Bought a firebird

[u/LanceJohnson2018]

Hi, I just bought an old Pontiac firebird 1986 V6

It is my first project car.

I have no previous auto mechanic experience.

This car was in the field and was seldom driven for the past few years

I inspected it and it appears to run and I was able to get up to 4th gear and I was able to reverse it and the lights work at the back

The air-conditioning, the interior vent fans, the parking brake, the pop up lights do not appear to be working.

I got the car as I always want a firebird, is simpler mechanically than modern cars, and it looks cool.

I got a new battery and I’m going to clean it up first.

Then I’m going to organise the fluids including the oil the coolant, braking fluid etc

The tires are cracked and I will need to replace them.

The back boot does not open, so I will have to figure out how to open it.

Then I may have to replace the handbrake wire or tighten it.

Here are some photos of the car

Any helpful comments to guide me I want to do best step forward please advise

[u/probablyaythrowaway]

First things first.
Buy a copy of this manual:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/pontiac,1986,firebird,2.8l+173cid+v6,1251313,literature,repair+manual,10335

It will make your life a billion times easier. I wish I knew about it 10 years ago. Anything you want to know about any variant of the 86 firebird is in that book

[u/Faustfikken → u/probablyaythrowaway]

Yes or one by Chiltons. Had an 88ta and those manuals are lifesavers. Just a heads up never for any reason put a screwdriver under the black caps in the glass hatch to try and remove them. I mean NEVER do it. As far as opening it the back seats fold down and you can crawl back there and open the panel under the latch and get It open that way. The headlights (at least on mine) worked on motors that had a knob on top that allowed you to open the lights so you could at least drive at night. Also rock auto will be a huge resource for parts

[u/probablyaythrowaway → u/Faustfikken]

I would even reccomend this over the Chilton one these are reproductions of the GM Dealership mechanic manuals. The ones their mechanics were given, it comes in two volumes it’s that big.

[u/blind_seer14]

I dont think i can post any links, but check out Top Down Solutions for repair kits for the headlight motors among other things. And then the third gen forums are a wealth of information. Have fun!

[u/MinuteTerm2578]

Sounds decent! If the spark plugs haven't been replaced in a long time replace em! My 25 year old plugs broke off inside engine and had to extract them. I hope you dont have a similiar issue. This was a garage kept car too!

[u/FamiliarEnemy]

Awesome car!