BLACKBIRD

The Browns’ Passion for Pontiac

For David and Vicki Brown, the brand of choice has always been Pontiac, which is clear when you visit their garage. There you find one of the best-selling muscle cars of all time, a flawless ’67 GTO parked right alongside a matching-numbers ’69 Firebird H.O. that fully expresses the Browns’ affinity for Ponchos. Yet after attending their share of concours shows, where they’ve done well time after time, they decided to reach beyond the white-glove establishment and explore super rodding at its best. And they did it in a Firebird.

Kicking Off the Firebird Rebuild

To get this project started with the power down, they decided to become the third owner of a relatively nice driver with 73,000 original miles on the odometer. Considering its condition, they decided to do more than drive the ’Bird, as the pristine platform begged for a new life, and so they began a yearlong rebuild that encompassed every aspect of the car.

Chassis and Suspension Overhaul

To bring the chassis up to 21st-century standards, the Browns turned to Carl and Shane Carey at Carey’s Classics in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, to handle the major mechanical updates. First they purchased front subframe connectors from Fat Man Fabrications to stiffen up the nose, while Total Cost Involved subframe connectors were fitted in back, a combination that greatly improved the overall rigidity of the chassis. This was particularly important for this convertible, as the removal of the roof greatly reduces overall stiffness, even though additional bracing was originally incorporated on these cars from the factory. The front suspension was then updated with Fat Man’s tubular stainless steel A-arms, sway bar and airbags, which enable ride-height adjustment. Steering improvements come by way of a Mustang rack-and-pinion at one end of the equation and a LeCarra steering wheel at the other. Wilwood Engineering’s cross-drilled and slotted 12.5-inch rotors unite with four-piston calipers for a great look and superior function by way of the 19×8.5-inch Intro Rally rims fitted with 225/35ZR19 BFGoodrich g-Force radials. In the back, the 9-inch Currie Ford axle spins Moser 31-spline axles with 4.11:1 gears and a Positraction differential. Narrowed 2 inches to allow for wider rims and rubber, the housing is positioned by a four-link from Total Cost Involved, and sprung by air. As in front, Wilwood four-piston calipers and large rotors offset forward motion through a matching set of 20×10-inch Intros and 255/35ZR20 BFGs. And if you’re wondering, a 4.5-inch negative offset in the rims eliminated the need for wheel tubs.

Engine and Drivetrain Powerhouse

To make sure there was enough power to keep the tires warm, the original V-8 was replaced with a 2002 all-alloy 5.7-liter LS-series V-8 that was left stock internally, as the plan for this ’Bird was to force-feed the power. Carey’s Classics handled the installation of Magnuson Products Magna Charger blower, which drove the power rating to a capable 505 hp, and nearly that much torque available early on. Sanderson headers exit the remnants with ease through a custom exhaust system that gives this Firebird a song all its own. To ensure the added forces didn’t raise operating temperatures, an Afco aluminum radiator works with an electric fan. The polished shroud was fitted up front, improving the appearance and ensuring that the transfer of heat works as planned. Mating a T56 six-speed manual gearbox to this subtle yet capable engine package enabled this convertible to blow the roof off the majority of its “numbered” counterparts with relative ease.

Exterior Perfection in Black

With the chassis and drivetrain squared away, the time came for Rick Croft at Rick’s Restoration to work over the exterior at his shop in Maryville, Tennessee. Fortunately, the body was in relatively good condition, and since no modifications were to be made, Croft simply smoothed over the surfaces in preparation for the paint that followed. As always, he chose DuPont products from the primer up, as this ensured that his results would be exceptional. This became very clear when the DuPont basecoat-clearcoat layers were laid down using skills Croft is known for—the results are flawless. Looking like sheets of black glass, this paint builds on the beauty of the ’Bird’s bodylines, allowing every contour to stand out and reflect the effort that went into its incredible finish. No sooner had the paint dried than the bumpers were installed, along with trim, including custom-made “BLACKBIRD” emblems from Motorhead Design House, which truly defines this car. Looking almost like factory pieces, they definitely lend an artistic element to the nose that only the astute enthusiasts will appreciate.

Luxurious Interior Transformation

With the exterior looking absolutely fantastic, attention turned to the inside, where David Lewallen revamped the interior in black leather and ostrich hide at his shop in Cleveland, Tennessee. A custom sound system from Secretaudio was laid out and hidden within, as were other amenities, including Vintage Air A/C, a set of Classic Instruments All-American-Series gauges and a custom rollbar that improves stiffness of the body structure. To keep driver and passenger in place through the twisties, Procar bucket seats replace the originals, and once upholstered to match the doors, kick panels and headliner, the beauty of this environment cannot be denied. Overhead, the smooth contours of the BMW top material add another level of refinement that the stock top could never match, and with details such as Paul Atkins’ slick door handles and other bits that grab your attention, you can appreciate why the Browns are spending less time with their other Pontiacs.