My New 1971 455 HO Formula
 

I'm still trying to post some pictures but they are still too big. Can someone help me downsize them?

Thanks, Dennis

PM sent

Pics:

:)

More:

:)

****! I'd be driving it just the way it is!

I like it and that roof just might grow on me.....

That's the one that was for sale a long time in Ontario Canada ? Nice car ! Good deal too ! I've been eyeing that one a long time, I snoozed I lost ... Enjoy your beautiful new Formula ! 455 HO 4 speed M22

I'm with Chris, looks great just the way it is.

I'm with Chris and Doug. Leave it like it is, put the original motor on the shelf, stick a big HP 455 in it and have some fun. There's enough parts floating around that you can build a stinking hot motor that looks all original and is correct except for the VIN. Wet sand and buff the paint and strip the undercoating and you're all set.

The big money down the road won't be for a car with a color change interior and a vinyl top delete. Spend less money and have more fun is my vote. I cant wait to see it in August no matter what direction you go. If we could just get Brewster off his ass I might bring the Black Car back and we could have a 455 HO Formula reunion...

Congrats Dennis. I envy your excitement.

Thanks guys for the comments regarding keeping the roof. Keeping it on will keep a bit unique. It really doesn't look so bad since the contrast is very low. The rubber roof stays on!

Yep. its the one from the Toronto area that was discussed briefly in the 455 HO Thread back in October. A nice surprise is that the hood scoops were cut open (too nicely) and the grilles installed, so I might just have to spring for a RA conversion. It has the original 4-core FP heavy duty manual trans radiator with tags still. All the bolts underneath look like they will come out easily, absolutely not rust or corrosion. The sheet metal, however, is a different story with minor issues in a few places, but nothing major thankfully.

Bob, I'm already looking at another 455 motor to do the Pure Stock build to. But that will be for next year. I'll beat on this one once we get the new cam & lifters installed (Summit 2801). The car just needs to be fluffed and buffed. I like the idea of a Formula Reunion. It will be driven to the TA Nats. Brew's motor is almost done and ready to hit the dyno to she what that bad mutha does.

Does anyone know if the dual snorkel air cleaner is a repop? It really looks too nice and unblemished, especially at the snorkel openings to be original. Maybe not, I'm not sure. I included a picture of the Thremactor raised lettering that I believe is different between the original and repop units.

Bob, get Dave and start polishing up the Black car. I will handle Brew......lol

She's already fluffed and buffed...Just sitting there like last years prom queen while the Gold Car get's all the attention.

Air cleaner looks like an original to me.

That's a sweet Formula! Looks great with those big honeys...

When/where are the TA Nats? Might have to join up, that is if you guys don't mind something non stock. ;)

I'm agreeing with this.

Chris its at the end of August in Dayton Ohio. If you like to cut up around a bunch of f-bodies smoking cigars, drinking, talking smart... you'll love this place.
I have a room booked and will bring my Formula even if its a trailed project car.

You gotta believe Brew......we will get her done.

Chris, here's the link. We would love to see you there.

http://www.78ta.com/nats/

New guy buys cigars!

Even if he doesn't smoke? :noidea:

Ahhh, dont worry about it Chris between Bob and I they'll be PLENTY of cubans to puff on and with Craig around maybe even something else ;):eek::attention:focus:

Congrats Dennis. These are some seriously rare birds and great performers. If there's going to be a HO formula reunion, I'm in. Would love to see your car and I like the look of the top and no spoiler.
Sean

Interior Fun
 

This weekend Dan & I spent the day removing the interior to see what we could find as well as swap in the new dash pad that came with the car. The original was cracked, sunbaked, and discolored. It was a good time to look at all the under dash wiring, controls, ductwork and general condition. I do need the underdash a/c duct that goes past the steering wheel to the far left dash vent from the center portion. Cleaned the gauges and lenses, all the years of dust and grime.

Also found out the carpets are original and will be cleaned, possibly redyed and returned to service. We found alot of glue, resin, and polishing residue under the rear seat cushions and thought OH CHIT, are the rear floors bad??!! Fortunately, they are solid, just sloppy body work from the rear right quarter repair and new vinyl top that must have been installed at the same time. Its all over the trunk wheel houses too.

Trunk needs a new wiring harness to replace the original cut for towing something earlier in its life. Got rid of the aftermarket radio and spaghetti wiring and install a am/fm Firebird radio I have stashed somewhere. It came with a rear seat speaker so that has to go in too.

Here are some pictures of the fun....

Dennis

nice progress, it looks like you have the picture posting down pat now ;-)

A few more pictures
 

The original dash pad date is 3/17/71 and the replacement is ??/8/70. It may be 10 or 11, so could be for 1971 model year. There were very minor differences and everything fit back where and how it should.

Dennis

A few more...
 

Doug, I do hae it figured out and had to be taught by someone more computer savvy than me.

Pics of the original FP heavy duty radiator for the manual transmission 'Bird.

Dennis

That's were it all starts...
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps2beef026.jpg

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps318b8cc7.jpg

Ha Mike, thats a great picture to compare with. He's get a few months before the salts off the roads should be no problem. ;)

Good comparison Mike. The shots are both from the same vantage point.

Brew, it will be ready to rip as soon as the roads are clean of salt.

Anybody have a picture of the proper Ram Air screen attaching bolts?

Dennis

Here you go. I believe these to be original.

Actually, I just realize this isn't what you asked. Oh well.


http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/...psnymc5hmk.jpg

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/...psykyk6ilb.jpg

Dang..... Was Dan getting slow or something??? I see three cars in there ! :) Very nice!

Jody

Thanks Bob!

Can you get the attachments of the scoop screens too?

Jody, The GT-37 picture is Mikes from a couple years ago and the other picture are mine, both interior projects. I'm going broke fast!

Dennis

These may help...

The money makers are the ones not shown in front of Dennis's cars.

Chris,
Thanks for the photos. That helps for the screens in the scops. I now know the ones on the car are not correct (phillips head screws).

Mike,
What's in front of my cars? Dan's hoist (empty) ahead of the Formy and his '79 all original black on black WS6 400 4-speed (no a/c) 25,000 mile TA ahead of the GTO.

Dennis,

I'm on the road again, but will get pictures tomorrow to back up the ones Chris has already posted.

On the interior, how's the headliner?

BWB

Bob,

That would be great to have the back up pics.

I'm fortunate the the previous owner had a new sienna headliner installed with new sun visors to match.

Dennis

PHOTOS
 

thanks for posting pix!..interesting carpet pics and how the front passenger & driver under the seat is cut out (same as NJSTEVES 1973)..although I have an original 1972 carpet, it was not cut in this fashion..does anyone have thoughts regarding this?..an original carpet fits the best..SD455SDJ I would first clean the carpet and reinstall with repop floor mats (hold off on dying) as so little carpet is really seen and that carpet looks excellent!..best of luck with your new 'bird!

here is one of the four screen attaching bolts from my '72:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e1...ps60a364a2.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e1...ps9827cf34.jpg

I knew there had to be a letter in there - just didn't have enough detail in my pictures.

1/2" long, hex head, coarse thread, self tapping, black phosphate

RicksGTO,

That is a great picture of what I need. Does anyone have any or repop these hex head screws? I probably can find close matches if not.

I might have to get a RA air cleaner and the bellows (seals) for the hood just to complete the package since the scoops are already opened up.

Boss, thanks for the screw specs.

Transam1972,

The carpet is surprisingly nice and in good shape, just faded. I will just clean and reinstall and, like you said, and get nice floor mats to protect the carpet.

Thanks, Dennis

I may have an extra set of RA boots available & may have an air cleaner too. ;)

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...9&d=1423000683

I have an extra RA cleaner with studs if interested. Refurbished by Norwood or it's still untouched...

Mike,

Could you PM me some pics a dollar figure for the RA cleaner?

Chris,

I'd be interested in used boots too in good condition if you have some. Please PM me with what you need for them.

Thanks, Dennis

RAM AIR AIR CLEANER
 

...which is it?..an original unit, very cool...and original boots?!...SD455DJ no matter what route you go (original vs. repop) that car deserves Ram Air!!

Norwood calls it an original dipped lacquer paint one.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...ps817419b3.jpg

Boss PM sent.

FAM AIR FORMULA & TRANS AM
 

...that looks to be a nice unit and the stud no stud thing (repop does not) is a bit of a pain...I would need to compare an original vs. a repop and test fit for a final verdict...the same with a T/A 70 single snorkel & 71-72 dual snokel, dual thermac repop....I have yet to hear the final verdict on an original car..it looks nice in the photos...I know that NORWOOD restores original air cleaners

He's working on it.