First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List Re: Matching Numbers? by "Joe Brown" <jb.pb@gte.net> Re: Matching Numbers? by <Framair@aol.com> Folding Rear Seat brackets by "TG" <togross@ibm.net> 4 bbl bracket for 69 350 bird? by <Metthem@aol.com> Re: 2 2 4 update by "Ken Reimer" <kreimer@uniserve.com> RE: Moving Shocks Inboard by "Mace" <macef@optonline.net> Re: 4 bbl bracket for 69 350 bird? by <Framair@aol.com> Re: 4 bbl bracket for 69 350 bird? by <Framair@aol.com> Wanting non-original seats by "Chuck Sellers" <chuck_sellers@hotmail.com> Hurst "V-Matic II Shifter by "John Wern" <jwern@gw.total-web.net> Fw: Seat Belts by "Joe Brown" <jb.pb@gte.net> RE: 4 bbl bracket for 69 350 bird? by "TG" <togross@ibm.net> Re: Hurst "V-Matic II Shifter by "GTOken" <GTOken@ipa.net> fuel pump/drainback by "x1r1 x" <x1r1@hotmail.com> Re: Rim Question by "dim" <dimbird@home.com> Re: My Car on First Gen by "dim" <dimbird@home.com> Wheel Balancing by "dim" <dimbird@home.com> Re: Rim Question by "John Wern" <jwern@gw.total-web.net> ready to run... by "John Wern" <jwern@gw.total-web.net> RE: engine/trans removal by "A Jason Maynard" <ajasonm@one.net.au>
(back) Subject: Re: Matching Numbers? From: "Joe Brown" <jb.pb@gte.net> Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 10:44:41 -0800 I think my 350 engine Firebird with P.B , P.S. , A/C is worth more or = easier to sell at a higher price with a 455 engine . There are not that many matching number Firebird buyer's . People are buying them because they are cheaper ,in better shape, better looking, came with more options and less modifications done to them over the last 30 years than the Camaro . Joe
(back) Subject: Re: Matching Numbers? From: <Framair@aol.com> Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 13:04:49 EST From: Dfmcgr@cs.com >Let's face it- once a car has lost it's original engine, it's not the >same car. And the value goes down. ....This is very true amonst the die-hard collectors/investors. Something to keep in mind even if you're not. Don't pay too much for a non-numbers matching car if you ever plan on selling the car because you could lose significantly if the potential buyer is a numbers-but. >A numbers matching, reasonably optioned 400 convert.? >13-16k isn't too far fetched. >I'd pay 6,000 for a non-numbers one. ....This is exactly why there are so many people 'making' a correct numbers matching car. Let's face it, with today's technology, it's rather easy to restore a car to numbers matching. Not too difficult to machine and restamp numbers on cast engine and trans components. Same with date codes (including cast one's). Personally, if someone is able to go through the trouble of changing numbers on a correct engine/trans to match a documented car to the point where it cannot be proven whether that is the ACTUAL block or trans that came with the car, I say it really doesn't matter. Sure, if someone takes a 6cyl car and tries to pass it off as a Ram Air II convertible by forging numbers and documentation including body numbers and tags, then that is obviously wrong. With all the emphasis on numbers matching, what is really the difference between someone hunting down 'correct' for that car numbers and date code matching spark plug wires, shocks etc compared to making the block, trans, carb, alternator, etc correct ? >If I found a car I wanted (72 RA 455 Formula) and it had a non #s 455 in >it, I'd still buy it. I just wouldn't have to pay the extra 20K :) ....Your point is valid however, if someone had an original low = production, highly desireable muscle car such as that and the original engine was = gone, given the difference in value, you can bet someone is going to do = everything possible to ensure that the car is restored with ALL the correct parts (numbers matching) including the engine block. That is, if they are more concerned about the resale value than the personal satisfaction that comes from owning, restoring a rare breed. John FRamair@aol.com Semper Fi Ephesians 4:32
(back) Subject: Folding Rear Seat brackets From: "TG" <togross@ibm.net> Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 13:58:48 -0500 All: I'm converting my '68 conv to a folding rear seat. Does anyone have a pattern or measurements to locate the floor brackets, or tips on this conversion? Thanks Todd '68 400 conv, almost "finished" (if there is ever such a thing)
(back) Subject: 4 bbl bracket for 69 350 bird? From: <Metthem@aol.com> Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 14:03:32 EST Man, I just bought that bracket off eBay and think it may be the wrong = one. It appears to have an F2 on it and someone told me he thinks the 69 = firebird 4 bbls have an F4 on em. Anyone wanna check it out can go to <http://cgi.ebay.aol.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3D53= 78910 09&r=3D0&t=3D0> Another question; Do automatics and sticks use the same brackets? Crossing fingers, Gary
(back) Subject: Re: 2 2 4 update From: "Ken Reimer" <kreimer@uniserve.com> Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 12:29:01 -0800 Gary, Those brackets come in both 2 bbl and 4 bbl styles, the one that was on EBAY recently had a '2' stamped on it, if I remember it correctly. The 4 bbl ones have a '4' stamped on them. You will also need a longer cable. Sometimes it's easier just to go to 67 mechanical linkage, I hope this will help. Regards, Ken At 04:17 PM 1/13/2001 EST, you wrote: >First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List >......................................................................... >Just happen to see one on eBay, selling in 2 hours after asking for the >bracket, hope this is what I need though; it is the bracket that mounts = on >the intake. Is this what I needed to switch from a 2 bbl to a 4, or do I = need >the throttle bracket that mounts on the carb? I don't have the carb = here, my >buddy (the mechanic) has that at his place. >Gary > >>
(back) Subject: RE: Moving Shocks Inboard From: "Mace" <macef@optonline.net> Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 15:47:47 -0500 Hi Everyone, I own a 69 Firebird Droptop. I am thinking of moving the shocks = inboard to accomodate larger size tires. If I reverse the lower bracket that is currently holding the shock in place, will the shocks still fit without welding. For example, taking the drivers side lower bracket and switching = it with the passanger side. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks...Mace Mace 69 Firebird Conv.
(back) Subject: Re: 4 bbl bracket for 69 350 bird? From: <Framair@aol.com> Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 15:59:01 EST From: Metthem@aol.com Man, I just bought that bracket off eBay and think it may be the wrong = one. It appears to have an F2 on it and someone told me he thinks the 69 = firebird 4 bbls have an F4 on em. Anyone wanna check it out can go to <http://cgi.ebay.aol.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3D53= 78910 09&r=3D0&t=3D0> Another question; Do automatics and sticks use the same brackets? Crossing fingers, Gary .....The Throttle Cable Bracket shown on the above E-Bay Auction is for a '69 Firebird 2Bbl application. The "F2" designates 2bbl. The correct Bracket for a '69 Firebird 4Bbl is 9797415 which is stamped with "F4" (for 4Bbl). Since we're on the subject, sometime in May of '68, a new Intake Manifold and Throttle Cable Bracket for the 4Bbl Firebird came into production. Intake manifold: 9794234 Throttle Cable Bracket: 9797415 (F4) This Manifold was used on late model '68 Firebirds, GTOs, Full Size models with 4bbl Carbs. Also used on all '69 models with 4Bbl. This set-up superseded the previous manifold/bracket... '68 Firebird (1st Type up until May of '68) Intake Manifold: 9790140 Throttle Cable Bracket: 9792242 I believe that the Throttle Cable Bracket you're looking for has been reproduced. John FRamair@aol.com Semper Fi Ephesians 4:32
(back) Subject: Re: 4 bbl bracket for 69 350 bird? From: <Framair@aol.com> Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 16:02:08 EST From: Metthem@aol.com >Another question; Do automatics and sticks use the same brackets? >Crossing fingers, >Gary ....Forget to mention this in my previous reply. YES (no difference in Throttle Cable Brackets for Auto/Man Trans.) John FRamair@aol.com Semper Fi Ephesians 4:32
(back) Subject: Wanting non-original seats From: "Chuck Sellers" <chuck_sellers@hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 13:06:40 -0800 I am very interested in getting some front seats for the bird that are comfy, safe and highback or have headrests. Has anyone done this or have a brand or internet site that has seats that fit or can be made to fit? Also, can they be had with safety harnesses or do the belts need to be mounted somewhere other than the seats? I am thinking maybe I would have = to have a rollbar installed to get the necessary shoulder belts or a harness mounted. Thanks for any info or input. Chuck Sellers '68 350 convertible
(back) Subject: Hurst "V-Matic II Shifter From: "John Wern" <jwern@gw.total-web.net> Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 20:23:23 -0500 Hello All, One question - Anyone got a Hurst V-Matic II shifter in their FIREBIRD? If so what trans are you using? Oh and do you have any pics?? How does it look?? Thanks all and I hope everyones doing fine. John.
(back) Subject: Fw: Seat Belts From: "Joe Brown" <jb.pb@gte.net> Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 20:36:27 -0800 ----- Original Message ----- From: Joe Brown <jb.pb@gte.net> To: Stephen Schuneman <sschuneman@cox.rr.com> Sent: Friday, January 12, 2001 10:13 PM Subject: Re: Seat Belts > I did not get any replies on that topic , no I have not got a chance to look > around at the junk yards . I am going to install 3 point seat belt for = two > reasons , 1- safety 2- not having the inside belt hitting the console . > Joe >
(back) Subject: RE: 4 bbl bracket for 69 350 bird? From: "TG" <togross@ibm.net> Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 21:14:30 -0500 I've got a '68 / 400 / TH400 with what I think is the orig throttle bracket(2nd owner, got car in '75), but I'm having trouble fitting the tranny kick-down switch. I'm told it's the correct switch, bit it won't = fit in the bracket. Anyone have a pic or diagram on how these fit? Todd
(back) Subject: Re: Hurst "V-Matic II Shifter From: "GTOken" <GTOken@ipa.net> Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 20:39:13 -0600 I've got one for my 68 that will be running a 200r4, but who knows when I'll get it all put together? >:( Ken John Wern wrote: > > First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List > = ......................................................................... > Hello All, One question - Anyone got a Hurst V-Matic II shifter = in > their FIREBIRD? If so what trans are you using? Oh and do you have = any > pics?? How does it look?? Thanks all and I hope everyones doing fine. > John.
(back) Subject: fuel pump/drainback From: "x1r1 x" <x1r1@hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 19:03:48 -0800 Days after posting on fuel drainback, I got up in the morning to find we = are out of coffee. go to start the car....no fuel. Ironic, but it just = doesnt seem funny. Eventualy, I got it started, but only for about 10 minutes at = a time. Seems the fuel pump is out. I was just going to get a respectable brand name replacement. My engine is a mild X5(unknown internals,maybe original) 400 with pontiac performer, edelbrock 650, and headers. Has anyone found the stock replacement(i guess mine would be for a '73)inadequate? Rowan *68coupe 350 badges and a 400 _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
(back) Subject: Re: Rim Question From: "dim" <dimbird@home.com> Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 22:00:22 -0500 Hey Keith. I had the same question as you. My rims are 14 x 7 stamped JS which I found were on the 69 firebirds and later models. I bought them already blasted and primed for $125 and paid a body shop $160 to paint them (base clear), but that was pretty low price because the owner kidded that he would of rathered of bought me a new set of repro's for the time he spent painting them (they came out beautiful). Including trim rings, new G.M.caps, lug nuts the total cost of my rims were about $600 CN. Regarding whether it is worth painting is up to you. In my case I am pretty sure that I can get my money back if I plan do do it all over again with JC. Plus, lots of guys in the group hand painted them and had positive results so that can be an option for you. I don't know how nice repro rims are but Ames sells them for $525 US complete so that is also an option. Make sure those rims fit (wheel wells, lug holes, disk brakes-if applicable). Let me know how it goes and if you have anymore questions. I may have some pictures of my rims soon. Dimbird
(back) Subject: Re: My Car on First Gen From: "dim" <dimbird@home.com> Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 22:14:57 -0500 Hey Clayton, The car was bought in Canada but still built in U.S. I don't think any cars were built in Canada that year. But to answer your question it is definately a Pontiac blue engine. Later, Dimbird Clayton C Koch wrote: > > First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List > = ......................................................................... > Dim....since your car appears to be an OE Canada car can I assume that > the 350 is a Chevy 350??, which was common on the Canadian Pontiacs. > Your car looks great and what a find with the winters in your area (and > salt) > Clayton 68 350 HO >
(back) Subject: Wheel Balancing From: "dim" <dimbird@home.com> Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 22:44:45 -0500 Here's one for you... I want to re-balance my Ralley II's in the spring and there is no way I am taking off those centre caps to put it in the balancing machine. I checked quite a few places and none have the adaptor for the lug holes. Is this a common problem? My centre caps are "GM pain in the ass to install" ones so they don't come off easy. Later, Dimbird.
(back) Subject: Re: Rim Question From: "John Wern" <jwern@gw.total-web.net> Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 00:29:29 -0500 If you have the time to paint your own wheels & with the results some have received, you can be very proud of yourself, do it. I was amazed at the results as it was very easy, but please remember, cause' weve all been there, If you dont have the time, buy it. No Pressure. John. -----Original Message----- From: dim <dimbird@home.com> To: First Generation Firebird-L <Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com> Date: Sunday, January 14, 2001 11:25 PM Subject: Re: Rim Question >First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List >......................................................................... >Hey Keith. > >I had the same question as you. My rims are 14 x 7 stamped JS which I >found >were on the 69 firebirds and later models. I bought them already >blasted and primed for $125 and paid a body shop $160 to paint them >(base clear), but that was pretty low price because the owner kidded >that he would of rathered of bought me a new set of repro's for the time >he spent painting them (they came >out beautiful). Including trim rings, new G.M.caps, lug nuts the total >cost of my rims were about $600 CN. > >Regarding whether it is worth painting is up to you. In my case I am >pretty >sure that I can get my money back if I plan do do it all over again with >JC. Plus, lots of guys in the group hand painted them and had positive >results so that can be an option for you. > >I don't know how nice repro rims are but Ames sells them for $525 US >complete >so that is also an option. > >Make sure those rims fit (wheel wells, lug holes, disk brakes-if >applicable). > >Let me know how it goes and if you have anymore questions. > >I may have some pictures of my rims soon. >
(back) Subject: ready to run... From: "John Wern" <jwern@gw.total-web.net> Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 00:40:06 -0500 Ok Ok Ok I've got a question for everyone and this just might be stupid but -- Woud it be better to start my engine with the original exaust manifolds or the new headman headers? Which will be louder? And can I drive down the street like that? I care what the neighbors think but I'm sure they want me to close my garage and have my sexy Firebird sent to the paint boooth -- so what the hell Lets run this lady around the block so = we can have it hauled to the painter himself. Thanks John.
(back) Subject: RE: engine/trans removal From: "A Jason Maynard" <ajasonm@one.net.au> Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 18:07:00 +0800 Interesting...most people look at me a bit funny when I say its easier to pull the trans with the motor, but most have dealt with manual gearboxes which would be alot easier to leave in the car I think. Definately = radiator out. Jason ex-400 Byrd