First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List Engine & trans removal by "A Jason Maynard" <ajasonm@one.net.au> Re: Power steering conversion by "Frank Zeller" <fzeller@tri-austin.com> Heater Control Thanks for all the help!!!! by "Robert Shannon" <bshannon67@hotmail.com> Re: Q-jet jet well plugs weeping by "John Wern" <jwern@gw.total-web.net> RE: Engine & trans removal by "Trimpe, Bob" <TrimpeB@rajones.com> Re: Power Steering Conversion by "Niklas Ridell" <vcc2.nridell@MEMO.VOLVO.SE> GM paint #s for wheels by "Trimpe, Bob" <TrimpeB@rajones.com> Re: Power Steering Conversion by "Carle Manley" <manley-carle@webtv.net> Re: Ralley II paint schemes... by <JGeigel@aol.com> POWER WINDOW KITS by "pete" <yaselskyp@webtv.net> Poncholet by "Gary Patrick" <Gary@tcworks.net> Re: Engine & trans removal by "Dennis Rolston" <hotroddr@juno.com> Re: Poncholet by "GTOken" <GTOken@ipa.net> RE: Engine & trans removal by "Tim Marcinek" <marcts@ga.prestige.net> Re: steering box/header woes by "David Kiklis" <David_Kiklis@abtassoc.com> Big Tires by "Dennis Rolston" <hotroddr@juno.com> Re: Engine & trans removal by "AL ROJAS" <amr@appsig.com> New car craft magazine!!! by "R & P" <Ronsoy@bellsouth.net> Re: 700R4 driveshaft on eBay for 67,68,69, Camaro/Firebird by "ROY D LUMSDEN" <rlumsden@tampabay.rr.com> Re: Poncholet by "ROY D LUMSDEN" <rlumsden@tampabay.rr.com> Upholstery shop recommendations? by "Mark Wurtzel" <mwurtzel@flash.net> Re: New car craft magazine!!! by "John Wern" <jwern@gw.total-web.net> Re: Ralley II paint schemes... by "John Wern" <jwern@gw.total-web.net> 1/4 mile truck/Pontiac by "Chris Porter" <fxstsb@pop.sttl.uswest.net> Re: Ralley II paint schemes... by <PStonebrak@aol.com> Re: Big Tires by <PStonebrak@aol.com> Re: Power Steering Conversion by "x1r1 x" <x1r1@hotmail.com>
(back) Subject: Engine & trans removal From: "A Jason Maynard" <ajasonm@one.net.au> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 20:31:16 +0800 Tim, I missed the start of the thread......but how does everyone else go about pulling the engine? (I'm in the process and looking for a 455) I've always pulled the auto and tailshaft with the engine. Don't know if I'd be able to get at the bellhousing bolts??? Jason ex-400 byrd ps I'm getting used to the attachments and they're growing on me! The = e-mail attachments on the list!! I jacked up the back of the trans as far as it would go to tilt the back = of the engine up a bit and got the top two trans bolt laying on top of the engine.
(back) Subject: Re: Power steering conversion From: "Frank Zeller" <fzeller@tri-austin.com> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 08:15:20 -0600 Gary, Do you have to change the PS hoses if you go with the 78-81 WS6 box? Do you know what the std TA box ratio is? Frank >>> Gary@tcworks.net 01/11/01 05:14AM >>> First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List .......................................................................... Subject: Power Steering Conversion From: "Dave Byers" <dbyers@casgen.com> Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2001 14:57:12 -0800 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=3Dus-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I am interested in putting power steering in my 68 Firebird 400. What is the best approach? Is there a later model Firebird that has a steering box, pump, brackets, etc. that will directly bolt up? Dave ,Use all the engine mounted hardware from a 68 Pontiac V-8 Each year is different in the pulleys,brackets etc. Best gearbox to use is one from a 78-81 Trans Am with WS-6 suspension option. Next best one is any Trans AM(69-81) The WS-6 has 2.2 turns lock to lock and gives a real nice road feel.It is a high effort box so doesnt give the steering the mushy feel.You must replace the relief valve located behind the = pressure port in the ps pump as the Trans Am box requires more pressure. There are some quick ratio A body gearboxes but stay away from them as the internal stops are differnt.Any gearbox that you use must have the pitman arm replaced with the correct curved 68 one.These are avaliable in repro form for about $90. Its not cheap to do it right but what is. Gary
(back) Subject: Heater Control Thanks for all the help!!!! From: "Robert Shannon" <bshannon67@hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 07:18:35 -0700 Thanks for the help. I will check it out and see how it goes. _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
(back) Subject: Re: Q-jet jet well plugs weeping From: "John Wern" <jwern@gw.total-web.net> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 09:38:18 -0500 JBWeld rules! -----Original Message----- From: Gary Patrick <Gary@tcworks.net> To: firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com <firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com> Date: Thursday, January 11, 2001 12:02 AM Subject: Q-jet jet well plugs weeping >First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List >......................................................................... >The brass plugs that seal the jet wells start to weep or seep or leak >or whatever but fuel drains out sometimes faster than others depending >on how hot the carb and engine get, how well plugs are sealing. >Remove baseplate and turn carb upside down,wire brush around the >jet wells thoroughly until metal is shiny. >Put a thin coat of JB Weld around the plugs and let setup over night. >This should cure the leakage. >Be careful not to put too much epoxy on the plugs or the base plate wont >fit back together >They make all sorts of quick fix items for this but none seem to work as > good as the epoxy.. >Gary > > >>
(back) Subject: RE: Engine & trans removal From: "Trimpe, Bob" <TrimpeB@rajones.com> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 09:57:32 -0500 I pulled engine and tranny as a unit. (Mine was easy, though, I had the radiator out!) Bob Trimpe -----Original Message----- From: A Jason Maynard [mailto:ajasonm@one.net.au] Sent: Thursday, January 11, 2001 7:31 AM To: Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com Subject: Engine & trans removal First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List .......................................................................... Tim, I missed the start of the thread......but how does everyone else go about pulling the engine? (I'm in the process and looking for a 455) I've always pulled the auto and tailshaft with the engine. Don't know if I'd be able to get at the bellhousing bolts??? Jason ex-400 byrd ps I'm getting used to the attachments and they're growing on me! The = e-mail attachments on the list!! I jacked up the back of the trans as far as it would go to tilt the back = of the engine up a bit and got the top two trans bolt laying on top of the engine.
(back) Subject: Re: Power Steering Conversion From: "Niklas Ridell" <vcc2.nridell@MEMO.VOLVO.SE> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 16:51:27 +0100 I'm in the process of replacing the power steering gear box with a later = unit from a '84 GTA. The benefit is your getting a quicker ratio 2,4 turns lock = to lock together with a better road feel (I hope). The unit looks like the old one and is a direct bolt on but you need to = have the curved pitman arm from a first gen. V8 firebird. The only problem I have encountered is that the hoses doesn't fit. You = need custom made hoses or adapters. I haven't had time to finish the project = yet so I can't report about the result. /Niklas ------------------------ dbyers@casgen.com wrote: > I am interested in putting power steering in my 68 Firebird 400. What is > the best approach? Is there a later model Firebird that has a steering > box, pump, brackets, etc. that will directly bolt up? >
(back) Subject: GM paint #s for wheels From: "Trimpe, Bob" <TrimpeB@rajones.com> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 13:00:46 -0500 Listers, John Wern published the Duplicolor paint codes for Rally IIs as: #318 Charcoal Metallic #229 Silver I can't get Duplicolor, but I was wondering if anyone here has the GM = paint codes for the wheels. Plastikote can cross a GM number, but not a = Duplicolor number. (John, I may have to ask you to get the paint for me, let's see what the list can find out!) Thanks, Bob Trimpe
(back) Subject: Re: Power Steering Conversion From: "Carle Manley" <manley-carle@webtv.net> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 12:26:01 -0800 (PST) For the conversion to the new quick ratio box, Contact Lee Power Steering in Sun Valley CA 818-768-0371. They have a little machined kit, not too $$$ that worked great. The upgrade is worth it! Car Craft had a good article in March of 2000, fyi Carle 67 400 coupe
(back) Subject: Re: Ralley II paint schemes... From: <JGeigel@aol.com> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 15:55:31 EST John, I went to your site and viewed the photos. Friendly looking dog.... But = one question, how many of those Budweisers did you drink before you painted = your engine. Looks like the wrong color to me. Old gotta have a beer Joe
(back) Subject: POWER WINDOW KITS From: "pete" <yaselskyp@webtv.net> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 13:31:07 -0800 (PST) Ok gang, its been awhile since my last post....so I thought that I would contribute a newly discovered site/part. For every one who is has tried to hunt down the proper parts for the manual to power window conversion knows how rare or hard it is to find the power regulators. This site/product www.electric-life.com claims they sell direct drop-in units, so you don't have to fabricate brackets etc like most of the aftermarket units. What I like about it is it comes with everything, (motors, regulators, etc..)except the switches..so you can use the original ones offered for original look or they also sell switches separately. They also offer a kit for the rear windows...I really like this. Just thought I would share. Summit also carries this product line now..so you can find them at summits web site. However summit doesn't offer the rear window kits.
(back) Subject: Poncholet From: "Gary Patrick" <Gary@tcworks.net> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 16:44:39 -0500 Too bad Pontiac didnt make trucks...68-72 Poncho 4X4 would look bad to the = bone I'm sure. still we gotta do something when the mud is too deep for our birds. There is a cool picture of my 68 4X4 on my site under the = other stuff link if youd like to see it. Rowan *68 poncho and Chebby http://www.cruzers.com/~rowan No but they made GMC trucks with Pontiac engines in the late 50s Maybe I can find a pic of a friends Poncholet,70 Cheby with a 455 and B&M TH400,headers, RAIV cam, #64 heads. I remember seeing the speedo down at the 6 oclock mark at time or too. Engine now resides in a Chevelle. Gary
(back) Subject: Re: Engine & trans removal From: "Dennis Rolston" <hotroddr@juno.com> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 14:49:43 -0800 A couple people have said that it is easy to pull the engine and tranny as a unit. I agree. I dont know why you would want to separate them when it is so easy to pull them as a unit. I have pulled my engine and tranny twice as a unit and the only ting I did was take out the radiator. Maybe others have had worse experiences but thats the way I have always done it(I have done it 4 times including on different cars). It would seem to me that it would be easier to get to the tranny to engine bolts when the engine is out. A very useful thing I have found for pulling engines is a load leveler. You can get them at harbor freight for I think around $30......I have used mine many times. It has a crank thing on one end that slowly adjusts the load. This way you can tilt the tranny side way towards the ground when pulling the engine and tranny. make sure you drain all the fluid first or you will have a pool of red fluid all over the place(if its automatic) Dennis Ps Make sure you remove all protrusions from the engine.....I removed the starter and power steering pump ________________________________________________________________ GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.
(back) Subject: Re: Poncholet From: "GTOken" <GTOken@ipa.net> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 17:00:27 -0600 Gary, your link to your "other stuff" on the website doesn't work. Ken Gary Patrick wrote: > > First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List > = ......................................................................... > > Too bad Pontiac didnt make trucks...68-72 Poncho 4X4 would look bad to = the > bone I'm sure. still we gotta do something when the mud is too deep for > our birds. There is a cool picture of my 68 4X4 on my site under the = other > stuff link if youd like to see it. > Rowan *68 poncho and Chebby > http://www.cruzers.com/~rowan > > No but they made GMC trucks with Pontiac engines in the late 50s > Maybe I can find a pic of a friends Poncholet,70 Cheby with a 455 > and B&M TH400,headers, RAIV cam, #64 heads. I remember seeing > the speedo down at the 6 oclock mark at time or too. > Engine now resides in a Chevelle. Gary
(back) Subject: RE: Engine & trans removal From: "Tim Marcinek" <marcts@ga.prestige.net> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 18:13:53 -0500 engine and trans as a unit is the way to go, very easy. I have just = bought one of the engine tilters, so will try it out as soon as I swap in the = 455. I was talking about jacking up the trans to make it easier to get to top trans bolts if just changing the trans.
(back) Subject: Re: steering box/header woes From: "David Kiklis" <David_Kiklis@abtassoc.com> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 18:30:36 -0500 Check out my friends web site... he's got a pretty good write-up on how to swap in a Monte Carlo steering box into a Lemans. Not much different for the 'bird. FWIW I am about to do this to my 69 firebird as well http://www.geocities.com/skullmobile/lazylemans.htm David Kiklis Director of Computer Services Abt Associates Inc. 55 Wheeler St. Cambridge MA 02138 617-520-3661 p 617-520-3640 f
(back) Subject: Big Tires From: "Dennis Rolston" <hotroddr@juno.com> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 15:46:50 -0800 I saw a 68 Camaro the other day running 275-I'm not sure what sidewall percentage-15s on the back. Does anyone know what the absolute largest tire you can fit in the back of a 68 fb is w/out modifications.....how about w/modifications? How hard is it and how do you relocate the shocks? I was wondering if 315 wide tires would fit. Thats 12.6 inches wide. Also whats the biggest backspacing possible. I hope to get 17 inch wheels and go w/this new pro-touring look. Thanks in advance....and sorry to all you strict restoration guys. Dennis ________________________________________________________________ GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.
(back) Subject: Re: Engine & trans removal From: "AL ROJAS" <amr@appsig.com> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 16:30:14 -0800 I just completed swapping AT transmissions last summer. I think I could = have done it faster by pulling the engine with it. Al
(back) Subject: New car craft magazine!!! From: "R & P" <Ronsoy@bellsouth.net> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 20:18:36 -0500 Just got the new car craft, great write up on 326 to 455 Pontiac swap.... Ron 68 Bird
(back) Subject: Re: 700R4 driveshaft on eBay for 67,68,69, Camaro/Firebird From: "ROY D LUMSDEN" <rlumsden@tampabay.rr.com> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 20:41:00 -0500 I measured and took mine to a drive shaft shop and had mine cut re-welded and with new U-joints for $65. Roy ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chuck Sellers" <chuck_sellers@hotmail.com> To: "Firebird List" <Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com> Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2001 12:30 PM Subject: 700R4 driveshaft on eBay for 67,68,69, Camaro/Firebird > First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List > = ......................................................................... > Item #: 536341045 > Item: 67,68,69, Camaro/Firebird 700R4 Driveshaft > Price: US $36.00 > Bids: 12 > Started: 01/03 08:56 > URL: http://grass.ebay.com/go/101/13077625/1/536341045 > > >
(back) Subject: Re: Poncholet From: "ROY D LUMSDEN" <rlumsden@tampabay.rr.com> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 20:54:19 -0500 I've got a buddy who pulled the old diesel out of his GMC pick-up and installed a Ponco 400. He says he loves to get next to a new truck and = drop the hammer on them and watch their eyes bug out in disbelief. When he's = not blowing the doors off of unsuspecting rednecks (no offense) he uses it to pull the trailer for his race cars. Roy ----- Original Message ----- From: "GTOken" <GTOken@ipa.net> To: "First Generation Firebird-L" <Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com> Sent: Thursday, January 11, 2001 6:00 PM Subject: Re: Poncholet > First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List > = ......................................................................... > Gary, your link to your "other stuff" on the website doesn't work. > > Ken > > Gary Patrick wrote: > > > > First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List > > .......................................................................... > > > > Too bad Pontiac didnt make trucks...68-72 Poncho 4X4 would look bad to the > > bone I'm sure. still we gotta do something when the mud is too deep = for > > our birds. There is a cool picture of my 68 4X4 on my site under the other > > stuff link if youd like to see it. > > Rowan *68 poncho and Chebby > > http://www.cruzers.com/~rowan > > > > No but they made GMC trucks with Pontiac engines in the late 50s > > Maybe I can find a pic of a friends Poncholet,70 Cheby with a 455 > > and B&M TH400,headers, RAIV cam, #64 heads. I remember seeing > > the speedo down at the 6 oclock mark at time or too. > > Engine now resides in a Chevelle. Gary >
(back) Subject: Upholstery shop recommendations? From: "Mark Wurtzel" <mwurtzel@flash.net> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 18:20:11 -0800 Does anyone on the list have any recommendations for a shop in the S.F. = bay area to replace the top on my '68 convertible? I'm not looking for show quality but do want good, quality work - probably roughly in line with OEM standards. Thanks, Mark
(back) Subject: Re: New car craft magazine!!! From: "John Wern" <jwern@gw.total-web.net> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 22:07:31 -0500 Yea I read it too. One of the most obvious things that they failed to mention was the fact that you have to add a new vapor return gas line (If you want to do it correctly). They even show a close up of the fuel pumps together and make note that they look different, but, say nothing about = it. It was a good article though. . Something so small but a major pain in the butt... -----Original Message----- From: R & P <Ronsoy@bellsouth.net> To: Firebird List <Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com> Date: Thursday, January 11, 2001 9:03 PM Subject: New car craft magazine!!! >First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List >......................................................................... > Just got the new car craft, great write up on 326 to 455 Pontiac >swap.... > > >Ron >68 Bird
(back) Subject: Re: Ralley II paint schemes... From: "John Wern" <jwern@gw.total-web.net> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 22:28:42 -0500 Yes, Yes ,Yes - You are correct - the engine - It's the wrong color = yes, but, and well, ummm, you see, auhhh the thing is I was talking about the wheels and ummm, well, you see, the other thing is and I'm only saying = this for the record and please please dont take it the wrong way or nothin' but well - ok, here it is, i'm gong to come right out and say it - you know get down to the nitty gritty, walk the dog, step up, pay the piper, dance = to the music - whatever..Here I'll just say it ...hint--> I'm 30 years old = and I only drink beer when I'm thirsty; so to answer your question "How = many beers did I have before I painted the engine?". ((Sounds like a riddle doesnt it?)) -- ANSWER: It all depends on the barametric pressure and = the altitude. You see I get really really thristy when I'm really really = high. So it all depends. Get it? So there. Oh & yea, the dog, he drinks too (sometimes) but only water.... Thanks John. -----Original Message----- From: JGeigel@aol.com <JGeigel@aol.com> To: Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com <Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com> Date: Thursday, January 11, 2001 4:44 PM Subject: Re: Ralley II paint schemes... >First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List >......................................................................... >John, > >I went to your site and viewed the photos. Friendly looking dog.... But one >question, how many of those Budweisers did you drink before you painted your >engine. Looks like the wrong color to me. > >Old gotta have a beer Joe >
(back) Subject: 1/4 mile truck/Pontiac From: "Chris Porter" <fxstsb@pop.sttl.uswest.net> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 20:39:52 -0800 I also know of a 455 in a `69/`70 Chev p/u. It ran a low 13 in the quarter.....WOW, lot of truck to get moving that quickly. Maybe I can find a pic of a friends Poncholet,70 Cheby with a 455 and B&M TH400,headers, RAIV cam, #64 heads. I remember seeing the speedo down at the 6 oclock mark at time or too. Engine now resides in a Chevelle. Gary Chris `68 350 H.O. Drop-top
(back) Subject: Re: Ralley II paint schemes... From: <PStonebrak@aol.com> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 23:52:50 EST its ok john, kust step back from the screen; easy big guy. Just check out = the real Pontiac colors. I'll try not too interupt.
(back) Subject: Re: Big Tires From: <PStonebrak@aol.com> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 23:58:24 EST I learned that wheel offset has a lot to do with it. So beware of = different ralley wheels
(back) Subject: Re: Power Steering Conversion From: "x1r1 x" <x1r1@hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 22:19:23 -0800 > >If you use the newer pump too, the lines should work. the difference is >that GM switched to an o ring instead of the old flare fitting. There is >an >adapter kit I saw advertised in Hot Rod or one of those mags. My friend >didnt want to wait when we put the TPI in his 65 el camino, and >sucessfully >stripped the old lines into the new pump without leaks. He might be >screwed >if he has to replace a line later. >My bird is about 2.75 turn lock to lock, but I don't know what parts were >used. The feel is pretty nice, but not hard to paralell park. >Rowan *68 > > > >From: Niklas Ridell <vcc2.nridell@memo.volvo.se> > >I'm in the process of replacing the power steering gear box with a = later > >unit > >from a '84 GTA. The benefit is your getting a quicker ratio 2,4 turns >lock > >to > >lock together with a better road feel (I hope). > >The unit looks like the old one and is a direct bolt on but you need to > >have the > >curved pitman arm from a first gen. V8 firebird. > >The only problem I have encountered is that the hoses doesn't fit. You >need > >custom made hoses or adapters. I haven't had time to finish the project >yet > >so I can't report about the result. > > > >/Niklas > > >------------------------ > >dbyers@casgen.com wrote: > > > > > I am interested in putting power steering in my 68 Firebird 400. = What >is > > > the best approach? Is there a later model Firebird that has a = steering > > > box, pump, brackets, etc. that will directly bolt up? > > > _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com