Back in 1977, James Parker had more drivers living under his roof than he had cars to drive, and with his daughter Layna preparing to leave for college, he had to get another set of wheels. Fortunately a fellow Abilene, Texas-resident had a great Pontiac for sale-this '71 Formula, which was a lightly used car in 1977, still very clean, and with low mileage. Its 300-horse 400 was backed by a Muncie four-speed and a 3.42-geared Safe-T-Track rear-and that combo got James interested. It also had a long list of options, including console Rally gauges, variable-ratio power steering, A/C, Soft-Ray glass, visor mirror, roof molding, power brakes, electric rear-window defroster, Formula wheel, AM/FM stereo, 8-track, Rally II wheels, power windows and locks, HD air cleaner, recessed wipers, custom trim group, custom seatbelts, F70x14 white-letter tires, and front and rear floormats. It cost just $1,200 Jimmy Carter-era dollars to put it in James' driveway.
While a great Pontiac and a great deal at the time, a '71 Formula wasn't all that unique on the streets of Hometown, USA, so James set out to make this Pontiac-to be shared by Layna and her sister Rhonda-into a showstopper.
Custom graphics were painted on over the factory Lucerne Blue paint to complement the custom vinyl top, which was in place when the Pontiac was purchased. The top revealed only a band of blue over the roof and was trimmed out in chrome. Wide American Racing wheels and sidepipes were bolted on.
Here is where the project...
Here is where the project began. This is what Layna Gunderson's '71 Formula looked like in 2004 after 20 years of hibernation. Note the custom vinyl top and paint that dated back to the '70s.
As part of the graphics package, "My dad had an artist airbrush murals of a sailboat and a lighthouse on the hoodscoops, and add stripes down the sides," Layna remembers. The trunk lid had the car's name, "The Kids' Toy," suggested by her sister's boyfriend since the girls were sharing the Pontiac. You may think that this customization is a bit over the top by today's standards, but it was right on par with mods of the "Me Decade."
Once done, the Parker family hit the local shows. "When we showed the car in the late '70s, my sister and I filled the backseat with all of our stuffed animals," she told HPP. "We added a sign painted on a framed mirror, and it was hot stuff at the time. The Formula won Second in class at the first World of Wheels in Abilene, runner-up People's Choice at another show, and placed in the remainder of the shows we competed in.
"I purchased the car from my father in 1982 and have enjoyed owning it ever since." The Bird saw street duty for another few years in California with Layna; then it was put in storage while she made a couple of moves, finally settling in Springfield, Nebraska. Ultimately it stayed in storage in California for 10 years; then spent another decade in husband James' garage in Springfield.
This is one of only two photos...
This is one of only two photos (both black and white) that exist from its '70s heyday when Layna's father owned the Formula, and the family drove and showed it regularly.
By 2004, the couple decided it was time to restore the Pontiac and the search for a restoration shop began. In the meantime, they decided to have the engine rebuilt, and the trans and rear checked out since the Bird sat for so long.
Engine and Drivetrain
Steve Stark, a local mechanic, rebuilt the 400 to mostly stock specs. The block was bored 0.030-over, and fitted with the refurbished original cast crank and rods, and new hypereutectic pistons. A high-volume oil pump adds durability. An "067" replacement cam was chosen, featuring 273/289-degrees advertised duration and 0.410/0.413-inch lift when working stock stamped-steel 1.50:1 rockers.
Because the factory #96 heads were damaged, they were changed for an earlier set. A rebuilt Q-jet, the original intake and distributor, 7mm silicone wires, and log-type exhaust manifolds handle mixture delivery, spark, and exhaust.
Steve also went through the Muncie trans and the 10-bolt rear, replacing worn parts and all the seals. A stock replacement clutch was swapped in for the stiff racing clutch that Layna's father installed in the '70s.
Just Dashes restored the dashpad,...
Just Dashes restored the dashpad, door panels, and other small parts. Ames Performance provided the upholstery, carpet, and package tray. The console came from Classic Industries, and Ssnake-Oyl Products supplied the seatbelts. Precision Radio tended to the 8-track and AM/FM stereo. Chalek's performed the bulk of the interior work, and West End Audio & Upholstery in Elkhorn, Nebraska, did the headliner and sunvisors.
Because the factory #96 heads were damaged, they were changed for an earlier set. A rebuilt Q-jet, the original intake and distributor, 7mm silicone wires, and log-type exhaust manifolds handle mixture delivery, spark, and exhaust.
Steve also went through the Muncie trans and the 10-bolt rear, replacing worn parts and all the seals. A stock replacement clutch was swapped in for the stiff racing clutch that Layna's father installed in the '70s.
Body
Just two months after the engine and drivetrain were completed, the Formula went to Chalek's Auto Body in Bellvue, Nebraska, for restoration. Dave Chalek and his staff stripped the body via media-blasting and replaced both rear quarter skins, the trunk floor, and the outer skin of the roof. Once the shell was solid metal, the techs applied multiple coats of Dupont primer, and block-sanded until it was straight and smooth. They followed with sealer, three coats of Dupont Chroma-base, and three coats of clear. Next came wet-sanding using progressive grits from 1,200 to 3,000. Chalek's then performed the final polishing using Meguiars products.
Chassis
While the body work was being done, the techs stripped the front subframe, repainted it semigloss black, and installed fresh TRW springs. The company restored all the hard parts-control arms, spindles, and 1.125-inch swaybar-and replaced wear items-the steering linkage, ball joints, bushings, and shocks, the latter with Monroe Gasmatics. This was repeated in the rear, then stainless-steel brake lines and fuel lines were installed for durability.
Conclusion
After five years, Chalek's finished the restoration in 2009. How did it come out? Check the sidebar Show Record. Yes, the Formula has continued its winning ways 26 years later, taking home jewelery for the mantle from every event it competes in-a testament to the quality of the work that went into it. As we know from her younger years, Layna enjoys showing the Formula, but she also loves to drive it.
The original WK 300-horse...
The original WK 300-horse 400 engine remained with the Bird, and it was rebuilt to mostly stock specs. Note the attention to detail under the hood, right down to the reproduction battery. Some items differ from stock, but it was not the intent to build a concours-gold Formula, but rather one that was pristine, yet easily driveable without worry.
"With the 400 and four-speed, it has plenty of get up and go," she quips. "And the Safe-T-Track helps put that power to the ground. The thick factory stabilizer bars make my Formula handle wonderfully, with input via the padded Formula steering wheel."
Why didn't Layna have her Pontiac restored to the '70s street machine that she remembers so fondly? "The Formula was too close to stock already," she states. "All of the modifications were cosmetic-the engine, trans, and rear are original to the car, and with its rarity, I decided to go the factory-stock route."
Judging by the finished product and the fact that she enjoys driving it so much, it appears Layna made the right choice. I guess you could say that Layna has grown up and so too has "The Kids' Toy."
Since the restoration, Layna...
Since the restoration, Layna and her husband, James, have had fun behind the wheel, but they have also started to show the Formula. This time, however, it's collecting trophies in the stock classes instead of the custom ones.
Chalek's Auto Body restored...
Chalek's Auto Body restored the Firebird and repainted it in it factory code 26 Lucerne Blue. The bumper was rechromed by Bumper & Auto in Omaha, and the bright trim was restored. A custom dual exhaust system and a pair of mufflers were chosen in favor of a stock single-crossflow muffler out back. The rear spoiler does not show up on the original invoice, but it was already on the Pontiac when James Parker purchased it.
A set of 14x7 Rally IIs are...
A set of 14x7 Rally IIs are shod with BFG 215/70R14 tires up front. The Formula 400 badge complements the '71-only fender vents.
Show Record
Rebels Rod & Custom Show
Lincoln, NE-June 28, 2009
1st in class - Stock 1970-1975
Cruis'n Classics Auto Show
Lincoln, NE-July 26, 2009
1st in class - Stock 1970-1976
Best of Show - Muscle Car
Drive To Survive
Ralston, NE-August 1, 2009
Best Paint
Antique City Car Show
Walnut, IA-August 2, 2009
Best GM
Ames Performance Pontiac Nationals
Norwalk, OH-August 8, 2009
High Performance Pontiac Editor's Choice
1st in class - 1970-1981 Stock Firebirds & Formulas
Pontiac/GMC/Oakland Show
Omaha, NE-August 16, 2009
1st in class - Firebirds, Formulas, etc. 1970-1981
Trans Am Nationals
Dayton, OH-August 30, 2009
3rd in class - Stock 1970-1976
Last Fling Til Spring
West Point, NE-September 20, 2009
4th in class - Stock 1971-1972
The years weren't kind to...
The years weren't kind to the interior's soft parts. On the bright side, all the factory options are still there, except for the correct radio, which Layna saved, and shifter knob.
After several years in hibernation,...
After several years in hibernation, the Formula was due for a redo. Layna says of the graphics, "I'm not sure what the process was called at the time, but it was done with a wavy piece of cardboard as the pattern and airbrush overspray."
At some point, the headliner...
At some point, the headliner gave up the ghost. Some of its parts are on the rear seat.
Once the Formula was completely...
Once the Formula was completely disassembled at Chalek's, the body was stripped to bare metal and the resurrection began. The passenger-side rear quarter you saw earlier was beyond saving, so this reproduction skin from Goodmark was welded in.
The suspension was completely...
The suspension was completely rebuilt; it, the subframe, and the firewall were restored prior to installing the previously rebuilt engine and the drivetrain.
Brownish epoxy primer was...
Brownish epoxy primer was used on the floors and firewall like the factory did.
Once the welding and straightening...
Once the welding and straightening were done, the body was primed and block-sanded with the bolt-on panels test-fitted.
A trip to the paint booth...
A trip to the paint booth brought the color. Note the body was painted while disassembled for even coverage into the jambs and cowl.
The engine and trans were...
The engine and trans were then reinstalled. Now the painted body parts can be bolted back on. Note the finished nose in the background.
The dash and APT Instruments-restored...
The dash and APT Instruments-restored gauges are shown in the process of reassembly.
Freshly painted body parts...
Freshly painted body parts await installation.