First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List Correct Carpet & Power Windows by "Chris T Reynolds" <creynold@rbnet.com> PHS questions by "Jason Rogers" <jason.rogers@york.com> Undercarrage color by "Jason Rogers" <jason.rogers@york.com> Re: 700-R4 recommendations by "Frank Zeller" <fzeller@tri-austin.com> Engine weights by "A Jason Maynard" <ajasonm@one.net.au> 2004R vs TH350 by "Jeff Frey" <FREYJ@mascorp.com> RE: Firebird-L Digest #1821 by "Brett Luikkonen" <brett@cisdirect.com> Back on the road! by "Trimpe, Bob" <TrimpeB@rajones.com> Re: Back on the road! by "Frank Zeller" <fzeller@tri-austin.com> Re: Back on the Road! by "Erich Wagner" <ewagner@advancepac.com> Seat Swap help by "Jeff Frey" <FREYJ@mascorp.com> To Jim miller by "Todd Chynoweth" <pinec@pitnet.net> Remote hood latch by "Carle Manley" <manley-carle@webtv.net> Re: Back on the road! by "John Wern" <jwern@charter.net> Re: Firebird-L Digest #1821 by "John Wern" <jwern@charter.net> Engine Paint Questions by "Steve Stinefelt" <stevestinefelt@hawaii.rr.com> Re: Seat Swap help by "Bob Cisneros" <Bob.Cisneros@Sun.COM> 455 by <hugoba@apcom.com> Re: 2004R vs TH350 by "x1r1 x" <x1r1@hotmail.com> Re: 455 by <PStonebrak@aol.com> Dist. part # ? by "Chris Porter" <fxstsb@pop.sttl.uswest.net> Goodguys on Saturday by <SteveBrady1@aol.com> Re: Firebird-L Digest #1821 by "matt schmid" <schmidmj@hotmail.com>
(back) Subject: Correct Carpet & Power Windows From: "Chris T Reynolds" <creynold@rbnet.com> Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 06:55:22 -0500 We need some help. We have a 69 Carosel Red Firebird Convertible with standard Parchment vinyl interior. When we bought the car 15 years ago it had (and still has) white carpet in it. The carpet looks thicker than = other original carpet that I have seen in these cars, and it doesn't look like = it fits well in the corners. I am trying to find out if this carpet is = actually correct, or if the car originally came with black carpet. The front kickpanels, the vinyl in the rear well, and the top are all black if that helps any. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am going to be ordering new interior this week and would like to have the correct color. Next question. I have seen where some 69's came with factory power = windows. I have been able to locate the motors, but I have been unable to locate = the power window switches, or even a good picture of what they look like. I would like to add this option to go along with my factory power top, but I want it to look as stock as possible. If someone could point me in a direction for these switches and/or some pictures it would help me out immensely. Thank You, Chris & Christi Reynolds creynold@rbnet.com
(back) Subject: PHS questions From: "Jason Rogers" <jason.rogers@york.com> Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 08:50:43 -0500 In my PHS documentation for my 1967 Firebird 400, the invoice has a 4 in = box 55 and a 6 in box 61. Anyone know what that means? Thanks, Jason
(back) Subject: Undercarrage color From: "Jason Rogers" <jason.rogers@york.com> Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 08:51:49 -0500 I am restoring my 67 Firebird 400 to original. While I was stripping the underneath, I found tons of Mafair Maize yellow overspray. Under the gas tank (from shooting the tailpanel and it came through the gas neck hole), alot near the traction bar mounts, all along the rockers, and some up in = the tunnel. In the rear wheel wells, the yellow body color was underneath the undercoating. Sound right? They must have did the undercoating last. The question comes as to how should I reproduce this? I have the = underneath painted GM Reconditioning black right now. Should I just spray away with the body color and whatever makes it under there is probably what happened at the factory? Second question is, should the underneath of the hood be black with yellow overspray from painting the edges? Thanks, Jason
(back) Subject: Re: 700-R4 recommendations From: "Frank Zeller" <fzeller@tri-austin.com> Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 08:10:14 -0600 Paul, Below is an email I got from them....... Frank Hi Frank, Thank you for your interest in our Tremec, GM 3550 and TKO 5 = speed high performance transmissions that bolt directly to a stock bell = housing and use stock linkage and clutch assembly(26 spline only). Our GM = Tremec TKO sells for $1975.00. Please call me at 781-647-1530 and we can = go over all of the details. Thanks, Mike Forte Forte's Parts Connection 474 Moody Street Waltham, MA 02453 >>> paulk@neo.rr.com 03/18/01 11:39AM >>> First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List .......................................................................... Frank, Would you happen to have a link or other contact information for "Temco"? Thanks Paul > > www.classicalpontiac.com then enter the Q&A section and search for = 2004r. 700R4 would require an adapter plate. > > Temco sell a HD 5 speed conversion kit for $2500 >
(back) Subject: Engine weights From: "A Jason Maynard" <ajasonm@one.net.au> Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 23:13:55 +0800 some were chatting about engine weights a while back... As the weight of the engines go (stock engine weights): Model Size Weight(lbs) Notes Buick 455 600-640 (the later may be with accessories) Cadillac 500 750 Chevy 350 535 Chevy 454 685 Olds 350 560 Olds 425 660 (flywheel, exhaust manifolds, cross over pipe, starter, water pump, alternater, carb, 5 quarts oil, distributer, etc.) Olds 455 620 Pontiac 389 650 (a 455 should be the same weight) http://www.inil.com/users/dlbrown/ofeng.htm some intersting Olds/Poncho reading here Jason '68 Bird
(back) Subject: 2004R vs TH350 From: "Jeff Frey" <FREYJ@mascorp.com> Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 08:39:15 -0800 I will be swapping trans in my '68 OHC eventually, I am not familiar with the 2004R. I assume it is a 4 sp auto..... Is the 4th "gear" and OD, or does it mimic = a 4 sp manual? Can anybody give me the pros and cons. What does a 4R cost, are they easy to find? What are install issues? Thanks, Jeff
(back) Subject: RE: Firebird-L Digest #1821 From: "Brett Luikkonen" <brett@cisdirect.com> Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 09:23:49 -0600 In case anyone is interested, and I'd like to think everyone is waiting on the edge of their seats to hear my news, I'm driving down to just outside = of Atlanta tomorrow to pick up my very first Pontiac Firebird!!!! I'm pretty excited. It's not the one I was telling everyone I wanted = (don't have the money for that right now) but it's a beauty. It's a 1968 350 = coupe. I'll put some pictures on the web, and maybe even on the "official" = website for you guys to see. Thanks for all the help everyone has given me so far, I'm sure I'll need more in the future. Matt (expecting father/owner of a '68 coupe) Congratulations Matt! I was wondering if you had mad a deal on one yet? I hope to see some Pix soon! And IF anyone is interested... I finally have a couple of Pix of my 67 Drop Top I got a month ago... Haven't done much yet but this documents the start of the build up of my 455 that is going in it! Don't mind the messy Garage... Just look at the motor and car! http://www.geocities.com/jetta2point0/Firebird1.html Let us know on your progress Matt! Brett in Seattle, 67 Drop Top 455!
(back) Subject: Back on the road! From: "Trimpe, Bob" <TrimpeB@rajones.com> Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 13:50:20 -0500 I got the bird back on the road Sunday. Got most of the bugs worked out = from my rebuild. Had a scare, though. I was breaking in the cam at 200 RPM for a few minutes. The motor was getting really hot, so I stopped. It started puking water. After it = cooled, I went to fill up the radiator --- gone. My water was in the oil pan! = After the panic subsided, I thought it through. Decided there was no way a crack or head gasket could have passed that much water so fast. Came to the conclusion it was the timing chain cover gasket. I pulled it and sure enough, there was a wet path from the water jacket to the oil pan. = Replaced it, flush and fill, and everything's fine. Only thing that saved my butt was, a wise man told me to start out with water - no antifreeze. = Otherwise, I'd be pulling the motor out again. Anyhow, motor is now much stouter in the bottom end. At around 2500 RPM, = it really grabs hold and wants to run! I'll be having a hard time logging = those break-in miles. I hope to post some rebuild pics soon. Bob Trimpe
(back) Subject: Re: Back on the road! From: "Frank Zeller" <fzeller@tri-austin.com> Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 14:15:19 -0600 Bob, What's your combo? >>> TrimpeB@rajones.com 03/19/01 12:50PM >>> First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List .......................................................................... I got the bird back on the road Sunday. Got most of the bugs worked out = from my rebuild. Had a scare, though. I was breaking in the cam at 200 RPM for a few minutes. The motor was getting really hot, so I stopped. It started puking water. After it = cooled, I went to fill up the radiator --- gone. My water was in the oil pan! = After the panic subsided, I thought it through. Decided there was no way a crack or head gasket could have passed that much water so fast. Came to the conclusion it was the timing chain cover gasket. I pulled it and sure enough, there was a wet path from the water jacket to the oil pan. = Replaced it, flush and fill, and everything's fine. Only thing that saved my butt was, a wise man told me to start out with water - no antifreeze. = Otherwise, I'd be pulling the motor out again. Anyhow, motor is now much stouter in the bottom end. At around 2500 RPM, = it really grabs hold and wants to run! I'll be having a hard time logging = those break-in miles. I hope to post some rebuild pics soon. Bob Trimpe
(back) Subject: Re: Back on the Road! From: "Erich Wagner" <ewagner@advancepac.com> Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 15:21:48 -0500 I got the bird back on the road Sunday. Got most of the bugs worked out from my rebuild. Had a scare, though. Congratulations Bob. Just in time for Spring Erich Wagner =9267 326 Convertible
(back) Subject: Seat Swap help From: "Jeff Frey" <FREYJ@mascorp.com> Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 13:26:22 -0800 I have a 68 Coupe.....Has anyone used seats other than 1st gen FB or = Camaro? I am tired of my low back buckets and want to go with something more = cushy. Thanks, Jeff
(back) Subject: To Jim miller From: "Todd Chynoweth" <pinec@pitnet.net> Date: Fri, 4 Jan 1980 15:31:32 -0600 Jim this is Todd I am trying to respond to your question about the latch, off list, but I keep getting a undeliverable return This is what I have discovered. If you take a picture of the latch from the backside and send it to me, = the part where the catches move , I think i can tell you what year you have. I have discovered what is different between 67-68 latches it is the = internal construction of the catches, I was thinking dimensionally they were different because neither of the = two latches I have fit into the opening on my new repro 400 hood, I think the opening in the hood may need a little adjustment .040" to narrow. the pull on the one you showed me is exactly the same as the two I have, = And I was mistaken one is a 68, It has a differently shaped catch mechanism = than the 67. Todd Chynoweth
(back) Subject: Remote hood latch From: "Carle Manley" <manley-carle@webtv.net> Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 14:41:30 -0800 (PST) Has anyone tried a cable release set up? I have installed a '69 latch that works fine. I purchased a cable from Pep Boys but it was too short. With the suggestion from a friend, I ran a solenoid up front to use a switch, only to find out I needed more torque and throw. I am stuck, with the front end off until I can fiqure something out... help! Carle 67 400 coupe
(back) Subject: Re: Back on the road! From: "John Wern" <jwern@charter.net> Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2001 18:15:34 -0500 Bob - Congrats I know how it feels, being just recently that I put my '68 400 on the road as well. Break-in time is defiantly the hardest part - = All that blood, sweat, tears, and frustrations of demented love for taking = off rusted bolts and dropping nuts don't measure up to the pain that the ankle feels not being able to rotate a total of 45 degrees in a downward motoin w/all the while happening in conjunction of rushing adrenaline. Good luck -- John. -----Original Message----- From: Trimpe, Bob <TrimpeB@rajones.com> To: 'Firebird list: post a message' <Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com> Date: Monday, March 19, 2001 3:01 PM Subject: Back on the road! >First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List >......................................................................... >I got the bird back on the road Sunday. Got most of the bugs worked out from >my rebuild. Had a scare, though. > >I was breaking in the cam at 200 RPM for a few minutes. The motor was >getting really hot, so I stopped. It started puking water. After it = cooled, >I went to fill up the radiator --- gone. My water was in the oil pan! = After >the panic subsided, I thought it through. Decided there was no way a = crack >or head gasket could have passed that much water so fast. Came to the >conclusion it was the timing chain cover gasket. I pulled it and sure >enough, there was a wet path from the water jacket to the oil pan. = Replaced >it, flush and fill, and everything's fine. Only thing that saved my butt >was, a wise man told me to start out with water - no antifreeze. = Otherwise, >I'd be pulling the motor out again. > >Anyhow, motor is now much stouter in the bottom end. At around 2500 RPM, = it >really grabs hold and wants to run! I'll be having a hard time logging those >break-in miles. I hope to post some rebuild pics soon. > >Bob Trimpe
(back) Subject: Re: Firebird-L Digest #1821 From: "John Wern" <jwern@charter.net> Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2001 18:17:33 -0500 Matt - I'm off work tomorrow. Wanna get together for a sandwich at lunch? John. -----Original Message----- From: Brett Luikkonen <brett@cisdirect.com> To: Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com <Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com> Date: Monday, March 19, 2001 1:07 PM Subject: RE: Firebird-L Digest #1821 >First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List >......................................................................... >In case anyone is interested, and I'd like to think everyone is waiting = on >the edge of their seats to hear my news, I'm driving down to just outside of >Atlanta tomorrow to pick up my very first Pontiac Firebird!!!! >I'm pretty excited. It's not the one I was telling everyone I wanted = (don't >have the money for that right now) but it's a beauty. It's a 1968 350 coupe. >I'll put some pictures on the web, and maybe even on the "official" = website >for you guys to see. Thanks for all the help everyone has given me so = far, >I'm sure I'll need more in the future. > >Matt (expecting father/owner of a '68 coupe) > >Congratulations Matt! I was wondering if you had mad a deal on one yet? >I hope to see some Pix soon! And IF anyone is interested... I finally = have >a couple of Pix of my 67 Drop Top I got a month ago... Haven't done much >yet but this documents the start of the build up of my 455 that is going >in it! Don't mind the messy Garage... Just look at the motor and car! > >http://www.geocities.com/jetta2point0/Firebird1.html > >Let us know on your progress Matt! > >Brett in Seattle, 67 Drop Top 455!
(back) Subject: Engine Paint Questions From: "Steve Stinefelt" <stevestinefelt@hawaii.rr.com> Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 14:50:27 -1000 I'm about to paint the engine on my '68 Sprint 'Bird. I know that the block, heads, and cam housing are PMD metallic blue, but I still have a = few unanswered questions. 1. Do the intake and exhaust manifolds get painted the same color? If = not, what would come close to matching the original finish? 2. Does anyone have a recommendations as to what brand (or type) of paint to use? I have a complete HVLP spraying outfit, so it doesn't matter whether it comes in spray cans or not. Thanks in advance! Steve
(back) Subject: Re: Seat Swap help From: "Bob Cisneros" <Bob.Cisneros@Sun.COM> Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 17:48:15 -0800 (PST) Jeff Frey writes: >I have a 68 Coupe.....Has anyone used seats other than 1st gen FB or = Camaro? >I am tired of my low back buckets and want to go with something more = cushy. Back in the 1970's, I had the "tombstone" bucket seats out of a 2nd generation F car in my 1967 coupe. They were more comfortable, and offered head support. Some of the other list members have suggested Fiero seats, or seats from some other late model make. Most of these will require some customization of seat brackets to get the to fit, as well as uphostering to get the color and fabric you want. I have aftermarket seats from Flofit in my 1968 convertible. I made my own brackets. However, it seems that one can get ready made brackets from sources such as National Parts Depot that will eliminate the trial and error, fabrication steps I went through. I found my seats advertised in the local paper. Originally costing $800 for the pair, I bought the 3 month old seats for $400. They were upholstered in black cloth. I'll probably get the back seat covered in matching material. -BoB San Jose, CA 1968 Convertible bob.cisneros@Sun.COM
(back) Subject: 455 From: <hugoba@apcom.com> Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 18:00:53 -0800 (PST) Hi guys, I just picked up a 71 Bonnie with a 455 YC/6X engine with about 25k since = it was rebuilt. The car is pretty crappy but I bought it for the engine, tranny and a few = other goodies off of it. It has cruise control, power windows, front disks, ac (the compressor is missing), tilt wheel and power seats. The body is in ok condition but basically I'm going to yank the 455 and = the tranny out of it and transplant them into my 69 convertible. I'going to check compression and all those things before I pull it out. The car runs pretty strong (for a heavy monster). If you know of anyone that needs some bonnie parts, let them know. I'll keep you posted on the operation. Hugo ps. That 455 logo is coming off the front grille ;-)
(back) Subject: Re: 2004R vs TH350 From: "x1r1 x" <x1r1@hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 19:44:21 -0800 Here are a few things to consider, Jeff. Rowan *68 >From: Jeff Frey <FREYJ@mascorp.com> >>I will be swapping trans in my '68 OHC eventually, I am not familiar = with >the 2004R. > >I assume it is a 4 sp auto..... Is the 4th "gear" and OD, or does it = mimic >a >4 sp manual? 4th gear is about 0.65 overdrive, slightly taller than 700R4 overdrive ratio. > >Can anybody give me the pros and cons. With a mild 400, 2.56 rear, and 235 60 15 tires: Pro... 20 highway MPG VS 14 1800 RPM@70 Quiet cabin on the highway less engine wear con... you hear the wind noise you hear the passenger gabbing or screaming I should have got one that cost more, mine was a tired unit, and slipped = on hard acceleration. it already had 150k on it. top speeds could approach 160 which is not safe >What does a 4R cost, Mine was $75 with warranty from Pick n Pull, $140 to complete the install = by the time I was on the road. A nicer rebuilt unit might run $1500 a kit from B+M to run the lockup torque converter might run $ 150, i had = no problem not using lockup. >are they easy to find? Yes, but not all of them will bolt to a Poncho. Some have chevy = bellhousing bolt pattern, others Buick Olds Pontiac, and some have both. >What are install issues? The biggest for me was building a custom crossmember. The 200R4 has the transmount 6 or 8 inches further back than the TH350. It should be easier = on a Sprint, as you won't need clearance for dual 2 1/2" pipes. Also it is necessary to hook the TVcable(a more advanced kickdown rod,replaces vacuum device)to the carb. proper adjustment of the cable is = CRITICAL. I cut an extra detent notch into Hurst Vmatic shifter so I could = reach 1st gear. Reworking a columnshift is also not too hard. My TH350 driveshaft worked fine. I think It took 1/2 day to pull the old trans, a day to fab the Xmember, = and another day to install the new trans. > >Thanks, >Jeff _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
(back) Subject: Re: 455 From: <PStonebrak@aol.com> Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2001 01:07:25 EST Any other 455 emblems to spare? Pete
(back) Subject: Dist. part # ? From: "Chris Porter" <fxstsb@pop.sttl.uswest.net> Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2001 22:29:29 -0800 Can anyone tell me the correct dist part # for a `68 350 H.O. manuel car ? Thanks, Chris `68 350 H.O. Drop-top
(back) Subject: Goodguys on Saturday From: <SteveBrady1@aol.com> Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2001 02:00:24 EST Anyone in California going to the Goodguys swap meet in Pleasanton this Staurday? I will be there, looking to grab a few needed parts. Steve Brady 68 400 Convertible http://members.nbci.com/srb/
(back) Subject: Re: Firebird-L Digest #1821 From: "matt schmid" <schmidmj@hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2001 07:23:55 >Matt - I'm off work tomorrow. Wanna get together for a sandwich at = lunch? >John. I'd love to John, but I think I got this message a little late. I'm back = up here in Clemson South Carolina. The adventure of getting a firebird with = an engine that's not running up on to a trailer and off and into our lower garage is over. All without the aid of come-alongs or a winch, I'm = actually quite proud of myself, and if you guys would have seen what we had to do you'd be impressed too. I've got some pictures of the car that I need to scan in as soon as I can, and I'm planning on taking some pictures of the engine and interior and whatnot soon. Then I'll get it up on the net so everyone can have a look at my very first bird. Thanks for the offer = though John, I wish we could've had lunch, I would've liked to see your bird. I'm = not too far away, and I'm sure I'll be down in Atlanta sometime again. Matt '68 coupe <--- hehe I get to put that now!! ......................................................................... > >In case anyone is interested, and I'd like to think everyone is waiting = >on > >the edge of their seats to hear my news, I'm driving down to just = outside >of > >Atlanta tomorrow to pick up my very first Pontiac Firebird!!!! > >I'm pretty excited. It's not the one I was telling everyone I wanted >(don't > >have the money for that right now) but it's a beauty. It's a 1968 350 >coupe. > >I'll put some pictures on the web, and maybe even on the "official" >website > >for you guys to see. Thanks for all the help everyone has given me so >far, > >I'm sure I'll need more in the future. > > > >Matt (expecting father/owner of a '68 coupe) _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com