Topic: TATA Y89 Restoration/Pro-Touring Build Thread (Skip to Page 9!)

[TheKid]

ALL MAJOR UPDATES BEGIN ON PAGE 9!! WITH PHOTOS

Well,
it looks my search for the perfect drive-able restoration project is coming to a close thanks to Mr. John Phillips here on the forums giving me the number to a local enthusiast. We have found a 1979 10th Ann. Edition Trans Am, primered gray, but with all original parts, good bones, and rust free.

It needs:
carpet
seats recovered, maybe new seat foam with it
paint
some minor body work
A/C compressor

Basically just small restoration stuff to bring new life back into it. I will probably also refinish the wheels depending on their condition when I see the car. It's located close to my parents house, so my dad is going to check out the car and give it a go around on Tuesday, and assuming everything checks out, I'll be making my way up Wednesday to pick it up. The owner is very enthusiastic about Trans Ams (see photos) and has been beyond helpful with this car, and has given me a GREAT price on these bones, so hopefully it can work out and turn into a great restoration over the years.
My goal is to have it 100% factory matching Y89 Anniversary Trans Am, just like it rolled off the lot. I've priced out everything, and it's not going to be a cheap project, but one well worth every penny, and I'm excited to get it started.

The motor and transmission are both very solid and pull strong, so that's a huge plus right now.

I've found that FloridaTransAm, and the website store here are great places to find the parts I need, is there any other good quality stores I can check out online?

Heres some photos he sent me of the car, hopefully it all checks out, I'm VERY excited about this..what do you guys think?

http://img153.imageshack.us/i/spledtas002.jpg/
http://img217.imageshack.us/i/79tataauto031.jpg/
http://img232.imageshack.us/i/79tataauto024.jpg/
http://img18.imageshack.us/i/79tataauto020.jpg/
http://img340.imageshack.us/i/79tataauto018.jpg/
http://img571.imageshack.us/i/79tataauto016.jpg/
http://img100.imageshack.us/i/79tataauto014.jpg/
http://img704.imageshack.us/i/79tataauto012.jpg/

[coreyvett]

Looks like a solid start,hope you get it and have many fun and happy years with it.

[TheKid]

I hope it works out, it looks like a great starting point.

[Frode_skj]

Seems like a great car to restore Should wish every T\A out there was as solid

[y88rick]

I think you did good what a collection in the first picture i'd take all but the 4th gen lol

[80ws6ta]

That does look like a great place to start! Good luck and have fun!

[TheKid]

Awesome! I'm glad everyone agrees that this is a good starting, I wasn't too sure on how good of a starting point it really was, it looks like it has good bones and a good structure. The collection is amazing, can't wait to go see it in person. The guy is a great fella, and he understood my college budget and helped me out big time on this car!

[Justin]

That engine bay looks great already. Cool car and looks really solid. Maybe just needs a refreshing.

[RRR76TA]

Looks good

[TheKid]

Everything looks pretty clean for sure. Well put together, all original engine bay.
Just found out the front clip was completely replaced due to an accedent, I'm trying to find out how severe it was and if the frame is still straight and un molested.

[Jolley_Man666]

Sounds like a great car and great person.  That is really cool that your going to have a TATA, I'm so jealous!

[TheKid]

Yup, hopefully everything checks out with it tomorrow night, keeping my fingers crossed, then I'll be headed up to North GA to pick it up wednesday evening.

[Nexus]

Nice find. I'm jealous!!!

I want a TATA...someday it will happen

I hope it works out for ya

[CT Bird Fan]

Wow, I envy you!!

I'd love a TATA some day, and that one looks great to start with!! Good luck!!!

[TheKid]

ahh me too, its going to take alot to bring it back to prime, it needs new interior all the way, and new paint and trim