Topic: Which show I buy? What is fair value?

[TucsonTA]

I'm looking to buy my first TA.  I found 2 that interest me.  The first is a 1978 4sp 400 factory WS6 W72 with a 3:42 rear end. It doesn't run right now and the owner said the "cam went flat in 2000" and it's been sitting since. He said it is rare as you had to order it special with the 3:42 with no AC no PDL and no PW to make it as light as possible. It looks nice with original paint but faded and 2 small dents. He want about $9000 but that seems high to me since it doesn't currently run. The next is a 1979 400 4 speed 10th Anniversary, WS6  Matching numbers original engine. This one runs. Originally silver but has been painted black at some point. This one is very rough inside. He wants $7000.  Please help as I don't know where to start with negotiating for either of these? 

[TAKID455]

You dont want any of those.  You want one of the below:
1979 T/A 400/TH350, A/C turn key, runs superb. - 16.5
1979 T/A 400 (461) /ws6/w72 / T Top/ A/C 3.42 blue/ blue. No rust 9.5
1977 T/A 4 spd 6.5

All are in NJ

[TucsonTA]

So I think I am going to put an offer in on the 1978. He's asking $8,900 but I think that's high. Would offering him $4,500 be reasonable?  I don't want to offend him but it seems like a fair offer. Please share your input.

[TAKID455]

Without pictures its tough to tell. Worse case they say no or shoot you in the face.  You may get lucky and get a score.

[Stringer]

Of the two the 79 Anniversary would be the one I would chose.  Much lower production run and the T/A 400 would be exceptionally rare.  Pontiac stopped production of the 400 in 78.  They had about 8500 of them left which went into the 79s.  All 79 400s have the 4 speed.  Not all Anniversary models had the 400 so you can be assured a low production number with rare combination - only about 1817 made!  WS6 was a very popular package on the TA (larger anti sway bars front and rear and 4 wheel disck brakes) however not all had 79 TAs had them. FYI - Check to see if it has rear discs. Toward the end of 79 Pontiac ran out of rear disc axles and put larger better quaility drums on the rear. Often called a WS6 but really a WS7 - you want the disc. I am guessing since it is the anniversay edition it probably has the disc. 

It is hard to tell if the $7000 is over priced without a picture.  If fully restored, and done right, the 79 Anniversary could be worth between 30-38k.  Expect to spend about 25K with purchase price to get it to that level.

Here is a site that list the production numbers with engine combination:  http://www.transamworld.com/bird-prod-numbers.php

Bare in mind these are Trans Am produciton numbers for total Firebird go here:  http://www.texastransams.com/articles/firebird_production_numbers.htm

To decode the vin number go here: http://www.transamworld.com/2genvins.php

I have a 79 Trans Am with a 403 WS6 with T-Tops.  I am the 3rd owner. I bought it from a find of mine, last year, who had it since 1987! It is a life long Arizona car so there is zero rust.   I have done lots of work to it. I am keeping it stock and have about 10k into it including pruchse price.  I guess it to be worth about 12K (retail) as it sits.  I still have more work to do.  By the time I am finished I will have about 20K into it and it should be worth about 24-26K retail.  But ultimately I don't care, because I am never selling the car.  I will be passing it down to my step-son ----- in about 30 years

Hey ---- I just noticed that your handle is TucsonTA.  If you live in Tucson, I live in Phoenix, I can give you some pointers on purchase/restoration and possibly check it out with you.

[RENOVATIONS]

All helpful info, Stringer...and very nice of you to offer to help TucsonTA.
(that's a good looking '79 project you have also)

The links you provided are great resources but you don't even have to leave this site to search numbers


Production numbers: http://www.78ta.com/production.php

VIN decoding: http://www.78ta.com/vin.php

Cowl Tag Decoding: http://www.78ta.com/cowl.php

All of thesse links and more can be found from the homepage: http://www.78ta.com/

Lots of helpful links can be found on the left-hand side of the page, with drop-downs from each one

[tata]

Tata 4 speeds are nice, but don't be fooled by blue book or low production.  I've seen beautiful one's for 24000 sit there forever.  I had a nice one, the value isn't there. 1970 to 1977 is were you want to be. Or im a believer of the 81 being the next value car. 4 speed of course. Lots of one year only and the last of 2nd gens. I part these cars out. 81 is my biggest money maker, beside 70 to 73s.  But with that being said, when you see it and love it, thats the one for you.