I am today the happy new owner of a '69 bird. I have a nice garage and lots of hope to find the time to put my hands on it. I leave in a tiny little country named Luxembourg in Europe. It's my first American classic car and I'd really love to receive your advice.
This is what I have in my hands: 1969 Pontiac Firebird Coupe The paint was Carousel Red with Parchment vinyl top. The trim color and material were Parchment Vinyl. This car has the Fisher Body Unit Number 501,679 built in the 4th week of September at the Van Nuys, California plant.
Now I'd like to figure out exactly the general mechanical specs and what there is really under the hood.In the last 50 years many little hands have certainly played around with the engine, the transmission and anything that turns ans spins...
I don't know if the engine works as it should or not; if carb, cams, transmission have been changed or modified. In any case I'd like to bring it back things as close as possible to original specs. And consumption makes me suspect that some little "wizards" plaid around with the engine. Currently 9 MPG at 50mph steady on the motorway. I know it can be thirsty, but I have the feeling that gasoline gets out straight away from the exhaust.
So my question is: which steps and in which order would you take them to make a good starting assessment of the mechanical general situation?
