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#1
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Question for those who have restored a 1978
I am in the process of restoring my 1978 Y88. I have previously done two other birds.
My 1971 Trans am and my 1974 Trans am. For both the 1971 and 1974, I have a copy of the factory assembly manual. I have found those to be extremely helpful when assembling the car. Both of these cars were non A/C cars with no power options. That made it relatively easy to put them back together. Not the case with the 1978. This car is loaded with factory options including power everything, cruise control and A/C. The car was disassembled six years ago. From my research, I cannot find a copy of a 1978 Firebird assembly manual anywhere, so I assume one does not exist. Now, my question is: for those who have done a complete restoration on a 1978, how did you get your car back together without the manual? The A/C system is what seems the most daunting to me. Is there a manual that would be close enough to work? The 1980 Firebird assembly manual for example? Any suggestions would be appreciated!
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1970 Trans Am 1971 Trans Am 1974 Trans Am 1978 Y88 Trans Am W72/auto 1979 10th Anniversary Trans Am 1984 Trans Am 1993 Trans Am 1999 30th Anniversary Trans Am 2001 10th anniversary Firehawk #104 2006 GTO |
#2
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The underdash AC components are going to be the same as 71 and 74.....with the exception of control...
For the underhood stuff...any assembled 78...is your blueprint... A factory shop manual for your year should be useful |
#3
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I would look to "bentwheelbob" Bob Bennett's thread on the gold car has a new caretaker. He performed a mechanical resto and full subframe and under hood makeover.
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1976 LeMans B09 Freeway Enforcer, 455/M40 Smokey 1977 Trans Am, 400/M21 Black/Gold Bandit. 44K actual miles 2017 Sierra SLT 1500 Z71 4X4 2019 Canyon SLT Crew 4X4 |
#4
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Im going out on a limb but I would think a 77 manual would suffice. I have both the shop manual and the fisher body manual. I think both are relatively easy to find. Im not sure other than a few minor cosmetics that there is a lot of difference between the two.
Theres 50 or more pages devoted to the A/C, component, vaccum, wiring, rebuilding etc. |
#5
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There is also a Fisher Body Shop Manual that is helpful.
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Skip Fix 1978 Trans Am original owner 10.99 @ 124 pump gas 455 E heads, NO Bird ever! 1981 Black SE Trans Am stockish 6X 400ci, turbo 301 on a stand 1965 GTO 4 barrel 3 speed project 2004 GTO Pulse Red stock motor computer tune 13.43@103.4 1964 Impala SS 409/470ci 600 HP stroker project 1979 Camaro IAII Edelbrock head 500" 695 HP 10.33@132 3595lbs |
#6
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I have the factory shop manual and the factory body manual. Both use illustrations from the assembly manual ( I have noticed this in the past). They are helpful, but leave out many details that are needed.
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1970 Trans Am 1971 Trans Am 1974 Trans Am 1978 Y88 Trans Am W72/auto 1979 10th Anniversary Trans Am 1984 Trans Am 1993 Trans Am 1999 30th Anniversary Trans Am 2001 10th anniversary Firehawk #104 2006 GTO |
#7
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i have the 1978 restoration manual on cd that Hitman/78ta.com used to sell, along with a 70-81 service manual on CD. both are copies of GM manuals & have a big section on A/C. i can copy them for you if that would help.
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#8
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Sorry, I glossed over that you said 'assembly' manual. I was looking for one of those for my 77 and 79. I cant remember but I think like you have found they are hard to find for those years.
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