Topic: 1978 Trans Am Frankenstein shocker

[lwmartin67]

A couple of months ago I bought a 1978 Trans Am from an old guy about 2 hours from my home. I was so excited when I got it home...until I went through it a little closer. The floors are rotted out, windshield busted up and rusty underneath, rear window rusted out and even speaker tray was rusted same as trunk. BUT worst of all the motor wasn't even a PONTIAC motor. It runs really well, but it's an Olds 307.

I just got done restoring my 1985 Jaguar XJS with a Chevy V8 (its in the background) and got this 78 TA now. Looks like I'll be selling the Jag to get the Trans Am done.

I'm starting the tear down and will post pictures as it progresses. I plan on leaving it stock on the outside but making a bunch of mods on the inside. You'll be surprised at some of my plans.

[lwmartin67]

Started gutting it out. The more I remove, the deeper this project gets and find lots more to do.

[y88rick]

That's not that bad

[lwmartin67]

Not that bad? Sure it's not completely rusted out or beyond repair, but I hate rust! Here's what I did this weekend. I'll cut out and patch the rust areas bit by bit.

[lwmartin67]

Almost done fixing the two cut outs.

[lwmartin67]

Anyone out there have a dash as bad as this? I'm working on this dash right now and have some ideas.

[gilbertsta]

I have been trying to find a dash like that. It looks like a fun project. I would fill it in with spray foam, sand then a filler, sand spray with SEM dash spray for texture, prime, then color. What are your plans?

[lwmartin67]

I am planning to do exactly what you suggested. I didn't know about the SEM Texture Coating. I just looked it up and think I'll try that. I was planning on a smooth fiberglass finish, but I think I may texture it instead. Here's what I have so far. More this weekend.

[lwmartin67]

Getting closer.

[drtracer58]

Nice...  Good Luck with the Dash,It gives me courage to do mine ..

[gilbertsta]

Looking good!

[lwmartin67]

Here's some progress with the dash. Looks like a piece of bread right now.

[lwmartin67]

Here's the front of it.

[lwmartin67]

Just sold my Jag so now I'll be doing a lot more work on my 78 Trans Am. I'll include "Frankenstein" in the titles so you'll know it's me. I'll finish up my dash next weekend...more to come.

[lwmartin67]

Here's the dash nearing completion...More fiberglass work. After I sanded down the several layers of fiberglass I then bondo'd the rest to fill in the low spots. LOTS of sanding.