Okay boys, Frosty is beside himself. I have no idea what the hell I am going to do.....

A little background. I have said many times that my first car was a '71 Chevy Vega that once belonged to my grandmother. It was, and still is, styling-wise a poor man's Camaro. The four banger was no good but I kept that car until the mid-80s. In those days, I was a huge fam of Popular Hot Rodding (PHR) magazine. I felt they did more back yard wrenching and builds compared to a lot of high dollar builds that Hot Rod seemed to do at the time. V8 Vega swaps were one of the biggest rages of the day as you can tell from old PHR covers....

.

So in late 1979, PHR ran a story about a '74 Vega build up using IMSA -inspired front and rear fender flares that Hooker Headers had just started making. PHR also went on to show how to install a Buick evenfire V6 into the Vega. At the time V6s were everywhere. They were powerful and the best part (for the Vega at least), you didn't have to swap transmissions or rear ends because the power of the V6 was not as great at a SBC or BBC would produce. So it wouldn't shatter the fragile Vega rear end.

The V6 swap/Hooker fender flared story became a book called Building the V6 Vega by John Thawney. I own a copy of this book basically for sentiment reasons. It's the only picture I can currently find on the internet to show what the car looked like back in the day from PHR. I thought this car was bad ass back in the day.

Now fast forward to yesterday, and while I am browsing Facebook Marketplace I stumble across this ad.

Well shit. This seriously tugs at my heart strings. It is nearly identical to the car from 1979 PHR articles except for the sunroof. Comes with a SBC. The price is very reasonable. It's about an hour from my house. My big problem is I have no more room in the garage mahal for it! So unless I can get rid of the kid's Hummer H3 (fat chance I suspect) or another car, then I don't have any more room for another ride.

The other big problem is the Boss. I told her when I bought the Challenger last year that I was done buying cars. I screwed up on that one - I know, I know.

My heart says jump on this right away. My brain is saying let it go dude. Ugh.

Edited September 17, 2025Sep 17 by Frosty

Frosty, I like it except for the very period sunroof, The problem is any H-body left outside in Michigan will soon turn back into the iron ore it was made from. So if you can't make it work inside I would pass on it.

I recently passed on a very solid 1973 Astre Wagon for the same reasons, It is a 1 year only Canadian market only body style, that I have always liked. But no room for it inside, and it had exterior wood grain on it, and I swore never again as removing it is a PITA and filling all the little hole for the edge trim is tedious. And restoring the wood grain is expensive and time consuming if I like the look which I don't. But I probably will not find another one in my life time close to me.

Now if I ever stumble on another 1972 Pontiac badged Firenza I probably would get stupid and buy it, passed on one about 30 years ago as me and the seller could not agree on the final price, he insisted on $500 more than I was willing to pay at the time. The attached picture is not a Canadian Pontiac version but a British Vauxhal version.

It was supposedly the worst Pontiac Model ever sold in Canada. The one I passed on drove nice was Solid and only had 40k Kilometers on it. An unlike the Vauxhall in the picture it was LHD and was in Montreal Canada. Had a great trip even If I did come home empty handed.

Jeff - I give you credit man. I have LOVED the '73 Astre. That is the first one I have ever seen stateside, sedan, hatchback or wagon. If I had been you, I would have probably bought it simply because it was a rare Canada-only one year Pontiac wonder that may never come my way again. I respect your restraint.

I'd feel the same way if I came across a solid '68 or '69 Beaumont too. I actual ran into one while on Hot Rod Power Tour a few years ago. The guy was surprised I knew what it was, after all we were at ZMax Dragway in Concord NC. Not exactly where you would expect to see a Canada-only car. The guy was from South Carolina too. So pretty far away from Canuckistani period.

As for restoring the wood grain on the '73, I might have been tempted to do a faux-wood paint job (which I have done it before on my Hurst shifter) or find something like a Roadmaster/Estate Wagon/Kingwood wood grain kit and cut it to size.

2 hours ago, Frosty said:

Jeff - I give you credit man. I have LOVED the '73 Astre. That is the first one I have ever seen stateside, sedan, hatchback or wagon. If I had been you, I would have probably bought it simply because it was a rare Canada-only one year Pontiac wonder that may never come my way again. I respect your restraint.

I'd feel the same way if I came across a solid '68 or '69 Beaumont too. I actual ran into one while on Hot Rod Power Tour a few years ago. The guy was surprised I knew what it was, after all we were at ZMax Dragway in Concord NC. Not exactly where you would expect to see a Canada-only car. The guy was from South Carolina too. So pretty far away from Canuckistani period.

As for restoring the wood grain on the '73, I might have been tempted to do a faux-wood paint job (which I have done it before on my Hurst shifter) or find something like a Roadmaster/Estate Wagon/Kingwood wood grain kit and cut it to size.

Frosty, a couple thoughts! All which will probably get you in trouble! First a lift! Get a lift get an extra car! Cause they're stacked. Second take a good look at your floor plan! Lay it out on paper in scale. With tire movers you would be amazed at how you can move vehicles into positions that you could not do any other way & really utilize space. It's not necessarily convenient, but it could be an answer till you figure out what lift or other option you might use. Last & most important do you really what it or is it a knee jerk reaction. Just remember the guy who has the most cars when he dies wins! You got some catchen up to do to catch Kiwi!

19 hours ago, Frosty said:

Okay boys, Frosty is beside himself. I have no idea what the hell I am going to do.....

A little background. I have said many times that my first car was a '71 Chevy Vega that once belonged to my grandmother. It was, and still is, styling-wise a poor man's Camaro. The four banger was no good but I kept that car until the mid-80s. In those days, I was a huge fam of Popular Hot Rodding (PHR) magazine. I felt they did more back yard wrenching and builds compared to a lot of high dollar builds that Hot Rod seemed to do at the time. V8 Vega swaps were one of the biggest rages of the day as you can tell from old PHR covers....

.

So in late 1979, PHR ran a story about a '74 Vega build up using IMSA -inspired front and rear fender flares that Hooker Headers had just started making. PHR also went on to show how to install a Buick evenfire V6 into the Vega. At the time V6s were everywhere. They were powerful and the best part (for the Vega at least), you didn't have to swap transmissions or rear ends because the power of the V6 was not as great at a SBC or BBC would produce. So it wouldn't shatter the fragile Vega rear end.

The V6 swap/Hooker fender flared story became a book called Building the V6 Vega by John Thawney. I own a copy of this book basically for sentiment reasons. It's the only picture I can currently find on the internet to show what the car looked like back in the day from PHR. I thought this car was bad ass back in the day.

Now fast forward to yesterday, and while I am browsing Facebook Marketplace I stumble across this ad.

Well shit. This seriously tugs at my heart strings. It is nearly identical to the car from 1979 PHR articles except for the sunroof. Comes with a SBC. The price is very reasonable. It's about an hour from my house. My big problem is I have no more room in the garage mahal for it! So unless I can get rid of the kid's Hummer H3 (fat chance I suspect) or another car, then I don't have any more room for another ride.

The other big problem is the Boss. I told her when I bought the Challenger last year that I was done buying cars. I screwed up on that one - I know, I know.

My heart says jump on this right away. My brain is saying let it go dude. Ugh.

Buy it !!!!

I am a firm believer in if it feels right and you get it at a number that feels good

You’re crazy not to !!!!!

18 hours ago, cammerjeff said:

Now if I ever stumble on another 1972 Pontiac badged Firenza I probably would get stupid and buy it, passed on one about 30 years ago as me and the seller could not agree on the final price, he insisted on $500 more than I was willing to pay at the time. The attached picture is not a Canadian Pontiac version but a British Vauxhal version.

It was supposedly the worst Pontiac Model ever sold in Canada. The one I passed on drove nice was Solid and only had 40k Kilometers on it. An unlike the Vauxhall in the picture it was LHD and was in Montreal Canada. Had a great trip even If I did come home empty handed.

Where did you find that pictures Jeff ????? That’s a New Zealand plate on that Firenza

Edited September 18, 2025Sep 18 by 64 kiwi boni

8 hours ago, Last Indian said:

Frosty, a couple thoughts! All which will probably get you in trouble! First a lift! Get a lift get an extra car! Cause they're stacked. Second take a good look at your floor plan! Lay it out on paper in scale. With tire movers you would be amazed at how you can move vehicles into positions that you could not do any other way & really utilize space. It's not necessarily convenient, but it could be an answer till you figure out what lift or other option you might use. Last & most important do you really what it or is it a knee jerk reaction. Just remember the guy who has the most cars when he dies wins! You got some catchen up to do to catch Kiwi!

I like how Gary thinks !!!!

Hoist !!! Yesssssssssssss

You have seen my shed ! I have two hoists and manage to fit 7 cars in a four bay !

Edited September 18, 2025Sep 18 by 64 kiwi boni

20 hours ago, Frosty said:

The other big problem is the Boss. I told her when I bought the Challenger last year that I was done buying cars. I screwed up on that one - I know, I know.

Frosty . This is your biggest hurdle, but it doesn’t have to be 

State your case, plead , grovel, throw in a few “ it’s only” and get ready for the ….

Well if you’re buying that …. I get ……. 

Then your sussed 👍

I can’t but feel a little excited for you !!!!! 

Edited September 18, 2025Sep 18 by 64 kiwi boni

2 hours ago, 64 kiwi boni said:

Where did you find that pictures Jeff ????? That’s a New Zealand plate on that Firenza

I just found it on the net, I used it as it is the same color as the one I almost bought 30 years ago, I thought it would be fun to show at the Pontiac Nationals In Norwalk Oh10. But I already thought the $4500 USD I had offered was to much money, the seller was asking a little over $5000 USD's. and that was alot of $$$ back in the mid 1990's.

But I have only seen 1 other one for sale sense, and it was a rust bucket. I probably should have bought it, but it probably would have ended up eith a more modern turbo 4 cylinder in it. And it was so stock and complete it would have been a shame to modify it. But I do like the looks of them.

To Last Indian's point about getting a lift and re-arranging the cars with wheel dollies/tire jacks. I have already given that a lot of thought and I do intend to do both of those things in the future for all the reasons he states. I want to do that regardless if I get another car. A lift just makes a ton of sense.

As for the question if this is a knee jerk reaction. In many ways, it is. It is like seeing your favorite toy from your childhood and you can have it RIGHT NOW, the consequences be damned! So for that reason alone I am trying to be more rationale about it. However, I will admit there is a lot of temptation and I know this car would be a ton of work, along the lines of what Cammerjeff mentions. So I would have no illusion that this car would be a ton of work to get it into the version of the car that is in my mind's eye.

Another consideration is the fact that I am retiring at the end of the calendar year. So should I really be spending this kind of money right now? I am sure the boss' answer is a resounding "Hell No"! However, I feel that when I spend money she acts like I am taking food out of her mouth. That attitude gets real old, real fast.

Edited September 18, 2025Sep 18 by Frosty

1st thing to remember Ol bud is that it's unibody. The body is also the frame. They go away because you can't get floorpans or body parts anymore. Last thing you need is a stuck project and probably the reason he is selling. I have taken every precaution to keep the Bird rust free, but the rear fascia rubber is cracking all over and no way to fix or replace. I'm so bummed. I wouldn't get to excited, how long has the engine sit??? You need to go over this with a fine tooth comb before giving way to childhood fantasy. With this damn hip, I have a tough time gettin in and out, with the Bird so low. Something you need check out as well. Don't get me wrong, it's an awesome find. The kit alone would be worth some bucks, but selling separately probably wouldn't get your investment back. Do your homework on this one partner.

4 hours ago, JUSTA6 said:

1st thing to remember Ol bud is that it's unibody. The body is also the frame. They go away because you can't get floorpans or body parts anymore. Last thing you need is a stuck project and probably the reason he is selling. I have taken every precaution to keep the Bird rust free, but the rear fascia rubber is cracking all over and no way to fix or replace. I'm so bummed. I wouldn't get to excited, how long has the engine sit??? You need to go over this with a fine tooth comb before giving way to childhood fantasy. With this damn hip, I have a tough time gettin in and out, with the Bird so low. Something you need check out as well. Don't get me wrong, it's an awesome find. The kit alone would be worth some bucks, but selling separately probably wouldn't get your investment back. Do your homework on this one partner.

The rear tail light Fascia on Sunbird HB's is why I have never owned one. You can make a 79 Starefire rear fascia fit with a little work, but them you have to use the Starfires tail lights. It takes quite a bit more work to use the Sunbird's tailights with one though. Helped another H-body nut do it on a 77 Sunbird Formula 20 or so years ago. Its strange how the material Pontiac used for the tail light panel falls apart, but the 79 Buick and Olds parts last alot longer.

I am all too aware of the H-body is a unibody car and all of it's associated weaknesses. I've owned my share on unibodies. My '71 Vega, my '81 Phoenix (FWD - a truly double ick car!), my '86 Trans Am, and my '16 Challenger. I had already thought about the need for subframe connectors. I have considered that this car has sat for a really long time and it might require much more time and money than I might want to throw at it. Just one more reason to hold off.

I agree that I need to do my homework. At this point, I am trying to rationalize if I am even willing to contact the owner and go to see it. This car is somewhere between a knee jerk / childish want and a significant chance to piss away some serious money.

15 minutes ago, Frosty said:

I am all too aware of the H-body is a unibody car and all of it's associated weaknesses. I've owned my share on unibodies. My '71 Vega, my '81 Phoenix (FWD - a truly double ick car!), my '86 Trans Am, and my '16 Challenger. I had already thought about the need for subframe connectors. I have considered that this car has sat for a really long time and it might require much more time and money than I might want to throw at it. Just one more reason to hold off.

I agree that I need to do my homework. At this point, I am trying to rationalize if I am even willing to contact the owner and go to see it. This car is somewhere between a knee jerk / childish want and a significant chance to piss away some serious money.

fantasic retirement project frosty !!!!!

2 hours ago, cammerjeff said:

The rear tail light Fascia on Sunbird HB's is why I have never owned one. You can make a 79 Starefire rear fascia fit with a little work, but them you have to use the Starfires tail lights. It takes quite a bit more work to use the Sunbird's tailights with one though. Helped another H-body nut do it on a 77 Sunbird Formula 20 or so years ago. Its strange how the material Pontiac used for the tail light panel falls apart, but the 79 Buick and Olds parts last alot longer.

45 years. Noticed the 1st crack this spring getting ready for the dustoff. A 78 Sunbird sedan I used to make the trailer has a metal rear fascia. Would be a project to cut out the rear and metal work the sides to attach as my rubber one does. OR could use the original as a template and mold a new fiberglass part. OR could Justa fiberglass over my original and repaint. Been thinkin alot about how to fix my Ol girl.

offer him 4k in person

8 hours ago, indymanjoe said:

offer him 4k in person

Yeah I was thinking 4 k would be the sweet spot !

But start at 3 and a half first

Maybe make a point like JustA said about that engine sitting for so long

Guide seals will be toast etc

2 hours ago, 64 kiwi boni said:

Yeah I was thinking 4 k would be the sweet spot !

But start at 3 and a half first

Maybe make a point like JustA said about that engine sitting for so long

Guide seals will be toast etc

A number of valves are left open, exposing pistons and cyls to rust. Agree with 4K. Have him leave it in the air so you could see the underside easier. What's the rims N tires sizes?