Hitman's Pontiac Trans Am Forum
Classifieds => Cars for Sale/Wanted => Topic started by: solargold on June 17, 2010, 09:41:11 AM
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Alright guys, my brother is considering a 1977 W72 400, 4 speed yellow Trans AM hard top. It is basically a frame on nut and bolt restoration. Everything from paint and body, interior, drive train, etc... has been refurbished. I know the guy who built it and have bought one from him before. My question is how rare do you think it may be, how desirable and what's it worth? The price is considerably less than what we could build one for. Problem is it is yellow. I really like the color but wonder how easy it would be to get ride of if he ever got tired of it??? I have had 3 and I try to look at them as investments. They do not have to appreciate but as long as you can have fun with them and get your money back is the goal. I wonder if the yellow would take a hit. All comments are appreciated.
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx123/solargold/yellow77ta.jpg)
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx123/solargold/yellowenginebay.jpg)
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I love yellow (not in general but in a T/A I love it) Iīd rather go for a yellow than for a black one, but thatīs just my opinion and probably is not so popular...
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Ok I'm biased I love the yellow T/A ;) IMO which isn't worth much, If you get it for a good enough price and you seem to think it's a good deal then yes I think you could plus the 4-speed car to me is a desirable car. Now with that said yellow is not the most desirable of colors you either love it or hate it, but a car in that good of shape I think would sell. oh my life's tough decisions. Good luck and if it follows you home post a lot of pictures. :)
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Yellow is my favorite color for a T/A along with brown, but I think a lot of people get turned off by the yellow for some reason, I'm assuming it's because it's not black with gold decals.
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I like the yellow cars back in 77 a friends brother bought a new yellow one with the black velour interior and I can remember it today how cool that car was. How much is he asking?
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Priced at $13,500 OBO, thinking about going the OBO route and see what happens. We just rebuilt a 77 and spent $7K on paint and body with most of the metal work done by us. Figure motor, transmission, clutch rebuild, exhaust (splitters are in a box and included) and then new interior the price seems reasonable but OBO is even better. We know these cars re going up in value but I am afraid the yellow may cause it to go down in value if there is not much desire for the color.
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx123/solargold/tayellow3.jpg)
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You don't see too many yellow second gens, so either they're kinda rare or they weren't that desirable back when folks were ordering a new T/A from the factory. But, in my opinion (for what that's worth), I think a yellow T/A looks great and the condition of the T/A would make it just as valuable as any other color.
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i love the yellow too i woiuldn't worry too much about re-sell value. the car looks really nice.
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looks like a nice car. just make sure of the WA code on the front of the block and the 6x4 heads. maybe check the block vin to.
if its a nut and bolt frame on , inside and out . he should have 10k in it easy.
as for the resale of it. red , black , brown, white, blue, yellow. every one has there favorite color. so there will always be a buyer for it.
if your looking to spend that kind of money . buy what you like.
to me any OE color is a good one to have. as long as the rear spoiler says TRANS AM and the shaker shakes, I would drool on it ;)
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amen,
I second 4speed
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as long as the rear spoiler says TRANS AM and the shaker shakes, I would drool on it ;)
I couldn't have said it any better, I totally agree!!
Personally I think it looks awesome, and I would buy it if I had the money!!!!
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When I bought my 79 solar gold from him a couple of years ago this car was in the garage. He sold the 79 to me to fund the restoration on the 77. When I saw it it was for the most part disassembled. It was solid and I know a good amount of time went into it, not just replacing the seat covers and door panels, scratch and shoot then calling it restored. I do see under the hood that the shaker base is likely an aftermarket and the intake manifold looks like it is also, the shaker sits a little high.
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Unless your buying it to resell right away, why are you even worrying about resale value. It seems like that is about the only thing that seems to concern you, and I don't think you would have any problems reselling the car if it is in the shape you say it is in. Just buy it and enjoy it, and worry about how much it will sell for if that time every comes.
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Not worried about selling it right away, just concerned about over paying to begin with. As others have said before Yellow is a either like it or not color. My worry is if the color limits the buyer then it may also limit the value. This will be my brothers first T/A purchase and I have had 3. I have found the black ones go for more and quicker than the other colors in better shape. Don't want him to pay $13K then be told because it is yellow it is only worth $8K. If it were black I am sure it would have already sold.
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Based only on opinion, yellow has to be my absolute favorite color on a second gen Firebird, or Camaro for that matter. I've always loved it because it's sporty and flashy. But as you have said, the color goes two ways. Either you love it, or hate it! If the existing finish is in good condition, it can be easily repainted with a scuff and shoot...using a sealer, of course. The jams would be a little extra work, but it wouldn't be all that bad. If the car is as solid as it looks, I would go for it. The 4 speed is an added bonus! I'd say it's a very good deal. But it's completely up to you to make that decision.
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Lemme weigh in here as I am the "brother-in-question"...:
From what I've seen on the yellow cars, this would be code51 goldenrod, correct? I'll admit yellow isn't my #1 color choice, but I do like cars that are not the norm. This one being documented with the 400/4spd is a big plus. The guy does good work, but I'm still trying to ask a bunch of questions to at least know as much as I can before getting uber-serious.
This car doesn't seem to be the bright yellow like the infamous yellow/red 77. My question: is goldenrod, goldenrod and just the light plays tricks with the shade? I swear I saw a pic of a 76 goldenrod that was more of a pale yellow? Anyone care to shed a little light on this?
I've enjoyed lurking around here, and I'm looking foward to getting a solid driver for local shows and maybe even Bandit Run 2011....at least there are a ton of T\A's to chose from!
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welcome to the club Bayou_Flyer
if your looking for a car thats done. I think you found it. you guys said it , you know the builder and know the kind of work he does.
it's not like your buying one and dont know what under the paint.
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the overall condition of the car is more important than the color...if its in good shape and you trust the builder...what are you waiting for???
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I think if he don't go get it I will. My wife would love having a 4 speed and she would have her own and stay out of mine. Here is mine (hers, LOL :o)
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx123/solargold/tadaytonabeach.jpg)
Bayou Flyer you got a decision to make, looks like the census here is GO FOR IT (or at least go look)
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Heyyyyyy now, stop prodding :) ....unless you're going with me to see it.
Thanks for the welcome! I am confident the car is nice...problem is that this one is for sale along with the forementioned 79 solar gold built by the same guy (which I was leaning toward until this gem showed up).
Both nice, both close in price, both many hours away! I want to like this one the most, but I can't until I get more info from the builder/owner. As much as I want a solid, different 4spd car, I also want to enjoy looking at it in the garage, in the parking lot, at the shows.....Basically, I feel like the car picks me as much as I pick it, if that makes any sense?
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Yeap, got to like it sitting still. You'll know your in love when you go look and stare at in the middle of the night while in the garage and everyone else is asleep. I'll go with you to look at it but I am bringing a checkbook just in case you back out. The more I look at it the more I like it.
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I think we've all been that that road it's not always a easy decision, I know everyone has a favorite color and it's usually one you can't live without that sitting in your garage, some of these guys have a rainbow collection but even they probably have a favorite color, all said and done a nice car, good deal, good price, is no good if you are not happy with and if you don't think you will be happy wait one will surely come along that you just have to have. the guys here kid around and it's fun but I don't think anyone will hold it against you if you buy or pass even Ole yeller lovers like me ;) Good luck
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Finally talked to the seller....77 goldenrod yellow...W72 400/4spd...documents/PHS/buildsheet/original title/95k miles....
car bought from second owner (who never registered it); found original owner listed on title who applied for a lost title. New owner has the original 77 title but car registered in his name (legal 2nd owner). The middle owner was going to make this a drag car. He rebuilt motor (0.030 over) and put a big cam in it and 3" dual exhaust. Current owner replaced cam with something closer to stock, added a smaller dual exhaust with quieter mufflers, but left the Edelbrock hi-rise intake. Has an aftermarket air cleaner that is functional through the shaker. Still has aftermarket headers. Has original 4speed and build sheet shows 3:23 rear. What kind of highway RPM can I expect with this setup? I've heard the 3spd auto with same rear runs pretty high at 70-75.
Body was stripped to metal for the repaint...no filler or rust issues. Bodyman could not get bumper/front fender 100% lined up on driver side. Original dash, non-tilt wheel, original AM radio and 8track. Neither hooked up or working. Bought it with hurst t-handle (uggh) in orginal console. Console has 1/4" tear by driver seat and latch not 100% functional. Steering wheel OEM; little wear at 12:00 from sun and use but non-unpresentable. Interior sail panels redyed, new carpet and seat covers. AC compressor said to come on but not blowing cold (could be $1000 repair here). Trunk totally restored: speckle paint, mat, tire/inflator, and jack.
Front end was rebuilt w/new shocks...has air shocks in rear (leaf spring condition?). All gauges said to work except for water temp, which has new sending unit in box. This owner says the original owner relayed a bit of info that the motor was replaced by Pontiac in the 70s. Not sure if there is a paper trail on it. He did try to find the dealership, but it is closed. He says the motor is a W72, but that it has the matching # stamped on it? I didn't think that was done, but I've been told the block should have "SR" somewhere if it was actually replaced by Pontiac.
Like mentioned above...asking $13500 OBO. He may have been trying to plant the hook when he told me he wants to now keep it but will sell to me since I've been interested......I simply told him to keep it if he wants and I will buy another. In his defense, he did remove teh ad days before I even called him. However, with the new info, I can't see paying over $12k as I see over $1000 worth of work to be done after buying it. Heck, I don't really know what it's actually worth. I know the values go from under $10k to over $30k.
Anyway, that's the lowdown...anything else that might be worthy of asking? Particularly about the engine? Any other issues not seen here that I should dig deeper into that can be proven?
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Block should be stamped WA under passenger side head according to site for a W72 4 speed (Y6 for auto). Maybe a frame on resto not a nut bolt ,as I remember but it was 2 years ago I last saw it. Low option car with no tilt or power locks/windows. Confused about the block being changed by dealer but numbers match. My 78 parts car is stamped SR(numbers????) so I assume it is Service Replacement and no VIN stamp. My other motor was a W72 and stamped X7 but no VIN. Sold it to a guy who needed an X7 block for his car and was going to stamp the VIN for numbers matching. Not sure where the motor came from or why no VIN. If it is stamped WA and VIN matches the replaced motor, story may need to disappear as it throws a red flag for me.
I think $12K is looking to be more of a reasonable figure without being insulting. I understand 3:23 rear gears will pull the same RPM's in an auto or 4 speed. Larry runs 3400 RPM's and 220 degrees at 70-75 with an auto W72. Can't run the A/C as it will overheat and gas mileage sucking in at a whopping 12 miles per gallon.
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I asked for more info on the engine replacement story today...documentation says W72 on build sheet though, so the car IS that. Owner says was replaced by Pontiac in 77; rebuilt in 08. Will have to look into the 3.23/4spd though. I do have access to a complete lakewood/tremec 5spd/clutch/pp setup from a friend who dropped a T56 in his 69 Camaro. Might be worth the swap, keeping the 4spd for originality, if modifying the car itself isn't an issue. Buuuuut, that means more $$ again. 3400rpm at 70 is just too much for modern day driving. Now if gas was $0.50/gal, that would be a different story! Maybe Larry and I could stick to the backroads!! :)
On a different note, the VIN on this car ends in 666!!!! Wonder if she killed the 2nd owner? :)
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That my friend is a very scary VIN >:D
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i'll be with you buddy my car has 3.23's auto and 65mph is around 3200 rpm not cool
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Don't buy it on Friday the 13th
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OR DRIVE IT!!
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Wife: So, honey how was your day?
Me: Oh, fine. Went to work, sent a few emails, made a deal with the devil....you know, just normal stuff!
I think I like it more with the mark of the beast...time to dust off the ol' "devil music" collection! :)
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Go for it! I say put snowflakes, and splitters on it, and it's a damn sharp Trans Am. JMHO
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agreed
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Wife: So, honey how was your day?
Me: Oh, fine. Went to work, sent a few emails, made a deal with the devil....you know, just normal stuff!
I think I like it more with the mark of the beast...time to dust off the ol' "devil music" collection! :)
And play it backwards, mom would be proud! ;D
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zeebbwwaappp zeebbwwaaapppp.......trans am is the devil.....zeebbwwaappp zeebbwwaaapppp.... >:D
Just waiting on a exterior video of the car, hopefully one with the car running too.
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lol im happy for you i hope its exactly what you are looking for.
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Update tonight...owner tried taking few more pics for me but made short video instead (which gave me a little better look at the car). Unlike the pics on this original post, it is the bright yellow and appears to be quite shiny from what I can tell. I asked for a walkaround vid with engine running too, but think he was waiting for an offer. Soooo, I thought long and hard about the car and offered $12k (originally $13.5 OBO) based on the "to-do" list of things yet to be finished (AC & tires being top of the list). He countered with "I'll keep it before selling it for $12k".
Kind of a bummer, but I asked for what his idea of a best offer was and will see where it goes. In the end, I'll walk away before busting my budget, no matter how nice the car.
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12K is definitely in the ballpark of best offer...dont know why the guy would freak
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Yeah, he said he actually came down from 15k, even though he did say OBO as well. That appears to be his lowest price...he says it is worth much more (which all of these T/As are according to NADA ::) ). It is a very nice #s matching W72 4spd, it is also stripped down options wise and probably needs another 1000 to complete the little things. I'm sure part of his response is to see if I'll bite at his asking price, but he's obviously not selling it regardless of the activity generated.
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Priced at $13,500 OBO, thinking about going the OBO route and see what happens. We just rebuilt a 77 and spent $7K on paint and body with most of the metal work done by us. Figure motor, transmission, clutch rebuild, exhaust (splitters are in a box and included) and then new interior the price seems reasonable but OBO is even better. We know these cars re going up in value but I am afraid the yellow may cause it to go down in value if there is not much desire for the color.
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx123/solargold/tayellow3.jpg)
OH MAN! That is VERY VERY sharp. If I had the cash I'd be on that thing like white on rice. Seriously
Gunner
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13,500 is a drop in the bucket compared to what it would cost you to buy one and redo it probably, unless you can do a lot of this stuff yourself. I seems to be a very nice car, that would stand out compared to all the BLACK T/A's everyone else drives.
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Yeah, I realize the amount of work put into...I just have a limit. I did counter, so we'll see what happens.
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Looks to be a nice car...I would question the nut & bolt restoration..I realize its a body on but the engine bay sure dosen't look like it. Its a buyers market right now. The seller may want $13.5 but... NADA, KB is not worth anything....
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[I would question the nut & bolt restoration.
I corrected myself earlier on the nut/bolt restoration. I saw the car in a state of disassemble some years ago, it was taken apart to some degree , so likely not every nut/bolt but a nice frame on restoration that is much more than a scratch and shoot paint job.
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Yeah, he told me it was completely stripped down then repainted, no rust or bondo. Have a few vids that really show the true color; paint quality looks good from what I can tell. We came to an agreement tonight, price includes a few extra extra T/A parts (grills, pedals, lower door panels, etc). Needs splitters installed, AC charged (mayberepaired), tires near future, but the major work seems to be done (paint/body/interior/exhaust/trunk/etc).
In all, there was alot of email and a lengthy phone call where I was nothing but impressed with the owner's description of the car and what was done/needs doing. After all, worst case scenario is the car is nothing like the description and I take my money back home. I'm confident that won't be necessary.
Work is sending me out of town, so it'll be couple of weeks before I can actually get the car. So if everything pans out...ol' 666 will be all mine! >:D
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zeebbwwaappp zeebbwwaaapppp.......trans am is the devil.....zeebbwwaappp zeebbwwaaapppp....buy me buy me...
Looks like the playing backwards subliminal message may have won this "BY ME BUY ME". I don't think you'll walk away from this one once you see it. The owner is very honest and nothing to hide. That will be a fun car to own, drive and show off. You will never go into a gas station again and not be spoken too, hope you enjoy talking about your new car. I'll go with you just in case you do walk away, I'll drive it home instead, congrats!!!
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Maybe so...but I haven't had to sell my soul (yet)
I think this will be a very nice car in person, but I need you to say "don't buy it" if it doesn't check out, not so you can buy it instead!! ;)
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Money in hand...road trip tomorrow...considering it SOLD!!!
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Money in hand...road trip tomorrow...considering it SOLD!!!
Congratulations!!! that is a mighty fine car there sir!
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Thanks... I was up at 0600 Friday and didn't get back home until 0130 Saturday!!! I couldn't believe the number of thumbs up, wide eyed children, and "nice car" remarks from other driivers...woulda never thought a yellow T/A would do that to people!! My brother (solargold) was able to give it the "once-over" before the sun went down, and if his anal rententiveness approved...that's as good as it gets in my book. Now if it'll just start cooling offf to enjoy the vinyl seats and inoperative AC!! :) But I'll be honest...the sound of that W72 just makes it all better! Pics and a great story to come.......
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Congrats, the car is really nice. Now my wife wants her own!!?? Until you own one you never really know what it is all about. The thumbs up and "nice car" stories have only just begun. You'll never get tired of talking about your T/A. (Did you really go to bed when you got home or did you pull a cot out into the garage?)
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I cant wait!! :)
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Looking forward to the story and I hope you took a lot of pictures on the trip to pick it up!
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nice pics and interesting story but wait, that's your car and kid but that ain't your house, what did the neighbors think?
http://www.78ta.com/smf/index.php?topic=25408.0;topicseen
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Who cares....I'm runnin' with the Devil now, son!
In all honesty, I was so tired I left it strapped to the trailer until I woke up. That and the garage wasn't organized (re: kid proofed). I do admit looking at it under the night light still wondering how I got so lucky (and the owner didn't get tired of playing 20,000 questions)!
Another bit of fortune today: I was putting some Mother's polish to the Hurst t-handle this morning when I happened to look at the odometer for the first time. Something wasn't right, so I went looking through the documentation and found a handwritten note from 2008 when the PO bought the car. On that note was scribbled "80k miles"!I go back out to the car, check the odometer and it's just turning to 81,700!! All of the numbers are lined up perfectly, and the before/after condition of the car backs it up. All along I thought the car had 96k; which I was perfectly happy with! What's funny is that I didn't even look at the speedometer during the test drive, but now that I discovered this gem, the car continues to surprise me in a good way!
Oh, and the other things written on that note: 6X heads, rebuilt motor, front end new, perfect dash, no rust, original radio. Other notes included the places to verify the #s matching and WA code.
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and you were worried about the color
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Yeah....now I just worry about the kids running into it with their bikes/toys!!
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Sound's & look's like ya got a sweet one... Congratulation's.
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any thoughts yet on what ( if anything ) your gonna do to it first
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First, install the water temp sending unit so the gauge will work. Second, put new tires on it since the Eagle St's have been on it since its last inspection (1997!!). Afterward, probably look into some sort of hidden radio w/ipod input to keep the AM/8track in place. Once it cools off, probably have the AC looked at and hopefully made operational.
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Bayou flyer:
What i did was just hook up the abck speakers to an amp in the trunk, then just convert a headphone wire to those red and white plugs and plug it itno the amp. i have it so the wire comes out of the center consul and you can't see anything when the wire is put in the center consule. you just use the volume on the ipod and it sounds great and i kept the front speaker wired to the 8track so i can still use the radio.