CK5 - The Full-Size GM Off Road Community

I don't know if anybody can help me out, but I really need a front bumper and valence panel for my 75 Firebird. I've been looking all over and can't find either one of them. My car is getting close to drivable and I need a front bumper and valence to get it inspected. I might be able to salvage the valence, but the bumper is shot. Thanks!

http://www.tvdance.com/bush-gore/9anew.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>
My truck beat up your SUV

Im having trouble finding things for my 79' TA :( Go to www.yearone.com , you can get some car specific free catalogs there. Most TA links on the web are dead:( Try this too just for the heck of it. Good info:) Sorry i dont know how to make it clickable. http://www.iwaynet.net/~gl&lisk/1975ta.html

One From None

http://jamonline.homestead.com/fromthegroundupK54x4/89Jimmy.html (http://www.iwaynet.net/~gl&lisk/1975ta.html>http://www.iwaynet.net/~gl&lisk/1975ta.html</A>

<A)
<font color=blue>Happy Trailshttp://www.coloradok5.com/forums/images/icons/cool.gif</font color=blue>
<font color=blue>Wayne</font color=blue>

I've tried all the catalogs. I've checked Year One, Performance Years, Ames, etc and no one carries these parts anymore. I don't know if they even make NOS ones anymore.

Hey lowlevell, what parts are you looking for? There are a bunch of 77-81 T/As at a junkyard near me. I get parts off of them a lot. Most of them have decant parts. Let me know what you need and I'll check it out for ya.

http://www.tvdance.com/bush-gore/9anew.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>
My truck beat up your SUV

:) I need the center console cover (lid). Both inside door handles (the handle you grab to pull the door closed.) Both power door lock motors.And various int panels( some of mine are now faded pink) My int is tan with cloth seats.

I could also use a "good" shaker hood. Some idiot drilled it out to put hood pins in it.I havent yet decided what i need under the hood yet. Most of the things i think i can find here at local junkyards. AND:) :) :) I just found out that a guy that i work with has an 80,000 mile pontiac 400:) My current(original) engine is the 403 Olds 185hp. The 400 Pontiac is 220hp:). So i may switch out to the 400 if i can get him to sell it to me. The 400 is out of a 79' just like mine. I also may want to switch it over to the 4spd.That is something i will have to think about though.If you see anything that i may need let me know, i may want it. I will look for a bumper for you this weekend when i go junkyarding. Man i havent been to the local junkyards in years.

BTW, What is wrong with the bumper you have now?

One From None

I bought a center console lid from JC Whitney(only thing good I ever bought from them) and it only cosy me $10 or so. Not too bad. I don't think I can help you on any of those interior pieces. Most of the cars here are missing windows and the interiors are shot. You can always repaint the vinyl. That's wht I did - my white interior is now a black interior :). I can get you a good shaker for $30 from a friend of mine. I was going to buy it, but I'm putting a Ram-air hood on mine so I didn't buy it. I'll ask him if he still has it if you are interested. That 400 would be sweet. Gotta keep a Poncho all Poncho, right?

http://www.tvdance.com/bush-gore/9anew.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>
My truck beat up your SUV

Hold off on the hood for now. It would kind of be a pain to get out to where you are.( and would cost alot to ship).My hood also has a weak spot at the drivers side hinge. I think it can be repaired for now. When i go to repaint this thing i will probably replace the entire hood though. What kind of paint did you use on the int?. Brand?
Anyway like i said earlier, I am going junkyarding this weekend (weather permitting) and hope to find most of the parts that i need. Talk to you later... the guy with the 400 just came in:)

One From None

I misread your earlier post. I thought you needed the shaker and not the whole hood. Sorry about that! The paint I used was some rattlecan stuff I bought at the autoparts store. I can't remember the type or anything, but the parts don't look like they were repainted. If I can get a chance, I'll take a picture of my interior before and after for you if you want(still looks like crap, but hey). Good luck at the boneyard! Don't forget to slide a few license plates into your toolbox when you are there! That's the best part!

http://www.tvdance.com/bush-gore/9anew.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>
My truck beat up your SUV

LOL, I miss read i yours too. My &gt;Shaker&lt; does have a crack in it and part of the lip that sits on the breather is worn/rusted away.But it is complete and functional. Im not sure if it original though. It is made of fiberglass and not metal, but it is glued? to the breather lid. What shape is your freinds in? And did you use that "vinyl" paint on your int? Or just regular spray paint?
Heh, they pull the plates when they get the cars:)

One From None

I'm not sure if that think is supposed to be glued to it or not, I guess it makes sense. I've never worked on a Trans Am with a shaker before, just my Firebird. It sounds like it makes sense... My friend said that the shaker is in good shape and he is usually pretty reliable, so it is probably good. I used some Vinyl spray paint on my interior. My vinyl was so dried that it soaked up the paint and I had to put about 3 or 4 coats on it to get it shiny. It looks pretty good now. That sucks about the plates! They pull most of the plates here too, but they miss one every now and then. Last time I was down there I got 3 NC plates, an Ohio plate, and a VA plate. There were more but my fiancee was with me and was doing the potty dance if ya know what I mean:)

http://www.tvdance.com/bush-gore/9anew.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>
My truck beat up your SUV

Cool, i'm gonna try the vinyl paint. Some of my stuff is pretty dried up too. If it soaks it up, its more like dying it:) And will probably hold up well.

One From None

That's exactly what I thought at the time. Jus tbe careful with the door panels - they are hard to take off when they are dried. I broke the dorners off mine and now have to figure out a way to repair them. Good luck!

http://www.tvdance.com/bush-gore/9anew.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>
My truck beat up your SUV

NO SH!T! i found an almost mint bumper for your 75 Fire bird. I stopped and took a quik look at the local boneyard omw home tonight and low and behold they have a 75 fire bird.The front bumper is molded into the front valence right? If so $20. The upper part of the front end has some minor damage though but is repairable. Grills were missing. I will be in and out of the chat room tonight and tomorrow at work, so if you see my name in there but im not responding its because im afk.

One From None

OMG! You are my friggin savior! I think that the part is what you are taling about. Are you sure that it is a 75? I think that the 76's and 74's were a little different, but for $20 I'm all over that! I definitely want it! The only other one I've found was from a resto company and they wanted $700 for it! WTF? I'll get in contact with you tonight or tomorrow via the chatroom or email! I'm so stoked now! WOOOHOOOO!!!!!

http://www.tvdance.com/bush-gore/9anew.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>
My truck beat up your SUV

The tag on the door says built 05/75. Going into chatroom.

One From None

I just looked in my "30 Years of Trans Am" book. It is definitly a 76, not a 75. It looks like it will fit right in though. You may want the upper( headlight to headlight piece) though. Like i said earlier the upper piece has some small damage(cracks) at the drivers side headlight.That is where the "nick" is at in the bumper too.But trust me, its nothing bad at all. The damage looks like it happened when they sat the car in the yard. It was originally Metalic blue, but it looked like some idiot painted it black , including the lower bumper turn signals.Gee, i guess some people dont know what tape is:) The upper piece has part of it missing too. Right below the passenger side grill but is fixable.It has the lower bumper turn signals and the chrome dishes that accent the headlights.No grills.

Weather permitting, i am going back there saturday, to get me a spare tire and some visors from a late 70's GM. The 76' is the only 2nd gen F-body they have. And most of it is stripped.Let me know man.I can ship this stuff to you UPS ground, if you pay for it:) Later....

One From None

I got this from the above link:

or starters, the T/A got a more integrated front end appearance, enhancing the visual appeal. The new front end returned the parking lamps below the front bumper, each within a narrow cooling slot. Unfortunately, the front spoiler was trimmed back again, leaving it to merely be a keepsake from the glory days of old. The color keyed front bumper, covered in deformable urethane, replaced the rubber covered steel unit of the previous year. The bumper smoothly integrated into the front header panel which was still comprised of fibreglass. Round headlamps made their last second generation appearance on the 1976 edition.

To the rear of the car, the styling pattern which influenced the front was copied. The rear bumper was also covered in a soft urethane with a depression in the center, eliminating the false bumper bar. This theme made the Trans Am a much more complete looking car. The tail lamps were still of body color and stretched from the corner of the rear end to the license plate recess.




One From None

That's cool. I've got the grills and parking lamps and everything. A 76 would fit on it, at least until I can get an original 75 one. I can always rig up the 76 stuff to look like a 75, so it is excellent and will shave a few pounds off my car, too. Any idea how much shipping would be to NC? I'll talk to my dad and see if he will spot me the cash to buy it and I'm sure he will becase he knows how hard I've been searching for this thing. Any way you could get me any pictures of it? Later, bud.

http://www.tvdance.com/bush-gore/9anew.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>
My truck beat up your SUV

I dont have a digital camera or a scanner. I can check here at work to see if someone does though. Im not sure how much the bumper weighs. But i just punched (on the UPS pc) in 100 pounds delivered to Raliegh NC UPS GROUND. and was around $50. Im the "shipping/inventory" guy at my work.

One From None

Any idea how much it would cost to have it shipped to Rocky Mount, NC? My apartment is in Raleigh, by my car is in my parents' garage in Rocky Mount. I definitely want the bumper. Ane there any other good parts on that 76? Like front seat tracks, interior door panels, signal lenses/bezels, etc? I need some more stuff, too! Hahaha. Thanks, bud!

http://www.tvdance.com/bush-gore/9anew.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>
My truck beat up your SUV

Check this out http://jamonline.homestead.com/fromthegroundupK54x4/89Jimmy.html (http://home.flash.net/~transams>http://home.flash.net/~transams</A>)
<font color=blue>Happy Trailshttp://www.coloradok5.com/forums/images/icons/cool.gif</font color=blue>
<font color=blue>Wayne</font color=blue>

Thanks, wayne! $1200 is a little too much for me right now, but I did send them an email about just a front bumper. I appreciate it, bud!

http://www.tvdance.com/bush-gore/9anew.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>
My truck beat up your SUV

No problem. Just glad to help. Funny thing is I came up with the link in this site.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://jamonline.homestead.com/fromthegroundupK54x4/89Jimmy.html>http://jamonline.homestead.com/fromthegroundupK54x4/89Jimmy.html</A>
<font color=blue>Happy Trailshttp://www.coloradok5.com/forums/images/icons/cool.gif</font color=blue>
<font color=blue>Wayne</font color=blue>

Try GM Sports Salvage in San Jose, CA. They deal only in Firebirds, Camaros, and Corvettes. I think that I've seen a '75 front clip on their rack. 408-432-8498.

Are you going to a functional Ram Air setup or just putting a Formula hood on? The air cleaners, screens, and rings can be hard to find for functional Ram Air.

Lowlevell, the Olds to Pontiac swap is not a direct bolt-in, although it is close. The fuel pump on the Olds is on the "wrong" side of the engine so you have to run the inlet to the fuel pump to the driver's side of the car. The exhaust will need to be modified as well. You must use all of the correct pulleys and brackets for the Pontiac engine. Use the throttle cable bracket for the Pontiac and the carburetor from the Pontiac engine. You will also need a proper L78 shaker and air cleaner assembly (the Olds air cleaner and shaker is offset).

The 4-speed swap will require some changes to the wiring harness under the dash so that the clutch safety switch will work (and so that the Neutral safety switch is deactivated). You will also need the 4-speed console and the shifter doghouse from a 4-speed car (along with the brake and clutch pedals and clutch linkage, bellhousing, throwout fork, etc.).

I'm going to try and build a custom ram-air setup for that formula hood. Might be a lot of work, but it will be pretty trick when it's done. I'll try and call that place in CA, but it might be expensive to ship it to NC. Thanks for the info, though!

http://www.tvdance.com/bush-gore/9anew.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>
My truck beat up your SUV

Blaze , im really bust here at work today, i just wanted to drop in and say that the 76' at the local boneyard got crushed. I dont know if you still wanted it, but its destroyed now.Sorry. Talk to you soon.

One From None

Steve, you have been very helpfull. Thank you. Im still trying to get the Pont400 from the guy here at work. The Olds 403 i have is kinda tired. If i get the 400, i will keep the Auto tranny. It was recently rebuilt and had a mild shiftkit put in it. Man, its gonna be a real mofo trying to find the 400 shaker.

One From None

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Man, that really sucks! I was really excited about that, too! Oh, well. I'm going to a swap meet next weekend, maybe I can pick one up there. I appreciate the effort, though. If you see another one anywhere, grab it for me and I'll get you the cash. It's a shame to see an old 'Bird like that get flattened. Maybe next time we can salvage some stuff off of it. Later, bro.

http://www.tvdance.com/bush-gore/9anew.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>
My truck beat up your SUV

Blaze, I just got back from GM Sports Salvage. They have a '74 in their yard with what looks to be a fairly good valence and front header panel. They also have a set of grilles for a '75 in their showroom. The '74 and '75 front ends are so close, I often can't tell them apart without looking at the grilles...

Oh, hey... I just thought of another possible source. A lot of the Pontiac guys I know get some of their parts from Boneyard Stan <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.boneyardstan.com>http://www.boneyardstan.com</A>. Try him too.

Lowlevell, the 400 shaker is a bit hard to find, but it is the same as the shaker found on the 1978 Pontiac-engined Trans Ams and the '77-1/2 Pontiac-engined Trans Ams. Makes it a bit easier. I have gotten shakers off of all three model years' cars for Pontiac engine installation into Oldsmobirds. The first one was the hardest (my '79) because I was doing a lot of stuff to the engine and the chassis at the same time (and because it was the first one, I didn't know what I was doing). In the dozen or so I've done or helped do since then, it's gotten a lot easier (even making them smog-legal is easier now).

FWIW, the best information site on the 'net for Pontiac stuff is Classical Pontiac <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.classicalpontiac.com>http://www.classicalpontiac.com</A>.

Lowlevell, the 400 shaker is a bit hard to find, but it is the same as the shaker found on the 1978 Pontiac-engined Trans Ams and the '77-1/2 Pontiac-engined Trans Ams. Makes it a bit easier. I have gotten shakers off of all three model years' cars for Pontiac engine installation into Oldsmobirds. The first one was the hardest (my '79) because I was doing a lot of stuff to the engine and the chassis at the same time (and because it was the first one, I didn't know what I was doing). In the dozen or so I've done or helped do since then, it's gotten a lot easier (even making them smog-legal is easier now).

Oops... FWIW, it is possible to custom-cobble an air cleaner together to fit under the Olds shaker. I did this originally on my car (before I got the '70-1/2 double snorkle air cleaner and the '79 Trans Am SE W72 shaker). Still have that thing hanging around here somewhere. Spent a mint on it, but I'd be willing to part with it for $20 plus shipping...

FWIW, the best information site on the 'net for Pontiac stuff is Classical Pontiac <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.classicalpontiac.com>http://www.classicalpontiac.com</A>.

Blaze, just keep your eyes open, im sure you will be able to find 75' eventually. I went to 7 boneyards Saturday.One had a 79' original T-top TA, but was stripped(im gonna grab the last "snowflake" rim from it). Another had a 79'SE TA CRUSHED!!! It still had the shaker and hood on it!! THEY FRIGGN CRUSHED IT!! .....calming down now........ And one of those boneyards that wont let you walk through says they have the nose piece, shaker hood, RF fender, and supposedly the shaker.( he didnt know if it was an original 403 or 400 car though).They want $100 for the hood. I was running short on time and couldnt wait on them. Im gonna go back and check them out soon.
The problem and sometimes benefit of the boneyards around me have is.....most of them get the Police impounded vehicles. So they rotate theyre vehicles alot.
Just a side note: Have you ever changed your heater core out?MAN! What a pain in my a$$.
Also, someone that my dad works with had a 75'? Firechicken for sell a couple months ago for something like $300. I guess this thing is in real bad shape, im mean real bad.Its an original 400/4spd? car. It might have some of the parts that we need. He's looking into it.

Steve_Chin, What can i say?........ You kinda rule. I have the 403 Olds shaker on my 403 now. Its in pretty good shape too( but is not the original one).Im still trying to get this guy here at work to sell me the 400 he has.It is 90% there, except the carb. My hood is original(complete with the bird), but someone put hoodpins through it on the front side:( And it has a very weak spot at the drivers side hinge. In fact it is so weak that the hinge spring has been removed. Later......

One From None

Thanks for all the info. That 74 valence is exactly the same as a 75. Do you know how much they want for it? I've already got the header panel, but it is cracked a little bit. My grilles are good, too. I'd love to get my hands on that valence, though. I can't believe that some of these yards crush good old iron like that! My local place had an old 66 Tempest that was rusting away in the back. I tried to buy it off of them, but they said that they didn't have the title. I offered to get the title, but they woiuldn't sell. I went down there the other day to find it sitting on the ground about a foot tall. I almost broke into tears. They've also crushed a 74 camaro, a 73 T/A, and a 4-door lincoln convertible!

http://www.tvdance.com/bush-gore/9anew.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>
My truck beat up your SUV

Lowlevell, heater core? Been there on a few of the Firebirds. I removed the A/C from my '79 and changed it over to a non-air setup (you wanna talk PITA??? That's a serious one!). It looks much better without all of that A/C garbage there. I should never have let my dad talk me into ordering A/C on my car when I bought it.

Blaze, I thought that the valence was close, but I wasn't absolutely sure if it was the same. I thought that the '74 might have some mounting tabs for the sidemarkers where the '75 wouldn't be using them... I guess I was wrong. I haven't a clue whe they want for the valence, but give them a call. They ship all over the world (I know a guy in Tel Aviv, Israel and another guy in Oslo, Norway who have bought stuff from GM Sports Salvage). 408-432-8498.

You are right. The 74 is a little different than the 75. The 74 had the turn signals in the valence and the 75 had the turn signals in the grille. I have my old smashed valence, so I could use parts off of it to make the 74 into a 75 valence. I guess that is possible...

http://www.tvdance.com/bush-gore/9anew.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>
My truck beat up your SUV

LOL@ heater core. Gee, you only have to pull the RF fender, Hood, Center console, and just about everything under your dash...... did i leave anything out?:) Heck, i had to leave the car at my parents house. I couldnt finish it all in one day. I did get everything back up under the dash though. That AutoZone heater core better friggn last! Some one who owned the car before me was nice enough to HACKsaw most of the AC stuff off. Originaly i was going to try and save it, but i could care less about AC now.Im just going to put the heater fan box back in with out the evaporator and plug the 2 holes for now. I will deal with the AC at a later date.

One From None

Hey lowlevell, do you think that guy would sell me just the front bumper and valence or would I have to buy the whole car? By the way, if you are going to put that 400 Poncho in there and you cam it, I wouldn't even mess with the AC. A cammed Poncho motor will smoke the AC compressor faster than that 400 will smoke the tires. Just a little tip for ya!

http://www.tvdance.com/bush-gore/9anew.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>
My truck beat up your SUV

I tried to respond yesterday, but i was having alot of trouble with coloradok5 yesterday. I kept getting "system errors". Im still waiting to see if that guy has the 75", if it even IS a 75' (I believe it is a TA, not a Firebird). Will let you know as soon as i know. About the AC; Eventually, some day i would like to put the AC back on. The 400 still has the AC compressor still on it. In fact the only thing missing is the carb.But I dont think the guy here at work is going to come off the 400:( He wants to stick it in a truck or something. What a waste.

One From None

I was having problems getting on here yesterday too. I guess it wasn't my AOL connection like I thought. I think that the bumper on the 75 TA and Firebird were the same, but the valence was different. I've got some leads on a valence, so that isn't a problem. I appreciate you doing this for me. I've had more leads after posting this than I have the last 3 years since I bought my car.

That sucks about the 400. You could always go big and drop a 455 in there and really haul some ass! I'm thinking about building one and dropping it in mine in place of the Poncho 350. The 403 Olds is a good motor, even if it isn't a Poncho.

http://www.gifs.net/animate/explode1.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>
My truck beat up your SUV

A/C and a cammed Poncho? No problem. I ran A/C with the Ram Air IV cam in my engine for a while (until I wanted the engine compartment uncluttered and wanted the reduced front end mass for better cornering). Jerry Brock runs 11s with his '78 Lemans Wagon andeveryone wants to sit in his car in the staging lanes because he turns on the A/C and lets other competitors hang with him. I think Jim Hand had A/C in his '72 Wagon for a while too. Obviously, you don't want to be running the A/C when you're revving the engine up, but as long as it's not turned on you're OK. Besides, Pontiacs (especially 455s) aren't built to rev high, so it's a moot point. Jim Hand shifts his Wagon at about 5500 RPM, and I think Jerry Brock shifts his hydraulic roller 455 at about 5800.

Good luck finding a 455 block and crank, Blaze. They are getting harder and harder to find. I was planning on sticking one of my spares in my Blazer until I found that I couldn't find a bellhousing for my NV4500 to fit the BOP pattern (and that I was finding it harder to get spares). Of course, you could always just go BIG and use the IA block and a custom crankshaft (or the new crank that Eagle is making for Jim Butler), but that involves opening the wallet really wide.

I would think that the 455 would be as hard to come by as the 400:(

One From None

Take a look here Blaze,
http://members.boardhost.com/boyleworks2/msg/1794.html



One From None

Thanks lowlevell, but it's sold now. People just jump right on those things, huh?

Hey Steve, I was told by a friend that builds a lot of motors that thing about the AC and cam. I haven't done it, so I wasn't sure. Glad you said that. Now I'm gonna cam up my Pontiac 350 and se what I can get out of it. My friend seems very knowledgable, but you can never tell sometimes!http://www.coloradok5.com/forums/images/icons/smile.gif I've been trying to find a 455 for a while now. I found one and offered the guy $100, but he didn't take it. he next day he sold it for $100. Can you believe that? Oh well - I'll see what I can do with that 350.

http://www.gifs.net/animate/explode1.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>
My truck beat up your SUV

Lowlevell, the 455s are MUCH harder to find than 400s. They were produced only from '70 through '76 where the 400s were produced from '67 through '78 (and put into some '79 T/As and Formulas). The '67 is a wierd one because it is the only 400 block that has the older 2-bolt motor mount provisions and no 3-bolt provisions. The '77-'78 400 blocks have only the 3-bolt engine mount provisions. Oh, and remember that in the cars in which the 455 was available (none in the Firebird until '71) it was the top option or one of the top two optional engines available in that chassis of that year.

Blaze, I would suggest you don't try to do too much with that 354. The Pontiac 354 has the same stroke as the 400 and a teeny bore, so you can't put the large valve heads on it unless you chamfer the top of the block for valve clearance. I know of some guys who are tunning 13s with them in Lemans chassis, but it is so much cheaper and easier to do it with a 400 or 455. One good thing is that all of the bolt-on parts you put on the 350 will transfer to a 400 or 455. So, you can use the same intake, headers (unless you change out to round-port heads or the Wenzler or Edelbrock heads, which use a round-port head pattern), igntion (with minor tailoring), carburetion, etc. As a matter of fact, Pontiac used the #6X-4 head which was originally destined to go onto the 350 on the top option W72 400 of the '77-'79 period in order to gain a little more compression over the L78 #6X-8 heads (along with a different camshaft, ignition curve, carbuetor jetting, etc.). It has been confirmed that Pontiac did indeed screw up on a number of W72 engines and put the "-8" heads on some. These would likely be engines installed originally in late '78 and '79 model year Firebirds. Many of the heads have '77 date casting codes. The theory is that Pontiac had a number of the "-8" heads left over and didn't have enough low-perf. 400s onto which they were going to be installed, so they started using them on the W72 engines. Running two otherwise identical '78 W72 cars against each other, the "-4" head was worth about a tenth of a second in the quarter-mile.

Probably more garbage than you wanted to know, but hey... I've been involved with Pontiacs for a long time...

Yeah, I was thinking of shaving down the block to increase the compression and everything, but I don't want to spend too much money on it. I think that I am just going to put my 4bbl on ti and cam it a little. I've put headers and duals on it so far. I've got the intake and carb waiting to be installed. It'll still smoke the hell out of the tires! I got it running after it sat for around 3 years. I let it idle for a while and after starting it and letting it idle repeatedly over a few days I brought it out into the driveway and laid an 8' smokey in the driveway. Not too bad for how long it sat.

http://www.gifs.net/animate/explode1.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>
My truck beat up your SUV

Steve_Chin Rules!! heh, later

One From None

No kidding! He just made a big mistake showing us his knowledge. No he will have all sorts of Poncho questions coming from us!

http://www.gifs.net/animate/explode1.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>
My truck beat up your SUV

Y'all would like the Q&A at Classical Pontiac. Lots of knowledgeable guys there. Guys like Jim Hand, Tom Hand, Jim "Old Man" Taylor, the fellas from KRE, and a bunch of others post there on a fairly regular basis.

FWIW, I'll answer what I can...

This doesn't look good for me! I just bid $50 on a lower valance for my 75 and was outbid. I just checked the current price - $495!!!!!! That's almost twice what I paid for the whole car!!!!! Good thing is that a friend of mine might have a 75 bumper and stuff for me. If you guys need any F-body parts, let me know and I can get them from him. He's gotten himself in pretty deep with F-body parts. He bought a bunch of cars and is going to aprt them out - problem is that he has over $16,000 involved in it and he's only 17! I'm 21 and wouldn't do what he's doing. I can easily see him going down, so I'm helping him out with spreading the word.

http://www.animationfactory.com/animations/animals/monkeys/ape_with_monkey_wrench_md_wht.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>

I have so much Firebird stuff (owned the one for 22 years and have built/parted out many in the interim)... Anyhow, a friend might be interested in a black 4-speed console and a black dash from a pre-'76 car if they're in perfect shape and reasonably priced.

Oh, I also have a few rear disc brake setups hanging around. All of the hard to find conversion parts are there (booster, master, proportioning valve, rear calipers, parking brake actuators). The only stuff missing is the parking brake cables (I can give you dimensions so you can have some built, and they're also still available new), the hard lines that go over the axle (repops are available and the original ones rust out really bad or get abused by garage monkeys), and the rotors (replacements are available for relatively cheap).

How much do you want for the rear-disc setup? I need a new parking brake anyway, so I could easily get someone to make one for me. As for the console, check ebaymotors is all I could tell ya. My console was the only decent piece of my interior!

http://www.animationfactory.com/animations/animals/monkeys/ape_with_monkey_wrench_md_wht.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>

I got $275 for the last setup like that, so that's about what I'd be looking for. I guess having three or four sets is a little overkill on spares...

I'll let you know once I find out if I have a job for the summer or not yet. That would be pretty trick looking to all the guys around here. NO ONE around here runs rear discs on their F-bodies. I'll let you know in a few weeks.

I'll ask my friend if e has a console for your friend. I'm sure he's got a good one somewhere in all those cars he's got. I'll talk to him tonight and let you know.

http://www.animationfactory.com/animations/animals/monkeys/ape_with_monkey_wrench_md_wht.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>

Cool. The stuff ain't going anywhere, and if I find another one in the J-yard, I will likely pull all of the stuff. It's kind of an obsession with me. I really shouldn't be pulling all of those WS-6 brakes and steering boxes because I don't have the storage space, but I do it anyhow... Heck, I don't even have the space for my original 10-bolt's axle shafts (longer pilots and studs on the rear disc axle shafts), but I'm keeping the things for stupid sentimental reasons (like I really need them with the 12-bolt in my car now).

Blaze, did you ever find a bumper and valence yet? I'm still keeping my eye open for ya:) These friggn TA's and Firebirds are few and far between here in central Ohio. I "may" have found another 76' Firebird with the front clip still on it. If you could, or if you see any, i need a set of Black door panels and the black passenger armrest/handle. They are almost $300 from Ames, and that is a bit more than i would like to spend. The door panels must be from a power window/doorlock car.
Also, did you ever find out if the 76' bumper will fit?

BTW, i guess i didnt update it, but the rotted 75' is gone too. My dad said that it sat for over a year at his works parking lot with a for sale sign in it. I guess it was in real bad shape (and possibly didnt run), but was an original 400 4spd Firebird. I have several people now that are "keeping an eye out" for me.

One From None<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by lowlevell on 04/25/01 07:39 AM (server time).</FONT></P>

Hey lowlevell, I haven't found one yet. wayne is looking into a parts 75 up in his area that I might be able to pick up. That 76 bumper will fit my car. It is not the same, but will work until I can locate the 75 stuff. I'll keep my eyes out for some door panels for you. Keep your eye out for some for me too. Mine are also shot. Mine is a manual window/door lock and is also black. Thanks, bud!

Bryan

http://www.animationfactory.com/animations/animals/monkeys/ape_with_monkey_wrench_md_wht.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>

No Problem, talk to you soon.

One From None

Don't forget that they changed the door panel layout in '78...

DAMNIT! LOL Guess i learn some "good" news about my TA everyday. In case you guys see any, i have a 79.

One From None

Hey, I think there is a 78 in the yard here with good door panels. Hmmm, if I remember correctly. I'll head out there next week and check it out for you. I need to go pick up my Formula hood and Saginaw 4spd, so I might be able to pick up some door panels for cheap.

http://www.animationfactory.com/animations/animals/monkeys/ape_with_monkey_wrench_md_wht.gif<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch>http://www4.ncsu.edu/~brschoch</A>

Cool, they dont have to be in perfect shape. But at least decent shape. As long as they are from a car with power doors and locks, they "should" be vinyl. I also really need the passenger door handle (what you grab to pull the door shut).And they have to be black. Im not sure what they would charge for them, but i paid $80 for an entire black int minus the carpet, headliner and passenger door panel/handle. If they are nice and a decent price i would appriciate it if ya could pick them up :) If its not too much hassle.... Thanks, Dan

One From None

It shouldn't matter if the door panels came from a car that originally had power windows and door locks. The factory just put a plug in the hole where the window crank would have been in a manual window car. They just cut a hole in the door panel for the power door lock switch.

Again Steve, you are right. I just went outside and looked at the door panel (still laying in the back of the "burb). Nice little plastic birdie emblem over the window crank hole:)

One From None