WTB '77-'81 Non-T/A Bird
 

Haven't found the right car for my street/strip project. TJ likes '77-'81 Birds. And, since they offer several advantages, for my purposes, I've started a search for just the right Bird.

The MAIN problem is budget. With an unlimited budget, I'd have no problem finding plenty of Birds. But, I've gotta have a decent body, for a very reasonable price. Can't do body & resto work, so I need a driver that mostly just needs a good engine/trans, and maybe a cheap paint job, to put it on the street. Can't use a rusty or disassembled project.

Prefer a non-T/A. Formy would be nice, but not necessary. No T-tops, moon roofs, or power windows. Prefer a 350 or larger Pontiac engine. 2nd choice would be a 301.

Prefer a '77-'78, or a later model with a '77-'78 nose.

Max price is $8k. But that would have to be a nice driver. Have found some decent '79 403 cars for around $4k-$5k. Needs to be within 600 miles or so of North Louisiana. I've been searching FB Marketplace, CL, Ebay, etc.

So, any of you guys know where I might locate the car I need ?

Again, I'm not interested in rusty, or unfinished projects. Need something I can put my 455/TH400 in & hit the streets. I realize there are not a LOT of good deals still out there. But, guys still post about running across a bargain, occasionally. And, I only need ONE car. So, it's out there somewhere.

Any help would be appreciated !

No Pictures on the C/L ad but a 1980 Formula with a bad 455 installed in St Louie $4000 may be worth a call.

non of these others really meet your want's but some to look at.

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/d...654252964.html

This Formula near you says it has a Olds 403 in it, but I do not see the Oil fill tube in the small picture of the engine Compt.

https://littlerock.craigslist.org/ct...619765357.html

Or this no T-Top 80 Turbo T/A in OK with a LT1 for $6800

https://enid.craigslist.org/cto/d/19...654258830.html

Or this Non T-top 77 T/A with a horrible paint color & Non Numbers matching engine in PA for $5800 Looks to be rust free

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/...645101668.html

To bad you don't have a bit more $$$ to spend you could fly to Detroit and drive this one home. I have seen this car and it is as described. I thought about buying it until I saw it has an Olds 350 not a Pontiac 350 so I suspect it was a California car.

https://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/c...647832256.html

Hey, thanks for the links !

That 1st one sounds interesting. But, when no pics are posted, that's usually a bad sign.

I've talked to the guy in Ark. It's another one of those unfinished resto deals, with a 403 engine.

Most of these are just what I've been finding. They're either unfinished restos, or clean but above my budget, and/or don't have a Pontiac engine.

Because of this, I've decided to forget about the "street" part & just look for a strip only car. A decent roller will work OK. Can usually save money buying something that has recently been racing & includes most of the race parts I'll need. It usually takes longer & costs more to start from scratch, with a street car.

There are always guys quitting racing for some reason or other. There is probably a good deal out there. Hey, I bought a '74 455 Ventura bracket car, back in '08, for around $4k, including shipping. With the addition of a Summit mini starter, it was race ready. Ran 7.30's on our local 1/8 mi track.

Would like to find something similar now. But, I have a 455/TH400. So, all I need is a good roller. Prefer a '77-'78 Bird, with RU windows. A '76, '79-'81 Bird will work. Can also use a Ventura, with 8.5 or better rear, '72 or older A-body, '78-'80 A-body. I might even consider a '73-'77 A-body. Don't really like their looks, except for the Cam-Am. But, they do have an 8.5 rear, and might be cheaper.

I also like the '77-'78 2-door Cats & Bonnies, like this Ebay car. But, most of the shipping quotes are between $1100 & $1200. Would like to find this kind of deal on a 2nd gen this clean.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1977-Pontia...d=113156935261

I've noticed that Bob Michael is now racing a '77 Cat Stocker. Guessing it is a model similar to this one.

Shipping Suggestions
 

OK, I'm buying a car in the St. Louis area. Need shipped to North Louisiana, nearly 600 miles. Have read on here of guys paying around $1 per mile or less.

But, the 1st quote I got was right at $1100 ! :eek:

So, lets hear some recommendations of some good shippers or brokers to deal with, who might ship it for around $1 per mile.

Thanks for any help ya'll can give !

U ship worked great for me

Got a good deal from King of the Road. Mary English was great to deal with. She was friendly & patient to explain everything to me.

https://www.kingoftheroadtransport.com/

She found a hauler who lived only 50 miles from the pickup point. And, he had a Dodge pickup & gooseneck, so that he could unload right in my front yard. He promised to pick up Tues & deliver wed. And that's exactly what he did.

https://www.facebook.com/KRM-Transport-493477664363997/

Just noticed that TJ listed the arrival date as 8-8-19. It was obviously 8-8-18. I'll have to call her on it. Well, on second thought, since she bought it, maybe I ought'a just correct it & not mention the small error. :D

Now trying to sell all the parts I don't need, to help buy some race parts.

Have already posted local CL & FB ads for the 305 engine & TH350 trans.

It has snowflakes with new Cooper Cobra 225/70R15 tires on the front, and almost wore out Cobras on the back.

I see that new Cobras cost around $100 each. So I figure all 4 tires are only worth $200.

But, I have no idea what 4 snowflakes are worth. So, what do you guys think they're worth ? :confused:

I can use 'em, at least on the front. But, I'd rather use some racing wheels & smaller/shorter tires. Just need to know if it's even worth trying to sell 'em, or if it's not worth the trouble. ???

Motor Mount Location
 

Did a search here, but didn't find what I needed. But I'm sure lots of guys here can answer my question.

I'll be pulling the 305 out of my '80 Bird, and replacing it with a 455. I have new frame motor mounts. Wanna be sure I bolt 'em in the correct holes. Did an online search. One guy said he thought the frame mounts were the same & bolted in the same location for Pontiac & Olds engines. And he posted good clear pics of both sides, with 403 mounts bolted in place.

The pics are in reply #26 of the thread linked. So, are these the locations I need to use for my 455 ? :confused:

http://transamcountry.com/community/...?topic=68213.0

Thanks !