a rusted out subframe.

Will you guys be doing your own work? Have you done a full restoration before? Have you owned a first gen F body before?

That's a former vinyl top car, and shows evidence of needing extensive window channel work on top of the obvious.

I admire your willingness to tackle such a major project. It sounds like the time vs budget issue won't be too bad as you're not dealing with a set figure. And that's good, because this project looks like one done out of passion, not practicality.

We plan on doing everything except for the body work that doesn't bolt on. My dad has an automotive shop and is a Pontiac nut. He has owned many Birds but no first gens, he still has his first car he plans on restoring some day a 69 Grand Prix. I have no time limit or budget just whatever it takes to get it done right. I know it needs alot of work but I thought it was worth saving. I was about to start doing an 80 Camaro but wanted a classic instead.

I agree with you when you say that a good shop would paint the fenders, hood, doors, and trunk lid off of the body. Get everything aligned 1st and then remove and paint.

You can do the chassis work and the body work at the same time, if you build a dolly that bolts up where the subframe normally would (bottom of the cowl). Then you can restore the subframe and mechanicals while the body is off for welding and major repair. That is, if you have a garage bay and a half to devote to your car.

Welcome. You have come to the best site on the net for information on the first generation Firebirds.

I was (and still am) a novice at restoring Firebirds and could not of completed my project without the tons of help I got from here. I had never restored a car to even close to the extent I did on the one I have now. If you are committed to doing it and very handy, this place will be invaluable.

However, you need to really think about what you are getting ready to embark on. It took me three+ years of hard work to get my car to the point it is now (just about finished). I also have about 40K into the car.

If you are truly ready for the undertaking, go for it.

I would start by going over the car completely and make a list of what will need to be done and put together a reasonable budget and timeline. Don't be aggressive with the time or money, you'll probably be sorry if you do that.

Oh, and be prepared to get fed up with the work and money at times. There were a few times that I walked away from it for a month or two.

Welcome aboard and best wishes and good luck with your bird! Been there, done it. Although I must say I did not start out quite at the point you are. I admire anyone who is willing to bring back any old car from the brink...

wow...good for you....I did the full meal deal myself, 4 years and $45,000, but well worth it with the looks and hi 5s I get cruisin in it.....we are here to help.

Oh, and here's a link to my library, which can help you figure out what's missing or how things come apart/go together.

http://thefirstgensite.com/library/librarydex.htm

Take LOTS of pictures, even video clips when dissassembling, bag and tag all you pieces. Stay organized. Dont throw ANAYTHING away, keep it until you are certain you dont need it anylonger.
Our car was in worse condition than you'rs and we decided to tackle the rear end and subframe first. get it media blasted before yo do any body work, hidden stuff reveals itself! If you have a child, have them help you... you will both learn a lot}:) Send the engine and tranny off for rebuilds while you tear down and clean the rest (keeps the dream alive). Ask lot's of qusetions on this board as we all can contribute and learn.
Personnaly, we decided to start on the mechanical parts... easier to fix and show progress. Save up for thr panel replacements later on. Get the car running then work on the cosmetices. Check out Vikki's site, has a great wealth of infomation. She is a very knowlagable and helpful person.
Welcome aboard Skreeemin Chkn!
Look forward to you progress.
Doug & Dustin 68 vert

Thanks for all your help. I can already tell this forum is going to be a great resource. I guess a smaller community isn't bad, I am a member of nastyz28.com and ls1tech.com but have not recieved as many replies as I have here. Hope you guys don't mind me picking your brains for the next few years then maybe I can help another noob.

Brains? I think Vikki (Yellowbird) is the only one who has a brain around here. Well, there are a few more, but they won't divulge that info.

LOL, don't give me too much credit, I just sop up info that was brought up here plus whatever else I can get my hands on. Then I make it available.