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71 T/A clone dash rot, an issue?? Posted By: rx2man On: 01-04-2008 @ 00:06:57 Reply | Edit Hey there am looking at a 71 T/A clone. Is a decent car, not what I would have done everywhere but is still pretty nice, rebuilt 383 but 2 bolt mains, rebuilt auto, newer paint, nice interior, started life as a Esprit and was turned into a T/A clone. However there is a fairly large maybe 2 inch area of dash rust in the drivers side corner of the dash. Is the the dash only affected or is there a potential structural windshield frame issue?? Car is $6500 and other wise seems pretty nice. Also is a Arizona car and we do get some rain in the summer, the other area of rust that I noticed was surface rust in the trunk under the mat. So is this a go or no go?? Posted By: Jonnyscotti On: 11-29-2007 @ 13:07:17 Reply | Top | Edit Yes, it can be an issue. You really need to take a look at where the door hinges bolt up. You also need to take the fender off and check the lower cowl area. If the dash area has rusted through you can almost gaurantee rust in the lower cowl area behind the fender. I personally have never seen anything wrong with a windshield frame but anything can happen. -- In loving memory of our little girl, Sierra Louise. We love you and will miss you. You'll be in our hearts forever. May 1, 2005 - July 21, 2005  Posted By: yakman On: 12-06-2007 @ 12:50:21 Reply | Top | Edit Clones are a choice. You are buying someone else's idea of cool. Sounds like this car was really messed with. GM didn't put Chevy engines in Firebirds in 71'. The price seems high for a clone, even if it runs great. Posted By: rx2man On: 12-06-2007 @ 21:43:13 Reply | Top | Edit I have not had alot of luck finding the early 70's firebirds/T/A's. One last year that I found was completly rusted out. So I am pretty happy with it. I could have got the original Pont 350 with it but seller did not want to include it in the negotiated price. With under 2k on the engine and trans and $4500 in recpts, and only a little rust on the dash and trunk I cant complain, not original no, but is a great driver. Posted By: yakman On: 12-07-2007 @ 00:44:14 Reply | Top | Edit Sounds like you have made your choice. In my mind, clones are like plastic bananas. they look great, but they are not worth much. That said, I hope your firebird brings you much joy. YOU ROCK! Posted By: rx2man On: 12-07-2007 @ 01:30:45 Reply | Top | Edit I am with you on the clone thing, however a true 70-73 T/A is never going to happen for me. Mid book on a 71 is about 40k. I love the early 70's T/A's. So this is as close as its gonna get. If I had the Esprit would I have dropped in a 383 Chev?, no, I would have done a 400 or 455. But its alot cheaper to build a chevy so I can understand why someone would do it.
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