Project Dark Fire - 1972 Trans-am LS3 CONVERSION
We have acquired a 1972 Firebird shell which will under go a transformation over the coming weeks and months. in keeping with the PMC theme it will have a radical pro touring treatment, low and mean, excellent handling, and lots of modern horse power. Click on the images below to read more details on the progress. We will update as we go. A whole host of parts have been ordered and will be installed in due course including, mini tub, 4 link rear and front coil over suspension. The car will receive a 2010 Camaro SS LS3 engine and TR6060 6 speed trans , leather interior and a host of other goodies.
Feb 2013: Getting the car in and stripped (click on the pictures below for details)
March 2013: Cutting out Rust before it goes to media blast (click on the pictures below for details)
May and June 2013: test fitting the LS3 and trans in the subframe. (click on the pictures below for more details)
July 2013: back at the sheet metal work. there was a lot of rust on this car and although there are no photos, we replaced most of the areas around the front and rear glass at the headliner level. completed rotted out. (click on the photos below for more details)
August 2013 : installation of the the detroit speed mini tub kit and subframe connectors and ride tech 4 link rear suspension (click on the photos for more detail)
December 2013: Exterior body work is being completed and primer applied. The car was sprayed with PPG SX1071 Anti-Corrosive etch primer, then followed with JP355 High build primer. Underside sprayed with PPG ESSS Polyurethane single stage satin black (click on the pictures below for details)
December 23, 2013: Exterior colour has been selected from House of Kolors (HOK03044) and applied to firewall and door jambs to enable assembly of subframe and front clip. As well Satin Black applied to the underside, trunk compartment, and interior . Gravel guard has also been applied to the underside floorpan area. Subframe installed and assembly beginning. (click on the pictures below for details)
March 31, 2014: The project has been undergoing all of the connections for electrical, AC, exhaust, brake lines, fuel lines, fuel tank, coolant system, and finally has been test fired. Front clip being assembled now and final wiring of dash. (click on the pictures below for details)
| First Test Fire |
April - June 2014: The project focus was around building out the dash with a custom dash bezel and installing dakota digital gauges as well we a vintage air system. The rear interior quarter panel covers needed to be extended 2" due to the mini tub kit. the original console was used a base to build a custom console. (click on the pictures below for details)
July - August 2014: With the seats out for leather work final exhaust and body work is completed.(click on the pictures below for details)
October 2014: The factory LS3 engine cover was reworked to incorporate the outline of the T/A shaker hood scoop. Here it is after a fade paint job, and with the hood on. Minor parts now going on including bumper, licence bracket, etc. Glass is still on order 8MONTHS!!! . Should be in this week so it can get it's government safety and get on the road for a shake down.
The interior went in and it was on the road Spring 2015. The car attended Good guys event in Puyallup Washington and many local car events. It will be a daily summertime driver.
