Topic: Double Trouble: my '76 T/A project car

[72blackbird]

I bought this'76 T/A from OR about two weeks ago. It needs the usual attention and TLC (bodywork, rusty quarters, interior, engine and trans, etc.) but overall it was solid enough to make it worth getting. I'm planning a mild restomod w/ Firethorn Red paint, hood bird, some suspension mods and some 17" TT II's. I was thinking about a stroker motor, but I think I  need to get a running 76 400 and get the car tagged and smogged first.

Geno

[SoonerTA]

Great score!!  Looks like a great project. 

[72blackbird]

I had a few doubts along the way driving the 1200 miles back to CA with this car, especially since it cost me about the same to bring it home as it did to buy it. But the seller did have most of the other parts to complete the drivetrain restoration, like the a/c compressor and brackets, driveshaft and trans crossmember. The biggest challenge will be to find a correct engine for the car- but if I can't find a 76 400 I 'll use a 77 or 78 400.

Geno

[SoonerTA]

wow...1200 miles.  Must have been a great deal.  I don't think you will have a problem finding a 400 but a correct '76 might be.  It's good to hear that the seller had rest of the drivetrain.  Thats the little stuff that just adds up.   

[jphillips3333]

Looks good ... you already pulled into the gas pumps with it.

With your expertise this should be a walk in the park!  Congrats.

[72blackbird]

The seller pulled the motor and trans, but the engine was a 75 400 (not numbers matching). This T/A isn't a 455 / 4-speed, just the more common 400/ TH-350 combo, so I'm thinking I'll install a rebuilt 76-78 400 that can pass smog and get the car running. Once I can get everything to work then I'll tear it down for restoration.

Geno

[jphillips3333]

Yep ... I've the more common '76 as well.  I've got the original motor but it's something I like to play with with vs. the '79s.  Good plan - get 'r up and running first.

[RRR76TA]

Looks good have fun

[T/A Tommy]

Your lucky it still had the A/C compressor in it. Alot of them have them missing. I need one. Looks like a great start...


Tommy

[72blackbird]

Tommy,
I knew there was a reason I took that picture! I copied you down to the U-Haul trailer. I have a couple of leads on a 76 400, but I'll have to wait until I pay some bills and see what's left. I already have parts coming for this car- got some used black deluxe door panels, A-pillar covers, and waiting on an inquiry for the T/A dash panel.

There are plenty of '76 T/A's for sale on Ebay, but I think I could do a nice restomod on this one and make it stand out- was going to paint it Firethorn red, but saw a metallic red on a new Corolla that would look killer w/ the hood bird. I plan to get the A/C working on this car as well, since A/C is a must in 100+ F summertime SoCal.

Geno

[Rick]

I plan to get the A/C working on this car as well, since A/C is a must in 100+ F summertime SoCal.

Yeah, but it's a DRY heat...

[rusty77ta]

why would u need to get that car smog checked, its over 30 yrs old??

[jphillips3333]

I'm assuming Nancy Pelosi says he has to ...

[Rick]

From what Russ (ta78w72) has said previously, CA drew the line with the 75 model year.  If the car is 75 or older smog checks are not as rigorous.  I'm not from CA (for this and other reasons) but that's my understanding.  They don't have a "XX year or older" cutoff because it's fixed at the 1975 model year.

[72blackbird]

Everyone I've talked to says the inspection stations aren't that strict as far as block codes go, so I'm going to roll the dice and use a '75 481988 block and some 6x-4's I have instead of trying to find a correct 76 500557 400 block. I'll need to get a factory intake, carb, and HEI, but at least the car still has the evap canister and most of the lines hooked up to it. My gas tank is thrashed, so I'll need to replace that as well- when I put the new one in I'll make sure the evap and return lines are good there.

Anyone know where I can get cam specs for the 76 400? I'd like to run a cam that's at least similar to the factory unit in duration.

Geno