Been a while since I started a new project.. wife’s getting on my butt so I’m into this one now.. thought I show some pics of what I’m doing and what I found... someone’s custom body work.. lol. This car is not really first gen but is a firebird and that’s important... I’m doing a 1971 trans am it a real ta but the motor is. California rust free (so I thought)..71 firebird 455 ho auto TA...but not matching numbers can’t ask for everything.... well at least it’s a real HO motor. I currently replacing the Cowel panel. First I thought it was just a small amount of rust on the pass side till I discovered the person who did the crappy paint fill this thing with long and strong and metal and what ever was available to fill it thick..lol. I swear I tell you you would never think it still happens but it does... I’m Doing this one outside so I’m subject to temp and weather problems. I’d rather have that than sell this beautiful TA. Also it has to stay running to move it around so I’m doing it in small sections it sucks but I’m content. All rust will be addressed of course.. I still have to work on the passenger side the rust proof and seal it. The finally install the panel. Will be done this week..I hope 0:

Getting close to the end on this part of my project... now structurally sound on the dash area surface and most of the hidden rust is treated.. haven’t stripped the paint so hence the lack of tape work... the strip and prep work will take care of that at the end. should last at least 40 years..lol..... more pics for you

Nice work!

Thanks. I hope so lol.... done for now till spring time

Great fabrication skills on the lower bracket under the dash. The 2nd gens are known for rusting in that area.

Thanks yep it looks that way. Man I really like the style of the second gen. Well since then discovered that the trunk pan is full and I mean full of bondo ...not surprised lol... I suspected it when I discovered the great window job... I’m gonna replace it and the tail since who ever did the work reall messed it up......:0. It’s gonna be spring before I touch it for now... got to shop for new parts though... on a nice day I’ll post some new pics on it....

Well this is the condition of the trunk ..a replacement trunk pan. Badly welded braces and brackets.. if I had use the original jack on the bumper it would have torn right through the tail panel... I’m ..not surprised. Will be a fun challenge... yep... nothing like a car flipper with more bondo skills than brains....lol. Check out the great welding skills. Lol.... I’ll save her..... :0:0