TAC Spotlight => Projects & Restorations => Topic started by: rkellerjr on September 18, 2021, 07:45:14 AM

Title: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on September 18, 2021, 07:45:14 AM
First parts to arrive, seats are going to local upholsterer in October.  Interior is going black.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: Jack on September 18, 2021, 07:52:59 AM
Looking forwards to seeing some progress.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: TATurbo on September 21, 2021, 08:43:20 PM
So...Red w/Blk interior...Right?
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: ryeguy2006a on September 22, 2021, 06:41:56 AM
It will be the inverse of your car Tom haha
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on September 22, 2021, 01:42:04 PM
So...Red w/Blk interior...Right?

Yep
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: 5th T/A on September 26, 2021, 08:51:51 AM
Rich,

Red with black interior should look good, nice contrast. This should be a good off season project.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on September 27, 2021, 02:35:16 PM
Rich,

Red with black interior should look good, nice contrast. This should be a good off season project.

I'm looking forward to finally getting it done. The only project left is air conditioning after this is completed this winter. Seats go to the upholsterer in three weeks. I'll start posting pics of the tear down and replacement in a few weeks when things get started.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on September 29, 2021, 09:42:57 AM
It has begun...

1975 - 1981 Firebird or Trans Am Rear Side Plastic Panel Kit, Sail Panels and Arm Rest Side Panels, 4 Piece Set
1972 - 1977 Firebird Lower Door Panel Plastic Kit / Map Pockets, LH & RH Kit, Includes Arm Rest and Complete Hardware Set
New OE Style 1974 - 1981 Firebird and Trans Am Side Headliner Plastic Trim Molding, Pair
1975 - 1981 Firebird Seat Belts Set, Front and Rear with OE STYLE GM Push Buttons
1970 - 1981 Firebird and Trans Am Interior Kick Panel Set with Standard Speakers, Pair
1970 - 1981 Firebird Door Jamb Sill Plates Set, Body by Fisher Original Stick-On Tag, Pair
1974 - 1981 Firebird & Trans Am Sail Panel Coat Hanger Hook, Colors, Each
PANEL SET, Inside Door, Upper, Pre-Assembled, Dlx, Black, Incl Metal Garnish Rails, Windowfelts and Door Lock Ferrules Installed, Emblems Not Included
PLATE / EMBLEM, Front Door Trim Pad / Panel, *Bird*, red and black finish, correct Repro
STRAP, Door Panel Pull, Inner, Black, RH or LH, incl attaching mounts, backing plate and screws, repro
COVER, Front Door Pull Strap, Black
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: 5th T/A on September 29, 2021, 03:37:31 PM
Rich,

It’s great you can order a complete interior for a 40 - 50 year old car. While many parts could be painted or dyed, some plastic parts become very brittle and almost disintegrate with age. Should look great and might have that new car smell when finished.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on September 29, 2021, 07:56:03 PM
Rich,

It’s great you can order a complete interior for a 40 - 50 year old car. While many parts could be painted or dyed, some plastic parts become very brittle and almost disintegrate with age. Should look great and might have that new car smell when finished.

Funny that you said that, I was thinking it might have that new car smell too.  Yes, we are fortunate that all the plastic pieces are available to be replaced. I am painting some parts but most all parts will be new. Few weeks I'll start posting pics of the tear down and re-installation of the new parts.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on October 08, 2021, 09:21:29 PM
Parts are a gathering...
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: Wallington on October 09, 2021, 01:35:18 AM
Don't toss your original seatbelt retainers. Some interior parts are meant to be a perfect match, others are just a replacement, which is usually more than enough for those who's original parts are worn out or damaged, but stand out if assembled with NOS parts, and have random screw or lug locations incorrectly located. There can also be a loss of molding flash and seam lines to clean up if repainting plastic pieces, easily done, but many of the online shop experts simply paint and sell as crude recoloured items.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on October 09, 2021, 05:53:50 PM
We'll do, thanks.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: BBATCAR on October 10, 2021, 07:56:15 PM
Look forward to seeing your progress. Just changed my 1975 Trans Am to a Black interior. Most expense was my dashboard restoration and painting the metal windshield part of the dash.

I'm glad to see you are getting parts, I'm still waiting on my black door panels, ordered in December 2020 and still waiting from Year One. Drove to Classic Industries to pick up my black headliner that they just got into stock, so I'm getting close... Looks forward to your photos.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on October 10, 2021, 08:12:32 PM
Ordered mine from NPD, received a few days later.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: b_hill_86 on October 10, 2021, 08:37:34 PM
I’d be curious to see how those lower door panels fit. I need to replace mine at some point but I seem to remember reading somewhere that the repops take a bit of finesse to fit right mostly that thale holes don’t line up right. I hope that’s not the case though
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on October 11, 2021, 06:15:53 AM
We'll see, they look good in the plastic. My old ones are so bad they have to be replaced. Won't even hold paint. I'm good even if I have to finesse them a bit but, I'll step by step my installation once I get started next week.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: BBATCAR on October 11, 2021, 05:19:02 PM
Ordered mine from NPD, received a few days later.

Thanks, I'll look and see if they have stock, then cancel my other order if they do.
My lowers were just painted and fit good, my uppers are the ones I'm trying to replace...
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on October 16, 2021, 11:16:25 AM
Here we go...
Title: !
Post by: roadking77 on October 16, 2021, 03:13:46 PM
Youre all in now  :grin: I agree, it looks like time for an upgrade.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on October 30, 2021, 11:56:32 AM
OK, got busy today. Got the new package tray in. The seat belts I bought aren't the right ones, working with Firebird Central to figure that out. The new rear panels do not come with the ashtray cut outs so I created a template, measured, then got the old dremel out and cut out new holes for the rear ashtrays. Got the center console out. Next is pulling the dash then on to painting those parts I'm not replacing. Should get the seats back in a week or so and once I figure out the seat belts it can go back together.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: roadking77 on October 30, 2021, 04:55:52 PM
Looking good Rich, shame the seat belts didnt work out. Seems theres always something in the way to slow things.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: wheels78ta on October 30, 2021, 09:09:04 PM
That console looks like it's in very good shape.  Keep at it.  It's going to look awesome when done.

Can't wait to get to my interior.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on October 31, 2021, 09:29:25 AM
That console looks like it's in very good shape.  Keep at it.  It's going to look awesome when done.

Can't wait to get to my interior.

Ya, console is getting painted, not replaced :)
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on November 02, 2021, 02:26:50 PM
Well, Firebird Central will refund my money for the seat belts. They were totally understandable. But, now I need to find someone who can refurbish seat belts.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on November 11, 2021, 03:12:47 PM
Well, things are getting close, just need to pull the dash, paint a few pieces and put it back together.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: 5th T/A on November 11, 2021, 03:24:48 PM
Rich,

Your moving right along. The seats look great! I don’t remember Firebird emblem on the front seats. Is that something you had custom made?
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on November 11, 2021, 03:27:47 PM
Rich,

Your moving right along. The seats look great! I don’t remember Firebird emblem on the front seats. Is that something you had custom made?

Yes, I had them added. There is one in the middle of the back seat as well. I don't have an original car so, changing a few small things to my liking ;)
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: roadking77 on November 11, 2021, 03:49:17 PM
I really like those seats. Where did you get them?
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on November 11, 2021, 05:41:41 PM
I really like those seats. Where did you get them?

Those are the seats that were in my car, just reupholstered to black
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: roadking77 on November 12, 2021, 07:56:04 AM
Very nice.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on November 20, 2021, 01:19:07 PM
More work on the car today, got the dash out and repaired. Next is to paint the dash and the .... cowl? part of the dash just under the windshield which, unfortunately, doesn't come out so I'll have to mask the windshield and painted it in place.  Here are some pics of today's work.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: roadking77 on November 21, 2021, 09:22:58 AM
Nice progress, what did you do with the dash?
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on November 21, 2021, 10:07:03 AM
Nice progress, what did you do with the dash?

I put a dash cap on it a couple years ago and didn't get enough glue on the edges so it warped a bit in the sun
 I just glued the edges and clamped it down so it doesn't do it again.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: ryeguy2006a on November 22, 2021, 11:37:55 AM
Interior is looking great Rich! I'd recommend SEM Trim Black for the metal dash.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: Jack on November 22, 2021, 12:36:25 PM
The seats came out very nice, I especially like the firebird logo.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on November 27, 2021, 09:36:34 AM
Well more done but more challenges arise. Finished painting dash, cowl, and started rewiring utilizing plugs for the radio and speakers
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on December 12, 2021, 08:41:12 PM
Finally got the kick panel out behind the parking brake assembly, what a pita. Should make some really good progress next weekend.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: 76455sd on December 12, 2021, 10:00:16 PM
Coming along nicely.  Good work.  I like what you did with the seats.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: TATurbo on December 12, 2021, 10:47:32 PM
Looking good!  I also like the logos on the seat.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on December 13, 2021, 07:00:17 AM
Thanks, the logos were an after thought and for just $45 a piece, well worth it.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on December 29, 2021, 07:32:39 AM
More work completed, rear of car completed
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: 5th T/A on December 29, 2021, 07:51:59 AM
Rich,

Everything you have done has turned out really well. When finished it will look brand new or better. I am assuming you replaced the foam when you did the seats. I  would be curious to hear how the seats feel once you start driving the car. If they feel better or more firm.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: roadking77 on December 29, 2021, 02:18:59 PM
Indeed does look nice.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on December 29, 2021, 07:19:00 PM
Rich,

Everything you have done has turned out really well. When finished it will look brand new or better. I am assuming you replaced the foam when you did the seats. I  would be curious to hear how the seats feel once you start driving the car. If they feel better or more firm.

The foam was not replaced. The upholsterer said the foam was fine but would would bolster it so ya, it is thicker. I'm looking forward to sitting in it, I'll let you know
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on December 31, 2021, 02:55:36 PM
Got new original hick panels and got the drivers in and the parking brake system back together. Now I have to take the heater box out to get the other kick panel in. Grrr. Should be smooth sailing after that.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on January 19, 2022, 08:16:50 AM
Work progresses slowly but in the home stretch, kick panels in and dash now in. Now to get motivated and finish this project.

Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: TATurbo on January 23, 2022, 10:07:30 PM
Congrats on the progress.  Be sure to seal up those kick panels well...I had to go back go back in a couple times 'cause I didn't know how important that goopy tar stuff was first time around.  The driver side leaked air bad enough that my left foot would get cold or hot depending on outside air temp, and the pass. side leaked like a sieve when I neglected to seal it first time around.   My passenger side still seeps a little water if I douse it while washing.
Good luck!

Can I ask...How far gone were your original red rear side panels?  We took a lot of time sanding and 'properly' refinishing ours...And they don't look terrible...but...there's room for improvement. Do you think your's might've been savable if you were staying red?
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on January 24, 2022, 03:26:29 PM
Can I ask...How far gone were your original red rear side panels?  We took a lot of time sanding and 'properly' refinishing ours...And they don't look terrible...but...there's room for improvement. Do you think your's might've been savable if you were staying red?

Basically all the plastic pieces were just gone. I had attempted to dye them several times with different methods and the paint would just peal off so all plastic pieces were replaced with new, I was done trying to make them work :)
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: TATurbo on January 24, 2022, 09:50:41 PM
LOL, Thanks...Sounds like I'm walking that path now. Except I'm concerned about dying new black pieces red.

Again, congrats on the progress.  Keep at it.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: roadking77 on January 25, 2022, 08:06:32 AM
Sorry for the hijack again  :shock: But, Tom if you are dying the black panels red you may try to use a brown first. When painting walls red is one of the hardest colours to use as the base always bleeds through. We found the paint it brown first trick a few years ago and the red will cover with just a couple of coats.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on January 29, 2022, 08:22:01 AM
Got some more work done, a few gauges in and started working on the door panels getting the hardware put on...



Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: 5th T/A on January 29, 2022, 09:02:59 AM
Rich,

I didn’t realize until you posted pictures that some parts of your interior were pretty worn out. All the new stuff looks great.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on January 29, 2022, 09:14:14 PM
Rich,

I didn’t realize until you posted pictures that some parts of your interior were pretty worn out. All the new stuff looks great.

Yep, the plastic pieces were in very bad shape as well as the drivers side seat cover.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: TATurbo on February 04, 2022, 09:52:47 PM
Paint them brown first..Hmm...never would’ve thought of that.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll make a note of it.  My originals aren’t terrible...Replacing them
 is not high on my list.  If I don’t write it down, next season when I’m painting them I’ll have that feeling like I’m forgetting something .
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: Wallington on February 11, 2022, 04:55:58 AM
Were those embedded photos? No longer work as mentioned elsewhere.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on February 21, 2022, 07:47:23 AM
Gauges finally back in, have to re-wire the speaker wires for the radio then put the duct work back in and the dash is done. then on to more simpler things.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on February 21, 2022, 07:48:04 AM
Were those embedded photos? No longer work as mentioned elsewhere.

Work fine on my end, I see all the pics that have been uploaded here and other threads.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on March 04, 2022, 06:33:04 AM
Been awhile since I posted but things are coming together. Planning on having the car done by tomorrow.  And yes, the carpet needs to be cleaned  :) )
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: hakitup on March 04, 2022, 10:20:08 AM
Looks great

Tom H
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: Jack on March 04, 2022, 10:49:37 AM
Looking forwards to seeing some pics of the finished interior.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on March 05, 2022, 08:03:53 AM
All that is left are the door panels which I'll have done today..


Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on March 05, 2022, 08:04:33 AM
Looking forwards to seeing some pics of the finished interior.

I'm planning on doing a quick video as well.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: roadking77 on March 05, 2022, 12:25:57 PM
Looks really good Rich, and just in time to start enjoying it.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on March 05, 2022, 09:14:07 PM
It's done, I'll get some pics up and video as soon. As I get them transferred from my phone
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on March 06, 2022, 05:33:05 AM
Pics and video, still need to replace the steering wheel but overall, it turned out pretty nice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgErm9MuVEw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgErm9MuVEw)


Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: 5th T/A on March 06, 2022, 07:25:17 AM
Congratulations Rich, now your interior looks as beautiful as the exterior. Should make driving down the road that much more enjoyable, like sitting in a new car!
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: Jack on March 06, 2022, 08:53:24 AM
Very nice, congrats you did a great job.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: MNBob on March 06, 2022, 10:03:13 AM
Congratulations, it all looks great.  Front seats look really nice with the birds at the top.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: TATurbo on March 06, 2022, 09:39:44 PM
Congrats! Looks awesome. 
it's definitely 'right' for the car.   I hope you get a lot of time to break in the new seats this season!
Enjoy!
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: ryeguy2006a on March 07, 2022, 08:50:54 AM
Great job Rich! What an amazing transformation.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: roadking77 on March 07, 2022, 03:06:33 PM
x4
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: JCS76TRANSAM on March 07, 2022, 07:16:37 PM
X5.......Congrats Rich!!! The interior looks awsome, great job. I too really like the birds on your seats.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on March 08, 2022, 07:05:13 AM
Another cool thing, after six months of sitting, she fired right up and drove great. What a dependable car.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: roadking77 on March 08, 2022, 07:17:59 AM
The true testament of the good ole 400! 
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: Jack on March 08, 2022, 10:04:13 AM
Did you disconnect the battery or install a charger during that time?
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on March 08, 2022, 01:12:28 PM
Did you disconnect the battery or install a charger during that time?

I had a trickle charger on the battery.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on May 28, 2022, 07:07:16 AM
Added new steering wheel and shifter plate. Next will be new gauges, ordering them this week.

Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on May 28, 2022, 07:37:18 AM
Here are the gauges from NVU that are pretty much direct replacements but modern behind the scenes that I'm ordering.

https://newvintageusallc.mybigcommerce.com/70-81-firebird-cfr-red/

Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: Jack on May 28, 2022, 03:04:41 PM
I love the gauges especially the 8k tach and 140mph speedo.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: kentucky yeti on May 29, 2022, 12:39:36 PM
The gauges are awesome!
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on June 24, 2022, 06:41:12 AM
Well, interior is getting close to being really done. I've added a few touches to it pictured below. New cup holder, console lid, and dash mat.  The gauges aren't in yet, hard to pull the car off the road during the summer but I'll post a pic when done.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: roadking77 on June 24, 2022, 01:54:52 PM
I kinda like the cup holder  :? Def come in handy at times. My wife has been riding with me more the last couple of months than ever before and every time she gets in the car she complains about no cup holders (and she is the type of person that brings a drink -water- whenever she goes out). I just detailed her Mustang a few weeks ago inside and out, she tells me, 'Oh, by the way I spilled my starbucks all over the inside of the car the other day'! So, No cup holders in the TA mean no mess!!
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: kentucky yeti on June 26, 2022, 04:48:19 AM
The car is looking really good, Rich.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: Jack on June 26, 2022, 06:40:53 AM
That is a nice cup holder, comes in really handy especially with cars without AC.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on June 26, 2022, 07:08:35 AM
I kinda like the cup holder  :? Def come in handy at times. My wife has been riding with me more the last couple of months than ever before and every time she gets in the car she complains about no cup holders (and she is the type of person that brings a drink -water- whenever she goes out). I just detailed her Mustang a few weeks ago inside and out, she tells me, 'Oh, by the way I spilled my starbucks all over the inside of the car the other day'! So, No cup holders in the TA mean no mess!!

hahaha, well, I'm usually the only one in the car so just me to blame.

The car is looking really good, Rich.

Thanks Mike, restoration of the car is coming along

That is a nice cup holder, comes in really handy especially with cars without AC.

Hmmm... my car came with AC but, I drive with the windows down and someone removed the compressor so it doesn't work anyway. Actually, that is my next project, get the AC back in the car.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: 455HO75 on October 10, 2022, 07:55:37 AM
Did you upholsterer do the TA Birds on the new vinyl? How did you do this? My interior is totally out, so I am thinking of trying to add those birds like you did
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on October 10, 2022, 02:18:38 PM
Did you upholsterer do the TA Birds on the new vinyl? How did you do this? My interior is totally out, so I am thinking of trying to add those birds like you did

Yes, the upholsterer built the seat covers (since ordering them was going to take over a year to get) using my existing seats and added the birds per my specifications. They came out real nice.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on August 30, 2023, 01:54:13 PM
Well, I'm pretty much done except for a few glitches in the gauges I need to figure out. It came out really nice, lots of compliments at car shows and cruise-ins, especially the birds on the seats. thanks for the compliments here, appreciate the support on the projects over the years. Next up, Air Conditioning!
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: 5th T/A on August 30, 2023, 06:33:33 PM
Well, I'm pretty much done except for a few glitches in the gauges I need to figure out. It came out really nice, lots of compliments at car shows and cruise-ins, especially the birds on the seats. thanks for the compliments here, appreciate the support on the projects over the years. Next up, Air Conditioning!

Rich, I think everyone loved the Firebirds on the seats, something Pontiac could have done.

If not getting too personal, what are your AC plans? Does the factory AC not work? Are you thinking Vintage Air system?

The reason I ask is my factory AC system has been converted to R134. It works but has a slow leak from the front compressor seal. This is a common problem with GM A6 compressors because of the Ceramic seal. I could replace the stock seal, but it will probably leak again. There is a double lip seal that is not supposed to leak, but I would still have a big heavy compressor. Summit sells a modern bolt in replacement that uses the original mounting bracket, it is lighter than the GM A6 and uses less power, but is still fairly long compared to the Sanden compressors.

The other option is a modern Sanden compressor from Original Air. it comes in a kit with new hoses (mine are 43 years old). Also has a new drier and all new O-rings. What I don't like is the compressor mounting bracket. The belt tensioning mechanism does not seem well thought out. I could also buy just a compressor and mounting hardware from Vintage Air. It has a much better mounting system. What I will probably do is buy the kit from Original Air and just the compressor mounting hardware from (Steel-eez) Vintage Air.

Sorry if this is wordy, just curious as to what research you might have done and what you plan to do?
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: b_hill_86 on August 30, 2023, 07:03:28 PM
Not to hijack but I did install an original air setup and it’s ok but I had some issues with it. I believe I posted a thread about it if you search. You’re right thought the mounting design is poor and factory brackets don’t work. Vintage air has a different bracket that looks like it would be much better but I don’t know if they do (or don’t) offer a kit for a factory AC car.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on August 31, 2023, 06:22:29 AM
Well, I'm pretty much done except for a few glitches in the gauges I need to figure out. It came out really nice, lots of compliments at car shows and cruise-ins, especially the birds on the seats. thanks for the compliments here, appreciate the support on the projects over the years. Next up, Air Conditioning!

Rich, I think everyone loved the Firebirds on the seats, something Pontiac could have done.

If not getting too personal, what are your AC plans? Does the factory AC not work? Are you thinking Vintage Air system?

The reason I ask is my factory AC system has been converted to R134. It works but has a slow leak from the front compressor seal. This is a common problem with GM A6 compressors because of the Ceramic seal. I could replace the stock seal, but it will probably leak again. There is a double lip seal that is not supposed to leak, but I would still have a big heavy compressor. Summit sells a modern bolt in replacement that uses the original mounting bracket, it is lighter than the GM A6 and uses less power, but is still fairly long compared to the Sanden compressors.

The other option is a modern Sanden compressor from Original Air. it comes in a kit with new hoses (mine are 43 years old). Also has a new drier and all new O-rings. What I don't like is the compressor mounting bracket. The belt tensioning mechanism does not seem well thought out. I could also buy just a compressor and mounting hardware from Vintage Air. It has a much better mounting system. What I will probably do is buy the kit from Original Air and just the compressor mounting hardware from (Steel-eez) Vintage Air.

Sorry if this is wordy, just curious as to what research you might have done and what you plan to do?

I've had some discussions with my good friend, mechanic, and Pontiac buddy. My initial thought was to put the original equipment back in the car. The car is a AC car but only has the condenser still in the car, everything else was gone. I'm not a fan of vintage air, even though there are good reviews from folks, I'd like to keep things somewhat original. My friend suggested putting a later year system in the car, '77/'78. He said it was a much better system and will fit in the car. He said it will also be more budget friendly.  So, I've been leaning in that direction. Beyond that I haven't really thought through or done any research. I'll probably start a thread when the time comes and budget is filled again to get everyone's opinions. The only thing I'm not leaning towards is an entire Vintage Air replacement system.

I think I have the AC mounting brackets somewhere that I got from a friend who gave them to me. Again, I still need to research and see if they will work.

I'm hoping this might be this years winter project but, with our move and all, the funds need to start filling back up. We still have some house projects to get done too and the bird takes a back seat to those. I've lived without AC since I bought in 2006 so not a have to project, this one is a Rich wants item in these hot and muggy summer days in Virginia.
Title: Re: Starting Interior restoration
Post by: rkellerjr on August 31, 2023, 06:23:10 AM
Not to hijack but I did install an original air setup and it’s ok but I had some issues with it. I believe I posted a thread about it if you search. You’re right thought the mounting design is poor and factory brackets don’t work. Vintage air has a different bracket that looks like it would be much better but I don’t know if they do (or don’t) offer a kit for a factory AC car.

I'll have to a search and find it and get educated on your project.