Category Archives: Eagle magazine

excerpts from the Eagle magazine which members receive as part of membership

‘Birds in Flight

by Mark E. Neumann Editor’s Note: this is the eighth in a series of columns about interesting stories connected with Firebirds and Trans Ams.

In my last column, we reviewed prices of Firebirds and Trans Ams at auctions held early in the year. The two auctions we featured – Mecum’s extremely large Kissimmee (Fla.) auction and Barrett-Jackson’s in Scottsdale (Ariz.) – are both held in January at opposite ends of the country. Those are followed by more B-J and Mecum auctions in Las Vegas, Glendale (Ariz.), Palm Beach and Amelia Island (Fla.), and Indianapolis (Mecum’s second largest). The summer brings on an auction in Monterey, plus the MAG auction at Hot August Nights in Reno.

If you want to track the value of your ‘Bird, auctions are a reliable source. Websites like ClassicCars.com and Hemmings, the Bible for classic car collectors, will give you asking prices; auctions will give you “sold” prices. What is my car worth today? Head to an auction site. Of note: Hemmings has also gone into the auction business, holding them online.

January sets the stage

We saw some competitive prices for F-bodies at the Mecum and Barrett-Jackson auctions in January, including a 1973 Firebird Formula (400 ci, 4-speed) for $66,000 (Ed. note: I had one of these in the mid-1990s in Navajo Orange and rare ram air induction. I sold it for about $3,500.) A 1979 Trans Am 10th Anniversary car with the coveted 400 ci and 4-speed sold for $62,700.

And, of course, the penultimate: a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am, unrestored with 38 miles (maybe the ride home from the dealership?), sold for $118,250.

In my last column, we also highlighted a second, low-mileage 1979 Trans Am going up on the block at Mecum’s Glendale, Arizona auction on March 18. I was up front and close to this car, and watched it go through bidding on the Mecum stage. This car, a SE Black and Gold edition, had 145 miles and the desirable 400 ci, four speed combination.

The price? The bidding started at $50,000 and went up quickly, eventually settling at $145,000.

Checking in at mid-year

Did we see any similar prices for F-Birds during the remainder of the year? Here are some prices for cars sold at Mecum’s just ended Indianapolis auction in May.

This auction had $126.5 million in total overall sales—an 18% increase over the past Indy auction record of $107 million achieved at last year’s event.

Mecum – Indiana State Fairgrounds

1999 Trans Am 30th Ann. Convertible 2,820 miles (1/535 made) $51,700

1981 Trans Am Turbo SE 3,830 miles $159,500

1969 Trans Am 1/520 Ram Air III cars/4 speed) $165,000

1978 Trans Am (only year for Martinique Blue) $44,000

1977 Trans Am (T-tops) $187,000

2002 Trans Am Collectors Edition 6,200 miles/6 speed/T-tops $50,600

1997 Trans Am 9,881 miles (red) $28,600

The message from collectors and auction houses is that prices are doing well for Pontiacs, particularly the low-mileage copies. Keep those T/As in good condition! East Bound and Down: Smokey and the Bandit hits 45th anniversary

It is hard to believe that 45 years have passed since Burt Reynolds, Jerry Reed, Sally Field and Jackie Gleason banded together to give us “Smokey and the Bandit.” When it was released in 1977 (I was 18 years old), no one expected it to do much in the box office. But it grossed $126.7 million, right behind Star Wars that year.

Smokey and the Bandit II proved successful as well, but the third reprisal was not. Reynolds and Field sat out while Jerry Reed became the new Bandit.

Reynolds had a knack for cashing in on props used in his previous movies (like selling the canoe used in the movie “Deliverance,” in which he starred). He took advantage of the Smokey and Bandit movie’s success by selling off Trans Ams he received through the movie and promoted Black and Gold Trans Ams built by Trans Am Depot. The company, which uses Camaros as a base for their modern Trans Am editions, sold 77 Bandit cars to match the year the movie was released. Reynolds appeared in advertisements for the car and signed the glove boxes of each model produced.

Smokey and the Bandit have been in their last high-speed pursuit; Gleason, who played Texas sheriff Buford T. Justice, died in 1987 of colon cancer. Reed died in 2008 at age 71 due to complications from emphysema and the “Bandit” Burt Reynolds died in 2018 of a heart attack at the age of 82. Sally Field is now 75.

The re-release of the movie in May and June at select theaters across the country coincided with the dates this year for the Bandit Run, a tour put on for Trans Am owners and their cars by Restore a Muscle Car. This year the Bandit Run’s route followed that from the movie – Texarkana, Texas to Helen, Georgia. Over 160 Trans Am participated in the run.

Smokey and the Bandit 45th anniversary

Some of the key lyrics from the movie’s theme song, written and sung by Jerry Reed:

East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’,

We’re gonna do what they say can’t be done.

We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there.

I’m east bound, just watch ol’ “Bandit” run.

We certainly did.

About the author: Mark is the second owner of a Buccaneer Red 1974 Pontiac Trans-Am and serves on the copyediting team for the Eagle.

From the Editor’s Desk – May 2013

2002 Collector's Edition of Arne Bobroff
2002 Collector’s Edition of Arne Bobroff

 Thanks to all of the new members that joined recently.

Thanks to Deb Morrison-Owens, Jim Miller, Cathy Dennison, Ryan Ortbals, Claude Hrycaiko, Arne Bobruff, Kenny Ventura and all of the other contributors to this issue! Also many thanks to Todd Stahr, Justin Kwarta, Doug Lester, Bethany Orr, Bill Simcox and Brett Campbell on their continuing technical help to our members on our message board at http://board. firebirdclub.net.

We are happy to hear that the All Firebird Lawn Show will continue in a different location. The 11th Annual All Firebird Show will be held in Somerset, New Jersey. Contact Steve Reed at stevo3364@aol.com  or at 848-992-2350. The website is http://clubs.hemmings.com/firebirdnationofnorthamerica .

Join us on Facebook at National Firebird and Trans Am Club and follow us on Twitter at firebirdclub. Classified ads will now appear in the Eagle, the eEagle, on our website, on our message board and on Facebook and Twitter.

In addition to the items found in our regular club store, more items including tote bags, caps, sweat pants, shorts and other items can be found at our Fieldhouse Club Store located at www.fieldhouse.com/nftac .

We have updated our payment form on our website to directly take credit card and PayPal payments. Your credit card is now checked for accuracy and verified and your order is placed into a shopping cart of items awaiting checkout. This type of program should be very familiar to people who pay for items on other Internet websites and is available on the PayPal/Credit Card website button. The old form will also remain for members that are comfortable with it.

Also there is a now a Local Groups/Activities section on the Club Message Board where each local club has its own section where local club items can be discussed.

You can now find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/firebirdclub  and twitter in the groups/clubs section.

We have a new and improved club message board. You can access through the club website at www.firebirdtaclub.com or directly at http://board.firebirdclub.net . We have a members only section of the message board. You can use the user id and password on page 3 of each Eagle or you can get a personal id and password. To do so, register and then login to the message board and send a message to us with a reply in this section or via email. This allows you to access the Member Only Question & Answer and Upkeep and Performance Hints Area.  It also allows you to post items in the For Sale and Wanted sections as well as photos in the Member Photos area. Also there is a now a Local Groups/Activities section.

The club has a blog located at http://blog.firebirdclub.net . Members can publish items or comments to the Blog. The Club photo gallery is located at http://photos.firebirdclub.net . The same login is used for the gallery as the Message Board. Members can download photos directly here.

We now offer a 3 year membership or renewal rate which includes a free t-shirt or tech volume II CD. The rate is $95 or $125 for members outside the USA. And in response to many members we now have a 3 year eMembership for $65 which also includes a free t-shirt or tech volume III CD. So save some money and get a free t-shirt or tech CD in the process!

Classified ads are FREE to members but now you can add photographs of your items for sale. For $15 we will include a photograph of your car or item. Also the classified ads will now appear on our website and in the eEagle.

Remember we will send out the eEagle, our email newsletter in addition to the regular Eagle for members that have given us their email address. Our website address is www.firebirdtaclub.com and our email address is info@ firebirdtaclub.com. The website has a “Members Only” section on the website. This section contains technical staff contact information, recommended repair shops, spare parts lists that members have sent in as well as complete current and past issues of the member magazine which can be viewed on-line or downloaded for printing.

You need an ID and password to access this area. You will find the current ID and password on page 3 of each issue of the EAGLE. These change with each issue so use only the current one listed. You can create your own id and password for the members only section. Use the form on the members only page to do this.

Thanks for all of your support and to this issue’s contributors and start planning now for the show season!

From the Editors’ Desk – May 2011

by Robert Thomas and Frank Ochal

'67 Firebird of Jim Muldoon and '69 Firebird of Michael Scoggins Thanks to all of the new members that joined recently. Thanks to Doug Hoskins, Jim Muldoon, James Lonaker, Audrey & Raymond Petutsky, Anthony Foceri, Barry McKay, Paul Russell, Rick Giacomo, Doug Curfman and all of the other contributors to this issue! Also many thanks to Todd Stahr, Justin Kwarta, Doug Lester, Bethany Orr, Bill Simcox and Brett Campbell on their continuing technical help to our members on our message board at http://board.firebirdclub.net.

Join us on Facebook at National Firebird and Trans Am Club and follow us on Twitter at firebirdclub. Classified ads will now appear in the Eagle, the eEagle, on our website, on our message board and on Facebook and Twitter.

I am sure you have noticed the improvement in the look and feel of the Eagle. The pages are brighter, the paper is better and there are more color pages with color pictures in better quality. We have made another change in printers to make a better looking magazine. The delivery of your magazine has also changed and hopefully the Eagle should be received with less damage. Let me know what you think of the changes.

In addition to the items found in our regular club store, more items including tote bags, caps, sweat pants, shorts and other items can be found at our Fieldhouse Club Store located at www.fieldhouse.com/nftac .

We have updated our payment form on our website to directly take credit card and PayPal payments. Your credit card is now checked for accuracy and verified and your order is placed into a shopping cart of items awaiting checkout. This type of program should be very familiar to people who pay for items on other Internet websites and is available on the PayPal/Credit Card website button. The old form will also remain for members that are comfortable with it.

Also there is a now a Local Groups/Activities section on the Club Message Board where each local club has its own section where local club items can be discussed.

You can now find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/firebirdclub  and twitter in the groups/clubs section.

We have a new and improved club message board. You can access through the club website at www.firebirdtaclub.com or directly at http://board.firebirdclub.net. We have a members only section of the message board. You can use the user id and password on page 3 of each Eagle or you can get a personal id and password. To do so, register and then logon to the message board and send a message to us with a reply in this section or via email. This allows you to access the Member Only Question & Answer and Upkeep and Performance Hints Area.  It also allows you to post items in the For Sale and Wanted sections as well as photos in the Member Photos area. Also there is a now a Local Groups/Activities section.

The club has a blog located at http://blog.firebirdclub.net . Members can publish items or comments to the Blog. The Club photo gallery is located at http://photos.firebirdclub.net . The same login is used for the gallery as the Message Board. Members can download photos directly here.

We now offer a 3 year membership or renewal rate which includes a free t-shirt or tech volume II CD. The rate is $95 or $125 for members outside the USA. And in response to many members we now have a 3 year eMembership for $65 which also includes a free t-shirt or tech volume III CD. So save some money and get a free t-shirt or tech CD in the process!

Classified ads are FREE to members but now you can add photographs of your items for sale. For $15 we will include a photograph of your car or item. Also the classified ads will now appear on our website and in the eEagle.

Remember we will send out the eEagle, our email newsletter in addition to the regular Eagle for members that have given us their email address. Our website address is www.firebirdtaclub.com and our email address is info@ firebirdtaclub.com. The website has a “Members Only” section on the website. This section contains technical staff contact information, recommended repair shops, spare parts lists that members have sent in as well as complete current and past issues of the member magazine which can be viewed on-line or downloaded for printing.

You need an ID and password to access this area. You will find the current ID and password on page 3 of each issue of the EAGLE. These will change with each issue so use only the current ones listed. Also now you can to create your own id and password for the members only section. Submit the form on the members only page to do this.

Thanks for all of your support and to this issue’s contributors and prepare now for the upcoming show season!!

(top photo: 67 Firebird of Jim Muldoon and ’69 Firebird of Michael Scoggins)

From the Editors’ Desk – February 2012

'89 Trans Am of Doug Mire Thanks to all of the new members that joined recently.

Thanks to Doug Lester, Doug Mire, Matthew Pietruszka, Mark Frank, John Witmer, Stewart Polston, Michael Cornell and all of the other contributors to this issue! Also many thanks to Todd Stahr, Justin Kwarta, Doug Lester, Bethany Orr, Bill Simcox and Brett Campbell on their continuing technical help to our members on our message board at http://board.firebirdclub.net.

I am sure you have noticed the improvement in the look and feel of the Eagle. The pages are brighter, the paper is better and there are more color pages with color pictures in better quality. We have made another change in printers to make a better looking magazine. The delivery of your magazine has also changed and hopefully the Eagle should be received with less damage. Let me know what you think of the changes.

In addition to the items found in our regular club store, more items including tote bags, caps, sweat pants, shorts and other items can be found at our Fieldhouse Club Store located at www.fieldhouse.com/nftac .

We have updated our payment form on our website to directly take credit card and PayPal payments. Your credit card is now checked for accuracy and verified and your order is placed into a shopping cart of items awaiting checkout. This type of program should be very familiar to people who pay for items on other Internet websites and is available on the PayPal/Credit Card website button. The old form will also remain for members that are comfortable with it.

Also there is a now a Local Groups/Activities section on the Club Message Board where each local club has its own section where local club items can be discussed.

You can now find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/firebirdclub and twitter in the groups/clubs section.

We have a new and improved club message board. You can access through the club website at www.firebirdtaclub.com or directly at http://board.firebirdclub.net . We have a members only section of the message board. You can use the user id and password on page 3 of each Eagle or you can get a personal id and password. To do so, register and then logon to the message board and send a message to us with a reply in this section or via email. This allows you to access the Member Only Question & Answer and Upkeep and Performance Hints Area.  It also allows you to post items in the For Sale and Wanted sections as well as photos in the Member Photos area. Also there is a now a Local Groups/Activities section.

The club has a blog located at http://blog.firebirdclub.net . Members can publish items or comments to the Blog. The Club photo gallery is located at http://photos.firebirdclub.net . The same login is used for the gallery as the Message Board. Members can download photos directly here.

We now offer a 3 year membership or renewal rate which includes a free t-shirt or tech volume II CD. The rate is $95 or $125 for members outside the USA. And in response to many members we now have a 3 year eMembership for $65 which also includes a free t-shirt or tech volume III CD. So save some money and get a free t-shirt or tech CD in the process!

Classified ads are FREE to members but now you can add photographs of your items for sale. For $15 we will include a photograph of your car or item. Also the classified ads will now appear on our website and in the eEagle.

Remember we will send out the eEagle, our email newsletter in addition to the regular Eagle for members that have given us their email address. Our website address is www.firebirdtaclub.com and our email address is info@firebirdtaclub.com . The website has a “Members Only” section on the website. This section contains technical staff contact information, recommended repair shops, spare parts lists that members have sent in as well as complete current and past issues of the member magazine which can be viewed on-line or downloaded for printing.

You need an ID and password to access this area. You will find the current ID and password on page 3 of each issue of the EAGLE. These will change with each issue so use only the current ones listed. Also now you can to create your own id and password for the members only section. Submit the form on the members only page to do this.

Thanks for all of your support and to this issue’s contributors and I hope you had a great start to the new year!!

From the Editor’s Desk – August 2011

by Robert Thomas and Frank Ochal

2002 Firebird of Mikey Srp Thanks to all of the new members that joined recently.

Thanks to Robert T. Flesh, Tim Tarka, Neal Jurgensen, Mikey Srp, Kurt Vangeel, Glenn Martin, Alvaro Romao, Joe Genera and all of the other contributors to this issue! Also many thanks to Todd Stahr, Justin Kwarta, Doug Lester, Bethany Orr, Bill Simcox and Brett Campbell on their continuing technical help to our members on our message board at http://board.firebirdclub.net .

We have a new website for mobile phone users at www.firebirdtransamclub.mobi . It is easier to read on smart cell phones than the regular website.

I am sure you have noticed the improvement in the look and feel of the Eagle. The pages are larger, the paper is better and the quality of the color pictures is considerably better with more vivid colors. We have made a change in printers to make a better looking magazine. Let me know what you think of the changes.

In addition to the items found in our regular club store, more items including tote bags, caps, sweat pants, shorts and other items can be found at our Fieldhouse Club Store located at www.fieldhouse.com/nftac .

There are organizations to save Pontiac. One of the more organized ones is located at www.SavingPontiac.org . Some of the details appear in this issue along with a sample petition to be sent to government officials. If you go to the website you can submit it through the internet.

We have updated our payment form on our website to directly take credit card and PayPal payments. Your credit card is now checked for accuracy and verified and your order is placed into a shopping cart of items awaiting checkout. This type of program should be very familiar to people who pay for items on other Internet websites and is available on the PayPal/Credit Card website button. The old form will also remain for members that are comfortable with it.

Also there is a now a Local Groups/Activities section on the Club Message Board where each local club has its own section where local club items can be discussed.

You can now find us on the popular networking sites myspace, Facebook, friendster and twitter in the groups/clubs section.

We have a new and improved club message board. You can access through the club website at www.firebirdtaclub.com or directly at http://board.firebirdclub.net . We have a members only section of the message board. You can use the user id and password on page 3 of each Eagle or you can get a personal id and password. To do so, register and then logon to the message board and send a message to us with a reply in this section or via email. This allows you to access the Member Only Question & Answer and Upkeep and Performance Hints Area.  It also allows you to post items in the For Sale and Wanted sections as well as photos in the Member Photos area. Also there is a now a Local Groups/Activities section.

The club has a blog located at http://blog.firebirdclub.net . Members can publish items or comments to the Blog. The Club photo gallery is located at http://photos.firebirdclub.net . The same login is used for the gallery as the Message Board. Members can download photos directly here.

We now offer a 3 year membership or renewal rate which includes a free t-shirt or tech volume II CD. The rate is $95 or $125 for members outside the USA. And in response to many members we now have a 3 year eMembership for $65 which also includes a free t-shirt or tech volume III CD. So save some money and get a free t-shirt or tech CD in the process!

Classified ads are FREE to members but now you can add photographs of your items for sale. For $15 we will include a photograph of your car or item. Also the classified ads will now appear on our website and in the eEagle.

Remember we will send out the eEagle, our email newsletter in addition to the regular Eagle for members that have given us their email address. Our website address is www.firebirdtaclub.com and our email address is info@firebirdtaclub.com . The website has a “Members Only” section on the website. This section contains technical staff contact information, recommended repair shops, spare parts lists that members have sent in as well as complete current and past issues of the member magazine which can be viewed on-line or downloaded for printing.

You need an ID and password to access this area. You will find the current ID and password on page 3 of each issue of the EAGLE. These will change with each issue so use only the current ones listed. Also now you can to create your own id and password for the members only section. Submit the form on the members only page to do this.

Thanks for all of your support and to this issue’s contributors and I hope you have a great driving and show season!!

(top photo:  2002 Firebird of Mikey Srp)

 

From the Editors’ Desk – May 2011

'69 Trans Am convertible of Michael Clarey

Thanks to all of the new members that joined recently.

Thanks to Jim Suva, Bobby Martin, Jim Oliver Jr., Brennan Barrier, Michael Clarey, Gene Chiusano, and all of the other contributors to this issue! Also many thanks to Todd Stahr, Justin Kwarta, Doug Lester, Bethany Orr, Bill Simcox and Brett Campbell on their continuing technical help to our members on our message board at http://board.firebirdclub.net .

We have a new website for mobile phone users at www.firebirdtransamclub.mobi . It is easier to read on smart cell phones than the regular website.

I am sure you have noticed the improvement in the look and feel of the Eagle. The pages are larger, the paper is better and the quality of the color pictures is considerably better with more vivid colors. We have made a change in printers to make a better looking magazine. Let me know what you think of the changes.

In addition to the items found in our regular club store, more items including tote bags, caps, sweat pants, shorts and other items can be found at our Fieldhouse Club Store located at www.fieldhouse.com/nftac .

There are organizations to save Pontiac. One of the more organized ones is located at www.SavingPontiac.org . Some of the details appear in this issue along with a sample petition to be sent to government officials. If you go to the website you can submit it through the internet.

We have updated our payment form on our website to directly take credit card and PayPal payments. Your credit card is now checked for accuracy and verified and your order is placed into a shopping cart of items awaiting checkout. This type of program should be very familiar to people who pay for items on other Internet websites and is available on the PayPal/Credit Card website button. The old form will also remain for members that are comfortable with it.

Also there is a now a Local Groups/Activities section on the Club Message Board where each local club has its own section where local club items can be discussed.

You can now find us on the popular networking sites myspace, Facebook, friendster and twitter in the groups/clubs section.

We have a new and improved club message board. You can access through the club website at www.firebirdtaclub.com or directly at http://board.firebirdclub.net . We have a members only section of the message board. You can use the user id and password on page 3 of each Eagle or you can get a personal id and password. To do so, register and then logon to the message board and send a message to us with a reply in this section or via email. This allows you to access the Member Only Question & Answer and Upkeep and Performance Hints Area.  It also allows you to post items in the For Sale and Wanted sections as well as photos in the Member Photos area. Also there is a now a Local Groups/Activities section.

The club has a blog located at http://blog.firebirdclub.net . Members can publish items or comments to the Blog. The Club photo gallery is located at http://photos.firebirdclub.net . The same login is used for the gallery as the Message Board. Members can download photos directly here.

We now offer a 3 year membership or renewal rate which includes a free t-shirt or tech volume II CD. The rate is $95 or $125 for members outside the USA. And in response to many members we now have a 3 year eMembership for $65 which also includes a free t-shirt or tech volume III CD. So save some money and get a free t-shirt or tech CD in the process!

Classified ads are FREE to members but now you can add photographs of your items for sale. For $15 we will include a photograph of your car or item. Also the classified ads will now appear on our website and in the eEagle.

Remember we will send out the eEagle, our email newsletter in addition to the regular Eagle for members that have given us their email address. Our website address is www.firebirdtaclub.com and our email address is info@firebirdtaclub.com . The website has a “Members Only” section on the website. This section contains technical staff contact information, recommended repair shops, spare parts lists that members have sent in as well as complete current and past issues of the member magazine which can be viewed on-line or downloaded for printing.

You need an ID and password to access this area. You will find the current ID and password on page 3 of each issue of the EAGLE. These will change with each issue so use only the current ones listed. Also now you can to create your own id and password for the members only section. Submit the form on the members only page to do this.

Thanks for all of your support and to this issue’s contributors and I hope you have a great start to the driving and show season!!

From the Editors’ Desk – August 2010

'78 Trans Am of Larry Kabrick Thanks to all of the new members that joined recently.


Thanks
to Bethany Orr, Dan Wernitznig, Becky Bardoff, Rod Mehl, John Klaver and all of the other contributors to this issue! Also many thanks to Todd Stahr, Justin Kwarta, Doug Lester, Bethany Orr, Bill Simcox and Brett Campbell on their continuing technical help to our members on our message board at http://board.firebirdclub.net.

I am sure you have noticed the improvement in the look and feel of the Eagle. The pages are larger, the paper is better and the quality of the color pictures is considerably better with more vivid colors. We have made a change in printers to make a better looking magazine. Let me know what you think of the changes.

In addition to the items found in our regular club store, more store merchandise including tote bags, caps, sweat pants, shorts and other items can be found at our Fieldhouse Club Store located at www.fieldhouse.com/nftac .

There are organizations to save Pontiac. One of the more organized ones is located at www.SavingPontiac.org . Some of the details appear in this issue along with a sample petition to be sent to government officials. If you go to the website you can submit it through the internet.

We have updated our payment form on our website to directly take credit card and PayPal payments. Your credit card is now checked for accuracy and verified and your order is placed into a shopping cart of items awaiting checkout. This type of program should be very familiar to people who pay for items on other Internet websites and is available on the PayPal/Credit Card website button. The old form will also remain for members that are comfortable with it.

Also there is a now a Local Groups/Activities section on the Club Message Board where each local club has its own section where local club items can be discussed.

You can now find us on the popular networking sites myspace, facebook, friendster and twitter in the groups/clubs section.

We have a new and improved club message board. You can access through the club website at www.firebirdtaclub.com or directly at http://board.firebirdclub.net . We have a members only section of the message board. You can use the user id and password on page 3 of each Eagle or you can get a personal id and password. To do so, register and then logon to the message board and send a message to us with a reply in this section or via email. This allows you to access the Member Only Question & Answer and Upkeep and Performance Hints Area.  It also allows you to post items in the For Sale and Wanted sections as well as post photos in the Member Photos area. Also there is a now a Local Groups/Activities section.

The club also now has a blog located at http://blog.firebirdclub.net . Members can publish items or comments to the Blog.

We have a National Firebird & Trans Am Club photo gallery located at http://photos.firebirdclub.net . The same login is used for the gallery as the Message Board. Members can download photos directly here.

We now offer a 3 year membership or renewal rate which includes a free t-shirt or tech volume II CD. The rate is $95 or $125 for members outside the USA. And in response to many members we now have a 3 year eMembership for $65 which also includes a free t-shirt or tech volume III CD. So save some money and get a free t-shirt or tech CD in the process!

Classified ads are FREE to members but now you can add photographs of your items for sale. For $15 we will include a photograph of your car or item. Also the classified ads will now appear on our website and in the eEagle.

Remember we will send out the eEagle, our email newsletter in addition to the regular Eagle for members that have given us their email address. Our website address is www.firebirdtaclub.com and our email address is info@ firebirdtaclub.com. The website has a “Members Only” section on the web site. This section contains technical staff contact information, recommended repair shops, spare parts lists that members have sent in as well as complete current and past issues of the member magazine which can be viewed on-line or downloaded for printing.

You need an ID and password to access this area. You will find the current ID and password on page 3 of each issue of the EAGLE. These will change with each issue so use only the current ones listed. Also now you can to create your own id and password for the members only section. Submit the form on the members only page to do this.

Thanks for all of your support and to this issue’s contributors and I hope to see you at the car shows this summer!

From the Editors’ Desk – May 2010

'69 Firebird of Gerald Foglia Thanks to all of the new members that joined recently.

Thanks to Yukishige Akiyama, Jerry Foglia, Mark Goldman, Tim Webber, Doug Lester and all of the other contributors to this issue! Also many thanks to Todd Stahr, Justin Kwarta, Doug Lester, Bethany Orr, Bill Simcox and Brett Campbell on their continuing technical help to our members on our message board at http://board.firebirdclub.net .

I am sure you have noticed the improvement in the look and feel of the Eagle. The pages are larger, the paper is better and the quality of the color pictures is considerably better with more vivid colors. We have made a change in printers to make a better looking magazine. Let me know what you think of the changes.

In addition to the items found in our regular club store, more store merchandise including tote bags, caps, sweat pants, shorts and other items can be found at our Fieldhouse Club Store located at www.fieldhouse.com/nftac .

There are organizations to save Pontiac. One of the more organized ones is located at www.SavingPontiac.org . Some of the details appear in this issue along with a sample petition to be sent to government officials. If you go to the website you can submit it through the internet.

We have updated our payment form on our website to directly take credit card and PayPal payments. Your credit card is now checked for accuracy and verified and your order is placed into a shopping cart of items awaiting checkout. This type of program should be very familiar to people who pay for items on other Internet websites and is available on the PayPal/Credit Card website button. The old form will also remain for members that are comfortable with it.

Also there is a now a Local Groups/Activities section on the Club Message Board where each local club has its own section where local club items can be discussed.

You can now find us on the popular networking sites myspace, facebook, friendster and twitter in the groups/clubs section.

We have a new and improved club message board. You can access through the club website at www.firebirdtaclub.com or directly at http://board.firebirdclub.net . We have a members only section of the message board. You can use the user id and password on page 3 of each Eagle or you can get a personal id and password. To do so, register and then logon to the message board and send a message to us with a reply in this section or via email. This allows you to access the Member Only Question & Answer and Upkeep and Performance Hints Area.  It also allows you to post items in the For Sale and Wanted sections as well as post photos in the Member Photos area. Also there is a now a Local Groups/Activities section.

The club also now has a blog located at http://blog.firebirdclub.net . Members can publish items or comments to the Blog.

We have a National Firebird & Trans Am Club photo gallery located at http://photos.firebirdclub.net . The same login is used for the gallery as the Message Board. Members can download photos directly here.

We now offer a 3 year membership or renewal rate which includes a free t-shirt or tech volume II CD. The rate is $95 or $125 for members outside the USA. And in response to many members we now have a 3 year eMembership for $65 which also includes a free t-shirt or tech volume III CD. So save some money and get a free t-shirt or tech CD in the process!

Classified ads are FREE to members but now you can add photographs of your items for sale. For $15 we will include a photograph of your car or item. Also the classified ads will now appear on our website and in the eEagle.

Remember we will send out the eEagle, our email newsletter in addition to the regular Eagle for members that have given us their email address. Our website address is www.firebirdtaclub.com and our email address is info@ firebirdtaclub.com. The website has a “Members Only” section on the web site. This section contains technical staff contact information, recommended repair shops, spare parts lists that members have sent in as well as complete current and past issues of the member magazine which can be viewed on-line or downloaded for printing.

You need an ID and password to access this area. You will find the current ID and password on page 3 of each issue of the EAGLE. These will change with each issue so use only the current ones listed. Also now you can to create your own id and password for the members only section. Submit the form on the members only page to do this.

Thanks for all of your support and to this issue’s contributors and start making plans to get you car back on the road in the spring!!



National Firebird and Trans Am Club Eagle Advertisers

These are the people and services that help bring information to our club members by advertising in our club publication, the Eagle.  Please support them.

Accessories, Events, Insurance, Parts, Service

Accessories

Stencils & Stripes, 847-692-6895
offers exact reproduction, one-piece birds and other items for all Pontiacs and others

Hot Firebird and Trans Am Items, 1-866-403-2243, www.carcrazymerchandise.com
shirts, caps, pins, posters/prints, flags and more!

Phoenix Graphix, 1-800-941-4550, www.phoenixgraphix.com
world’s largest manufacturer of licensed GM restoration decals

Events

A Pontiac Celebration, Warwick, RI, 401-934-0663,  frdigi@cox.net
come celebrate 84 years of Pontiac’s rich history, September 17-19, 2010

Insurance

Classic Auto Insurance, 1-800-397-0765, www.classicins.com
collector car insurance for less

Parts

Functional Shaker Hood Scoop Kits, 512-789-3005, www.PontiacPlus.com
complete kits to convert hood scoops on 1971-1981 Trans Am to operate

Ames Performance Engineering, 1-800-421-2637, www.amesperf.com
Firebird and Trans Am restoration parts

The Paddock, 1-800-428-4319, www.paddockparts.com
the best parts and accessories for your 1967-2002 Firebird or Trans Am

Frank’s Restoration Parts, 760-361-3242, www.frankspontiacparts.com
buy, sell, new, used and reproduction

Convertible parts, 1-800-343-4261, www.hydroe.com
pumps, cylinders, roofrails, weatherstripping and more!

FBodyStore.com, 937-829-0322, www.fbodystore.com
1967 thru 1992 Firebird and Camaro Restoration Parts

Parts for your Firebird or Trans Am at http://partssearch.firebirdtaclub.com.
parts for all Pontiacs and other vehicles!

Publications and Literature

Books4Cars.com, 1-206-721-3077, www.books4cars.com
books and manuals for all Firebirds and Trans Ams

Firebird and Trans Am color sales brochures, 315-432-8282, www.autolit.com
original sales brochures for most cars & trucks

Pontiac Shop Manuals on CD, www.firebirdtaclub.com/regalia.htm
with Fisher body service & 1963-75 Pontiac parts, for ‘67, ‘68, ‘69, ‘70, ‘71 or ‘72

Service

Tuner Tools, 1-888-639-9750, www.tunertools.com
providing the latest equipment for monitoring, diagnosing and tuning engine management systems