First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List New picture added to tour by "Jason Rogers" <jason.rogers@york.com> Re: Rear End by "Dan Lawrence" <danl@fdn.com> Re: peicing an engine together by "Rob" <goof@soneramail.nl> Re: alternator question by "Frank Zeller" <fzeller@tri-austin.com> 350 455 swap by "Brett Luikkonen" <brett@cisdirect.com> Re: Spare Tire Holddown by "ROY D LUMSDEN" <rlumsden@tampabay.rr.com> 68 TransAm by "Trimpe, Bob" <TrimpeB@rajones.com> FW: 68 TransAm by "Trimpe, Bob" <TrimpeB@rajones.com> FW: 68 TransAm by "Trimpe, Bob" <TrimpeB@rajones.com> pics of the new bird by "matt schmid" <schmidmj@hotmail.com> RE: peicing an engine together by "Slobird" <marcts@ga.prestige.net> Re: Headers for a ??? Chevy by "Bob Cisneros" <Bob.Cisneros@Sun.COM> 68 convert project by "Todd Chynoweth" <pinec@pitnet.net> Re: Horns/really tires by "Bob Cisneros" <Bob.Cisneros@Sun.COM> Re: 350 455 swap by "Andrew & Kate Panek" <panek@inil.com> Voltage Regulator... by "Chris Porter" <fxstsb@qwest.net> Re: Headers for a ??? Chevy by <Studderin@aol.com> Re: 350 455 swap by <Studderin@aol.com> Pictures from the Goodguys show by <hugoba@apcom.com> Re: Rear End by <Studderin@aol.com> RE: peicing an engine together by "x1r1 x" <x1r1@hotmail.com> Re: Headers for a ??? Chevy by "x1r1 x" <x1r1@hotmail.com> RE: Exhaust manifold bolt removal by "x1r1 x" <x1r1@hotmail.com> Re: Shoulder Belts by "Andy" <fbird68@ix.netcom.com> Re: 350 455 swap by <hugoba@apcom.com>
(back) Subject: New picture added to tour From: "Jason Rogers" <jason.rogers@york.com> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 08:49:31 -0500 Carol, That is a gorgeous 67'. Welcome, and enjoy. Carol Brezette 1967 Burgundy Firebird 350 Coupe (http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/closeup.mv?CarID=3D149)
(back) Subject: Re: Rear End From: "Dan Lawrence" <danl@fdn.com> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 08:54:55 -0500 > John, > > I wondered if that could be true because I sanded off the paint in both > the > locations that should show the stamped ID marking and I couldn't find > anything. If > it is a chevy rear end, do you know where the ID marking would be? Or > would it be > my best bet to take the cover off. IF I took the cover off, what should = I > look for > to ID it if it is a chevy. > > Dan 68/coupe/428 > > It's probably a chevy 12 bolt (from a Camero). > The lazy other wheel show that it It's a clutch style posi that is > toast!! (overheated and glazed the clutch disc's) > It's happened to me. You Can rebuilt it, with a new posi clutch pack > kit. These tons of aftermarket parts for a chevy 12bolt compared the = Pontiac > > style 10bolt with the scallops on the sides of the cover (standard = firebird) > . > I'd keep that rearend, and if you ever need so cash and not the strength = of > that rearend you can sell it's worth some money!! > John Costello
(back) Subject: Re: peicing an engine together From: "Rob" <goof@soneramail.nl> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 16:17:33 +0200 ----- Original Message ----- From: "matt schmid" <schmidmj@hotmail.com> To: <Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com> Sent: Monday, March 26, 2001 4:10 AM Subject: peicing an engine together : First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List I was wondering if anyone has a similar setup if they : could email me some pictures so I can go by what it's supposed to look like, : or if anyone has any other suggestions I'm open to them. Thanks. Maybe this link can help you out http://www.nosnitrous.com/HiOctn/TechServ/TechInfo/4150-60.html Grtz Rob
(back) Subject: Re: alternator question From: "Frank Zeller" <fzeller@tri-austin.com> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 10:03:40 -0600 This is from the Classical Pontiac Site. Plan to upgrade mine as soon as = it fails. I was going to get a 70 GP alternator with ac. 65 plus amps Frank All you have to do is cut the regulator connector off and then splice the = wires from pins 1 and 4 together and 2 and 3 together. As Lee mentioned = above the blue wire (pin 1) and the brown wire (pin 4) go together and the = Black with White stripe (could also be red) (pin 2) gets spliced to the = Orange (pin 3) wire. Naturally if someone has worked on this harness = before the colours may not match so just make sure you connect the pins as = I have explained. This is definately worth the effort, mine works great. >>> kaizerman@home.com 03/25/01 07:29PM >>> First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List .......................................................................... Hi guys, The alternator on my '69 bird gave up the ghost this weekend, and I was wondering if it's possible to replace it with a newer one with an internal regulator and maybe higher output (it was the original 55 amp). Anybody have any suggestions on what to replace it with and what sort of wiring modifications I need to do? Thanks, Jacob '69 350 conv.
(back) Subject: 350 455 swap From: "Brett Luikkonen" <brett@cisdirect.com> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 08:47:04 -0600 Subject: 350 455 swap From: "Andrew & Kate Panek" <panek@inil.com> planning to swap my 455 in place of the 350 in my 69 conv. wondering if some of you who already have done so can share engine combos and anything else i may need to consider. the car will mainly be a weekend cruiser. thanks - andrew panek - 69 conv Andrew & Kate, I have a 67 (326) Convertible and I'm right in the middle of the 455 swap. The ONLY problems I have encountered are the little = things. Like a new dipstick tube that is holding me up! Anyway, if you have a complete motor, it will be a snap! Just like replacing it with the same motor... = only much better! I'm running a TH400 with a 2400-2900 stall converter, a shift kit and a trany cooler. I have a 4-core radiator and Hooker Super comp headers. Msd Multi Spark ignition and that's about it for the extra add ons to make the 455 feel at home. Like I said, you should have no problem. Brett, 67 Drop Top 455!
(back) Subject: Re: Spare Tire Holddown From: "ROY D LUMSDEN" <rlumsden@tampabay.rr.com> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 12:27:36 -0500 Andy, I'm going to assume that your question is, "Were do you mount the spare = tire hook hold-down for a full size spare?". If you look at the floorboard = toward the package tray area, the slope changes to approximately 45 degrees. Just to the right of center and up on that slope a few inches you should see = two or three bumps. Those bumps are there to locate the hook hold-down. Just align the vertical (y-axis) edge and the lower horizontal (x-axis) of the hold down to these bumps and you've located it properly. Hope this helps, Roy ---- Original Message ----- From: "Andy" <fbird68@ix.netcom.com> To: "First Generation Firebird List" <Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com> Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2001 1:21 PM Subject: Spare Tire Holddown > First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List > = ......................................................................... > I have a full-size spare in my '68 coupe. Other than a bump centered in > the slope of the trunk floor, near the back seat, there is nothing to > keep the spare from sliding around. I bought the hold down bracket and > rod from CI, but I'd like to know where on the floor the bracket was > installed at the factory. So far, I've only seen the bracket for the > space-saver spare, but it is mounted way to far to the passenger side to > be useable for the full-size tire. > >
(back) Subject: 68 TransAm From: "Trimpe, Bob" <TrimpeB@rajones.com> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 12:29:20 -0500 Saw this ad in Hemmings.com. I have heard stories about there being actual Firebirds equipped with 5 liters to run TransAm competition, but it was in Canada. Could this be a true survivor? Bob Trimpe
(back) Subject: FW: 68 TransAm From: "Trimpe, Bob" <TrimpeB@rajones.com> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 12:30:36 -0500 Sorry, guys, I forgot to attach the link in the previous post. > Saw this ad in Hemmings.com. I have heard stories about there being = actual > Firebirds equipped with 5 liters to run TransAm competition, but it was = in > Canada. > > http://www.hemmings.com/hemmings/searches/SingleSearchManualResults.cfm > > Could this be a true survivor? > > Bob Trimpe > > >
(back) Subject: FW: 68 TransAm From: "Trimpe, Bob" <TrimpeB@rajones.com> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 12:48:51 -0500 RATS! I tried the link, and it won't work. Here's the text of the ad. If you'd like to see it, use the auto finder in Hemmings for 1968 Pontiac Firebird 1968-1968 Pontiac Firebird pONTIAC: 1968 Firebird Trans Am, First in Class and 3rd overall in 24 Hours at Daytona in 1969, drivers: John Ward and = Jerry Titus, original GM crossram intake, fresh legal 302, M22, car is well prepared, constant front runner, SVRA medallion, $75,000, may take partial trade. 443-831-0212 or 410-561-8064, MD. Sorry. Bob Trimpe > -----Original Message----- > From: Trimpe, Bob > Sent: Monday, March 26, 2001 12:31 PM > To: 'Firebird list: post a message' > Subject: FW: 68 TransAm > > Sorry, guys, I forgot to attach the link in the previous post. > > > Saw this ad in Hemmings.com. I have heard stories about there being = actual > Firebirds equipped with 5 liters to run TransAm competition, but it was = in > Canada. > > http://www.hemmings.com/hemmings/searches/SingleSearchManualResults.cfm > > Could this be a true survivor? > > Bob Trimpe > > >
(back) Subject: pics of the new bird From: "matt schmid" <schmidmj@hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 18:44:34 Well, here it is, the first pictures of my firebird. http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=3D1549442 It's not running yet, but it's got a 350 with a 4bbl Holley a new = radiator, only one rust spot on the body that needs fixed, about a 3 inch hole. The engine is in pieces being slowly put back together. I found it for $2300. When it gets running I'm sure I'll be very happy with my purchase. Matt '68 350 coupe (if the link doesn't work, go to photopoint.com and enter my email address... schmidmj@hotmail.com and go to the 68 firebird folder) _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
(back) Subject: RE: peicing an engine together From: "Slobird" <marcts@ga.prestige.net> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 18:42:25 -0500 Matt, All you need is one line going from the carb to the distributor advance, = THe big fitting on the back goes to the power brake booster, and one line goes to the transmission modulator which controls your shifts. That's all you need, just plug any others. good luck, hope you have close to all of the pieces! tim
(back) Subject: Re: Headers for a ??? Chevy From: "Bob Cisneros" <Bob.Cisneros@Sun.COM> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 15:59:02 -0800 (PST) John Cosello writes: > your right it's the beck, it's 6 inchs. more than the camero's flat = front >end. Huh? -BoB San Jose, CA 1968 convertible bob.cisneros@Sun.COM
(back) Subject: 68 convert project From: "Todd Chynoweth" <pinec@pitnet.net> Date: Fri, 4 Jan 1980 18:14:19 -0600 If any one is interested, current bid $2500 reserve not met, 68 convertible on ebay Clinton Utah Item number #572812918
(back) Subject: Re: Horns/really tires From: "Bob Cisneros" <Bob.Cisneros@Sun.COM> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 17:14:33 -0800 (PST) Hugo writes: >I believe that Bob Cisneros had posted a formula some time back but I = also >think that if you go to the Tire Rack web site they have one there as = well. Assuming a 5200 RPM redline, try this formula: (RPM x Tire Diameter) (5200 x 24") _____________________ =3D MPH or ____________ =3D 90.37 MPH (Gear Ratio x 336) (4.11 x 336) Change that tire diameter to something taller, say 25". You get the following results: (5200 x 25") ____________ =3D 94.14 MPH (4.11 x 336) You pick up 4 MPH with an inch taller tire. For Rowan... (5200 x 35") ____________ =3D 131.79 MPH (4.11 x 336) A stock tire for a first gen car is a 195/70-14. It is about 24.7 inches tall. Going to a 15" wheel, same sized tire, you get a 25.7" tall tire. By increasing the tire diameter, you get an idea of how tall you must go to get to your target RPM. But you can get taller tires with the same wheel diameter. A 225/70-14 will be 26.4 inches tall, and a 235/70-14 will be 27 inches tall. Of course, there are practical limits on tire sizes before it makes more sense to change the gear ratio. One of those limitations is the taller the side wall, the poorer the handling tends to be. A 70 series tire will have more side wall deformation than a 60 series. Greg writes: >If so, can anyone recommend where one can get those > illustrious PMD 15 inch hub caps? The car has Kragar SS's right now. = Who > knows what the guy was thinking that I bought it from. Since none of the 1st gen cars came with 15 inch wheels, you would need to find a match from the larger car line, such as a Bonneville, Ventura, or Catalina. They may have used the same basic styles. Try Classical Pontiac, ebay, or Performance Years bulletin boards. I see a lot of Pontiac hubcaps at the swap meets I go to. And while I'm not about to defend the tastes of others, the Cragar SS wheel was a favorite aftermarket wheel in the past, and has some slight resemblance to the Rally II. In fact, they continue to sell well, and they are now offered in 16 and 17 inch diameters. -BoB San Jose, CA 1968 convertible bob.cisneros@Sun.COM
(back) Subject: Re: 350 455 swap From: "Andrew & Kate Panek" <panek@inil.com> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 18:45:55 -0600 THANKS FOR THE RESPONSE. THE FIT IS'NT AS MUCH MY WORRY AS IS THE = EXTRA TORQUE POTENTIAL. I'M CONSIDERING FRAME CONNECTORS TO BE SAFE. LONG WAY = TO GO BEFORE THAT BECOMES AN ISSUE AS STILL REPLACING THE FLOORPANS AND TRUNKPAN. ANDREW PANEK 69 CONV
(back) Subject: Voltage Regulator... From: "Chris Porter" <fxstsb@qwest.net> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 19:18:46 -0800 My voltage regulator is not a GM part. It has an external condenser ( I think, look's just like the one in a points dist.) with a broken wire right were it goes into the condenser. I this correct for my application ? The GM dealer has no listing for this piece, and I don't see it in any parts book's. Any ideas where to get it, if it's correct for my car ? Thanks all. Chris `68 350 H.O. Drop-top
(back) Subject: Re: Headers for a ??? Chevy From: <Studderin@aol.com> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 23:38:47 EST In a message dated 3/26/2001 8:23:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Bob.Cisneros@Sun.COM writes: << your right it's the beck, it's 6 inchs. more than the camero's flat = front >end. >> Sorry about that,...... that's is some bad typing. I had to think about what I was trying to say for a moment. ;-) I had said that the motor in a firebird was set farther back than in a = Camero, I guessed 6 inch. Someone corrected me.(Wayne) It's really only 2 inch's. I said 6inch's because I remembered that number being a differents betwwen = the two cars, So what I typed should have said; "Your right 6 inch's is the difference in the overall length between a = firebird and a Camero. The "beck of the firebird is 6inch's longer than = the flat front end a Camero has" Thats all John Costell
(back) Subject: Re: 350 455 swap From: <Studderin@aol.com> Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 00:13:28 EST In a message dated 3/26/2001 2:05:38 PM Eastern Daylight Time, brett@cisdirect.com writes: << From: "Andrew & Kate Panek" <panek@inil.com> planning to swap my 455 in place of the 350 in my 69 conv. wondering if some of you who already have done so can share engine combos and = anything else i may need to consider. the car will mainly be a weekend cruiser. thanks - andrew panek - 69 conv Andrew & Kate, I have a 67 (326) Convertible and I'm right in the middle of the 455 swap. The ONLY problems I have encountered are the little = things. Like a new dipstick tube that is holding me up! Anyway, if you have a complete motor, it will be a snap! Just like replacing it with the same motor... = only much better! I'm running a TH400 with a 2400-2900 stall converter, a shift kit and a trany cooler. I have a 4-core radiator and Hooker Super comp headers. Msd Multi Spark ignition and that's about it for the extra add ons to make the 455 feel = at home. Like I said, you should have no problem. Brett, 67 Drop Top 455! >> brett, Did you change the front timing cover to the 67's 8 bolt style water = pump or just used the 455's 11bolt timing cover/water pump? Which year power steering pump and alternator did you use? I'm putting a 73' 455 in my 67' = FB and am changing it over to the 67's correct 8 bolt water pump for more of = a correct look and so to 67' accessory's pulleys line up WAY easier than = trying to mix and match the differnt years . My firebird project been on hold for = a while, And a pontiac friend just told me that I may have a problem finding = a balancer to clear the 67' timing cover and fit the 455 crank. Has anyone else ran into a problem like this? John Costello Oh yeah you should look at or get the feburay/2001 issue of Car Craft they = swap a 455 with a tripower in place of a 326 in a 65 tempest. And did anyone see the new 75th Pontiac commercial? I've only caught the = end twice. Heard is got some "cool old cars" from a non-car person Hope it's cool..
(back) Subject: Pictures from the Goodguys show From: <hugoba@apcom.com> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 21:39:40 -0800 (PST) Here are some pictures from the Goodguys show from this last weekend: http://www.apcom.com/fbody/gg3-2001/ Hugo
(back) Subject: Re: Rear End From: <Studderin@aol.com> Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 00:41:35 EST In a message dated 3/26/2001 10:04:24 AM Eastern Daylight Time, = danl@fdn.com writes: << = ......................................................................... John, I wondered if that could be true because I sanded off the paint in both = the locations that should show the stamped ID marking and I couldn't find anything. If it is a chevy rear end, do you know where the ID marking would be? Or = would it be my best bet to take the cover off. IF I took the cover off, what should I = look for to ID it if it is a chevy. Dan 68/coupe/428 >> Dan I really don't know much about ID #'s of rear end housing, Chevy 12 bolts have a round shaped cover with 12 bolts, But they have12 bolts, = bolting the ring gear to the carrier, The only incorrect rearend that has 12 bolts = on the cover and not 12 bolts for the ring gear is some 1965-to (1968 I = think?) olds had 10 bolt cover and 12 bolt ring gears or vice versa But to be sure, take off the cover, Get a new gasket first, compare = it to the cover's shape to be sure before you crack the seal and smell the = stink of the gear lube.You can check the shape of the spider gears or look for clutch plate trash (if a limited slip), Be sure to add "GM posi-taction additive" with to new gear lube (if a limited slip) John Costello
(back) Subject: RE: peicing an engine together From: "x1r1 x" <x1r1@hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 22:11:33 -0800 The line to the modulator should be manifold(not ported)vacuum. the advance line will usualy want ported vacuum. check the archives, or the emission section of your manual if you want to hook up the TVS(or post a question here). >From: "Slobird" <marcts@ga.prestige.net> >Matt, > >All you need is one line going from the carb to the distributor advance, >THe >big fitting on the back goes to the power brake booster, and one line = goes >to the transmission modulator which controls your shifts. That's all you >need, just plug any others. > >good luck, hope you have close to all of the pieces! > >tim _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
(back) Subject: Re: Headers for a ??? Chevy From: "x1r1 x" <x1r1@hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 22:17:30 -0800 Hmmm Looks like my TPI will be about one inch lower and further back than a SBC = camaro. The Corvette oil pan will not work, but I have another one. Exhaust will be pretty tight with the steering. I hope to finalize the wiring tomorow. Rowan *68 with TPI test fited >From: Bob Cisneros <Bob.Cisneros@Sun.COM> > >John Cosello writes: > > > your right it's the beck, it's 6 inchs. more than the camero's flat = >front > >end. > >Huh? > >-BoB San Jose, CA > 1968 convertible > > bob.cisneros@Sun.COM _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
(back) Subject: RE: Exhaust manifold bolt removal From: "x1r1 x" <x1r1@hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 22:28:16 -0800 I spend 5 minutes or so venting my frustration by hammering the head of = the ofending bolt. use a socket extention or some bar stock as a punch. this will often help loosen the bolt. If all else fails, cut the heads off the bolts, remove the manifolds , = heat the remining 1/4" of the bolt a few times, soak in penetrating lube for awhile, then vicegrip it out of here. A propane plumbers torch is not as good as oxyaceytelene, but is usualy enough if you are patient. >From: "Trimpe, Bob" <TrimpeB@rajones.com> >>Steve, > >I had three stuck bolts. First I soaked them with liquid wrench. I took a >Dremel tool and trimmed the bolt head to fit the next size smaller socket >(it was a metric). I took a cheap socket and hammered it on. They came = off >with out too much complaint. > >Bob Trimpe > > > >Subject: Exhaust manifold bolt removal > _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
(back) Subject: Re: Shoulder Belts From: "Andy" <fbird68@ix.netcom.com> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 23:02:14 -0800 Niklas, That's an interesting idea, putting the reel inside the arm rest. How did = you mount the reel? I don't think there is direct access to the underside = of the floor. Did you weld something on or mount it to the side? This might = be cleaner than Chris's idea of adapting a later model roof mounted reel. = I'd want some confidence in the mounting point, though. As far as the belt rubbing your neck, I don't have my shoulder belts = installed, so I can't tell you. I took them off about 13 years ago when I replaced the headliner, and I didn't put them back on because they are so = impractical. Despite the seatbelt law in California, I've never been hassled. I think most cops don't know that '68s even have shoulder belts. = I imagine the rubbing you described is a result of the roof mount being = too far back. You may be able to buy some sort of clip-on pad. Anyone else have an idea? Andy > Subject: Re: Shoulder Belts > From: "Niklas Ridell" <vcc2.nridell@memo.volvo.se> > Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 10:36:49 +0200 > > Andy, > I have installed after market 3-point roll belts in my coupe. > I managed to hide the retractor in the rear seat arm rest. > The belt comes up between the side panel and the arm rest so no > harm is done to the original parts. > The other end of the belt and the belt buckle use the stock mounting > positions in the floor. The biggest problem i encountered was the roof > mounted "swirl bracket." It use the stock position but I had to = fabricate > a block of steel which I bolt the bracket to. > Kinda hard to describe but I guess I could get you some pictures if you > are really interested. > The function of the setup is perfect but I'm not to happy with the belt > geometry. Seems like the roof mount is to far back or to high up. > The belt rubs my neck slightly. Do you have this problem with > the standard shoulder belts? > > /Niklas
(back) Subject: Re: 350 455 swap From: <hugoba@apcom.com> Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2001 23:19:49 -0800 (PST) I would LOVE to get a hold of the films/tapes that they got the clips from = to make that commercial. They have some great shots includding a 69 TA. Hugo > > Oh yeah you should look at or get the feburay/2001 issue of Car Craft = they > swap a 455 with a tripower in place of a 326 in a 65 tempest. > And did anyone see the new 75th Pontiac commercial? I've only caught = the end > twice. Heard is got some "cool old cars" from a non-car person > Hope it's cool.. >