[dpoltzer]

Two questions as I am new to 1974 Trans Ams; My car was built in October of 1973 with a 455 engine, would it have come with a points type distributor or HEI? Also; my car is code 29 Admiralty Blue, should the underneath side of the hood be painted black or Admiralty blue? Mine sure looks to be painted Admiralty Blue. Thx. Dave

[johnta1]

Should be points.
But they might have had the option for a HEI type of distributor (Unititized Distributor?), but would be on PHS if you have it.

[dpoltzer]

Is there anyway to install the rear bracket with out first removing the bumper?
Looks like u would have to be a contortionist!

[Greg Reid]

I think that there was a changeover around May of '74? My '74 had HEI and I'm pretty sure it was original to the car. Can't recall the build date now.

[johnta1]

His is a verily early TA, I figured it would be a Unitized one if it did come with one.

My 74 455 TA also had the HEI in it, but don't know the build date on it.
Even tried to find the VIN for it years later.

[dpoltzer]

I loosened all of the bumper nuts and pulled the unit away from the body just enough to get the license plate bracket screws installed. Dave

[kingbuzzo]

Change-over year, mine had HEI and even tho she was repainted the underside of the hood was admiralty...not sure the build date tho...she's in Kuwait now 🙄

[dpoltzer]

Not sure where you reside King, but one of our members in Talladega, AL has one for sale. Look in the Firebird Parts For Sale area. Dave

[Greg Reid]

I had a copy of the internal memo somewhere but not sure if I still have it or passed it on with the car's documentation when I sold it.

[johnta1]

Here's the Service Craftsman News one:

[dpoltzer]

There is a ground strap screwed in to the floor pan under car on passenger side towards firewall but I am unsure where the other end is supposed to go? It looks like it might go under a bolt that secures the tranny to the block but this seems redundant since there is already a ground strap that goes from back of the passenger side cylinder head to the firewall. Could the ground strap in question go to the sub frame and if so, where? Thx.

[Held for Ransom]

Dave, have you pulled a PHS invoicing copy?
And, under hood should be black.

[dpoltzer]

Can one of you with a 74 take a look for where the strap goes? Thanks much.

[Greg Reid]

Based on John's memo it looks like yours would have had points dpoltzer.

[dpoltzer]

Thanks for all of the great info gentlemen! So points distributor it will be and "black" under the hood then. Dave

[dpoltzer]

Thx much HFR. Dave

[dpoltzer]

What color is the area on the front bumper where the front license plate mounts, supposed to be? Body color or "Bumper black? Thx

[Held for Ransom]

Originally Posted by dpoltzer

What color is the area on the front bumper where the front license plate mounts, supposed to be? Body color or "Bumper black? Thx

Unpainted, bumper "black".

[kingbuzzo]

Do you mean the front fascia or the bracket?

Not sure if this helps:

[dpoltzer]

It would be the area that a License plate bracket would bolt/attach to. Thx.