New Project 69 Trans Am - Ram Air III

[tom406]

There were obviously issues in the GM production pipeline that year. I just appraised a '70 LT-1 Vette with a really low VIN (70x) and an A14 build. 1970 Corvette production didn't start until January 1970, which I hadn't previously been aware of.

[TXSS]

Thanks Bruce.

Mike, that’s some good info. Please keep it coming.

Should have the body on the rotisserie shortly.

I'm interested in getting a closer look at that firewall. The original BPT stamps are there so who knows what’s behind the grim.

[TXSS]

Thought I would post a few detail pictures of what we've found so far on the Trans Am.

Looks like they did make a mistake on the state






This was stamped behind the horn relay and there is another "T" under the cowl tag


Engine Sufix


Engine Date Code


Engine VIN Stamping


Original FoMoCo (Ford) HD 3 speed top loader. A.K.A. Dearborn M13




Trans VIN Stamping


Trans Tag

More to come....

Thanks

[Charley Lillard]

I did not know they used a ford trans in a Firebird. Learned something new.

[TXSS]

I was sure surprised when I removed it and saw FoMoCo cast into the housing. I was dreading telling the owner that his #'s TA had a ford trans in it. But after a little research and finding the vin stamped on the side it's correct and original. It appears that only around 15 of the 690+ were built with the Dearborn M13 HD 3 speed. Wonder how many are left.

Also, it looked like some kind of shade tree conversion. As you can see from the marks on the bell housing it’s mounted somewhat counter wonkie, slightly twisted to the left. However, the shifter lines up perfect in the hole. Both the bell housing and the trans have a double bolt pattern...weird but cool.

[PxTx]

Between the Ford Truck hood scoop being OE on the Pontiacs and now this trans, I am wondering who was the Ford fan at GM/Pontiac?

Thanks for sharing the info wiht pics!

[mockingbird812]

If I recall the top loader shift linkage and handle were mounted to the trannies so that they tilt toward the driver (60s ergonomics?)[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img]. Or, I could be imagining the whole thing! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/laugh.gif[/img]

[jannes_z-28]

According to a Pontiac Guru I know the 3-speed Top Loader was standard for the HiPerf Pontiacs since the GM 3-speed couldn't handle the torque.

Not that many cars were delivered with it. If you ordered a HiPerf car you most certainly choosed a 4-speed or an auto.

Jan

[MosportGreen66]

Thats so cool. Did not know, thanks!

[Stefano]

Interesting info!