Will it RUN AND DRIVE 700 Miles Home? RUSTIEST Forgotten Firebird EVER! 

Anyone else appreciate a longer video? Being stuck on highway for construction just got a lot better 👌❤

I dont know why watching Derek throw an old battrey half way to Canada and yelling "git ouuta here" cracks me up every time. Best part of ever revival

In a world full of negativity and allot of videos of people cursing and losing there cool working on things, I appricate the calm collected positivity God bless man.

I can’t tell you how much these have inspired me, I flew across the country from indiana to Albuquerque NM to buy a square body suburban, replaced the radgeeator in the oreillys parking lot before climbing the grade out of town and drove it 1410 miles home. I would’ve never done anything like that without watching your videos. Thanks Derek!!

This was one of your best ever - no exaggeration. The amount of work you put into one of these, the stress you’re under, and your resourcefulness - not to mention your great, fun attitude - make you such a joy to watch. Thank you so very much for doing what you do. God bless.

Had almost the exact same car in high school. Same interior except vinyl seats, same interior and exterior colors, mine had a rear spoiler and front wheel flares. I really loved that car but it was gutless. I think mine was a 77 but it may have been a 78, it was a long time ago lol. When you said "the buzzer works" brought back a funny memory. I was installing a stereo or something and that buzzer was driving me batshit. I could not disconnect it so I beat it with a hammer until it died. Lo and behold about 4 weeks later that car turned into Christine as the buzzer slowly came back to life again but first a dull broken buzz then later it got back to full strength. It was haunted!

I FINALLY GOT IT!!! A Derek O’Reilly’s commercial on top of a VGG video! How big of a flex is it to have an ad of yourself play over your vid? Congrats Derek, they couldn’t have picked a better spokesman!

Pete from downunder. (Australia). Got a joke for you. You can use it. There was this bloke that used to climb up on all the big tractors at the field days. It wasn't enough to just sit up there. He had to fiddle and try to start the tractors. He got into a lot of trouble and was moved on. He was quite insulted and got angry and decided to not climb up on the tractors anymore. A couple of weeks later he was walking past a hotel (pub) and there had been fire in the kitchen. The fire was out but the Hotel was full of smoke. The chap says don't worry, I got this. He walked in, took a deep breath, walked back out and expired his breath. He did that twice more and the rooms were smoke free. The publican was very appreciative but also curious. He asked the bloke how did he do that and clear all the smoke. The bloke then told him he was "an ex tractor fan". This reminds me of when you open a moldy vehicle. Love your show by the way.

I understand that you can't do these weekly or monthly.... But videos like this one is the reason I fell in love with you're channel. Harbor Freight tool set and watching you battle and struggle too get it running... And of course.. The many miles home. Thank you for the great content you and your family give all of us.

That rustproofing sticker on the window, sure did a great job!

"...ALMOST HIT CANADA...!"😅😂 I almost fell out of my chair laughing!!!😂 That was TOO GOOD!!!💜

I just can’t believe it, well I gotta cause I’m watching it but I just can’t believe. Your episodes just get better and better. Thank you so much for the work you do. Makes every day better!

hands down the best car rescue channel ever. the guy goes through the process of getting it up and running, then drives the car all the way home. the guy is funny, and never cusses on his videos. English is my second language but still find it really funny when he says "fuel make it happener" or "i'll be dipped", or even "sparkulator", i don't know if that's the way it is spelled, but anyways, i love your videos Derek. Greetings from Brazil.

And we can officially start the weekend.

Artie here. My wife and I really appreciate your channel ( s ). Especially the family friendliness. We don't like all the foul language in so many shows so we don't watch them. She was never a car gal but watches, learns and asks me questions and that's great. She is beginning to get the " pull " of working on old cars. I have a 72 C10 that's been sitting 18 years and tore it all apart within the last year for a rebuild. Doing my own work. Not SEMA but a solid driver we can enjoy. It sat in 2 friends yards and her carport long before we were even married. ( Coming up on 6 years ). She realizes it isn't just a hunk of junk. Thank you for the encouragement and LOTS of mechanical knowledge. Not to mention the laughs. God bless

When i was in high school, my best friend got a brand new 78 Firebird from her parents. It was the most beautiful car i had ever seen at that time. It was black with red interior. It had the factory red stripe that went from the front bumper, down the side and up over the roof. Some of you may remember that stripe, it was really cool. Anyway, she let me drive it a lot. In fact, i loved that car so much i bought a new 79 model the following year. Wish l still had it.

2 hr and 20 min amazing episode, filmed by one man , and better than most high production movies. Really incredible channel, thanks Derek !!

Derek thank you for working extremely hard, in order to provide us heathens with basically feature film length content. You're the GOAT and I hope you know you CAN take a break once in awhile. 😂 thank you Bieri family.

I love your channel mate. We don’t make our own motor cars anymore here in Australia. And I decided you inspired me to sell my perfectly good Suzuki Jimny. And bought a 27 year old Ford fairlane Ghai with the Windsor 302 V8 1 owner low Ks I’m loving every minute driving it and keeping it in great Knick learning as I go. Cheers mate..

I understand this is Rusted out beyond repair but there is an extensive aftermarket for this car. And I know you generally don't do it but you could buy another frame for it and do a resto. And just because it's a 78 I think it would definitely be worth it. Bring that icon back to life!

Be really cool to see you find a really clean rolling chassis that you can swap the interior and drivertrain into, would be cool to see the car restored as well however it would need alot of work, and there seems to be alot more opportunity out there for content.

I can't get enough of Derek's revival videos. I especially love the ones where he has to deal with adversity on the way home.

Derrik love these adventures of yours! I too have a 305 small block in my 74 Camaro and never regretted installing it, these motors do it all, run smooth, give good mileage while doing that, are reliable and surprisingly stout, and can push just about any car or truck along very nicely. Compared to the 350 small block, these 305's overheat less, burn less fuel, run smoother and just last decade after decade, and do so reliably day in and day out. This whole video just reflected how surprisingly good the 305 really can be after sitting for literally decades!

Adversity isn't set against you to fail; adversity is a way to build your character so that you can succeed over and over again through perseverance.

I can’t express to you how much I appreciate the revivals. I’ve never been to therapy but I’m pretty convinced this is better… Thank you Derek, truly.

I never seem to tire of these VGG long-format vehicle-rescue videos. This was one of the best as far as I am concerned. I can understand why sometimes the audio isn't the best under some pretty difficult circumstances and appreciate all the effort and skill that goes into setting up the shots, explaining to camera, choosing the music and doing lots of editing. As for the car, I know some people would put in the time, effort and money to save it, and its hard to see a great-looking kinda-good-running car meet its end, its also hard to see them slowly melting away in rusty acres, but I'd be surprised to see VGG fix that rotten chassis. Whatever works for the channel, its a business that has to pay the bills like any other.

Hey Derrick, I just wanted to tell you you're an inspiration. I bought a 1988 Dodge D 100 SWB June 2019. The truck had been dormant for 5 years: open windows sitting under a tree, all kinds of junk in the cab and bed etc. I took a tow bar, air tank, floor jack, tools galore and a lot of hope I can make it. Anyway I got the truck home after stopping every mile to air up the tires lol. With some basic shade tree technology I got her running. Good times!However, I just got me a 1978 k15 4x4 stepside with the gl+3 speed 350ci. I'm going to go to the frame and start from the ground up. Thanks to you and your family for inspiring guys like me to take on a challenge.

You should write a book Derek, "Expressions of the Vice Grip Garage". "Smells like a rubber boot full of hot coleslaw with a side of mouse droppings"

Not sure if others are also suggesting this but if you could find a high mile firebird of the same year with a worn out interior but a more solid frame then you could Frankenstein them into one good firebird. It would take a lot of work but would be nice to keep those good parts in use

I just sold my first revival, I only made a marginal profit, but I wouldn't have thought I'd be able to fix an engine after it had water in it! Just wanted to write you're a massive inspiration and thank you for the work you put into your videos and all the knowledge you share on to us

Derek, love watching ya. Just ran across your videos a couple months ago and have been binge watching them since. I bought a Deisel jeep about the same time, and EVERY service is expensive. You inspired me to start doing the general maintenance myself.. and I’ll be dipped if it hasn’t been a ton of fun and saved me a few bucks. I send you a very sincere THANK YOU brother.. keep sending out the videos, we’re watching.

We were just watching your episode with the 700 mile rusty with that and the mouse. Smells the quickest way to get air into your cabin is to clean your cowl, and we worry about your health. Love your show

Hey Derek I don't even know if you'll see this but I'm 19 and in a little town in Southern California called Yucca Valley. I just started watching your channel and absolutely fell in love with it! If you ever come out this way there are A LOT of old cars sitting in people's yards and rotting in the desert. Though we don't get the rust that y'all humid places do 😂 though the sun cooks the car on the inside. Anywho love your videos and keep up the great workalating!

After working outside all week with the daily temperature averaging 5987.39°, what a great way to spend a Friday night with not only a new VGG video, but a two hour long video.

If you do/did decide to part it out, I just picked up a 1980 Z28 as project car for me and my dad that could probably use a few odds and ends off of the bird. Great video! Keep up the revivals!

Its amazing to watch you talk about the steel plant in Lorain. I could stand out in my patio and throw a stone and it would land in the parking lot. Hits super close to home. And your attraction to history makes it all the more better. You're amazing Derek. Thank you.

I don't bleep bloop much, but just wanted to say thank you Derek for the efforts you go to with your awesome content you provide us folks at home with. From one guy to another- appreciate you very much.

I love getting these epic movie length videos, it feels like I'm on the adventure with you, thanks so much for all the hard work you put into these episodes Derek. I would like to see if you can make this car decent again on a budget... If it's worth it that is, or even possible lol.

An absolute TEACHER!!!! MUCH RESPECT AND I HAVE LEARNED TONS FROM YOU, NAMELY.. PATIENCE AND LOVE THE OIL😊😊😊

I enjoy VGG videos 110.68% of the time!

I became a mechanic before i knew about your channel, but Im a proud mechanic now because of your channel! Youve given me so much passion for wrenching and cars! Thank you so much! 😁

This was one of the intricate and most problematic episodes ever and step by step it was awesome. I actually felt tension in this one because of it's troubles with the radiator. My favorite part of these are the washes, the process of getting the car to run and the jokes and banter in between. The little bottle of coolant repair cracked me up 😂

We are approaching the twilight of being able to do this with old cars. In 20 years it will not be possible with all the computers and digital garbage in new cars. Another fantastic revival and this old gal would have been a cherry if not for all the salt damage. Keep up the awesomeness my friend.

Mechanic shop owner here. I got to appreciate your style of communication through the sometimes boring and others chaotic jobs you got to do as part of your love of cars. It’s your “It’s not the vehicles fault they got left this way mentality” is the way I approach my customer vehicles as well. Thanks for a great video. By the way I have a Snap On Brand bearing packers. Just put the bearing In and turn a knob. I’ve used it one time. Ha

I'm quite a fan of the sketch level on this one. Seeing the rusty frame rails, that would have been a showstopper for me. I commend you Derek, for continuing on, risking death for our entertainment.

Wow, Derek: you really worked for that one. A gold-star old-school revival, just what I needed! Thanks for your dedication to keeping those lost classics on the road.

You're awesome Derek. Recently stumbled on to your videos. What makes this one so fun is that I own a 77 "spirit", same color, Glacier blue, same blue velour interior, dash, everything and lo and behold, the same exact motor that was in mine.....until I swapped it a couple years ago. Can't believe it was left to rot with only 56K on it. So, I'm a bit partial when I suggest you at least look into restoring this bird. I can say, you won't be disappointed.

If a guy goes through all the trouble of, returning such classics back to life, I just gotta say, I appreciate it. Thanks Derek

Please never stop doing revivals. These videos are incredible. Thanks, Derek!

Might be your best revival yet. The dedication to making it home despite all the problems is great, could have shut it down several times. This is such an enigmatic car, everything about the interior and engine screams “save me!”, but the deterioration of the undercarriage is telling a different tale. Great video Derek.

A '78 Firebird, rusty and worn, Frame frail beneath, yet beauty adorns, Restore the soul, let passion be reborn.

My absolute dream car! Had a 1979 as a kid and had to sell it for cash to help out with my mom's bills... Been looking for another since but the prices of these are through the roof! Love what you do!

Absolutely hands down, these revivals are the best content, I appreciate the determination and make it work with whatever you can find attitude. And all the while giving us a laugh with your crazy antics lol thank you for what you do, much appreciated!!

Hey Derek, my vote is to pick up a shell in better shape and swap over that interior and engine, do some mild upgrades on it, keep the same flavor, doncha know. Great episode, thank you so much!!

Straight off the bat I figured this guy is gonna be fun to watch, I love that u actually don’t edit and cut out much of the video. Every1 now just time lapses r cuts to the part where they do the big stuff. This video has every little bit ❤

Derek, you’re the real deal! Great Mechanic and a wonderful, down home, bit of humor that makes your channel stand out from the rest! AND, you’re a fellow Tennessean! Thank you! BTW: the bugs are Earwigs…seriously!

I’m not sure if I’m the only one that feels this way… it’s almost like you’re on the trip with this dude. Awesome video and trip mate! Cheers

This car is basically a candidate for floors and subframe. Could be alot of work but seems like a driver to me. Good video as always 👍

This is the first VGG will it run i watched about 3 months back. Been hooked since. Almost all the way cut up. I love this stuff!

I've had one crappy day today ...but a few cold snacks and some vgg brought me around. Thank you for all your hard work brother. Best channel on you tube period.

No matter how stressed out I am, watching your videos always helps. Thanks Derrick!! Absolute legend

Big fan of the long run VGG episodes! Great way to kick off the weekend!

Epic video😀👍👍 I'm at home in Vancouver, Canada, dealing with the after-effects of a brain tumor and watching your videos takes me away from that, to a place of adventure and seeing parts of the USA that I'll probably never have the opportunity to see in person, plus it's being narrated by you!!. You have a way about yourself that makes difficult situations, a little less difficult 😀👍 keep up the awesome video content as I love watching it 🌞

When I was a teen my first car had a radiator leak just like this one had. My father went into the garage and mixed up some bondo body filler and smeared a glob of it on the radiator where the leak was and told me to let it sit over night and solidify. It worked and I drove that car for years with that repair on it.

You’re the bravest guy I’ve ever known. You’re a five star general when it comes to fixing cars. At about the second or third stop of overheating. I would’ve been looking for a big ditch to bury the car in.😂😂

I love the fact you saved it. Is there anyway to swap the frame out on her? If not, no one could blame you because you at least put her back on the road for an epic road trip I couldn't see anyone else attempting much less finishing... Thank you for taking us along...

I had to rewatch you punching that bell housing in slow motion😂 love what you do! Just picked up a 1980 Pontiac firebird

It's so awesome watching these old, forgotten classics getting back on the road.

There's GOTTA be a clean shell out there that you could swap the good stuff into. I think that'd be a pretty cool series to watch by itself.

Loved the long video! Thank you so much for doing these revivals, Derek, I truly love watching something forgotten about come back to life even just for one last trip down the ole road.

What a great dad, your kids are so comfortable learning from you. Keep on keepin' on good sir

You are truly living the dream. If I won the lottery I would do exactly what you are doing now. I would just travel around collecting old cars and trucks

A guys gotta say, I really enjoyed watching the trials and tribulations you went through to get this rig goin. Diggin the two hour length and the hard work. Keep at it Derek, great content.

Man that thing looked scary to drive 700 miles. It sucks that it's so far gone with such a good running engine. Loved the video!!

Dear I really enjoy your you show I'm 74 years old I've been pinstriping cars for close to 47 years Using tape All I do is new cars I'm not gonna be critical but you did a decent job for a beginner LOL Keep up the good work and I really admire you're a good dad Currently have an 84 Buick Riviera convertible White burgundy interior Mint condition I'm not a gear head but I am a perfectionist Keep up the good work

I am addicted to this channel! I would have loved to have been at school with Derek, totally natural, witty and honest. Total admiration from across the pond. Keep it up Derek.

I’m just blown away that you made it home with all the problems you had!!great video and a great car!! I’m a Pontiac guy had a 77 Grand Prix T Tops wish I still had the car 400 four barrel black and silver 2 tone!! Love what you do Derrick!!

Just recently recommended to me by a friend and I’m hooked already! Derek’s personality is entertaining and relaxing, and the content is amazing. Of the several I’ve seen so far, Derek, no one should ever attempt to drive that car! It’s literally falling apart! Ya even got suspense!!

Wow your content is so much better, I love the longer videos & the real world, break down scenarios. No one wants to break down of course, so far from home, but you make it such an adventure & you have fun doing it. I have to admit, when I saw the inside of that radiator for the first time, I was screaming at my laptop "CHANGE IT NOWWWWW"! But you didn't hear me😂

I watch your channel with my 11 yr old niece it’s one of her favorites. She said a 2hour will it run or drive episode.. this is the best day EVER!!! Thank you for everything you do. You mean so much to so many people. Keep doing what you do.

I appreciate anyone dropping Panther cars knowledge. Keep on sharing whatever you know about whatever you know.

Just a tip on radiator leakage, to get it by rules, dont tight the cap all the way, or even just set it on, it will blow off the pressure there and slow the leak, especially on a puddle jumper trip, Also can carry a bottle of pvc glue, works on pinholes on a racecar, Cup the fins to help hold glue in place, til it firms up....😊

I rescued a 1974 Dodge D200 318 a month ago that was heading to the crusher. I used your techniques like Berryman B12 down the gullet and revived it from smoking and running poorly. It is videos like this Derek that inspire the regular Guys and Gals to step up and tackle jobs like this. Thank you for all you and your family does! Been watching since the garage days.

Definitely "liking" the longer revival video, Derek. I very much appreciate the extra details, allowing for a better understanding of your logical approach and sensible process toward revivals. Thank you for sharing your experience!!

I was walking on the road one day and for about 2 miles, there was rust just all over the road and I looked at my better half and said, Derek was through here. lol

Hi, I like watching your shows when it can be so difficult to get and old car running, and you don't give up getting it. to run to the end. It must cost you a lot of money to replace parts when you are trying to drive these old vehicle 600 or 800 miles back home, you are always spending money on parts and gas on every break down. It is so good you keep your sense of humor when you have to know the vehicle will keep breaking down in different area's. Keep up. thanks.

Would everyone agree what a gem Derek is let alone the gems he comes up with " A rubber boot with hot coleslaw " is my absolute favorite.

Almost brought a tear to my eye this one, couldn't believe this thing made it home travelling over 700 miles across America, that's truly impressive. Probably not what you want to hear but it deserves to live after making it that distance and it is a low milage example so possibly worth doing. I also couldn't believe you put it through the car wash, genuinely thought you were done right there!!

Love ur stuff D. I got an 88 'bird in the driveway that i've had since 95. I'm the 2nd owner and this gives me hope that the restoration project i started last summer has a chance! mine only sat for about 10 years after a deer took 'er out on the back roads of Oklahoma. Already rebilt the throttle-body and swapped the fuel tank and sending unit. need replace the oil pan then i'll be ready to give 'er a crank. Just need nicer weather now that I'm up here in Deetroit with no garage.

i used to have a 1980 black trans am (most beautiful bird ever 4.9, no HP) but she was pretty. you are so lucky to have so many of these amazing cars and have the ability and pride of reviving them. and is is so cool that you pass on the knowledge teach as all about these old cars. Every time you mention something about the old cars it reminds me of what gramdpa told me to do when he worked on his old maverick or commet in the early 70's. love your teaching style, and entertainment., Thanks for being for you brothers when electric cars are trying to replace real cars.

Every time I get stuck on a project I watch a VGG video and Derek always inspires me to get back to it with a cool head, patience, and a sense of humor. Best car build procrastination therapy online! Thanks man

I can't think of anyone else that would have committed to that rust bucket like you did. Your revivals are truly unique!

I love seeing the mini truck again. Can’t wait to see it come together. It’s been a minute since the bed drop video.

Back when i was starting out, i used to get a ride to work with my neighbor (that also worked in the same place). He had new 400 4 barrel Fireturkey . Let’s just say, i saved money on coffee to wake me up.

Derek I swear this might’ve been your best video. Everything down to that last bit of music was just frankly incredible. That car is an absolute heartbreaker-every time you’d come out of a break there’d be more of that blue showing-the car would run better-just…man. Great job.

I honestly can't get enough of your channel. My wife used to call me and ask what I'm doing, now she calls and ask me, "what kind of car is Derek working on today?" Lol. Thats how much I watch your videos. Great videos bruh, keep up the excellent work.

That was very entertaining. Once a year I buy a car or truck out of state, sometimes running, sometimes not, then drive it back home. Love the adventure. Never had nearly as many issues as you had, but some interesting hurdles for sure. Keep it up. I'll keep watching.

Great episode as always. Couple of comments: I think with regards to that air freshener, part of what makes them most effective is turning on the heat/AC on recycle and let it run with doors closed for 20 minutes (as opposed to closing them with the car off and walking away). Also, with all the head gasket and radiator stop leak, it probably "fixed" the problem of the weep hole letting you know when the bearing is completely shot. Keep up the good work.

I mostly respect you for the patience you have, keeping the spirit up and never give up. Thank you , you’re an inspiration to many people.

Lots of valuable content left in that rig. Northern states viewers want to see you teach how to save the rusty ones.