I just bought my 91 Firebird today, and I was wondering if parts are interchangable with other cars and if so which ones. I was also wondering what is RPO and how do I figure out the original color name or color code of my car.
Thanks in advance.

 

sugs, depends on what parts you plan on interchanging and from what. 3rd gen parts, for the most part, are interchangable. Depending on interior and engine stuff, its not even a maro/bird problem. Make sure you're swapping engine and mech parts from the same engine, altho chevy small blocks were put in a lot more than just thirdgens . Honestly though, it ultimately depends on what you're looking to swap. If you want to take a TBI 305 and convert it to TPI, go out and find another thirdgen 305 (maro or bird) and they'll swap. Seats, door panels, sail panels, ttops are all swappable. Just do it with discretion . I have seen birds with maro steering wheel.

Once you figure out specifics or what you're intersted in swapping, or upgrading, come back and check first . Good luck and enjoy the bird!

 

errr... forgot about RPOs...
Your RPOs can be found on a metal plate under the hood of your car (Mine is right between the hoodlatch and the radiator). The RPO contains alot of information about the original build of your car. There is a RPO decoder on this site that has proved itself invaluble to many of us! Make sure you plug your VIN & RPO into this sites resources. Its a great starting point to get some production line info on your thirdgen. Again, Goodluck! :lala:

 

When I bought the car the a/c is locked up, so I need to get a new one on it. So I was wondering if I could only use Firebird parts. Is it ok to try to get one from a junk yard or should I buy brand new. Also I need a new headliner, know where I can check into those?
Thanks,
Jodi

 

go to yearone.com and order a catalog they have head liners and dang near everything else for our cars.

 

Thanks I think im going end up having alot of question before it is done...lol

 

For the headliner, also check out Classic Industries and two of the board's sponsors, Hawks and Third Gen Resource. I bought my headliner from Third Gen Resource.

 

get a new clutch assembly hub for the compressor to fix the a/c

alot of oens on other engiens and models o GM cars and trucks that year woul be same as long as same compressor and wiring plug and belt


good luck

 

No RPO info on cowl tag after '85.

Look for RPO info in console or rear drivers side locking compartment.

 

:hail: thanks for the correction 90TA, I was thinkin of my 83 TA.

 

Ok I looked in the locking compartment on the drivers side but there was no paper in there do I have to take it out or something?
thanks,
Jodi

 

If there is not a sticker in the locking compartment, look for it in the console. If not there, then it has been removed. You can try taking your VIN number to the dealer to get a printout of you RPO codes.

TA 83 Daytona: No prob.

 

Ok cool thanks, I am so glad I found this site not many people would help a lady out with all of her questions you guys are great.:rockon:

 

From my understanding (I have a book on this) the SAIL PANEL is the rear roof pillar so how would you go about swapping that?!
Seems an odd mention to me.
Bill

 

pretty sure he ment the piece that goes over the rear speakers in the interior

 

That's typically referred to as a speaker grill hehehe

In the long form, I mean to say that the whole rear fender and sail panel are an integral piece unless cut for some reason...in standard hard top. I tend to forget the specifics having the droptop only (if I missed something) You may recall on cars like the Lincoln Cont., the sail panels had opera windows and badging in other cases. Interior on hardtops do have speakers mounted differently then convertibles of course.

Bill

 

How hot does the 91 Firebirds usually run? and also do they usually have problems with the fans going out?
Thanks,
Jodi

 

Don't know about the '91s but you can modify the fans to run outside of the 220 temp reading (trying to recall offhand here)
You could probably wire to a manual switch and it wouldn't hurt the operation. I was advised I might just need to address the sensor on my car...but it's running rough upon first start even, except when I pop the car out of gear it runs smoother... or open the throttle! Still haven't made it to my mechanic yet. Good luck with yours

Bill

 

Jodi, if you live near Birmingham be sure to check out www.bhamfbody.com

 

How hot does the 91 Firebirds usually run?

Check out my articles for more info:

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=170903


and also do they usually have problems with the fans going out?

My experience is our fan motors don't typically retire early. They go on and on and on..... BUT as the internals wear, it takes more current to turn them and sometimes run slower than spec. If you don't know when they were replaced (if at all), I'd suggest replacing it (them). Fan motors are fairly cheap.