[grd777]

went to see a one owner t/a , mat want to buy it . one thing i noticed , there is only a power window switch at the center console and not at the doors . also there is no bird on the gas cap lid , is this correct

[muscle_collector]

yes

[3 Chiefs]

Both things you mentioned are correct for a 1979 TA.

[77 Canamman]

Bird on the gas lid was 1981 only

[grd777]

ok thanks . i have seen some cars(79) with power window switchs on the door and some not , whats up with that

[ladytata]

Power locks are on door panels

[grd777]

Originally Posted by ladytata

Power locks are on door panels

ok that makes sense

[77 Canamman]

Mid year 1977 through 1981 had the power locks on the door panels. Prior it was on the dash next to the rear window defog/defrost

[Aus78Formula]

Yes, those are not power window switches. Having said that power locks in that form, next to the door lock snipper is not something that makes sense, an option for the sake of an option.

[TAKerry]

Originally Posted by Aus78Formula

Yes, those are not power window switches. Having said that power locks in that form, next to the door lock snipper is not something that makes sense, an option for the sake of an option.

Yes and no. The power door lock switch is much easier to reach on the door panel than to do a yoga pose in the driver seat and reach behind to push the button down (especially for someone that is 56 with a worn out shoulder), however it is a bit redundant to have the power button a foot and half away from the lock. I think the power lock button on my 77 which is on the far right side of the dash makes even less sense.

[77 TRASHCAN]

Originally Posted by TAKerry

Yes and no. The power door lock switch is much easier to reach on the door panel than to do a yoga pose in the driver seat and reach behind to push the button down (especially for someone that is 56 with a worn out shoulder), however it is a bit redundant to have the power button a foot and half away from the lock. I think the power lock button on my 77 which is on the far right side of the dash makes even less sense.

I agree, although you hav to remember these were the times when the big 3 auto makers were begining to get challenged by the Japanese makers, who paid attention to ALL those details...offering buyers something else...it unfortunately was a wake up call to American car companies.

[pippintook]

If looking for 79 TA - usually more desireable ones are with the Pontiac 400 v8 (available in manual only) - usually shaker states TA 6.6. All 79 TAs with Pontiac 400 are 78 400 engines ..produced in 1978 and held for limited number of 79 TAs. 79 pontiac 400s would have the borg warner super T10 with 3.23 rear axle. The olds 403 is much more common- available in automatic only. LOts of guys like the 403. The WS6 suspension is a desireable option for 79. For 79 WS6 included 8" rims and 4 wheel disk brakes (plus more) - I believe there was a WS7 option which gave you same as WS6 minus the 4 wheel disks. Some other nice options might be soft ray tinted glass - deluxe interior and air cond.

[Aus78Formula]

Of course, after 40 years few have original paint or decals, and for a long time the decal kits provided only came with the T/A 6.6 call out so naturally became a common sight.

[Grand73Am]

I find the power door locks a desirable option, since they are most useful for operating the opposite door.

interior c by grand73am, on Flickr

[TAKerry]

82 firebird had the power door lock in the same trim as the handle. I would pull the handle to open the door and with another finger simultaneously hit the lock button. That way as the door was swinging shut both doors would be locked. This was before keyless entry. It became second nature to me, I did it in front of a gas pump on a busy Friday night and as the door was swinging shut I realized the keys were still in the ignition!!

[Grand73Am]

Originally Posted by TAKerry

82 firebird had the power door lock in the same trim as the handle. I would pull the handle to open the door and with another finger simultaneously hit the lock button. That way as the door was swinging shut both doors would be locked. This was before keyless entry. It became second nature to me, I did it in front of a gas pump on a busy Friday night and as the door was swinging shut I realized the keys were still in the ignition!!

I know what you mean. Many years ago, I locked my keys in the car. Since then, I've made it a habit to make sure the I look at the keys in my hand and put them in my pocket before closing the door. So far, haven't locked myself out again.