[Smasher]

just picked this up on Monday from the original owner. 403/auto. pw, tilt, hurst t-tops, not much else. Really solid for a Canadian car, though!

[Grand73Am]

Looks like a nice straight body. Odd to see the Hurst tops on a 79.

[Smasher]

I thought that was kinda strange, too... anyone have any info on this? dealer thing?

[bigborehunter]

Looks great, Smasher. It looks like it was repainted once. Maybe someone decided to add Hurst hatch roof at the same time it had paintwork done? Does your cowl tag have CC1 stamped on it? That's factory code for hatch roof. If its a Van Nuys car, it won't have CC1 stamped on it.

[Smasher]

I will check for CC1 tomorrow...the car's currently behind my shop. It's definitely had paintwork done, but I think it was mostly amateur spray-bomb blow-ins. The decals on it are original, (masked) and I think there are one or two areas of original paint. (the shaker and part of the roof?) I paint cars for a living, and some of the repair work on this car is nauseating. Looks like mostly collision damage, tho, and only minor rust repair.

[2manyT/A'S]

Atlantis Blue is an AWESOME color.

I had a full load one a few years back in that color with Camel Tan Hobnail interior.

Your Hurst Hatches were definatly NOT factory installed.(that ended in early 78)

Nice & solid behind the rear bumper!

[Smasher]

as suspected, no CC1 on the cowl tag...had to dig thru all this lovely snow we got today to find it. I'll probably get a PHS on it, anyway..just because...I will decode the car a bit more myself, when I get it home and it's not covered in snow.

[Lightfoot]

Is that an A/C delete car or just removed at some time?
I don't think I've ever seen a 403 T/A without A/C. Was that still an option in 1979?

I like the no/Air but don't care for the hatch roof or T-tops.

[Smasher]

It's definitely a non-a/c car. I've only seen one other one that I can remember. I guess up here in the great white north, a/c is less of a priority. I'm not a huge fan of the Hurst t-tops, either, but they're staying for now.

[Lightfoot]

So I presume your dash is 'missing' a few vent ducts, like one above the grab strap, etc.

One of those interesting nuances of the non A/C cars.

[Smasher]

yes, it's missing a few vents(ones in the dash) but it has the kick panel vents, standard heater control, and it's missing about 110 lbs of non-functional clutter under the hood, too!!

[Lightfoot]

Originally Posted by Smasher

and it's missing about 110 lbs of non-functional clutter under the hood, too!!

I can dig it.

[bigborehunter]

No CC1 code means hard top on a Norwood car. So along with the paint respray someone added a hatch roof setup. Could be as mild as cutting out the hardtop and installing all the hardware to as radical as an entire roof graft. Getting more interesting by the second. The other remote possibility is a customer installation when car was new.
Enjoy the car, take lots of pics and keep us informed. My 81 blue TA is miffed at all this snow. She was hoping to drive this Friday.

[Smasher]

I got the car from the original owner...although I never actually got to speak to him (long story) I'll try to find out if the t-tops were added at the dealer. I have a feeling that was the case, because this car is really original otherwise. You can tell they've been there a long time. I might drive it for a week or 2, then put it in the garage to take it apart...I will take pics, and let everybody know what I find out!!

[2manyT/A'S]

Originally Posted by Lightfoot

Is that an A/C delete car or just removed at some time?
I don't think I've ever seen a 403 T/A without A/C. Was that still an option in 1979?

I like the no/Air but don't care for the hatch roof or T-tops.

No such thing as A/C or radio delete on these cars.

A/C was OPTIONAL on ALL 2nd gen birds except Ram Air IV (not available) & 80-81 Turbo 301 (mandatory).

It was simply just NOT ordered.

Radio's were also optional on ALL 2nd gens except for a handful of late 70's L/E's

[Hitman]

I've never heard of ac delete but radio delete was a option. My friend as two cars with radio delete.
Here is his plain jane 79 with a 4sp


Here is the 79 SE that has no t-tops which is rare

[2manyT/A'S]

There was NO option or order code TO delete.

EVERY 70-79 Firebird,Esprit,Formula & Trans am was built WITHOUT one unless it was specifically ordered.

That's kind like saying that a every hardtop Firebird & Trans am built is a T-top delete car. Not so.

I have a 70 Formula 400 & and a 78 T/A that were ordered/ built WITHOUT radios.

There is nothing deleted on the invoice or build sheets,just NO radio ordered.

[Smasher]

I believe if you didn't specify a radio, you got the "radio accomodation package" which gave you the block-off plate, and wiring for a radio. Aftermarket stereos were popular back in the day(as they are now) so people could put whatever kickin' 8-track system they wanted in their new car...

[79TA455]

Originally Posted by Lightfoot

Is that an A/C delete car or just removed at some time?
I don't think I've ever seen a 403 T/A without A/C. Was that still an option in 1979?

I like the no/Air but don't care for the hatch roof or T-tops.

The '79 I have was an original 403 car with no A/C.

[bigborehunter]

My 81 was ordered without radio and no accomodation package either. Windshield is tinted without antenna grid. Alternator is the high output one so it likely has the noise suppression stuff. Also has added insulation option and stock exhuast system. It is spooky quiet inside.It has a stereo now. Can't live without some tunes.