Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Round or Rectangular O/S Remote Mirror for 1968

My cars Billing History date is 12-14-67. Should my car have the round outside mirror, or rect? Right now it has the rect, but I’m sure it is a repro,installed when the car got painted in 1980.

A: Idon’t believe the rectangular O/S Remote Mirror came into production until sometime in March of 1968. The Outer Door Skin is actually different for the (2) types of mirrors (due to mounting hole configuration). This would be a clue as to which mirror was originally installed.

A: From preliminary research within the Registry Files, I’ve found that the 2nd Type (Rectangular) S.V. Mirror was being installed as early as the 2nd Week in Dec. ’67. Infact, two particular Firebirds in the Registry are very close in Build Sequence; both built the 2nd week in Dec. and one having the Round Mirror, the other with the Rectangular Mirror. Both are documented, original unrestored cars.

A: The 1967 and 1968 Firebird Remote Mirrors are different. The ‘left-over’ rule did not apply. I’ve never seen a documented 1968 Firebird with a 1967 Mirror. 1967 had a larger, longer Base while 1968 was rather stubby. The 1968 Firebird Mirror is not the same as the 1968 Camaro. Also, keep in mind that all other Pontiac Remote Mirrors in 1968 appear to be the same but upon closer inspection, the base is definitely different (different casting numbers too). The Round Mirror Housing itself is the same. Cable Length varied depending on Model.

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.

Q: Parking Lamp Housing for 1968

I am confused about the one-bulb or two-bulb parking lamp housing.

A: Awhile back, there was much speculation about which 1968 Firebirds got the two-bulb parking lamp housings vs the one-bulb. I found the answer while reading the tech bulletins at firstgen. It was a mid-year change as well as a service swap-out.

[pdfjs-viewer url=/dtb/docs/68-I-17.pdf viewer_height=800px fullscreen=true download=false print=true]

A: Actually, it wasnt a midyear change…. more like a false start in production. Ive had several late Sept cars that had the single bulb and some early Sept cars that had the 2 bulb. This leads me to believe that it was used only for a few weeks in early production and when they ran out they were replaced with the “cheaper” version.

Here’s how this all happened. Model year of 1968 was mandated several safety changes/additions, one of which was front and rear side markers. PMD was unsure whether the front turn signal- parking lamp would be accepted as a side marker. When it was apparent that the side marker was legal without a separate bulb the first design was phased out. It was then that a replacement part superceded the earlier one.

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.

Q: Etched Bird Glass

I was looking at the Bird emblem on my side window which people say is etched. It does not look etched but instead some type of paint. Is mine original?

A: I dont know where the phrase of etched glass was started but they arent. Its actually a type of paint similar to silkscreen,and can be scraped off. If it was etched it wouldnt be higher than the glass, it would be engraved. Check yours out and see.

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.

Q: Glass Differences Between Years

Can I use 1969 or 1967 glass in my 1968?

A: Remember the basics, gentlemen – all three years had different glass. Although the 1968 and 1969 appeared the same when installed, the concealed bottom was different. The 1968 was straight across, while the 1969 glass has a curve across the bottom. I have only seen etched bird glass with the straight (68 style) bottom.

A: Not true ole buddy… I have 1968 Birdglass thats curved like the 69s. So may we say that its could be that 1968 and 1969 share a same glass, in certain cases. Use the date code if in doubt as to what it is. Also they changed manufacturers between 1968 to 69. PPG to LOF. I think some 69s had PPG.

A: One thing I know for sure, the July 1969 parts book gives a replacement glass listing for 1968 and 1969 as the same, eliminating the earlier design 68 glass. Do you ever remember seeing the etchings on curved glass (later) style?

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.

Q: Ram Air Differneces Between the Years

I was thinking about reproducing the Ram Air equipment. What are the differences for the different years.

A: ….The Ram Air Hood Baffle will physically fit all 1967-1969 Firebird 400 Hoods.

The Ram Air Carburetor Shroud will physically work on all 1967-1969 Firebird 400s and 1968-1970 GTOs. There were apparently (2) types of Shrouds; (1) with the provision for the Heat Riser and (1) without. Those with are not very common. As for the Hood Baffle, some say that 1967 Firebirds had a ‘tab’ on the bottom of it (to hold the Seal ?)

Though, I’ve never seen this on any original 1968 Ram Air Firebirds. I’d say with such a large range of applications, both the Hood Baffle and Carb. Shroud would be excellent candidates for reproducing provided the retail price wasn’t too high. Many would ‘add’ Ram Air to a “400” Hood if they could get the Hood Baffle and Carb. Shroud for a reasonable amount. Of course, being able to sell them cheap depends on quantity. If you have connections into the Die-Making World, you could have tooling made for not too much. If you’re a full time, major restoration parts business, you’re likely going to mark these up quite a bit to make a nice profit.

A: As for the “tab” on the upper hood pan, the orginal 1968 I had that I sent you a pic of had one. Also the setup that was sold on e bay was a 1968 and had the same. I made an impression of the tab before I sold mine a few months ago.

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.

Q: Console Differences

What were the differences between the consoles for the first generation Firebird.

A: Hey folks, the 1967 console had a top with a finish called “camera-case grain”, and was satin black in finish. In 1968 and 1969, they added a metal applique with the burled walnut finish, matching door and rear cover, and eliminated the rear ashtray and light. The main console structure and the chrome rails were the same for all 3 years of Firebirds and also for the 1967 camaros. If you unbolt the walnut applique from a 68-69 console, you’ll be looking at a 1967 console with holes drilled for the studs on the applique. The appliques were different for standard and automatic equipped cars.

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.

Q: Power-Flo Ventilation for 1969

What is “Power flow”-pardon my ignorance.

A: Power-Flo Ventilation (that’s how it was spelled in the brochures) was an option available in 1969 and 1970 Pontiacs and Buicks, Firebird was 1969 only. It was offered on non-AC cars, was about $15 and change, and was 2 blower assemblies mounted up in the cowl area which when turned on would blow air through the upper vents. The rocker switch in the Pontiacs was different than the Buicks, and looked like the ones used for power antenna, power top, rear defogger, reverb (big cars) and tailgate windows (wagons). The switch had AIR imprinted in the center, and HIGH and LOW imprinted on the ends of it. It was available factory or dealer installed, the dealer accesory kit could be purchased over the counter. It seems to have landed in a couple cars, since there were cars in which AC was NOT available, (Ram Air IV and Sprint) those are the most likely candidates. The only car I ever saw it in was a Palladium Silver 1969 GTO convertible with the Ram Air IV engine, and it was not functioning. I own a NOS kit for 70 A and G bodies, a used set from I was told a 1969 Catalina, and 3 more pairs of blower assemblies that resemble the NOS kit. Nothing I have fits the Firebird straight up.

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.

Q: Parchment Color Differences Between Years

I recently purchased a 1968 bird and I was running the numbers from the body tag and found that the TR (trim) code is 260. On this site it comes up as Deluxe Parchment but every catalog I look in says the 1968 came with Pearl. The year one catalog also says Pearl. Has anyone come across this in the past? Is it really pearl even though this site says parchement?

A: In the 1967’s, The Parchment code refers to basic white. In the 1968’s, The Parchment code refers to Pearl parchment. (white, but has pearl look to it) I think that this site refers to the 1968 parchment as “pearl”, so there is no confusion between 1967 and 1968. They are different looking.

A: The 1968 Pontiac Trim Album, sister album to the Sales album, calls this trim code “Parchment.” The 1967 literature calls the similar color “Parchment” also. They very in color but are called the same name.

View 1968 Pontiac Sales Album for some more details.

The catalog companies are taking liberties to use different names for the colors since the “shade” changed for the two years.

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.

Q: Saddle Leather Int (281) 1968

While we are on the topic of seat material, can you clear up for me when the leather seats became available and in what colors?

A: Leather was an option in late 1968 on the Firebird starting June 6th 1968. It was only available with the Custom Trim Option and was only available in one color…. code 281 which a Saddle color. This is a very rare option and has only been documented on a few 1968 Firebirds in the Registry.

A: I have taken several pics (yet to be scanned though) of the interior of my RA convert which has factory ‘saddle trim’ (ie leather). the leather was just redone this past spring but it is nearly identical in color feel and apperance as the original. the rest of the interior is factory orig. the door panesl are ‘faux’ leather grain. the backs of the seats are orig (and are also tan). the dask is gold/tan and is in great condition but looks very different (ie when you are VERY used to seeing first gens with the black and occasional red dashes). other oddities of this option include a ‘tan’ carpet as standard. also my deluxe wheel is tan to match the interior. again, ill gladly post what i have if anyone would like to the set up.

A: The URLs for the saddle leather interior (281) for his 1968 RA I are found at the following links:

A: In response to his’s query about leather, it was offered in several GM cars, my 1969 album shows leather in Bonneville Brougham convertible (black only) and available in the Grand Prix (green, gold, black) as well as Firebird (trim 293 gold). The 1968 Firebird also offered leather (trim 281 saddle). The Firebirds were based on the Custom trim option, with the entire seat face in leather, just the sides were expanded Morrokide (actually Madrid grain vinyl). This is different than the Custom trimmed seats; they had a bolster panel of Madrid on each side of the 4 wide strips of knit-weave vinyl.

I believe the leather to be one of the rarest options in Firebirds. After almost 20 years of searching, I found a restorable 1969 interior for my 1969 Sprint convertible, and the guy who sold it thought there were 54 cars built in 1969 with leather. I have been around these cars 25 years, and have only heard about or seen maybe 4 69’s and 2 68’s with leather. One of them is Scott Misus’ 1969 Sprint hardtop, another is a Sprint convertible that was listed on the owner’s listing of that “jersey68” list. (Whatever happened to that guy, did he just abandon that list? It never seems to be updated!)

One odd thing I saw at the Irvine CA POCI meet was a restored 69 convertible that showed Burgundy/Leather on the trim tag (PNT65/TR293), but the car had Parchment Custom and I don’t remember what color it was repainted. I never found the owner to ask him about the car. My album does not show this combo to be available, but it’s what I would like my Sprint convertible to be. Who knows what may have slipped through on an order form? The album shows black, white, gold, champagne, maize, yellow, brown, and 3 greens could be had with any gold interior, but no reds, blues, or silver.

While I was digging around my parts book, I learned something else that may be of interest regarding the 1968 Custom interiors without the knit-weave inserts. There are “first type-w/grained vinyl fabric” and “second type-w/knitted vinyl fabric” listed, and this only applies to a few colors. They are Teal (255), Turquoise (256), Gold (257), and Parchment (260, and 275 bench seat). I seem to recall seeing a couple of Black interior cars, but my parts book is dated July 1, 1969 and didn’t indicate any 1st/2nd type material for any black interior codes.

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.

Q: Etched Bird Glass

I was looking at the Bird emblem on my side window which people say is etched. It does not look etched but instead some type of paint. Is mine original?

A: I dont know where the phrase of etched glass was started but they arent. Its actually a type of paint similar to silkscreen,and can be scraped off. If it was etched it wouldnt be higher than the glass, it would be engraved. Check yours out and see.

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.

Q: Console Differences

What were the differences between the consoles for the first generation Firebird.

A: Hey folks, the 1967 console had a top with a finish called “camera-case grain”, and was satin black in finish. In 1968 and 1969, they added a metal applique with the burled walnut finish, matching door and rear cover, and eliminated the rear ashtray and light. The main console structure and the chrome rails were the same for all 3 years of Firebirds and also for the 1967 camaros. If you unbolt the walnut applique from a 68-69 console, you’ll be looking at a 1967 console with holes drilled for the studs on the applique. The appliques were different for standard and automatic equipped cars.

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.

Q: Glass Differences Between Years

Can I use 1969 or 1967 glass in my 1968?

A: Remember the basics, gentlemen – all three years had different glass. Although the 1968 and 1969 appeared the same when installed, the concealed bottom was different. The 1968 was straight across, while the 1969 glass has a curve across the bottom. I have only seen etched bird glass with the straight (68 style) bottom.

A: Not true ole buddy… I have 1968 Birdglass thats curved like the 69s. So may we say that its could be that 1968 and 1969 share a same glass, in certain cases. Use the date code if in doubt as to what it is. Also they changed manufacturers between 1968 to 69. PPG to LOF. I think some 69s had PPG.

A: One thing I know for sure, the July 1969 parts book gives a replacement glass listing for 1968 and 1969 as the same, eliminating the earlier design 68 glass. Do you ever remember seeing the etchings on curved glass (later) style?

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.

Q: Important Dates

What are some of the important production dates.

A: I’ve never seen any official Start/End Dates for 1967-1969 Firebird Production. Yet another thing the Billing History Files could provide… yeah, I know- this is all trivial stuff that really isn’t going to make a whole lot of difference to most people …however, it would be nice to know when the 1st 1967 Firebird rolled off the line, when the last rolled off, etc, etc…

What I’m aware of….

As always, comments and corrections are welcome…

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.

Q: Mid-Year Changes for 1968

What were some of the mid-year changes that occurred for the 1968.

A: OK heres some of the items I have found over the last 30 yrs for 68s. Not completely in order.

• Tall hood tachs (used up 1967 ones).

• 2 bulb front side marker (went away around SEPT).

• Glove box bird (used up 1967s).

• ‘BIRD’ emblem was discontinued from std. interior glove box doors and possibly from custom.

• Knit weave vinyl inserts in the Custom option seats (contrary to myth that only early converts got the all madrid grain inserts, early hdtps did too.)

• Fuel gauge on standard gauge cars added 1/8 tank increments.i.e. 1/8,1/4,3/8,1/2 etc.

• OSRV mirror change to the ugly rectangular style.

• Bird glass ….no one can pin this one down as I’ve had every possible combo get these don’t think it was a late model addition or early model deletion.

• 2 different lower style hood tach, along with RPM changes the face changed also. Both V-8s and OHC-6 were affected

• Addition of the trunk release as an option.

• Additional colors added to the lineup, called “Spring colors” (April)

• Everyone knows this one, RAII was substituted for RAI.

I’m sure I’ve forgot some, I will update as I remember. I will get into mechanical changes later. i.e. heard late 1968s came with variable ratio PS. Got 2 cars built 5th week July thats got reg.PS so show me.

A: Thanks for your list of 1968 Firebird Model Year Changes… Here are a few more:

• Fuel Filler Door Emblem (Early w/Finger Lift, Later Flat)

• Seat Belts (Early using Metal Buckles on even Std.Inter.cars)

• 4Bbl Intake Manifold (9790140 early….9794234 mid-year)

• 4Bbl Throttle Brkt. (9792242 early….9797415 mid-year)

• Pwr LH Bucket Seat (Mid-Year Option)

• Variable Ratio Power Steering (Mid-Year Option. in addition to P.S. ?)

• Rally I’s deleted from option list mid-year due to Tire Size Change

• Leather Seat Trim Option after June.. Custom Interior Only

• Switched from black washer fluid jar to a white jar

• Outside Mirror (Round/Rectangular)

• 4Bbl Intake Manifold

• 4Bbl Throttle Cable Bracket

• Hood Tach

• Seat Belts

• GloveBox Emblem

• Etched ‘Bird’ on Front Side Glass

• Ram Air I and Ram Air II engine

• H.O. & Ram Air Exhaust Manifolds

• Power Seat

• Leather Interior

• Variable Ratio Power Steering

• Fiberglass Belted Tires

• VIN started being stamped on engine blocks

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.

Q: Mid-Year Changes for 1968

What were some of the mid-year changes for the 1968 Firebird?

A: Your question is one that has puzzled many of us over the years. One of the projects we’ve been working on with all the Registry dat has been to try and establish the Production Part Variations and Mid-Year (V-2) Production Changes.

• Dash Grab Handle (Assist Bar)- Color-Keyed
  Included with (and exclusive to) the Custom Trim Option.

• 160mph Speedo
  Standard on all 1968 Firebirds

• Headliner Side Trim Moldings – Coupe
  Not entirely positive here but I believe what you refer to are the stainless trim moldings; possible unique to the Custom Trim Option. Standard would have been color-keyed or black moldings.

• 4-Speed
  Optional on all models; avail. as a Wide or Close Ratio. Close Ratio was mandatory option w/3.90 axle.

• Deluxe Interior- Custom Trim Option (Sales Code 554)
  Available on all models. Included: Woven-Vinyl Seats, Molded Door/Qtr Trim, Deluxe Strg. Wheel, Pedal Trim, Dash Assist Handle, Wheel Opening Moldings, Deluxe Whl Covers, Dual Horns, Roof Rail Moldings, Interior Pillar/Headliner Moldings and Glove Box “Bird” emblem. NOTE: Some early cars w/this option came with Molded Grain Knit-weave Vinyl Seat Trim; 2nd type was Knited Vinyl Fabric. This appears to have only applied to a few colors. Also, the Window Regulators (manual) were different between Standard & Custom Trim due to length of Glass-Crank Mechanism (the splined rod the crank-handle attaches to).

• Glove Box Door “Bird” Emblem
  Standard on all 1967 Firebirds; included with the Custom Trim Option in 1968. Also found on some early production Standard Trim Firebirds. Some late production Firebirds with Custom Trim do not have this “Bird” emblem.

• Custom (Deluxe) Seat Belts
  Separate Option available on all models. Not included with the Custom Trim Option. Inconsistent Usage. Research has found some documented Firebirds with the Custom Belts (brushed-metal Latches) yet w/o the Custom Belt Option listed on the invoice. Speculate that this was either a production-glitch or an early- production pkg related to the “Bird” glass.

• Custom Pedal Trim
  This was included with the Custom Trim Option and also available on all models separately. Also noted in Sales Literature that this trim was Std. on all V-8 models.

• “Bird” Glass (Front-Side)
  A White “etched” (silk-screened) “Bird” image was applied to the Front Side Glass of some early production Firebirds. No mention of this was made in any Factory or Dealer Literature or Parts Catalog. Extensive research has not revealed the criteria for which cars received this unique Glass. Many have speculated but evidence has shown this was not exclusive to: Custom Trim, “400”, Air Conditioning, Conv., PW, etc. “Bird” Glass has been found on documented cars w/Build Dates as late as March 1968.

• Burlwood Console & Dash Trim.
  Standard on all 1968 Firebirds

• Hood Tach
  Early Production Firebirds used the 1st Type which was a Tall-Style Housing, Single Bulb. The 2nd Type came into production when supplies of the 1st Type were exhausted (around Dec/Jan) There were also variations on the face design/colors.

• Radiator Support Filler Panels (R/L)
  These were included with the “400” option and all Air-Conditioned cars. Also included a lower valance panel behind the front valance.

• Rally Gauges
  Included a unique Wiring Harness (Dash, Engine, Lamp) Fuse Box and Sending Units. Also, Speedo was unique. This has been previously discussed on The List. I believe there is a Web Site that explains what is required to modify wiring for those adding Rally Gauges. As with the Tach & Clock, all 1968 instrumentation had a Steel-Blue Face (background).

As always, the above information is subject to correction, revision and constructive criticism. I openly welcome all.

A: As for the running production changes, these should not include option availability. I would say to make a separate list of options so as not to confuse the issue. I would like to add the following to available options in later part of year.

• RA option changed from RA I to RA II ( no choice of either)

• Tire inflator for V-8s only

• decklid release

• spare tire lock

• Special spring colors

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.

Q: Mid-Year Changes for 1969

What were some of the mid-year changes that occurred for the 1969.

A: Not complete or in order but instead a start to a growing list. Know of anymore, let us know.

• Gas Tank Venting changed from cap venting to vent tube.

• Wire wheel covers discontinued mid year 1969

• Head restraints became standard later in the year

• Power-Flo Ventilation

A: Production was extended but the exact date is not known. In the registry, the latest built 1969 Firebird (Norwood) has a build date of September, 3rd week, 1969. I don’t have the exact date when production stopped at all (3) plants.

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.

Q: Parchment Color Differences Between Years

I recently purchased a 1968 bird and I was running the numbers from the body tag and found that the TR (trim) code is 260. On this site it comes up as Deluxe Parchment but every catalog I look in says the 1968 came with Pearl. The year one catalog also says Pearl. Has anyone come across this in the past? Is it really pearl even though this site says parchement?

A: In the 1967’s, The Parchment code refers to basic white. In the 1968’s, The Parchment code refers to Pearl parchment. (white, but has pearl look to it) I think that this site refers to the 1968 parchment as “pearl”, so there is no confusion between 1967 and 1968. They are different looking.

A: The 1968 Pontiac Trim Album, sister album to the Sales album, calls this trim code “Parchment.” The 1967 literature calls the similar color “Parchment” also. They very in color but are called the same name.

View 1968 Pontiac Sales Album for some more details.

The catalog companies are taking liberties to use different names for the colors since the “shade” changed for the two years.

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.

Q: Parking Lamp Housing for 1968

I am confused about the one-bulb or two-bulb parking lamp housing.

A: Awhile back, there was much speculation about which 1968 Firebirds got the two-bulb parking lamp housings vs the one-bulb. I found the answer while reading the tech bulletins at firstgen. It was a mid-year change as well as a service swap-out.

[pdfjs-viewer url=/dtb/docs/68-I-17.pdf viewer_height=800px fullscreen=true download=false print=true]

A: Actually, it wasnt a midyear change…. more like a false start in production. Ive had several late Sept cars that had the single bulb and some early Sept cars that had the 2 bulb. This leads me to believe that it was used only for a few weeks in early production and when they ran out they were replaced with the “cheaper” version.

Here’s how this all happened. Model year of 1968 was mandated several safety changes/additions, one of which was front and rear side markers. PMD was unsure whether the front turn signal- parking lamp would be accepted as a side marker. When it was apparent that the side marker was legal without a separate bulb the first design was phased out. It was then that a replacement part superceded the earlier one.

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.

Q: Power-Flo Ventilation for 1969

What is “Power flow”-pardon my ignorance.

A: Power-Flo Ventilation (that’s how it was spelled in the brochures) was an option available in 1969 and 1970 Pontiacs and Buicks, Firebird was 1969 only. It was offered on non-AC cars, was about $15 and change, and was 2 blower assemblies mounted up in the cowl area which when turned on would blow air through the upper vents. The rocker switch in the Pontiacs was different than the Buicks, and looked like the ones used for power antenna, power top, rear defogger, reverb (big cars) and tailgate windows (wagons). The switch had AIR imprinted in the center, and HIGH and LOW imprinted on the ends of it. It was available factory or dealer installed, the dealer accesory kit could be purchased over the counter. It seems to have landed in a couple cars, since there were cars in which AC was NOT available, (Ram Air IV and Sprint) those are the most likely candidates. The only car I ever saw it in was a Palladium Silver 1969 GTO convertible with the Ram Air IV engine, and it was not functioning. I own a NOS kit for 70 A and G bodies, a used set from I was told a 1969 Catalina, and 3 more pairs of blower assemblies that resemble the NOS kit. Nothing I have fits the Firebird straight up.

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.

Q: Ram Air Differneces Between the Years

I was thinking about reproducing the Ram Air equipment. What are the differences for the different years.

A: ….The Ram Air Hood Baffle will physically fit all 1967-1969 Firebird 400 Hoods.

The Ram Air Carburetor Shroud will physically work on all 1967-1969 Firebird 400s and 1968-1970 GTOs. There were apparently (2) types of Shrouds; (1) with the provision for the Heat Riser and (1) without. Those with are not very common. As for the Hood Baffle, some say that 1967 Firebirds had a ‘tab’ on the bottom of it (to hold the Seal ?)

Though, I’ve never seen this on any original 1968 Ram Air Firebirds. I’d say with such a large range of applications, both the Hood Baffle and Carb. Shroud would be excellent candidates for reproducing provided the retail price wasn’t too high. Many would ‘add’ Ram Air to a “400” Hood if they could get the Hood Baffle and Carb. Shroud for a reasonable amount. Of course, being able to sell them cheap depends on quantity. If you have connections into the Die-Making World, you could have tooling made for not too much. If you’re a full time, major restoration parts business, you’re likely going to mark these up quite a bit to make a nice profit.

A: As for the “tab” on the upper hood pan, the orginal 1968 I had that I sent you a pic of had one. Also the setup that was sold on e bay was a 1968 and had the same. I made an impression of the tab before I sold mine a few months ago.

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.

Q: Round or Rectangular O/S Remote Mirror for 1968

My cars Billing History date is 12-14-67. Should my car have the round outside mirror, or rect? Right now it has the rect, but I’m sure it is a repro,installed when the car got painted in 1980.

A: Idon’t believe the rectangular O/S Remote Mirror came into production until sometime in March of 1968. The Outer Door Skin is actually different for the (2) types of mirrors (due to mounting hole configuration). This would be a clue as to which mirror was originally installed.

A: From preliminary research within the Registry Files, I’ve found that the 2nd Type (Rectangular) S.V. Mirror was being installed as early as the 2nd Week in Dec. ’67. Infact, two particular Firebirds in the Registry are very close in Build Sequence; both built the 2nd week in Dec. and one having the Round Mirror, the other with the Rectangular Mirror. Both are documented, original unrestored cars.

A: The 1967 and 1968 Firebird Remote Mirrors are different. The ‘left-over’ rule did not apply. I’ve never seen a documented 1968 Firebird with a 1967 Mirror. 1967 had a larger, longer Base while 1968 was rather stubby. The 1968 Firebird Mirror is not the same as the 1968 Camaro. Also, keep in mind that all other Pontiac Remote Mirrors in 1968 appear to be the same but upon closer inspection, the base is definitely different (different casting numbers too). The Round Mirror Housing itself is the same. Cable Length varied depending on Model.

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.

Q: Saddle Leather Int (281) 1968

While we are on the topic of seat material, can you clear up for me when the leather seats became available and in what colors?

A: Leather was an option in late 1968 on the Firebird starting June 6th 1968. It was only available with the Custom Trim Option and was only available in one color…. code 281 which a Saddle color. This is a very rare option and has only been documented on a few 1968 Firebirds in the Registry.

A: I have taken several pics (yet to be scanned though) of the interior of my RA convert which has factory ‘saddle trim’ (ie leather). the leather was just redone this past spring but it is nearly identical in color feel and apperance as the original. the rest of the interior is factory orig. the door panesl are ‘faux’ leather grain. the backs of the seats are orig (and are also tan). the dask is gold/tan and is in great condition but looks very different (ie when you are VERY used to seeing first gens with the black and occasional red dashes). other oddities of this option include a ‘tan’ carpet as standard. also my deluxe wheel is tan to match the interior. again, ill gladly post what i have if anyone would like to the set up.

A: The URLs for the saddle leather interior (281) for his 1968 RA I are found at the following links:

A: In response to his’s query about leather, it was offered in several GM cars, my 1969 album shows leather in Bonneville Brougham convertible (black only) and available in the Grand Prix (green, gold, black) as well as Firebird (trim 293 gold). The 1968 Firebird also offered leather (trim 281 saddle). The Firebirds were based on the Custom trim option, with the entire seat face in leather, just the sides were expanded Morrokide (actually Madrid grain vinyl). This is different than the Custom trimmed seats; they had a bolster panel of Madrid on each side of the 4 wide strips of knit-weave vinyl.

I believe the leather to be one of the rarest options in Firebirds. After almost 20 years of searching, I found a restorable 1969 interior for my 1969 Sprint convertible, and the guy who sold it thought there were 54 cars built in 1969 with leather. I have been around these cars 25 years, and have only heard about or seen maybe 4 69’s and 2 68’s with leather. One of them is Scott Misus’ 1969 Sprint hardtop, another is a Sprint convertible that was listed on the owner’s listing of that “jersey68” list. (Whatever happened to that guy, did he just abandon that list? It never seems to be updated!)

One odd thing I saw at the Irvine CA POCI meet was a restored 69 convertible that showed Burgundy/Leather on the trim tag (PNT65/TR293), but the car had Parchment Custom and I don’t remember what color it was repainted. I never found the owner to ask him about the car. My album does not show this combo to be available, but it’s what I would like my Sprint convertible to be. Who knows what may have slipped through on an order form? The album shows black, white, gold, champagne, maize, yellow, brown, and 3 greens could be had with any gold interior, but no reds, blues, or silver.

While I was digging around my parts book, I learned something else that may be of interest regarding the 1968 Custom interiors without the knit-weave inserts. There are “first type-w/grained vinyl fabric” and “second type-w/knitted vinyl fabric” listed, and this only applies to a few colors. They are Teal (255), Turquoise (256), Gold (257), and Parchment (260, and 275 bench seat). I seem to recall seeing a couple of Black interior cars, but my parts book is dated July 1, 1969 and didn’t indicate any 1st/2nd type material for any black interior codes.

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.