Topic: 1978 WS6 W72 Trans am

[TheGaugeMage]

hello there,
my name is Tom, just joined this forum today.
I bought myself a 1978 WS6 W72 trans am, black on black, from a man in Dawsonville GA. car is in good shape for the year, no exterior rust holes whatsoever. paid a sum of $4,000 for it. car has build sheet, proving the WS6 and W72.
does have the original 400 in it. car runs great with all matching VIN numbers except the block (i know, its a disappointment lol) although the block was pulled out of another 1978 trans am. interior needs some work. reupholster seats, new dash, new carpet. (guy had indoor/outdoor carpet laid in it) but does have the original 8-track player in the dash (not working, but planning to take a peek inside). back seats are in great condition though. engine runs awesome, i traveled almost 800 miles with it, and not a single problem except the power steering pump was bad (just replaced with a new one). the upper control arm bushing were totally missing. i replaced those. the sway bar bushing were bad, the guy electrical taped them in so they wouldn't fall out. replaced those also.  i was told that the WS6 W72 was a decently rare car. i havnt been into Trans Ams long, i did have a 1992 firebird which i loved driving, so it brought me to buying this one. i know in the pic of the engine that the A/C belt is off. it was shreading and i was afraid that it was going to snap and damage something. tell me what you guys think about the car, or if you want to see any other shots of it.

[jphillips3333]

Congrats - welcome to the site.  Nice score.  Thanks for posting pix - you're a fast learner.

It's all there even if the motor isn't original. Typical cosmetic things that are easy to fix.  PW, AC ... you'll like that in Florida.  Lot's of good information/people here to help.

[SoonerTA]

Welcome to 78TA.  Like jphillips3333 said...fast learner, we Love pictures.  Very nice find.  Can't wait to see what you do to it.  Everyone is always here to help so don't be shy. 

By the way...Love the dryer vent flex tube...haha

[kjkjkcjkcj]

welcome the car looks like a great starter car and what a steal only 4,000. everyone here is extremely helpful. was the previous owner the original owner? cant wait to see pics of the project as it comes along,

[TheGaugeMage]

the previous owner was not the original owner, he only had it 9 days before he sold it to me. the man before him had it 31 days, didnt have to money to restore it, and sold it to him, the man before HIM was the original owner. so... its been through 4 people including me, but only for a month and a week. he gave me alot of paperwork with it, including the original owners manual, which is in great condition, and alot of the inserts, like the visor insert for the seatbelt use.

[kjkjkcjkcj]

yeah id say you were the secoond owner haha. jeese.well congrats have fun with her.

[TheGaugeMage]

i already have fun driving her. she has awesome handling, such a thrill.

[RRR76TA]

welcome to the site , looks good

[y88rick]

looks like a great base to start from. cant wait to see pics as it comes along.

[ponchonutty]

These ws6/w72 cars are great to run!  I keep looking around the home of the things I could do if I had the money but can't seem to sell the bird though.

[RainMan]

Congrats on your newly accuired  78 Tom . I like the fact that it has the W72 ,I wouldn't mind having a little extra power myself . These cars are definatly a head turner ,I think your going to like having one

[BusDriver]

Heck of a nice start, it won't take a ton to get that old girl looking pretty good again. You've already hit most of the major things it seems to make it safe.

Any specific plans?

[ta78w72]

You may not have the W72 engine anymore.  If I were you, I'd try to find one.  They aren't that expensive.  Especially if you're going to rebuild the current engine anyway.

That car is pretty desirable.  They quit putting the W72 engine in automatics early to mid production.  You've got cruise and A/C so it's a pretty well optioned car.  Nice find.

[TheGaugeMage]

the only plans i have right now are to get the interior done first. dash, seats, carpet, etc. im kinda skimp on money right now (along with the other 90% of america lol) so im doing the things that require time, not money.

[kjkjkcjkcj]

Smart plan. take your time with it and have fun.  its better that way, even though you really REALLY just wanna get her finished so you can show her off. thats why im gunna have to buy another TA for when i restore mine.  one to drive and one to restore.