The Firebrid Hybrid Convertible Project (Prius platform swap)

[Bill the Engineer]

Hoping to break the log-jam in the garages. The cars (Firebrid & Caddy) are still surrounded by boxes, even after months of trying to figure out where to put them. Two decisions were made today:

1. My wife and I decided that we need to build a detached storage garage behind the house to hold all of the $#!+ blocking up the main garage and shop.

2. After discussing it with my wife, I have decided to retire on the last Friday in March.

Spring and Summer should be very productive.

Bill

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Bill the Engineer

My wife and I decided that we need to build a detached storage garage behind the house to hold all of the $#!+ blocking up the main garage and shop.

Build from scratch or getting one of those prefabricated shed kits?

[Bill the Engineer]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Build from scratch or getting one of those prefabricated shed kits?

From scratch with a proper foundation. Siding and roofing to match the house

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Bill the Engineer

From scratch with a proper foundation. Siding and roofing to match the house

Might be an interesting project to keep an eye too, as it may eventually provide some inspiration to the folks who are into "tiny houses". BTW is there any plan to eventually convert it into a guest house in a foreseeable future?

[Bill the Engineer]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Might be an interesting project to keep an eye too, as it may eventually provide some inspiration to the folks who are into "tiny houses". BTW is there any plan to eventually convert it into a guest house in a foreseeable future?

No such plans as of yet, but never say never.

[rickjames8]

Hey Bill - I just sent you a message as I just bought a 67 Firebird with the intention of doing a chassis swap. But that's not actually why I'm replying here. I wanted to point out something that I'm not sure you've considered (well, maybe you have as you seem pretty thorough).

I recently completed a body-swap (I wouldn't call it a full chassis swap) on a delSol. I lined up my new body on the delSol while the car was sitting at stock height. Then I dropped the rear about 4". What I didn't account for was that the rear suspension actually pivots from a point about 12" forward of the rear axle. Thus, dropping the suspension so drastically actually moved my axle forward about .6 of an inch, really making for an awkward look. I still haven't figured out how (or even if) I'm going to remedy that. All the ideas in my head require major surgery that will either blow my budget or make the car unsafe.

It seems that you're aligning your body at stock height with plans to lower later, so I wanted to make sure you'd planned for any forward movement of the wheel when you do.

[Bill the Engineer]

Originally Posted by rickjames8

Hey Bill - I just sent you a message as I just bought a 67 Firebird with the intention of doing a chassis swap. But that's not actually why I'm replying here. I wanted to point out something that I'm not sure you've considered (well, maybe you have as you seem pretty thorough).
...

It seems that you're aligning your body at stock height with plans to lower later, so I wanted to make sure you'd planned for any forward movement of the wheel when you do.

Not to worry. I've considered that and it should be fine on the Firebrid.

I got your message and responded with my thoughts. Good luck with your project. It should be interesting!

[Bill the Engineer]

At Last!!! After 3+ years the Firebrid is in the temperature-controlled shop. Now I can resume the project. No need to stop for cold weather now!

[Daox]

That is great to hear!

What is the first step?

[Bill the Engineer]

Originally Posted by Daox

That is great to hear!

What is the first step?

I need to evaluate any damage or corrosion that might have happened due to storage and transport. Then it's back to panel welding and body work. A number of things that were hastily mounted back on the car for transport will be coming off so I can access internal areas.

I'll keep everyone posted as things progress.