New member introduction! 1970 or 1971 Bird?

[Apriliaalex]

Hello everyone. This is my first post on this forum. I think I’ll be asking a lot of questions while I work on my deceased father in law’s tbird. It was on jacks in his garage for many years. It has been parked outside, covered for the last two years while we have struggled with deciding what to do with it. It is a perfect example of a car that deserves a good resto but I’m not sure I am the person to give it the work and money it deserves. When I mentioned selling the car my dad refused to let me sell it saying that my wife needs to have the opportunity to drive our kids around, like her father did. Her father was a single dad who passed way too young from cancer. Literally days before the birth of my son. I’d love to see her drive my son & daughter down the beach and to car shows in it so, I’ve decided to at least get her going as a good Sunday driver. I have five days of work in and she’s running beautifully. But step one is being clear on what year it is. I have been told it is a 70 but am thinking it may be a 71 by the two extra fuel evap connectors when I dropped the tank. I read on this forum that the 71 is the first year of evap systems. I’m just guessing though. I can’t seem to easily find a vin decoder so I’ll post a photo of that as well. Thank you for all the combined knowledge here. I have had an amazing few weeks working on and learning about this unique version of birds. It’s running beautifully and I’m blown away by how little vibration the motor has. Smooooooth! I’ve also been able to bond with my 75 yo dad working on it at his house. We have a long way to go but the car itself is solid and complete with two shelves of donor car parts that her father left behind with the car. I have not moved the car from park but it starts on first try now. Im waiting for a new gas tank that’s on back order. The floor boards will need replacing, the dash, windows, and seat controls are not working so I’ll start looking into that while I wait for my tank. Then I’ll move on to brakes and suspension. I did discover it has air shocks in the back when I dropped the gas tank. I aired it up today to see if it will hold. I was actually on the brink of selling the car because, well, they aren’t all that appealing at first, or second sight, but they sure do grow on you as unique and I have a affinity for unique vehicles. My daily is a RC F , I have two aprilias and have owned a few other unique and fun cars. The Bunkie Bird has been gaining points with me as I have never seen one before at car shows and I go to alot of them here in New Hampshire. I’m starting to like the look of the car but the beak is still a little, um, ugly to me . But then again I have owned a STi so I’m no stranger to owning ugly cars and loving them for their uniqueness. Sorry for the long post and any and all insight, tips, advice and conversation is appreciated!
You can see pictures and videos of my progress and my other rides on my Instagram @ throttle_therapy_nh

 

[Bond007]

Good luck with your project. If you think the engine is smooth just wait until you get an actual ride in that baby. I had a’73 in the 70s and currently own a’75 along with my 2003. Be sure to keep us updated on your progress.