[scotty54]

As a new member of the Cammer Community I thought I would share my experience with my new Firebird $print. Despite the record-setting sale price ($41k at Barrett-Jackson in 2003) and the even wilder recent asking price ($51k) I was able to negotiated a more reasonable sum. While it is an exceptionally well done restomod, I have had my hands full since it rolled off the trailer. I bought the car sight unseen but did pay a local appraiser to drive and inspect the car. He found the brake lights inop and a power steering leak. The dealer agreed to replace the steering hose and I felt I could handle the brake lights.

Upon arrival and within a few days of receipt, the following problems became apparent:

1. Oil leaks. These started small but worsened and can’t be put off any longer. Several leaks are apparent at the oil pump, sending unit, and oil pan. This really doesn’t bother me much as the parts are cheap and I get to learn a bit about the engine accessory setup while I make the repairs. The oil tap to the valvetrain was also leaking but was easily fixed.

2. Wiring. The car has a new harness and looks great. However a few accessories have been added and that wiring wasn’t as neatly done (stereo, cruise control, and console gauges). Cruise control was removed prior to sale, the stereo doesn’t work, and the console gauges are poorly readable despite the classic look, and not all five worked. Most of the wiring issues have been corrected but the brake lights have me stumped so far. I think it has something to do with the cruise control and the lock-up torque converter (it’s a TH200-4R). The console gauges were replaced with digital units from Intellitronix. That may rankle some but I need accurate oil pressure, engine temp and voltage to assess the engine’s true health.

3. The trunk floor was wet under the mat with the resulting surface rust. This car was on a dealer lot for a few months and was obviously kept outside. I have been unable to get water into the trunk by “creating” a rain shower but I can see a heavy downpour slipping by the trunk gasket. A few hours of sanding, rust-treat and paint, and new carpet. All fixed. A related issue, many body bolts and under hood bolts had rusty heads. Most have been removed and treated, with some replaced with SS or cad-plated bolts.

4. The tires looked brand new but had 2016 date codes. New Cooper Cobras have been installed, and this also got rid of the white walls - stock yes, attractive no.

On the positive side the Weber carbs seem to be okay. The car starts and runs well but does idle rough. It’s going to take some time to learn proper tuning techniques. The TV cable was improperly set so the tranny shifts poorly. I have made progress there but it’s not 100% correct yet. I have completed all the standard stuff - oil change, new battery cables, spark plugs, radiator flush. The front spoiler also had to go - It just didn’t look right. The car has major suspension mods and handles fantastic. The undercarriage is super clean! The interior is all stock (other than the new gauges) and in great shape. I have confirmed the rear is a 3.55 limited slip as advertised.

The problems on delivery are unfortunate but nothing I can’t handle. I did not expect a perfect car and frankly the build quality has far exceeded expectations. The problem is I don't think this car has been driven. There were 240 miles on the odometer when delivered and I assume that’s the mileage since the car was rebuilt. That explains 10-year old BFG’s with zero tread wear. The 60 miles I added in the first week exposed the old gaskets. I was hoping to get the car to Pigeon Forge (only an hour away) but that will have to wait until next year.

I will do more research on the car’s origins, helped greatly by the recent post here by Silver 79toi.