1969 RAIV Bird converts

[yellowjudge]

I was wondering if anyone out there has seen many of these cars. there were 12 4spd & 5 autos only produced.
This is color breakdown for sticks so far: 3- blue, 1 green, & 1 silver. there is 1 auto known, yellow.
I believe this is a very overlooked car. Just wondering what others might be out there? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif <font color="666666"> </font>

[Chris396]

I remember a blue with white interior 4-speed for sale in Hemmings about 5 years ago for $35,000.

[Rick]

There was one in CT that was sold to someone name Mark in either OH or IN about 3 years ago. It sold for the somewhere in the high 20's. Didn't have the original drivetrain and was in driver condition. Don't remember the
original color or tranny combo.

I could find out the color and tranny if you really want to know.

[yellowjudge]

That was the green one, that I listed. There seems to be 6 of the 17 known so far. The colors listed were of condfirmed cars. I really think these cars are super rare. I don't think alot of people know of their low production figures. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[yellowjudge]

Hi, that was 1 of the 3 blue blue ones I listed. I hope to to see if there are any more than 6 out there. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[StealthBird]

Yes, these are extremely rare! There was a a road test conducted (article appeared in the "portfolio" series of road tests on 67-72 Firebirds) that had a 69 Firebird RAIV convertible with auto trans. I remember reading this road test, and after reading all the text (no spec sheet or performance data chart was given), I realized this was one of the five RAIV ragtop automatics produced that year. Of course, the road testers at that time had no idea (nor did they care) about the rarity of that Firebird.

I have no idea how many of these cars have survived, but I would think that the original (and subsequent) owners wouldn't have used a 69 RAIV Firebird convertible as daily drivers too often.

[yellowjudge]

HI Mike, Did the article listed color of the auto car? I know of a yellow one. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[StealthBird]

I'd have to check the article again when I get home tonight. I recall the photos looked like it was a dark colored car. There was a shot of the Firebird at highway speed, and it took up the classic 69 Firebird stance. Squatting in back. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif It may have had a trunk full of test equipment, I'm not sure.

[StealthBird]

The article was from a 1969 issue of "Supercars", and was reprinted in the "Firebird and Trans Am Portfolio 1967-1972". The color of the car is unfortunately NOT mentioned, but it does NOT appear to be white or yellow, judging by the black &amp; white photos. The article states their test car had redlines.

Comments made by the testers were critical of the fact that Pontiac didn't offer a/c with the RAIV engine. Their test car had the TH400, 3.90 gears, P/S, PDB, etc. They loved the stacked in-dash gauges, but criticized the hood tach, saying it was hard to read in the rain (do you NEED to see your tach in the rain?) http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif, and their hood tach was stolen off their car while they were in a restaurant in New York City. They also mentioned the throttle stop (held the Q-Jet to 3/4 throttle so it wouldn't outrun the Goat) held their test car back to the tune of 14.21 at 103 mph. Their car also had a mere 200 miles on the odometer, and they said the engine was still "tight". Gas mileage was 8 mpg city, 13 mpg highway. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

[442w30]

I know Milt Robson has a blue one.

And why do you always have a http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif at the end of your posts? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[yellowjudge]

Yes, Milt does have a blue one. That was one of the 3 I counted. Mine is the silver one. As far as why do I use flags in my post, well I'm a proud American! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[GTO_DON]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gifWERE ALL PROUD!!!

[yellowjudge]

The more the merrier!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[GTO_DON]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif YOU GOT IT!!!!!

[Chris396]

[ QUOTE ]
Yes, Milt does have a blue one. That was one of the 3 I counted. Mine is the silver one. As far as why do I use flags in my post, well I'm a proud American! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Pics! We must have them!

[yellowjudge]

Anybody hear about a brown one(69 bird convt that is!) floating around? HA! I'm told there is a convt raiv out there.

[4MyChevelles]

My buddy just sold a Red ? od shade of red anyway somewhere in the area of 100K RA IV convert..supposed to be one of some low number like 7 ? I'm Not a GTO guy so i'm not good with there numbers or options just know he got a load of money for a 69 convertable

[yellowjudge]

Just wondering if anymore 69 RAIV convert. birds have been unearthed to spread their wings? Maybe the 6 known will be all to surface? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[COPO_Anders]

Eric, I talked to a guy at Power BIG Meet in Västerås this weekend. A friend of his had a Judge ragtop automatic. Not a -69 though, it was a -70. He has had the car for many years.

Anders

[Rick]

ebay raiv bird (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&amp;item=4518575761&amp;rd=1&amp;sspage name=STRK%3AMEBI%3AIT#mainImage)

So, is this really 1 of the 5 autos? It has open scoops and the knob under the dash. Auction ended early, owner must have been bombed with emails.

[CHIEF RAM AIR]

I just got a '69 Ram Air IV hardtop, auto. Firebird. Pontiac made 35 of those. It's two-tone paint, pretty unusual.

[442w30]

What is the color combo?

[DaJudge]

Is that the gold one with a black painted top that you bought off of Fred Flintstone. needs total resto?

[CHIEF RAM AIR]

Black top gold bottom and gold interior.

[CHIEF RAM AIR]

Fred Flinstone?

[CHIEF RAM AIR]

Hey Mike maybe you'll respond to my question when I see you at Carlisle or T.A. Nationals or do you just make false negative comments via the internet and then hide.

[DaJudge]

Hey John , I don't hide from you or anyone. I asked you if the car was the gold and black one needing a restoration? Joking around I asked if you bought it from Fred Flintstone? You then answer that it was the gold and black one and then in a second post you just write Fred Flintstone? Is that a question? I and everyone else knows who Fred Flintstone is.A cartoon character that was created by Hanna Barbera that had a wife named Wilma, a daughter named pebbles and a dog ( dinosaur) named Dino. You did not answer if it was the one needing a full restoration or not. Why so defensive when the comments were innocent?

[yellowjudge]

Wondering if any more RAIV bird converts have come to light? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Canucklehead]

Ask Charly

[Charley Lillard]

Mine is not a 4

[yellowjudge]

Your TA will be the best of the convert TAs when finished. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Charley Lillard]

Thanks...I feel better...

[yellowjudge]

Charlie, you now need a Judge ragtop! I would love to get my raiv done, &amp; my raiv 69 bird ragtop. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif When I hit the lottery!

[Charley Lillard]

I need YOUR Judge ragtop but those damn Mariachers ruined me for awhile....

[Belair62]

The lottery ticket is in your garage !

[yellowjudge]

I think most guys on the board have a lottery ticket or two in their garage. The question is will any cash it in. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[yellowjudge]

Just to illustrate, back in early 2004, I did list that I had a silver RAIV 69 convert.
Now on to the present: Does anyone know of any other ones, besides the ones I've listed. These are really not well known cars, but a truly rare breed. Again, mine is being kept. My 3 yr old litle girl, Alexa has claim to it.

[Johnny Horsepower]

Hey Judgerag, just curious why your profile is not filled out?
Nice cars by the way http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Jon

[yellowjudge]

HI Thanks, Been a diehard RAIV collector, &amp; just love the 69-72 ponchos. My profile is filled out.
What cars are you into? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Johnny Horsepower]

[ QUOTE ]
My profile is filled out

[/ QUOTE ]
I meant your name http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

[ QUOTE ]
What cars are you into?

[/ QUOTE ]
I love it all. My personal stuff is RA Pontiacs, cudas and some modern sports cars.
If i had more money, space and time....... i have a long list of wants

John http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[yellowjudge]

Charlie, have you've seen the "69 RAIV TA :" @ Barrett? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Stefano]

Does anyone know how many RA IV non Judge GTO convertibles were produced?

[yellowjudge]

45 sticks &amp; 14 autos http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Canucklehead]

And how many actual judge GTO converts?

[442w30]

[ QUOTE ]
45 sticks &amp; 14 autos http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Isn't it 40 sticks?

[yellowjudge]

5 Judges. All sticks. On the Bird subject. 12 sticks &amp; 5 autos, no TAs. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[442w30]

So then it's 40 4-speeds that weren't Judges! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Charley Lillard]

I thnk Phil said he thought the RA4 TA at Barrett was the one from Ca. he was going to buy untill the seller disclosed that it was a re-body.

[PhilS]

If it's the column shift car from the bay area then it's true. The seller at that time didn't exactly come forward with info. He initially denied it being a rebody. It was when we told him we wanted to pull the cowl vent that he made the disclosure. I'm not sure if this is the same owner. With only 55 raIVs built it should go high unless everyone knows the truth. Too bad it's not the only high end rebody at auction next week.

Phil

[RAIVJudge]

Phil,

Did the factory put VIN's on the cowl vent on the 69 TA's. I found the VIN stamped upside down on my 69 and 70 Judge's heater box opening on the firewall. I didnt know they did firebirds. I have never noticed them before.

[yellowjudge]

Yes, Charlie &amp; Phil are correct on status of 69 RAIV column
shift TA. When I had my 69 RAIV TA restored, I found the vin# stamped behind heater box &amp; on top of the cowl. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[RAIVJudge]

A friend of mine showed me on his T/A wher they are. I have neve heard of that before. Learn something new all the time.....

[yellowjudge]

The 70 birds only stamped behind the heater box.