[Bob G]

hey all, found a local 71 firebird 350 that is a fairly solid car for 1000.00, wondering how tough some of the trim and interior parts are to find for these cars. it's a non A/C manual brake car. looks like it will need most of the interior stuff as well as tail lights( pitted and faded) and other exterior trim. only rust is some very minor stuff behind rear wheels and a spot on the corner of the hood. I normally stick to Buicks and for those it's nearly impossible to find repro parts.

Bob G
2011 Mustang GT auto, 12.86@110 bone stock
1967 Buick special sleeper

[2manyT/A'S]

Most of the exterior trim is available in repro & used is an option if you are not too fussy.

Interior CAN be expensive,dashes,door panels/armrests,etc.

Look carefully under the back end for rust.

[71formula455]

With the internet and sites like this you can pretty much find anything.

You don't get much for a grand. I say buy it, especially cause it sounds like you need a pontiac in your garage.

Join the club!

[keith k]

Originally Posted by Bob G

hey all, found a local 71 firebird 350 that is a fairly solid car for 1000.00, wondering how tough some of the trim and interior parts are to find for these cars. it's a non A/C manual brake car. looks like it will need most of the interior stuff as well as tail lights( pitted and faded) and other exterior trim. only rust is some very minor stuff behind rear wheels and a spot on the corner of the hood. I normally stick to Buicks and for those it's nearly impossible to find repro parts.

Bob G
2011 Mustang GT auto, 12.86@110 bone stock
1967 Buick special sleeper

Hi Bob,
The following bits that you asked about are available reproduction for a '71 Firebird:
.Tail light lenses
.Tail light bezels (the chrome)
.Door trim panels (but not the lower armrest portion of it, if your cars has the foam/vinyl ones)
.Rear quarter trim upper and lower plastic trim pieces
.Package tray trim
.Seat covers
.Console
.Headliner
.And other misc small items

The big thing that's usually shot on these cars and is expensive to address is the padded dash. There are places that redo them, but cost is usually $800 - $1200, and it's a long wait. There's been a repro in the works for a long time, and even some recent deliveries... so hopefully that won't be as a big of a problem in the future.

There's actually a lot available for these cars nowadays, I think. Check our host's online catalog.

'71s had unique front fenders with the little grilles behind the front wheels ... not always easy to find good ones if yours aren't.

You can't really go wrong at $1000 for a solid running '71 Bird.

[FunctionalShaker]

Welcome to the forum, Bob. Yes, many parts can be found for your 71. For some it may require patience, but the hunt is sometimes the best part. Too bad Fabulous Firebirds is now defunct. They were a great source for parts.

There are many helpful Firebird fans on this site, so you've come to the right place. Right, Guys?

[njsteve]

A lot of the stuff you can also restore yourself. If you have a minute or two you can go through the 74 page (7 year long) thread here from start to finish:

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...433662&page=74

:-)

Welcome to the site!

[1971WARBIRD]

it depends on if you want to keep it totally stock or not. you can use parts from later birds which are alot easier to find, just they will not be stock.

if it is just a 71 base bird that you want to drive it would be hard to spend the money you would need to stay all 71.

[FunctionalShaker]

Yeah, it won't upset us, if you customize a base car.

[KenB]

Bob
Welcome.
I have a '71 Esprit, and in my restification only three interior parts are truly elusive.
1) Deluxe/Custom interior lower door pocket
2) Deluxe/Custom interior seat back panel
3) Rear window plastic trim.

Standard interior vehicle do not have the concern for #1 and #2, those are repop'd.

Just about any mechanical, electrical, body or trim part can be found. Some parts can be $$, but at least there are option.

Other than that, some OEM replacement parts were updated during the 12 year vehicle run, so a correct replacement part (functionally & fit) may look different.
For Esprit and base 'bird owners, that shouldn't be an issue, the cars will NEVER be worth the effort it takes to get a "correct" part.

For a grand, if a solid shell and running, why not? Or let me know where it is???? (j/k)

Buy it, and report back to us.

KenB

[Bob G]

well sadly it's not a running car. the engine is sitting under a tarp in a backyard and most certainly will need to be gone thru. the car is an esprit. if i didnt have my buick i would probably jump on it but i'll gve it some thought. car is in salem oregon and i bet $800 would buy it