The New Project: Part Deux!

[njsteve]

Ran into a dilemma yesterday. I was installing the new repro bleeder master cylinder and couldn't get the combination valve to reset in order to get fluid to the back brake circuit. Driving the car onto the trailer with the rear brake line unhooked (though plugged) set off the BRAKE indicator light.

I tried everything: cracking a front bleeder and keeping the rears shut, then stepping on the brakes only resulted in the dash light turning out, indicating that the valve reset, but it must be internally blocked since the reset pin was still sticking out and no fluid was moving the the rear. I then put a plug into the rear circuit port of the valve to provide something for the fluid to press against and build internal pressure - once again the ligh would reset but no valve movement. Finally I just said the heck with it and removed the valve and put in a spare that I luckily had sitting on the shelf.

Anyone have any idea how to reset the valve? I tried removing the indicator plug with the electrical lead from the top, and manually moving the slider valve in the tiny port it engages with, but no luck there either - the slider wouldn't move. Pushing on the metal indicator stem doesn't budge it either.

[njsteve]

I finally repaired that original set of silver grills from the Formula (the ones with the hood latch hole fiberglassed over as a theft deterrent).

Actually it wasn't that bad. I went to drill a starter hole in the fiberglass patch from the inside, out. I applied some pressure with the drill...and the plug just popped off! I guess he made a square plug out of fiberglass and then used some type of epoxy that didn't bond very well with the plastic. So, all I had to do was some light sanding and then reshot both grills with a light dusting of argent.

Even though I do like the blacked out Trans Am grills better, I figured I'd make the purists happy by putting the original silver Formula grills from this car, back in.

[Xplantdad]

I love Firebird Formulas!! Looks great Steve....

[Lynn]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Xplantdad</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I love Firebird Formulas!! Looks great Steve.... </div></div>

X2 on that. I spend much more time checking out a formula than a comparable t/a. Something about that dual snorkel hood.

[njsteve]

The dual snorkle scoop was originally intended to be the second gen T/A's hood but the gimic guys at Pontiac overruled the stylists and demanded a flapper-equipped, shaker contraption to rival the Mustang's shaker.

[Dave Rifkin]

So now that you've had the Formula for a little while and it's really coming together, how do you compare it to the Trans Am? You put so much blood, sweat and effort into making that T/A one of the nicest I have seen in a while. I was very shocked to see you sell it and, when you did sell it, I thought it was to purchase an SD F-Body.

Do you think you'll be hanging onto this car for a while?

[njsteve]

Hopefully it is a keeper! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

I just couldn't pass up a car this unique, with all the documentation, in a color that technically wasn't available, with its entire original drivetrain intact, and with more options than anyone has ever seen on a Firebird: 34 total. I think that is the new option record for one of these things.

I believe it has more options than the Starlight Black 72 automatic that the F-body team built for the Pontiac General Manager Jim McDonald who was thinking of killing off the Firebird in 1972. They built him a special order black (because he only drove black cars) option-loaded, Formula 455HO automatic. He drove it as his personal car and loved it. That car saved the Firebird line. (for at least for another 30 years, that is). [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif[/img]

Here is the Jim McDonald car back in 2004 at the Volo Museum: