Hi, I've FINALLY found a car in my price range to restore!

I just made a deal to get a '78 T/A, 400, 4-speed. The body is solid except for one real small spot on the front drivers fender, the interior is kinda rough, and it needs paint. Overall, it's a real solid car though. It's a totally unmolested car, it's a 2-owner, and I know both owners.

The car is originally Martinique Blue...but I've always had a thing for Bandit cars, so I MAY do a Bandit paint scheme instead of returning it to completely original.

Now what I need is some info! Can anyone point me to a few Firebird books that will help guide me through the restoration process? We have a few nice books for my Dad's '69 GTO, but I'm not sure what to get when it comes to Firebird books. I want to do a really good job on this car, so I want to be well informed and have plenty of pics when I get into the restore! Thanks a lot!

Chad

Hi, I've FINALLY found a car in my price range to restore!

I just made a deal to get a '78 T/A, 400, 4-speed. The body is solid except for one real small spot on the front drivers fender, the interior is kinda rough, and it needs paint. Overall, it's a real solid car though. It's a totally unmolested car, it's a 2-owner, and I know both owners.

The car is originally Martinique Blue...but I've always had a thing for Bandit cars, so I MAY do a Bandit paint scheme instead of returning it to completely original.

Now what I need is some info! Can anyone point me to a few Firebird books that will help guide me through the restoration process? We have a few nice books for my Dad's '69 GTO, but I'm not sure what to get when it comes to Firebird books. I want to do a really good job on this car, so I want to be well informed and have plenty of pics when I get into the restore! Thanks a lot!

Chad

your next step will be to give the car to mehttp://forums.performanceyears.com/g...icon_smile.gif sounds like you grabed a nice car there. I would check out the chilsons guide to these cars, my friend has one and its pretty good. Though i am unsure as to where you can pick one up. PY or Ames might sell it, other wise check ebay. Nice car and get some pics up. Another place to get info on just second gen cars and talk to 2nd gen owners is www.transamcountry.com

I have a bunch of 2nd Generation T/A parts. If you need anything, please feel free to contact me....Don

Or, if you want to sell the car, I would take it off of your hands...lol

You just desribed the TA I bought last Oct. The only rust it had was under the heater core, that had been leaking for the twenty plus years he had it. the paint is still good except the hood needs a new bird . He stored out side. 30k , 4spd, I totally stripted the interior (hated the blue, not a hole in the apolstery) just put the new black ceiling in yesterday. Books; go to Ebay automotive and get the G.M. shop manuals (body and shop) Motors and Chilton are almost worthless in comprison Jim

Thanks for the info so far guys! I just took delivery of the car tonight, and I am VERY happy after checking some things out.

After I found the car and discovered it to be a Pontiac 400 and a 4-speed in restorable condition, I KNEW I wanted it, so I didn't check much else out on the car as far as numbers. I also didn't want to look too "knowledgable" and tip off the seller if she really had something rare.

Well...tonight I get the car and check it out. The first thing I look at is the engine, it IS A W72 CAR!!! http://forums.performanceyears.com/g...on_biggrin.gif Also...I had thought the car hadn't been repainted at first, but after I got it home I realized, that the blue was way too dark to be Martinique Blue. So...I check the paint codes, and it was originally a BLACK CAR! I am SOOO psyched, this IS the car I originally wanted, and I didn't even know it till I got it! It's not a true Bandit car, but being originally black is good enough for me. Now I know I'm going to restore this car back to original since I wanted a black car to begin with!

Now it's time to start spending money! The body is solid, except for a minor parking lot dent I found in the drivers door after I got it home. The interior is another story though, it needs TOTALLY redone to be "showable", also needs weather seals all around. I had some dampness on the carpet from the T-top seals, and some dampness in the trunk from the seals there. Luckily it has only been outside about a year, so the floor and trunk are still good and solid.

Well...there's the story with my new baby, you guys will be seeing a lot more of me around here from now on. http://forums.performanceyears.com/g...icon_smile.gif

CHad

Nice to see another '78 T/A on here,sounds like a nice car.Let me know if you ever need a '77 WA (W72) block as I have an extra. http://forums.performanceyears.com/g...on_biggrin.gifI agree about the Motors manuals being better than the Chiltons.Drive it like you stole it! http://forums.performanceyears.com/g.../icon_wink.gif

Ok, now I have my first "tech" question. The only thing I notice under the hood that I am missing is the "hose" that goes from the air cleaner, to the inner fender. Can anyone point me in the right direction on where to get one??? I've ordered catalogs from all the restoration vendors, but I'm still waiting for them to arrive! Thanks.

Chad

If your speaking of the 4" flexible hose, which is about 2ft long (fresh air inlet), I think PY sells them. If not, I know I've seen them on Ebay. I'm sure some of your fellow PY members would be able to help you out also http://forums.performanceyears.com/g.../icon_wink.gif!

db

Chadd,
I just checked and PY offers the particular part you're looking for. It's part number RFE137.

db

That's what I'm talking about dyingbreed, Thanks!
Hopefully my catalogs get here soon so I can start into the serious shopping. http://forums.performanceyears.com/g...on_biggrin.gif

Chad