1982 Pontiac Firebird SE Question
Posted in Headlight Accessories | Asked on Sep 11, 2010
I’ve purchased a 1982 Pontiac Firebird SE as a ‘project’ car. It starts sometimes, but runs VERY rough.
5.0 V8, automatic.
It’s been sitting in a garage-tent pretty much since 1992. I think it was taken out to drive from time to time around the property, but the owner stopped doing this several years ago.
The interior (leather) is sound and not moldy. There are a few dents, but not bad.
The accessories (radio, windows, locks, etc either are not functioning or working poorly). It smells like there is gas in the oil pan. One of the pop-up headlights doesn’t raise. The brakes are shot – mechanical brakes only. The back hatch has rust on the inside and needs to be replaced. The power steering is not working for some unknown reason (fulid level okay).
The car has only 75,000 miles (seriously). Original engine. When it was driven, it was always taken care of and well-serviced. I trust the previous owner.
Is this thing even worth fixing? Would it cost a lot to get this girl running well
There are 5 Answers for "1982 Pontiac Firebird SE Question"
If you DIY, it would be well worth it, having it done, probably not..
Hmm… sitting is bad. Seals dry out and allow seepage, fluid goes bad, rubber parts break down, etc.
Basically, you need to replace just about everything made out of rubber (weatherstrip, rubber brake lines, etc.), all the fluid (tranny, oil, coolant), all the filters (tranny, air, fuel) and other consumable parts (PCV valve, O2 sensor, etc.).
When thats done, it should run a hell of a lot better and shouldn’t be too expensive to do if you do all the work yourself. Probably around $300.
If I were you, I’d then decide at that point whether or not to hang onto it if it still has problems or not. Personally, I’d keep it and fix it… Ford 5.0′s are fun motors
This can only be a labor of love. This car should have been in the junk yard long ago.
Q: My carbureted car sat for a year and now dies just after every start?
A: Assuming the gas isn’t bad and the fuel filter isn’t clogged, it could be a number of things. First check for a hung float or trash between the needle and seat. The float may also be collapsed which will cause the needle to stay off the seat and the engine will flood due to too much fuel.
Also, after sitting for so long, varnish can form on all the carburetor’s internal surfaces and passages. So disassemble it and clean it up. Pour some “Berrymans B-12″ or equivalent in the fuel bowl to dissolve the years of accumulated varnish and gunk. You can even leave some in the bowl and fire up the engine. This will clean the passages by forcing it through. But be warned, Berrymans is very flammable and it will take off paint, so extreme care should be used.
Granted, this is not a carb car. But, still there are somethings to consider. The head light flip window is a simple fix.Check out the links below for some fixes.
Good luck!
Sounds like old gas in the tank.