[FirebirdTA]

Hi, I just picked up a 74 formula with a 350. I am not sure if I should restore it or part it out. I like the car but don't want put a ton of money into it and have a car that's only worth a fraction of whats in it. You never know what the future holds. The biggest problem is the sheet metal in the back. The quarters, trunk floor and extensions, rear wheel wells and the tail panel needs to be replaced and a fender too. The rest of the car seems to be rest free. The car is very complete about the only things missing is the radio and some brackets for the front bumper. The front bumper, valance panel, honey comb wheels (still has trim rings and center caps) are in great condition. The interior is good, needs seats recovered, and the dash only has one small crack, the plastic parts look very good. The engine and trans is supposed to original and in good condition. This has yet to be verified. What do you all think it should cost to replace the sheet metal in the back? It came with a set of repop quarter panels and trunk floor extensions. Also what should this car be worth restored? Thank you for any help or suggestions. Eric

[FirebirdTA]

More pics

[2manyT/A'S]

Unless this particular bird is the one you just have to have/keep,I'd say "put your running shoes on".

If you can do your own welding,bodywork & paint (and your time is FREE) you MIGHT be able to restore this car for what it is worth.

I'd say you'd be further ahead buying one that doesn't need all that body work.

1974 Formula 350's don't command a ton of $$$.

[Rack776]

I'd say fix it but thats because I hate seeing them cut up for parts,
If it does get parted out contact member "Ben M." I know he is looking
for that aircleaner base for his 75 T/A he might be interested in it.

[FirebirdTA]

Thank you 2manyt/as and rack776

I don't like to see fixable cars get parted out and destroyed.

A few years ago I would not have cared so much about the cars value vs money put into it. Now with the economy the way it is you never know when you might have to sale.

I can't weld so it looks like I will probably just part it out and save the most likely needed parts for a less rusty car. Never hurts to have interior parts, engine brackets and some other parts on hand. Also after taking another look I found a bad spot on one of the frame rails.

[sinister76ta]

That body is pretty rough. The only rare option I notice on the car is the rally gauge cluster with the tach. If it was a 4 speed, the value would be much higher, but all I see there is parts for my 74 T/A and 75 Firebird. If you're parting it, I'd be interested in some parts.

[2manyT/A'S]

I'll bet that a 2 bbl. lurking under the air cleaner.

Don't believe they offered a 4 bbl. 350 in 1974 (not in Firebirds,anyways)

[Rack776]

Originally Posted by 2manyT/A'S

I'll bet that a 2 bbl. lurking under the air cleaner.

Don't believe they offered a 4 bbl. 350 in 1974 (not in Firebirds,anyways)

I was thinking the 74 GTOs had 350 4bbls
and I also forgot the Formula also was
available with a 2bbl, good catch,
I stink

[FirebirdTA]

Yes that is a 2 bbl under there. That's a real shame since that is the nicest air cleaner I have seen.

[Held for Ransom]

And the 4-speed would have been the cast iron Saginaw transmission.

[form74]

FirebirdTA, you have a PM