Topic: Schmeave’s 1979 Trans Am 400/T56, T Top conversion

[TAKID455]

Color is Mopar Toxic Orange w/ added flake. This overall build is slowly becoming the baby brother to my gold 78. IF you look at the builds, you will be similarity amoungst designs & parts. Somethings were changed.

We are using hydrualic clutch system using a 4th gen m/c & TOB. Rest is stock 2nd gen.  The Quicktime bell can utilize a mechanical linkage. A removable  plate w/ pivot is included with it new. Trans is LS T56 w/ viper tail which positions the shifter in the stock 2nd gen location more or less. Speedometer is converted to electric vs the use of Cable X. I tried an over the counter cross member for this build, but my make a run of the one I design as this one has some fitment issues.

[LilSki]

Thanks for the info. I'm still trying to decide what to do with my TA. I got spoiled with the T56 in my 85 and I want more gears in my 79. I would like to keep the mechanical clutch and it looks like that quicktime bell housing with a LS1 T56 and viper tail is the way to go. I would like to keep mechanical speedo so maybe I can find a converted tail housing.

My only question about the viper tail is do you need a special yoke that is the larger outer diameter and the smaller 26 spline? Or did you put the viper main shaft in there as well?

[TAKID455]

Mechanical speedo  - Use Abott Cable X.

Uses TH400 yoke. 32 spline

[LilSki]

I've heard of some issues with cable X. Maybe that was the older versions though.

As for the yoke isn't the LS1 T56 27 spline stock?

Either way any all of this is way out as I don't have the funds after my recent motor build so won't be until next year anyway. I thank you for your input and it gives me a clear idea of what is required and maybe a list of parts I can start to acquire.

Can't wait to see this 79 finished and how everything works out!

[TAKID455]

Lilski - color or shall we say effect is similar. gold vs orange. both have metallics and pearls. Clutch is all hydraulic based on 4th gen f body. Speedo has been converted to electric to work directly w/ VSS. With Viper tail, shifter is in relatively the same spot as the stock 4 spd shifter.

[TAKID455]

Finished all the electrical and have all systems operating including keyless locks and trunk. To add some effects, the side marker lights blink when the any keyless function is performed like on newer cars.  While integrating old and new wiring takes time, it pays off when everything fits nicely an looks stock.







Elec. Fan module and future fuel pump & ecm wires


4” speaker clearance


Dash




Gauges converted to electronic


Installed dash w/ dummy column



Underside and mechanicals are wrapped up for the most part.










Breaking into some nice weather (mid – upper 40’s whooo!!)  so I took the car out for a shake down run. Goes very well for everything being roughly set.  Making a punch list of bugs, adjustments and littles as testing and tuning progresses which is to be expected. Going over r to the paint shop for final touch ups Monday and should return in a couple of weeks for A/C and minor littles installation.  This ride should be hitting the roads hard come end April/ early May.  Decals will be applied at some point in the future to break up the sea of orange.











Nice sunset shot while at the alignment shop

[Coma Inferno]

Fantastic job from start to finish. That shade of orange with the black wheels looks great. I have a question about the interior bracing. Does bracing always have to be done if the car is going on a rotisserie?

[TAKID455]

It is recommended highly. These bodies are flimsy especially w/ t tops.

[PanheadsTransAm]

Mechanical speedo  - Use Abott Cable X.

Uses TH400 yoke. 32 spline

How exactly did you convert you speedo to electric?
And why so many relays for the powered windows?

[TAKID455]

One relay for each function per side

Cable-X converts the signal.

[TAKID455]

10/14/14 (Job completed spring of 2014)

To enhance the stopping capabilities and to better balance the car, the factory 4 wheel disc system was removed in favor of the Corvette C5/6 brake setup.  A Tick clutch master cyl was also installed. The feel is more like a mechanical clutch than hydraulic. It does perform nicely as expected. Brakes make a huge noticeable difference. Highly recommended. Requires 17” or greater diameter rims.

Front rotor comparison. Stock, C5, C6 Z06.



Old




Whacking the spindle


Full front & rear swap parts/ kit


Finished front brake install








Finished rear brake install









New m/c and fancy coolant hose.




Hood bird finally installed. Looks great and breaks up the giant sea of orange.