1979 Pontiac Firebird "Redbird" Edition
UPDATES (IN ORDER OF DATE)
October 3, 2009- Installed a Cobra 40 channel CB radio, a RadioShack SWR meter, and a loaded CB antenna. Great fun and helps to keep an eye and ear out for those smokies.
July 11, 2009- Stopped by Ben Hawes State Park to snap a few pics of the bird. Very quiet and peaceful out there when the car's not running! :) Enjoy!
July 4, 2009- Here are some recent pics that were taken in Calhoun, Ky with my best friend, Matt and his 1979 Camaro Z28. Hasn't the bird progressed a lot?
Notice the Formula hood, newly added front flares, and the WS6 Snowflake wheels.
Another shot of Matt's Camaro and my Firebird! They look great together!
I love the stance that these old Firebirds put off! Like it's going to eat your lunch! :)
June 14, 2009- Large update for everyone...here are some pics (coming soon)...finished the tail panel swap, repainted engine, installed correct 77-78 parking lights, new WS6 15x8 style snowflake wheels, Firebird center caps, and raised gold lettered "Nascar" edition GoodYear tires, formula hood, and a both front and rear flare set, including the air dam.
OLDER UPDATES AND PICTURES!
Here she is with her new '77 style nose! She looks so much better! No offense, but I'm not a big fan of the '79 noses.
Well, I just bought this bad boy as of December 5, 2007. It is a 1979 Pontiac Firebird special edition "RedBird"!
I heard about the car being for sale locally through a former friend. I went and checked it out. On the windshield, it was listed for $3000. I talked to the owner and he said that he needed the money and needed to get it out of his driveway, so he let me have it for $1000. Little said, the next day, I was driving her home.
It has a new 305 engine and a TH350 transmission. The interior is in very good condition considering the age of the car. The floor pans are extremely solid with no rust whatsoever.
The engine runs great once it's warmed up a little bit. The tranny shifts perfectly and the engine runs smoothly with no knocks or ticks.
The body is extremely solid and rust free! It is in need of a paint job, but as of right now, the car is to 30 years old. The trunk floor is solid as well. No rust to be found anywhere.
The car is a hardtop, no t-tops so no leaking water into the interior. The windows and locks are manual. No power anything which equals less problems in the long run! I am very happy of this!
Well, after getting the car home, I've found it needs a few things but it's a great little project car that is daily driveable!
Throughout the restoration, new pics and information will be added to the page! This is another bird that is going to be brought back to life! Bring them back people!!!
Here is what I'm in need of:
Door moldings
Center caps for snowflake wheels
Sail Panel Birds
Hood Bird
Pontiac Nose Emblem
More Pictures!!!
The beautiful machine-turned dash bezel with the rally Firebird steering wheel.
A shot from a little farther back. This is the front of the interior of the car.
The rear seats. There are bucket seats in the rear as well. Not much room back there, but it's a sports coupe so that's how it's supposed to be.
A shot from the rear to show just how fabulous the body really is on this beauty!
A shot of the front of this beauty! Just imagine what this car will look like when the restoration is finished!
Just had to add this for everyone to see! Isn't that awesome???
A shot of the rear bucket seats. (original red interior)
The door panels look almost new. No rips or wear. Very saveable and makes a great start in a restoration!
The original Redbird snowflake wheels. Still in very nice condition. If anyone knows where these can be restored at, please send me a message.
Here is a picture of the powerhouse. It's a 305 V8 with a 4bbl. carb.
A close-up pic of the junk 4bbl. Quadrajet carb. that is about to be rebuilt. I would replace but I want everything stock on this car.
What is left of the RedBird graphics. It's an old bird but she still flies!
A shot of the beak of the bird! She's looking a little aged but that will all change soon!
Nothing is like the sleek lines and beautiful flow of a sports coupe...especially a Pontiac Firebird!!!
This car was proudly made in the U.S.A! Long live American-Made Automobiles!
More Pictures will come along through the restoration process. We are desperate for any spare parts or anything to help along the restoration. If you have something that you would like to sell or donate to the restoration, please contact me! Hope you enjoyed the pics and the story! Keep checking back for updates along the way!
1/13/08-Well, finally installed the NEW Sony Xplod stereo system in the car today. The sound is fabulous! Pics are soon to follow!
Here is a pic of the freshly installed Sony Xplod stereo system unit. It has MP3 capabilities which makes it even better!
A little outside shot of the new speakers that go with the new stereo system in the rear window.
The original dash bird still remains intact.
This car has the rare option of pulse windshield wipers. Not many came stock like this.
I am going to need some Carmine dye during the restoration for interior panels such as this one. They are in good shape but are showing their age.
Just a little proof as to how solid the floors really are!
A new pic of the beak of the bird. She needs new grilles. Hopefully, I can order some soon and have them on right after the new paint job is complete.
Beautiful body lines of a muscle car. There's nothing like it! Rice burners could never compare to the true, American-made muscle!
3/29/08- Well, yesterday I temporarily painted the front and rear end to match the rest of the car. I'll get some new pics up asap! She looks so much better!
March 31, 2008- Here are some new pics of a local F-body meet that me and my friend 19Camaro85, also known as Matt took today. He has a 3rd gen. 1986 Camaro. Here's the two beauties together...
Here's a look at the new temporary paint on the front of the car.
My bird and Matt's Camaro looking over the hill. As Matt had said, "I would hate to be a Mustang right about now!"
Another shot!
Nose to nose...almost.
A little closer view of the "nose to nose" shot. Notice the difference and the similarities of the 2nd gens and the 3rd gens.
An aerial shot.
One more aerial shot...they are posing...
Well, here's the last one for the day before I took the road home. It was a great meet and we had a great time showcasing our cars to one another. Look for more in the future!
Would you like to donate to help bring this bird back to life? Anonymous donations can be made to paypal...email firebirdman55@yahoo.com. Any/all help is greatly appreciated and you will see the results.
A little music from the golden days for ya to enjoy!
