[unruhjonny]

Honorable mention:

• F1) 1971 Front fender "Formula 400" script emblem; nearly identical to one-year 1970 part except that the 1971 part has the mounting stud locations changed from the 1970 badge (#483625); the two forward mounting studs have been spaced out further with the first stud being placed behind the "F", and the second stud being placed behind the "L".
• F2) 1971 Front fender "Formula 350" script emblem; one year part cast as 1970-style “Formula 400” badge.
• F3) 1971 Front fender "Formula 455" script emblem; one year part cast as 1970-style “Formula 400” badge.
• F4) Front plastic valence; This was used on pre-production, and some very early model year cars; Listed in 1970 Firebird supplement, and master parts catalog; became regular production item for 1972 & 1973 model year Firebirds (but the service replacement was the steel setup).
• F5) The rear spoiler was NOT an option for 1970; standard on Trans Am, not available on others.
• F6) Some 1970 & 1971 base model Firebirds received the incorrect hard plastic Camaro arm rest (w/rubber pad) assembly on the correct Firebird door panel; this is hte part which is reproduced, and incorrectly listed as being correct by pretty much every vendor right now.
• F7) rear seat back frame and seat bottoms are 1970-1973; metal spring construction with cotton and burlap construction for 70-73 - went to foam padded design for 1974
• F8) Early second gen cars used yellow throttle return springs
• F9) early cars use larger (read: longer) exterior door handles
• F10) heater control lens on non-AC cars; 1970 reads “DE-ICE”, changed in 1972 to read “DEFROST”
• F11) speedometers and gauge clusters are unique for 1970 through to early 1972 model year cars;
  These speedometers have a single small horizontal blue bright lamp indicator at the top, and a single red horizontal parking brake indicator at the bottom; the brake indicator has white stenciled “BRAKE” lettering so it can be seen when not illuminated; the bright indicator is near invisible when not illuminated.
  The 1970 fuel gauge has from empty to 1/4 tank colored red; 1971+ does not have any colored section near "E"
• F12) Combination oil pressure & water temperature gauge for ‘Rally Gauge’ opted cars; center water temperature reading at twelve o-clock is 210 degrees for 1970 through to 1973, while latter (and service replacement) gauges read 220 degrees at twelve o-clock.
• F13) Wiper switch; chrome edged button with “WASH” script in white on black background used for 1970 through to 1972; changed to “PUSH” for 1973.
• F14) swaybars; it appears as though most 1970 model year Trans Am’s left the factory with the Formula specified sway bars installed; this may have been a supplier issue as the Trans Am was initially slated to have the same suspension as the Formula, but was changed just before the long lead press review; if it was a the supply problem, it seems to have been resolved before the end of the 1970 model year as late cars all appear to have had the right parts, and there are no documented 1971 model year Trans Am’s with the “wrong” bars.
• F15) Base/Esprit/Formula dash insert; other than what was mentioned in point #C10, these dash inserts are actually made from a different press-formed piece with different indentations, and they all use unique gauge surrounds (rings) than 1973+ dash inserts.
• F16) 1970 through to mid-1972 Trans Am hoods;
  a) Identified by two square-ish holes on the bottom leading edge - possibly as early as mid-1972 this changed to four holes.
  b) also identified by round holes on the drivers side in the structural bracing, while later hoods have oval shaped holes.
• F17) 1970-1972 cars with ralley wheels used the same style lug nut used on 1967-1979 cars - they were a two piece chrome lugnut with a black plastic insert; service replacements were cast with the end hole covered, and black epoxy(?) which looked like hte older placstic cover.
• F18) 1970-1972 non-A/C cars used chrome pull knobs for the vent controls; they became black for 1973.
• F19) the dash pads for 1970 through 1972 Firebirds are a slightly different grain & texture than the 1973-1977 dash pads.
• F20) Power trunk release button; aqua-green or green; this is a 1970-1974 part
  Green power Trunk button

[unruhjonny]

1970 only paint/interior colors

Exterior:


(no example at this time)
exterior #10 'Polar white' ('69 & '71-'81 are #11 'Cameo white')


exterior #25 'Bermuda blue'


exterior #28 'Attol blue'/'Atoll blue'


exterior #45 'Palisade green'

(no example at this time)
exterior #47 'Verdoro green'


exterior #51 'Goldenrod yellow'

(no example at this time)
exterior #58 'Granada gold'


exterior #63 'Palomino copper'


exterior #65 'Carousel red'


Interior (colour comparisons):


vs

interior #201/211 'bright (metallic) blue vs darker (non-metallic) blue used 1971+

(no example at this time)
vs
(no example at this time)
interior #214 red vs toned down 'Sienna' used for 1971


Wheels
14x6" plain steel (std on base & Esprit w/E78-14 tire) = ‘AM’ 1970-1972
14x6" Rally II (optional on base & Esprit w/E78-14 tire) = ‘JO’ 1970-1972(?)
14x7" plain steel (std on Formula, optional on base or Esprit w/F78-14 or F70-14 tire) = ‘CL’
14x7" Rally II (optional on all except TA w/F78-14 or F70-14 tire) = ‘JS’
15x7" Rally II (optional on Formula; standard on Trans Am) = JW (1970 & early 1971)


400/4bbl numbers & codes
- Final year of high compression; essentially a carryover from late 1969 mechanicals, with only casting number revisions.
- All engines used 1969 style thermostat housings with 1970-only upper rad hoses.

Alternator:
#1100902 = w/o AC or rear window defogger
#1100903 = w/ AC or rear window defogger
#1100904 = w/ AC and rear window defogger

Starter:
#1108434 = 350
#1108435 = 400 w/o RA
#1108436 = 400 w/RA
http://www.wallaceracing.com/starter-numbers.htm

Exhaust manifolds:
L30/L65/L78 = 9796992(rh) / 9782810 or 480602 (lh)
(Note: the lh manifold on full sized cars used a center exit; 9796155)
L74 = 9799720 (rh) / 478140 (lh)
L67 = 9799721 (rh) / 478141 (lh)

Intake manifolds:
L30/L65 =
L78/L74 = 9799068
L67 = 9799084
Water pump:
all = 9799124
Timing chain housing:
all = 9796346
(Note: two font sizes of this casting have been observed)

400-4bbl engine/transmission combinations;
(block stamped code) / (cylinder head casting number) / (block casting number)
L78/auto = YS / 13 / 9799914
L78/manual = WT / 12 / 9799914
L74/auto = YZ / 12 / 9799914**
L74/manaul = WS / 12 / 9799914**
L67/auto = XP / 614 / 9799915*
L67/manual = WW / 614 / 9799915*
* = these started out as four bolt main '914 blocks, the end of the casting number was ground off, and re-stamped;
This number essentially denoted these as four bolt main short blocks with forged pistons ('914 blocks were assembled with cast pistons).
** = These are all four bolt main blocks;
Although PMD literature suggests that the '915 block was intended for RAIV engines, there are several documented RAIII engines being built with '915 blocks.
I believe that the non-RAIV '915 blocks are the exception, and were done to keep up with demand during production.

Four barrel carburetors:
L78/auto = 7040264; c/w 2 port metal vacuum break
L78/manual = 7040263; c/w 2 port metal vacuum break
L74 & L67/auto = 7040270; c/w yellow/black single port plastic vacuum break
L74 & L67/manual = 7040273; c/w yellow/black single port plastic vacuum break
California L78/auto = 7040564; c/w 2 port metal vacuum break
California L78/manual = 7040563; c/w 2 port metal vacuum break
California L74 & L67/auto = 7040570; c/w yellow/black single port plastic vacuum break
California L74 & L67/manual = 7040573; c/w yellow/black single port plastic vacuum break

400/4bbl distributors:
L78/auto = 111 1148
L78/manual = 111 1176
L74/auto = 111 2009
L74/manual = 111 2024
L67/auto & manual = 111 2013


Gauge cluster assemblies
ZA = base gauges
ZD = base gauges w/optional clock
ZE = rally gauges w/clock
ZF = rally gauges w/tach & clock

[Formulabruce]

I will add, for 1970 only, The Lower "A" pillar was different than other years.
Most, if not all, have an added "Bump out" with a dimple to locate 2 Door switches.
Some cars came with dual door switches.
The reason is C2

[unruhjonny]

this thread is always in the background of my mind, and I prefer to show examples instead of just text;

Can anyone tell me if this is 'Bermuda Blue'?
Because I don't recall seeing this hue on another 1970 Firebird.

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds...1ac156ef962ef0

[unruhjonny]

this thread is always in the background of my mind, and I prefer to show examples instead of just text;

Can anyone tell me if this is 'Bermuda Blue'?
Because I don't recall seeing this hue on another 1970 Firebird.

1970 Formula 400; L78, M40, Light Blue

[keith k]

That's not a factory color - looks like whoever painted it changed the color. From the paint visible in the trunk, my guess is it was originally Castillian Bronze (note this is a Van Nuys car, so that's not the red oxide e-coat, since they didn't apply that at VN in 1970).

[turbo69bird]

So is it a 70 or 71 can you tell

[Held for Ransom]

Originally Posted by keith k

That's not a factory color - looks like whoever painted it changed the color. From the paint visible in the trunk, my guess is it was originally Castillian Bronze (note this is a Van Nuys car, so that's not the red oxide e-coat, since they didn't apply that at VN in 1970).

Agree.

[turbo69bird]

Originally Posted by turbo69bird

So is it a 70 or 71 can you tell

added a couple extras

[mlewisariz]

Seat headrests imply 1970

[turbo69bird]

Originally Posted by turbo69bird

added a couple extras

Having trouble adding these

[Held for Ransom]

Originally Posted by unruhjonny

this thread is always in the background of my mind, and I prefer to show examples instead of just text;

Can anyone tell me if this is 'Bermuda Blue'?
Because I don't recall seeing this hue on another 1970 Firebird.

1970 Formula 400; L78, M40, Light Blue

Trim tag from said car.

[unruhjonny]

Thanks!
As it happens the gentleman called me(!);
I sent a note through the Hemmings listing (which required a phone number) saying I shared the listing, and that it would help his cause if he shared a picture of the cowl tag, or PHS (if he ran that).

He suggested it was Castillian Bronze and that the second owner did a repaint;
He seemed very forthright, and very friendly.
Apparently his first car was a ‘70 TA, and he’s selling this in the hopes of getting a TA.

Thanks for sharing the picture of the cowl tag - that confirms it was a Castillian Bronze car;
You guys are really sharp at seeing a tiny bit of the original paint in the truck - I missed that.

I made a passing comment about the added ram air stuff, and he thought it was all factory;
I can see the vacuum reservoir, which suggests it’s an L78 car - but I don’t know what he’s got the reservoir line going to..??

It’s a very nice looking car.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Originally Posted by turbo69bird

So is it a 70 or 71 can you tell

71 Birds and Formulas had the fake grille on the fenders below the emblems.
And as mentioned appears to be low back 70 seats.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Originally Posted by unruhjonny

I made a passing comment about the added ram air stuff, and he thought it was all factory;
I can see the vacuum reservoir, which suggests it’s an L78 car - but I don’t know what he’s got the reservoir line going to..?.

Its a good representation of Bermuda Blue.
Has RA induction and RA exhaust - but #13 heads.
Most likely a YS engine.

[turbo69bird]

Originally Posted by Baron Von Zeppelin

71 Birds and Formulas had the fake grille on the fenders below the emblems.
And as mentioned appears to be low back 70 seats.

It’s a little tricky, nose was fiberglass , seats were from herb Adams and were trans am racing series aluminum
seats originally Eckstrom told me they were trans am seats and I though what the heck is the difference trans am
Or formula . lol
I later found out it was trans am racing series seats

I’m
Not exactly sure if they went in when the car was first built by Stephen or after. I just know that herb came to CT and him
And Eckstrom went to lime rock park. He (Eckstrom) was also flown out to Pontiac to meet w Tom Nell that’s when they got involved in the RaV program , they already had the RAIv car and had the RaII car the year before.

Reason I ask about the year is because the car has been described by those who worked there as both 701/2 and 71 wasn’t sure if you guys who knew there year could tell
But what’s also tough about it is the car was updated a few times until I belive 73 season when they were bottled from the racing program because of an article that came
Out divulging factory involvement/ support in be racing program. Stephens thought they were playing it safe w the info and didn’t divulge nearly the support they had but apparently the factory was pissed as they took back some
Of their parts that were currently at diamond auto and told them they were out of the racing program
Eckstrom
(The driver and mechanic drive back to Stephens and quite on the spot. Apparently the owners son had given the info on the car not realizing how hush hush it was supposed to be.
Article was Rodder and super
Stock
Magazine by Joe oldham
Maybe Jan 72. Took a while for it to get back to the factory what exactly had happened though, I think .

The big issue was the info about the alluminum block and the intake Pontiac had supplied.

.

[johnta1]

No VIN in the car now?

[unruhjonny]

wait, does this car still exist?