This is the author's '70 GTO;...
This is the author's '70 GTO; the '69 Firebird will be used for the detail photos.
After a long winter's nap, the anticipation of driving your prized Pontiac has probably become overwhelming with the arrival of the warm breezes of spring. Weekend drives, car shows, and cruises are about to become a reality, and not a moment too soon. Heavy rains have washed the streets of all the nasty salt and/or sand, everything is getting greener, and the daytime temps are creeping toward sweater weather.
But before you extricate your Pontiac muscle from its cozy winter cocoon, twist the key, burn rubber, and head on down the highway, there are a few items you should check to ensure your 2007 show season is not rife with breakdowns and embarrassments.
Check the operation of all...
Check the operation of all lamps and change bulbs as necessary. Don't forget the underhood, trunk, and glovebox lamps.
Though much has been written about how to prepare your Pontiac for its long winter hibernation, very little has been discussed regarding its spring wake-up call. This handy guide will show you what to look for, listen for, and feel for when checking out your Pontiac in the driveway and during its first testdrive. Tending to these items prior to your Pontiac's public spring debut will help keep it off the wrecker's hook.
Even if you parked your Pontiac in the garage at the end of October and made no special preparation for the four or five months it would sit, this story will help you. Peter Jacques, of Keene, New Hampshire, offered up his beautiful blue '69 Firebird convertible to help us show you some tips to prepare your ride for a season of great memories.
Spring Cleaning Cecklist
- Check the tire pressure in all five tires; inflate to specs.
- Check all fluids to ensure the levels are within factory specs.
Pay close attention to the transmission and brakes. - Check all lights to ensure they are functioning properly.
- Check the horn for proper function.
- Wash and wax the body.
- Clean and vacuum the interior.
- Clean all the glass and brightwork inside and out. Check the corners
of the windshield and blow out any dead bugs or dust with
compressed air. - Clean the underhood area of any debris from rodents or bugs and
any leaves or dirt. - Add fresh gas as needed. You did use a fuel stabilizer over the
winter, right? - Start your Pontiac and let it warm up to operating temperature.
- While the engine is warming up, check gauges and warning lights on
the dash for proper operation. - While the engine is warming up, check for any serious fluid leaks.
- Check for proper choke and thermostat operation.
- While in your driveway, make sure the brakes are working.
Condensation and flash rust may cause the brakes to be sticky until
the pads/shoes rub off the rust on the rotors/drums and return the
brakes to normal operation. - Take a short testdrive and make note of engine, clutch (if applicable),
trans, rear, steering, suspension, and brake operating characteristics. - Upon your return, rectify any odd operating characteristics noted
on the testdrive. - Check the fluid levels again after the testdrive. Don't forget to leave
the car running and in park before checking the fluid level in the
automatic trans. - For future GTOAA or POCI judging, check the operation of all features,
accessories, lamps, and electronics.
 Hook up the battery, then...  Hook up the battery, then check to see if it's properly charged. (A battery maintainer to help keep the battery charged through the winter is a good idea.) If the battery is weak, charge it at 2 or 10 amps before continuing. |  Look under the hood for any...  Look under the hood for any unwanted tenants that may have moved in. In cars with air-cleaner snorkels, check under the air cleaner because vermin love to build nests there. We're sure your motor wouldn't like breathing in some of the stuffing carried off from the back seat. Look over your engine compartment and clean out any droppings, nuts, or signs of critters that may have moved in. Also, check the action of the choke to make sure it moves freely. |  With an antifreeze-strength...  With an antifreeze-strength meter, determine if a higher concentration is needed and fill as necessary (or flush the system). |