Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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Content last modified: September 24, 2024 at 10:59 am

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Body - Doors and Hardware (15)

Q: Do other Remote Mirrors Fit for 1968

One question. I have the opportunity to but a new 1968 remote GTO mirror for about $100 US. Does anyone know if it fits the firebirds of that year and if so is it a reasonable price?

A: ….The 1968 Firebird and GTO used slightly different SideView Remote Mirrors. The difference is in the Mounting Base. However, It should bolt on physically. I should have some pictures ready tonight or tomorrow that will show the difference between the two mirrors. $100 is a very good price for an NOS SideView Remote Mirror. Here are some Casting Numbers that should help you. They are located on the bottom of the mounting base….

1968 Firebird 9792566
1968 GTO 9787847
1968 FullSize 9787846

A:…The 1968 Firebird O/S Remote Control Mirror WAS different from the “A” and “B” bodies of that year. The difference is in the Base (or mounting pedestal).

Mirror Mounting Base Casting Numbers:
– 1968 Firebird: 9792566
– 1968 Tempest: 9787847
*These are visible on the bottom of the Base

In a side-view of the assembly, the dimension between the bottom of the Mirror Housing and the top edge of the Mounting Base is different between all models. Also, the distance from the back of the Mirror Housing to the inside curve of the Base is different. Besides this, the cable length varies from model to model.

Remote O/S Mirror Assembly Part Numbers:

  • 1968 Firebird (round) 9792565
  • 1968 Firebird (rect.) 3934583
  • 1967 Firebird 3899857
  • 1968 Tempest 9792564
  • 1968 Full-Size 9792562 (also same ’65-’67 All exc. Firebird)
  • 1968 Grand Prix 9793985

*These are ‘accessory numbers’; only good if NOS or still in original box.

So, be careful when you’re considering purchasing a mirror for your 1968 Firebird’ many parts dealers will try and tell you that ‘they’re all the same’ but it’s not so. Will other mirrors work and fit ? Sure; all depends on how picky you are. Things to consider are the Vent Window, and the Cable lengths as well as the Control Knob/Trim.

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Q: Door Edge Guards

I ordered a set of 1967-1968 Door Edge Guards (Repro). They advertise that these are exact replicas offered at a less expensive price than original replacements. They do not look correct so how do I know if they are correct.

A: …I’ve noticed many places selling ‘correct’ or ‘original’ Door Edge Guards for the 1967, 1968, and 1969 Firebird however, most all are the press-on style (replacement, also used on Camaro). The original GM style for the Firebird was a screw-on type. I have a set of NOS ones and they fit perfectly.

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Q: Door Hinge Interchangeability

Just looking for some information on door hinges. I have a 1969 coupe which has hinges that are in pretty bad shape on the drivers door. Such as not giving the door enough support to open or close properly. I have heard of some hinges being rebuilt some way or another. Also curious about interchangeable hinges such as from a camaro. Any information would be appreciated.

A: All hinges from 1967, 1968, and 1969 are NOT interchangeable. The only hinges that will work are 1969 Camaro and Firebird. National Parts Depot has rebuild kits for upper and lower hinges and a replacement detent roller. Their number is 1-800-874-7595.

Before purchasing, be aware that if the hinges are worn to the point where you’ve “oval-ed” the holes, it’s best to buy new or original used.

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Q: Door Hinges

Are the door hinges interchangeable between the years?

A: 1967 hinges are a 3 bolt design, the 1968 and later being a 4 bolt design. No chance of interchange.

Some hinges use a larger bushing than others, though I’ve not seen any documentation that indicates that it is related to a specific year or model. There are some kits that provide both sized bushings so that the retailer need only stock one part number that covers just about all GM cars.

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Q: Door Interchangability between Years

Does anyone know if you can put 1968 firebird doors on a 1967 firebird and make them work?also what about partial rear 1/4s vs full gm 1/4s(camaro)? I haven’t heard very good things about partial 1/4s-alignment, bird louvers behind doors.

A: 1967, 1968, and 1969 doors do not interchange. 1967 hinges are a 3 bolt type, and the 1968/1969 are a 4 bolt type. 1968 and 1969 don’t interchange because of the obvious difference in shape/character lines.

The aftermarket rear quarters will work with a fair amount of body work. I understand that convertibles represent more of a challange to get them to work. In somecases, rust free used quarters from the Southwest are a good alternative.

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Q: Door Interchangeability

Are the doors/door skins from camaro are interchangeable with firebird???

A: Door skins and doors are interchangeable between like years of Firebirds and Camaros. The only difference you may run into is “bird” etched glass. Also note that hinges are different.

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Q: Door Interchangeability

Need help on 1967 door question, Is the door the same for convert. and coupes? I looked at classic’s catalog and the have complete inner and outers for sale at some later date and no convert. listed for door. Does the vent window unbolt for shipment?/p>

A: The doors were different each year, but the same as the same year of Camaro. Your 1968 will need doors from another 1968, Camaro or Firebird.

A: That depends…….. if you have an early or late 1968 Firebird, they changed the design of mirror so door was also changed. Camaro stayed the same thru the year.

A: …Doors were common for 1967-1969 Coupes and Convertibles however, each year was different (different part numbers) due to Vent Window only in 1967, different Mirrors in 1968, new panels in 1969. Yes, the Vent Window Assy unbolts from the door and the glass assy is separate from the Weather Seal Assy.

A: I’d only add that 1967 doors used a 3 bolt hinge and the 1968 and 1969 cars used 4 bolt hinges. This makes the 1967 and 1968 further incompatible.

The door shells offered by Classic industries are just that, shells. They won’t come with the vent window frame work. You would be expected to transfer that, as well as all of the other internal parts in your door to the new shell. This isn’t very complicated.

See the Jan. 2000 issue of Chevy High Performance, “Just Wing It”, for a description of removing this part (as well as weather stripping install), as well as your “1967 Fisher Body Guide”.

A: 1967, 1968, and 1969 doors do not interchange. 1967 hinges are a 3 bolt type, and the 1968/1969 are a 4 bolt type. 1968 and 1969 don’t interchange because of the obvious difference in shape/character lines.

The aftermarket rear quarters will work with a fair amount of body work. I understand that convertibles represent more of a challange to get them to work. In somecases, rust free used quarters from the Southwest are a good alternative.

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Q: Door Lock Assy

Is there a difference for the door latch assy betweent the years and no difference between standard and custom interior?

A: The Door Latch Assy was different for all (3) years on the 1st Generation Firebird. This was actually referred to as the “Door Lock Assy”. You are correct; there was no difference between the Lock Assy for Custom or Std. Trim. There was however, a difference between the inside Handle Remote Control (Latch Release Mechanism) as well as the Link Rod for this for the Cust. & Std. Trim Option.

From what you describe, it sounds as if you may have a defective Lock (Latch) Assy or, they are from another type of vehicle. Be sure you have the correct Lock Assy and O/S Handle & Button Assy for your specific car.

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Q: Door Mirrors for 1968

Was there an optional passenger side side view mirror available and how do I find the correct one for my car. Were there two different kinds used in 68: 1967 mirrors on some of the firebirds in 1968 and some 1968 mirrors on others. How do I find out which ones I need? To make matters worse I need the remote type for the drivers side.

A: …In 1968, all cars came standard with a LH (drivers) Side-View Mirror. Remote Control Side View Mirror was optional.

3909197 1967 F O/S Mirror (LH) exc. rem.
9787901 1968 F, 1967-1968 T, P O/S Mirror (LH) exc. rem. (round) 1st type
3914753 1968 F O/S Mirror (LH) exc. rem. (square) 2nd type
3899857 1967 F O/S Mirror (LH) remote ctrl.
9792565 1968 F O/S Mirror (LH) remote ctrl. (round)
3934583 1968 F O/S Mirror (LH) remote ctrl. (square)

*The rectangular (square) 2nd Type Std. Mirror came into Production after Jan.1968 (This may have been Gov’t Reg. related)
*There were (2) Different LH Door Outer Panels as a result of this styling change due to stamping differences. Mounting Bracket is also different.
*There was an Accessory Pkg. for LH Remote Ctrl. Mirror in ’67/’68… 984758 (ALL) 984752 (Pont.) 984974 (Temp.)
*I’m sure many Dealers sold a matching RH (pass.) Mirror however, there was no separate part number for this; they simply used a LH Mirror (exc. remote)

…Repro’s are available. Std. Mirror is same for all F,T,P. Remote Mirror is NOT the same as Tempest or Full-Size as many used parts dealers try to say.

…Actually, they used a ROUND and RECTANGULAR Style (*see above*) The 1967 Std. (or Rem.) mirror was not used for 1968 Firebird production. I’ve seen some very early ’68’s and they have 1968 style mirrors.

…Based on your Build Date. I’d say if it’s after Jan. 1968, go with the rectangular style This is where a Survey of owner’s would help confirm this ‘running’ change’

…I’m hearing that a repro is underway for other year/application remote mirrors besides the ‘Chevy’ style that is out there. There are NOS one’s floating around; expect to pay Hemmings Prices ($200-$350). Remember, the Mirror Housing itself is the same for 1968 Firebird, Tempest, Full-Size; however, the pedestal (base) is not.

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.

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Q: Mirror from other Series for 1968

I have a remote mirror from a 1968 Bonnie. Will it fit and look original on my 1968 Firebird?

A: The Base for a Firebird Mirror is unique. Slightly different than full size and the Tempest style. Physically, I believe it would work though, I’ve never tried it.

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Q: Mirror Placement for 1968

I need to install a driver’s side mirror. Does anyone have a template for this procedure?

A: Try the following templates. They are going to be very large files but will work as a good template. Make sure to use the correct template:

1968 Early Production Mirror: Round Mirror – Remote and Standard:

1968 Early Mirror

1968 Late Production Mirror: Rectangular Mirror – Remote and Standard:

1968 Late Mirror

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Q: Mirror Types for 1968

I realized today that the doors off the coupe, now on the convertible, use “bullet” mirrors (bullet shaped casing with rectangular mirror inside). Was this offered in 1968?

A: There were no ‘Bullet Mirrors’ used on any 1968 Pontiac. You had a choice of Manual or Remote Adjustable Chrome Plated Mirrors. Early ’68’s used Round Style Mirrors. Sometime in December, the factory started using a Rectangular Shaped Chrome Mirror (for Manual and Remote). As for their being no Control Knob for the Mirror in Todd’s car, that’s the first clue that these are not factory mirrors. It was not uncommon for people to swap mirrors; add something with a little more style; more modern. The only 1st Gen. Firebird that used ‘Bullet Style’ Mirrors was the 1969 Firebird and those were only very late in production models (since the 1969 body style ran longer than normal, some of the ’70 style features began to show up in production.)

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Q: Outside Mirrors for 1968

Anybody know what was used for a side view mirror on the passenger side of a 1968 Firebird with a remote control mirror on the driver side? My mirror is rectangular with rounded corners and I have seen non-remote versions in parts catalogs.

A: According to the Firebird Red Book by Peter Sessler, the remote mirror was only offered as an option (LH remote control OSRV mirror – 424) on the left hand side. I would assume the passenger side had a matching rectangular shape if it was equiped with the optional passenger mirror. The 1968 had both the circular and rectangular offered. My 1968 has the LH circular mirror with no passenger mirror.

A: Unfortunately, Pontiac did not offer a RH S.V. Mirror ‘dummy’ to match the LH Remote version (round or rectangular) as they did in previous years. I have a ’64 GTO that has the Factory LH S.V. Remote Mirror (round) and I found a ‘matching’ RH mirror several years ago in a junk-yard. Basically, the same mirror, but w/o the cable, etc…. looks balanced.

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Q: Remote Mirrors Removing Cable

Does anyone know the best way to remove the cable from the remote controlled mirror? I’m having mine replated and can’t figure out how to disconect the darn thing without destroying it.

A: Based on my past experience with second gen mirrors, the easiest way is to take the mirror apart and pull the remote end through the mirror base and housing. Hope this helps.

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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.

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Miscellaneous - Year Changes (1)

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.

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