First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List OHC rings by "Gary Patrick" <Gary@tcworks.net> : 6 OHC Oil pump by "Gary Patrick" <Gary@tcworks.net> RE: speedometer/odometer question by "Trimpe, Bob" <TrimpeB@rajones.com> Re: updated photos by "Keith Donmoyer" <kadonny@hotmail.com> Sprint Trans by "Keith Donmoyer" <kadonny@hotmail.com> Re: 14 Inch Wheels by <hugoba@apcom.com> Re: OHC piston information help by "David Learner" <davidlearner@yahoo.com> code JJ rally IIs - 15x7 by "Trimpe, Bob" <TrimpeB@rajones.com> Power Windows Wiring by "Gary Patrick" <Gary@tcworks.net> Re HO Stripes by "Gary Patrick" <Gary@tcworks.net> 14 Inch Wheels by "Jim Thomson" <jthomson@san.rr.com> Re: 15" Rally II pics by <F119flight@aol.com> Fuel question by "matt schmid" <schmidmj@hotmail.com> Re: code JJ rally IIs - 15x7 by "Glenn Uettwiller" <birdman@gdi.net> Question on vacuum lines by "Erich Wagner" <ewagner@advancepac.com> Re: Fuel question by "Michael Howell" <fishgod@iglou.com> Re: speedometer/odometer question by <T2AVLIS@aol.com> Re: 14 Inch Wheels by "x1r1 x" <x1r1@hotmail.com> Re: updated photos by "Daniel" <poncho40@sga.quik.com> Re: Fuel question by "x1r1 x" <x1r1@hotmail.com> Re: 15" Rally II pics by "Daniel" <poncho40@sga.quik.com> Updated Site w/ Pics by <SteveBrady1@aol.com>
(back) Subject: OHC rings From: "Gary Patrick" <Gary@tcworks.net> Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 06:15:25 -0400 Subject: OHC piston information help From: "Steve Stinefelt" <stevestinefelt@hawaii.rr.com> Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2001 17:43:18 -1000 Help! I'm about to change the piston rings on my '68 Sprint Firebird with an original, never opened up ZD engine (10.5-1 compression) and I'm in = need of some important info. A few of the mail order parts houses I usually = deal with have told me that there are listings for two different ring sets for = my car. One of them has a 1/16" top ring. The other has a 5/64" top ring. Does anyone out there know which one I should have? Or do I have to open = it up first and measure it to find out? I was hoping to already have the = parts on hand before I open up the motor. Thanks for your help!! Steve '68 Sprint 4-spd Steve the rings are 5/64 x 3-7/8 in. You really should rebore and replace pistons too. Re ring is just a bandaid and many times wont last a 1000 miles. Ive seen rering jobs actually break the rings from the excess flexing. Bore when worn closely resembles shape of a coke bottle. Re boring straightens this out. The gapless rings are the best but are expensive. Total Seal and Childs-Albert are the two best know ones. Dont buy any parts before machine work is done. Well maybe a gasket set. Gary
(back) Subject: : 6 OHC Oil pump From: "Gary Patrick" <Gary@tcworks.net> Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 06:17:08 -0400 Subject: 6 OHC Oil pump From: "Jeff Frey" <FREYJ@mascorp.com> Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2001 19:30:35 -0700 I now have an oiling problem. Is there a good source for rebuilt or new 6 OHC oil pumps. Do these need to be custom rebuilt? Thanks, Jeff Jeff contact me off list... I have New( NOS) and used or can rebuild = yours. Gary
(back) Subject: RE: speedometer/odometer question From: "Trimpe, Bob" <TrimpeB@rajones.com> Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 08:55:13 -0400 Tony, I'll be doing a rally gauge conversion in the very near future. I will = have the gauges for sale, if you can wait a month or so. Bob Trimpe .......................................................................... My speedo works but the odometer doesn't. Is this something that I can = fix or should I look for a different speedo. If so does anyone have one for sale. Tony 69 conv
(back) Subject: Re: updated photos From: "Keith Donmoyer" <kadonny@hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 09:35:06 -0400 Sounds like you are from the younger generation......thast great!!! Also sounds like you got a great attitude torwards life. In this instance, = dont listen to your parents (don't tell them that I said that) these cars are = NOT JUNK!!! There are not many younger gens that really appreciate these = older cars (most want those late model rice burners with the big mufflers) and = my hats off to you. Yes, someday you will have your own "humble abode" with = a very large garage, the way it is meant to be. Just tell your parents that = you appreciate the "finer things in life", that will really stir them up. Im proud to have you as a fellow member to this list, keep up the good = work. Keith 68 H.O. Subject: Re: updated photos From: "matt schmid" <schmidmj@hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 10 Apr 2001 04:51:55 Don't worry if I didn't have a sense of humor, I wouldn't have any sense = at all. ;) Since I don't even own a house right now I'm lucky to have that crawl = space to put the car in. Considering the parents really were frowning upon the fact that I was going to throw my money into (in their words) "an old = peice of junk" it could have been worse. But I digress, you live with what life gives you. That's a kick ass bird you got and a sweet garage, one day I tell you, one day, I'll have mine and then we'll see who's laughing. Anyway, thanks for the wake up kick in the groin, just be glad I'm a = rather jolly person at heart. I'll be sure and tell my parents that they need to get a "real" garage :) hehe Matt 68 350 coupe _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
(back) Subject: Sprint Trans From: "Keith Donmoyer" <kadonny@hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 10:06:57 -0400 Chris, Yes the Sprint was available in an automatic. Per the First Gen Firebird site sales manual, trans available were as follows: 3 Speed Manual Trans Engine code ZD trans code FY 4 Speed Manual Trans Engine code also ZD trans code FH Automatic (not available with air) Engine code ZE trans code LG (sprint only) Keith 68 H.O. Chris Porter wrote: I was under the impression that all Sprint car's where manual's. Is this correct ? Or could you get an auto ? _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
(back) Subject: Re: 14 Inch Wheels From: <hugoba@apcom.com> Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 07:49:06 -0700 (PDT) I have 235R60 BFG radial TA's and they fit just fine. I get just a bit of rubbing on the inside frame at full lock on the front but it's not that = bad. On another note, I got the 15x7 Rally's from Summit (Wheel Vintiques) and = had 235R60 15's mounted and I get a bit of rubbing on one side in the front on = the head of a bolt at the lower rear part of the arch on the front left fender = so I took it off. The right doesn't touch. I also get a bit of rubbing on the = front right when I have a heavy passenger and I hit some big dips on the = freeway. This seems to be on the lip of the front right fender. Hugo > From Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com Tue Apr 10 23:28:16 2001 > From: SteveBrady1@aol.com > Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 01:03:37 EDT > Subject: 14 Inch Wheels > To: Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com > MIME-Version: 1.0 > Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > > First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List > = ......................................................................... > I'm picking up a set of 14 inch wheels tomorrow, and I need to know what = the > best tire size is that will clear the wheel wells with no problem, yet = still > being good sized. > > > Steve Brady > 68 400 Convertible > http://members.nbci.com/srb/ >
(back) Subject: Re: OHC piston information help From: "David Learner" <davidlearner@yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 11:11:33 -0700 (PDT) Steve: I would strongly suggest that you tear down the engine and measure the bores, or have an automotive machinist to measure them prior to buying any parts. You need to know up front whether the cylinders will need to be bored, and the condition of the pistons, in the event that you may need to change one or more pistons. Also that is a good time to measure and evaluate the crank journals so that you can get your parts ordered as needed. Hope this is helpful. David Learner --- Steve Stinefelt <stevestinefelt@hawaii.rr.com> wrote: > First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List > .......................................................................... > Help! I'm about to change the piston rings on my '68 Sprint Firebird > with > an original, never opened up ZD engine (10.5-1 compression) and I'm > in need > of some important info. A few of the mail order parts houses I > usually deal > with have told me that there are listings for two different ring sets > for my > car. One of them has a 1/16" top ring. The other has a 5/64" top > ring. > Does anyone out there know which one I should have? Or do I have to > open it > up first and measure it to find out? I was hoping to already have > the parts > on hand before I open up the motor. Thanks for your help!! > > Steve > '68 Sprint 4-spd > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail. http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/
(back) Subject: code JJ rally IIs - 15x7 From: "Trimpe, Bob" <TrimpeB@rajones.com> Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 15:29:14 -0400 Ran across an old thread from Chuck Sellers about code JJ 15x7" Rally II rims. He asked what they came off of, and it seemed that no documentation was found to identify the cars they originally came on. I bought a set of code JJ 15x7 Rally IIs last winter. I took them off of a 1976 Grand Prix. BTW, the trim rings had the same "soft" rolled edge that many listers described as typical of the 15" trim rings. Bob Trimpe
(back) Subject: Power Windows Wiring From: "Gary Patrick" <Gary@tcworks.net> Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 20:41:26 -0400 Subject: Power Windows Wiring From: "Jim Thomson" <jthomson@san.rr.com> Date: Tue, 10 Apr 2001 22:22:16 -0700 I have a '68 with the original power windows, although I replaced all the wiring harnesses when I restored the interior. I am having a problem with the main cable that connects to the master switch on the drivers side = door. The problem is the fairly fat cable that connects to the switch does not = fit well between the window and the door panel. Every time the window goes up and down, the window rubs on the cable. Also, I need to open the door = about half way to get all the connector contacts to make contact so the switches for the rear windows work. It would work much better with a flat ribbon style cable that stays flush to the door panel. Has anybody else = experienced this problem and done anything to correct it? Jim Thomson '68 400 Ragtop Jim you dont say if you have standard or deluxe(Custom Trim Option) door panels. There are plastic wiring clamps that attach to the inner door frame that = will keep the wiring harness in place. If yours are broke or missing I can probably provide you with some. A ribbon cable wont work as most of the wires to operate the windows are = 12 gauge wire. Ribbon cables are usually 18 gauge or smaller. If you really wanted to work at it you could use the 4 button switch to power separate relays for = each window. Then the only power running thru the switch would be the coil for each relay(very minimal). It sounds like the hairpin connectors on your 4 button switch have lost their tension. Carefully remove the back of plastic connector which is held with small screws. Then you can squeeze the hairpin connector with small needle nose pliers. If these hairpin connectors are overloaded or strained they will loose contact. I have some of these also or can repair your harness. Gary
(back) Subject: Re HO Stripes From: "Gary Patrick" <Gary@tcworks.net> Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 20:50:21 -0400 Subject: HO stripes... From: "Chris Porter" <fxstsb@qwest.net> Date: Tue, 10 Apr 2001 16:48:34 -0700 Bob, that look's swweeet ! Was it very hard ? Any tip's ? My front stripe is almost 12" longer than the front fender, was your's this way as well ? Where did you purchase them ? Looking forward to warmer weather so I can install them. Chris `68 350 H.O. Drop-top Chris I dont know where you got your stripes from but since I manufacture them I can give you measurements off the patterns.My guess is that the = stripe is incorrect and they used same length and curve for front and rear = stripes. Invert the front of one side with the rear of other side and see. There should be a noticeable difference in the shape of curve. All my patterns are made from NOS stripes so I know them to be accurate. Ive seen alot of poor quality ones in both pattern and material used. Gary
(back) Subject: 14 Inch Wheels From: "Jim Thomson" <jthomson@san.rr.com> Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 18:13:19 -0700 Subject: 14 Inch Wheels From: <SteveBrady1@aol.com> Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 01:03:37 EDT I'm picking up a set of 14 inch wheels tomorrow, and I need to know what = the best tire size is that will clear the wheel wells with no problem, yet = still being good sized. Steve Brady 68 400 Convertible http://members.nbci.com/srb/ The rear wheel wells on the 67/68's (not sure on 69"s, I suspect the same) are slightly larger than the fronts and can accomodate a slightly larger tire than the fronts. What I have on my 68 convertible are BFG Radial = T/A's, P235-70R14's on the rear, P225-70R14's on the front. They look great. I = have them mounted on 14X6 Rally II's. Jim Thomson '68 400 Ragtop
(back) Subject: Re: 15" Rally II pics From: <F119flight@aol.com> Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 22:14:19 EDT In a message dated 4/10/01 4:15:06 PM Pacific Daylight Time, TrimpeB@rajones.com writes: << HI everyone, I've been away on business (Germany) and I missed my daily dose of = Firebird L. Here are some pics of my 15x7" rally II wheels I just got done painting: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=3D574120&a=3D4193633&p=3D462467= 04&f=3D0 http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=3D574120&a=3D4193633&p=3D462467= 11 BTW, I got a note from Photopoint (where these are stored) telling me = that photo archiving will no longer be a free service. Before I ante up the = money to buy the service from them, what photo storage sites are you guys = using? (I don't have a webpage) Regards, Bob Trimpe >> Hey Bob, good looking rims! Did you blast and powder coat them? Did you = use the "masking kits" available in all the parts catalogs? Looks like you are = ready for Spring?
(back) Subject: Fuel question From: "matt schmid" <schmidmj@hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2001 02:18:32 Hey guys, I have a question. I think this has been addressed before but = you know how us young people are, in one ear and out the other if it's not something we are currently contemplating. Anyway, I've got the Bird that I = just bought pretty much back together and it will most likely be ready to crank this weekend. Now, having never owned anything older than myself = until now, my question is...What kind of fuel should I use and does it need any additives? I know back around that time fuel was leaded, so I'm just wondering if I need to add something to it and if premium is needed or = just regular? Thanks ahead of time for the help. Matt 68 350 coupe _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
(back) Subject: Re: code JJ rally IIs - 15x7 From: "Glenn Uettwiller" <birdman@gdi.net> Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 23:52:34 -0400 Maybe this will help, Bob. I don't EVER recall seeing code "JJ" wheels. I've pointed this out before, and some folks insist on reading the "rim type" instead of the "wheel code". (If there was a "JJ" Pontiac wheel, it would be 14" diameter like the others that start with "J".) "Rim type" is a 2-letter code stamped INSIDE, meaning you must dismount the tire to read it. That is the design of the outer portion of the wheel assembly; the width, the diameter, and the depth, width and positioning of the dropped center necessary to get the tire on. Most GM cars of the era we're fond of used a "JJ" type rim, and will be stamped as such inside. The wheel code is readable on the outside of the rim, usually close to the valve stem. There may be other stampings there as well for dating and such, but this is the code for the combinations of rim type, wheel center style, bolt pattern and offset of where the two pieces are welded together. I'd almost be willing to bet that your 15X7 wheels are code HW, common to the LeMans, Grand Am and Grand Prix of 1973 through 1977. I also used a set of FW wheels on a couple of my cars (S-10 Blazers and a 72 El Camino). While the HW was the 73-77 Pontiac Rallye II with 4-3/4" circle bolt pattern, the FW was the 73-77 Chevy Rally wheel from the Monte Carlo and Chevelle. They were the same outer rims, same offset, and the same bolt pattern, but the center sections were the Chevy versus the Pontiac. Take another look and let us know! Glenn aka birdman Trimpe, Bob wrote: > > First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List > = ......................................................................... > Ran across an old thread from Chuck Sellers about code JJ 15x7" Rally II > rims. He asked what they came off of, and it seemed that no = documentation > was found to identify the cars they originally came on. > > I bought a set of code JJ 15x7 Rally IIs last winter. I took them off of = a > 1976 Grand Prix. BTW, the trim rings had the same "soft" rolled edge = that > many listers described as typical of the 15" trim rings. > > Bob Trimpe >
(back) Subject: Question on vacuum lines From: "Erich Wagner" <ewagner@advancepac.com> Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 20:16:39 -0400 On the intake manifold of my '67 326 there are two small tubes on the passenger side of the engine. Can someone confirm for me that the forward one attaches to my automatic choke and the rear one attaches to the vacuum tube at the rear of the carb? If anyone has any pictures detailing this that would be very helpful. Also, I only see two other vacuum lines that attach at the base of the carb. One from the tranny and the other from the distributor. Does that sound right? Thanks for your help! Erich Wagner '67 Firebird 326 Convertible e-mail: ewagner@advancepac.com or honus@fuse.net
(back) Subject: Re: Fuel question From: "Michael Howell" <fishgod@iglou.com> Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2001 00:10:40 -0400 Matt- Run premium.. no additives.. and you probably already know but be sure = you've gotten all the old stuff out of the tank and lines if you're going to fire up off that... Mike '68 350 Coupe http://fishgod.home.dhs.org/firebird/firebird.html
(back) Subject: Re: speedometer/odometer question From: <T2AVLIS@aol.com> Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2001 00:38:01 EDT Bob, Yes I can definately wait for the speedo. Want would you want for it? = Also what is involved in doing a rally gauge conversion? Tony 69 conv.
(back) Subject: Re: 14 Inch Wheels From: "x1r1 x" <x1r1@hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 22:01:50 -0700 A major tire store wil let you swap if you have rubbing Rowan >From: "Jim Thomson" <jthomson@san.rr.com> >Subject: 14 Inch Wheels >From: <SteveBrady1@aol.com> >Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 01:03:37 EDT > >I'm picking up a set of 14 inch wheels tomorrow, and I need to know what >the >best tire size is that will clear the wheel wells with no problem, yet >still >being good sized. > > >Steve Brady >68 400 Convertible >http://members.nbci.com/srb/ > >The rear wheel wells on the 67/68's (not sure on 69"s, I suspect the = same) >are slightly larger than the fronts and can accomodate a slightly larger >tire than the fronts. What I have on my 68 convertible are BFG Radial >T/A's, >P235-70R14's on the rear, P225-70R14's on the front. They look great. I >have >them mounted on 14X6 Rally II's. > >Jim Thomson >'68 400 Ragtop > > _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
(back) Subject: Re: updated photos From: "Daniel" <poncho40@sga.quik.com> Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 22:27:39 -0400 Matt I agree with keith next time they say junk you can take them to my web site or the owners pages on this site and show them some of the junk!! And ours is going up in value where that new honda is going down in a hurry hahahaha Daniel Ray
(back) Subject: Re: Fuel question From: "x1r1 x" <x1r1@hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 22:06:56 -0700 I'd start with Chevron 92 because it has a lot of detergent, then as you start to run low on gas, try lower octane. If it doesnt ping or run on, higher octane will just cost extra. If your motor is all 1968 parts, you may need t run high octane, but my = 400 was happy with regular. Rowan >From: "matt schmid" <schmidmj@hotmail.com> >Hey guys, I have a question. I think this has been addressed before but = you >know how us young people are, in one ear and out the other if it's not >something we are currently contemplating. Anyway, I've got the Bird that = I >just bought pretty much back together and it will most likely be ready to >crank this weekend. Now, having never owned anything older than myself >until >now, my question is...What kind of fuel should I use and does it need any >additives? I know back around that time fuel was leaded, so I'm just >wondering if I need to add something to it and if premium is needed or = just >regular? Thanks ahead of time for the help. > >Matt >68 350 coupe _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
(back) Subject: Re: 15" Rally II pics From: "Daniel" <poncho40@sga.quik.com> Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 22:30:22 -0400 bob I use geocities for my web page does't cost a thing Daniel Ray and the rims look really good!
(back) Subject: Updated Site w/ Pics From: <SteveBrady1@aol.com> Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2001 02:13:43 EDT I updated my site and put up a whole bunch of pictures up from the = Good-Guys on March 24, in Pleasenton. If your car was there, chances are that it's = on my site. I have 35 pictures up, so visit http://members.nbci.com/srb/ Steve Brady 68 400 Convertible http://members.nbci.com/srb/