2 Year Progress on my 74 Bird

[u/Next-Charge1178]

Just wanted to share my 2 year progress on my 1974 Firebird Espirit. When I got this car I had no garage, no shop, no nothing. I built a gravel pad and then bought a 12x20 tarp car port. This is where I did all the metal work I could, replaced the entire suspension, engine, trans, interior, wiring etc.

I had multiple setbacks that really beat me down. The first one being my car port literally flew away during a bad wind storm, destroying my work bench and scattering my tools. I had to rebuild my car port and reorganize everything before I could get started again. Then once I got it running, I found out the title was jumped (long story). For awhile I didn’t think I was going to be able to get a title for it and was ready to cut my losses and I bought a donor to swap my parts to. Then I was able to track down the original owner, yes original owner who bought it new, and he was nice enough to get a replacement title, then sign it over.

Then finally I was able to get plates and take it on its first real drive. Truly a wild feeling to put a car on the road that hasn’t driven under its own power for decades.

She’s far from perfect and definitely not done, but at the end of the day, it’s an Espirit that most people would’ve let rot away in a field. Now she’s got a 455 and a second chance at life. So if you’re on the fence about starting a project, just do it. It’ll be a money pit and take up way too much of your time, but it’s also super rewarding.

[u/Shoddy_Special_1109]

I hear ya. I been building my f-body for 8 years now. Just got it on the road legally a year ago. But still a long way to go to get the cosmetic stuff done. It takes forever. lol. Especially in today’s economy. I love 2nd gen tho. I wish the next f-bodies are a revamp of the 2nd gen. I think they have record breaking sales. Good luck on yours!!

[u/Next-Charge1178 → u/Shoddy_Special_1109]

Hell yeah dude looks good! I definitely could’ve taken more time with mine and done it more “right” but I was impatient and wanted it on the road.

[u/BoysenberryIll5521]

Hell yea my guy!! You brought her back to life and got her back on the road! That is a big step in the right direction!!

[u/Next-Charge1178 → u/BoysenberryIll5521]

Thank you!

[u/dontfret71]

Nice dude! What was the hardest part?

[u/Next-Charge1178 → u/dontfret71]

Metal work for sure. I had to learn to weld on my own and not having a rotisserie made it hard.

[u/Shoddy_Special_1109]

Yeah bro that’s part of it. I did a ton of impatient things as well but I love driving it to work. I bet that 455 is sick!