CRG Discussion Forum
Camaro Research Group Discussion => Garage Talk => Topic started by: HustleRussell on March 01, 2018, 10:19:07 PM
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https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/classic-cars/huge-find-very-first-1969-pontiac-firebird-trans-am-ever-made/ar-BBJHZZO?ocid=spartandhp
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Well someone has to reply,I love those 69s Firebirds.I went to look at one for sale "Formula"back 1975,I was 19. My dad talked me out of it.Orange,black top ,black
interior,4 speed,nice car!! 6 mo. later I bought my 69 Z10.If I would have bought
that Formula I would still own it today!
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wow... I did not realize they made the T/A at VN prior to the switchover of 69 Firebird production from Lordstown to Norwood.
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Had “unrestored” at the end. Not fully restored, but far from original. Was repainted 35 years ago, NOM and some interior replaced.
Still an awesome car!
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It is an awesome car but I am like Bryon. What is restored or unrestored? My 77 TA has paint,brakes,door panels, suspension,wetherstrip, other stuff original but I don,t call it unrestored.
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Interesting. I've read several posts where very knowledgeable people like JohnZ and William commented on the additional complexity that arose from adding the Firebird to Norwood assembly, but had no idea the same also happened at LOS.....
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LOS was also building full size with the Camaro on the same line.
I don’t know if or how that changed once the Firebirds also started. Had to be very stressful.
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Pretty sure from my recollection John Z was setting up the Lordstown plant for the VEGA and wasn't part of the firebird being phased into the Norwood line in Late April Early May of 1969.
This came from the decklid discussion which started on Camaros.net then moved here approx 10 years ago regarding Trans Am decklids at Norwood in May and the fact that they would not cover the emblem holes. John relayed that he wasn't part of the 69 Firebird production at Norwood due to Lordstown being reconfigured.
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Where did it say John Z was involved?
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Where did it say John Z was involved?
Here
Interesting. I've read several posts where very knowledgeable people like JohnZ and William commented on the additional complexity that arose from adding the Firebird to Norwood assembly, but had no idea the same also happened at LOS.....
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You might have read too much into that. From reading that, I didn’t assume John was involved.
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My comment was noting other's observations on how adding more lines to the assembly process (including additional paint/trim colours, RPOs and unique parts) increased the complexity of managing scheduling, supply, inventory etc as well as assembly - not suggesting those individuals were necessarily personally involved.
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My comment was noting other's observations on how adding more lines to the assembly process (including additional paint/trim colours, RPOs and unique parts) increased the complexity of managing scheduling, supply, inventory etc as well as assembly - not suggesting those individuals were necessarily personally involved.
Funny thing about the different interiors...
Dave Beem's recent acquisition Burnished Brown L78 Convertible with a good bit original paint, original interior, purchased from the original owner has a 69 Firebird rear seat bottom...
Car was built just after the transition period.
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Yep there are a couple of original cars with seats that don’t exactly match.
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In the March 2022 issue of Hemmings Muscle Machines, the first 1969 Pontiac Trans Am was displayed at MCACN 2021 and it was reported that the car was a "company car" and wasn't sold to the public until July 20, 1970.
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In the March 2022 issue of Hemmings Muscle Machines, the first 1969 Pontiac Trans Am was displayed at MCACN 2021 and it was reported that the car was a "company car" and wasn't sold to the public until July 20, 1970.
Mark,
I also read that article in Muscle Machines. I once owned a Pontiac 'brass hat' car--a 1990 Turbo Grand Prix that came out of the Thousand Oaks GM regional office. They do carry a neat little history, as most ex employee, brass hat or corporate cars do.
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Scott - Perhaps your 1990 Grand Prix was a company car for Hank Haga, who liked Pontiacs. When Hank worked on the RS Camaro and visited Van Nuys, he would always drive over in a Pontiac Trans Am. - Mark
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The special Pontiac's that do it for me:
Firebirds:
1969 Trans Am, 4 speed Ram Air IV. Would be really really neat with the prototype 303 Tunnel Port.
1973 SD 455, 4 speed.
1979 400, 4 speed. Not with the 'disco' hood flaming chicken.
1989 Turbo T/A 3.8L
Honestly, never really cared for the 'Disco' Birds from 1974-1978 aka 'Bandit' era.
GTO:
All years. Really like the iconic '66-'67, and '70 Judge.
1962 Catalina, SD 421.
Grand Prix:
1990-1996 (2 door) Turbo, SE, GT, and GTP models.