1979 Formula Firebird

[robmauro79]

My name is Robert. I am the original owner of a 1979 Formula Firebird. I've constantly kept it maintained all these years. One thing that I need information on is how to replace the power antenna. The one i have now just runs on without stopping. The nylon cable inside has finally snapped. I have an original one that I rebuilt and is ready to be installed. It looks like I would have to remove the wheel and inner fender. Anyone have any ideas on how to do this easier? I have one picture that a photographer took of it to load, but I will take some of my own & load them when I get a chance.

[DynoDave]

Welcome aboard Robert. I always liked the Formulas for their clean looks and that low profile double scooped hood.

I had to replace mine a year or two back. But I have an '88, so the specific steps probably won't help you. I did have to removed the inner wheel liner to gain access. That, and a lot of other little things. The project sort of snowballed.

Details are posted here if your curious.

[robmauro79]

Thanks Dave,
I did look at your pictures. It's just as I suspected. It will require the inner fender liner and all attachments to be removed.

[DynoDave]

It did on mine. And I refused to cut the harness in half to take it out (some do). So that made it a lot more work, as I had to pull harness from the dash and radio to get it out as one piece. Then once I had that stuff apart, completing another half dozen other outstanding projects became the smart thing to do. So I made it worse than it had to be in one sense, but I'm glad with the way it all turned out.

[robmauro79]

I see that your name is connected to the Michigan Firebird Club. Con you tell me where it is located and how do I join? Also, I just added a few more pictures of my car that I took by myself. Please view if you are interested.

[DynoDave]

As I understand it, the actual "club" was not a part of MIFB...Brian just allowed them forum space. It was barely breathing when I got here 4 years ago, and has since expired. I just post interesting Firebird related stories in there from time to time.

[meissen]

Welcome to the site Robert! I apologize because our site is kind of in transition. The latest version of vBulletin5 sucks. But we're trying to make it easier to use the site.

[robmauro79]

Hi Brian,
Thanks for the welcome. I am looking forward to checking out all the threads.

[robmauro79]

I just recently had the engine pulled. It was because I had an oil leak at the front seal and an oil leak with the rear main seal. While this was being done, my mechanic (who works on classic cars) also pulled the inner fender out and replaced the power antenna. I told him that since he was at it, to also replace all seals, gaskets, fan belts, spark plugs, radiator hoses and heater hoses. Also, he repainted the engine in Pontiac blue and cleaned up the engine compartment and repainted it too. Now I am all ready to go to the Meet and Greet on June 8 this year. However, I have some questions about attending. Is there a registration involved? Do I need to bring a fire extinguisher? Do I need to be there at a certain time before 8 a.m. Things like that. Any info would be appreciated.

[farmington]

New guys need to bring a big cooler full of beer.

[MP81]

We won't be doing pre-registration this year, it'll be on-site once you get there.

And I'd say a fire extinguisher is recommended if you believe your car stands a chance of catching on fire.

And you can come at whatever time you'd like. I think most show up around 9 or 10, but you can get there earlier if you feel like it - we (us setting up) might not even be there yet, though.

[robmauro79]

OK maybe I took this a little too seriously about rules and regulations. This seems to more of an informal get together.. I like that better anyway. There could be a cooler of beer involved. However, if the friend I'm thinking of bringing with me comes along for the ride, the beer probably would be gone by the time I get there.

[MP81]

I mean, it's a full-fledged car show - but it's not some crazy stringent thing, either.

I think the last few shows at our previous venue had easily over 300 cars, in total. Last year was pretty small because the weather was absolutely awful - it poured all day, and I was in a hoodie and jeans...in June.

These are from 2016:







As far as beer goes...The Hub has a full bar inside should you find yourself in need of one.

[robmauro79]

Thanks for the pictures. Looks like a good show to go to. I'll be looking forward to attend.

[MP81]

Yup, it's always enjoyable - lets just hope the weather is correct this year, and not like a bad early spring day.