not sure if im able to post this kind of topic here but if it gets banned i apologize in advance.

my dad called the other day asking me to locate him a 69 firebird 400 in reasonably good condition. ive done a little research and found that the number 1 thing to look for is body rust. i would appreciate anyone with some info on where i can find a firebird in perferably california, but any of the western states will do. what else should i look for when trying to purchase one these cars?

thanks

daniel

 

Daniel,

Threads don't get "banned", only member do (or actually, former members). Threads like this usually get closed (locked) or deleted.


THIS is why your post isn't getting closed by me (maybe someone else will, though). There is enough of a "tech" question there to save it...

 

Theres a person in Yorba Linda, CA that sells alot of Pontiacs for resto. Check out some old car magazines that sell them. Like Wheeler Dealer, Deals On Wheels, etc... They are usually always advertising in one of those mags.

 

When looking for a older car that is considerd a classic (25 years or older) check in the trunk lift up the mat and seee if there is any UN normal undercoating spary... check under the car for UN normal undercoating... i seen on TV (crank and chrome or osmething..) that when you see that undercoating spary it is just a easy way to hide rust, if you see it in the trunk (under the mat or carpet) then you know it is a hunk of rust just waiting to open up!

 

Daniel,

FirstGen 'F' cars have soem favorite places to rot out. The trunk floor, rear inner wheel housings, and upper shock mounts are among them. The rocker panels also tend to rust out from the back side. My '67 'Bird had all these, and most of them that I looked at for parts or comparison exhibited the same tendencies. Granted, this is in the midwestern "salt belt", but that was also 15 years ago. I'm guessing the "unseasoned" cars are slowly catching up in the same areas.

 

check the floorpans, trunk pans, also check the frame, make sure the car is solid. Heres a pic of my 68 bird. dont see too many of them around.