MucNJ
New member
OK, so I've owned a couple of '68 fFirebirds over the last 25 years, and I always wanted Pontiac to build a new retro version. Well, as usually Chevy got to do it. I was bummed at first, but then I figured after a year or two of the Camaro having strong sales, Pontiac would finally make a version of their own. I would then have what I always wanted. A Firebird styled like the 1st generation F Bodies, with all the advantages of a new car!
... then Pontiac goes out of business..snff, snff ... Nuts!
OK, well no big deal, I'm sure someone will come up with a killer aftermarket conversion kit. I'll buy a new Camaro and then convert it to a Firebird. Well, I don't mean to be too critical, but as the "new" Firebird conversions started popping up, I really wasn't to crazy about the styling. I felt that they all sort of missed the mark. The HPP version (in a different thread on this website) was closer, pretty nice actually, but I contacted them and they were not planning on selling "kits". You can send them your Camaro and they convert it for you. They do great work, but it's a little pricey. Plus I wouldn't mind getting my hands a little dirty. It's a nice feeling of accomplishment knowing you did it yourself.
So then I started designing my version. I have the styling worked out, and I am currently in conversations with a fiberglass guy, who can make molds from my patterns, and even make production pieces. From what I've seen he does great, low volume work. A lot of attention to craftsmanship and details.
My question to you, good people, is, if there was a compete kit available, that was pretty much a "bolt-on" conversion, so that even a weekender mechanic, could do it, would you be interested in such a kit? I realize this also depends on 2 things. First, if you like the design, and second, if the price is right.
As for the first issue of design, I think I am on the right track. I don't want to show the design until I get a little further along in the process, but I have some very critical friends, and they feel it is the right look. As for the price, my goal is to keep the "unpainted" kit under $10,000. Is that too much? It would included everything need for the conversion except paint, like the hood (with scoops), front and rear bumper/fascias, new quad headlights, new Firebird split taillights, various Firebird emblems and trim pieces, wire harness adapters and all mounting hardware.
Well, provided you guys like the design, would anyone be interested in a kit like this? Is the price too high? Is this a stupid idea? Basically, I'm not looking to get rich or even make a living off this. I'll just be looking to sell enough kits to help pay for the molds, ... uh ... and maybe to finance a trip to SEMA next November in Las Vegas ... now that would be fun!
Thanks for listening!
Damian
... then Pontiac goes out of business..snff, snff ... Nuts!
OK, well no big deal, I'm sure someone will come up with a killer aftermarket conversion kit. I'll buy a new Camaro and then convert it to a Firebird. Well, I don't mean to be too critical, but as the "new" Firebird conversions started popping up, I really wasn't to crazy about the styling. I felt that they all sort of missed the mark. The HPP version (in a different thread on this website) was closer, pretty nice actually, but I contacted them and they were not planning on selling "kits". You can send them your Camaro and they convert it for you. They do great work, but it's a little pricey. Plus I wouldn't mind getting my hands a little dirty. It's a nice feeling of accomplishment knowing you did it yourself.
So then I started designing my version. I have the styling worked out, and I am currently in conversations with a fiberglass guy, who can make molds from my patterns, and even make production pieces. From what I've seen he does great, low volume work. A lot of attention to craftsmanship and details.
My question to you, good people, is, if there was a compete kit available, that was pretty much a "bolt-on" conversion, so that even a weekender mechanic, could do it, would you be interested in such a kit? I realize this also depends on 2 things. First, if you like the design, and second, if the price is right.
As for the first issue of design, I think I am on the right track. I don't want to show the design until I get a little further along in the process, but I have some very critical friends, and they feel it is the right look. As for the price, my goal is to keep the "unpainted" kit under $10,000. Is that too much? It would included everything need for the conversion except paint, like the hood (with scoops), front and rear bumper/fascias, new quad headlights, new Firebird split taillights, various Firebird emblems and trim pieces, wire harness adapters and all mounting hardware.
Well, provided you guys like the design, would anyone be interested in a kit like this? Is the price too high? Is this a stupid idea? Basically, I'm not looking to get rich or even make a living off this. I'll just be looking to sell enough kits to help pay for the molds, ... uh ... and maybe to finance a trip to SEMA next November in Las Vegas ... now that would be fun!
Thanks for listening!
Damian
... at least that's what I'm telling them so they don't run away screaming!