Hitman's Pontiac Trans Am Forum

Trans Am Photos => Restoration Projects => Topic started by: racereaper7 on December 06, 2009, 10:59:38 AM

Title: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 06, 2009, 10:59:38 AM
hello every body im new to this site and i thought i would start off with my project, well its not really mine its my dads. i started march 2009 on getting it back in shape for my dad because he has done so much and i wanted to give him some thing back. this car is very special to me because of this,
well on with the pics, not much but im just getting started and $ are a little short.
1979 trans am firebird:
pics from i started to rebuild
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/front.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/side.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/engine.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0145.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0173.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0174.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0022.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0023.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0024.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0025.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0218.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0240.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0243.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0471.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0699.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0503.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0619.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0639.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0753.jpg)
car was repainted a couple years back with a guy we should not have trusted, i thought it was gone forever
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/transam1.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/transam2.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/transam3.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/transam4.jpg)
cars ready for the car show
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0758.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0651.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0652.jpg)
my dad and his t/a and me and my si
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0760.jpg)
some really old pics back in the day
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/FS-DOC250-23477_Page_21.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/FS-DOC250-23477_Page_22.jpg)
some pics before the paint job
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/FS-DOC250-23477_Page_04.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/FS-DOC250-23477_Page_02.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/FS-DOC250-23477_Page_03.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/FS-DOC250-23477_Page_07.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 06, 2009, 11:04:06 AM
sorry about all the pics, so i hope you all like what ive done so far. i know i should have kept the old carb on but something went wrong with the rebuild so i had to act quick and that was the only one i could get in time. im open for any pointers or input.
right now i need to work on interior but mostly the suspension because it pulls to one side and it feels really lose.
i also need to get the gas and tachometer gauges working if anyone might know what could be wrong that would be great.
thank you all for taking a look at my familys project
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: kentuckyyeti on December 06, 2009, 11:05:53 AM
Welcome to 78ta!  Looks like a nice car.  What part of Illinois are you from?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: jphillips3333 on December 06, 2009, 02:00:39 PM
Nice car - welcome to the site.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: FF273 on December 06, 2009, 04:11:26 PM
Welcome to the forum. My question to you is "did that Edelbrock carb change the height of your shaker? and what size did you go with, and are you happy with it". Thanks.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: RainMan on December 06, 2009, 06:18:02 PM
Sweet T/A . Hey is that a cop light lol ,you just put it on the center bar when you need to get somewhere fast

(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/FS-DOC250-23477_Page_22.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: SoonerTA on December 06, 2009, 07:10:36 PM
Welcome to the site!  Thanks for all the pictures.  You are doing a great thing for your dad.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 06, 2009, 08:15:07 PM
thanks for all the commets guys, im trying to get it up to what he had back in the day. getting it put up for winter for right now. thinking about having the rims cleaned and powder coated chrome or black(would like to do a whole black out theme).
FF273: with the carb question i got the edelbrock #1406 600 i guess its an economy carb though? i did not know i was in a rush to get a replacement.
it is a very tight fit not much space if any kind of have to get make the hood go down, it just very close because i had to get an adapter plate to make the spread to square bore? so that adds to the hight. it has been a little pain really a little more problem than i thought but i really did need a new carb.
i plan to get the edelbrock intake #2711 i think without the egr valve because there is no room to hook up the kick down cable, but it is a nice carb. i did at one point want to get the edelbrock intake manifold #7111 which is for the rpm series with the edelbrock heads but i needed the #1407 carb which is 750 so im probably going to keep with origanl parts for now. i just want to get every thing up in running saftley so i can get it over to my work and get it up on one of our lifts.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Jolley_Man666 on December 06, 2009, 11:43:12 PM
Welcome to the site.  I really like the T/A it's waaay cool 8)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 07, 2009, 06:59:51 PM
kentuckyyeti: sorry i forgot to respond to your question, i live in bloomington/normal
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on December 08, 2009, 10:00:53 PM
Keep up the great work and anytime you think you should take pictures...you should and then post them here because most of us a picture junkies...well I am anyway!!!

Waht a great thing to do for your Dad!!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on December 08, 2009, 10:02:10 PM
OH and welcome to the site!!!! You'll love it here
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 09, 2009, 08:28:38 AM
ya i was telling the guy that helps me at work about how different people are, i was a big import guy and still am but its all about whos got the most$ or power... and i dont even go to my old forums any more. thats why im moving away from that. i have only been on here for a couple of days and i would have to say that you guys are nicer than that group.
thank you all for your welcomes and commits it means a lot. im hoping to save up until march/april when we get the ta out again and try to do more next year, i know i need to get the suspension,engine,interior up to date. for a xmas gift im going to try and get the rims powdercoated/cleaned. i think my dad would like that plus i have a back up plan just in case $ is not there. it should be here tomorrow, its not much but i think he will like it. pics of back up gift tomorrow if it comes on time.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on December 09, 2009, 04:06:18 PM
Nice thing about this site is that everyone is just happy for everyone else who has, likes, or wants a F/B or T/A. You don't get the "My car is better than yours" childish comments and BS and attitude that I have found on other forums and everyone is willing to want to help and answer questions.

Glad your abord and lets keep you motivated to keep working your dad's car!!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 09, 2009, 11:08:46 PM
sorry for the bad pics but i wanted to show some pics of the suspension and maybe may see something thats wrong, these are all pics i shot with out looking so there kind of bad. i need to get off the ground to get a better look
couple notes-dad said something about the leaf springs being broken,he had some air ride installed,this was before i started the rebuild so that why there are so many spider webs
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0706.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0706.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0705.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0705.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0704.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0704.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0703.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0703.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0702.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0702.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0568.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0568.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0567.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0567.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0566.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0566.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0514.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0514.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0513.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0513.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0512.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0512.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0511.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0511.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0510.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0510.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0509.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0509.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0508.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0508.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 09, 2009, 11:12:39 PM
two of my favorite pictures i found when i was looking for the ones above. just two pictures i had taken around the  time i started the restore
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0573.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0569.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: SoonerTA on December 10, 2009, 06:55:57 PM
Thanks for sharing the pictures.  Good luck with the car!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 10, 2009, 07:47:58 PM
dads back up chrismas gifts came today. back up just in case i cant get enough money for the powder coating the rims
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0033-1.jpg)
i figured since he got the ta because of the smokey and the bandit movies that he would like the BRE build
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: golfswithglock on December 10, 2009, 09:18:33 PM
Nice car and an even nicer story. Good to hear a young fella with such solid priorities. Best of luck!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 11, 2009, 08:22:12 AM
thank you all for your support.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 11, 2009, 10:17:05 PM
i just found a picture that i did not post:
this part is my favorite part of the whole car
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0032.jpg)
 another pic of the t/a out at my grandparents house
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0340.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0340.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 19, 2009, 04:03:22 PM
some more pictures i found:
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0343.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0344.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0764.jpg)
door sticker still looks brand new
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0057.jpg)
the highlight of my day today, i fixed the tach.. well i found the missing connector and now it works. it was a really good feeling. i really enjoy working on the T/A.
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0071.jpg)
 but i did have some questions and wanted to see if you guys could help me with a couple of problems
was thinking about getting a dash cap, because $ a little low and i wanted to make it look better for the car shows. the only time i get to spend some real time with my dad
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0053.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0053.jpg)

Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 19, 2009, 04:18:20 PM
some more problems i saw when looking at the car today,very cold out and snowing
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0061.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0061.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0063.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0063.jpg)
might need a new exhaust?
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0082.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0082.jpg)
found a leak
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0083.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0083.jpg)
the engine has not been running right,was rebuilt by my grandfather and friend and he said they could not figure out the timing,
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0094.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0094.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0097.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0097.jpg)
i dont think the balancer has the making any more there is a small yellow smudged? is there any way to fix/mark to set the timing
P.S. i dont know what shock company this is i wanted to see if anyone could/knows
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0090.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0090.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: jsevans12 on December 19, 2009, 06:13:16 PM
From what I can see of the shock looks like a Monroe shock
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 19, 2009, 06:25:09 PM
^ya i think those are the ones, i remember when i got a look at them when doing the oil change i thought they said mopar or something fram was in the way. thanks for the input. my dad had some type of air ride installed but he cant remember,around  30 years is a long time. thanks again.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: jsevans12 on December 19, 2009, 07:14:34 PM
Ur welcome, what he might have had installed was Monroe air shocks, Two of my TA's have them they make a car look like it has attitude when rose all the way up
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 24, 2009, 06:33:35 PM
well tomorrow is christmas and im giving my dad his gifts and i hope he likes them. happy holidays!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 03, 2010, 06:27:44 PM
i dont know about you guys but i have already taken so many setbacks this year already. so many money and emotinal problems have come up in the last three days. my dads not doing that well 50+ and working two jobs and watching my sisters 2 and 1 year old. to top that part off he tore his rotater cuff? and hurt his back last week. than i got my wife, she needs a new car because the one she has now has some electric problem that not even the dealership could find and shes going to have to have surgery again, i can just feel it.($50,000) right there.
all i wanted to do this new year was get a head, bills are/was starting to come together nicely and i was finaly going to get working on the T/a, but i dont know any more. im stuck. im just so focused on getting this car done before its to late. i dont know what i would do if my dad past and i did not finish the car. im sorry for posting all this i just need to get that out, its been a tough couple of days.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: jphillips3333 on January 03, 2010, 06:55:05 PM
That's not good.  Focus on the family first.  If you don't have your health, everything else doesn't seem to matter. Keep as positive as you can and keep taking the little steps forward ... it'll get better.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 03, 2010, 07:09:03 PM
thanks for the input, im just having a hard time with family/health. the wife has to have surgery about every year, this last one was suppost to keep it away for a longer time but the last two days i can see her in pain. then i go over to my dads to see how his been doing (he lives on the other side of town works 8am-10pm. and with the snow i heardly hear from him) and my sisters kids are running around crazy, hes to old for that and with his injurys and heart problems. i wish i could do some thing. im sorry for going on like this i just dont really have any one to talk to. i work 8-5 and wife works 2-10 so i hardly get to see her, so i dont really get to talk to her. im just so stressed out. i was hoping the new year would be better, but it seems like it going to be harder than the last.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: jphillips3333 on January 03, 2010, 07:13:48 PM
Yeah, I'm watching my Mom deteriorate.  She can barely move ...can't walk in the grass for the "holes" which means she's no strength in her ankles to compensate for the smallest deviation in the yard surface.  It's hard ... I have to fix her house, the GF's rental, my house + raise my son.  Sometimes you just have to take a breath and take it slow ... write things down on a list, get a calendar going.  Above all, try not to get too engrossed in everyone's issues - you can't afford to get sick or have problems of your own as it looks like they're all depending on you ... or will be in the not so distant future.

One day at a time is all you can do.  Watch a movie, clean the house ... do mindless things to keep you going.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 03, 2010, 11:35:35 PM
i found some more old pictures when i was home today, not really good pictures of the t/a but you can see how its been in my family for a long time
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/FS-DOC250-23477_Page_23.jpg)
i was thinking about getting these fixed and put back on (back window)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/FS-DOC250-23477_Page_26.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/FS-DOC250-23477_Page_24.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/FS-DOC250-23477_Page_25.jpg)
found this a couple of weeks ago when i was getting the car ready for the winter. thinking of putting it back on but i was also thinking about getting the year one bandit logo
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 03, 2010, 11:37:47 PM
and these are the only two t/a's im my area that i know of,my competition :)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0194.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0195.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0196.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 03, 2010, 11:41:03 PM
a question i had for you guys, i was thinking about removing the a/c to make it easier to work on the car, its a pain on the passenger side. i ask because the a/c i guess does not work any more probably missing some parts. whats really needed to do this. or what do you guys think. im mean i have talked to my dad about it and he said it would make since it does not work(for a long time now?) and it would make it cleaner and easier to work on that one side.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: transam dave on January 03, 2010, 11:56:26 PM
RE: racereaper7 WELCOME i am originally from chicago illinois.I live in florida now and were are glad you came abord 78 T/A .com,so enjoy the site dave florida transams.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: jphillips3333 on January 04, 2010, 07:50:26 AM
The AC compressor is just dead weight and another belt that goes around robbing power unless it works.  Yank it and store the compressor and brackets under the bench.  How hot can Illinois really get in the summer and for how long?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 04, 2010, 08:26:20 AM
last year we got a couple hot days/ maybe a week. its usually in the 70 or so most of the time. are winters suck, its so cold out and they dont do much to the roads. its an alright place to live but the drivers in this little area are crazy. i usaully almost get hit on the way to work three times a week twice during each day. and i live maybe a mile from work.
the pictures of the orange t/a's are from our local car show/only car show in normal called the twin city cruisers.
last year my goal was to get the t/a there and we just barly made it. suspension needs work.
ya i was thinking on removing it when it gets warmer out. i tryy to keep ever thing i take off and store them in the garage at my dads.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 06, 2010, 10:49:31 PM
bored at home after work so i did some pretty neat photo changes
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/l_b0fefba5e37a45e0a5b7ee9bfb7c5b20.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/l_802ea6b03de547379aeed54bc44c9818.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/l_633090b1a75242d8b6696705f926da5c.jpg)

Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 08, 2010, 09:36:41 PM
666 views, tomorrow i might try to get across town and make sure the t/a is still running. might try to do a compression test but i heard it will be very cold
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 16, 2010, 10:20:38 AM
well im heading out on my honeymoon today for a whole week. i hope i make it back, going on the carnival cruise line.
so hope fully ill make it back to see what i missed out for the week.
well ill be back, keep the projects going.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Gunner on January 16, 2010, 10:35:31 AM
I got a tech question for you. How did you get that Edelbrock carb to work with the shaker. I DESPERATELY want to get that quadrajunk off my car, but can't figure out how to do it without bolting the shaker to the hood.....which is unacceptable.

Gunner
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 16, 2010, 04:18:48 PM
well i should say its not really closed all the way. im mean it is but you can kinda tell that its sitting on something hard to explain.
im planning on getting the edelbrock performer intake manifold. that way i can take off the adapter plate so the carb/shaker will make the hood close better.
im sorry i could not be that much help.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 17, 2010, 04:34:17 AM
heading out now see you guys in a week
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: bobspacin80ta on January 17, 2010, 11:50:25 AM
Have fun and best wishes!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: jphillips3333 on January 17, 2010, 06:56:40 PM
Post some pix of the cruise - I'm pass the Port Canavernal cruise terminal every morning going to work.  They're great fun ...

heading out now see you guys in a week
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 24, 2010, 10:46:54 PM
just back from the cruise, and im so tired. i had a blast ill post up some pictures tomorrow
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 25, 2010, 03:41:15 PM
these are just a couple of pictures have over 300 taken, hope you guys like them
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0570.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0570.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0547.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0547.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0489.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0489.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0465.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0465.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0453.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0453.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0451.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0451.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0434.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0434.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0346.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0346.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0347.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0347.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0354.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0354.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0415.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0415.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: cobray on January 25, 2010, 04:34:32 PM
looks like a wonderful time.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: 4SPEED on January 25, 2010, 10:32:42 PM
just back from the cruise, and im so tired. i had a blast ill post up some pictures tomorrow

take a vacation, trip, cruise. what ever ( time away from it all ) and come home more tired then you left. I hate that, but you had a good time. that's all that matters.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: jphillips3333 on January 26, 2010, 08:04:02 AM
That is true Doug - I did a seven day trip to the eastern caribbean.  Dog tired when I got home but had a blast ..
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 01, 2010, 09:24:07 PM
thinking about getting the edelbrock performer intake manifold #2711 soon. so i think i got every thing on my shopping list.
manifold, valley pan, manifold bolts, water neck gasket,(thinking about getting a new water neck too).  is there anything else you guys think i would need.
-i also need it would be good to port match the intake to the cylinder heads?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on February 01, 2010, 10:28:07 PM
Always a good idea to port match!!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 02, 2010, 08:29:40 AM
does anyone have the specs for the olds 403 intake/cylinder heads?
thanks for your help Nexus, ive waited almost a year (saving $400) to get and install on and im finally almost there. plus the temp is getting a lot better.
-i think i could probably get the gaskets for the olds and the shop would be able to port to
( http://performanceolds307.tripod.com/id29.html ) thats the article i found when looking for the manifold
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on February 03, 2010, 01:47:33 AM
Nice read...thanks
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 03, 2010, 08:18:58 AM
i found a shop that does a good job ill have to call and get a price on it before so i can make sure i have enough. thanks for your help Nexus
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on February 03, 2010, 10:53:27 PM
NP didn't think I did anything but NP anyway
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 07, 2010, 01:52:14 PM
had a question for you guys im thinking about doing a little engine bay cleaning/painting and i was wondering a couple of things
-how many cans of engine enamel would you think i would need, i planed on removing the engine,but things changed for now and i wanted to make it look a little nicer than it did last year, for the car show.
-if you guys have any input on what i can do to make it look good/better with little money, and keeping the engine in(i know it would make it easier to work on.....)
-i was thing of painting the engine pontiac blue that light blue metalic color (i like the look over the corp blue) or i was going to do black for the black and silver theme?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 07, 2010, 01:57:10 PM
i guess there is a change of plans, what we are going to try to get a couple of things done this year
-first what im going to try to do to fix my mistake-edelbrock performer intake manifold(vally pan-gaskets,bolts)new water neck,valve covers(may wait to put them on after the engine is ready for paint this year or next),raditor-frame support bars im missing for some reason? replace the belts and vaccum line-look in to a/c delete
-i would also like to get a dash cap but cant find a place to dye it?

-my dad wants to put the bird and decals back on and i know a guy that can do it at my work and also fix the windshield trim (broke), powdercoat the rims black

*most important is to fix the suspension, im not sure whats wrong i have only driven it twice and have not been able to get it on the streets yet (brakes fix spungy).
-dads says there is a vibration in the steering wheel of he feels it vibrate, might be tie bars some one said, or flat spots form sitting so long

sorry for going on and on about this but i just wanted to see what you guys thought about my plans for this year. any input or ideas are welcom
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 14, 2010, 05:15:10 PM
well today i got bored and i thought i would try to something on the T/A, i tried to fix my dads front seat. but i just seem to mess things up. i think im doomed to destroy this car. every time i try to fix something on it either breaks or i have to get something else to fix what i mess up (carb=intake/kickdown cable)
when i was trying to fix the seats i could not get the back left bolt out (was not attached to the seat), it was rounded off and was not even attached to the seat. then i tried the seat tilt fix with some spacers i had but did not work so as i was trying to put every thing back together the bolt that you put the bushing on did not want to go on so i think its stripped. so right now i got to probably get new seats because of this and they are really in need of an overhaul. so if any one knows where to get a set+back? for a good price that would be great. i felt so bad when my dad came home and i could not get the bolt back in the seat and then i could not get the seat back in.
i felt so stupid, and felt ...... a failure. im sorry for going on but i just needed to get that out. i hope warmer weather gets here soon.
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0576.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0576.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0577.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0577.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0578.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0578.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 14, 2010, 05:26:37 PM
i had another question has anyone know any one that was in this club. its an old club, my dad and a couple of friends of his.
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0581.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0581.jpg)
i was at my dads house the other day and he was telling me about the club he used be a part of, so im planning of getting my wifes friend that is a taler and see if he can make me two copys of these shirts one for him and one for me for when we go to the car show. wow this week has been an up and down week.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: HOMER on February 14, 2010, 06:21:27 PM
well today i got bored and i thought i would try to something on the T/A, i tried to fix my dads front seat. but i just seem to mess things up. i think im doomed to destroy this car. every time i try to fix something on it either breaks or i have to get something else to fix what i mess up (carb=intake/kickdown cable)
when i was trying to fix the seats i could not get the back left bolt out (was not attached to the seat), it was rounded off and was not even attached to the seat. then i tried the seat tilt fix with some spacers i had but did not work so as i was trying to put every thing back together the bolt that you put the bushing on did not want to go on so i think its stripped. so right now i got to probably get new seats because of this and they are really in need of an overhaul. so if any one knows where to get a set+back? for a good price that would be great. i felt so bad when my dad came home and i could not get the bolt back in the seat and then i could not get the seat back in.
i felt so stupid, and felt ...... a failure. im sorry for going on but i just needed to get that out. i hope warmer weather gets here soon.
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0576.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0576.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0577.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0577.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0578.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0578.jpg)
nothing wrong with screwing somthing up thats how you learn
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 14, 2010, 06:22:21 PM
true but i feel really bad because its my dads car. thank you for response, he said pretty much the same thing. he was on his lunch at the time and i wasted his time trying to fix it,but you are right its the only way you learn and do better next time. its just bothering me.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 15, 2010, 08:48:43 PM
found i think a good find what do you guys think, i know they are not stock looking but for the price $470 or so they are not bad.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CMB-27-0018/
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: LOMILETA on February 15, 2010, 08:53:50 PM
I have some seats, but none have the tracks. If your tracks are good, send me a pm for a price.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: HOMER on February 15, 2010, 09:12:11 PM
you could find good used seats for that much
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 15, 2010, 09:22:14 PM
ya the original tracks/seats are in need of  fix/replacement, so i guess it seems this are not the best choice?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 19, 2010, 09:32:25 PM
ordered the (seat lean fix) and picking them up tomorrow, might try to install but we're suppost to get 5-7 inch of snow. if i do ill take some pictures of the seats and see if you guys can give me some help trying to fix.
-i also plan to do a little engine cleaning (got cabin fever BAD-for the last two weeks) so i was also going to pick up some duplicolor wax and grease remover,shop towels, rubber gloves. since money got shorter than i thought this year, i think all ill be able to do is do some cleaning until i have enough money to do some thing next year. wish me luck tomorrow
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 20, 2010, 05:19:12 PM
got a couple things done today, tried to get the leaning seat fix to work but i dont know way it did not work?
i stopped by my local oreilly auto parts today (bored and needed something to do before it snowed) so i picked up a couple cans of engine degreaser,stainless steel brush. once it gets warmer out im going to do a much better job, was getting a little chilly out when i was working on.
*stupid me i wish my dad had the internet at his house, i see where i messed up i put the large bushing on, i knew when i put them on i had a feeling that i had put on the wrong ones- ill have to go back tomorrow and fix what i messed up again
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0590.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0590.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0592.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0592.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0593.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0593.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0594.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0594.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0595.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0595.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 20, 2010, 05:21:58 PM
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0600.jpg)
i noticed when i was cleaning that the original(?) color of the block was a darker blue, not sure about that, but i had a question for you guys the color of the intake manifold is the GM blue right? if not what color do you think it could be because thats the color my dad and i want to color the engine
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0599.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0599.jpg)

*sorry for the bad pictures, my camera was out of juice so i had to force it to take a quick picture
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: 4SPEED on February 20, 2010, 10:59:30 PM
I think the 403 was corporate blue , 77-79 ?   the 79 403 t/a I had in high school was.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 21, 2010, 04:54:36 PM
went to see if i could fix the seat lean today and i got it all put back together but there is still a lean, i pretty sure the chair is to far damaged (leaned to long) to fix with the bushings. i think i found a way to fix it, ill post and let you guys know if it works but i wont be able to try the fix until the weather starts to get better.
but i did get some better pictures (some what) of my engine clean start
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0603.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0603.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0604.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0604.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0605.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0605.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0606.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0606.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0607.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0607.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 21, 2010, 04:56:52 PM

(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0591.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0591.jpg)
i think this is the problem the right side of the chair is sinking in/down. so when you set down and lean back the backing of the seat goes down?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: littlecompadre on February 25, 2010, 12:17:38 PM
Quick question, When you changed your carb, did you have to cut the holes for the qjets off of the original air cleaner?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 25, 2010, 08:51:49 PM
i did not cut anything at the time it had been sitting for a couple of months after getting the car back from paint (from a shady guy-who messed around with the car so im trying to fix what he did)
so the there is no lines going to the cleaner i had planed on getting the edelbrock air cleaner that like the one from hitmans info from the main page with the bandit #24.
sorry i could not be much of help, with the new carb it did clean put the clutter on the intake and after i get the edelbrock performer IM next week  (hopfully) it will look cleaner.

*thats what im going to try to do is make the engine bay clean with little clutter as possiable so any thing that does not work or is not need is going to move.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 28, 2010, 11:59:26 AM
my grandpa sent me some pictures the other day, i asked to see if he had some pictures of my dad when he was growing up for my photo album im making and i found these three in the pile

not sure about this one ill have to ask my dad about this one
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/FS-DOC250-23923_Page_2.jpg)
and this one is one of my favorites, ill have to try and get a newer picture of all three of us next to the trans am if the weather ever gets better and my grandpa ever comes back this way
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/FS-DOC250-23923_Page_1.jpg)
and this on i think is one of my older half brothers
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/FS-DOC250-23923_Page_3.jpg)

well thats it for now, im thinking about going over to my dads and cleaning a little more on the engine bay(more pictures hopfully)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 28, 2010, 04:29:02 PM
i just had a couple of quick questions
see is there something missing from the water neck?
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0600.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 02, 2010, 10:01:14 AM
http://www.highperformancepontiac.com/features/hppp_1004_1981_pontiac_trans_am/photo_06.html
does any one know the color on this engine?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: 4SPEED on March 02, 2010, 06:16:39 PM
yours should be the darker blue on your motor.
the one in the pic is custom or a ?/75/6 color.

yours is corporate blue. 400 and 403  77-79 on into the 80's for 301's

(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/17827-1/motor.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 02, 2010, 08:26:39 PM
thanks for the info, i thought that blue^ was the right one. i was wondering about that blue because i was going to try something different/unique.
thank you for the input
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 02, 2010, 10:37:10 PM
shopping list
-edelbrock performer IM $333
-""  plus cams & lifters    $172
-""  valve springs           $52
-""  timing chain & gear  $71
---------------------------------------------------------
           $628 + 122 (misc)= $750

what do you guys think, this is just a plan ive been working on to do a little engine work but mostly keep it the way it is.
*but most likly with work being very slow at the dealership im going to try and get the IM to fix the kickdown cable, belts, vaccum hoses, and do some engine cleaning up. im trying to plan as i go ive been trying to save for the IM for a whole year+. im going to try and do something this year. my dad wants to work on the looks. he is really wanting to get a set of snowflake wheels but it is hard to find a good set in my price range
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 03, 2010, 10:45:08 PM
there is a sign just found the intake manifold on sale for 290 for today only, thinking about getting it
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: 4SPEED on March 03, 2010, 10:54:49 PM
what Part # intake are you looking at?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 03, 2010, 10:57:48 PM
edelbrock #2711 its for some reason the most costly?
it goes for 319+shipping at summit racing

*could not pass up on the offer, should be here next week
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: 4SPEED on March 03, 2010, 11:40:46 PM
I have always hated the olds intakes . the have that olds 350 cast into them.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: hada76 on March 04, 2010, 11:41:28 AM
get the pics of your gramps while you can...father time waits for no one
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 04, 2010, 08:17:09 PM
just got the tracking number but its new so its not in the system yet. i got to finish finding the rest of the parts for install soon.
what i want to do is do the timing and compression test this weekend with some cleaning, then next weekend more cleaning, planning, getting everything ordered and ready, then the next week install the IM,valve covers and paint the engine(try to).
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 05, 2010, 02:26:40 PM
full around the engine (for work)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1072.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1072.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1071.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1071.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1067.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1067.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1068.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1068.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1070.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1070.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1069.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1069.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 06, 2010, 03:15:33 PM
*PLEASE I NEED SOME HELP*

im think im doomed to destroy this car. today i went over to do some cleaning,timing, and compression test because of the much needed better weather. i go over and try to see how im going to do all that i planned on but cant clean because the engine cant be warm. so i thought i would try to set the timing or at least let it warm up. as it starts to warm up the engine starts smoking (turned out the chemical i used was still on the throttle spring-so i cleaned it off and started the engine again to let it warm up) well the spring was not on all the way (dual spring?) so it came off and so i ran quickly to turn off the engine.

*so heres my problem, the car will not start. i mean it will start for a second and the rpms will drop and kill the engine i dont know whats wrong. i thought maybe i floaded the engine but i waited an hour and still has the same problem.
PLEASE any help or advice would very much help me out. it just seems im always making the car worse. im afraid to see what i break when i try to install the intake manifold.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: eroc022 on March 06, 2010, 03:29:25 PM
pull some plugs and see if they are fouled would be step one.....next test to see if you have spark.....if you have spark see if you are getting fuel.....and im sure youre getting enough air.......start with the basics itll be ok
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 06, 2010, 04:31:58 PM
ok ill have to back tomorrow and give it a try. thanks for the help, its just im always making things worse.im cured
-ill check it out tomorrow and post back.
do you think the carb could behind the trouble?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: 4SPEED on March 06, 2010, 06:33:10 PM
did you run out of gas?   
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 06, 2010, 06:50:41 PM
^no its got a full tank of gas and when i tried to start it you can hear and see the acc pump squirting gas into the carb. the carb was smoking out of the top?
the car will start and the the rpms start to drop and the car dies then when you try to start you can hear the starter i think try to turn over or crank and nothing. you can rev the engine and the car will not die but when you let off it dies? i dont know if i should mess with it or i should wait until i install the performer and hopfully do a compression and timing.
-i dont know what i did besides the spring being off, it was running fine for 5-10 minutes and the i turn it off to clean the spring off.spring comes off when i start and not it dies.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: 4SPEED on March 06, 2010, 07:03:09 PM
did you suck the rag down into the carb. I did that once
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on March 06, 2010, 08:28:03 PM
i would also check all the vaccume lines and make sure they are hooked up where they need to be
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 06, 2010, 10:54:51 PM
no rag around the carb but that would be a bad thing, ill have to check if something came lose when i go back.
i just dont know what could have gone wrong.it was working turn off the car,start without the spring for throttle and turned off quickly and now the rpms drop and the car dies.
im going to try to get my father in law to come over to take a look but that is very hard to do because me and him have our good times but most of the times its the opposit.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: eroc022 on March 07, 2010, 12:05:49 AM
no rag around the carb but that would be a bad thing, ill have to check if something came lose when i go back.
i just dont know what could have gone wrong.it was working turn off the car,start without the spring for throttle and turned off quickly and now the rpms drop and the car dies.
im going to try to get my father in law to come over to take a look but that is very hard to do because me and him have our good times but most of the times its the opposit.

almost sounds like the idle screw needs to be turned up, as in the spring is keeping the idle too low......thats  a very very simple fix and would keep it from running......try screwing it in and raising your idle speed a little bit to see if that would be the cause
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 07, 2010, 10:41:47 AM
that may be it because it was running a little rough before, ill try that out to.
*i just want to say thank you all for your help and support,thank you
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 07, 2010, 01:05:30 PM
just got back from my dads house (to chilly and wet to work on the T/A-i wanted to do some engine cleaning before the intake manifold gets here tomorrow im excited)
-well to get to the point i went to start the trans am to see what it would do. the car crank and sounded like it wanted to turn over but no fuel was getting to it? so i put my foot on the gas and started the car. bam the car started right up and it stayed at idel (1000rpm), i started 3 more times with out puting my foot on the gas and the car stayed on at 1000rpm. i dont? i guess it had to sit, ill have to give it a better look over when it stops raining. the car is under a car port tarpet off but the ground is uneven so there is a little flooding by the rear tires and between the front (driver) tire and the door, (just pudals of water-nothing that would do much damage just hard to work on the ground)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: hada76 on March 07, 2010, 01:24:07 PM
i used to have a GP w/QJ that would "load up"...hard to start and then black smoke till it cleared out...wild
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 08, 2010, 08:23:49 PM
just wanted to post some pictures of what i got in the mail today. im so excited about getting this part (i saved for over a year to get), im finally getting the ball rolling to get this bird running again
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0647.jpg)

(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0648.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0648.jpg)

(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0649.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on March 09, 2010, 09:07:50 AM
ooooo  aaaawwwe

is it on yet?   ;D
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 09, 2010, 02:34:12 PM
i hope to have it installed this weekend for my dads birthday,im hoping every thing goes well with the install. i wanted to have the engine painted before the install but im probably going to wait until i get a new exhaust system because the old one is leaking/cracking
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on March 10, 2010, 07:33:50 PM
well you know the drill...keep us posted
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 10, 2010, 10:09:09 PM
i will i just ordered hopfully all the install items (gaskets,plugs,bolts...) and should be getting here tomorrow and friday.
so im hoping to get it installed on sunday of maybe before depending on the weather its suppost to rain for the next three days. when i go over tomorrow for my dads birthday im going to try to break loose the bolts on the water neck and other parts i need to change over and see if ill have to replace anything. wish me luck. im also hoping to get step by step or close to it. video before and after (if i can get my old school cheap camera to work)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 12, 2010, 11:56:06 PM
i think i got all the supplies for the install, not sure on the pipe plug sizes? im going to try and get installed this weekend/sunday,but you never know what could happen
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0651-1.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0651-1.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on March 13, 2010, 06:00:49 PM
Did you get it on today and tearing up the garage bay?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 13, 2010, 06:23:26 PM
not today i did get the oil changed and then it started to rain, i should have it started and hopfully done by tomorrow. i had to pick up a couple more items from oreilly auto parts. when i was doing the oil change i notice two things. 1)there white oil/leaked around the oil pan? 2) the gasket around/on the timing cover was falling off/poping out. im ready to do the install tomorrow if the weather holds. sorry i have not gotten to it sooner. ill take alot of pictures when i do.
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0758-1.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0758-1.jpg)
you can see it in this picture
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0756.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0756.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0749.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0749.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0750.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0750.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0751.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0751.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on March 13, 2010, 09:26:06 PM
No need to be sorry...something is getting done, that's all that matters
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 14, 2010, 05:41:09 PM
just got back half an hour ago, could not finish it today but i will tomorrow or some time this week. i wish it would have been warmer and the wind did not blow as much. that cold wind gets to you after a while. so me and the father in law, who i must say was a very big help today and getting this bird back in the air. so ill post up the finish product later when we get finished, i have to order an adpter for the throttle cable to get every thing hooked up. it is much easier to work with the egr valve not there. there was a lot of close calls and a couple trips to oreillys(big life saver), the change over from the old to the new (all the parts) was some what of a pain but went pretty good, and i was surprise to see how clean the engine was/ well for 31 years.
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0765.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0763.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0764-1.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0766.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0767.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0768.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0769.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0770.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 14, 2010, 05:42:50 PM
sometime this week we are going to be hooking everything back up, tune and we should be good to go, will keep you posted on the progress
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 15, 2010, 08:53:32 PM
finally got the inatke and everything installed just need to get it tuned and maybe some more tinkering, here is some pictures of the final install. had some trouble with the return spring and the kick down cable/if any one has any input or advice to make it work the first picture with the spring on the front- when i had the intake back on and backed it up under the car port the throttle was getting stock on. the pedal would not work until i lifted up on the pedal the it when back to normal so i took it all apart and put the setup back the original way and the pedal felt fine and there was no problems but there was a gurgal and pop sound when you reved the engine up. if i get the video up may be you can hear it.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 15, 2010, 08:57:17 PM
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0774.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0774.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0775.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0786.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0786.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0777.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0777.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0776.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0795.jpg)
i finally got the original bandit plate from back in the day back on
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0800.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on March 17, 2010, 07:56:16 AM
Good job...looks pretty good
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: 4SPEED on March 18, 2010, 07:09:29 PM
not to shabby .   :)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 18, 2010, 09:01:19 PM
thank you guys im trying make look and drive better.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 20, 2010, 07:59:23 PM
was over at my dads house waiting for him to go on lunch (car show i was going to go to in chicago go rained/snowed out) so i finally got the kick down cable and return setup just right so the pedal feels good and does not stick. what i did was after i turned it back to the way it was before to back it up, i looked at how the spring was stritched out and i looked for a place that would match the length and found it. will it was already there but needed to be modified to work better.
-so what i need to do is get the metal braket cut down a little bet, another bolt hole drilled to make it from moving and then cut a notch in more(where the spring is sitting) and that should make it work. i need to make the kickdown cable fit better it seems to be loose
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0825.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 27, 2010, 05:23:14 PM
http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=MPEG0007.flv
working on the trans am today and i notice a strange sound? kind of metal on metal in the back of the car. exhaut maybe, just wanted to see what you guys thought it might be. it needs a tune and timing so that might be the reason for  it but im not sure? i did notice if the video does not work that there whas smoke/exhaust coming out one side the side that was sounding find and the other did not have smoke/ exhaust coming out it and that was the side that had the sound.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 27, 2010, 05:34:38 PM
i also put my custom made bracket on and im pretty sure it worked (i was happy that it worked because i eyeballed the second hole). i also found the missing support mount (rad-chassis), and did a little spray (the mounts and intake box). im not sure about the kick down cable, it looks a little loose, i had to pull the black over off the cable because for some reason it keep getting stuck and keeping the throttle open. any input would be great, is it ok to leave it like that.i have not taken the car for a spin yet but i will try to next week, rain today.
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0847.jpg)

(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0843.jpg)

(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0845.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0845.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 30, 2010, 10:07:35 PM
just came in the mall today cant wait to install this weekend
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0857.jpg)
*no damage to plate, still in the plastic
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Paxter on March 31, 2010, 03:01:33 AM
Looks to be coming along good.  Good job.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 01, 2010, 10:47:57 PM
thank you for your input, im trying to get it up and running better than last year for this years cars show events. i still need to drive and figure the suspension problem and make it brake better- the pedal seems soft? im hopping the exhaust will hold on a little longer. car shows next week!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 01, 2010, 10:54:35 PM
i also picked up a pack of cragar lug nuts to install this weekend. i hope i got the right ones i found an original one that still had the parts number on it and ordered it. i wanted/needed to get a set because theres one lug missing from each wheel because there used to have the cragar locking lug on but i guess they got stolen
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0861.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0861.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Grand73Am on April 02, 2010, 07:48:08 PM
i also put my custom made bracket on and im pretty sure it worked (i was happy that it worked because i eyeballed the second hole). i also found the missing support mount (rad-chassis), and did a little spray (the mounts and intake box). im not sure about the kick down cable, it looks a little loose, i had to pull the black over off the cable because for some reason it keep getting stuck and keeping the throttle open. any input would be great, is it ok to leave it like that.i have not taken the car for a spin yet but i will try to next week, rain today.

Since you said it looks a little loose, do you know the correct way to adjust the kickdown cable? If you need to know, just let us know.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 02, 2010, 08:29:43 PM
well i watch this video from a link where you unclip the holder on the kickdown and go full throttle and then clip it back in? if you take look at the last picture with the new bracket the cable it kind of sticking in front of the bolt holding on to the throttle bracket.
-what i mean it the the front of the oval kickdown cable is not at the tip of the bolt on the throttle, i wish i new how to highlight on the picture,but ya any advice would be great. im always in for advice and input.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 02, 2010, 08:39:15 PM
i got my shirt from year one today. this is my favorite bird design, when i go over to my dads tomorrow im probably going to see if he wants one too so we can wear them to the first car show next weekend. im going to try to do a little more work on the t/a tomorrow (install lugs, front plate, if the weather is ok going to try and tune and maybe do some timing
front
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0862.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0862.jpg)
back
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0863.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0863.jpg)
close up

(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0864.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Grand73Am on April 02, 2010, 08:43:28 PM
Okay, you understand the adjustment procedure fine.

Sorry, but I'm not understanding your sticking situation. I did notice that you turned the stud around and put the cable end to the inside of the throttle lever. That might be a problem, since it looks like part of the throttle lever could possibly bind on the cable end when the throttle is pulled wide open.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 02, 2010, 09:13:39 PM
ya i put it onto the inside to make the cable less bent, when i go over tomorrow ill put it the other way and see what happens. the sticking was well im not for sure when i went full throttle or on the throttle the black cover on the kickdown cable would i think snag on the cable(?) and the throttle would be stuck almost close throttle.
so when i installed the new front bracket for the return spring i pulled back the black cover from the hook(ring that the bolt is through to attach to the throttle)

(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0844t.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 02, 2010, 09:19:04 PM
now when i go full throttle the kickdown cable makes a u shape.  (===)-----U--------
                                                                                               ^
                                                       kickdown cable at full throttle, <cable goes forward then the rest of the cable goes gown and makes a u shape and back to the kickdown cable clip, ill have to take a picture or video tomorrow to better show this
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Grand73Am on April 02, 2010, 09:35:44 PM
It just looks to me like when the throttle is pulled (1), the lower part of the lever will hit the kickdown cable (2), which isn't good  :) .

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/67SS427/akickdown-1.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 02, 2010, 09:52:08 PM
that could be what happened,..im not sure what to do about that? ill have to turn the bolt the other way around and see if that will have any effect, thanks for pointing that out. ill have to think about that.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 03, 2010, 04:40:22 PM
got back a little bet ago lugs went on very easly but had some trouble on the front so i had to jack the car up. got some pictures of the underbody and notice the cat-packing had rusted and fabric had started to burn a little
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0875.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0875.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0882.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0882.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0883.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0883.jpg)
let the car warm up to get at the timing-looks like the timing might be off its suppost to be at 8 btdc? what do you guys think
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0865.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 03, 2010, 04:56:05 PM
video of throttle cable before and after change of kickdown cable setup:
Grand73Am thanks for the input it seems to be working a lot better that way you adviced
http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=MPEG0008.flv

http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=MPEG0009.flv
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 03, 2010, 04:58:59 PM
well im going to had back over to see if i can remove the a/c compressor (wish me luck)
but here is a couple videos if you guys could help me out. all shot on a straight road and that is not me turning the steering wheel to the left. any help would be great. any trouble with video ill try to fix later. bad video but i did when driving
(video moved to page 10)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 04, 2010, 12:42:21 AM
just got back from seeing clash of the titans and thought i would post some pictures of what i did before that
one new lug nut on each wheel
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0899.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0899.jpg)
all parts removed
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0884.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0884.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0887.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0887.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0888.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0888.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0889.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0889.jpg)

when i was removing the a/c parts i noticed this, i think i need to replace a part?
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0893.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0893.jpg)

and if any one can give me some input or advice on what could be making this chirping sound which happens when i get on the throttle (more than an idle)
http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=MPEG0016.flv
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Mongo on April 04, 2010, 12:52:21 AM
Looks like it is time for new front shocks.  Try replacing belts first. Check the alternator and water pump for loose or rough feeling bearings while the belts are off.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 04, 2010, 01:16:20 AM
thanks for the input
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_MPEG0012.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=MPEG0012.flv)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 06, 2010, 09:24:23 PM
i script up as much money as i could and picked up these today. got a hook up at work i know they are not the best parts but hope to get it up and braking better to get to a suspension shop to get a check and go from there
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0900.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0900.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0901.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0901.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0902.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0902.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0903.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0903.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 08, 2010, 10:15:05 PM
just picked up some  wheel cylinders
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0917.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0917.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 11, 2010, 04:14:54 PM
just got back from working on the car/brakes. we were only able to get to the fronts to day will try to finish up tomorrow (partner/helper- is not in the best shape so thats as far as we got but thats ok with out his help i probably would not have gotten this far)
important note for every one- dont trust meineke,when we got the master cylinder replaced they said there was nothing else wrong with the car, (and since then ive had the problems) so any way the front brakes needed to be replaced the drivers side (which had the pull issues) the caliper was frozen and the brake pads was uneven and shot (burn marks on the medal)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 11, 2010, 04:16:39 PM
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0935-1.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0935-1.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0936-1.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0936-1.jpg)
shot it with some spray
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0938.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0938.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0945.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0945.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0944.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0944.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on April 11, 2010, 09:30:42 PM
One step closer...nice work!!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 12, 2010, 09:24:48 PM
just got back from working on the car after work so not much time and not much done today will have to go back tomorrow. first off i dont like drum brakes (just joking they are diffently difficult) so we only got most of one side done, both tooken apart. troubles was we forgot and it was hard to put back together. wish i had my books with me.
-parts that was wrong=parking brake frozen,pads "ok",rear brakes do not work.(pushed on the brakes and nothing happened),so replaced pads and hardwear.little mad that one of the wheel cylinders was missing the bleeder valve.

*NEED HELP WITH(SORRY IN CAPS BUT NEED TO STAND OUT) THE BOLT/NUT GOING TO THE WHEEL CYLINDER FROM THE BRAKE LINE STARTED TO /MOSTLY ROUNDED OFF. PLEASE ANY HELP OR ADVICE WOULD BE VERY GREATFUL. I REALLY DONT HAVE THE FUNDS TO TAKE AND HAVE NEW LINES BENT AND PUT IN AND HAVE THEM INSTALL THE NEW WHEEL CYLINDER

forgot camera so will take pictures when i go back
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: HOMER on April 12, 2010, 09:28:04 PM
heat the nut up, put a GOOD pair of vise grips on it and it will come loose
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 12, 2010, 09:44:33 PM
ill have to try that, the only problem is i dont have a torch or any thing like that. i think i can borrow the heat gun from work.do you think that might work. it once melted s plastic fender at work?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: HOMER on April 12, 2010, 09:50:46 PM
you need to get it very hot, cherry red go buy a cheap propane torch that will do the trick
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 12, 2010, 09:58:53 PM
ya i thought that is want i might have to do. thanks for the input ill see how it goes tomorrow.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 13, 2010, 10:12:55 PM
wow, drum brakes suck, i guess this is the first time i worked on them and i can see how a lot of people dont like drum brakes. well enough about that, it went alright to day little problem on the driver rear with the fitment and getting it all to fit and line up, we are probably going to see how the brakes do for now and probably have the wheel cylinder replaced when we get the brake lines replaced. still need to bleed the brakes probably because the pedal still goes down to the floor, but it has felt better and its a little higher than before. the pull on the car is goes and seems to be driving better. well here is a couple pictures i got not many because i forgot my camera  yestarday when we did the most work.
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0951.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0951.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0950-1.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0950-1.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0948-1.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0948-1.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0949-1.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0949-1.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0952.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0952.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0954.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0954.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0953.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0953.jpg)

wife took some pictures when working on the trans am
*so what do you guys think i should work on next exhaust,engine,or suspension
exhaust-starting to rust and there is cracks and leaks,there is a nosie coming from it
engine-runs alright but probably needs a compression test and some work
suspension-probably a check up to see what could be replaced,need to replace all body bushings and probably shocks and leaf springs
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 15, 2010, 08:24:10 AM
just found an old picture of mine from before the car was painted and before i started working on cars
before
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_Bryce_Page_2.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=Bryce_Page_2.jpg)
now
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0952.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0952.jpg)

as i tell everyone this car means so much to me and i would do what i can to keep it running for my dad
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 19, 2010, 10:53:12 PM
just got may package in the mail today was on back order for couple weeks but was in no hurry. i know its not the right one for the car, but when talking to my dad he said he always wanted the gold arrowhead.so i got him hopefully going to install this weekend,but it is suppost to be raining with thunderstorms
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0959.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0959.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 24, 2010, 03:44:18 PM
well i had a bad day today, went over to try and paint/clean the engine bay but its rainy/storming out. i did manage to put the new arrow head on-my dad liked it. i guess the bad thing that happened to me today is that on the way there i hit something metal in the road and ruptured on of my tires. the funny thing is i just payed them off last week and now i got to buy a brand new one because the company wont warrenty anything. sorry to vent but its one of those days (special tire to got to wait until tuesday). hopfully next weekend will be better
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0970.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0970.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF0971.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF0971.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on April 27, 2010, 11:36:16 PM
Sorry to hear you had a bad day!!

I had one yesterday...feeling of being overwhelmed and too busy
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 28, 2010, 08:15:20 AM
ya i guess everyone gets those days, i got my new tire on so i feel better. i wish i could of done something on the trans am last weekend now i dont know when ill get another chance its going to be raining evry chance i get.
^sorry i hope everything worked out ok and your doing better
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on May 02, 2010, 06:35:41 PM
All is well. Still lots to do but I can only do so much, so work on the car is usually side tracked to other jobs
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 02, 2010, 08:52:49 PM
i know how you feel,im torn between to project cars,work,future...
NEXUS its nice talking to you, your input along with everyone else that has helped has keep my going and not giving up on the project when something goes wrong.
i have not been able to do much on the car because of the weather, but i did pick up something new that im going to try. its the new turtle wax black box, its suppost to restore the black.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on May 02, 2010, 09:47:52 PM
Well let us know how it goes after you get the chance to try it
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 04, 2010, 07:15:47 PM
just picked up new drive belts hopfully going to get them installed in time for the car show this weekend.
and also try the black box
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 05, 2010, 10:06:18 PM
had a rough day at work so i went to work on the trans am (good stress reliver), so i went over to install the belts i got on monday. hopfully i got them on all right the one that goes on the power steering pulley in little looseish? the one on the alteneter is tight, it does not bolt all the way to the top as it used to? any input on that would be great.
we started up the car to hear if there was squicking was told from a guy from work that they would make noise if they was too loose. my dad helped my out, was a big help (i felt bad because he is not doing well sick, hurt his back leg and has a torn rotatior cup) we took the car for a spin up the block and it drives so much better (have not driven since the breaks install-original brakes held it back)the car drove so smooth needs some more suspension work needed more stiffness.
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1024.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1024.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1023.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1023.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1022.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1022.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1020.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1020.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1014.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1014.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on May 05, 2010, 10:28:57 PM
Right on!!

I bet it felt good to go for a spin!!!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 05, 2010, 10:35:07 PM
ya it was amazing, just me and my dad cruising up the street. it mint alot. the car felt so much better then before when the front caliper was frozen. it really picked up to, we was driving and looked down and i was going 50. needs suspension work but the car/engine seems to be running good
*Nexus- thanks for the input
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on May 05, 2010, 10:37:48 PM
NP.

I remember one of the few times I got to drive my car, I went down the road and like you  I looked down and was doing 120 kms in an 80 zone. It felt smooth.

that was one of the last times I drove the car. I took it apart shortly after that 10 long years ago
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Frode_skj on May 06, 2010, 03:35:13 AM
And I complain about not having driven my T\A more than one time for 2 years.... :P
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 06, 2010, 08:00:43 AM
ya with iit running better im goin to have to take it out more often, now i can finally take it to my work to get it on the lift
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on May 06, 2010, 10:08:11 PM
And I complain about not having driven my T\A more than one time for 2 years.... :P

Yeah yeah rub it in...lol  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 08, 2010, 10:25:01 AM
thinking about sneaking the trans am out to the car show today, its a bit cold out today only in the low 50's.
sneaking out because my dad does not really want to bring it out until its repainted. i want to show the guys at work who are coming what we've done so far. what to do, i probably wont but....
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Frode_skj on May 09, 2010, 04:45:51 AM
And I complain about not having driven my T\A more than one time for 2 years.... :P

Yeah yeah rub it in...lol  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Hopefully I have it up and running on monday :) changing the flexplate is a little work, especially with no lift for the car :(
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 11, 2010, 08:14:24 PM
i forgot, when we took the trans am out for a cruise to see how it was driving. we was on a two lane road with a mirge line coming on to it and as we got past it,the was another coming.what are the chances of it being a 83- trans am (the knight rider body style)
i just thought i would let you guys know how neat is was to have the two trans am side by side
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Frode_skj on May 12, 2010, 11:14:10 AM
I got my car running again :) took it out for a little drive today, and that was awesome :)
We actually got nice weather here today too :)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 15, 2010, 05:48:11 PM
went over today to try to do something, this is all i got done before it started to rain
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1049.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1049.jpg)

(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1051.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1051.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 23, 2010, 04:18:47 PM
been a while since i got a chance to work on the trans am (starting autocrossing,work,low $). went over to day to get some fresh air (not feeling the best and hurt my shoulder at work), well any way here some more pictures. i know its not the  best work but with low money i thought i would try to make it look a little better. (it was a little difficult to get in that tight space)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1095.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1095.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1101.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1101.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1098.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1098.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1096.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1096.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: John007 on May 25, 2010, 02:03:15 AM
Nice job there racereaper7.............Did ya do all that without removing any parts??????? I need to do the same thing........So you'll have to tell,,,,,, what paint you used and how ya got that brake booster so clean??????????? I imagine it was fun lol.......................
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 25, 2010, 08:11:04 AM
ya it was fun. you should probably use a different paint i just used what i had around/could get with out ordering.
the black is a rust eliminater enamel from i think rustoleum. because the master cylinder was starting to rust coat.
so i cleaned both the master cylinder and brake booster, got as much off as i could then i taped off the brake booster or where i did not want to spray the black.that was the easy part then i let that dry because how i did mine i had to tape the master cylinder off to be able to get the best angle on the brake booster.
the brake booster was the hardest part for me because i did not have any tools so i was unable to move any thing. so i was just shot from different angles. i have a picture i took when i got all my masking off,but its a bad picture.
i did not have a lot of materials that i needed so it all looks like junk. but ill post it up later. it was very interesting to get the brake booster done with out getting any thing else. it does not llok the best but it will have to do for now.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 25, 2010, 08:14:01 AM
for the gold there was not alot of different styles around here withh out ordering so i just picked up a gold from meijer that looked alright and would work on metal ill have to get the names and the brands and post them up.
and more questions i would be happy to answer,sorry if this was not help full heading out to work
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on May 25, 2010, 09:00:40 AM
a little at a time and you will get it where you want it.

Keep tinkering
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: John007 on May 26, 2010, 02:04:40 AM
Thanks for all that info racereaper7........I was going to pull the brake booster off but your way sounds like an easier way to go..............Later.....................
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on June 12, 2010, 05:03:16 PM
today i went over to see my dad and i thought i would do a little work on the trans am, i could have turned out better but i would have to say it turned out pretty good.what do you guys think?
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1145-1.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1145-1.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1146-1.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1146-1.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1149-1.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1149-1.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1168-1.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1168-1.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1162-1.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1163-1.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1163-1.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1164-1.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1164-1.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1165-1.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1165-1.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1166-1.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1166-1.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1167-1.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1167-1.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on June 14, 2010, 06:41:29 PM
turned out pretty good!!!

But have you had any fun in it yet?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on June 14, 2010, 09:20:49 PM
had a little fun,but not much its been raining none stop. i do plan to take for a little cruise the next weekend when we get some sun. i really wanted to take it out last weekend but it started to rain.
i was really proud of what i did though. car looks almost brand new. i also fixed the seat belt. it kept getting stuck on a metal clip?
i really do want to take it out for a spin. thanks for the comment
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Gunner on June 22, 2010, 03:01:20 PM
had a little fun,but not much its been raining none stop. i do plan to take for a little cruise the next weekend when we get some sun. i really wanted to take it out last weekend but it started to rain.
i was really proud of what i did though. car looks almost brand new. i also fixed the seat belt. it kept getting stuck on a metal clip?
i really do want to take it out for a spin. thanks for the comment

How about an update? Any new progress?

Gunner
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on June 28, 2010, 10:43:09 PM
no updates at the moment, wife was in the hospital last week for 7 days. i did manage to sell my extra body kit so i might have some money to get something done. im not sure what to do next. i know suspension needs work, fluids change all around they probably have not be done in a couple of years. interior work-wheels and tires.
im probably going to do the suspension work see what needs to be fixed/upgrade and the fluids and some cleaning.
*still need to try the turtle wax black box.
-any sujestions are welcome. thank you all for the comments and inputs. i really do want to take it for a spin this weekend,
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Gunner on June 29, 2010, 09:06:43 AM
Sorry the missus was in the hospital. Is she better now?

I would look at rear leaf springs. Just put a set on my car and MAN what a difference it made. The old springs on my car were absolutely ROTTEN, and on the drivers side were rusted completely through and broken. New springs made it a whole new car. Just a suggestion.

Gunner
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on June 29, 2010, 12:50:40 PM
ya, my dad said that theyy needed to be replaced-(got monoe air shocks) but thats a good idea.
shes ok in a way- doctors say its surgery or a life with pain medicine. we are looking in to another specialist.
i need to get working on something on the trans am, i always feel better when working on it. thanks for the input
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on June 30, 2010, 08:01:03 PM
dads been driving the trans am because his DD is in need of new exhaust. he says its been running good.
i just hope nothing happens/breaks.
its good to see him driving it again, brings back good memorys and it makes me happy to think that i helped get it back on its feet.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: SilentlyCreeping77 on July 01, 2010, 10:13:09 PM
its awesome u can help ur dad out w fixing up his ride. I'm prolly in the same or worse shape financially so I'm lot king at ur progress for inexpensive options. have fun. I am!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on July 01, 2010, 10:17:36 PM
That's cool that he's been driving it. That's probably the best thing fo rthe car and your dad!!!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on July 05, 2010, 01:39:55 PM
i was looking at getting the suspension upgrade/fix-is hotchks a good company? they had a set of leaf springs and hardware for $400. and im not sure what shocks to go with. i can get some adjustable/sport ones from car quest for cheaper because of the descount from work? and i should replace the body/chassis bushings?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on July 05, 2010, 01:42:15 PM
i have a video i have been making (movie maker) and looking at from when i started in 08 i have really got a lot done.
* its running better. im glad my dad can drive around town, he needs it with all the stress he's got.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: 79ban1 on July 06, 2010, 01:29:38 AM
Talk with Dave over at Pro Touring F-Body he'll hook you up with every thing you need for suspension.
http://pro-touringf-body.com/
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on July 06, 2010, 08:10:17 AM
thanks for the link/info thats where ill get my parts from
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on August 15, 2010, 09:40:27 AM
finally got time to try out the turtle wax black box, it did well-since the color of the car is a matte color but im sure if you had a glossy coat (starlight black) this would make the black look really good. it worked well car looks good very smooth,made it shiny glossy. well my dad liked how it looked so im happy. it took 2-3 hours though. lucky i had the wife to give me a hand.
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1583.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1595.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1608.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: SoonerTA on August 15, 2010, 08:06:52 PM
WOW, it looks like you did a great job!  It looks like fresh paint.  Great Job!!!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on August 15, 2010, 10:49:23 PM
thank you, it really did a good job for only $20 (got it on sale for 15 i think)
im just glad my dad really liked it.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: hada76 on August 15, 2010, 11:38:09 PM
sorry came in late...whats black box
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on August 16, 2010, 08:17:15 AM
turtle wax black box
http://www.turtlewaxblackbox.com/
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: hada76 on August 16, 2010, 11:24:31 AM
turtle wax black box
http://www.turtlewaxblackbox.com/



thx   good idea
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on August 29, 2010, 10:09:22 PM
new picture i found from back in the day
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/car.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: SoonerTA on August 29, 2010, 10:12:04 PM
Thats cool!   IT looks like the front of the car is on fire...haha. 
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on August 30, 2010, 08:27:14 PM
ya im not sure what that is, its an old picture. i think the film got something on it.
ya i thought it looked like flames too
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on October 09, 2010, 04:36:43 PM
some pictures from work what do you guys think,my first time looking at it (good look). did an oil change too
nothing new yet, getting ready for winter-maybe next year. took the car for a spin,first time on the streets. it ran pretty good for still needing work. engine seems to be running ok but ? dont want to push it to hard because of suspension needs work and needs to have brakes rebleed
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on October 09, 2010, 04:40:57 PM
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1767.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1767.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1768.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1768.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1753.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1753.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1754.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1754.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1755.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1755.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1756.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1756.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1757.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1757.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1758.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1758.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1759.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1759.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1760.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1760.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1761.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1761.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1762.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1762.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1763.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1763.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1764.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1764.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1765.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1765.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1766.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1766.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on October 15, 2010, 08:16:50 AM
what do you guys think about dynomax? found a kit on there for everything (engine-back) for about 900. i was just browsing around.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: HOMER on October 15, 2010, 03:48:32 PM
i think the pypes kit is cheaper than that but im not sure?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: SoonerTA on October 16, 2010, 01:20:08 PM
The Pypes kit is cheaper.  I have the pypes kit with Race Pro mufflers.  Do some checking around at your local shops.  I know you could get it cheaper having someone build it for you. 
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on October 20, 2010, 08:08:31 AM
they wanted about 1500- i think for header back.
which would be a good header brand to go with? is it hard to remove the header back system?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: SoonerTA on October 20, 2010, 06:06:56 PM
Tey wanted $1500 to bend you an exhaust system?  Thats CRAZY!  Way too much!  Did that include the headers with installation?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: T/A Kid on October 20, 2010, 06:15:49 PM
Mine was $400 from exhaust manifold back two flowmaster clone mufflers. Sounds like you need to check some more shops for prices. I supplied the exhaust tips.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on October 20, 2010, 08:16:01 PM
ya theres not many in my area.if i remember right at meineke wanted 1000+ to make a replacement exahust system from manifold back (nothing special done to exhaust=stock)
*my dad went in the other day to get his car looked at (98 malibu) and they want i think 800-1000 (from mainfold back)-i brought in my work and took a look when replacing his front tires and all he needed to replace was the muffler,exhaust pipe from muffler to exahust,taill pipe (v6).got all the parts new for 120 and i got a buddy at work to help cut off the rusted bolts on exhaust and install new parts. just saved about 880.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on October 20, 2010, 08:18:52 PM
im just looking at exhaust systems right now,to late in the year to do it now. just wanted something that i could possiably install easily? and sounds good.its kind of hard to find systems for the olds 403 in the trans am.
-was looking to make it true duals/true exhaust (like the pontiac setup,not two into one and back)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on October 21, 2010, 09:54:43 PM
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BIG-31150FLT/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PYE-SGF11S/
then the tailpipe ends?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: ShakerBreaker on October 26, 2010, 10:24:39 PM
GOOD JOB BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TAKE CARE OF THE T/A AND SHE WILL LOVE YOU BACK
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on October 29, 2010, 11:42:40 PM
http://www.78ta.com/smf/index.php?topic=27010.0

just ordered the map/head unit today
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on October 30, 2010, 05:53:30 PM
went over to get some more info on wiring the radio any help would be great
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1836.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1837.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1808.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1809.jpg)
when working on getting to the radio i notice the driver chair bracket had rusted off

(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF1818.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF1818.jpg)

(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1826.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1829.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1834w.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on October 30, 2010, 05:55:29 PM
is there a special way to get radio past (purple #1) and would i have to cut (red#2) to install new radio
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on October 30, 2010, 05:56:24 PM
i plan to try and keep the factory radio in
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: John007 on October 30, 2010, 10:15:56 PM
I think you have to remove the glove box and A/C duck to get the stock radio out..............

The wires with the blue and white (#2) connectors are your speakers..............The (dimer) gray (-) black and (+) yellow wires are the power and should have a black connector,,,,,,it looks like its being cut but there easy enough to find.........Don't know what the red wire is for,,,, maybe power antenna.........Do you have one??????????

Try rigging it up without cutting the connectors..........Or maybe someone else here  knows if there's an adopter for those connectors,,,,, to hook up your new unit...............Later................
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on October 30, 2010, 11:03:50 PM
ya i for got to say, it has a power antenna
i might try and try that tomorrow- hook up the new one with the harness and see what happens
*thanks for the input,it is a big help to get input this is new to me and i just would like to make my dad happy. he has done so much for me and i want to pay him back

thank you *JOHN007*
and everyone else that has help/ added advice to help me,it means a lot and this car means a lot to me and i would like very much to get this car up and running better before its to late and i dont get to finish it in time
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on October 31, 2010, 12:09:18 AM
Let us know how you make out!!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on October 31, 2010, 11:32:49 PM
did not get a chance to go over today but i will next week/weekend

*does anyone have a diagram for the radio-have the chilton and hyanes manual and the colors dont seem to match what is on the car
3 clips = (brown,green,blue,white,white,orange)(green,black)(blue,light blue,brown,yellow)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: John007 on November 01, 2010, 12:38:33 AM
It's pretty easy to figure out,,,,,,,,When you get to your car you'll see...............
                                  

                   The white connector with the green & black wire is,,,,,,,front speaker
                                  
                   The blue connector with the brown, yellow, blue and dark blue is,,,,back speakers
  
                   Your missing the black connector with black, yellow, gray and red wires

                   But you have the wires,,,,, the black and Yellow wires will give you power  

                  The gray wire is the light in the radio face ..............

                  And from what you said the red wire is for your antenna .......Your all set........lol!!!!!!!!!!
 
                  Dose that help make it any clearer for ya??????????
                  
                  Look here also.........http://firebirdtransamparts.com/techinfo/harness/optionwire/optionwire.htm

Later....................
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on November 01, 2010, 11:00:47 PM
*JOHN007* you have been an amazing help. now that i have had a chance to really sit down and look over things i can see what you said and i'm ready to give it a try. you were right it all made since when i looked at it i just have one more question.

1)the yellow clip (adapter) with one wire goes to the 12v battery/constant (12v+)
-the question is where is the connector to the car? what do i connect from the car to the adapter?

**other than that im ready to go just need to wait until i get the deck/adapter to map pocket and install is on.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on November 01, 2010, 11:05:03 PM
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1837w.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: John007 on November 01, 2010, 11:40:07 PM
Oops!!!! I just noticed it,,,,,,,,you do have that black connector on there.........The pic was so dark I didn't see it,,,,,,Sorry I didn't see it till now.............So your all good there,,,,you have all your connectors........

Do you know what that yellow wire your asking about,,,,,, dose????????

I'd guess,,,,,,, the gray wire in that black connector should work,,,,,,,for dimmer or clock maybe............

Later................
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on November 02, 2010, 07:59:55 AM
1)the yellow wire (adapter clip) with one wire goes to the 12v battery/constant (12v+)
im for sure where there would be a clip to connect to?

i think it might be for the memory?-constant power source
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: John007 on November 02, 2010, 03:43:21 PM
You may have an extra harness behind the dash you can use..........look above the radio............I don't think the gray wire has power when the key is off.................I know the glove box light has power all the time.........so that would work if you tie in there............Or running a wire to the battery would be best.................
Later.........................
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on November 02, 2010, 07:58:03 PM
thanks for your help. ill probably try the glove box light, but if it does not work ill probably go to the battery. thanks for your help you and everyone else that helped made this possable
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: real80bandit on November 02, 2010, 10:58:48 PM
what do you guys think about dynomax? found a kit on there for everything (engine-back) for about 900. i was just browsing around.
hit summit up i use there $200.00 true dual 2.5 exhaust kit goes from headers back,they come with mufflers but i also order they chambered flowmatser rip off ones
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on November 05, 2010, 09:27:13 PM
hopfully finishing the wiring up tonight and either tomorrow or sunday testing time. hope it works
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on November 06, 2010, 11:14:44 AM
kind of hurt my back at work im not sure im going to be able to do anything this weekend
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on November 06, 2010, 05:24:41 PM
fought through the pain and went over to see if it would work. i need to find a constent power source. right now its on a wire that was wired when i think the cb radio was installed? so its got power when the car is on. and bam the cd player fired right up and to my suprise the speakers still sounded alright for being 31 years old. not to bad
still waitng for the map pocket adapter to come hopfully it will be here monday.

not the best wiring job but it works
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1840.jpg)

(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1839.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: John007 on November 07, 2010, 01:07:18 AM
Dose that unit have a hookup for an mp3 player or Ipod??????????????
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on November 07, 2010, 09:04:02 AM
i believe it does, i dont have an ipod or mp3 though
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-kjpT6N5hOxd/p_158CDXM630/Sony-Xplod-CDX-M630.html
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: John007 on November 07, 2010, 12:57:52 PM
I picked up a mp3 player for like $30,,,,that thing has over 400 songs on there...........Now I never use the cd player...............Way to much trouble............lol!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on November 09, 2010, 09:14:21 PM
still waiting for the adapter to come in hopfully it will be here before the weekend
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on November 20, 2010, 04:26:13 PM
got the adapter in today and install went pretty good,little problem with the final install. it was a photo finish,got "done" right before my dad got home. i think he kind of new what i was doing when i was asking about the map pocket. he likes it the only bad thing is its getting time to put it away for the winter.. sunday and monday are supost to be up to 60
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1907.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1908.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1911.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1913.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1924.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1938.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1925.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1928.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on November 20, 2010, 04:41:20 PM
thanks hitman for the hook up on the adapter, sorry about the miss communication
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Grand73Am on November 20, 2010, 07:56:42 PM
Good choice of the Sony black face radio, since it's stealth when it's not turned on. I have a similar older model.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: hada76 on November 21, 2010, 12:47:59 AM
I picked up a mp3 player for like $30,,,,that thing has over 400 songs on there...........Now I never use the cd player...............Way to much trouble............lol!!!!!!!!!

whats the best way to load songs nowadays...are they still .99 ea.?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Grand73Am on November 21, 2010, 09:52:30 AM
The last songs I bought online were at Napster.com . They are .99 each. A couple years ago, I bought a new stereo with a USB port on the front. That way you can load songs from your computer onto an inexpensive and small thumb drive, plug the drive into the radio and play your songs.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on November 21, 2010, 10:55:24 AM
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF1938-1.jpg)
picture with the black face plate
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 04, 2010, 10:37:50 PM
some more pictures
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2007.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2010.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2012.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2011.jpg)

picture after/during the snow storm. i know i feel bad for not getting it in storage. i have been really busy at work and jury duty i did not get a chance to set up the storage unit (portable one connects to car port) and we used up all the covers on my sisters stuff when she moved to her new place.
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image12042010120110.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 04, 2010, 10:42:27 PM
any tips on getting a stuck antenna down would also be very helpful, my dad bought a new car cover to use but the car cover will not go on all the way
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on December 05, 2010, 12:06:48 AM
I left you a message on the other thread to try!!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 05, 2010, 11:07:51 AM
thanks again ill have try it soon before it gets to bad out.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 19, 2010, 12:37:06 PM
some more pictures. getting ready for winter storage
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image12182010124746.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image12182010131304.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image12182010132125.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image12182010131512.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image12182010131603.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: hada76 on December 19, 2010, 02:45:06 PM
man that brings back bad memories, i got cold just looking at the pics
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 20, 2010, 08:00:30 AM
ya it snowed pretty bad last week and is suppost to snow tonight.
still pretty chilly out have not gotten a chance to work on the antenna, i was hoping for one more 30's day but does not look like it. i could take it to the shop at work but with the roads been a little bad i dont want to risk it
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 29, 2011, 05:58:25 PM
was waiting for this weekend all week. got up early to go work on the trans am. but the day got worse from there this is what happened and what i found.....

started out taking the seat out to get the tracks off and wanted to try and fix the leaning seat problem i started last year but got worse.now the bolt wont go back in. i think the threads in the seat is completely damaged-i dont know what to do?
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF2084.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF2084.jpg)

got the seat tracks off so hopfully my buddy at work and weld a new leg on to fix for now
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF2085.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF2085.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 29, 2011, 06:14:09 PM
then when trying to remove that one bolt that was rusted/rounded off (did not get it out im going to have to take it to a shop to get it removed)
then i started finding things i wish i had not found. day went from bad to worse
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2091.jpg)

(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2090.jpg)
then this to top it off
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2092.jpg)

then i went to the other side to see how damaged it was
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2094.jpg)
and to my surprise not bad at all, like from the factory
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2097.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2098.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2100.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2099.jpg)
then i found this which was pretty cool. to bad it is stuck on there pretty good and cant really remove it with out damaging it,but was very cool to finally find it
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2104.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2103.jpg)
then i found this which was not too bad and made me feel a little better that it was not as bad as the other side
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2105.jpg)

so i had to pull the car back under the carport to keep it out of the weather
(new bucket seat)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2106.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 29, 2011, 06:18:07 PM
so i guess i have to replace the whole driver pan and i think just the front pass. pan piece
any advice on the seat or the floor pans would be a great help.
if any one knows of a shop that will/can repair let me know please
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Grand73Am on January 29, 2011, 06:31:05 PM
I wouldn't replace the whole pan from what I can tell. I'd just cut out the rusted areas and weld in some new sheet metal. 

For that bolt hole in the seat, you could find out what size bolt thread the bolt has, and get a tap that size at a hardware store and re-tap the hole. Might need a "die" to clean up the threads on the bolt too. This is where having a tap and die set comes in handy.

There are several ways to get that bolt in the floor out. An oxygen/acetylene torch would be one way. Heat it up red hot and it usually will come loose. Melt some wax over the heated bolt and that can help too, since the wax can seep into the threads. There are special sockets for grabbing onto rounded off bolt heads too. Without those tools, another way is to grind the head off and drill out the rest of the bolt, starting with a 1/8" drill bit and working your way up to a bit that's not quite the diameter of the bolt. So if it's a 5/16 bolt, you'd stop at 1/4 drill bit. Then run an 5/16 tap in the hole to clean out the rest of the bolt and clean up the threads in the hole. Or a 3rd way is you could spray it with some PB Blaster, and use a hammer and chisel to knock the head of the bolt counterclockwise until it loosens and turns (hopefully).

I found some of that white cotton on the rear floors of my latest 79 when I was cleaning it out. I thought it was some crap that somebody else put in, but now I see it's crap that the factory put in  :) . Don't know why they'd use something like that  ::) .
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 29, 2011, 06:49:37 PM
thanks for the info, ya i just bought a tap and die kit from my shops matco guy and will have to find which one works for each.
im not sure what to do about the floors. i dont even know who would be able to do it?
-my buddy at work can probably help me with the floor bolt i hope, he has the tools to do it. im just worried about the floors. i knew they were bad but i did not know they where in that rough of shape.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 29, 2011, 09:28:28 PM
was looking at this from year one
http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/fbshopmain2.asp?cat=4
but what do you think about the front? since the rust is going up the firewall. could you put sheet metal there like Grand73Am stated? i was just looking at a new pan because i was told it was easier to install/fit better. they come in pieces but i think the rust is to close to the back bolt to just replace the back. im not sure what to do,my dad is kind upset about this so im trying to fix it the best i can/make it safe.
*if i replace the whole pan that would take care of the bolt?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 30, 2011, 10:28:42 AM
*for the bolt in the seat, i went out and bought the special sockets that remove rounded/rusted bolts. shot it with some rust blaster and gave it shot with a breaker bar,but i think if i can get it to the shop where i got my impoact gun (sockets impact grade) and heat it up if need be i think that would get the sucker out.
i really want to get to work on the trans am so bad its this weather is keeping me from doing anything.
thanks for the help Grand73Am
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Grand73Am on January 30, 2011, 01:43:40 PM
Yes, some heat really makes a big difference. Unfortunately, a propane torch doesn't get hot enough, so that's why I suggested the oxy/acetylene torch. But be careful not to catch anything else on fire. Keep a bucket of water handy to douse any out of control flames.
With the special socket for the rounded head, jam the socket on tight by tapping it over the head of the bolt with a hammer. You don't have to use a breaker bar. You want to go slow and easy, so it doesn't strip again. I wouldn't use an impact gun on it. Just spray it with the rust blaster stuff and gradually work the bolt back and forth until it starts moving. Spray it with more blaster as you work it. Wire brush around the bolt, particularly underneath it on the threads, if it's accessible underneath.

Replacing the floor pan won't take care of the bolt. Nor is it necessary to replace the floor pan to fix the bolt of course. The bolt screws into a brace under the pan, so you still have to get the bolt out, no matter what you do. Once the bolt is out, the area around the bolt that's rusty can be cut out and just patched up with new sheet metal, if the surrounding metal is still good. Be sure to drill a hole in your new metal to line up with the seat bolt hole in the brace.

I just wouldn't replace a whole floor pan if only a small portion of it is rusted out. Now if the majority of the pan is rusted out, then it is better to ahead and cut out that whole section of floor and put in a new pan. Replacing an entire side of the floor pan is not an easy job, since you have to cut out so much more metal, and weld in a lot more metal. Patching small sections is easier. The part going up the firewall called the "toe panel" doesn't appear to be reproduced, although it should be since so many of these cars have that problem. But it wouldn't be hard to cut out the rusted portion, make a template from cardboard to fit the hole, and use the template to trace and cut out a piece of sheet metal to use to weld into the hole. 
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 30, 2011, 02:32:05 PM
thanks for the info again Grand73Am, i will see about taking it to a shop to get some sheet metal put on. i see what you are saying about cutting out the whole pan (and the bolt issue too). i will talk to my buddy at work who hopfully can fix my slider arms and see if he knows somebody or even if he can give me a hand. he is really skilled worker and knows a lot of stuff. the other guys at the shop (honda dealership) say if anyone can fix the sliders he is the guy that can do it.

*thanks again Grand73Am you have been a very big help. i mean it. i will make some calls and talk to the guys at work and see what we can do.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 02, 2011, 09:11:02 AM
just got one of the worst news this morning. we got a lot of snow last night and just got a call from my dad and the car port came down on the back of the trans am. im thinking the worst because he says he cant move it off to see and im stuck across town and cant see how bad it is.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Justin on February 02, 2011, 09:57:50 AM
I hope it is not that bad. Good luck with everything. Keep us posted.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 02, 2011, 10:19:12 AM
thank you for the luck i think i might need it. dad called back and i cant picture it but it does not look like it shattered the bad window. it might have cracked it. its still sitting on top of the car. i tried to unbury my car car but i dont know how the roads are going to be. ill have to wait until tomorrow or later today if they get the roads cleared.
*im just very upset because i dont know how bad it is and there is no way of seeing it.
i hope it just came down on it and did not damage it to bad. im ok with a couple of scratches and dents as long as the back end is not crushed.

Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 02, 2011, 10:20:50 AM
the car port is not really heavy so it all deponds on the snow and the force it put on it. i just hope it is ok and the back window is not cracked-but my best guess is that it is
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Grand73Am on February 02, 2011, 01:05:16 PM
If the back window is still in one piece, it's not cracked. The back window is tempered glass, and it doesn't crack, it breaks. It shatters in a million little cubes, as I'm sure you've seen before. So the fact that it's still in one piece means it's still okay.
Since the back of the car is suspended on leaf springs, it probably just squatted it down and didn't crush it. Hope it'll be okay.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 02, 2011, 01:16:18 PM
thanks Grand73Am for the info, i did not know that about the rear window.
that makes me feel better and not as worried.
* i talked to one of my friends collison center buddys and he said he can patch up those spots, he wants me to bring it by in a couple of weeks to get a better look (sent him the photos) he says he has done it several times on trans am's.

thank you guys for your best wishes
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Justin on February 02, 2011, 03:08:01 PM
So do you know the damage yet?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 02, 2011, 06:44:28 PM
just got back a little bit ago. not much damage to the car luckly. the back right spolier piece was the only damage we saw so far.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 02, 2011, 07:11:33 PM
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2107.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF2108.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF2108.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF2109.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF2109.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2110.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2112.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2113.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF2115.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF2115.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF2114.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF2114.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF2116.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF2116.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 02, 2011, 07:14:58 PM
was so glad to get it out of there,my dad had to hold up a back piece of the port and i slowly drove it out. it was good that there was hardly any damage that we have seen so far but the back piece. it could have been a lot worse than it was.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Grand73Am on February 02, 2011, 07:21:54 PM
Glad it didn't hurt it too bad.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 02, 2011, 07:55:16 PM
me too
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Justin on February 03, 2011, 09:33:29 AM
Well that's good news. That car is like a part of the family for you guys.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on February 03, 2011, 01:06:47 PM
Get a better idea of the damage yet

I hate winter!!!!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 03, 2011, 06:42:05 PM
ya the car is very special to me,like part of the family.
-it looks like the spoiler was the only damage to the car- will have to take a better look this weekend but when i was over there it did not look like there was any dents or majior damage. it was a close call though. need to find a storage unit to store her in until we can get the carport in better shape
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 04, 2011, 08:00:00 AM
some good news from yestarday
-got my new bolts for the seats
-got the bolt to the seat side (lean problem) rethreaded and had the tap to redo the seat
-and the most coolest thing, i got my seat tracks back from my buddy at work
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image02032011083722.jpg)
we fixed the front and the back for the driver left track
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image02032011083733.jpg)
cleaned them up and sprayed them with some rust guard
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image02032011092926.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 05, 2011, 06:13:18 PM
the day started out good
got the bolt fixed and put back in
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2117.jpg)
thanks to the rethreading kit
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF2120.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF2120.jpg)
than i got the new (fixed) tracks back on
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2124.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF2126.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF2126.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF2129.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF2129.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Grand73Am on February 07, 2011, 09:08:46 PM
Good to see the progress.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 19, 2011, 03:41:25 PM
weather is starting to get better out side,maybe soon we can get the carport back up.
update on the trans am: have got a guy to look at the floor boards when it gets a little warmer.
the big news today, we finally got that little sucker out today. got up early to get something done and go get the trans am to take it to work. it does not like the cold weather and i need to get new shocks, very rough ride on the way-air shocks needed aired up.
got two of my buddys at work to give me a hand (last time i kind of sent the car on fire-little fire) took a torch and impact gun and bam it was out. installed the seat with a new bolt and as good as new-well better any way
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2133.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2130.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2131.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2132.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: whitetaildreamer on February 20, 2011, 12:56:22 PM
Just want to tell you that you are a way awesome great kid.  When my (grown) boys heard I was starting to rebuild my T/A I think I saw them doing rock, paper siccors for who will get it when I expire lol. Little do they know I'm going to have some one dig a big hole, put me in the T/A when I'm no longer biologically functioning, push me in, and cover me up.  You have shown such great patience with your project which will assist me while I work on my project.  Great job, keep up the great work and the vision!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 20, 2011, 08:44:13 PM
thank you for the kind words, im trying my best to get the bird back to the way it was for my dad. the car means a lot to me and it is slowly getting back to the way it was before. i enjoy working on the t/a and gets me from stressful things. i know my dad is very happy to see things coming along, he wishes he can help out more but he working alot. but summers coming and soon he/we can go cruising around town. just like back when we where younger. cant wait to see your build and best wishs on your build too.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: real80bandit on February 22, 2011, 09:08:35 AM
is this car blk or charcoal?reason i ask i know ppl who do cheap repaints and they will thin the crap out of blk depending how much money the customer has and it looks like yours not completly black and  has kinda dark grey charcoal tint to it
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on February 22, 2011, 06:44:44 PM
it probably is, it was suppost to be black but the guy that did it was not a pro (did not have a shop) and it turned out alright but it needs to be repainted.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: real80bandit on February 23, 2011, 01:47:59 PM
yeah it looks good but has lil grey look to it
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 28, 2011, 08:26:41 PM
was thinking about doing this for the suspension
http://www.carquest.com/shocks/
#1844292
#1843310
through work at a discount price
with
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HSS-2409C/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HSS-1908F/

wanted to go with konis but hook up on the kyb's not sure by how much
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 28, 2011, 08:40:32 PM
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/KYB-KG4515/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/KYB-KG5526/
 
not sure how the shocks will work with the springs? i autocross my car and would like to get a little bit of modern day suspension feel. handling better than what it was. hard to explan
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: whitetaildreamer on March 28, 2011, 10:04:15 PM
Was rechecking your pics and the one with the carpet pulled back looked like my floor pans except the holes in mine are bigger.  Keep going forward.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 28, 2011, 10:36:43 PM
ya i was suprised on the one by the driver pedals, hopfully the weather gets better so i can get my buddys friend (collision center) to take a look at it.it is a common problem with the trans am. i plan to get that fixed first maybe this year or by at least by next. dont want it to get to bad.(stop it before it gets worse)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 28, 2011, 10:40:00 PM
if it costs a lot for the floor plan fix (probably around 800) then i would like to either get the windows retinted or have the wheels powder coated.
dad wants to get the windows redone and i have a discount through work. plus get the front front windshield frame fixed
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 01, 2011, 07:45:22 AM
i can get all 4 shocks for a little less than $90,thats why i was thinking on going that way.
im not sure on the springs. sporter spring or just get a reproduction. my dad put the air ride on there so im thinking he did not like the original setup (not sure though,ill have to ask him.he put them on because the leaf springs are broken) and  he has monroe shocks in the front.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: whitetaildreamer on April 01, 2011, 05:08:58 PM
I hear what you're saying about the floor pan fix.  It was huge bucks up here also.  That's why I decided to buy a mig welder and start learning.  I know I'll end up using the welder for other things besides the car (some practise first) so in the long run it'll be cost effective.  Plus it is something I always wanted to learn.  Just getting into the build and it's amaing how one thing leads to the next.  Continue good luck with the build.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 02, 2011, 07:30:52 PM
nice day out today, i should have gotten the t/a out. hopfully it will get even nicer for next weekend. some pictures of a long lost part i found
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04022011120127.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04022011120112.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04022011120342.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 02, 2011, 07:34:02 PM
picture of it on the car back on page 3
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 06, 2011, 07:45:16 AM
found out my discount for work is not that much and some more things have come up so my plan is to get a set from pro-touring f body. anyone heard anything about them?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Trevon on April 06, 2011, 07:57:10 AM
I don't have anything from them, but I think quite a few people on here have their suspension products and it was all good news.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 06, 2011, 07:19:10 PM
thats good to hear,thanks for the info
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: whitetaildreamer on April 06, 2011, 09:43:42 PM
Nice to see a pic with your roof back up and supported.  I couldn't imagine what you must have been going through when it came down on your project.  In the same situation as you.  Needing the weather to get warmer and the days to get longer so I can put in the time that I want.  Keep it going forward. 
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 06, 2011, 10:15:07 PM
ya i was very worried. i dug my car out of 17" of snow to get across town to left the roof off it. luckly it was ok,not to bad of shape. im hoping the gets better soon. rain this weekend. last weekend was very nice out i wish i would have gotten the t/a out because it was perfect out. i think i might try to do what you are doing this weekend if i can keep the rain out. i really want to get working on it again.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 09, 2011, 06:16:02 PM
went over to my dads to try and get those rust spots taken care of but the shop was bust i guess (could not get a hold of any one).
sad to say it was very disapointing to see how bad the floor pans are. the front kick toe panel is in bad shape and so is the back panel by the back of the seat. im very upset about this. i wanted to get it done but its probably going to cost some money to get fixed
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04092011143638.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04092011143631.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04092011143624.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04092011143607.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04092011143559.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04092011143551.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04092011142822.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04092011130306.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04092011125407.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04092011125329.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 09, 2011, 06:18:56 PM
passenger side is alright but the one by the kick toe panel. the driver side is going to need quit a bit of work.
got damaged when the driver front tire went flat and the rain got in back in the day. i wish i could have go to it sooner.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: John007 on April 10, 2011, 02:33:53 AM
Amazing the build sheet looks so good...............

If I had to pic a body part to replace............I think the floor pans would be my first pic...............
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: whitetaildreamer on April 10, 2011, 06:52:01 AM
I was surprized at how bad my floor pans were also.  We are tackling the same issues so I understand the frustration. When I got the carpet out it felt like, "one step forward, two steps back", but I suppose it just has to be done.  Since I'm looking at creating a good driver I think once I get the new floor pans back in I'm going to coat them with that truck bedliner stuff inside and out.  I bought the mig welder before I pulled up the carpet just because I got a good deal on it (Miller 140 never used brand new for $350).  Buying the welder and the floor pans and putting them in myself will be cheaper than getting some one to weld the pans in for me and I still have the welder for other jobs.  Got lucky there.  No worries, keep going forward.  All will get done.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 10, 2011, 10:25:59 AM
thanks for the comments guys, i would love to learn how to weld so i could do it my self (wish i took the classes back in school) the guy that i was taking it to is only opened during the week it seems so im going to have to take vacation day to get it looked at-i was hoping to do it on a saturday.
i was looking at yearone full length floor pans because now there is rust on all three sections. i was hoping to take it in and they could add new sheet metal but that front kick toe panel has got me worried-it looks like most of the metal is in bad shape. then there is the middle which only has a little rust through around one of the bolts. and the back panel is going up on the back seat bolts and more. not sure what to do.
i need to take it in to see what they can do? i dont know im lost on what to do.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: whitetaildreamer on April 10, 2011, 10:52:12 AM
I have a buddy that's a good body man.  I had him come over and give the car a good look over and offer suggestions.  For a couple of beers he gave me some great insight for my project.  Perhaps you can think of some one you know that has done this work before that can come over on a Sat. and give you some options.  I feel your frustration.  Was there a couple of weeks back.  Even though at first I thought of it as a setback, i'm really glad the situation is confronted and will be fixed.  It'll get done.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 10, 2011, 11:33:02 AM
thanks for the advice, i do have a couple guys at work that i can try to ask to see if they will take a look. there is a guy i work with  who does do some great welding work i might try to ask him. he is kind of older so i dont think he will be able but he has given me some advice on getting some sheet metal and bolten it to the floor after cutting out/taking care of the rusted spots. its to bad you were not closer to where i live.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: whitetaildreamer on April 10, 2011, 11:40:27 AM
No kidding, we could be getting 2 for 1 deals all over town.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 10, 2011, 11:45:08 AM
true, the T/A's would be good as new in no time
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 10, 2011, 06:00:12 PM
went back over to my dads today,not much to do and a very nice day. so i want to see if there rust under the back seats and my good fortune finaly statred to come my way, there was only a little surface rust on the back seat pans.
*getting that back seat back on was a big pain-could not line up the bottom clips and the tops.
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04102011144004.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04102011142608.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04102011141053.jpg)

and i even found some long lost toys from back in the day and another spare key
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04102011152253.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 10, 2011, 06:03:16 PM
but the coolest thing i found and was very suprised to find was the build sheet i think.vin # matches up
when taking off the bottom driver back seat i found the corner piece and i was like how did this get all the way back here? then i got the top back seat off and bam out falls the build sheet. im so very happy. have to find where i put the bottom corner piece and put it with the rest of it
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04102011164604.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Mongo on April 10, 2011, 07:20:38 PM
Finding the build sheet it ALMOST as good as finding the R2D2 and light sabers!  Great day! Congrats.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 10, 2011, 10:06:29 PM
thank you. it was awsome to find the build sheet,i thought it was stuck to the front floor pan.
it was cool talking with me dad about the lost toys. i still remember loseing it back in the day-still remember the luke skywalker toy it came with. a walk down memory lane. but the highlight of the was not only not finding any rust but finding that build sheet
that must mine that was someone elses build sheet stuck to the front panel?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Mongo on April 10, 2011, 11:38:37 PM
Probably not. I found three in mine. One under the drivers seat, one behind the back seat and one over the fuel tank.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 12, 2011, 07:49:10 AM
dads taking the T/A to get a look at the floor pans-lets see how much its going to cost.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: hada76 on April 14, 2011, 03:03:03 PM
match those vins...make sure
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 14, 2011, 08:22:25 PM
the one i found in the back seat matched, not sure about the one on the floor board because it is worn off

talking with my buddys buddy at work and he said he is going to talk to his boss about helping me with the floor pan
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: whitetaildreamer on April 16, 2011, 03:19:31 AM
Good luck with the pans.  Hopefully starting mine soon.  Looking at fabricating the toe boards so I'll let you know what I come up with.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 16, 2011, 09:11:24 AM
sounds good, im going to be ordering the driver side this weekend from yearone they have a 30% off sale until sunday-might try to get new carpet too.
might have  to go back to the original guy to put the floor pans in because my buddy from work wrecked his car on the way home from work (not to bad,just front and rear bumper and the side got messed.have not seen it).
-let me know what you come up with.think i might go over and do some more cleaning and im going to try to paint the calipers which i was suppost to do when we put them on last year.hopfully the rain will stay away
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: whitetaildreamer on April 16, 2011, 09:41:59 AM
Wish we had rain.... storm finished and have 6 fresh inches of snow (and back to 20 F).  That definitely throws a couple of nuts into my weekend of wrenching.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 17, 2011, 10:55:50 AM
need some quick response guys- was seeing what color carpet i should get to replace.
black or the original. black woould be less stanable. but future plans may go to black. wanted to get the new year one piece door panels which are black with tan insert.ill try to ask my dad again but he does not want me to spend my money-but it needs to be done since there is no carpet in there now.
i want to get new carpet (if i can) because yearone has a 30% off this weekend to go along with the driver floor pan im ordering
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: whitetaildreamer on April 17, 2011, 11:36:21 AM
If you are not going with the original color then I would choose black.  I guess carpet color depends on what you are going to do with the rest of the interior.  Have you decided on any changes to the interior?  If you are going to keep original interior colors then go with the original carpet color.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 17, 2011, 12:06:07 PM
i was not for sure. i really would like to do black on black but its really what my dad wants.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: whitetaildreamer on April 17, 2011, 12:25:18 PM
Then go for it.  You can always dye the interior panels.  I've been reading tons of info on this site for doing that as well as fbodyw has a "how to" video.  I'm going to be touching mine up a bit but I'm starting with black (picked up the spary die and the paint adheaser for about $20).  I noticed you have a crack in the dash so if you are going black on black then perhaps finding a non cracked dash in black would be the way to go.  Isn't it amazing how one thing leads to another?  I'm definitely finding that out.  Continue moving forward.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 17, 2011, 12:31:34 PM
ya i was looking at dying from them. thats why i was thinking of going black dye to go black on black. then getting a dash cap (cheaper and black) to go over the dash for now.
these are the door panels i was looking at
http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/fbshopmain2.asp?cat=4
i think they are the same kind that are in the burt edition trans am
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 17, 2011, 12:33:32 PM
i was going to take out the panels and dye them but need to figure out which color to use,but i will be getting the driver full pan tonight and then see how much to put it in
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 17, 2011, 03:25:58 PM
carpet and floor pan ordered
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 21, 2011, 08:11:20 PM
carpet and floor pan came in today.little smaller than i thought.
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04212011085802.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2177.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2176.jpg)

(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04192011205842.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 23, 2011, 07:41:54 PM
test fit/wanted to see how it would fit. it ended up being a little bit shorter than i thought.will still need some more metal for the kick toe panel
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04232011124534.jpg)

(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image04232011124548.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 11, 2011, 02:31:25 PM
work was slow so i got sent home today so i took the car over to the shop to have it looked at.
was quated $720 to fix the spots. they are going to revet the front panels (new metal on top and revet down with selent) then cut the back panel and replace the back with part of the floor pan from yearone.

not sure what to do,i think i can get the front done and my buddy can probably fix the rear.....
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Grand73Am on May 11, 2011, 03:32:05 PM
I'm not sure what part that they want to rivet? But, any riveting of new metal over old metal is a terrible way of fixing any part of a floor pan. Any rusty metal should be cut out and new metal welded in. So, I suggest not letting them do it.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 11, 2011, 04:42:39 PM
ya im not sure what he was saying. i think he was going to clean down to the metal cut out the rust areas and rivet down new sheet metal around the area + selent under the new metal to help keep out water.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 11, 2011, 04:56:46 PM
i think something like this
http://www.hazardousmatthew.com/?p=139
but if that is the case i have an air riveter and i can do the front and i think i can talk my buddy from work in to just doing the rear piece

because for $720 i would think they could weld the front panel on. so im going to talk to my buddy tomorrow to figure something out. with work cutting hours i have to get this done the best/cheapest way.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Grand73Am on May 11, 2011, 05:02:31 PM
Yes, it's just piecing stuff together like a puzzle. You have to have some cutting tools, hopefully an air compressor to do most of the work. If not, you can buy alot of tools for the $720 they would charge and have alot left over.  If you prepare it yourself, the guy doing the welding won't have to do much but put down the weld which is the easy part.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 11, 2011, 05:15:36 PM
ya my buddy has a welder at his shop a little out of town.
we have a pretty big compressor at my work (dealership-im a beginning tech/oil change... basic things)
i have a some tools nothing to special and just got a riveter a couple months back
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: HOMER on May 12, 2011, 06:37:02 PM
it appears in one picture ,barbie droped her shoe and scissors on the way out of the trans am , better hope your wife dont see these pics!!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 12, 2011, 08:01:46 PM
:) ya its my sisters kids tools, i just noticed that.
just picked up some sheet metal from farm and fleet (24"x24"(X2) and 12"X24") i was in luck they were on sale this week and got the last two in that size.

*this is our plan we are thinking about doing. i know its not the best way but i really just cant come up with the money to do it the way i had planned to please be kind.
we are going to clean up the floor pans down to metal. cut the rust spots out. lay down some undercoating. take the sheet metal and shape it. rivet in the panels made on the front kick toe panels. then rivet down the floor pan i got and my buddy at work said he would come in and help me and i would follow him home to put some spot welds on the new metal. then put some really good undercoating on top and bottom of the car.

i know its not the best thing but with money in short supply,work getting slow,taking the wife to germany to have surgery for her adhesions (gotten really bad and need to have the surgery done this year).
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 14, 2011, 10:00:02 AM
picked up some rivets yestarday, hopfully one will work. going to try and go over and work on the t/a today if the rain stays away. need to clean the floor and try to figure out why the passenger window will not roll down?
the drivers will but not the passengers.
any advice or suggestions would be greatful.

on another not found out we will be going to germany in august for 2-3 weeks.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Grand73Am on May 14, 2011, 10:31:28 AM
If you can't get it welded down, another way to put the floor metal down is to screw it down. That would be stronger than rivets. Some 1/4" sheet metal screws with 3/8" hex heads can secure it pretty good. Drill 3/16" holes. Then if you decide to weld it later, you could just take the screws out and weld it down.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 14, 2011, 11:03:55 AM
thanks for the advice, i see what you mean. ill probably that instead. i would like to get them welded in later on.
with the $20,000+ for the surgery has left me trailing behind this year

what do you think about the undercoating idea?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 14, 2011, 06:52:35 PM
my work station for the day- wish it was not raining
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2185.jpg)

(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2193.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2187.jpg)

little cleaning
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2197.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2198.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2199.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 14, 2011, 11:08:02 PM
what do you guys think about using this between the original floor and the new metal
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MMM0/08656.oap?keyword=seam+sealer&pt=N2356&ppt=C0171
then
then this for on top  of new metal
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/HER0/HCL0B3.oap?mn=Herculiner&mc=HER&pt=N1832&ppt=C0339
*i know its bed liner but i heard from my buddy from work it is really good (has it for his truck)-he said it might work pretty good for my project

not sure what to use for the bottom of the car? was thinking about taking to a local shop to have it undercaoted?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Grand73Am on May 15, 2011, 08:47:06 AM
Yes, the 3M seam sealer is very good to use. It has a strong solvent odor when you use it, so use a lot of ventilation so you don't breathe too much of it. The odor goes away after it dries a couple days.

I suggest cleaning your new metal with some acid metal prep solution first following the instructions. Or if you don't want to do that, you can clean the metal with some lacquer thinner and scuff it up with some 180 grit. After preparing the metal, go ahead and paint it on both sides with some black epoxy primer. Epoxy primer protects against rust very well all by itself. For more protection against rust, you can spray it with some good paint. After it dries a day, you can install the metal.

I would not use the bed liner spray. Not only do I not like the bed liner inside a car, but if you go back later to weld the pans down, the bed liner is in the way and have to be removed where ever you need to weld. Instead, lay some floor insulation down on your floors, which is how it was done originally. Some of the Pontiac restoration parts places sell pre-cut floor insulation, ready to lay in. Here's an interesting information page about original floor insulation: http://www.firebirdtransamparts.com/techinfo/bingo/options/quiet/quiet.htm
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 15, 2011, 02:14:19 PM
ok got the seam sealer orderd, got the metal cleaner + 180 grit. then found some black epoxy.
thanks for the info and advice  Grand73Am. you have been a big help again.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Grand73Am on May 15, 2011, 04:36:15 PM
Glad to be of help  :) .
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 15, 2011, 06:46:38 PM
what do you guys think?
http://www.ziebartsuperstore.com/rustprotect.html

i was thinking it might be easier to have it done? how hard would it be to undercoat by my self.

has anyone used por-15? was thining of putting it on top of the floor before i lay down the underlay and new carpet.
was going to paint on chassis black paint but i think this would have more purpose.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/POI-1QB/
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 17, 2011, 07:56:44 AM
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image05162011192052.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image05162011192041.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image05162011190345.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image05162011190335.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Grand73Am on May 17, 2011, 10:21:34 AM
what do you guys think?
http://www.ziebartsuperstore.com/rustprotect.html

i was thinking it might be easier to have it done? how hard would it be to undercoat by my self.

has anyone used por-15? was thining of putting it on top of the floor before i lay down the underlay and new carpet.
was going to paint on chassis black paint but i think this would have more purpose.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/POI-1QB/


You don't need anything else on your new metal if you painted it with epoxy primer, other than a coat of enamel or urethane paint if you wish. So, no...don't paint POR-15 on your new floors.

You don't need POR-15 on new metal, and you would NOT paint it over other paint. Plus, it doesn't stick well to new metal. POR means "paint over rust" and that's what it's best for. So, the only places you could use POR-15 is on the rest of the floor. You'd sand down and wirebrush any loose rust off of the old metal as clean as you can and then paint the POR-15 over that. It's good for where you can't get all the rust off of old metal. If you could sandblast the metal and get all the rust off, you wouldn't need POR-15. You'd paint over it with epoxy primer.

Ideally, I wouldn't use any undercoating on the floor at all, not even underneath. If the bottom of the car is painted good enough, you don't need it. The value of the car is maintained better without undercoating on it. Since undercoating is often used to cover up bad floors or poor work, potential buyers would rather see a bare painted floor in good condition.  
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 17, 2011, 07:07:11 PM
thanks again Grand73Am. thats what i needed to know. im going to go pick up some good enamel/urethane paint. and order some new floor insulation (like back in the day).

got my rivet gun and seam sealer today. going to try and test fit everything this weekend and do some more cleaning and hopfully by next weekend i can get it all installed. sunday i might go autocrossing with my buddys to go have some fun.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: ShakerBreaker on May 17, 2011, 07:39:21 PM
racereaper-----

Do you have all new floor pans?

Just wondering----If you aren't too far from my location you can have any part of the floor from this '79 parts car I just got.
I'm cutting it up this weekend.
I see you live in Illinios---not sure were Normal is.

Basically--- you could mark out what sections you want and I would blow it out with the plasma cutter and send you on your way with the sections you need.   The trunk pan is rotted and rear frame rails are soft/brittle.

The offer is there. Dave in Northern Indiana
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 17, 2011, 07:47:46 PM
i have the driver pan. ill see what i can do with that but ill let you know if i need any more. thank you for the offer. ill let you know
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 21, 2011, 07:46:17 PM
went over today to test fit the floor pan which does not fit to close (i know its used to replace and to go on top of)
the e-brake cable is in the way-might have to cut it because it is to rusted to come loose-have not touch it because when i did the rear brakes it had froze up. need to do some more work on the kick toe plates but ran out of time for the day. open for any input or advice
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2232.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2231.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2230.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2229.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2228.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2227.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2226.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 21, 2011, 07:49:43 PM
passenger side is going to be much better install because it is flatter than the driver side. you can see in the pictures the gap on the driver front side. did not get as far as i wanted today. some set backs and other plans. plus my torx bit to take the seat belt off snapped in two and had to order another.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Grand73Am on May 21, 2011, 08:30:00 PM
For the toe panels, you could use some cardboard and make a template of the shape you want to use, and then transfer that to your metal and cut it that shape, so it fits good and you don't have alot of extra metal that you don't need.

Looking back at your pictures, it looks like most of your floor is okay. I would only patch up the bad spots by cutting what you need out your new metal.

Don't forget that the front park brake cable goes on top of the floor  :) .
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 22, 2011, 10:41:01 AM
for the back area, how do you think i could do the rear pan?
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2199p.jpg)
with the seat bolt holes i would probably to a whole sheet metal piece over it to keep the seat even.plus the front bolt hole is starting to get some rust around it.

new metal do you mean the sheet metal or the floor pan? i was thinking about cutting the parking cable because the floor pan would cover up where it goes under the floor.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 22, 2011, 12:04:58 PM
i could make a kind of z shape that makes the back panel a little flat then bends into the seat area
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Grand73Am on May 22, 2011, 12:11:40 PM
I mean the new floor pan. You don't need to use the whole thing when it's not necessary. From what I can tell, the rest of your floor pan looks good, so I wouldn't cover it up with that big new pan. You can cut out that rusted area of your original floor that you have outlined. Then trace out the same area from your new floor pan in a size that will overlap the edge of the hole you cut out in your original floor. Cut the new piece a couple inches larger all around than hole in your floor. Then lay it in and trim it down until it overlaps an inch all around. Then screw it down and seal it.

For the front park brake cable, I'd just leave in it's original position until you can get around to fixing the cables, then you can replace the front and rear cables all at one time.


Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 22, 2011, 01:13:00 PM
ok i see what you are saying. thats probably what im going to do. thanks for the advice again. you are the man!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: 76T/AFLY on May 22, 2011, 07:58:37 PM
Just noticed your location, I read your posts all the time. I hope you haven't been beat up too bad with the storms. Good luck on the car.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: ScottD3 on May 22, 2011, 08:30:26 PM
Have some zinc blown into the holes a place called rustbusters can do it.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 22, 2011, 09:05:36 PM
ya the weather has been all right,not to bad. today and the other week we had some pretty good storm.
i still tried to do as much as i could through the rain.
-i dont think there is a rustbusters near me. have not taken the trans am very far in distance to afraid of something going wrong.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 24, 2011, 07:05:37 PM
my buddy from work finally got back to me,said he is going to put porject gto on hold for a little bit and might be able to get to the trans am if im still interested.
*this is my buddy who is planing on welding in the floor pan and sheet metal for me for $300 or so.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: whitetaildreamer on May 25, 2011, 10:24:57 AM
Hope your buddy comes through for you.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 25, 2011, 08:48:52 PM
i hope so to he is really busy but he keeps putting it off.
plan is for this weekend
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 28, 2011, 07:04:53 PM
did not get much done today because of the rain/storm
got some measuring done. and got some questions.
 this is the passenger side panel
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2237.jpg)
thinking of cutting it a little shorter to make it go in easier. (where the sharpy mark is in the lower right corner) the hole is small on that side so just want to get a nice piece in that is not to small.

i have to templates for the driver side 1 & 2
1 is bigger, i think about going with #2 because it will miss the bump on the right side.
what do you guys think?
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2242.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2241.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 30, 2011, 11:05:30 AM
i got some awsome news yestarday. my buddy finally called me back (i know he has been very busy). so my dad,me and the wife took it up to my buddys shop to get the pans welded in. i have been up all night could not sleep. im so exited to get it back. he said he would have it done today maybe around noon. i cant wait! he said he would take some pictures if he could/when he can-so i can put it on here. my dad is going to be so happy.
on another note it was funny driving up there with my dad.brought back some good memories. i cant wait to get her back. the ball is really starting to roll now.
some pictures of my dad and wife and our new dog
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image05292011194649.jpg)

and a quick picture of dad behind the wheel
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image05292011191801.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 30, 2011, 10:49:52 PM
just got back a little bit ago and i am so sore. floor pans in less than 24 hours with 1 and half people.
had to cut the e brake cable sadly(need to get a new one anyway) because it broke when installing new floor pan and the rest was hanging down.
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2246.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2247.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2249.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2250.jpg)

very rare super wasp
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image05302011130009.jpg)

(secret-said i would not put this picture on the web)
picture of me and my buddy that installed the new floor pan and sheet metal for me. stayed up all night to get them done today. i dont know how to thank him (he got paid but it means a lot that he would do all this work for me)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2253.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 30, 2011, 10:53:33 PM
some pictures my wife took when we were cleaning up the shop.they turned out pretty good.
-put the seats in and put all the rest of the parts (rear seats,console,radio) to tired to put it all back in tonight
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2258.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2257.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2256.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2255.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2254.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: whitetaildreamer on May 30, 2011, 11:02:32 PM
Glad you got her done.  Just starting to piece mine in soon as I finnish cleaning up underneath. Keep moving forward.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Justin on May 30, 2011, 11:07:32 PM
Looks good to me. It's nice having good people around isn't it? Pictures of her look good too. Hope you get your brake cable done soon and without a hitch.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 31, 2011, 07:15:29 AM
thanks guys,ya it was a lot more work than i thought it would be. i need to order a new cable soon-and need to get some new fuel lines and probably brake lines too.they were very rusty when putting in the new floor pan and my buddy was worried they might brake (fuel lines) if he tried to hard to get them off.
he is a very good friend (only new him for a couple of months-but new of him for years),i really yhink he pushed himself a little hard getting it done in one day on top of his other projects in the shop.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: golfswithglock on May 31, 2011, 08:26:13 AM
Go with the AN fittings for your new fuel lines. You'll thank yourself later.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 31, 2011, 08:17:59 PM
^ that would be cool. in for some more info^
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on June 04, 2011, 08:05:23 AM
taking the t/a in to work today to try do an oil change and maybe some more/ondercoating under the car.
we ran out at the shop when doing the floor pans.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on June 04, 2011, 08:16:53 PM
did the oil change today and got the back seats in.went in alot of easier this time then the first time.
when doing the oil changed i saw that both upper ball joints are torn :(
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2259.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/th_DSCF2262.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/?action=view&current=DSCF2262.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2266.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF2267.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: golfswithglock on June 04, 2011, 10:16:52 PM
I've got a thread going for my Y88 front end rebuild. There's a few pics of the AN fitting/Stainless braid lines. I'm sure it ain't the sweetest job, but I'm happy with it.
http://www.78ta.com/smf/index.php?topic=29659.45
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on June 04, 2011, 11:02:15 PM
thanks for the link. lines look pretty good to me.thank you for the info
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on June 09, 2011, 08:16:27 PM
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image06042011120756.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on June 11, 2011, 05:58:34 PM
went over to my dads today,nice day so i thought i would do a little work on the trans am.
so i installed the carpet today.wow that was a lot more trouble then i thought it would be.turned out ok but it could have been done better.
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image06112011121748.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image06112011135106.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image06112011144457.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/Image06112011144448.jpg)

car is finally all back together,there is a car show today so i might try and go. cant take the trans am because i did not get a chance to wash it today.im exhausted.....
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on November 21, 2011, 10:00:46 PM
sorry its been a while since i have been on here.have not gotten much done on the trans am but with my new editon: my very first house :)
i now have a place to start working on the trans am. the garage is in need of work,but it is a place to kind of stay out of the elements. (needs to insulation any ideas to make the garage a better working area im in).
some pictures of the car in the garage and new battery.had a question to,the car is missing the battery hold down and was wondering how they go in. was looking at classic industries and getting them (there is a hook and the brase on top?)
-any info or advice would be great

(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0078.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0080.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0079.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0081.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Nexus on November 22, 2011, 07:13:38 AM
haven't posted here for some time but it looks like you have done some nice work on the car to get it back to it's former glory

keep it up...every little bit helps!!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: ShakerBreaker on November 24, 2011, 07:45:38 AM
It's great you now have the T/A inside and can work on her whenever time permits.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on November 24, 2011, 08:08:14 PM
ya i cant wait to start working on it over the winter.
i went out the other day after i brought her home and was working on the battery,and i paused for a second and realized "this feels right"
i can really start to work on it a lot more,so its also got a double plus.
1-i can work on it a lot more to get her back to the way she was before
2-my dad saves $100 on storage (thats how much the storage unit cost)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 11, 2011, 10:38:31 AM
got everything to install but ended up needing a new battery tray.my grandpa forgot to put the original one back in. need some help this is how i have the battery now.im not sure if it will be ok as.i dont think so but i coould use some more advice.
-the battery hold down is a little to long and does not meet the end of the battery. ill try to take some pictures later today,it will help to see it than me tell you. any advice info would be great.
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/388708_286708854698819_100000791196380_725726_864564212_n.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: chaddyg8 on December 14, 2011, 07:44:32 PM
Great Story!!!!  Your love for that t/a and your dad is inspiring! keep your head up and keep fighting! Good job!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 14, 2011, 08:04:40 PM
thank you,i cant wait to start doing more (now that the t/a is 10 feet from the house).i hope i can do more this up coming year and over the winter.
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/386142_288952847807753_100000791196380_731702_1432290427_n.jpg)
finally all put back together,now i can really start to work
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 14, 2011, 08:08:00 PM
i really mean it,thank you for all the kind and inspiring words.hopfully one day (soon) i can get her back to the way she was before and see the look on my dads face when he sees her.i hope it will bring back great memories
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on December 17, 2011, 04:41:17 PM
doing a little cleaning on the garage (cold outside today) to give the bird some more room.did not work out that well,still cramped with my brothers bike in the way. might be able to do a little work.
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/382734_290337047669333_100000791196380_734789_143008539_n.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on January 14, 2012, 10:00:18 PM
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/408675_305990266104011_100000791196380_779753_896408003_n.jpg)

one part,more to go
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on May 24, 2012, 09:35:48 PM
been a while since i have been on here,not much up dates i walked by the trans am in my garage a few moments ago and lot about up dating.i have gotten her out a couple times the past two weekends.been really nice out,even made it out to the car show.i will have to get a new set of tires soon pass. rear tire dry rotting and starting to get unsafe to drive.
really wish i could do more to the bird but money has been very tight.wife lost her job,had to sell my other car,and the garage is in need of some major work soon before a wall comes down.i just cant when :(
well here is some pictures
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/bW1jMS9EQ0lNLzEwMExHRENGL0ltYWdlMDUxMTIwMTIxNDU0MzEuanBn.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/bW1jMS9EQ0lNLzEwMExHRENGL0ltYWdlMDUwNTIwMTIxMzQ0NTAuanBn.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/bW1jMS9EQ0lNLzEwMExHRENGL0ltYWdlMDUxMTIwMTIxNDEwMTYuanBn.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/bW1jMS9EQ0lNLzEwMExHRENGL0ltYWdlMDUxMTIwMTIxMTIxMjQuanBn.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/bW1jMS9EQ0lNLzEwMExHRENGL0ltYWdlMDUxMTIwMTIxMTIxMTEuanBn.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on July 01, 2012, 05:18:20 PM
finally got some time to do a little something on the trans am today,with the help of my wife
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0334.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0335.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0333.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0332.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on July 01, 2012, 05:20:27 PM
they look alot better from a distance,we are planing to have them painted black.would like to keep them the way they are but once you get closer you cann see the rust spots and the paint that could not come off.this took us 3 hours to do
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on July 01, 2012, 07:31:49 PM
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/599465_3684220821329_988037066_n.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on July 04, 2012, 06:52:40 PM
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/bW1jMS9EQ0lNLzEwMExHRENGL0ltYWdlMDcwNDIwMTIxNDU4MzUuanBn.jpg)
my dog came to help me and my wife out :)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0340-1.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0351.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0350.jpg)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0352.jpg)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Justin on July 31, 2012, 12:53:25 AM
changes the whole look of the car. Job well done. Are you going to do decals?
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: NWW-79 T/A on July 31, 2012, 01:22:19 AM
Those look awesome
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: hada76 on July 31, 2012, 04:29:29 PM
sorry, i like the chrome better  JMO
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: ShakerBreaker on July 31, 2012, 04:35:08 PM
Justin,

Thanks for posting on this one.
I had missed the update.

Reaper,

That does change up the car. Sharp!!!! 
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: transam dave on August 01, 2012, 11:58:34 PM
sorry, i like the chrome better  JMO
So do i,just my opinion. >:D >:D >:D >:D >:D >:D >:D >:D >:D >:D >:D >:D >:D >:D >:D
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: 4saken on August 02, 2012, 03:55:03 AM
I too liked the chrome look better, however maybe if you put some clear on them or paint them gloss black they will look even better. Just a thought. Your Dad is very blessed to have you in his life. My prayers go out to you and yours. Keep up the great work.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 11, 2013, 07:41:00 AM
thank you guys,sorry i have not been back on here in a while a lot of things have been going on. my daily car i sold bought another sold it and now have another daily project car.
i really need to get back to work on the bird.i see it every day and i want to get it out,but i need to get two new tires the back to have gotten dry rot bad.
i got to get ready for work so ill get to some main points and get to my main point/help i need.
i dont know if i had posted before but my wife and i went to germany last year and she (showing good signs) is cured of her long life battle of abdominal adhesions and have been given the ok to in the future to try for kids.

--the main point and help i need from everyone if i could is today is my dads birthday,but yestarday during his pre-birthday i over heard some possiable bad news (cancer) im not for sure but he is  going into (on his birthday) to have more tests done.
--so i am asking for all the prayers i can get.i know i might be over reacting but im just so worried.i have been working so much and getting very close to being able to have more time off and i get hit with this news.
--please help me today in wishing my dad a happy birthday and prayers for good news.

--im sorry for not posting updates on the trans am, but with this news i need to really hit the project hard before it is to late
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Mongo on March 11, 2013, 10:09:36 AM
Prayers out to your dad and the entire family. Happy Birthday to your Dad as well.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 11, 2013, 10:16:59 AM
Thank you so much. I'm just worried. I have the worst luck when it comes to hospitals and family members
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on August 03, 2013, 06:08:25 PM
sorry its been a while since i have been on here again. dads doing better i think,he does not like to say anything is wrong but i have been trying to find out.
on the good news how can i say this..... i have found someone to pass the trans am on to :)
my wife and i are have a baby :) im so excited. i found out on fathers day. shes 10+ weeks right now. went in last thursday to here the heartbeat. no words could describe the feeling of hearing your childs heartbeat and seeing it on the screen. sorry im just so excited,i know its going to be tough and with my wifes past medical history we have to be carful but i have been told to think positive so thats what im going to try and do.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on August 03, 2013, 06:09:21 PM
well with that said i can post what i did today,and i also got a new battery last week because the other one had a bad cell
today i finally removed the power antenna that has been stuck in the up position
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/1098326_555678081135227_1165840162_n_zps4572ba83.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/racereaper7/media/1098326_555678081135227_1165840162_n_zps4572ba83.jpg.html)
was a little bit of a pain because nothing wanted to come loose but i finally go it out
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/543815_555677934468575_668415594_n_zps5357f580.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/racereaper7/media/543815_555677934468575_668415594_n_zps5357f580.jpg.html)
looks good with out the antenna sticking up
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/533904_555678174468551_1738278315_n_zps33f71488.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/racereaper7/media/533904_555678174468551_1738278315_n_zps33f71488.jpg.html)
i need to figure something to cover up the hole for now?
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/936510_555678317801870_402090003_n_zps1efc02bb.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/racereaper7/media/936510_555678317801870_402090003_n_zps1efc02bb.jpg.html)
but i can finally put a car cover on it,this one is to small so ill have to find a bigger one.
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/1000314_555678464468522_637730351_n_zps87cc382b.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/racereaper7/media/1000314_555678464468522_637730351_n_zps87cc382b.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on September 28, 2013, 06:05:46 PM
going to try and start to work on the bird again and had some questions/need some help:
looks like i have a fuel leak-any advice on a fix
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/null_zps7fd45e38.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/racereaper7/media/null_zps7fd45e38.jpg.html)
was wondering what this is and whats the hose that is under it and goes into the firewall?
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/null_zpsdfcc4ba3.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/racereaper7/media/null_zpsdfcc4ba3.jpg.html)
i would like to remove this too,not sure how.any advice or diy?
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/null_zpsd72fa0f4.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/racereaper7/media/null_zpsd72fa0f4.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: Mongo on September 29, 2013, 12:15:32 AM
going to try and start to work on the bird again and had some questions/need some help:
looks like i have a fuel leak-any advice on a fix
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/null_zps7fd45e38.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/racereaper7/media/null_zps7fd45e38.jpg.html)
was wondering what this is and whats the hose that is under it and goes into the firewall?
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/null_zpsdfcc4ba3.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/racereaper7/media/null_zpsdfcc4ba3.jpg.html)
i would like to remove this too,not sure how.any advice or diy?
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/null_zpsd72fa0f4.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/racereaper7/media/null_zpsd72fa0f4.jpg.html)


First pic, Use an aircraft clamp in place of the spring clamp.

2nd pic is the cruise control servo. The vac line that goes thru the firewall is the cruise disable vacuum line and it attaches to a vacuum switch by the brake pedal.

3rd pic. The wheelwell will need to come out for access. You will need an a/c delete plate as well.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on September 29, 2013, 09:48:46 AM
thank you for the input,going to try and do as much as i can before the baby comes (helps keep me busy/ease on stress)
it makes me sad seeing it sitting in the garage,and even sader that i will have to put outside for the winter so my wife can have the gargae to make it easier on her.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on October 06, 2013, 09:40:33 PM
wow just going back from the begining of this post. not to much has been done to the transam but i have had a lot of good supportive feed back.
i just want to say thank you for everything guys.
im hoping to start working on the transam again,just to get me busy plus work out stress (i have always felt better working on the trans am,kind of like the old dads with my dad).

**this thursday we can hopefully find out the gender of our baby :)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on October 10, 2013, 09:40:56 PM
did not know if i wanted to start a new thread or just post it here

got some really BIG NEWS TODAY!
we are having a boy :)
just found out today.i have someone to pass the trans-am on too
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: gilbertsta on October 10, 2013, 11:07:40 PM
Congrats! Wishing you all the best for you and your family.....plan on a lot of diaper time.and less trans am.time
..lol
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on October 11, 2013, 06:26:09 AM
Thank you. True, the bird (hopefully) not going anywhere soon.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 02, 2014, 05:56:52 PM
my son and i born 2/24/14
Jensen L. Sieg 7.7lb 19.5 tall
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/9A72C1E5-1C0D-40B4-B74A-0CD86547375B_zpsgmj7okdx.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/racereaper7/media/9A72C1E5-1C0D-40B4-B74A-0CD86547375B_zpsgmj7okdx.jpg.html)

my son,dad, and me
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/4A61D3C1-DECA-4CBE-ADF0-46E8DDD41963_zpszmuqslus.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/racereaper7/media/4A61D3C1-DECA-4CBE-ADF0-46E8DDD41963_zpszmuqslus.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: JupiterBandit on March 02, 2014, 08:45:55 PM
Congrats!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 02, 2014, 09:16:16 PM
thank you,been an interesting week,but its not as bad as i thought it would be.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: JupiterBandit on March 02, 2014, 09:26:49 PM
yeah my little boy was born right after yours. 2/25/14 10:20am 8lbs 11oz 21.5" Tall
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on March 02, 2014, 09:52:49 PM
oh thats cool
congrats to you too
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 06, 2014, 10:51:02 AM
got the transam out yestarday and maybe today if the weather is good. try and get some pictures om my son and i with the transam. going to try and get my dad to come over some time to do a generations picture with transam
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/10246259_10202450666045158_1598359623201985055_n_zpsaf42bed5.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/racereaper7/media/10246259_10202450666045158_1598359623201985055_n_zpsaf42bed5.jpg.html)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/10154084_657707654265602_1725995271_n_zps90f79c4f.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/racereaper7/media/10154084_657707654265602_1725995271_n_zps90f79c4f.jpg.html)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/532257_10202450660805027_4503938273426511472_n_zpsc778a690.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/racereaper7/media/532257_10202450660805027_4503938273426511472_n_zpsc778a690.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 27, 2014, 05:15:15 PM
think this valve is frozen
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0487_zps5f3c5db3.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/racereaper7/media/DSCF0487_zps5f3c5db3.jpg.html)
no fluid in back tank, what could be wrong
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0490_zpscc25216c.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/racereaper7/media/DSCF0490_zpscc25216c.jpg.html)
found the bandit plate in the trunk
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/DSCF0491_zpsc960aff2.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/racereaper7/media/DSCF0491_zpsc960aff2.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on April 27, 2014, 05:18:14 PM
please any help on the brake issue will be great
pedal sinks to the floor and i have not replaced the e-brake cable since the floor pan was put in.
i know i still need to replace the driver wheel cylinder (line end rounded off-i will probably have to replace the whole line?) and might have to replace the brakes again
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on August 05, 2014, 07:14:12 PM
my dad finally got the new plates :)
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt73/racereaper7/1293D711-5AE4-432A-929E-CDC933868401_zps5suvglov.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/racereaper7/media/1293D711-5AE4-432A-929E-CDC933868401_zps5suvglov.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: JupiterBandit on August 05, 2014, 09:39:03 PM
if there is no fluid leaks in the rear brakes then the fluid leaked into the booster. Your brake booster would be bad and needing to be replaced.

Is the brake light staying on all the time? If it is then that valve you are pointing at is frozen
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on August 05, 2014, 09:53:52 PM
have not gotten a chance to check rear drums but i might do it this weekend
there is no fluid on the floor
no brake light on
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on August 05, 2014, 09:57:51 PM
i think it might be from the driver rear wheel cylinder but its been a while since i have looked
the line would probably need to be replaced since it was rounded off
there is hardly any brake feel,pedal goes to the floor and its takes effert to stop. (i know you are not suppost to,but when pumping/up and down on brake i can hear a whooshing sound)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: JupiterBandit on August 05, 2014, 10:41:30 PM
No major leaks soft pedal equals bad master brake cylinder
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on August 05, 2014, 10:45:10 PM
ok thank you for your input

-is there a way to check to make sure,im sorry for the stupid question.
-i need to break out the manuels again :)
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: JupiterBandit on August 06, 2014, 01:52:45 PM
check all your wheel cylinders and lines for leaks. Then bleed your brakes at all 4 wheels and make sure your fluid is full. If you can bleed your brakes and get a firm pedal then maybe the master cylinder is good.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: JupiterBandit on August 06, 2014, 01:53:34 PM
If you don't get a firm pedal or it gets some what firm and then goes to the floor the master is bad
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on August 06, 2014, 09:05:44 PM
ok,thank you
it might be both,but thinking back when we did the brakes and bleed the brakes (replaced front calipers) the pedal did still go to the floor. little firm and then sunk. so its looking like the booster is the main problem.
Title: Re: 1979 trans am
Post by: racereaper7 on August 16, 2014, 04:43:39 PM
got a chance to check the rear drums,did not see any since of a leak,pads and hardware were good.