Hitman's Pontiac Trans Am Forum

Trans Am Photos => Restoration Projects => Topic started by: Nick623 on July 07, 2009, 09:00:53 PM

Title: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: Nick623 on July 07, 2009, 09:00:53 PM
I have a thread over at TAC but I figured I would start one here as well, I picked this Y84 up locally mid-June. It was a COMPLETE, all original ONE owner car. I spent all my graduation gift-money on the purchase of this car which was only $900. I stole it. I had a friend tow it back home for me.This is turning into a real money pit, FAST. I'm going to get this completed no matter what though. Here's the pics of where it was sitting, slowly rotting away since early 90's until a few weeks ago when I picked this up.

Resting after it's last flight early 90's
(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/IMG_1944.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/IMG_1949.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/IMG_1948.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/IMG_1947.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/IMG_1946.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/IMG_1952.jpg)

It was in a sad shape, a car couldnt be any more dirty and greasy.
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: Nick623 on July 07, 2009, 09:11:20 PM
When I got it home, I begun tearing the interior down the first, I got basically the entire interior out in a few hours  >:D All 4 snowflakes were included with the car but two was off and was replaced with cheap wheels.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/IMG_1954.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/IMG_1957.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/IMG_1955.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/IMG_1968.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/DSCN2360.jpg)

I found a build sheet tucked behind the rear seat! It was near mint.
(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/BuildSheet.jpg)



Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: Nick623 on July 07, 2009, 09:14:30 PM
With a car that has been sitting for around 15 years, gutting the interior can only reveal rust.  :(

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/DSCN2360.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/DSCN2377.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/DSCN2378.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/DSCN2379.jpg)

Rust in the engine and pics of partial tear down of engine compartment

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/IMG_1977.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/IMG_1974.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/IMG_1975.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: Nick623 on July 07, 2009, 09:17:57 PM
I am not one of the over-spray purists but I like correct. There was no correct door panel emblems for sale, all of the re-pro's I could find had chrome circling them, not correct. I'm going to find NOS ones but for now, I decided to try to restore it, and it looks pretty good!

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/emblemresto001.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/emblemresto003.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/emblemresto006.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/emblemresto005.jpg)

Progress.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/DSCN2358.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/DSCN2367.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: UnderDog403 on July 07, 2009, 11:16:27 PM
dude dont worry bout the rust. for 900 dollars? YOU STOLE IT 8) ;D ;D
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: 4SPEED on July 08, 2009, 12:08:18 AM
dude if that's all the rust my car had, that would of been sweet. very nice job on the price. and props on finding the build sheet. 2 thumbs up.  I'm up to 8k spent on my 79. but in the end , well worth it. very nice find.   8) 
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: firebird79_00 on July 08, 2009, 01:29:39 AM
yea same here 3000 dollar car $5000 invested
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: 4speed76 on July 08, 2009, 09:29:54 AM
Nice project. Sweet price.  Keep us updated.
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: Nick623 on July 08, 2009, 01:38:29 PM
I am not complaining about the rust but of course, it'd be nice if there was none. I'm mostly concerned about the rust on the cowl. I am seriously considering a frame off resto if I could find a rotisseire for cheap.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/DSCN2382.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/DSCN2385.jpg)

Progress

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/DSCN2380.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/DSCN2383.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/DSCN2384.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: 4speed76 on July 08, 2009, 02:31:44 PM
looks like you have your hands full there.  Just take your time and try not to get overwhelmed.
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: kentuckyyeti on July 08, 2009, 03:35:19 PM
I am not complaining about the rust but of course, it'd be nice if there was none. I'm mostly concerned about the rust on the cowl. I am seriously considering a frame off resto if I could find a rotisseire for cheap.


If buying a $800 rotisserie holds you back, you really don't want to do a frame-off.  That is barely the proverbial drop in a bucket for a frame-off resto.
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: Nick623 on July 08, 2009, 05:45:01 PM
You're right but $800 is a batch of a few good parts. I wouldn't aim for concours but I hate the idea of spending thousands of bucks into this only to finish up knowing that the underside isn't exactly presentable. New brake lines, shocks, and leaf springs along with a restored rear axle and a good cleaning should do the job though.
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: kentuckyyeti on July 08, 2009, 06:32:05 PM
Someone once posted pics where they had built theirs and it was pretty cheap.  I don't have the welding skills to do that though.
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: Jolley_Man666 on July 10, 2009, 09:06:29 PM
Thats a BIG project but you got a good deal on it, I wouldn't do an off the frame resto, it's only gonna make you want to spend more money when you get the frame off and see the effect of the car being outside for so long.  And is there a rainbow on the rear window?
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: Nick623 on July 10, 2009, 10:38:03 PM
Yes there's a rainbow  :P theres a little rainbow on the rear view mirror too and I found another unused rainbow sticker in the center console.

My uncle was like lol, remember in the 70's rainbow was peace but now it means something else.  ::)

The orig owner was a lady too
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: Nick623 on July 11, 2009, 04:11:01 PM
4 1/2 hours, 3 band-aids, 2 trips to home depot = the engine is out!

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/Engine%20Pull/IMG_9601.jpg)

fredneck car lift

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/Engine%20Pull/IMG_9604.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/Engine%20Pull/IMG_9608.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/Engine%20Pull/IMG_9621.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/Engine%20Pull/IMG_9612.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: Nick623 on July 11, 2009, 04:12:46 PM
Without my uncle's help, I wouldnt be able to do it, seriously.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/Engine%20Pull/IMG_9633.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/Engine%20Pull/IMG_9632.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/Engine%20Pull/IMG_9622.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/Engine%20Pull/IMG_9628.jpg)

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/Engine%20Pull/IMG_9634.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: T/A Tommy on July 11, 2009, 04:22:36 PM
Can you come over to my houseLOL. Ive had my car for 7 months and your farther then me. and youve had it for like 4 days. LOL. I need to get the motor out and tranny. Looks very nice so far.
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: Nick623 on July 11, 2009, 05:02:05 PM
hahah I would but that would only mean giving up one precious day of work on the Y84 so, no, sorry LOL

Btw I've had it for 4 weeks now not 4 days, I first posted up here recently but I've got a thread running over on TAC as well since the day I got it.

I guess it's not how fast you can do it but how long you can keep doing it.
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: T/A Tommy on July 12, 2009, 12:22:18 AM
at least i got the 4 right LMAO. Well shes looking great!
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: jphillips3333 on July 13, 2009, 06:40:25 AM
Nice progress - looks like you're ready to clean & paint.  I've read over cleaner works well in other threads.
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: Nick623 on July 14, 2009, 12:18:46 AM
Nice progress - looks like you're ready to clean & paint.  I've read over cleaner works well in other threads.

Not quite! There's still soda blasting and there's a certain amount of body work to be done, there's a good number of little dings to address along with the rust and the dent on the RH quarter panel. Also, I'm giving the underside the loving it deserves. There's a lot of tiny things through the car that I personally choose to give attention to.
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: Nick623 on July 22, 2009, 01:31:52 AM
A bit of progress on the firewall. There's only a few things left to pull before things really start to come together.

(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/DSCN2404.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: Anderson0741 on July 22, 2009, 02:06:50 AM
more progress then Ive made in 2 years
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: Justin on July 22, 2009, 08:37:11 AM
very cool. Another one being saved. Thats awesome and good work. Keep up the hard work
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: bigty88 on July 22, 2009, 11:16:22 AM
Great save...and nice work so far.  Keep it up! ;)
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: Justin on July 22, 2009, 11:33:45 AM
Oh and word of advise incase you didnt already know. Keep everything incase you cant find it later. You might just be able to clean it up and use it until you find what your looking for down the road.
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: Nick623 on August 06, 2009, 08:36:26 PM
Rear bumper and wiring harness out!
(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/IMG_9736.jpg)

A little bit of rust, no problem
(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/IMG_9738.jpg)

Surface rust under rear deck filler panel
(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/IMG_9740.jpg)

Dash and all of the wirings out
(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/DSCN2434.jpg)
(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/DSCN2436.jpg)
(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/IMG_9742.jpg)

What mess have I gotten myself into?!
(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/IMG_9743.jpg)

Rear glass out
(http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/arcska0/DSCN2435.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: Justin on August 10, 2009, 03:43:23 PM
WOW. You have been very busy.
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: JupiterBandit on June 30, 2014, 02:03:10 PM
I wonder what ever happened to this car?
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: Maryland Bandit on June 30, 2014, 03:27:30 PM
From what I remember, Nick got frustrated about all the rust he kept finding and sold off the whole car as a project to someone with more time and deeper pockets. He lives one county over from me. I rebuilt the carb, and it was the WORST one in 50 that I have ever done. 
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: JupiterBandit on June 30, 2014, 04:11:34 PM
Thank you for the update. It's a shame. It didn't really look that bad.

Are you still doing the Carbs?
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: Maryland Bandit on June 30, 2014, 10:48:14 PM
Yes, 7 this year so far.
Title: Re: 1979 Y84 S.E. Trans Am Restoration
Post by: JupiterBandit on July 01, 2014, 11:20:08 AM
I have 3 that need to be done. any idea how long it would take and how much it would be?