[72projectbird]

Originally Posted by Formulabruce

Last set of these I did for the backside I used DP40.
Now it's DP40LF. It's epoxy , so it will last and look the part.

I'll check it out. If I can get it close I'll be happy. I do have a few old cans of primer from previous work, so I might be able to mix something up and possibly tint it to dial in the color.

[TA455HO]

We had an NOS wheel that we took in for a color match and they came up with GM Wheel Dove Gray in a PPG DAR Acrylic Enamel.



Looks like Inline Tube sells a rattle can of a similar color, too. Click on the link to go there.

https://www.inlinetube.com/products/inl15392

[72projectbird]

Originally Posted by TA455HO

We had an NOS wheel that we took in for a color match and they came up with GM Wheel Dove Gray in a PPG DAR Acrylic Enamel.



Looks like Inline Tube sells a rattle can of a similar color, too. Click on the link to go there.

https://www.inlinetube.com/products/inl15392

Awesome! I'll definitely check it out.

I picked up the radiator today. Dropped it off last week to be re-cored. Also collected some other parts along the way.

[72projectbird]

While waiting for parts, I started blasting the rims. They're in incredible shape, especially being on a New England car their whole life. Very very minor pitting in a few spots that will probably fill in with primer alone, but I'll bodywork them slightly.

I grabbed a few pics of the stamps found on the wheels if anyone needs them for reference.

[Formulabruce]

Amazing! Hard to believe they came off same car as that Distributor!! Great parts to have in Great shape!

[72projectbird]

Originally Posted by Formulabruce

Amazing! Hard to believe they came off same car as that Distributor!! Great parts to have in Great shape!

It is pretty crazy. A few have some pitting on the edges where the trim rings held a bunch of junk, but I'll get them out.

[72projectbird]

Interior question:

The rear armrest panels on a 70, are they supposed to have the molded in rectangular shape even if it's a standard interior car? I'm ordering interior parts, and they have 70-71 panels showing the molded in design element, regardless of standard or deluxe interior cars. Mine had smooth panels, and they certainly look original judging by the condition, and the fact they're molded in bright blue.

Any insight?

[unruhjonny]

no - no faux stitching.

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...580525&page=21

Post #418 is that last (posted) update that I compiled for 1970-only interior stuff;
Item #C17 is the one to look for;
I have many hotlinks in each post to show an example of the part(s) when ever possible.

Summary:
They are in essence the same parts used through to the end of the second gen run;
Deluxe cars had ashtrays in the armrests after 1970, and the only difference between 70(all)/72(std) rear armrests and all the later ones is the size of the cutout for the seat belt - later ones used a larger cutout to allow room for the recoiling belt (early cars only used a fixed length belt, with an adjustable length female buckle/belt.

[72projectbird]

Originally Posted by unruhjonny

no - no faux stitching.

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...580525&page=21

Post #418 is that last (posted) update that I compiled for 1970-only interior stuff;
Item #C17 is the one to look for;
I have many hotlinks in each post to show an example of the part(s) when ever possible.

Summary:
They are in essence the same parts used through to the end of the second gen run;
Deluxe cars had ashtrays in the armrests after 1970, and the only difference between 70(all)/72(std) rear armrests and all the later ones is the size of the cutout for the seat belt - later ones used a larger cutout to allow room for the recoiling belt (early cars only used a fixed length belt, with an adjustable length female buckle/belt.

That's what I figured, but looking at the way reproduction parts are listed confused me. Plus there's a guy local to me restoring a 70 in the same caliber that has standard interior, but his new panels have the fake stitching. Looks strange to me.


One rim took a decent shot, I'm assuming off a curb. I was initially going to leave it, as it'll be demoted to spare tire duty, but figured I'd try and get the shape back. I ground out the damage and hit it with the mig, then I shaped it back with a flap disc. It looks much better than it was. Fortunately the other 4 rims dont have any damage on them, so this guy will probably still live life riding around in the trunk.

[unruhjonny]

Originally Posted by 72projectbird

That's what I figured, but looking at the way reproduction parts are listed confused me. Plus there's a guy local to me restoring a 70 in the same caliber that has standard interior, but his new panels have the fake stitching. Looks strange to me.

You're not the only one.

There were a myriad of things that attempted to differentiate the "1970+ Firebird" from the "1970+ Camaro";
I believe that the intent was to have nothing shared between the Chevrolet and Pontiac - except for items related to the (shared) roof.

It really doesn't help that many suppliers are focused more on the Chevy's (and who can really blame them since they dwarf our cars in numbers) - so a part applicable to a 1970 Camaro, is likely by default listed as being for 1970 Firebirds.

I feel for some of these people too - they spend good money on buying new parts, then get them color matched for their interior - and it's actually not correct for their car.

There is a pretty good article from an August(?) 1970 Popular Mechanics - it had first hand accounts of the differences between the Camaro and Firebird, and one first hand account from an owner of one of each - citing features they preferred over the other.

[72projectbird]

I got the wheels completely blasted, body worked and hit them with a coat of high build primer. Made sure to mask off the codes so they didn't fill in. I'll hand sand them out tomorrow and feather edge where the codes were masked off so you'll never see any tape lines.

[Formulabruce]

Those wheels are ART!

[72projectbird]

Originally Posted by Formulabruce

Those wheels are ART!

Thanks! I got some color laid down. I ended up trying that Dove Gray paint from Inline Tube on the backside. It looks pretty damn close to the color that was on the rims.

[Formulabruce]

Stunning! They should clean up well. I like to use ceramic pads ( not partial, Max Ceramic) to reduce dust up front. Those wheels will really stand out in a crowd. !

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Definitely ceramic brake pads for the win.

Those Wheels look really nice . Congrats

[72projectbird]

Thanks guys! I'm happy with how they turned out. I'll definitely be running a good brake pad to cut down on dust, and give the brakes a little more bite.

I still need to clear them. I have a few quarts left over from other projects that I can use, but I feel like the super glossy look might be too much. I'll toy around with it and come up with something.

[eaglesan13]

This is what I use to clear the rally wheels after repainting them.

[72projectbird]

The little parts are getting final bodywork and paint. Also got some satin clear on the rims. Went with 3 good coats, and I think they look pretty good. In the pic, it still has a slight shine to it, but once completely dry it flattened out.

[72projectbird]

Ordering interior parts and have a few questions:

Window cranks. I have one that came out of the car, and it has no arch in it with a goldish clear colored knob. The other has an arch and a black knob. What's the general consensus on the best reproduction cranks for a 70 that look close?

The door lock knobs, should they be black or chrome on a standard interior car? I had chrome ones on it, but I've had some conflicting info regarding these.

[SD455DJ]

From what I understand, the standard interior door panels got the flatter crank knob, while the deluxe interior door panels got the arched cranks to allow for the poofier stuffing in the deluxe door panel (...or is this a A-body thing...?). My Formula has the deluxe interior and has its original window cranks with the clear knob, which I think have yellowed over time, so clear when new.

I'm sure I'll get corrected if I'm wrong...

Dennis