1976 455 4-speed Black and Gold with Red Interior Date: 10/12/07 We bought her in 2003 from the original owner for $2,250. We didn't know a thing about Trans Ams at the time and I think the funnest part about owning this vehicle is learning about the history. At first it was hard to find any information on 76 Trans Ams, we eventually found everything we needed to know and more.
100_1854 Date: 04/10/08
100_1853 Date: 04/10/08
100_1855 Date: 04/10/08
100_1859 Date: 04/10/08
VSE Rims Date: 04/10/08 The VSE rims were part of the Stage 1 package. These rims were made by Appliance back in the day.
The Engine The original drive train, only 64,XXX miles. Date: 10/12/07 In 2006, we ran into the original owner again. He was of course very interested in what we had done with the car. We told him that it hasn't gone under restoration yet but that it was in the garage and out of the weather. He was very glad to hear that. He then proceeded to tell us that the suspension wasn't original. He had it changed to an aftermarket suspension called Herb Adams. I had heard of it somewhere but couldn't think of it at that moment. I went home and did some research. Herb Adams was the owner of VSE (Very Special Equipment, please do a search on this man, he did so many pioneering things for the TA). I had heard of VSE before and recalled seeing it on my 76 TA, on the rims to be exact. Anyway, Cliff (the original owner), I believe had ordered Stage 1 of the VSE package. The bigger sway bars were put in, Koni shocks, the coil springs were cut, the subframe was moved up an inch, the rear springs were repositioned, solid body bushings, the carburator had bigger jets put in it, the distributor was recalibrated with the carb, and the VSE rims were added. Cliff of course kept the original ralley II's and used them in the winter time. Someday we need to catch back up with Cliff and ask him more questions. He said he still has the original 8-track player and the VSE brochures among other things. I hope to get those things at some point.
100_1856 Date: 04/10/08
100_1857 Date: 04/10/08
100_1858 Date: 04/10/08
The Interior All original Firethorn Interior Date: 04/07/08 A few things need to be changed in the 32 year old interior. Mainly the carpet, headliner and console lid. All in due time I suppose.
100_1861 Date: 04/10/08
100_1862 Date: 04/10/08
100_1864 Date: 04/10/08
1971 Formula 400 Date: 04/10/08
100_1868 Date: 04/10/08
The Roof of the 71 It's not pretty Date: 04/10/08 Amazingly, only the outer sheetmetal is cancer but the entire thing will need to be replaced anyway.
The Shop 30ft*40ft*14ft Date: 04/10/08 This is where we house all the toys.
In 2004 we bought the kit for our 40ft by 30ft by 14ft pole barn. Johnathan, with the help of friends and family, put it together the same year.
On January 1st 2008, we ordered our lift, finally! It lifts 10,000 lbs, it is extra wide and has triple telescoping arms. It's made by Bendpack and lifts with hydraulic cylindars instead of cable or chain. If you're thinking we went overboard, think again. Not only do we have our cars but we have a Suburban and a Duramax that both weigh nearly 10K. It sure does make it easy to rotate tires. :)
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