[Banshee]

It's not done yet?

WTF?

[1RAMAIR1]

Originally Posted by Banshee

It's not done yet?

Everyday gets us one day closer! Below are photos comparing Factory Parts versus Reproduction components. I re-furbished my green 1969 Firebird about 23 years ago. The vehicle is nice, I don't consider it a true "restoration" because too many parts & details are no longer Assembly Line correct. For instance, the Heater Hose Bracket illustrates a completely different appearance. The Original unit has stamped indented sides to secure the hose in place and the Reproduction does not. Also notice the difference between the original Gas Tank Strap and the Reproduction version. They are very different!

While these might be small details in the overall scheme of things, it shows how History has been re-written with these cars and what is now considered to be technically correct.

[68 Firebird]

I am subscribed!!!!!

[FunctionalShaker]

Original heater hose brackets are easy enough to find still.

Factory NOS replacement parts differ as well.

[1RAMAIR1]

Originally Posted by FunctionalShaker

Factory NOS replacement parts differ as well.

You are correct. Factory and NOS Service replacement parts had variations in their appearance even though they functioned the same. I have also noticed some Factory features that have differences between them. Take for instance the attaching screws & holes at the bottom of the interior Door Panels. I have seen some 69 Firebirds with 4 attaching screws at the bottom and some with 7 screws. Does anyone know why there would be such a difference in the way the Door Panels were attached? The comparison vehicles were built at the same plant so it would not be an assembly variation. Does anyone have an explanation for why there are 4 hole Door Panels versus 7 hole versions?

[frankyboy455]

Originally Posted by 1RAMAIR1

You are correct. Factory and NOS Service replacement parts had variations in their appearance even though they functioned the same. I have also noticed some Factory features that have differences between them. Take for instance the attaching screws & holes at the bottom of the interior Door Panels. I have seen some 69 Firebirds with 4 attaching screws at the bottom and some with 7 screws. Does anyone know why there would be such a difference in the way the Door Panels were attached? The comparison vehicles were built at the same plant so it would not be an assembly variation. Does anyone have an explanation for why there are 4 hole Door Panels versus 7 hole versions?

All the early Camaros and Firebirds i've seen had four screws at the bottom of the door panel but I can tell you that none of them holes are in the same place from one car to the other. That is if you want to install a door panel found on a 69 Firebird and install it on another 69 'Bird, chances are the holes won't line up.

The fact that some of them had 7 screws does not surprise me either.

[hakansan]

Originally Posted by frankyboy455

All the early Camaros and Firebirds i've seen had four screws at the bottom of the door panel but I can tell you that none of them holes are in the same place from one car to the other. That is if you want to install a door panel found on a 69 Firebird and install it on another 69 'Bird, chances are the holes won't line up.

The fact that some of them had 7 screws does not surprise me either.

The screws used where selftapping!

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by 1RAMAIR1

You are correct. Factory and NOS Service replacement parts had variations in their appearance even though they functioned the same. I have also noticed some Factory features that have differences between them. Take for instance the attaching screws & holes at the bottom of the interior Door Panels. I have seen some 69 Firebirds with 4 attaching screws at the bottom and some with 7 screws. Does anyone know why there would be such a difference in the way the Door Panels were attached? The comparison vehicles were built at the same plant so it would not be an assembly variation. Does anyone have an explanation for why there are 4 hole Door Panels versus 7 hole versions?

There can be variation within the same plant.

Keep in mind there are several different operators doing the same job, even within the same day. One regular guy for first shift, one regular guy for second shift, one regular guy for third shift (for those plants running three shifts of production). If the regular guy isnt' there that day then a utility replacement operator would do the job (or the quality man). If they have "rolling relief" (ie, the line keeps going, rather than shutting down, for break) then there would be a "relief" man on the job.

So there's an example of four or five different people doing the same job in the same plant on the same day, each providing an opportunity for slight variations in the way it is done.

K

[1RAMAIR1]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

There can be variation within the same plant.

Thanks for your input! I completely agree and have talked to Assembly Line Workers (from back in the day) who have substantiated those types of variations. I guess there is no way to document a definitive difference between variables that allowed the Line Workers such latitude for various build characteristics.

I am trying to find how many other Members have similar features with their cars and if there is a contrast for how the Door Panels were attached. Were the 4 and 7 screw attachment a common difference? I have two original 69 vehicles that have the 4 & 7 screw attaching feature. Other than Eric Budre's vehicle, are there any other Members whose 1969 Firebird Door Panels are attached with 7 screws along the bottom edge?

[1RAMAIR1]

Originally Posted by FunctionalShaker

Factory NOS replacement parts differ as well.

I've collected a large assortment of NOS parts as well as original Assembly Line parts for this project. I'm going to start posting photos of these components. There are are subtle differences between the replacement and Factory parts. For instance, consider the Emergency Brake Line Cables. The Assembly Line versions have a "small" variation that is missing on every NOS replacement Cable that I have seen. Does anyone know what that small detail is?

[1RAMAIR1]

Originally Posted by 1RAMAIR1

I've collected a large assortment of NOS parts as well as original Assembly Line parts for this project. I'm going to start posting photos of these components. There are are subtle differences between the replacement and Factory parts. For instance, consider the Emergency Brake Line Cables.....

As the project moves forward I'm deciding which pieces to use that are original and what to use that is NOS. If the NOS part does not have the same appearance as the Factory unit, then I will do whatever is possible to make the old original piece look new again.

I decided to use the original E Brake Cables because the NOS versions have minor differences. Below is a "Before & After" comparison of the two originals. They both looked identical before I restored the Driver's side. One has been restored to new condition and the other still has 45 years of wear & tear. After working with the Driver's Cable for about 2 weeks and using acids to re-color the metal components, here are the results.

[Bet Winner]

Originally Posted by 1RAMAIR1

While these might be small details in the overall scheme of things, it shows how History has been re-written with these cars and what is now considered to be technically correct.

Amen! As more repo parts are substituted, people lose track of what was correct.