One Bad 'Bird

Jason Massey’s MetalWorks-built 1968 Pro Touring Firebird

By Chadly Johnson

We’re sure you’ve all heard the expression “sibling rivalry.” When it comes to siblings, it often seems that one will get more attention than the other. So is the case with GM’s F-Bodies — Camaro and Firebird. Camaros have always had the limelight, Firebirds treated more like forgotten little brothers.

As time has passed, however, the popularity of some of GM’s “less popular” car lines has begun to grow. Perhaps that’s due to their more affordable status, or maybe folks are finally getting tired of Camaros and want to find something a little less common. Whatever the case, Jason Massey has a 1968 Firebird that would stand out in a crowd regardless of its company.

Massey has always been drawn to the Pontiac line of cars, having owned several second gen specimens during his younger years, but never the more allusive first gen. After taking a pause from cool car building for a few years while raising a family, he stumbled across a local 1968 Firebird at just the right time in his life.

His new purchase was a pretty clean “Arctic White” driver-quality car with a few known rust issues. After a simple cleanup of the engine bay to get it running and looking better, Massey began pondering a suspension upgrade. While researching suspension possibilities, he discovered the world of Pro Touring — and loved it.

With a grander vision for the build now in mind, Massey started collecting parts for several years, which included the purchase of a RideTech suspension and a 505c.i. Butler Performance small-block engine pushing 651 hp at 5,800 rpm. With a good stash of parts on hand to start the build, Massey disassembled the Firebird down to a bare shell and had the body blasted. What he discovered was a level of body repair simply beyond his capabilities.

With a shift in focus now towards finding a shop to complete his vision of a Pro Touring Firebird, Massey was intrigued by the build of a 1978 Trans Am he had been following on protouring.com. The Trans Am build-up had been the handiwork of the artisans at MetalWorks Classic Auto Restoration in Eugene, Oregon. Inspired by his online research of the company, Massey made a call to the MetalWorks founder and owner Jon Mannila. Mannila created a plan for the Firebird that was exactly what Jason was looking for. Game on.

Three months later, the Firebird arrived at MetalWorks for a full Pro Touring transformation. The Firebird was to retain its classic looks, but with modern performance abilities. Massey also wanted to add in a few one-off features to set the car apart.

MetalWorks got busy and sent the body off to their acid dipping facility. Since this was a full restoration, the MetalWorks program is always to start at a bare metal, ground zero level. Once dipped, the crew got busy with the extensive metal work, most of which was due to previous damage and rust.

It was at this point that those one-off touches started to take shape. The most notable upgrade was the flush mounted windshield and back window. For this phase, Fesler windows were installed and all rain gutters removed for a smooth bodyline.

A custom lower front valance housing the relocated turn signals was fabricated, and a 1968 Camaro rear bumper was narrowed and tucked in tight to the body. A flush-mounted gas door from East Bay Muscle Cars was also installed. Next, RideTech front and rear suspensions were mounted up and rear mini-tubs installed, allowing room for the Forgeline GW3 rims wrapped in meaty BF Goodrich 315/30ZR18 tires. Up front, 245/40ZR18 tires were used.

Before leaving the fabrication shop, all the Firebird’s sheet metal was gapped, making for perfect fitment of all panels and doors. Once in the body shop, the Firebird’s exterior was treated to hours of skilled bodywork before being sprayed in coats of Diamont paint. The color chosen was once again Arctic White, but this time accented by unique stripe work sprayed between the base and clear coats. Eric Brockmeyer, who designed a beautiful rendering of the conceptualized Firebird, created the one-off paint scheme.

Firebird feature-09 (1200x800)

If the devil is in the details, then this is one devilish Firebird. The rear bumper was formerly attached to a Camaro, but was modified and tucked tight to the ‘Bird’s back end.

Once the body was wet sanded and buffed, it was sent to MetalWorks assembly bay, where it really began to take shape. The Butler engine was mated to a TREMEC 6-speed transmission utilizing a Centerforce DYAD clutch. The massive mill is fed by a FAST EFI system, with spent fuel exiting through stainless steel Doug’s headers and Flowmaster mufflers. All the power is put to the pavement with a Detroit TruTrac housed in a Ford 9-inch rear end utilizing 4:10:1 gears.

Moving inside, the Firebird’s cockpit features an OEM-styled interior that has been upgraded with leather seats, a custom console, and built-in AC controls. The combination is comfortable and functional, the handiwork of Jon Lind Interiors and MetalWorks. Vitals are monitored through Speedhut gauges, and Massey is kept cool thanks to a Vintage Air unit.

Massey is not much of a car show guy; the Firebird is mostly for personal use and enjoyment. Regardless, he has received plenty of enjoyment from this car. The Firebird delivers on all levels: classic looks with modern styling mixed in.

The car’s performance exceeds all expectations. This is the type of car you can drive all day long with great reliability and comfort, but with wicked levels of power when you mash the throttle. It sounds like the best of both worlds, the true definition of ProTouring. That is exactly what Massey wanted.

About the author

PPN Editor

Power & Performance News is the source for news, tech and products that help you get more performance from your vehicle. If powertrain performance projects and hardcore technical content are your interest, Power & Performance News is the publication designed for you. Our acclaimed editorial staff covers all aspects of engine and driveline upgrades with a mission of presenting information that is both interesting and achievable for the “average car guy”.
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