Topic: 1977 trans am or formula?

[maynardc69]

It has a u in the vin but it is dressed as a trans am. Can you tell the differances? Did someone change the front clip over? Thanks

I know  this is for 1978 ta but I cant much for 77.

[brian c]

Have you checked your vin against this site:

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

For a 77, a U in the 2nd position denotes a Formula and not a TA.

Now, being 30+ years old, anyone could have simply bolted on TA fenders and a shaker hood. It's not all that difficult to do.

[maynardc69]

Yes I have looked it up. Thats why I just wanted to make sure that is correct. I havnt bought the car yet but working on it.

Here it is.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/maynardc69/

[ta78w72]

Think hard about this.  If it's a formula changed to a trans am it wouldn't bring the value a trans am would bring when it's time to sell.  You'd be better off finding a trans am.

I'm not trying to trash the Formula's, I bought one fresh from the factory in 1978.  But they don't bring the value a trans am would bring.  Nice cars though.

[maynardc69]

Ya I saw that. NADA on a trans am is 34000 and a formula is only 21000. Thanks

[maynardc69]

Im buying for under 5000. should be worth that!

[maynardc69]

I tryed but I kept getting an error. I have pics are on my flickr above. The only problem is that its 2 states away from me. I will need the under dash (missing) and the upper dash (cracked) tho.  If anybody sees anything in the pics that I havnt please tell me so or anything I should pay close attention to let me know. I havnt seen this car in person yet. Ive heard that the frame rails in the back of these cars like to rust out. Any help from anyone would be helpful. Thanks Chad

[maynardc69]

I also need the door handle bezels if anyone has them.

[RENOVATIONS]

I also need the door handle bezels if anyone has them.

They are available new...both repro and GM parts

[maynardc69]

Ive seen them on ebay also. Ill have to look around some more. Thanks

[ta78w72]

$5K could be too much for a Formula.  It depends on condition.  But at that price you better not have to put too much money into it.  The problem is it takes just as much money to restore a Formula as a Trans Am.  Usually, you don't get the money back out of a restored Trans Am.  the Formula will give back less.  And, you've got the stigma of having a clone Trans Am, not the real thing.

But, if you've ever driven a 78 Formula, you know how graceful the hood is from the drivers perspective.  They're really nice cars.....but most people, given a choice, would rather have a Trans Am.

Before my daughter wrecked my pristine 78 Formula, I figured it was worth about $4K.  It did need new seat covers and carpet, but otherwise the interior was perfect even the dash.  Ashtray was never used and the console was perfect.  The body was totally rust free. 

[maynardc69]

Thats what I was thinking also. Here are pics of it. Kept getting an error when I tryed to put it on here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/maynardc69/

[ta78w72]

The market is down now.  People are struggling to get by and are selling stuff.  There seems to be a lot of cars on the market.  I would pass on that car for $5K and try to find a real Trans Am in better shape for $5K.

[dewcrazzy]

From the flicker photos it looks like it has the formula firebird wood dash.

[maynardc69]

Know of any cheap TA for sale?