1971 Pontiac Firebird Formula - Re-Formula-ted

The years weren't kind to the interior's soft parts. On the bright side, all the factory options are still there, except for the correct radio, which Layna saved, and shifter knob.

After several years in hibernation, the Formula was due for a redo. Layna says of the graphics, "I'm not sure what the process was called at the time, but it was done with a wavy piece of cardboard as the pattern and airbrush overspray."

At some point, the headliner gave up the ghost. Some of its parts are on the rear seat.

Once the Formula was completely disassembled at Chalek's, the body was stripped to bare metal and the resurrection began. The passenger-side rear quarter you saw earlier was beyond saving, so this reproduction skin from Goodmark was welded in.

The suspension was completely rebuilt; it, the subframe, and the firewall were restored prior to installing the previously rebuilt engine and the drivetrain.

Brownish epoxy primer was used on the floors and firewall like the factory did.

Once the welding and straightening were done, the body was primed and block-sanded with the bolt-on panels test-fitted.

A trip to the paint booth brought the color. Note the body was painted while disassembled for even coverage into the jambs and cowl.

The engine and trans were then reinstalled. Now the painted body parts can be bolted back on. Note the finished nose in the background.

The dash and APT Instruments-restored gauges are shown in the process of reassembly.

Freshly painted body parts await installation.