1977 Pontiac Firebird, 1973 LeMans And More -That '70s Show

Suspension
If the suspension is sound, leave it alone, but if it's ready for a rebuild, upgrading to polyurethane bushings in key areas will add little cost to the task, but will improve handling through reduced bushing deflection. PST's $249 Polygraphite rebuild kit employs urethane bushings impregnated with graphite to eliminate squeaks-another benefit.

A set of KYB gas shocks ($39 each) will also improve handling over stock replacement shocks and will firm up the ride somewhat.

Unless the Pontiac is sitting very low, the springs are probably fine, and depending upon the model, it would most likely benefit more from larger swaybars than a spring swap. If you can't find used fatter bars from a high performance model at the swap meets or on online auctions, Addco (www.addco.net) makes larger swaybars for all the models listed in this story. If you are swapping in a factory rear sway bar on a model that didn't have one, be sure to get all the associated brackets and hardware.

Wheels And Tires All of these Pontiacs will look great with a set of '73 and up 15x7 Rally II wheels if yours doesn't already have them when you buy it. They are very cheap at the swap meets, usually $20-$30 each. Mount a set of modern 60-series radials that are 235, 245, or 255mm wide depending upon what will fit and fill the wheelwells. The Pontiac will look and handle much better than stock, but save you the added cost of 16, 17, or 18-inch wheels and tires.

Brakes
Though most of these cars will have disc brakes up front from the factory, some of the earlier models like the Venturas may still have four-wheel drums. Hold out for a disc-brake-equipped model unless it's a screamin' deal, as a swap will likely cost $800 and up.

The factory disc brakes are certainly adequate for all the models in this story. If you desire a low-cost upgrade when it comes time for a brake job, you can buy modern high-performance pads-Hawks has them for $73 at Jegs-and better rotors, possibly slotted and/or crossdrilled. Jegs has 11-inch Roto Techs for $86.99 each.

These models can be fitted with duals, but check the trans crossmember first to see if it has two humps to let the head pipes pass on each side. If not, an earlier crossmember from the same model with a hump on each side can be bolted in. If none is available, you'll have to go the custom exhaust route, or modify the existing crossmember. Also twin cats will be required to keep the Pontiac emissions legal.

None of this is low-buck, but free-flowing exhaust is one of the first steps toward more power. And judicious shopping at local muffler shops will at least limit the expense. Go with 2.25 or 2.50-inch mandrel-bent pipes. For cost-conscious mufflers, Cherry Bomb Turbos can be had for $21.99 each.

Modern honeycomb-type converters flow more freely than the vintage GM pellet type, so you won't have to worry about a substantial performance decrease to keep your '75-and-up Pontiac emissions legal with its new dual-exhaust system.

Body
Simply stated, you can go broke doing body and paint work. Purchasing a Pontiac that doesn't need to be repainted will put you cash ahead on your project. If you do buy one that needs paint, at least make sure it doesn't need major bodywork as well. Totally rusted quarters and trunks will require thousands in bodywork and paint to make them right, so stay away from rust buckets.

If you must paint your Pontiac, you can make a 50-footer into a 10-footer or less for a low cost with a Maaco paint job (www.maaco.com) or another discount painter. For as little as $400, you can get a single-stage paint job that should last a few years. You can add higher cost services and materials if you desire.

Keep in mind this is not a restoration-style paint service that normally costs thousands, so don't be too picky about the results. This is a sand, tape, prime, and shoot job. Strip the car of everything that would need to be taped off, like trim, locks, and door handles to get a better overall result.

Remember, the paint is only good as the bodywork underneath it. You can have the shop do the bodywork needed for additional cost or you can attempt it. Just don't expect miracles if its your first time doing bodywork.

Interior
Interiors can be very tricky. For Firebirds, most parts are reproduced so replacement parts are easy to come by. That's not to say you should buy a Bird with a wasted interior, because it will certainly cost a pretty penny to replace everything with new parts. However, don't pass on a good prospect because it needs seat covers.

Carpets are readily available for about $100 or less for every Pontiac in this story, so use a ripped or worn carpet as a bargaining tool, while knowing it's relatively inexpensive to replace.

For just about every other model listed, interior parts will be more difficult to replace. Make sure the dashpad, door panels, seat covers, and headliner are in serviceable condition. Cuts or tears in Morrokide seats can be repaired.

Companies such as GilliN Custom Design (www.gillincustomdesign.com) offer this service. A moderate-sized tear in a seat that required a new upholstery panel, new piping, and even some foam rubber cost us $175-quite a bit cheaper and easier than buying and installing new foam and a new seat cover.

The company can repair damaged door panels, and offers many other services, from repairs to complete custom interiors.

Conclusion
Here's a final tip. Don't be drawn in by a very low asking price on a six-cylinder or four-cylinder Ventura or Phoenix, or 301 Bonne, without realizing there is a strong possibility that the rest of the drivetrain consists of a light-duty transmission and rear. If so, all may need to be swapped out when your V-8 goes in, adding cost and complexity to the project.

The path of least resistance and cost is to pay a bit more for one of these Pontiacs that already has a Pontiac V-8. Or you could buy one with a factory-installed Chevy or Olds V-8, and enjoy it stock or modify that powerplant to your liking.

Either way, these '70s Pontiacs offer vintage-car cool for pennies on the dollar of any '64-'72 model. So rev up your computer and hit the online auctions and classifieds, dig into your favorite clubs' newsletters and even check the local paper to get your '70s Pontiac.

Editor's Note: All prices are accurate as of press time but can change without notice.