69' firebird probs need some help please!

[vinnieg2831]

Hi, this is my 1st post here i figured i could get some answers here on how to fix my firebird. I have a 1969 firebird 400 with 39,000 original miles, My problem is that its dead. Now i had it at a mechanic for over 2 years! yes i know a looong time to fix a car BUT was not my choice it was my dad's at the time i got it i was only 17 so i let him do what he knows and put it in the shop, a cylinder went out and the guy was saposed to fix it but he didnt do a good job. Infact i was very upset at my dad and that shitty mechanic lol any ways my prob is that it wont start. There is power to the car cause the headlights and stuff work but there is no click when i turn the key no turn over nothing i tried replacing the batt that didnt work so could it be a starter maybe? let me know what you guys think. Thanks.

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF, this is all basics, look for 12v at the starter solenoid wire ( purple) when the key is in the crank posaition, if none trace back thru the neutral switch if an automatic, to the ign switch. Check for good grounds also. If 12v at the solenoid and no crank the starter is at fault, we can assume the engine is not seized, correct?

[vinnieg2831]

Um i would say no, the engine is not siezed because i drove it from the mechanic to my house just fine but i will try what you said thanks for the reply..

[MrPbody]

Vinnie,

Welcome aboard! Congrats on having the best example of the 1st generation "F-body"! Firebird 400 is a great piece, and '69 is the coolest one (IMO)!

Beginning in '69, GM attached a set of levers from the shifter to the steering column, for the anti-theft and safety interlock mechanisms. There's also a safety decvice plugged into the clutch pedal (manual trans), to keep the starter from engaing while the clutch pedal is not depressed. Either of these can cause the symptom you describe. If an automatic, what Maxwedge said applies. The "nuetral safety switch" is in the steering coplumn on a '69 Firebird.

First, if a manual, be sure the clutch pedal is all the way to the floor before you turn the key to the "start" position. If that doesn't help, or it's an automatic trans, grab the collar around the steering column right where it comes out of the dash. Try to turn it (the collar) counterclockwise. Hold it all the way "over" and turn the key. Still nothing? Crawl under the dash and unplug the switch attached to the clutch pedal. Make a "jumper wire" with two ends that will "bypass" the switch by inserting them into the dangling plug. Try it again! You can bypass the nuetral safety switch, too, but that is NOT recommended. If the engine starts while it's in gear, it presents serious safety concerns.


If none of this works, the problem is not a '69 Firebird "specific" problem, but more of a generic electrical problem as Maxwedge suggests. You may need to "call in a pro".

Jim