Recent Posts

91

Second Generation 1970-1981 / Re: Front sway bar

« Last post by Wallington on April 15, 2024, 11:45:34 AM »

You can only use whatever size your bar is. I have a 1-1/4 greasible on the front by Energy Suspension. I went to add the same to rear much later and they had updated the design. It depends on the type of poly insert or whatever the lining was. In this case it also has a Teflon or similar liner.

92

Second Generation 1970-1981 / Front sway bar

« Last post by apfstg on April 15, 2024, 11:31:38 AM »

Replacing the end links and bushings on front sway bar 1/14 inch
Been looking online I see 1 3/16 sets also , did they make that many different ones?
Kinda like the idea of being able to grease also
Are they all about the same or which is better?

93

Exterior / Re: Hood alignment. My next impossible mission.

« Last post by tinpusher on April 15, 2024, 09:00:19 AM »

As already mentioned, doors first, fenders, hood, nose. After the fenders are on , measure and make sure your square, then check your hood placement. I spent about 40 hours getting everything lined up, takes a lot of time and patience.

All of the above adjustments/alignment will only be correct if your sub-frame bushings are new or in good shape, if they are shot, your wasting your time. Make sure your sub-frame is also square.

94

Projects & Restorations / Re: 1981 Turbo Trans-Am Project

« Last post by ryeguy2006a on April 15, 2024, 07:02:10 AM »

Looking great Tom! That carbon fiber intake tube looks killer! When you upgraded to the 85MM MAF, did you recalibrate your tune? If not, you'll likely have some issues going from the 78MM LS1 style MAF. I can't exactly remember your setup, but wanted throw it out there if that's the case. All that's needed is to update the Hz table in the MAF table so it's not a huge deal.

95

Interior / Re: Interior panel popped out - how do I fix this??

« Last post by b_hill_86 on April 15, 2024, 06:54:33 AM »

I know what my moneys on lol

96

Exterior / Re: Hood alignment. My next impossible mission.

« Last post by FormTA on April 15, 2024, 03:50:59 AM »

That was actually a pretty good explanation.  I knew it was backwards and tough to explain.

97

Interior / Re: Interior panel popped out - how do I fix this??

« Last post by Wallington on April 14, 2024, 11:42:44 PM »

Any moment now he'll reply and show thanks, unless he's a prick.

98

Exterior / Re: How do I reattach a piece of trim that came off the side of my firebird?

« Last post by Wallington on April 14, 2024, 11:41:56 PM »

Great to hear.

99

Exterior / Re: Hood alignment. My next impossible mission.

« Last post by Wallington on April 14, 2024, 11:41:23 PM »

Good info, start from the doors and work your way forward, hood is basically last.

No, the fibreglass hoods definitely bowed if it still had the steel inner framing.

One part that often caught guys out was lifting the rear of the hinge in order to drop the hood down more. Sounds complete opposite. Except when hood is closed, it doesn't mean hinge is at its lowest closed point, just means hood is resting on the rubber stops, usually at front, and latched at front catch. By lifting the hinge at rear it allows even more hood closure than it could before. Hard to explain.

100

Exterior / Re: Hood alignment. My next impossible mission.

« Last post by DeCaff2007 on April 14, 2024, 08:22:37 PM »

First thing I'd do, though, is align your fenders with the doors before worrying about the hood. Your passenger side fender looks pretty off. Luckily your hood doesn't look bowed or anything. It's not uncommon for the hoods to be permanently warped due to somebody trying to open or close it with hinges that are binding. You need to properly work with the actuation of the hinge when opening and closing the hood - when closing you push it the hood BACK while going down, and while opening you pull up while also pulling forward.

Here's a decent video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vhk1PrQprE

Fair enough.  Yes, I was wondering about fender alignment, too.  Seems I should buy a pack or two of shims and go to town on the fenders.

Oh, and FWIW, the hood is fiberglass so I doubt it'll ever bow.  I took the factory shaker hood off and put a 75 Formy hood on - just because I think it looks way cooler.