History / Originality Got a question about 1982-1992 Camaro or Firebird history? Have a question about original parts, options, RPO codes, when something was available, or how to document your car? Those questions, answers, and much more!

1983 Firebird 500 LE 334 of 500 - new project some ?s

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-14-2019, 12:31 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
SNtoter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
1983 Firebird 500 LE 334 of 500 - new project some ?s

I just bought a new project on a whim when I saw a rust free firebird pop up locally on Marketplace (I live in Ohio and these are tough to come by). I used to have an 86 trans am and got hit with a little nostalgia... Anyways, this is a project and a half; it runs strong and it's structurally solid, but the body is a bit beat up, it's been rattlecanned (and badly), had the spoiler removed, and it's sitting on old Z28 wheels. While I was peeling old Deadpool stickers off of it (yes, Deadpool...) I noticed a plaque on the dash with the LE number. Looked up some of the 83 LE general info on these forums and found a few answers, but still looking for some info to help get this back to as close to looking factory as I can:
  1. I read that the LEs was mostly a graphic package. Aside from the round sail panel decals, what other trim specific decals were there? Anyone know of a vendor that sells a decal kit for this?
  2. I believe these were all silver/grey from I can find. The rattlecan crap show on this thing thankfully wasn't cut in, and I still have good nice silver paint in the door jams. Were these all straight silver? No stripes or hood bird?
  3. I understand I'm looking for a "Whaletail" spoiler that these originally had - what do those look like? Anything cosmetically similar that might be easier to track down?
  4. Lastly, wheels. Any direction on a wheel that would closely resemble whatever these had stock would be much appreciated.

Sorry if these seem like stupid questions - It's been a longtime since I've looked at anything FBody and I appreciate the help. Thanks guys.
Old 10-14-2019, 08:19 PM
  #2  
Senior Member

 
LeonardS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jamestown, ND
Posts: 781
Received 171 Likes on 106 Posts
Re: 1983 Firebird 500 LE 334 of 500 - new project some ?s

Welcome to the forum! I’m not a Firebird guy, so I don’t have the answers, but send a pm to JT and he probably has some information that can help. He is a research king when it comes to Thirdgen Firebirds.
Old 10-14-2019, 08:43 PM
  #3  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (5)
 
dagwood's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: In the paint booth!
Posts: 2,659
Received 1,161 Likes on 654 Posts
Car: 1986 Camaro Drag Car
Engine: 383 on Ethanol
Transmission: Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3.90 Currie 9 inch
Re: 1983 Firebird 500 LE 334 of 500 - new project some ?s

DREW has a ton of firebird info as well...


Welcome to TGO!
Old 10-14-2019, 09:23 PM
  #4  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (58)
 
Drew's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Salina, KS
Posts: 20,309
Received 1,052 Likes on 748 Posts
Re: 1983 Firebird 500 LE 334 of 500 - new project some ?s

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...0-limited.html

They vary from year to year. The basic break down is they're a typical base model Firebird with stickers and an aftermarket spoiler. They're obscure but also not especially interesting since it's basically a sticker package. I wouldn't go crazy trying to restore it to original, since it's not really going to be worth anything more than a basic Firebird.
Old 10-15-2019, 10:29 AM
  #5  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
SNtoter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: 1983 Firebird 500 LE 334 of 500 - new project some ?s

Originally Posted by Drew
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...0-limited.html

They vary from year to year. The basic break down is they're a typical base model Firebird with stickers and an aftermarket spoiler. They're obscure but also not especially interesting since it's basically a sticker package. I wouldn't go crazy trying to restore it to original, since it's not really going to be worth anything more than a basic Firebird.

Thanks Drew - much appreciated! That link had the wheels I was trying to find a reference for and it's good to know I'm not really losing value by not matching the original factory bits.

And thanks all for the warm welcome, it's nice to have another 3rd gen - been too long. Should look good beside my Foxbody Mustang when its done (I like most all of that era american sports cars).
Old 10-18-2019, 09:33 PM
  #6  
Member

iTrader: (7)
 
nhra-trans-am's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 4 Posts
Re: 1983 Firebird 500 LE 334 of 500 - new project some ?s

Welcome aboard. As previously stated not that special of a package. I have an 84 Firebird 500LE. It is white with dark blue graphics. While not all that special it's kinfd of neat since it's just a little bit different from all the other base model firebirds.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
elcamman50
History / Originality
43
04-17-2024 02:17 PM
1982MSETA
History / Originality
4
08-04-2011 07:19 PM
utlexar
Auto Detailing and Appearance
14
04-25-2007 12:58 AM
DubyaSsixTA
History / Originality
3
12-17-2006 05:25 AM
89FormulaRoth
History / Originality
2
02-24-2002 02:55 AM



Quick Reply: 1983 Firebird 500 LE 334 of 500 - new project some ?s



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:23 PM.