1970 Firebird rear wheelwell shields
 

Does anyone know if these were a 1970-only feature?

And, although the Dealer guide seems to indicate it was just to tidy up for appearance of display cars, was it widespread among other early Firebirds or as an option, either for looks or some mudflap ability?

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...15fa8a52_c.jpg1970 Firebird showroom car wheelwell guide by Aus78Formula, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c193cb33_z.jpg1970 Firebird rear wheel well dust deflector shields 482868 540160 (1) by Aus78Formula, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...87c6f9b6_z.jpg1970 Firebird rear wheel well dust deflector shields 482868 540160 (2) by Aus78Formula, on Flickr

I had understood that it was an early part (as in standard to be installed) that was discontinued after a bit.

This kit was never installed at factory EXCEPT cars prepped there for auto shows at model introduction. Gm would Not waste money on these for drivers.
I have seen only 1, on one car, drivers side, and it was a price point car from Reedman dealership in King Of Prussia , PA.
Their showroom was huge there so they can put the cheapest and most expensive, and a few in between, all indoors. This car was Yellow, and had a contrast sheet in glove box. Original owner brought it into the Dealer I worked at in the 70's . They let him drive it halfway out of the showroom.

I know of these but have never seen them installed on a car.

oh!?

Thank you for that - I have never read anything suggesting any of this;
It's in the 1970 assembly manual, and always been spoken of as an early part.

Same here.
And I've seen a lot of '70 models.

I had an early build and a late build Formula, and I don't remember seeing those on it either.

Mike

Thanks guys, always interesting.