Hi all, Figured I would give a few details as well. I am Gerald Wills from Warren, Ohio, now residing in Howell, Michigan. I purchased the 1978 Trans Am in Champion Ohio in 1983 after my father allowed selling of my deceased mothers car for payment, supplimented by the high salary of a grocery bagger - a job that built lots of character - as I was attending Younstown State University for an EE degree. I am 43 years old and married with 3 tennage children 13,16, and 18. The 16 year old boy is waiting for this Trans am, He's gonna wait a long, long time, but we agreed to find one and work with it for him. I have owned another 1978, 1984, and a 1979. THe 79 was a blast as it was a daily driver with a 403 and T Tops. I had to move on, so it went rather than the 78 I still have due to best condition, but I miss the T roof.
For the past 10 years the car was seldom driven. It always started and ran, but things of an older car started happening, such as more leaks, engine performance problems due to items such as valve springs being weak, and distributor weight freezing in place due to loose shaft, and lots of little stuff that just happens when a car sits. Luckily, the body has never really been a problem, and it is in excellent shape.
I finally repaired all items, and inspected everything last Winter, and now its fun again with all issues solved! I am excited to join in with this forum, and read the items, remebering all the little issues I and my friends had in the past with our 'birds.
Other interests? Like electrical projects at times, and got into sportbikes, which has lead me into a path of touring on a cycle in other states. I own 2 bikes and find there easier to store! My CBR 1000 motorcycle has 160 rear wheel horsepower, and weighs around 400 lbs. While I like the big block of my bird (462 installed, 400 in storage), I would never tweak the crap out of it to sacrifice driveability, as the car is more enjoyable to me with the power it has, not at the mills peak. I can use the bike for the rush needed, and keep the 'bird reliable, and just plain enjoyable to tool around in.
Someday, I see myself with another 1979, and yes, although a Poncho man, that 403 was sure smooth. I probably wouldn't turn down a Grandville convertible either, nor a GTO.
