Hitman's Pontiac Trans Am Forum
Trans Am Photos => Restoration Projects => Topic started by: T/A Kid on March 31, 2010, 03:58:21 PM
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Some have already seen this car posted in the general forum, good news bad news the car has no cowl tag but a good title and VIN, the trunk was locked no key when I bought it I got it open and bad rust in the hinge area, some good news though the motor started up great after I replace the fan plus I have a donor car for sheet metal. Now I need to decide if it's worth the trouble the trunk rust is the worst the other will not be too bad to fix what do you think?
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26489-3/100_2417.JPG)
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26495-1/100_2419.JPG)
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It's not repairable...send me your address and I'll come get it tomorrow ;D ;) (j/k)
Hard to tell too much from the pix....but you could get the hinge section from a parts car if you don't mind some welding.
Where are the trunk hinges?
Was that area fiberglassed?
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No It looked like a piece of aluminum with bondo great recipe huh, I took the lid and hinges off they look ok but I think I'll use the donor car hinges. I don't mind the welding I think I'm even looking forward to the challenge I may get sick of it before it's over with. I not looking for a perfect car I'm going to do the body work and paint on this one and hopefully have a decent driver.
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:o If that is how they patched the trunk then you may have some more surprises ahead, but hopefully not.
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I think you're probably right :(
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regardless keep us posted and throw some more pics up! ;D
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I thought I could see some mesg screen sticking out in the pic...some people shouldn't own cars if that's their idea of a fix :P
Were the hinges even welded in (doesn't appear so)?
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No they weren't , I don't know why they do that it has some other repair areas I don't know how bad they did but it will be hard to top the trunk area. I'll have my 79 back soon I hope so I can drive it some and take my time with this one.
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if needed , I have this part cut from a donor already. you are welcome to it. + the shipping.
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Thanks if I mess mine up I might take you up on that, I'm going to try to get started next week and see how it goes. I was thinking of using an air hacksaw or a cutoff wheel do you have a recommendation?
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Drill the spot welds and use a cutoff saw to try and remove only the part you need to replace.
Large sections: a jigsaw and saws-all works fast,
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I've got those tools Thanks
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I forgot to mention to take your time and be patient, plan out your cuts based on the donar peice rather than willy nilly cutting metal out all over and then finding out you cut the wrong thing or your donar car isn't as good as you thought.
Make sure before you cut!!
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here is what I have. I cut the hole thing out so the next guy could use from it what he needed. I can get better pics tomorrow if needed.
(http://i846.photobucket.com/albums/ab27/4_SPEED/for%20sale%20parts/019-6.jpg)
when I cut it out , I was saving the quarters. so you would need to stay about 1/2" or so from the OE panel splice .
I would get the piece your going to use, clean it up. then cut yours out from the center out both ways until you new fix fits
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Thanks 4 Speed that was just what I was looking for, I'll get to work cutting. :)
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congrats on the car. Hope there will not be anymore surprises for you. Unless its a surprise load of cash uinder the back seat or something.
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I'm probably the only one here that would not touch the car with the trim tag missing. Good luck.
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I wouldn't do a full restoration on it like I did my 79 but I think it will be OK for a decent driver not perfect but looks nice. And give me a chance to try to polish up on welding and painting.
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I got the new piece cut off of the donor car, needs a little more trimming then I will it weld in place. Will probably be next week before I work anymore on it busy week at work and church. Many thanks to 4 Speed for the photos I had to trim a little more out than he did to get to good metal.
(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/26726-1/100_2432.JPG)
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looks better already!!!
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looks good. :) before you go nuts with the welder, tack it in good. then see how the trunk lid fits to the quarters.
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Good idea, Thanks 4 Speed.
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Good job. Also, might take the time to get that all cleaned and primed and ready to go so you don't have to do it in the car... just clean and prime the weld seams and done!
++ also on fitting everything before you do more than just barely tack it in place. Could go and get some butt weld clamps and perhaps be able to place fit it without welding at all.
Here's the link at northern, cant find the HF link...
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200381757_200381757
I like them...
(http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/26544278814.jpg) (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=278814)
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I haven't seen these before I think they could help on a lot of projects. Thanks for the tip
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Well I'm at a cross roads so to speak the 76 has quiet a bit of rust I've already patched the two rear quarters the rust underneath would be ok to take out with a sandblaster, but I've still not located all of the former owners to try and locate the cowl tag. The 400 motor and the transmission work great in the car so I was considering waiting and see if I locate another car in better shape with a cowl tag and put the motor in it if needed would like to locate a 70 - 73 car if possible if not maybe 74-76 I guess I'm looking for a little feedback give me some opinions guys.
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What are you doing with the other cars?
are you wanting to give up on this car for another one?
I personally would continue as is
can ou get a title for it?
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I have a title I guess I'd rather have a earlier model but they're hard to find and pricey. I'm nearly done with my 79 and I'll need a winter project so I may plug along on the 76.
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It would be great if you fix this one too :) Another T\A saved is always great :) Can't you get a new cowl tag for it, if you know options etc?
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http://www.trimtags.com/
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If you do a PHS on it, do you really need a cowl tag for documentation? Seems like that might be a lot easier.
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Yes you're right, If I understand right you have to have the PHS documentation before you can have the cowl tag made anyway.
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Some info, like the Fisher Body Time/Date Code, is only on the cowl tag so if it's missing.....