2nd gen Firebird - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Shadow-phoenix · 02-14-2009, 08:52 AM

my mom and i were running errands yesterday, and we spotted a second gen firebird (70-73 i think) sitting in the back of a local garage/dealer's lot. we stopped and i took a quick peek at it. there was a for sale sign in the window... 1200 bucks. I didn't see any *noticable* rust, it needs a bit of work, (repainted, new seats, etc) i didn't get a chance to look at the engine bay, but it looks solid. I'm gonna be getting my taxes back in like 2 weeks, and I'm thinking about buying it. Is there anything that I should look for that would make it not worth buying?
thanks

*Update*

just got back from the garage, I talked to the owner, and found out a few more things. it's a 1973, has a 400 ci V8 and a 400 turbo tranny. the guy said it ran good when he got it, and it has been sitting there for a bit. he asked if i wanted to take it home, and i told him i was thinking about it. he said 800 bucks and it's mine. looked at the undercarriage, and it has some surface rist, but nothing too bad.

any input on the quirks or red flags that i should be aware of would be helpful and appreciated. I'm gonna try to get the car after i get my taxes back. (should be like 2 weeks).
thanks, Rob

Supercamaro64 · 02-14-2009, 09:54 PM

a car like tht for 800? id say go for it. but a couple of words of advice: 1-ask if u can take it out for a COUPLE of drives before u buy it. this is not only to make sure it runs well, but try to pay attention to any noises tht sound out of the ordinary, and if u notice something, mention it to the owner, and see if u can figure out wat it might be. 2- if u plan on fixing it up, take stock of wat needs to be done, and how much u can spend on it. 3- if u want to save even more money, just do wat my grandpa did for my camaro. the guy wanted 800 for it. my grandpa offered him 200 lol. he lowered his price to 550, and i was able to afford some other stuff on it.
good luck, i hope it works out!

Shadow-phoenix · 02-15-2009, 12:35 AM

the original price on the sign was 1200, and the guy asked me if i wanted to drive it home. I said if i had the money i might, then he said 800 takes it. my mom told me this guy has a rep for being firm with his prices, but i can try to get him to take less. also I'm thinking about trying to con my mom into calling overhaulin' and trying to get it on the show if i get it. i know, I'm not supposed to know about it if it were to happen, but foose's designg are amazing...
And I'm not sure if i can drive it, the driver' side rear tire is flat, and dry rotted all over the sidewall. it needs new rubber, but i'f the tire will hold air, it may be ok for a test drive or two.

Supercamaro64 · 02-15-2009, 06:56 AM

is it manual, or auto?

Shadow-phoenix · 02-15-2009, 07:42 AM

auto. (Unfortunately) but i dont care... for the price, i cant beat that...

roadtripper · 02-15-2009, 08:10 AM

A '73 that is drivable with a 400 and a TH400 for under a grand? I say, get it.
When I had a '73 T/A, I also had a '73 firebird as a parts car.
After I sold my T/A, I also sold the parts car. I got $500 for the parts car!

Shadow-phoenix · 02-15-2009, 10:41 AM

as i said, it needs tlc, but the guy who owns the garage said that it ran good when he parked it, and the writing on the for sale sign hasn't faded, so it hasn't been sittig there for too long.

would there be any visible way to tell if it is an espirit firebird?

roadtripper · 02-15-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadow-phoenix

as i said, it needs tlc, but the guy who owns the garage said that it ran good when he parked it, and the writing on the for sale sign hasn't faded, so it hasn't been sittig there for too long.

would there be any visible way to tell if it is an espirit firebird?

On the V.I.N. plate is visible through the windshield on the driver's side dash panel decodes as follows on 1972 - 1980 models:

1st digit: GM line number:
Pontiac=2
2nd digit: Series number:
S=Base Firebird
T=Esprits
U=Formula
V=Trans Am (1972-74)
W=Trans Am (1975-1980)
X=10th Anniversary Trans Am (1979)
X=Turbo Indy Trans Am (1980)
3rd and 4th digit: Body type number:
87=Sport Coupe
5th digit: Engine code:
A=231 c.i.d. 2-bbl V6 (1978-80)
C=231 c.i.d. 2-bbl V6 (1977)
D=250 c.i.d. 1-bbl L6 (1972-76)
G=305 c.i.d. 2-bbl V8 (1979)
H=305 c.i.d. 4-bbl V8 (1975)
H=305 c.i.d. 4-bbl V8 (1980)
J=350 c.i.d. 4-bbl V8 (1976)
K=403 c.i.d. 4-bbl V8 (1977-79)
L=350 c.i.d. 4-bbl V8 (1978)
M=350 c.i.d. 2-bbl V8, single exh. (1972-76)
N=350 c.i.d. 2-bbl V8, dual exh. (1972-74)
R=400 c.i.d. 2-bbl V8, single exh. (1972-74)
P=400 c.i.d. 2-bbl V8, dual exh. (1973-74)
P=350 c.i.d. 4-bbl V8 (1977)
R=350 c.i.d. 4-bbl V8 (1977)
S=400 c.i.d. 4-bbl V8 (1975-76)
S=265 c.i.d. 2-bbl V8 (1980)
T=400 c.i.d. 4-bbl V8, dual exh. (1972-74)
T=301 c.i.d. TC 4-bbl V8 (Turbo) (1980)
U=305 c.i.d. 2-bbl V8 (1978)
W=455 c.i.d. 4-bbl V8 (1975-76)
W=301 c.i.d. 4-bbl V8 (1979-80)
X=455 c.i.d. 300 hp 4-bbl V8 H.O. (1972)
X=455 c.i.d. 4-bbl V8 S.D. (1973-74)
Y=455 c.i.d. 4-bbl V8 (1973-74)
Y=301 c.i.d. 2-bbl V8 (1977, 1979)
Y=301 c.i.d. 4-bbl V8 T/A 4.9 (1980)
Z=400 c.i.d. 4-bbl V8 (1977-79)
6th digit: Last digit of the model year:
2=1972
3=1973
4=1974
5=1975
6=1976
7=1977
8=1978
9=1979
A=1980
7th digit: Assembly plant location:
L=Van Nuys, California
N=Norwood, Ohio
8th through 13th digits: Sequential
production number starting with 500001
for all 1972 models and 100001 for all
1973-80 models.

Shadow-phoenix · 02-15-2009, 12:18 PM

Thanks, I'm writing that stuff down and I'l update tomorrow, as to what the bird was when it was factory...

*CamaroSpike23* · 02-15-2009, 07:11 PM

DUDE!!!!!

buy the thing. if he's already dropped 400 off the price. buy it. even if the motor is seized up and its got surface rust. give him the 800 bucks and take her home! why are you on here asking about it? go BUY IT!!!!!!!!!!!

Supercamaro64 · 02-15-2009, 08:01 PM

spikes got a point, ur not gonna do better than tht. the only kind of car tht is better than tht r ones tht are usually newer, and WAY more expensive. go for it, and just enjoy the fact tht u own an f-body, and got it for 800!! o, and once u get it, get some pics up! im excited to see this thing! i dont care wat kinda shape its in. mine isnt in good shape, i just try to see its potential!

Shadow-phoenix · 02-15-2009, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamaroSpike23

DUDE!!!!!

buy the thing. if he's already dropped 400 off the price. buy it. even if the motor is seized up and its got surface rust. give him the 800 bucks and take her home! why are you on here asking about it? go BUY IT!!!!!!!!!!!

true, the thing's i worried about are finding that the frame is rotted, or something else is terminally damaged, and the car won't make it more that a few hundred miles. I'm gonna get it. I cant pass it up. ricers beware... there gonnabe another bird on the prowl...

P.S. Thankx spike. i kinda needed a kick in the @ss to get me going.

Shadow-phoenix · 02-15-2009, 10:39 PM

or was i a falcon punch to the head? either way, it worked, I'll get pics tomorrow, and get them posted asap.

Shadow-phoenix · 02-15-2009, 11:17 PM

i found a pic online, not the actual car, but same color and year, at least you will all get a taste of what I'm looking at.

02-14-2009, 08:52 AM	#1
Shadow-phoenix Terrorizing the streets Drives: 06 GTO, 92 Camaro RS, 84 Trans Am Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ft Hood Texas Posts: 259	2nd gen Firebird my mom and i were running errands yesterday, and we spotted a second gen firebird (70-73 i think) sitting in the back of a local garage/dealer's lot. we stopped and i took a quick peek at it. there was a for sale sign in the window... 1200 bucks. I didn't see any noticable rust, it needs a bit of work, (repainted, new seats, etc) i didn't get a chance to look at the engine bay, but it looks solid. I'm gonna be getting my taxes back in like 2 weeks, and I'm thinking about buying it. Is there anything that I should look for that would make it not worth buying? thanks Update just got back from the garage, I talked to the owner, and found out a few more things. it's a 1973, has a 400 ci V8 and a 400 turbo tranny. the guy said it ran good when he got it, and it has been sitting there for a bit. he asked if i wanted to take it home, and i told him i was thinking about it. he said 800 bucks and it's mine. looked at the undercarriage, and it has some surface rist, but nothing too bad. any input on the quirks or red flags that i should be aware of would be helpful and appreciated. I'm gonna try to get the car after i get my taxes back. (should be like 2 weeks). thanks, Rob __________________ -Creating a monster- Rust is the vehicular form of cancer. A stupid owner is a Camaro's worst fear, second only to the though of going to the crusher. Camaro: a vicious animal that eats rice for breakfast, and mustangs for dinner. Last edited by Shadow-phoenix; 02-14-2009 at 02:48 PM.

02-14-2009, 09:54 PM	#2
Supercamaro64 Right, right. Drives: 79 Z28, 86 Camaro, 94 Burb 4x4 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin Posts: 1,350 View My Garage	a car like tht for 800? id say go for it. but a couple of words of advice: 1-ask if u can take it out for a COUPLE of drives before u buy it. this is not only to make sure it runs well, but try to pay attention to any noises tht sound out of the ordinary, and if u notice something, mention it to the owner, and see if u can figure out wat it might be. 2- if u plan on fixing it up, take stock of wat needs to be done, and how much u can spend on it. 3- if u want to save even more money, just do wat my grandpa did for my camaro. the guy wanted 800 for it. my grandpa offered him 200 lol. he lowered his price to 550, and i was able to afford some other stuff on it. good luck, i hope it works out! __________________ "You wanna lay the fate of the world on the kids camaro? Thats cool." "When reporters asked what it was, one official stated, 'It's a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs.'" The Creampuff Fleet-

02-15-2009, 12:35 AM	#3
Shadow-phoenix Terrorizing the streets Drives: 06 GTO, 92 Camaro RS, 84 Trans Am Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ft Hood Texas Posts: 259	the original price on the sign was 1200, and the guy asked me if i wanted to drive it home. I said if i had the money i might, then he said 800 takes it. my mom told me this guy has a rep for being firm with his prices, but i can try to get him to take less. also I'm thinking about trying to con my mom into calling overhaulin' and trying to get it on the show if i get it. i know, I'm not supposed to know about it if it were to happen, but foose's designg are amazing... And I'm not sure if i can drive it, the driver' side rear tire is flat, and dry rotted all over the sidewall. it needs new rubber, but i'f the tire will hold air, it may be ok for a test drive or two. __________________ -Creating a monster- Rust is the vehicular form of cancer. A stupid owner is a Camaro's worst fear, second only to the though of going to the crusher. Camaro: a vicious animal that eats rice for breakfast, and mustangs for dinner.

02-15-2009, 06:56 AM	#4
Supercamaro64 Right, right. Drives: 79 Z28, 86 Camaro, 94 Burb 4x4 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin Posts: 1,350 View My Garage	is it manual, or auto? __________________ "You wanna lay the fate of the world on the kids camaro? Thats cool." "When reporters asked what it was, one official stated, 'It's a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs.'" The Creampuff Fleet-

02-15-2009, 07:42 AM	#5
Shadow-phoenix Terrorizing the streets Drives: 06 GTO, 92 Camaro RS, 84 Trans Am Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ft Hood Texas Posts: 259	auto. (Unfortunately) but i dont care... for the price, i cant beat that... __________________ -Creating a monster- Rust is the vehicular form of cancer. A stupid owner is a Camaro's worst fear, second only to the though of going to the crusher. Camaro: a vicious animal that eats rice for breakfast, and mustangs for dinner.

02-15-2009, 08:10 AM	#6
roadtripper Drives: 2006 GTO, 1974 Javelin Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Stockbridge, GA. Posts: 47	A '73 that is drivable with a 400 and a TH400 for under a grand? I say, get it. When I had a '73 T/A, I also had a '73 firebird as a parts car. After I sold my T/A, I also sold the parts car. I got $500 for the parts car!

02-15-2009, 10:41 AM	#7
Shadow-phoenix Terrorizing the streets Drives: 06 GTO, 92 Camaro RS, 84 Trans Am Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ft Hood Texas Posts: 259	as i said, it needs tlc, but the guy who owns the garage said that it ran good when he parked it, and the writing on the for sale sign hasn't faded, so it hasn't been sittig there for too long. would there be any visible way to tell if it is an espirit firebird? __________________ -Creating a monster- Rust is the vehicular form of cancer. A stupid owner is a Camaro's worst fear, second only to the though of going to the crusher. Camaro: a vicious animal that eats rice for breakfast, and mustangs for dinner.

02-15-2009, 12:18 PM	#9
Shadow-phoenix Terrorizing the streets Drives: 06 GTO, 92 Camaro RS, 84 Trans Am Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ft Hood Texas Posts: 259	Thanks, I'm writing that stuff down and I'l update tomorrow, as to what the bird was when it was factory... __________________ -Creating a monster- Rust is the vehicular form of cancer. A stupid owner is a Camaro's worst fear, second only to the though of going to the crusher. Camaro: a vicious animal that eats rice for breakfast, and mustangs for dinner.

02-15-2009, 08:01 PM	#11
Supercamaro64 Right, right. Drives: 79 Z28, 86 Camaro, 94 Burb 4x4 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin Posts: 1,350 View My Garage	spikes got a point, ur not gonna do better than tht. the only kind of car tht is better than tht r ones tht are usually newer, and WAY more expensive. go for it, and just enjoy the fact tht u own an f-body, and got it for 800!! o, and once u get it, get some pics up! im excited to see this thing! i dont care wat kinda shape its in. mine isnt in good shape, i just try to see its potential! __________________ "You wanna lay the fate of the world on the kids camaro? Thats cool." "When reporters asked what it was, one official stated, 'It's a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs.'" The Creampuff Fleet- Last edited by Supercamaro64; 02-15-2009 at 08:11 PM.

02-15-2009, 10:39 PM	#13
Shadow-phoenix Terrorizing the streets Drives: 06 GTO, 92 Camaro RS, 84 Trans Am Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ft Hood Texas Posts: 259	or was i a falcon punch to the head? either way, it worked, I'll get pics tomorrow, and get them posted asap. __________________ -Creating a monster- Rust is the vehicular form of cancer. A stupid owner is a Camaro's worst fear, second only to the though of going to the crusher. Camaro: a vicious animal that eats rice for breakfast, and mustangs for dinner.

02-15-2009, 11:17 PM	#14
Shadow-phoenix Terrorizing the streets Drives: 06 GTO, 92 Camaro RS, 84 Trans Am Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ft Hood Texas Posts: 259	i found a pic online, not the actual car, but same color and year, at least you will all get a taste of what I'm looking at. Attached Images __________________ -Creating a monster- Rust is the vehicular form of cancer. A stupid owner is a Camaro's worst fear, second only to the though of going to the crusher. Camaro: a vicious animal that eats rice for breakfast, and mustangs for dinner.

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