Pontiac Firebird Help

Pontiac Firebird Help

Author
Discussion

Shelia

Original Poster:

10 posts

79 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2021
quotequote all
Our Pontiac Firebird has been attacked by a stone lorry in a narrow lane, as we do not have a dash cam, has to be knock for knock.
We are in need of a front subframe and wishbones, or a complete car for spares, no engine necessary, can be a rusty old body, in any uk location.
Any lead of a car in the back of a yard, or a failed project would be much appreciated as have had this car for 34 years and its part of the family, and this is the first time its needed a repair.
Many thanks for reading.
Graham

steveo3002

10,663 posts

181 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2021
quotequote all
several facebook groups for yank cars in the uk , id suggest you also try those

rat rod

4,997 posts

72 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2021
quotequote all
Shelia said:
Our Pontiac Firebird has been attacked by a stone lorry in a narrow lane, as we do not have a dash cam, has to be knock for knock.
We are in need of a front subframe and wishbones, or a complete car for spares, no engine necessary, can be a rusty old body, in any uk location.
Any lead of a car in the back of a yard, or a failed project would be much appreciated as have had this car for 34 years and its part of the family, and this is the first time its needed a repair.
Many thanks for reading.
Graham
Sorry to here this, you must be very attached to it after 34 years. Gutted for you.

A mate has a gen 3/4 mid 80's Trans Am, he's owned it some 25 years and it's his daily driver and only car ,never seen it dirty even in the winter.

parked outside my old workshop ,came for a chat and a cuppa ,no more than 20 minutes,went outside to go and found something

big and heavy had taken the whole side off ,from front to back.Well and truly mangled.yikes

We didn't even hear anything. Make matters worse he had a complete repaint 6 months before,

Had all new panels which took forever to find .

Try Robin at Auto Pontiac in Houslow ,he may have something in the yard or know of something.

Good Luck.


Shelia

Original Poster:

10 posts

79 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2021
quotequote all
Hi Rat Rod,
Thank you for your thoughts, Yes we tried all the UK American parts suppliers with no success. Now its time to try and find a donor car lurking in a corner somewhere.

AdeTuono

7,405 posts

234 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2021
quotequote all
So which Gen is it? They're all different...

irocfan

42,391 posts

197 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2021
quotequote all
there could be a couple of people on Smiles Per Gallon facebook page

Shelia

Original Poster:

10 posts

79 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2021
quotequote all
Hi, The 78 version is a second generation model, but there are variations per year, and I need to find a 78 to match the parts that are needed.

steveo3002

10,663 posts

181 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2021
quotequote all
so it nearer 44 yrs old not 34?

Shelia

Original Poster:

10 posts

79 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2021
quotequote all
Hi Steve,
Yes your maths are correct, I have owned it for 34 years, having bought it at 9 years old, and it is still in a very original condition, but now slightly bent.

newsatten

3,908 posts

121 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2021
quotequote all
These cars have a front clip assembly , almost all 70-81 F Bodys share this, so a Camaro also should fit,
Wishbones/A arms call them whatever are available online, as are all the suspension stuff, body panels are available but not cheap, What body parts does it require???

Year One list the parts, front Subframe ass is about 9K FFS........................................ repair it LOL........

Edited by newsatten on Tuesday 2nd March 20:50

Shelia

Original Poster:

10 posts

79 months

Sunday 7th March 2021
quotequote all
Hi, Further research has detailed that any 1976 to 1979 would be a suitable donor, so this broadens the search as I dont really want to go down the line of having a fabricated front end as it will not then be an original spec car.
Graham

newsatten

3,908 posts

121 months

Monday 8th March 2021
quotequote all
The trouble will be finding a dona car , even a poverty level 6 Banger car will fetch silly money now, breakers ask stupid money for anything theve got.

The postage will be huge but importing a subframe would be the way to go................................
put up a pic or two of the damage, you'd be surprised what a skilled body man, heat/welding and a Celete/Blackhawk frame can repair,


Getragdogleg

9,102 posts

190 months

Monday 8th March 2021
quotequote all
There are many good aftermarket sellers for suspension parts in the US, I know its not standard but most also update the geometry.

Its worth looking into, I had a bunch of items for my 67 camaro and it was a big improvement.

The likes of Ecklers camaro and detroit speed do some good full kits. Worth a look, all new shipped to you!

Shelia

Original Poster:

10 posts

79 months

Monday 8th March 2021
quotequote all
Hi, Many thanks for your thoughts, and suggestions. I will of course investigate with various options as time passes, the more info that I can collect, and various firms, the better my research can be to putting the car straight and back on the road.
Graham

newsatten

3,908 posts

121 months

Monday 15th March 2021
quotequote all
A complete turd of a 78' Trans Am on E bay today, no engine or trans, but probably all the bits you need??? 4K start.......................

Shelia

Original Poster:

10 posts

79 months

Monday 15th March 2021
quotequote all
Many thanks, will have a look, hope I can find it.
Graham

newsatten

3,908 posts

121 months

Monday 15th March 2021
quotequote all
Classic Cars, American................

AdeTuono

7,405 posts

234 months

Shelia

Original Poster:

10 posts

79 months

Monday 15th March 2021
quotequote all
I cant see anyone taking on that much work, with so many bits missing that would be almost impossible to do, so have sent a message for the bits I need and if anyone has a rear body panel job we could split the car.
Many thanks for the input, its nice to know that the followers here have us petrol heads needs at heart.
Graham

AdeTuono

7,405 posts

234 months

Monday 15th March 2021
quotequote all
Shelia said:
I cant see anyone taking on that much work, with so many bits missing that would be almost impossible to do, so have sent a message for the bits I need and if anyone has a rear body panel job we could split the car.
Many thanks for the input, its nice to know that the followers here have us petrol heads needs at heart.
Graham
I have to agree. £6k for that is ludicrous. And to think I sold my '74 455 for £1500!

Sad to see the prices of US iron these days. Entry-point for anything decent now seems to be £20k+