Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions for First Generation Firebirds that have been asked and answered on FGF. Special thanks needs to be given to all the FGF members who took the time to respond to other member's questions.
Interior - Doors
Q: Custom Trim Option (Code 554)
My billing history indicates my 1968 came with custom trim. What was included with this option?
A: For the 1968 Firebird, the Custom Trim Option (554) included the following….
Custom Seat Covers (Morrokide and stitched knit vinyl)
Custom Molded Door and Quarter Trim Panels, Assist Bar (above Glovebox) Dual Horns, Deluxe Wheel Covers, Deluxe Steering Wheel, Custom Pedal Trim, Front & Rear Wheel Opening Moldings, Drip Rail Mldgs (Coupes), Windshield Pillar Garnish Mldg. There are some who have been saying (in error) that only those cars with the Custom Trim Option had the etched white ‘Bird’ on the front side glass; this is not so and has been proven by many original STANDARD trim Firebirds.
The RH sideview mirror was not a part of the Custom Trim Option.
Many owners upgraded or opted to delete certain things beyond the Custom Trim Option (wheel opening mldgs, wheel covers, steering wheel). Additionally, all of the components of the Custom Trim Option could be ordered separately on a Standard Trim car except for the Custom Seats and Trim Panels and Assist Bar
A: Use following link to find more information about the Custom Trim Option on FGF: More Information
Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.
Content last modified: January 25, 2014 at 10:11 am
Q: Armrest Pad Interchangability
I know the arm rest on most 1969 G M cars fit and are the same on 1968 standard interior, some have chrome strips. These can be found at the wreckers in all colors.
A: He is correct. All 1968 thru 72 GM A body cars (Chevelle, GTO/Lemans, Cutlass,Monte Carlo, Skylark, etc) use the same armrest pad and base used in the 1968 and 1969 Firebird/Camaro standard interior. The inside door handles are the same as well.
Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.
Content last modified: January 19, 2014 at 12:39 pm
Q: Door Panel Reproductions (1968 vs 1969)
I can buy some repro 1969 door panels for my 1968 and wonder if it will work. The most obvious difference in theirs (as compared to mine) is the location of the opening for the door lock knob. Those who know its proper location would spot it but those who don’t, won’t. ‘m not a big enthusiast but in my opinion, it’s a poor reproduction and I intend to keep looking. I don’t want to have to deal with altering the locking mechanism, either. Any ideas?
A: The only difference between 1968 and 1969 is the location of the lock. You must punch it in the proper location for the year you have. Actually the reproduction door panels are better than the originals. The cardboard material that was used is prone to warpage and rot. New ones use ABS plastic which wont rot or warp when wet. Perhaps Year One can supply you with a blank set to put your own lock hole in.
A: If you purchase new Custom door trim panels, the 1968 and 1969 are the same before they punch the hole for the door lock button. In 1968 it was close to the rear of the door, but in 1969 it was relocated about 9-10″ forward so drivers didn’t have to reach around behind themselves to unlock the door. This was done across the GM line in 1969. Used panels would only work well from a 1968.
Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.
Content last modified: January 19, 2014 at 12:40 pm
Q: Door Panel Clip Holders
I am having a hard time finding the plastic clip holders that the metal door panel clips fit into to hold it to the door. Where can I find this part?
A: Just wanted to pass along a little info…
I was ready to install my front door panels in my 1969 and was missing the plastic insert that goes into the holes on the door. The inserts are shaped like a bullet and are used to hold the metal clip that is fastened to the door panels. I took one of the remaining inserts to the local Chevy parts counter and had no luck. I also tried the paint and body supplies, also no luck. I could buy the metal clip all day long but not the plastic insert.
At this point I headed to my local hardware store to look for something that would work. I found that a 3/8 drywall anchor had the correct outer dimensions. I measured the inside of the old insert and used a 5/32 drill bit to open the inside to the correct dimension (drilled about 5/8″ deep). I then used a razor knife to trim the three ribs off the side (used to grip the drywall) and “snap”, they worked great. And the best part is they only cost me $0.10 each.
Now, I know after all this, someone on the list will tell me they have the GM part number to order the correct inserts. And, I would gladly accept it… for the next project.
Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.
Content last modified: January 19, 2014 at 12:43 pm
Q: Parchment Interior 1968 vs 1969
Was the parchement interior the same color from 1968 to 1969? I can buy some 1969 quarters and wonder if they will match or will I need to spray them?
A: As far as the correct match of parchment, 1968 and 1969 differ. The only way to get all panels to match is to spray them. I use the word “spray” instead of “dye” as it more correct. Check the achieves for more on parchment “spraying”.
Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.
Content last modified: January 19, 2014 at 12:44 pm
Q: Window Crank Interchangability
I can buy some window cranks for a 1969 coupe kinda cheap and I was wondering if they will fit my 1968 coupe.
A: The window cranks are the same for 1968 and 1969, but there are 2 different length shafts where the crank handle attaches. The short shaft is for standard trim, and the longer shaft is to clear the thickly padded and molded door trim panels in the Custom trim option cars. I believe the rears are the same standard or Custom.
A: Unless Im dreaming the 1967 is different than the later years I ll pull out some old ones and compare I ve got about 2-1/2 gallons of them ( 5 gallon bucket half full) Hey since the chrome is the part that goes sour most often buy the replacements (in the auto parts stores under the “Help” line of parts) remove the black or clear knobs and relace with your red or aqua or ivy gold knobs. Or see if the clear ones will dye. Try the Ritz dye heated to boiling in a coffee cup in the microwave. Keep dipping until desired color is obtained. Of course white is the easiest to dye but they are hard to find in nice shape. Oh yea incase no ones answered yet the 68-9 regulators are the same front, rears 1967, 1968, and 1969 Like said before are 2 different lenghts in front for standard and Custom trim.
Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.
Content last modified: January 19, 2014 at 12:45 pm
Q: Removing Window Crank
How do you get the window cranks out of the door? I was trying to take my door apart since sometimes it locks and won’t open, but couldn’t figure out how to get the window crank off without tearing it up.
A: there is a clip on the inside of the crank shaped kinda like a horseshoe that you need to pull out since it locks it to the knurled crank shaft. You’ll need a tool shaped like a small hook and it has to be thinner than a coat hanger but it needs to be steel or something that won’t bend. I use a spring puller.
Here’s what you do:
Point the crank with the handle away from you. Push the door pannel in as far as you can with your hand Use a flash light if needed to look behind the crank You should see a notch on the back of the crank where you can put the tool through and grab the wire clip Pull back hard and the clip will pop out (don’t lose it if you’re going to use the same crank. New ones usually come with clips) Make sure you also note the sequence of the spiral spring and the plastic spacer.
To re-install, snap the clip on and then you push on the crank and it will snap over the knurled part and lock in.
I hope this was clear enough. It almost helps to look at a crank already pulled out to see what it looks like.
A: Take a plain old wire coat hanger and bend a 90 degree angle at the end of it. The bent part should no more than 1/4″. Now, depress the door panel slightly. Ordinarily hidden from view, you will see a formed wire clip that is snapped around the window crank. It is very difficult to see, so use a flashlight. (look in a Firebird catalog to see the back side of a window crank). It’s easier to figure out once you’ve seen one. Once you’ve seen the wire clip, simply hook the back side of it with your new tool and pull gently. The clip will come loose and the crank then pulls straight off.
As someone else said. It’s soooooo simple once you figure it out. And once you have, you won’t need to look at the backside anymore. You’ll just slip the tool in and do your work blindfolded.
P.S. Don’t damage that door panel!!! Be careful!!!
Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.
Content last modified: January 19, 2014 at 12:45 pm
Q: Key Replacement
I have lost the keys to my Firebird. Is there anyway to replace these or do I need to replace all my locks?
A: If you have the billing history for your car from PHS it lists the four digit ignition key and trunk key codes. Take this to a GM dealer and they can look up the code in the key code book and get the 6 cuts and punch a key with the curtis keycutter they all have.
If you don’t have the codes the four digit codes are stamped on the original door lock and trunk lock cylinders also. The door matches the ignition (unless someone changed something) and the trunk matches the glove box.
Their are six cuts on the keys with 5 possibilties for each. Example, my 1967 bird ignition and doors are 7W05, in key cuts this is 532242. The trunk and glove box was 2X52, which is 431132. The cuts are from the head to tip holding the head to the right. The dealers use a punch or knotching tool which you set the dials to those numbers in that order. They did not use the grinders you see in hardware stores, it is a simple hand tool.
The correct key blanks for 1967 are A blank for door and ignition and B blank for trunk and glove box, the ignition has a octagon head with the Briggs and Stratton logo and the trunk is more of a rounded scallopped head with the logo. Dealers also have the tumblers to code any of the cylinders also.
Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.
Content last modified: January 19, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Content last modified: September 15, 2023 at 11:15 am