Then the suspension and braking systems were rebuilt by Randy, and Bill's friend Rob Blevins. Original parts like the spindles, A-arms, rear brake drums, and stabilizer bars were retained and restored, and N.O.S. parts like shocks, tie rods, and bushings were employed. Eaton Detroit springs were installed front and rear, and GM Recondition Chassis paint, which is no longer available, was sprayed onto parts that were black from the factory.
Bill told HPP that this tag...
Bill told HPP that this tag (top) was affixed to a '70 1/2 T/A that a friend of his ordered new, so Bill had it reproduced for his Bird. We don't know what it means--neither does Bill.
Here is where the tag goe...
Here is where the tag goes.
Even the shocks are date coded...
Even the shocks are date coded "7 70" (July 1970).
The 12-bolt 3.73:1 rear was taken to LP Gear, where it was completely rebuilt. Then Bill and Mary detailed it prior to reinstallation.
Once the T/A was a rolling chassis, it was brought home where the Howells would continue the mechanical end of the resto with help from friends. The engine was reinstalled with assistance from Rob Blevins and Eddie Black who also did the stainless steel brake and fuel lines. Jay and John Dillinger rebuilt the numbers-matching M20 four-speed trans and the wiper motor, and reinstalled the wiring. Then it was back to Randy to install the fenders and nose, and complete the body.
The "WB" tag on the trans...
The "WB" tag on the trans identifies it as a Muncie M20 wide-ratio unit, and the remaining digits comprise the serial number.
Restoration and reinstallation of the interior was done at Eldreth's Upholstery by Rick Eldreth and Bill. An ACC carpet, factory doorpanels, and seat covers and a headliner from Ames were used. The dashpad was donated by a '73 T/A.
Since it was finished in the summer of 2004, the Howell's T/A has taken a First in Class at the T/A Nationals in Dayton and has earned 398 of 400 points at the POCI Convention this past July, resulting in Junior Gold status.
Though Bill currently has a '68 Firebird H.O. four-speed convertible, a '69 R/A-III Trans Am, a '73 SD-455 four-speed Trans Am, and an '85 T/A with 1,240 miles, this R/A-IV still holds a special place in his collection. "I just like to pull it out of the garage and stand there and stare at it in the sunlight," he says. Do you think he would feel the same way about a R/A-III car? Perhaps. But rest assured that picking option code 342 back in 1970 certainly didn't hurt this T/A's status or value.
Special thanks to Rocky Rotella for his help with this story.
The carburetor code is found...
The carburetor code is found on the main body at the rear of the driver side. This number, 7040273, indicates the Ram Air III or IV carb. The 0570 (Julian calendar, the 57th day of 1970) is a date code and WC is the plant code.
A basic 37-amp alternator...
A basic 37-amp alternator could be found on just about any Pontiac V-8 engine that didn't have A/C or a rear window defogger. Code "1100902" (1100903--55 amp and 1100904--61 amp) identifies it and "OA15" (O-70, A-January, 15-Day of The Month) is the date code. "SD" identified the 37-amp unit for the assembly-line workers.
Here is the block code WW,...
Here is the block code WW, which denotes the Ram Air IV, four-speed combination. The number above is the engine serial number. A portion of the VIN (not shown) was also stamped into the front of the block on the passenger side adjacent to the timing cover. It's broken down thusly: 2-Pontiac, 0-1970, N-Norwood assembly plant, 000000-last six digits of the VIN. Bill provided a picture of it to further document the car, but would rather keep those digits private to ward off potential scams.
This coding is on the driver...
This coding is on the driver side axle tube facing toward the front of T/A. It's deciphered thusly: "COZ"--3.73:1, "0702"--July 2, "G"--Detroit manufacturing plant, "1"--day shift "E"--carrier type, which is Eaton.
"JW" is the code for the T/A's...
"JW" is the code for the T/A's '70 15x7 Rally II wheels.
What do we find under the...
What do we find under the jack base? U70.