Hey all. I helped a freind about to lose his house by buying his car. I like the 1st gen Firebirds but I do not know crap about them. I have owned 30+ cars in the 67-73 range in my 41 years on this planet. I love old cars. But to be honest almost every one of them has been a Mopar. If you need a part for your cuda , Challenger a 440 or 340 or a 8 3/4 rear end I am the guy. (I know I can here the boos)

Well I bought the car because off all the GREAT looking old cars non-Mopar the 1st gen Firebirds have a GREAT look!

I got the car up for sale but if I can figure out what is what who knows. I need to know where to start reading. What is the hard to find parts?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI5l3g1DRrQ&feature=youtu.be

Here is a Video of the car. It needs a little everything. I mean it is solid but needs a little electricval with a tail light that you have to shake to work. Needs a aluminum radiator with the 60 over bore it get a little hot at on super hot days and stoped in traffic (215). Needs a headliner and a few seperation in the frount seat. one back inner fender well has been galssed and has a little mud in it. Frount drivers pan has one spot I can see that will need attention some day in the future.


I am looking for the experts to guide this novice. What do I need to know?

Do you have the plastic trim that runs under the radio (and up the right side of it) on a 74 Challenger?

215 really isn't hot for a Pontiac. Lots of info here on hot running engines, just do a search on it.

I did a 74 Chally just 4 years ago. I do not have that peice but go to Moparts.com and put what you need in E-Body Parts wanted you will get it. That is not a super rare peice maybe even Dantes interiors may have that. Not sure that is an odds and ends kinda peice so who knows.

And thank you for the advice on heat. 215-220 seems hot to me. I had a Vette that after going .60 over started to get hot in start and stop traffice so i figured that was the issue. An electric fan installed on a toggle switch has already been put in but not sure how effective it will be.

I do know in winter it is running 170 so I was thinking thay may have tryed the whole no thermostat or drilled stat thing.... Just got the car days ago and even though I have seen it the last 10 years I need to work through it peice by peice.

I'm a tad confused. Are you buying the car from the friend or trying to sell it for him?

I already bought the car. I put it up for sale because I am more of a MOPAR guy.

BUT I find myself likeing the car a lot so I am looking for info because I may keep it.

as said...215 isnt HOT for a Pontiac....but its nice to get them to 190-200 in hot summer days...the list is long how to get there, Id start chiecking if it needs the 'fillers (3 sets) if a 400 or AC car...then timing, carb setting , water pump flow, raduiator on and on......but unless its 225-230 or over I wouldnt worry too much....

Vikki is an old cuda gal too....
Lee , have you checked w her on that part?

Don't remember if I ever asked her about that part. It's not a high priority though, as I have one there it's just broken. I really should pull it and see if I can repair it sometime.

Strongbad
Here's a good place to start reading on your hot engine issues.
https://firstgenfirebird.org/forums/ubbth...true#Post194385

That's the ticket - take a stand and be different!!!

How much is it for sale for?

I posted it in the 68 for sale section.

Yes, but I don't see a price listed.

9500 is where i started. I will check it out.

Lots of good info on this site. wonder how hard a 700r 4 swap would be ...... Hmmm lol So much to think about with this car.

Not hard.
Buy a eng/trans adapter w/bolts.
Mod a 4spd/TH350 x-member and driveshaft.
Bracket for detent cable to attach/adjust at carb.
Shifter asm.

Have complete set up including HD trans($1200-6yrs ago).
Think'n bout sell'n...
May end up keep'n trans for my 99-K1500 JIC.

Just fired up the Bird and drove it to get the kid from school and it sounded like it has a small exaust leak that was gettign bigger as I drive.. Got it home and looks like a have a lose headder or blew the gasket on the passenger side.... I do love old cars. Always something to tinker on with them

Not a bad price at all. Let me know if you are selling the setup.

Get with me and lets trade. I hate having an auto in my car. Built 700R4 in mine.

Too bad you aren't close to Texas.