Free '87 Firebird Revival After Sitting For 20 Years

Will it run? I take a drive down to Brandon VT and pick up this free 1987 pontiac firebird which had been sitting since 2001. Hadn't been registered since '03! After breaking down on my way to pick it up, we got the firebird and she fired right up.

[@errol8000]

Fix it mate, good chance to learn how to weld.

[@UnofficalRsbotChanne]

I totally agree to fix it up! its a amazing car. And its a great opportunity to do some hard work and make a bunch of cash if you do everything yourself at least. Maybe even get it wrapped after the welding, that would just set it apart and make it amazing.

[@rwdplz1]

Ditto, spend the money that would have been spent buying the car on buying a welder, mask, gloves, tank, etc. I replaced entire frame rails on a Fiero, it isn't that bad. You can buy entire sections of floor for these cars, like Classic Industries C12179 for $300

[@driver_cl]

Fix it!

[@samhughes1910]

Yeah, personally I’d slap a few plates on the frame, get some sheet metal for the floors, give the inside a coat of rustolium and the outside a coat of bedliner frame and all. They both stop rust.

[@impala340]

It is not throttle bodiy it's a multi port fuel injection, with an injector per cyc. It called a Tuned Port Injection.

[@giorgoss_gr7720]

For stock that exhaust sounds incredible

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

It actually has a glasspack

[@mullinsjm1]

I saw that cherry bomb on there. Thought about putting one of those on my truck.

[@dudebrodude9021]

@@mullinsjm1 do it i have cold starts of what they sound like they sound good

[@stevensmith3273]

@@dudebrodude9021 I have it on my 85 K5 Blazer and it is awesome. Want to put a 454 in it though bc rn it only has a 350

[@denmann364]

Looks like a CherryBomb to me

[@janierios1194]

THAT CAR DESERVES RESPECT!!! Fix it up and paint it and keep it!!! Bring it back to it’s former glory!!!!

[@rwm3242]

I owned a new 1987 Trans Am and loved every minute of driving it. One of the most powerful and best handling cars I ever owned. And I loved the throaty V8 rumble.

[@chadmarkle3278]

Surprised it’s running as well as it does after sitting so long. Running fresh fuel thru it will help most likely.

[@transamspd02]

Thank you for rescuing this beauty

[@bencezavarko7312]

These old Firebird are so sturdy. I just bought one which sat for years but it starts right up everytime, idles great and almost everything works. Only the front suspension, steering and aestethics need some work. Little rust spots here and there but nothing major. I'm so glad I decided to buy it

[@Corassiam007]

Aaaand subscribe! Excellent score man! lookin forward to see what you do with it

[@RyanGallager]

Wow! That was the best drivetrain you could get in 1987 on the entire Firebird line that allowed you to shift for yourself. Of course there was the 5.7L motor but since those were automatic, this was the next best thing - and the original buyer didn't cheap out with getting the much less potent (and lower revving) TBI version of the motor. I nearly soiled my shorts when I saw that this was a TPI 5 speed car, seriously that combo is that hard to find. Thank you for posting, I'm so glad this car is out there despite being pretty much beyond saving. Good luck on the project!

[@matthewkoch6937]

This poor car, glad you found it. I would advise you to clean it, sand off as much rust as you can, and paint and refinish the old boy.

[@elevin1972]

I had an 87 Firebird Formula which is what I thought that was until seeing the roll up windows! Good score!

[@nikolamise8614]

Do a restauration just to make it road legal, but leave the patina

[@wileecoyote5749]

All restaurants are take out only

[@lionreb]

@@wileecoyote5749 Restoration!

[@toddmore7586]

@@lionreb ...make that firebird to go

[@janierios1194]

No!! Fix it up right! Paint it red!!!

[@ls6-ss413]

NO PATINA 🤢

[@tomrohlfs5538]

Time to learn to weld man. This can be a nice ride.

[@ike780]

I'm impressed that it fired up

[@ferniee16]

I would love to see a restoration, at least to the floor boards! I think it's worth it!

[@marcusgs12345]

Would love to see that fixed and on the road again 😍

[@TheDarkPhoenix23]

I'm so jealous that you get all these free or cheap cars! Good luck with it, and look forward to seeing more!

[@MakinEndsMeet69]

Unbelievable and still running you really don't know how lucky you are. What a great little project car. I can tell you you are very lucky that I didn't hear about that car first because I definitely would have bought it. Anyway I love the video great deal man glad to see you at Youngblood doing things tell me that you stay safe stay well and as always God bless

[@HeartBreakTeens]

0:30 but we ARE here for you and your content :)

[@PKDionysus]

Yo, I was coming to say this too. And we're here for Beetle.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

:) thanks

[@medicjwilson]

Same, Same!!!

[@iannolon4624]

🥰

[@joshgalloner7663]

Bro when you put the Bird on the trailer and at the end the ramp flew off perfectly , that was epically awesome .

[@deliveryguyrx]

It did the same thing when he was taking it off the trailer,he damn near lost the nose!!

[@BobPegram]

@@deliveryguyrx Tell the guys at work about it, they need a working trailer!

[@hualni]

That really is the perfect car to restore. It has such a great starting point. That engine sounds really strong. A new cam, better heads, convert the fuel to flex and you have a screaming 305. You can have a custom frame built for a decent bargain, have a shop do the frame swap, and have a killer suspension. I'm envious. This is going to be a fun build!!!

[@goodbonezz1289]

That’s a really cool find! Seriously..don’t mistake this car for a TBI throttle body injection..this is the much much nicer TPI setup..GM’s Tuned Port Injection. I’d say it’s definitely worth it to try and get the frame squared away, give her some TLC and a cheap paint job at least. This particular car has ALOT going for it the way it right now. It’s a 5.0 TPI, it runs GOOD, and it’s a pretty rare 5-sp! Very rare find.

[@DA-gw1ft]

That's an awesome car. I would love that ride

[@MultiRokusho]

Always good to see someone keeping These alive

[@joshgalloner7663]

It sucks ,those are getting hard to find especially in stick shift

[@BobPegram]

And with Limited Slip!! The drivetrain is wunnerful, just needs a non rusty body!

[@lionreb]

@@BobPegram Some people could fix this!

[@MrDigztheswagking]

I have a 1985 fire bird video on my channel

[@04dram04]

They are everywhere on CR for like 1000 bucks

[@joshgalloner7663]

@@lionreb yes its a easy fix i live n michigan we deal with it all the time

[@ikaros21]

I see lots of potential!

[@halldorra]

Time for welding course/ sheetmetal exercises ;-) (you can do it )

[@loganfred1022]

I'd do a partial restoration fix things on a budget before you sale cause it seems to have a awesome drive line

[@1986Honda4trax]

That cars a perfect example of why road salt should be illegal

[@tolnaijani]

One of my dream cars.

[@SuperKittenLvr6626]

Can’t believe you got that car for free! Unbelievable find to have it running too. 🔥🦅

[@Itswriter07]

Gotta love that self-separating ramp. It is pretty good to see your faces honestly. You got a great deal on the Firebird, congratulations and thank you for sharing.

[@MotorScotti]

Bring it back to life man. I've gone from A-Z with this car. It's a great car to work on...for the most part. :-D BTW, this is a TPI (Tuned Port Injection, not a TBI).

[@chronicle838]

87 TPI Formula with a 5 speed, not sure on production numbers but it’s fairly rare. Love the original color, too. I would fix this one for sure. Super amazed the fuel pump is working OK, must not have had any ethanol in the gas. Gas tanks are not very fun to drop in these cars.

[@evanc6110]

Very cool firebird! Your videos get to the point & aren't too stretched. Interested to see how this goes. Subbed.

[@AndysDogHouse]

The first thing you should do is fix your trailer ramp. Thanks for sharing.

[@jasonbeason4780]

I bought a 85 firebird with out a motor n trans. But it's a gem. Only has 133000 miles with little to no rust. T tops power everything ac automatic with a fiberglass cal hood with three sets of rim's for 600 I'm the second registered owner. I have the window stickers and manuals along with service records. The guy had a 383 but didn't want the car just the motor n trans. But these cars are hard to beat.

[@jeffrrey6791]

Man I wish I could of bought this for my mom. She had a 90 firebird and she has done so much for me I feel like the best thing I can do for her to repay for everything I've done or spent and to just show that I love her. I'd fix the rust I'd fix everything. I'd swap out the 5.0 for the 5.7. My parents did that when she owned it before and was happy as can be with it

[@buddy8225]

Such a beautiful car. Like these years of Firebirds.😀

[@dr.trombone2747]

I think if you can find a solid frame, you should swap everything over! It could be pricey, but for a car that is otherwise perfect, it's worth it. The patina is amazing, and it sounds glorious.

[@krunkyt7578]

Subframe car, can’t frame swap

[@justinraystyles3537]

Man you got that for free!!😱 what a deal!!💗

[@justinnagy9206]

I think this is a diamond in the rough. And it's amazing that it starts up with such ease. Great get man 👌

[@brokeboymotorsports5674]

This channel doesn’t get the recognition it deserves

[@HilltownCT]

Michael Knight approves this video.

[@michaelbaka4777]

Back in my day, we'd find an old stop sign and cut and bend to fit the floor......job done!! You could box those frame rails in with a little welding. A stick V-8..........gotta be worth something!!!

[@tangledline]

Jewel in the rough brother. Nice! You can weld more trusses and actually make her road worthy. The FIRST thing is to clean her up to appreciate her. You have a 75% done car.

[@nfttoedipper5015]

Another great video. So close to 30k subs. Keep it up. You’ll be at 100k before you know it.

[@79beans347]

That thing will be cool with a powerful engine in it

[@sexysammij1]

Would love to see the rot fixed and make her road worthy again. Love this era of Firebird.

[@lionreb]

Get somebody like Mustie1 to do the metalwork on this car and save it! this car can be fixed with a bit of love! fix the frame. add some good metal and weld it ! This car would last for years! If you fix the floor and the frame it would be worthy of paint! Fix it don't kill it!

[@kycountry84]

I have a 1984 trans am I’m currently working on hope to be driving it soon. I’d love to see you fix it and get it back on the road !

[@frankie5341]

Wow, I jumped when it kicked in, what a nice sound with the headphones. I'd wear a face mask till the mould has gone. Not to much welding to get a nice ride, seen worse, could turn out an ace classic.

[@ElchrstinGaming]

You got me comfused near the end haha, you said tbi and showed us a tpi, badass car tho!!! Love them thirdgens! Am building a 92 camaro right now!! And boy can that little 305 spin the tires, it has a 4th gen rear end, 1 1/10th lowering sorings, wonder bar, completely rebuilt the front suspension, and it has 275 all around, the rear tires are stretched but can fit 285's, lol im getting excited here for your car man!!!!! Giving you some ideas for the car, lets just say, it will wobble alot

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

Nobody born after 1990 knows what a Firebird Formula is, but basically it's the Trans Am's engine and running gear in a basic Firebird body without any ground effects or extra weight. Just like a Mustang LX 5.0L.

[@deecee4644]

Not true at all. Every Formula I owned had extra factory stuff above and beynd the base Firebird, most noticeably the hood and rear spoiler. Not to mention gauging that the basic Firebirds don't have. I've owned 4 of them over the years, from a 71 to 91. (Two second gens and two 3rd gens.)

[@Paul_on_Guitar]

Dude, you can replace those frame rails. And, you can get replacement floor pans, either part or entire floor. I have a 73 Firebird and we just did it. It's a beauty, give her some love and keep her.

[@jakebennie6570]

I'd get a new frame and try to get it on the road again they are sweet cars worth the work.

It reminds me of KITT, from Knight Rider.

[@graemew7001]

My heart sank when I saw the frame because it looked a good car until then, I really like the patina look. The frame did look really bad on film but is there any chance of welding it from what you've seen?

[@VeyronBD]

As bad as its looks its mostly flat or box section, easiest type of welding to do and can probably get the floor pan sections. Just a case of if its worth it to him or not i guess.

[@graemew7001]

@@VeyronBD Thanks for that info, it did look bad but being from the UK I've never seen the underneath of a Firebird other than on this film so don't know exactly how they're built. From your info I'm in agreement with you, I'd want to do it, its a cool looking car.

[@lionreb]

Definitely weldable.

[@justinsanders2705]

I love Firebirds and Trans Ams. It's sad she's so rough. Loved the video it took me back to when I was seventeen and me and my friends would spend all of our time working on our third gens in the driveway. 👍

[@chaseman94]

My dad used to have a 86 Firebird V6 with the manual.

[@icerazar713]

Except for the exterior, looks like you lucked out. I'm a fan of these Firebirds. 👍

[@joshgalloner7663]

I wish i lived closer to you ,id buy it from you.here in michigan theres no registration rules.i bought a car from the old lady across the Street that had been sitting over 20 yrs it cost me a lil over a hindred to plate an register it.i could repair the unibody and pop a new floor pan it.seeing one of those cars in a stick shift here in michigan is like lookin for unicorns . every once n awhile a v6 comes around with stick .

[@rabbleinarms5742]

oh man!! I had an 85 the same color with the spoiler delete like that when I was in high school. SUCH a flashback.

[@epik_robie1709]

You’ve gotten 2 vehicles that I want for free 2 videos in a row. Must be nice getting random finds like that in the country, you guys are lucky

[@Paopolomololl]

I'm so jealous!

[@johnnysons5249]

That interior is not that bad! Fun project.

[@jeeplifeyj6328]

I wish I could get a free car like that to work on

[@grayeagleswolves]

Alright here we are with a Beauty You should get a junkyard and see if they have an exact model and rehab that beauty she is worth it

[@Ecclest89]

All is missing is a nice spoiler then ur golden, love to own one of these, even a 82/83 version of this car

[@Zelaznogsiul-63]

I did not expect the car to run at all by the way it looked, but it fooled me. Running condition could mean it runs if you pushed it but I am glad it was not your case. I own a 1983 trans am. Great video.

[@ryanbishop3967]

I love how ur creating ur own niche kinda. And I love it. Keep it up man

[@TheyoutuberMechanic]

i think you need to box the frame and pans and daily it.i love the car man wish it could be saved

[@veb6814]

Sure sounds good!

[@Dallas-Rife-UDX-347-Tennessee]

Good find ! At least it has the tuned port 305 . That unit alone with the wiring and brain box is 700 bucks or way more at the salvage yard

[@captainfancypants4933]

brandon is right down the road from me, i think i know where ya got this beast. But awesome haul you should definitely fix that bad boy and put it back on the road you can get new frame rails to weld in, and floor pans. Brandon gap is a fun road to take

[@greeniembush4106]

That's so so so Great your Firebird must be a good collector that's a Great car I'd love to Have one again.

[@brandonrogers9695]

Badass man! makes me regret selling my 83 Trans Am

[@montyholland3357]

Heck yeah I'd love to have a free firebird... And it runs too?? Bonus!! Score!!!

[@3rdGenFireChicken]

Had one back in the day and I just bought one a few months back. A 89 with only 105,000 miles and 1 owner Arizona car. Love these cars. Definitely restore it. Remember they will never make these cars again due to the fact GM sold the Pontiac Firebird rights to 2 brothers in Tallahassee that turn Camaro into firebirds. I bought mine now for my son to have in another 10 years and they will be worth a lot more money.

[@blueovalfan23]

I see people talking about learning to weld in the comments. I did just that but on a mower deck of all thing. I'll tell ya I ain't no welder but having never done it before in my life, it was easy. I bought a DC convertion flux welder at Lowes, fc90 century model. It's a bad ass lettle welder. Highly recommend it. The harbor freight model I'm sure is just as capable. Those ac flux welders work fine but you'll be glad you spent the extra. More stable power and control.

[@wiblesgarage2016]

That exhaust is amazing

[@topbuzz1737]

Love your channel bro keep up the work!❤️

[@andrewgorges3152]

A budget DIY resto to get it back to road legal would be interesting.

[@DeusVolo]

One of the reasons I like this channel is you did not click bait the title or thumbnail with "I grenaded my transmission into a million pieces" while towing the CHEAPEST FREE mystery vehicle. HAHAHAHA

[@noblerdentertainment9812]

87 firebird was my first car. Great video 💯💯💯💯💯

[@CJ-xk7vs]

Im new...you got my interest straight away with that hat :)

[@geovannimonge8397]

Sounds great. 😊 runs strong. Low mileage. Very rare. not too sure about the rust. But seen worst. I feel it all depends on your budget. I own a 92 v6 Firebird. Was stolen and wrecked. Recovered it 10 years later. Now I'm planning on restoration and Ls swap.

[@shaded_lp]

Love this car! What a beautiful sound! Its sad that they are so rare in Europe.

[@justasmith1235]

Pretty positive what you have is a 5spd Formula that is missing the spoiler, not to easy to find anymore. If all it needs is floor pans and that rear section of frame repaired I'd totally go for it and either leave the patina or spraybomb it satin black. The 4th gen 93+ seats are a bolt in btw. Could be a very fun, cheap track car.

[@duallyentertainment3005]

It looks like a cool post apocalyptic vehicle!

[@ryanforrest168]

Frame repair’s something that seems a lot harder than it is, as long as you can get some similar gauge steel, grind the rust back and do even a mediocre welding job you should be good to go. The rest of the body seems to be in good shape minus the paint, and it runs like car that’s only been stuck outside for a couple years, I say it’s worth saving it in all its 80’s glory

[@mitchellperrone7990]

All these people need to do is wash the car before it gets this bad 😂

[@garyhampson7914]

So good to see you in the videos too

[@MikeStavola]

If the front doglegs are okay, I would cut out the rust from the frame and scab in some bit ol chunks of steel in there. maybe rivet in some old road signs in the floorboards.

[@802Garage]

This thing is actually pretty cool, other than the rust. The frame rails are reminding me of my 2001 Impreza 2.5RS that is just horrendous. Maybe see if you can find a shell or a similar car with missing drivetrain to swap all this into? Or make it into a cart car and replace missing frame sections with tubes? I dunno, it's definitely far gone for proper saving. Could be fun though! Easy to extract more power by deleting some 80s emissions junk and adding some go fast bits though. Love the look of that engine. Sounds right too!

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

I was thinking similarly....only thing is it's hard to pull these drivetrains unless you do it from the bottom which makes it a pain for us shade tree mechanics

[@802Garage]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 Oof, I feel that. Hopefully we'll both have lifts eventually!

[@ohyeahhonda9674]

I can here that country boy sound in you 😀👍

[@jeffp6244]

Oh man that rust is a shame. I'd still keep it as a weekend toy though

[@dieselnick4811]

Good old 6.5 saves the day

[@tonynyquist8258]

Ha, I spotted the 245 in the background. I have a 93 245 and a 85 Firebird. Safe to say we both have good taste