1978 Trans Am Restoration Project

[BusyChild04]

I just got a 1978 Trans Am last tuesday and started to restore it this weekend. Mechanically it's in good condition but needs a few repairs. All in which I managed to buy this weekend. The exterior is ok. Typical rust, bumps, bruises, and paint fading is present. The interior is in EXCELLENT condition. But I've been having trouble finding some parts (exterior). I have two catalogs that are 100% firebird, but prices are a bit high. Anybody know of any web sites or anything where I might be able to find what I need for a good price? I've searched for websites but came up empty. Or if anybody from texas knows of a place in south texas.

[PEST BY TRADE]

TRY HERE (http://yearone.com/serverfiles/fbshopmain2.asp?cat=4)
yearone has O.E templates and they are exact fit GM parts good luck bandit!

mod edit: link fixed

[Connor_swims]

oh hell yeah! thanks alot! I found the grilles for $20 cheaper here.

[Mommadeez4u]

Motor?

[invisible76]

pictures?

[BusyChild04]

Motor?

V8, 400, 6.6 liter

I'll post pictures soon.

[Mommadeez4u]

My next door neighbor as a teenager owned a 72 TA, 455 HO. Mother of God that thing was awesome. Sounded like a PT boat idling.

[Glenn Dandy]

I had a 70 1/2 trans am .. I had a 350/ a 396/ and then a 350 duel carb high rise in it.
I also had a 76 400 4 speed.. That car was god damned fast. Bought it for 2000.00 with 60,000 original miles on it, Like perfect condition, I wish my son didnt stand on my scanner and break the glass i would post pics..


Anyways to answer your Question the cheapest metal around and parts is JC Whitney catalog.

Let me guess rear window is rusted< Both mine had that.

[BCH]

My next door neighbor as a teenager owned a 72 TA, 455 HO. Mother of God that thing was awesome. Sounded like a PT boat idling.

Super duty.....That's the real deal, That's the shit.

http://www.dealsonwheels.com/database/cars/000060-200508-000010_9big.jpg

[BusyChild04]

even though being only 19 years old...I'm very anti-moding classics as if they were imports...I'm gonne fully restore this car as if it just came out of the show room in 1978. It's gonna end up being 97% original. That 3% is gonna be a cd player and xm radio. This weekend I lucked out hugely and found the original wheels! the guy had five and we baught ALL 5 for $115!! They aren't damaged in any way, shape, or form! A fucking steal. So even my spare is going to be a full size original. I'll probably take pictues as the process develops and post them.

[click]

even though being only 19 years old...I'm very anti-moding classics as if they were imports...I'm gonne fully restore this car as if it just came out of the show room in 1978. It's gonna end up being 97% original. That 3% is gonna be a cd player and xm radio. This weekend I lucked out hugely and found the original wheels! the guy had five and we baught ALL 5 for $115!! They aren't damaged in any way, shape, or form! A fucking steal. So even my spare is going to be a full size original. I'll probably take pictues as the process develops and post them.
Keep us posted. I always wanted a 78-79 T/A. ebay always seems to have a lot of parts, mostly small stuff like door handles and stuff. you get the honeycomb rims? I think they're hard to find

[BusyChild04]

yeup. The honeycomb rims are the ones I found. 5 for $115.

[click]

yeup. The honeycomb rims are the ones I found. 5 for $115.
nice. good luck with the resto. you can't find anything like that up here

[Brady T cell]

A buddy of mine had one when I was in high school. That thing was a beast.

Good luck on the resto...keep us posted.

[BusyChild04]

Here's an update on this project. We already fixed the entire front end (mechanically). This weekend we're gonna go get the transmission done and probably spend another $700 on parts :icon_eek: ...but all is worth it in the end :action-sm . These are the pics of the TA. I have not done anything cosmetically so this is how I got it.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b96/BusyChild04/IMGA1759.jpg

Back End (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b96/BusyChild04/IMGA1747.jpg)

Interior (Dashboard) (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b96/BusyChild04/IMGA1751.jpg)

Backseat (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b96/BusyChild04/IMGA1750.jpg)

Front View (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b96/BusyChild04/IMGA1757.jpg)

Front Right (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b96/BusyChild04/IMGA1754.jpg)

Front Again (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b96/BusyChild04/IMGA1760.jpg)

Sorry for the quality but I took it inside my garage and during night. I'll try to take better ones later. Any suggestions would be appreciated. :action-sm

[PEST BY TRADE]

looks solid to start with. did year one help out.
If you buy enough they give good discounts.
good luck

[BusyChild04]

Front Seats (http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b96/BusyChild04/IMGA1753.jpg)

forgot to post this one. Year one helped us out as far as information. I havn't baught anything yet. But if they give discounts then I'll for sure buy something.

[THE FEZ MAN]

i will not comment, have fun

[Sinn Fein]

Some of those cars had Olds 403's in them.

[supertool]

I just got a 1978 Trans Am last tuesday and started to restore it this weekend. Mechanically it's in good condition but needs a few repairs. All in which I managed to buy this weekend. The exterior is ok. Typical rust, bumps, bruises, and paint fading is present. The interior is in EXCELLENT condition. But I've been having trouble finding some parts (exterior). I have two catalogs that are 100% firebird, but prices are a bit high. Anybody know of any web sites or anything where I might be able to find what I need for a good price? I've searched for websites but came up empty. Or if anybody from texas knows of a place in south texas.
Good luck man, cool car to restore. I've had six Trans Ams , a 73 (my favorite) two 75's, two 77's and a 78. I have a 79 L82 Vette now, but I miss the Firebirds.

[Warfarer]

Good luck bro!

I have been working on a 68 GTO convertible. It is tough work when you work 40 during the week to boot. Payed 6 grand for the car and put another 12 or so into it. Almost done with it all though, just nit picky bullshit left.

[PEST BY TRADE]

Good luck bro!

I have been working on a 68 GTO convertible. It is tough work when you work 40 during the week to boot. Payed 6 grand for the car and put another 12 or so into it. Almost done with it all though, just nit picky bullshit left.

show pics please !

[Glenn Dandy]

I have a realy cool trick we use to do with the late 70's TA...trust me this looks badass at night...

Switch your high beam with your low so your regular headlights are on the inside, not the outside it will look sic at night,,, and alot like a corvette. Just something if your into being different.... I had sheet metal teeth on my 76. with a dead teddy bear tore up in the grill,,, I know I know i was shot out... but what a great time to be alive " The 80's.early 90's

[Cunt Smasher]

A lot of people, me included will say the SD455 was the best muscle car ever.PERIOD.Good luck bro!

[Warfarer]

show pics please !

I will get you a few next week or maybe tomorrow afternoon. I go by my shop on the way to the golf course.

[snakeeyes]

Looks like a pretty nice car. As someone mentioned year one is a good place. Stay away from OPG. Alot of people have had bad dealings with them and they seem to think its an acceptable practice. They also think nothing is there fault. You might want to try National Parts Depot also. Parts are WAY cheaper,for the SAME parts.They have a catalog SPECIFICALY for firebirds and TA's And dont forget Summit Racing for mechanical stuff. Alot of made in America, you wont get thaty at autozone or Napa.

You live in Laredo? Go to boys town and Bang chicks? Yor NPD number is-800-874-7595 Wharehouse is in Florida for you. Call to get a catalog.

[BusyChild04]

You live in Laredo? Go to boys town and Bang chicks?

Only did that once for my 16th birthday. Once you choose a girl you HAVE to feel her up to make sure she's a legit female. I wanted to see the donkey show but didn't get to. But nobody goes across (to nuevo laredo) anymore as of now. The violance is rediculous. Anyways. I tried NPD and have their catalog but ALL I NEED IS THE FRONT NOSE. No matter where I look Ebay-Online classifides I can't find one. It's already in the finishing process. They're expecting it at the body shop next week. But no Nose, no body shop work. Anybody know where I can find one. I'm fucking desperate right now. 1 1/2 weeks of no luck. :icon_evil

[Glenn Dandy]

I had the same prob with my 76 grill,,,, they are hard to find cause so many people crash Trans Ams. Try finding a book called "Hemings motor news". or look it up on the web... Its a parts For sale by owner book for the whole country and abraod. Its a monthly rag used by the old gear heads and restoers.

Hemmings? Hemings< not sure of the spelling,,, Go figure me. :icon_roll