Paying homage to Trans Am...
Paying homage to Trans Am road-racers of the past, Rick went with flat-black side-exit exhaust. Note the flames on the rear-quarter spilling over from the gloss-black top.
Out back, a Mark Williams 12-bolt rearend with an Eaton posi and 3.73 gears helps the Firebird put the power to the ground and keep highway rpm at a tolerable level in conjunction with the overdrive unit that reduces the effective final drive ratio to 2.91:1.
Conclusion
The project started in late 2006 and wasn't completed until late 2009. For its maiden voyage, Rick took his wife to the beach in his hometown of Jacksonville. "We hit First Street, where there were hundreds of people walking around. The sound of the car made them look; then stare. Many pointed, some clapped, some yelled, and we got a bunch of thumbs-up."
Wilwood six-piston calipers...
Wilwood six-piston calipers bite the massive 13-inch two-piece rotors to bring this Pontiac to a halt in a hurry.
As if the attention wasn't rewarding enough, the Bird dominated at its first show. It took home three trophies at the Amelia Cruisers 13th Annual 8 Flags Car Show, where 225 cars were entered-a Top 50 award, Sponsor's Choice award, and the huge People's Choice award.
With the Bird now complete and on the streets, Rick couldn't be happier. "I set out to build the Pontiac my way, and I did just that," he says. "Ultimately, I'm just happy that I went with a Pontiac. Once you own one, you become part of a family." His new Pontiac family, The Pontiac-Oakland Club International (Dixie Chapter), is happy to have him on board too.
Rick doesn't keep the Firebird in the garage either, he tries to drive it at least once a week since he enjoys it so much. "This Bird has power!" he says. "It purrs like a lion and runs like a scalded cheetah on steroids. The Ridetech suspension is solid and reliable, and it handles great!" Wherever Rick goes, with 494 cubes under the hood and flames on it, this '67 Bird is sure to heat things up.
HPP would like to give special thanks to Jacksonville Fire/Rescue 4 for helping us out with the shoot.