Making some inner fender extensions

NOT A TA

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I'm making front inner fender extensions for 76-81 Firebirds this week. Seems no one reproduces them and I had a request for them. Left and right side are mirror image so everything is reversed as far as the bead rolling and bending. Would have finished them today but I had to modify and reinforce my bead roller so I can make some really tight curves.. Here's a few pics.







 
They are looking Very Nice Birdman.
There are many Parts not reproduced for 2nd Gen Birds.
You found a Nitch in market.
That is Good.
 
It great to see guys with the skills and ability to custom fabricate parts they need to duplicate when the OEM parts are no longer easy to locate
 
I'm surprised that they aren't already reproduced by one of the repro sheet metal suppliers. They could get them stamped in China at the same place the reproductions for the 70-75 birds are made. I doubt there's much of a long term market for me to make them since the cost of stamping them is cheaper than me making them by hand. Someone will start having them stamped.

I made a set of the early style for my 70 (pic below) but low quality repros are available for about $27.00 each.



 
That reminds me that I need to Pimer and Paint the original 1970 Fender Extensions for my 1970 T/A.
I cleaned them at work at my old Job in 2015. Ultrasonic cleaning solution had anti rust additve in it. Checked on them about 1 month ago & A-ok. Stored in my house. Texas originals I found.

China is going through a bad recession I think now Birdman. Not talked about .
 
Most of the China Repro parts is real bad for our Pontiacs.

For me its all been One Off Projects for others since 2007-2008 Birdman.
Every single Corvette Diff I have built none have Drag Raced Super Hard As I hoped for.
Want them Torture Tested to the Limit.

Drawman 44 has put the most miles on his C3 Dana 44 I built for him last Summer.

Matt from DC Took his C3 apart.
Engine out too. I delivered in person his Diff. Could not install and go for a ride.
 
Real Small Time Car guys that actually Race are hard to find.
Its You & Me Birdman.
I race on the streets daily.
I have since 1985.
 
No Chinese repo stuff here! Proudly MADE IN USA!

Turns out the 79-81 is a bit different than the ones I've been working on which came off a 77. So I'll be making more to fill the 79-81 needs. Have a member on one of the TA forums sending me a sample.

Got a couple prototypes made and sent them off to be test fitted. If they fit well I'll put the bends in the 5 sets that will be finished nice for customers.

 
Man They Look Great Birdman !

Been busy Working & Working on my 63 GP 425 Olds Lately.
Just make Time for Grumpys here.
I haven't posted on Max Pontiac lately.
 
Thanks! Don't think I'll post about them on Max. I'd be afraid Ames would see them and have them repoped in China before I sell enough to recoup my set up time.

Most of the fabrication work I do is "one of" kind of stuff for restorations where reproduction pieces aren't available or custom stuff like dash panels for aftermarket gauges.. It's different for me to be making multiple pieces of things. If I was smart I would have made more of the carbon fiber TA dash panels 6-7 years ago. I was ahead of the trend. Once the one I made got shown at SEMA a bunch of companies started imitating the look, but not the quality.
 
FYI, there are dozens upon dozens of fabrication engineers from all over the world walking around looking at everything in SEMA shows. They use button cameras and cell phone apps to scan documents, ads and directions. Reports on "Bugs" found around displays. You would be surprised how many smart business men talk about the intricate details of their products almost daring prospects to try making something on their own.
 
Yeah Max Pontiac is Ok.
Its kina different too.
There is one guy on Max prettty close to me & in the Chicago Burbs.
Its fun talking to Cliff Ruggles. He is s Rebel like me.
And to a Pontiac engine builder out West coast I like.
The Pontiac Ram Air IV engine is highly Revered yet by a Few in the know there like I know & Mine here.
I like the Moderator there too.Bought Vintage Isky parts from him recent.
 
When your building you never ever disclose all your secrets.
None have duplicated my Workmanship building Aluminium C3 & C4 Corvette Differentials. And they never will.
 
FYI, there are dozens upon dozens of fabrication engineers from all over the world walking around looking at everything in SEMA shows. They use button cameras and cell phone apps to scan documents, ads and directions. Reports on "Bugs" found around displays. You would be surprised how many smart business men talk about the intricate details of their products almost daring prospects to try making something on their own.


Well aware and have had it done to me at trade shows in other fields as far back as the mid 80's. Once started a clothing company called Urban Assault Gear aimed at the BMX bike rider market and marketed it in a zine I'd been publishing called Slammer Zine. The whole concept, designs etc. was stolen by a big bike corp named GT bicycles. Couple months after a trade show the GT corporation used it for their "Dyno" brand. They had a 7 page catalog in the bike magazines with Urban Assault gear, had an Urban Assault Tour with the Dyno bike riders appearing around the country, and then came out with a new bike called Slammer. So much for them coming up with their own ideas eh? That was the worst case but I've had other stuff stolen so now I'm extremely cautious.

Here's another item (hasn't been stolen) I designed that went into production. Custom center caps for American Racing Torque Thrust II wheels (and other models) that reproduction emblems fit into or can be engraved.





 
When your building you never ever disclose all your secrets.
None have duplicated my Workmanship building Aluminium C3 & C4 Corvette Differentials. And they never will.

Ya, I've learned sometimes I need to just keep my mouth shut.
 
Damn Birdman.
I had a GT Pro Performer Freestyle BMX Bike.
It was new About 1985. Kept it for 1 year and sold to my little brother.
I bought a Redline RL2 .
Designed R.L. Osborne.
 
Had Hutch BMX Bikes too.
Bought with paper route money earned.
 
I was taught to be Diversed with my skills.
Bodywork is not one of my Specialties.
Your line of work is real competitive .
 
If your on the Internet and post your open game.
Every single Corvette guy in the world has gone against me.
And lost in Best Mechanic Tech battles.
They can not Google search Fast enough.
All answers come from my Brain.
Only Pontiac guys have left me alone.
Grumpy too.
 
I sign every single Rear Differential I build Birdman.
BR. My own hand writing style.
Sometimes I sign my Full First and Last Name.
Pride in what I build.
A signature trademark of sorts.
Don't be Afraid to do the Same.
Its your workmanship.
YOU !
NOT THEM.
 
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