New to forum Introduction

[Shifted]

I'm new to this forum. My first car was a 1976 Ventura. I currently own a 1973 Ventura. I bought it eleven years ago with just over 36k documented original miles from the original owners family. I've spent a lot of time replacing dried out over time seals, sagging suspension etc. It's a factory 350 2bbl air conditioning car. I just pulled the motor out and am replacing it. For the most part it had typical wear but because it was a "start, drive a short distance, turn off, repeat" for the 36k of its life the cam, lifters, and bearing surfaces were worn more than I'd like to have seen. In the process of swapping the motor I'm going to lengthen the wiring and rerout it to give the engine bay a cleaner look. I have shortened the front bumper brackets so the front bumper looks more like the 72 model and not a cow catcher on a train. Swapped to a 68-72 rear bumper and put a 68 firebird rear panel in place with the filler door. At some point the car was either rear ended or the original owner backed into a pole. It was fixed but could have been done better. The original tail lights were cracked and in less than optimal condition and after searching for replacements I decided to go with the 68 rear panel. The tail lights are not as long but it's only noticeable if you own one. The plus side in my opinion is there are plenty reproduction 68 firebird tail lights if I ever need them, and the square fuel door looks like it could have been used on the care from the factory. I've got the vinyl top off and have decided to reshape the rear windows using 72 sail panels. I'll have the sharper body line. It won't look exactly like the 68-72, more like what my opinion of what the window shape could have been for that year. I put some pictures of when I first brought it home and some of where it is now in the process of modification (and a mockup of what it will look like when the window is done.

[Ringo64]

Looks much better without that vinyl roof. Never been a fan of them. Updated rear windows look great!

[Shifted]

Thanks! The drivers side sail panel has had a deformity in it I assumed was from the damage to the rear of the car. So in the process of straightening it out I decided to change the window shape. I figured if I had to fix it why not do something custom but not over the top. 

[Shifted]

This is the 68 Firebird tail panel with fuel door and th 68-72 rear bumper. I like it better than the recessed license plate look. I wanted it to look like it may have been possible to come this way from the factory. 

[Ringo64]

Looks good! Can hardly tell it's from a bird.

[Wrongway]

Looks great bro! Keep the pictures coming, can't wait to see your progress. 

[Shifted]

Thanks, it's slow going right now but as I make progress I'll post more. I'm replacing the motor rigjt now, then on to the windo and interior. I'm putting 2

a 2015 Camaro console in it (I stole the idea from a Nova i saw online) and I've got to make custom trim for around the new rear window. Which is more time consuming than difficult. 

[Wrongway]

Man, that console look right at home, looks awesome! I really like the shape of it, and the red dash lights look good. I justa learned what a smart choice the red color actually is in another thread that Last Indian posted. Check that one out if you get chance, it's a good read. Keep us posted on your progress bro and update us in pictures when you can. We do love pictures around here.  

[JUSTA6]

We love pic's and a good story.  You didn't disappoint. Welcome to the site, look forward to seeing more of your work.

[Shifted]

I want to make sure I don't mislead anyone. After re-reading my post it occued to me it did not specify, the interior pics with the Camaro console are from the car I got the idea from. I've got the interior out of my car and the console mocked up. I'll put those pictures up. They are not quite a pretty as the one above but not too far off.

[Wrongway]

Yeah bro, I actually thought they were of your car. It's still an awesome looking console. Can't wait to see it in your car or at least the mockup. Justa keep the pictures coming. Who knows who you might inspire. 

[Shifted]

This is where I'm at in the process of installing my center console. It's just a slight modification to the tunnel from being ready to bolt down The automatic shift lever extends fairly deep through the floor so I shortened it for my application and need to make a seal for it. I have the parking brake as well. I did get the SS gauges with it and retrofit them with analog components so they will work in my car. The stock gauges worked with the cars computer.

[JUSTA6]

You wouldn't have a spare hood layin around would you?  Have a member here that's been looking for years.

[Wrongway]

Yeah man I love the shape of that console. Can't wait to see it finished! Thanks for showing all of us what you've got going on bro.

[Shifted]

I don't have an extra but there is a guy on ebay from Canada that makes Ventura hoods with the Firebird Ram Air 3 style scoops. The ad always says last one but i've emailed him in the past and he makes them one at a time to avoid having them lay around and possibly warp. I'd like to have one or I would like to have one with GTO/Firebird scoops. I found a 71/72 online that I think did a great job of fabricating them in his stock hood.

Edited December 25, 2023 by Shifted