Firebird Formula 400

[Dragcity]

I need the communities help here.

My Brother-In-Law (who we all like a lot) has a 1970 Formula 400 Firebird he just had restored (Glass, Body and Paint). He bought this car new in Hawaii after high school. Has been everywhere from Mexico to toronto, Hawaii to NYC. Has over 1/2 Million miles on it. (not counting the sea going voyage - 3 times)

Anyway, I want to get him proper or presentable wheels and tires for it by next week. Right now there are steel wheels that are painted blue and have no center caps... Looks really bad. Car has been in resto for over 5 years (dude was really slow, but did a nice job considering what he had to work with).

My research says these Formula 400's may have come with 15 x 7 Rally II wheels, which are pretty hard to find.

I am wondering who knows what about these cars. It may be nice to get some aluminum 16" wheels, but would kind of like to keep it looking original. Tire rack does not have a liting for 1970 Firebirds.

Would it be safe to assume anything that fits a Camaro would work on the Firebird. ??

Me, I am not much a Chevy/Pontiac guy, but my Brother-In-Law LOVES this car, and we love him....

what do you all have ???

Thanks

[CROWNMARAUDER]

You can buy new reproduction pontiac rally wheels. I would check ebay for them also. They shouldn't be hard to find. And yes, camaro & firebird wheels are interchangeable.

[Blackened300a]

Those new "Hotwheels" brand rims look really good on a classic muscle car.

[MyTMerc]

www.firebirdtaclub.com (http://www.firebirdtaclub.com/)

I've had 5 Firebirds/Trans Am's/WS-6's over the years and yes, many of the parts are interchangeable with a Camaro of the same year, many are not. Check out the attached link. The rims are the same size but have different styles. I still have a 84 Trans Am awaiting resto cash.

The guys on the Firebird site are very knowledgeable about their cars and you'll find expert advice like you get here. They have a monthly newsletter and a technical booklet you can get that covers some common problems.

Good Luck!

[FastMerc]

Everthing you need to know and will find in High Performanc Pontiac magazine.There is a company out there making repo Pontiac whells out of billet alum.

[justbob]

The only pictures i could find had the rally wheels on all of them. These shouldn't be too hard too find or expensive. Tires will be cheap because of being 15".

[Blackmobile]

A good source of information is from my old F body club group, http://www.sffba.net , They would love to help you out.

Ed

[Dragcity]

Thanks Guys. This thing CAME with 14 X 7 steel wheels. I think I amn going to upgrade him.

Thanks a lot for the links and tips.

[Taemian]

Always check YearOne for muscle car reproduction parts, too. They sometimes have great deals!

[Dragcity]

O.K. I decided on Vision Wheels, Legend 5 spoke type 141, chrome. 17 X 8"

Now the rubber. ??? Selected 225/50-17 No raised white letters available.....

Falken Ziex ZE-912 @ V 360
or
Hankook Ventus V4-H105 @ W 420

Both good tires, but which one. I have found this stuff at Perfomance Plus Tire in CA.

[justbob]

Need pictures. 17's would look sick on that!

[Vortex]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/3/Firebird2.jpg

My 1990 Formula. Bought it in DC then got assigned to Santigo, Chile. Took my car there and sold it when I left two years later for the sticker price I paid new. I hope it is still there enjoying the highway to Valparaiso. A great car, 5 speed, glass t-top (I loved that thing, never leaked), and pretty darn fast too, it would smoke the tires!

[Dragcity]

I found this out there on the net. Car aint so pretty, but ya'll get the idea.

So Falken or Hankook. I am leaning toward Hankook....

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/medium/88_assy.jpg (javascript:;)

[justbob]

I'm trying to imagine it lowered in the front and I say +1!!!!!! Those older cars look so much fresher and up to date with the right wheels. Given the two choices, I agree Hankook.

[Dragcity]

I think that car in the pic is missing the engine.

Alright, ordering away.......

Thanks folks.

[Dragcity]

I tried to order one set of wheels, but of course, they were out of them. So, back to the drawing board. Found these, and like them better. New series apparently.

I'll get pics of the car when it's all set. I have brakes and a flush and fill to do this week. Can't wait for the wheels and tires to come.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/thumbs/6830.jpg (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/15683/ppuser/4038)http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/thumbs/4810.jpg (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/15682/ppuser/4038)