[PonchoV8]

I bought a 79-81 t-top TA with no engine, tail lights, steering column and dash bezel. It's also missing the very critical things that tell me what year the car is--the door sticker is crusty looking and the VIN is MIA--knocked out. No explanation was given, but it came with a bill of sale. It's apparently a 403 shaker car. Amazingly solid body. I find that the floors in the rear are rust free as are the fenders and 1/4s.

I believe there's a cowl tag, but I didn't notice that it detailed the rear of build.

I guess I'll cut this one up for parts?

[OrigOwner77]

Isn't there a second VIN stamping behind the heater box on the firewall?

EDIT: How about doors? Do they have locks, and if so, do you have a key for one? A key that'll fit in the locks will clue you in to the year as well, pending the locks are original.

[Held for Ransom]

Doug, if it has the trim tag, the year will be listed.

Edit, I don't think '81 listed the year. So, first two digits on trim tag will be either 79 (1979) or 80 (1980).

[PonchoV8]

Thanks, I got it. It's a 79 I guess. Does this say it's actually a Firebird?
Here's the shots.

[bonneville Joe]

Yup, its just a '79 firebird. Where it says "W", if it was a T/A it would say WS4. If it has good sheetmetal then yeah, Id say either cut it up for parts or find a rare rust T/A and use the shell for a re-body. The last part of the VIN is under the heater box.

[PonchoV8]

That would explain the different colored fenders.
I took a long thin screwdriver and tapped it everywhere. I could detect no body filler anywhere. I didn't feel any previous work with my bare hand either. The floors are visable on the driver's side and partially on the pass side. The only rust I found is scale against the pass A pillar at the floor that doesn't appear to be through. The seats are in it so I can't see everything. I can't remember what the trunk was like. It's full of parts anyway.

It would be a nice donor for someone.