First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List Re: One other thing...cooling AND turn signal switch by "Michael Howell" <fishgod@iglou.com> Stripping Paint by "Provost, Marty" <MProvost@LiquidGolf.com> Re: One other thing...cooling AND turn signal switch by <Jimc2002@aol.com> RE: Firebird-L Digest #1876 by "Brett Luikkonen" <brett@cisdirect.com> Power Steering Question by "Erich Wagner" <ewagner@advancepac.com> Owner Show Pages Updated (4-26-2001) by "Geoff Martin" <Geoff@firstgenfirebird.org> Re: Power Steering Question by "Frank Zeller" <fzeller@tri-austin.com> 69 outside mirror by <Metthem@aol.com> Re: Stripping Paint by "Bob Trimpe" <fyrebird68@hotmail.com> Re: Rally gauges installed! by "Bob Trimpe" <fyrebird68@hotmail.com> Re: One other thing...cooling AND turn signal switch by "Michael Howell" <fishgod@iglou.com> Re cooling by "Gary Patrick" <Gary@tcworks.net> Re: Power Steering Question by <hugoba@apcom.com> New Source for Firebird Products by "ROY D LUMSDEN" <rlumsden@tampabay.rr.com> Re: Gas Prices by <Nhra68@aol.com> Re: Rally gauges installed! QUESTION by <Nhra68@aol.com> Re: Turn signal switch by "Brady Esch" <besch@cardeon.com> Re: Gas Prices by "matt schmid" <schmidmj@hotmail.com> factory guages by "Craig" <coreman@uniserve.com> Re: electrical problem by "matt schmid" <schmidmj@hotmail.com> Re: Gas Prices by "Pete D" <pjd805@yahoo.com> Re: Power Steering Question by "Erich Wagner" <ewagner@advancepac.com> Re: Power Steering Question by "Erich Wagner" <ewagner@advancepac.com>
(back) Subject: Re: One other thing...cooling AND turn signal switch From: "Michael Howell" <fishgod@iglou.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 09:46:55 -0400 Thanks a lot for the suggestions on both topics... I will just replace = the radiator and water neck for now, see what kind of results that gives me. As for the turn signal switch I think I'll hold off on that until I have someone to help me with it. Not like it's a big deal to turn it off manually. One of these days I'll get a junk column from somewhere and figure it out. I will update you all on the cooling system results when = it happens.. Thanks again!! Mike 68 350 Coupe At 09:54 PM 4/25/2001 -0700, you wrote: >First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List >......................................................................... >Some people have experienced a higher temp with a lower temp thermostat. >I put in a 160 in the 455 and with the desert cooler it holds 190 pretty = much >all the time. Today I did a stress test and went to Santa Cruz over the >mountains and the hotest it got was 210. On the way back there was an = accident >and it had gotten to about 210 and then I iddled for quite some time and = it >dropped back to 195. I didn't even have the electric fan hooked up yet. > >Your mileage may vary....
(back) Subject: Stripping Paint From: "Provost, Marty" <MProvost@LiquidGolf.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 09:43:27 -0400 Well, I just started stripping my bird. Looks like 3 different paint = jobs, some with primer, some without...ugh. Are there any tips/tricks or is this a nasty job any way you look at it? = ;) Thanks, -Marty 67 455 Coupe
(back) Subject: Re: One other thing...cooling AND turn signal switch From: <Jimc2002@aol.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 11:00:04 EDT Mike, If all the problem is with the turn signal is that it won't cancel (turn off). You may just have to replace the springs on the existing one. Jim 68 400HO Conv
(back) Subject: RE: Firebird-L Digest #1876 From: "Brett Luikkonen" <brett@cisdirect.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 10:09:44 -0500 Sorry All, I thought I was sending that last message to Lance directly... It had an attached an image... Doh!
(back) Subject: Power Steering Question From: "Erich Wagner" <ewagner@advancepac.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 09:03:53 -0400 Now that I have my Firebird running and moving (carb & tranny fixed) I have discovered that the power steering does not work. Before I pull off the power steering pump and replace it I wanted to know if there is any way to verify that this is my problem or troubleshoot the system. I don't have any grinding or other symptoms that would indicate a problem in the column it simply is very hard to steer, as if I didn't have power steering. Anybody have any thoughts or suggestions? I checked the FAQs etc. and didn't see anything that related to this situation. Thanks for your help! Erich Wagner '67 Firebird 326 Convertible e-mail: ewagner@advancepac.com or honus@fuse.net
(back) Subject: Owner Show Pages Updated (4-26-2001) From: "Geoff Martin" <Geoff@firstgenfirebird.org> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 14:11:26 -0400 Subject: Owner Show Pages Updated (4-26-2001) Added some more owners today to the First Generation Firebird Owners' Show Pages: Ed Pittman 1968 Originally Special Code Silver Metallic Firebird 400 Convertible (http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/closeup.mv?CarID=3D161) ------------------- Enjoy - Geoff '68 Mayfair Maize Firebird 350 Convertible (http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/closeup.mv?CarID=3D46) (Geoff@firstgenfirebird.org) More information about adding your car or link to the owner pages: (http://FirstGenFirebird.org/firebird/owners/info.html) (Make sure to drop the "(" and ")" when using the URLs)
(back) Subject: Re: Power Steering Question From: "Frank Zeller" <fzeller@tri-austin.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 14:48:25 -0500 Crack loose the high pressure line, start the motor to check for pressure = or big leak. I think its upwards of 1000 psi on the high side. Grease = the ball joints and drive it around to see the steering loosens up. >>> ewagner@advancepac.com 04/26/01 08:03AM >>> First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List .......................................................................... Now that I have my Firebird running and moving (carb & tranny fixed) I have discovered that the power steering does not work. Before I pull off the power steering pump and replace it I wanted to know if there is any way to verify that this is my problem or troubleshoot the system. I don't have any grinding or other symptoms that would indicate a problem in the column it simply is very hard to steer, as if I didn't have power steering. Anybody have any thoughts or suggestions? I checked the FAQs etc. and didn't see anything that related to this situation. Thanks for your help! Erich Wagner '67 Firebird 326 Convertible e-mail: ewagner@advancepac.com or honus@fuse.net
(back) Subject: 69 outside mirror From: <Metthem@aol.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 15:51:31 EDT I have an outside rear view mirror for a 69 Firebird for sale if anyone on = the list is interested. It is not original and has only been on the car about 14 months; fine shape, no rust, no pits, included is all the = mounting hardware. Ames sells them for $45.oo, I am asking $30, if interested = email me off the list. It is the rectangular mirror. Gary
(back) Subject: Re: Stripping Paint From: "Bob Trimpe" <fyrebird68@hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 15:54:14 -0400 Marty, When I did mine, the paint job was really shot -- had little rust spiders that ran all over under the paint. The body guy told me it all had to come = off. I borrowed a compressor and a DA (dual-action) sander, and spent the next 30 days stripping to the bare metal. Not fun. But, the results were, I got an absolutely flawless, deep paint that turns = heads. I recommend it, just suck it up and do it! Regards, Bob Trimpe >From: "Provost, Marty" <MProvost@LiquidGolf.com> > >Well, I just started stripping my bird. Looks like 3 different paint = jobs, >some with primer, some without...ugh. > >Are there any tips/tricks or is this a nasty job any way you look at it? = >;) > >Thanks, >-Marty >67 455 Coupe > > _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
(back) Subject: Re: Rally gauges installed! From: "Bob Trimpe" <fyrebird68@hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 16:26:52 -0400 Ian, I posted a couple of small pics of rally gauges on my webpage. http://www.geocities.com/bobtrimpe/ > >Now here's the rub - I live in England, and have never seen the rally >gauges, let alone had an opportunity to buy them. So can you guys on the >list give me some pointers as to where I might get them, such that I can >ship them to the UK. I will take your advise Bob and use the FAQ for >directions. Also, I would be happy to have them refurbished in the USA = and >then shipped to me. Precisionpontiac.com are good for me, if they are = good >for the list members ! > >Thanks for any ideas or help that you may be able to give me. > >Ian Highfield (England) >350 Coupe _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
(back) Subject: Re: One other thing...cooling AND turn signal switch From: "Michael Howell" <fishgod@iglou.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 16:48:18 -0400 Thanks Jim - If I get adventurous one weekend maybe I'll grab the tools = and pop it open. Maybe I'll get lucky! Mike >......................................................................... >Mike, > >If all the problem is with the turn signal is that it won't cancel (turn >off). You may just have to replace the springs on the existing one. > >Jim >68 400HO Conv >
(back) Subject: Re cooling From: "Gary Patrick" <Gary@tcworks.net> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 16:58:39 -0400 You guys that have a cooling problem may want to try this. I dont have any interest in this company and havent tried thier product. I only know the company by the heat shield on my sons GTP and found this on thier website. They claim a 30-35 deg drop in temp with this additive. the other product i may buy as a heat sink for welding. If anyone trys it LMK thanks Gary http://www.designengineering.com/page61.html http://www.designengineering.com/page50.html Subject: Re: One other thing...cooling From: "Frank Zeller" <fzeller@tri-austin.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 07:43:59 -0500 I converted from the 8 inch to 6.5 inch water pump pulley (about a 19 percent increase) I had to pull the hub forward 0.200 to get it to line up = (69 Firebird 455 8 to 1 4-speed RA4 cam 4 core radiator). I believe the pulley was off a 70 455. Required a new PS belt that was one size shorter. = Before the switch the car would slowly heat up in heavy stop and go = traffic or when left to idle for extended periods 200 to 210. After installing I drove the car for 30 minutes then let it idle for 30 more minutes. The hottest it got was 185 F (80 degrees outside temp). When I opened the hood = the temp dropped to 180 in about 2 minutes. Closed the hood the temp went back up to 185. I plan to remove the flaps that are attached to the fender = wells that cover the upper A-arms to allow better flow though with the = hood down. You can hear the fan now at about 2000 rpm. It heat up at 70 mph = from 175-180 to 185. So it looks like the pump speed/water velocity could be a little high. You can hear the fan at 7 >>> hugoba@apcom.com 04/25/01 11:54PM >>> First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List .......................................................................... Some people have experienced a higher temp with a lower temp thermostat. I put in a 160 in the 455 and with the desert cooler it holds 190 pretty = much all the time. Today I did a stress test and went to Santa Cruz over the mountains and the hotest it got was 210. On the way back there was an = accident and it had gotten to about 210 and then I iddled for quite some time and = it dropped back to 195. I didn't even have the electric fan hooked up yet. Your mileage may vary.... Hugo > From Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com Wed Apr 25 16:07:21 2001 > X-Sender: fishgod@mail.iglou.com > Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2001 18:21:10 -0400 > To: Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com > From: Michael Howell <fishgod@iglou.com> > Subject: One other thing...cooling > Mime-Version: 1.0 > > First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List > = ........................................................................ > Forgot to ask this in my last post... My radiator has started leaking > again so I think I'm going to just junk it and get a Desert Cooler = from > Ames. In the process I'm going to replace the water neck since it = seems to > be warped and occasionally drips too. Last year the previous owner put = a > 190 degree thermostat in, and I'm considering switching to a 180 as = offered > by Ames. The car runs about 210 degrees steady, any traffic or idle. = Does > this sound like a good idea or should I just leave the 190? Thanks > again... like everyone I trust the experts here to help make the best > decisions. > > Mike > 68 350 Coupe >
(back) Subject: Re: Power Steering Question From: <hugoba@apcom.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 14:29:54 -0700 (PDT) I guess I'll start with the obvious questions: Is there fluid in the reservoir? Is the belt tight? Is the pump turning (not seized)? Does it "moan" or make any other noises when you turn the wheel? Hugo > From Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com Thu Apr 26 12:01:58 2001 > Resent-Message-Id: <200104261738.KAA06587@falcon.mail.pas.earthlink.net> > Subject: Power Steering Question > Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 09:03:53 -0400 > Resent-Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 13:37:56 -0400 > From: Erich Wagner <ewagner@advancepac.com>(by way of Geoff Martin, > <Geoff@firstgenfirebird.org>) > Resent-From: "Geoff Martin" <Geoff@firstgenfirebird.org> > To: "Firebird-L" <Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com> > Mime-Version: 1.0 > > First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List > = ......................................................................... > Now that I have my Firebird running and moving (carb & tranny fixed) I > have > discovered that the power steering does not work. > > Before I pull off the power steering pump and replace it I wanted to = know > if > there is any way to verify that this is my problem or troubleshoot the > system. I don't have any grinding or other symptoms that would indicate = a > problem in the column it simply is very hard to steer, as if I didn't = have > power steering. > > Anybody have any thoughts or suggestions? I checked the FAQs etc. and > didn't see anything that related to this situation. > > Thanks for your help! > > Erich Wagner > '67 Firebird 326 Convertible > e-mail: ewagner@advancepac.com or honus@fuse.net > > >
(back) Subject: New Source for Firebird Products From: "ROY D LUMSDEN" <rlumsden@tampabay.rr.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 18:26:06 -0400 Just to let you guys know... Nation Parts Depot just came out with their Firebird line. I just recieved their catalog and it looks pretty good. = I've purchased many Camaro parts from them in the past. Many of which I've used on my Firebirds. They don't carry as many things as other vendors but what they have is a pretty good start. Things I didn't find in their caralog: = 69 Firebird fenders or rear valence panel, ram air panels. If you want a catalog, their toll free number is: 1-800-847-7595 Roy
(back) Subject: Re: Gas Prices From: <Nhra68@aol.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 18:44:32 EDT in the midwest (Cleveland, OH) I just paid $1.85 for 92 octane at Shell = yesterday. We are bracing for the big hit come July. My Jeep gets 16 = MPG, my bird gets 12 MPG, so I am screwed either way. Honda Civic says = what? Dino 68 400 Coupe, Cleveland OH
(back) Subject: Re: Rally gauges installed! QUESTION From: <Nhra68@aol.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 18:47:11 EDT I have talked to peter before, he is a great guy. I did the same ralley = conversion, and all is well except I cannot get the ammeter gauge to work. = Any suggestions on how to wire it up? Thanks
(back) Subject: Re: Turn signal switch From: "Brady Esch" <besch@cardeon.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 13:33:28 -0700 Mike, I replaced the switch on my car and found it very easy. I used no manual and had no practice or advice. However, I did have one problem. The "service replacement" Delco part that I bought was grossly inferior to the original part. The original switch had a white backing plate with a metallic cam that provides the 'click' feel of actuating the turn lever. This design had a cam loop that goes all the way around the steering = shaft. The replacement was orange plastic, with a plastic catch that caused a 'snap' feel when actuating the lever. This was the same feel I remembered from a friend's 1989 Cavalier some time back, and every time you signal a turn it felt like you were breaking something internally. A small (cheap) switch on the replacement sat only on one side of the steering shaft. = Turns out my problem was the wiring of the connector. I junked the replacement switch and grafted its connector onto the original switch assembly. I = would NEVER put one of those orange plastic Delco replacements on a nice classic Firebird. Also, just because your switch doesn't cancel doesn't mean it needs replacement. It may have worn down some and now will not quite cancel, = but the alignment of the internal gear may just need to be adjusted, as in the steering wheel may be centered straight with the alignment but not with = the internal cam for cancellation. I'm afraid I do not recall exactly how the assembly fit together, but I'm under the impression that this is = adjustable. I do know that you could pull off the steering wheel and replace it one tooth counterclockwise (or the opposite). Then you could offset this by adjusting both side tie rods during your next alignment to re-center the wheel. If you cannot get it so that both sides (left turn, right turn) cancel correctly, the switch should be replaced. Brady Esch 1968 Convertible 400
(back) Subject: Turn signal switch From: "Michael Howell" <fishgod@iglou.com> Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2001 18:15:36 -0400 Recently the turn signal switch has been malfunctioning on my 68 coupe. = It does not automatically turn off when I make a right turn. I know this is a common problem with any car that has been around for a number of years but I've never actually fixed it before. Is this a problem with the "Turn Signal Switch?" This part is in the Ames catalog (F-8c) on page 70 and it says there are two brands, distinguishable by color. If that is indeed the part I need to replace, does it require that I remove the steering wheel to get to it? My 68 has a wood wheel and is a console shift auto... I assume I'll need a "puller" to get the wheel off. Any recomendations here? Never done this before... Thanks in advance for your advice! Mike 68 350 Coupe
(back) Subject: Re: Gas Prices From: "matt schmid" <schmidmj@hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 23:32:19 Damn, I was really getting pissed there for a while about the gas prices until I started hearing what you guys are paying. I just got gas for my 4 cylinder toyota corolla gts and it gets almost 30mpg, I paid $1.35 a = gallon for regular unleaded. It used to be like $1.05 so that's why I was mad, = but hey I'm starting to feel a little better thanks guys ;) Hate it for ya! Matt 68 350 coupe clemson, SC _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
(back) Subject: factory guages From: "Craig" <coreman@uniserve.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 16:38:20 -0700 my fuel guage just started giving me incorrect reading. When i filled the tank it only goes to 1/2. Where should i start looking for the problem. I think the float in the tank my be hanging up. Any hints? Craig
(back) Subject: Re: electrical problem From: "matt schmid" <schmidmj@hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 23:37:20 Ok, I was just over at my parents house to pick some stuff up and I = couldn't help but mess with the bird a little bit while I was there. Because I had = a theory during the week. I went down to the garage, checked the battery and = it was still ok, then I mashed the breaks to see what would happen. = Nothing, no lights came on. So to me this says there's a fuse problem, what does it = tell you guys. I'm planning on just going and replacing all the fuses, = since most of them are all coroded and nasty anyway. Does this seem like a good plan? I believe the problem was when I hooked the lights back up, since a few of them were bad, it shorted a circuit or circuits or blew some fuses, = so I'm just going to leave the lights unplugged until I get all new ones. Matt 68 350 coupe clemson, SC >From: Michael Howell <fishgod@iglou.com> >Reply-To: "First Generation Firebird-L" = <Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com> >To: "First Generation Firebird-L" <Firebird-L@oakmediacreations.com> >Subject: Re: electrical problem >Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2001 16:44:02 -0400 > >First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List >......................................................................... >Matt- > I did have a similar problem on my 63 Grand Prix. I disconnected the >battery and used a multimeter (set to either resistance or conductivity >test) and checked to see if any of the terminals on the fuse block had 0 >resistance (or close) with a ground. I was able to figure out which >circuit had the problem, then traced it to where the short was by >selectively unhooking sections of that harness. It turned out some = doofus >had taken out the license plate light and left a bare wire hanging there, >it was shorting on the bumper. My problems were not as serious as yours >since it did not effect ignition, but maybe that will help you trace = it... >good luck! > >Mike >68 350 Coupe > >> Has anyone ever had a similar problem, and if so what did you do? > > > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
(back) Subject: Re: Gas Prices From: "Pete D" <pjd805@yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 17:42:46 -0700 (PDT) Hugo I wouldn't be surprized! I thought it was interesting that within the last couple of months OPEC decided to cut production just in time for summer! I read this on their web site www.opec.org Common sense would suggest building up reserves before the [high demand] season, but no they have stock holders to make happy! Guess my heavy right foot will need to go on a diet... my .03 PeteJD [69 400/400] [<--- need to install a 4-sp auto] Subject: Re: Gas Prices From: <hugoba@apcom.com> Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2001 21:30:44 -0700 (PDT) To a certain extent. Here in CA if you go out to the boonies (and sometimes not too far out of town)the gas drops drastically. Here in the Bay Area we pay the highest price per gallon in the state as well as the country. Basically it's what the market will bear and if someone wants to tell me that gas companies aren't involved in colusion we could argue all day long on that one. Hugo __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Auctions - buy the things you want at great prices http://auctions.yahoo.com/
(back) Subject: Re: Power Steering Question From: "Erich Wagner" <ewagner@advancepac.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 21:18:46 -0400 > Is there fluid in the reservoir? Yes > > Is the belt tight? Yes > > Is the pump turning (not seized)? I don't know, the pulley is = turning. Does this mean that the pump is turning? > > Does it "moan" or make any other noises when you turn the wheel? No Hugo, thanks for the checklist. Any suggestions? Erich
(back) Subject: Re: Power Steering Question From: "Erich Wagner" <ewagner@advancepac.com> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 21:19:56 -0400 > Crack loose the high pressure line, start the motor to check for = pressure or big leak. I think its upwards of 1000 psi on the high side. Grease = the ball joints and drive it around to see the steering loosens up. > I'll check that Erich