As for the 2nd gen Birds, here are the best possibilities I've found.
This 1st one is on Ebay, so the reserve may put it out of bargain range. But, it looks super clean, and it's black. A rear deck spoiler and a 455 would make it a nice ride, IMO.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1977-Pontiac...25.m3641.l6368
This is a nice lookin Formy. The ad says it's mostly all original.
https://classiccars.com/listings/vie...innesota-56556
After looking at a lot of Bird pics, I have decided that I don't want a '79, for several reasons. First, I don't like the look of the nose or the tail, and don't wanna have to swap out both ends. And unless it was a W-72 or 301 car, that requires more changes. A 77-'78 with a Pontiac engine will have the look I want, and will make a 455 install easier. No sense in saving a few bucks, only to create more work for yourself. IMO
So, if it's a Bird, it'll need to be a '77-'78, either with a Pontiac engine, or a REAL bargain, with some other engine.
As of this moment it appears that my best choice might be a '73-'74 Ventura, since those bodies are cheaper than most of the clean A-bodies & Birds I'm lookin at. But hey, I suppose things could change, if a real bargain comes along. So, I'll remain open, and keep lookin.
