Page Q-3 — Standard Body Features – First Generation Firebird (1967, 1968, 1969)

An enhanced reproduction of the original Pontiac Sales Manual used in 1968 showrooms which described all the equipment that was available on the Firebird. This album has become a rare and valuable resource.

1968 Pontiac Sales Manual

STANDARD BODY FEATURES

Front-end Column-truss Structure. Contributing to Pontiac’s smooth, even ride and excellent handling characteristics, this special front-end structure, which is located directly behind the front grille, follows the design of the truss principle used in bridge building. It not only affords extra protection, but provides the necessary support and added rigidity so essential to this important area of the car.

Double Front Fender Construction. This standard Pontiac feature provides added protection against damaging corrosion from within. The inner fender, or shield, designed to utilize wheel splash to rinse away dirt, mud and salt, is protected against corrosion itself by a special coating of asphalt latex.

Heavy-gauge, Galvanized Steel Rocker Panels. These panels, standard on all 1968 series, are of the self-washing, self-ventilating type. Panel interiors are kept clean and dry by a continuous stream of air, which is introduced as the car moves forward. This feature is significant in reducing the possibility of corrosion from within.

New, Massive Peripheral Front Bumper. Styled for greater strenth and structural rigidity. Pontiac’s full-width, wraparound bumper completely surrounds the split grille and horizontally mounted dual headlamps. A full-width, heavy-duty “inner” bumper and steel-reinforced nose section provide additional strength and protection. New dual-rate, rubber-insulated bumper stabilizers – an industry first and Pontiac exclusive as to usage – are mounted behind the bumper at the outer ends. These stabilizers cushion fore and aft movement, limit vertical travel and dampen road vibrations. They also reduce vertical deflection of the bumper when jacking the car up.

New front bumper emblems are weather resistant and completely rustproof. Because of this, their original color is retained indefinitely.

All-new ENDURA Front Bumper for GTO only. An industry first and exclusive concept in front-bumper construction. This new, full-width peripheral front bumper, of a special compounded material, is superior in styling to conventional bumpers used in the industry today. Mounted with front-end sheet metal, its resilient front cushion is fully reinforced by heavy-gauge steel backing. The specially compounded, flexible surface coating, which perfectly matches body paint color, resists minor chipping, peeling and corrosion. This special coating can be quickly and easily refinished, if the need arises.

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