[Big Moe]

aA few more

[pmdtech]

Midnight Green/Black Deluxe: PPG Glazurit Base Coat/Clear Coat really enhances the color!

[DJ455HO]

Hey Curt! I love the Green Bean! It appears to have the correct original stance with the tail end down a little bit. That's the look I want for Don's old Firebird. I have to start thinking of who to use for the new rear springs. Any suggestions? That resto rod Bird is way cool too!

Dan

[Big Moe]

Hi Dan
The "Green Bean" had all its original born with springs and yes had the classic stance. I just bought the "barn find in the city" Ram Air III - HO Blue Firebird and it too sits that way, which I love BTY... I put a set of Detroit Speed 3 inch drop rear springs and 2 inch drop frt. springs on my other 69 and if brought it down but just about level so maybe use the 3 inch drop on the rear & originals on the frt.... Classic American "Daisy" 200s 15x7 with Goodyear Bluestreaks

Curt

[DJ455HO]

Thanks Curt. I never considered Detroit Speed for this car, but it makes sense, since I want the stock lowered rear stance back. It's a crap shoot when getting "stock" rear leaf springs from these guys that sell "correct OE" parts. I usually lie to them saying the car is lighter than it is so the car won't sit high. Even then, that ploy has backfired.

I get the impression that you do not have either green Firebird anymore?

Congrats on getting the "barn find in the city" Bird! I really enjoyed reading the story on it elsewhere on this board.

Dan

[north]

An example of stock ride height

[north]

This one has an even larger reverse rake.

[Big Moe]

Sold Moe Green(resto bird) 2012 and sold Green Bean 2013

[DJ455HO]

Thanks John. Those are great examples of the factory stance I want for my Bird. BTW, I watched that show as a kid. Loved Barbara Eden and the cars!

Dan

[DJ455HO]

Curt, just checked out the Detroit Speed site. I like what I see. Now to go measure the tires and ride height. I may be calling them soon. Thanks again for the suggestion.

Any more '69 Birds other than the "city" car and the prototype TA?

Dan

[north]

I read somewhere that the reason the back sat so low on the F body was partially a styling trick to make a car look smaller and sportier but also to address the tendency of these cars to dive during braking and axle hop under acceleration.

My firebird has the right stance but is a bit high overall. From what I can see the springs are factory all around. First my tires are 215/75/14 versus F70/14 which raises the car 1/2" and secondly I think being a six and manual: trans, steering, brakes and top make it lighter than most other cars that would be spec'd for the same springs.

[DJ455HO]

John, you are right, and I think it was a John Delorean edict too. He liked his Pontiacs low. Look at the literature from the '60s. They almost sat on the ground!

Dan

[Judge273]

Nice car Dan! I took this pic at least 10 years ago...



I know now why it got so much attention back then, as its plate said 68 RA....

[keith k]

Originally Posted by north

I read somewhere that the reason the back sat so low on the F body was partially a styling trick to make a car look smaller and sportier but also to address the tendency of these cars to dive during braking and axle hop under acceleration.

Bill Porter (former Pontiac design chief) once told me it was intentional to give them the look of acceleration when standing still...

[DJ455HO]

Thanks Mike! I always had a soft spot for the 1969 350 HO engine, especially if in a strippo Tempest 2 door post. But when this Firebird came up for sale, I couldn't resist. It has a combination of factory paint and old touch ups here and there. It's hard to tell one from the other.

The '68 in the photo reminds me of Jim Mattison's RAII car. Looks just like it.

I should be getting my new rear leaf springs today to lower the car back down to the factory stance (I hope!).

Dan

[69FIREBIRD76MM]

wish I never sold it...

[north]

Originally Posted by keith k

Bill Porter (former Pontiac design chief) once told me it was intentional to give them the look of acceleration when standing still...

The biggest problem with having a high tail on these cars is you lose the downward slope of the top of the door which gives the car an athletic feline cut. Car high in back looks bigger and front heavy , the exact opposite of what you want in a sporty rear drive car.

but that's just my two cents

[DJ455HO]

Measuring from the floor to the top of the redline (F70-14) is 22". To the rear quarter wheel opening is 27". Eyeballing the photos from North and Big Moe, the top of the wheel opening is between 1 and 2" above the redline. Looks like I have to lower my car between 3 and 4" to get the same stance.

I've ordered leaf springs from Detroit Speed. I'm crossing my fingers this turns out right!

Dan

[sprint6ohc]

Originally Posted by keith k

Bill Porter (former Pontiac design chief) once told me it was intentional to give them the look of acceleration when standing still...

If I remember correctly didn't they design the cars that way to symbolize a "rocketship" stance? With the space wars going on at the time, the look of acceleration as you have stated, gave the cars that
Rocket ready to blastoff look. ... marketing. I believe Oldsmobile had something to do with that too.

[rtanner]

moe i really like that moe green car, more pics and details please!!!