Trans Am Bandit...1975 to 1977

[qnitro]

Howdy All, I have posted several pics of my 73 Z28 https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?49745-Protouring-Z28-For-sale and my 1966 GTO which is close to be ing completed.. here is the link https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?67838-My-1966-Lemans-getting-LSX&highlight=gto+1966

Well since I dont have enough to do I picked up a 1975 T/A (Ca smog exempt) and I am converting it to a 1977 Bandit, Its Rust free and very Solid... I already have a Ls2 with L92 heads, big cam and LS3 intake /T56 with LS7 clutch. I have a Heidts 9inch 4 link with 3.90 gears, and front upper and lower tubulars with coil overs all around, I have a ricks tank with exhaust cut out being built right now,, Wilwood big kits on all 4 corners, I ordered https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?73115-DriverzInc-All-Black-Anarchy!-Check-out-the-photos&highlight=anarchy they are 19/20 again, I also bought a DSE booster, firewall smooth pane, Afco Radiator, I have stripped the front off, just need to pull subframe, getting ready to powder coat the front subframe. Im trying to finish it buy April..I have all these parts.. So I will get more pics soon.. Should be a nice runner. It will be black of course, with a Covan dash, Vintage air,

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/DSCF0063-1.jpg

[LeighP]

Great project....looks forward to seeing more details as you go. Don't forget the subframe connectors and solid body moutns....you may even want to look at Pro-Touring F-body's Pro-G-Braces (subframe to firewall baracing) as well.
I'm into 2nd gen F-body Pontiacs. :)

[qnitro]

Good point.. I do have the subframe connectors from heidts with a drive shaft hoop, but I dig the under hood brace from pro-touring fbody

[qnitro]

Im test fitting a GTO dash into it.. If I do it.. There is no turning back..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/photo-5.jpg

[deadman]

i like oem better but that looks really good . what about door panels to mach the dash?

[LeighP]

Man, that dash sits really high compared to the original......isn't it going to affect your vision?

[qnitro]

It does, I havent cut out the old dash cowl.. I have it sitting on top..



Man, that dash sits really high compared to the original......isn't it going to affect your vision?

[RicerwannaB]

I'm interested in watching this build, I've been contemplating that dash swap for a while now in my GTO. Looks great so far!

[qnitro]

The curve of the factory Fbody cowl is almost identical to the new GTO dash.. Im going to cut up the GTO dash and do another test fit, before I cutt the factory cowl (no coming back from that) I will post plenty of pics. Im going to use the factory A/C controls, the hadlights and the window and Stereo as well...

[1971CHEVELLE]

I had the same idea me for Chevelle And I did not like it was to high but you can always go back but it will cost money and hard work
mine was like that after a failed attempt
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/chevelleiuppger509-1.jpg
This was a big step backward
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/chevelleiuppger645-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/chevelleiuppger608-1.jpg
And to day
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/chevelleiuppger809-1.jpg
So good luck with it

[bhcustomdesigns]

Great build,I will be watching this one!!!!

[qnitro]

So you were using a GTO Dash?? Im alittle concerned as well.. I measured the width, it was fine, the height is a little tall..and the depth concerns me.. I might cut the bottom and go from there.. The whole dash was 100 bucks, so I will destroy it first...its cheaper than going into the cowl first :)


I had the same idea me for Chevelle And I did not like it was to high but you can always go back but it will cost money and hard work
mine was like that after a failed attempt
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/chevelleiuppger509-1.jpg
This was a big step backward
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/chevelleiuppger645-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/chevelleiuppger608-1.jpg
And to day
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/chevelleiuppger809-1.jpg
So good luck with it

[qnitro]

The Trans Am is being picked up Sunday, Im leaving the GTO dash to a professional. Steve at brentwood auto is doing it for me.. He has done several 2010 Camaro dashes into 69/70 Camaros. He is also going to smooth the firewall at the same time. I will have him take pics as he progresses.. I am commited to make this happen.

[srh3trinity]

If your front upper fascia and lower valence are in good shape and you are going with the 77 stuff, I might be interested in those pieces for my 74.

[qnitro]

The upper valence is what I have left, its in good shape.. I will take some pics.. and sell it cheap

[qnitro]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Here is a pic of the dash the guy just finished.. I think he used the marquez door panels..

[srh3trinity]

The upper valence is what I have left, its in good shape.. I will take some pics.. and sell it cheap

That is the perfect price, let me know by pm.

[formula98]

Wow I had the same idea on the dash. I picked up an 06 GTO dash and center console last year and would like to put it in my 80 Camaro or the 70 Z28 haven't made up my mind yet. Please do post the dash progress. I'm subscribed! Thanks for posting......

[LeighP]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Here is a pic of the dash the guy just finished.. I think he used the marquez door panels..

Now that looks good...I like how he used the horse shoe shifter....nice work.

[qnitro]

Here is the firewall he just finished on my Trans Am.. Next he starts the 2006 GTO dash..He does great work..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/camaro41-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/camaro3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/camaro2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/camaro1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/camaro-1.jpg

[qnitro]

here is the dash in, he has started to cut and mock up..No going back, because Cowl is cut :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/1978transam001-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/1978transam002-1.jpg

[qnitro]

More pics of my T/A

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/5A6831A6A747440980817E5F69FBA3C211502000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/AAB71CA8E3F94595B3B95A11CA659E8D11502000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/916679BE27234D79A6F0505AFB0DD07E11502000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/B75AD874C58240ECA46F7BCEF6C9EA2D11502000-1.jpg

[LeighP]

Nice work....looks odd to me as thats the same dash thats in my Commodore...just set up for the wrong side steering is all, lol.

[qnitro]

man, I wish I had a commodore...

[qnitro]

Well I have some updates, I have the whole bottom of the car disassembled, now, do I strip and paint or do I just strip it and than under coat it?? thoughts anyone..Im painting the car black.. I dropped the front sub frame off at the powder coater today and have the 9inch almost assembled as well. The great news 0 rust clean as a whistle.. Body is in great shape...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/1CB6402D767D40788783EFFEA884EBBA11502000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/A5CC5A3564014F22808E28E477D2916F11502000-1.jpg

[qnitro]

I just realized I havent put any pics of the dash in the T/A yet... It looks awesome.. Everyone that comes over thinks it looks like it was made that way.. I plan on using the GTO controls for all the accessories, Air, Lights, Radio, windows... all of it.. I even have the Ebrake set up. I got a full GTO interior harness and will strip it out to make it all work. Im going to use a Vintage air set, and a few years ago someone put a GTO set up in a 1968 T/A and they made the GTO controls work, so Im hoping to make lighting strike twice. I have all the parts now.. Now its just a matter of time.. The GTO Im doing is almost done as well..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/065BC7E8AEBE4ED0B37DD3A4064CD4E511502000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/62AD4095F75F43B1B5392736387B047E11502000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/8CEEAC7A18554F14999D0657ED3A835911502000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/D691D3972A9A4D8B84A5B39B44B6DF5711502000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/4FA0F7965E1B46F78C2D9E897846715411502000-1.jpg

[srh3trinity]

That looks awesome!

[cdoggy81]

Wow, you have no idea how happy I am I saw your thread!!! Awesome car & ideas :)
I'm doing the exact same thing to my 1970 TA ( https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?50475 ) & you can see the start of the dash work on post #33. Can you PLEASE post up some more pics of how he fit that bad boy in there? Did he have to cut a lot of the dash or cowl away? What are you doing about the steering wheel? IIRC the stock wheel was slightly offset compared to where the GTO wheel wanted to go. He probably fixed that issue with a few snips here & there. I am so happy to see that in there & looking soooooo good!!! I will be following this build VERY close.

[qnitro]

Cdoggy81,

Will take some pics, I'm pulling the interior this weekend, so I can strip and paint. Yep steering wheel needs to be offset an inch or so, we are going to cut bracket and re weld, I'm waiting till I figure out steering wheel. Man our T/A's will look sik.

Wow, you have no idea how happy I am I saw your thread!!! Awesome car & ideas :)
I'm doing the exact same thing to my 1970 TA ( https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?50475 ) & you can see the start of the dash work on post #33. Can you PLEASE post up some more pics of how he fit that bad boy in there? Did he have to cut a lot of the dash or cowl away? What are you doing about the steering wheel? IIRC the stock wheel was slightly offset compared to where the GTO wheel wanted to go. He probably fixed that issue with a few snips here & there. I am so happy to see that in there & looking soooooo good!!! I will be following this build VERY close.

[howehot]

For the underside, I used U-Pol raptor bedliner. It has a smooth texture, sound and insulation properties, and applied very easy. Comes in a kit of 4 bottles with activator. 84 Monte Carlo took 3 bottles.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/bde19a85-1.jpg

[cdoggy81]

Sweeet! I'm looking forward to seeing more pics. Seriously, this is so cool to see :)

[qnitro]

That looks great...I might give that a try


For the underside, I used U-Pol raptor bedliner. It has a smooth texture, sound and insulation properties, and applied very easy. Comes in a kit of 4 bottles with activator. 84 Monte Carlo took 3 bottles.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/bde19a85-1.jpg

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

that guy did a GREAT job..

[LeighP]

Very nice work. I'd think about either the bedliner (over your existing cleaned undercoated floor) or clean the whole floor down down, shoot some two pack urethane in black and some stoneguard over the top.

Love the interior....are you going to try and wire the controls independently, or are you thinking of using the GTO's body control module/s (I think there are more than one)? A lot of the controls are multiplex canbus style wired through the modules...even the interior lighting is through the body modules. I wonder if theres anything aftermarket to help? How'd the the guy with the Camaro do it?
Great project!

[qnitro]

No real updates... parts coming in like mad

[qnitro]

Im using all the factory controls.. A/C, windows, Stereo, light switch.. all of it..


Very nice work. I'd think about either the bedliner (over your existing cleaned undercoated floor) or clean the whole floor down down, shoot some two pack urethane in black and some stoneguard over the top.

Love the interior....are you going to try and wire the controls independently, or are you thinking of using the GTO's body control module/s (I think there are more than one)? A lot of the controls are multiplex canbus style wired through the modules...even the interior lighting is through the body modules. I wonder if theres anything aftermarket to help? How'd the the guy with the Camaro do it?
Great project!

[LeighP]

Sounds like a plan.....just basically transpose the whole wiring system from the GTO into your car. Probably the best/easiest way to do it.

[cdoggy81]

"I'm using all the factory controls.. A/C, windows, Stereo, light switch.. all of it.."
Man, I am glad to hear that too :)

[qnitro]

I have a complete interior harness... Im just hoping the folks at vintage air can convert the factory controls to the vinatge systems



Sounds like a plan.....just basically transpose the whole wiring system from the GTO into your car. Probably the best/easiest way to do it.

[rohrt]

Dash looks awsome.

[cdoggy81]

"Im just hoping the folks at vintage air can convert the factory controls to the vinatge systems"

They can. Talk to Sam about it. They did it for his 69 TA convertible IIRC:
https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?31227-69-firebird-T-A-convertible/page1

[qnitro]

Thanks..I didnt get the pics of the brackets for yah, I will though, I ended up picking up a 1968 Firebird today for the next project. Ohh If anyone is local.. Im to lazy to do anything else, I have all the door panels and door mirrors, free if picked up, good shape


"Im just hoping the folks at vintage air can convert the factory controls to the vinatge systems"

They can. Talk to Sam about it. They did it for his 69 TA convertible IIRC:
https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?31227-69-firebird-T-A-convertible/page1

[qnitro]

I ended up picking this up today.. It was for sale on Craigslist, The car has had the handles and other items shaved. It has a smoothed firewall, It has a complete powder coated frame with poly bushings. It has a set of 4 billet aluminum air bags and a four link setup in the rear(ridetech I think). The back has been tubbed to fit larger tires(already know, Im going 18/19 with a 345 rear....Rushforths, It has welded solid subframe connectors. It also has a custom dash made for auto meter gauges and a custom center console. It came with glide engineering bucket seats and mounts. It has an ididit column, a new painless body and interior harness, all kinds of new sheet metal, all windows.. Its been media blasted, primed and under coated. Its been sitting for a couple of year..I plan on starting work on this pretty soon, since the other 2 cars are being painted and tuned.. I have a empty Garage :)

Here are some pics..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/firebird-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/firebird3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/firebird1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/firebird2-1.jpg

[LeighP]

Very nice find...a lot of work already done.
I like the dash...shades of a 59 Chevy...I like the centre console

[geberhard]

Kevin!!! Sweeettt! I have been eying that bird for a few months, really great stuff already done, so looking forward to see the build, will definitively put you ahead of the game! I will shoot you a note, I may have some extra parts you could put to good use :D

[qnitro]

So I got the front subframe back from powder coating, reassembled the its dropped the new brakes on, mounted motor and tranny, stinged the frame to car to make tranny cut and found out the center console is to far back for a Fbody T56, So I going to switch to a GTO with the remote shifter to take advantage of the extra 12inches it will give, which is exactly what the center console needs. I got s AGR box and a DSE front Sway bar.. I also got rid of the LS3 intake, and bought the Performer intake and a Fast TB to use on my Shaker hood..Car is back from having the bottom under coated and the fire wall painted, I also under coated the interior before I dynamat the inside.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/B91D7D908E5E451486D8D3E77E4E6A0711502000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/A4E04113C27F476893F49D4BC867B19511502000-1.jpg

[71fbird]

how did you make the cluster work? I'm trying to do the same conversion but i don't know if i should but the gauges or not!!

[srh3trinity]

Do you mind if I ask about how much it cost to powder coat a subframe.

[qnitro]

Im planning on building a custom harness, since Im using the factory comp, I didnt see it being that hard...
how did you make the cluster work? I'm trying to do the same conversion but i don't know if i should but the gauges or not!!

[qnitro]

300 bucks, for media blasted and coated.. 5day turn around



Do you mind if I ask about how much it cost to powder coat a subframe.

[71fbird]

I'm trying to use the stock engine and transmission is there any way to convert the cable into pulses or whatever is needed to make it work?i know theres an "x cable" basically a box that converts those pulses into a spinning cable..confusing =)

Im planning on building a custom harness, since Im using the factory comp, I didnt see it being that hard...
is there any way you can send me detailed pictures of your dash so i can get an idea of how to make this work, thanks
-ricky

[qnitro]

Sure, I have the complete interior and engine harness, with the BSM, so Im pretty sure I can make it work, when I get there, I will make some notes for yah no problem..Im a couple of months from interior though, Im finishing rolling chassis first..
I'm trying to use the stock engine and transmission is there any way to convert the cable into pulses or whatever is needed to make it work?i know theres an "x cable" basically a box that converts those pulses into a spinning cable..confusing =)

is there any way you can send me detailed pictures of your dash so i can get an idea of how to make this work, thanks
-ricky

[70Uglybird]

Amazing build. Do you have more pics of how the dash fits up top and how its going to look? Are you in northern Cali? I may have to trailer my bird down to that guy its pretty cool!

[qnitro]

Dash is out right now, I will take some pics...


Amazing build. Do you have more pics of how the dash fits up top and how its going to look? Are you in northern Cali? I may have to trailer my bird down to that guy its pretty cool!

[qnitro]

Im adding some pics of the car..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/73E59BF7723745D3AE0487A496AC347B11502000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/07/5FBEFB9F43274A4D9A752C823470922711502000-1.jpg

[LeighP]

Getting there! :)

[srh3trinity]

What size wheels/tires are you running?

[qnitro]

They are 19/20 rushforths.. 245 35 19 and 285 30 20


What size wheels/tires are you running?

[qnitro]

OK, Im looking to build the harness.. anyone have any experience or know of a company who can help with building a custom harness?? Im running a Fast TB and need to build out a harness that can run this with a Factory ECU and be able to run the factory speedo.. Any hints?? I have reached out to speartech already...

Thanks

Kevin

[cdoggy81]

Try:
www.currentperformance.com
www.sspwiring.com

[vikingramair]

Very interesting project! That car gonna be a show winner if i was the judge

[qnitro]

Thanks brother will give them a try...


Try:
www.currentperformance.com
www.sspwiring.com

[cdoggy81]

Thanks brother will give them a try...

No prob :)
You can also try these guys:

http://www.lt1350.com

[qnitro]

Dude this is awesome sspwiring is going to build it...thanks for the tip

[cdoggy81]

NP & glad I could help!!!
Now help me do that dash like yours... :)

[qnitro]

Let me get mine working lol, so you know what not to do...

[Ripper]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

I like this picture! It's definitely gonna be a real good looking car! I specially like the wheels - great choice!

[qnitro]

Ordered the harness today.. the guys from SSP are on it... dash integration with the engine control harness...

[qnitro]

OK... Im still waiting on the harness.. Called today and said they are holding up the project now... I also ordered new Boze Lateral-G's for the Trans Am too... Hopefully I can knock this car out by March in time for goodguys...

[cdoggy81]

"Thanks..I didnt get the pics of the brackets for yah, I will though, I ended up picking up a 1968 Firebird today for the next project. Ohh If anyone is local.. Im to lazy to do anything else, I have all the door panels and door mirrors, free if picked up, good shape"

Any updates on the bracket pics yet for the steering wheel offset?

"I also got rid of the LS3 intake, and bought the Performer intake and a Fast TB to use on my Shaker hood.."

Ha! It's like you are in my head :) I decided to do the same thing for looks & ease of mounting my shaker. LMK how it goes.


"OK... Im still waiting on the harness.. Called today and said they are holding up the project now... "

Any luck with the new wiring harness?

[qnitro]

AHhhh, Trans Am... My true baby.. Well updates are few and far between.. I got my new wheels, went with Boze Lateral-G's, I got the Harness.. I havent done anything else.. I started this project waiting on my rims and harness..

https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?93941-Project-90-day-1975-Trans-Am-restore-bet-with-wife&highlight=

I plan on finishing this next, well after the 90day trans am and my GTO...

Kevin

[cdoggy81]

10-4, your other project is looking good too!
Good luck with everything to finish it within the next few weeks :)

[72honeycomb]

Awesome build. I'll be doing about the same build to my 72 formula, just looking for a 06 GTO donor. Glad to see people with the same ideas. Good luck on your build

[qnitro]

As soon as my GTO and other Trans am are done I will finish this trans am. Time is my enemy. I have 4 projects going at once..my head wrote a check my ass can't cover.. I will not have this many at once again :)

[wheatie8252]

Do you have any updates on your Trans am. Thanks Chris

[qnitro]

Do you have any updates on your Trans am. Thanks Chris

Actually yes, its at paint.. will be running and driving by Nov Goodguys.. will be putting updates soon..

Here is my 68 on way to paint...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/624FBE7B70D144539C4837A84C97384B79000000-1.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/qnitro/media/624FBE7B-70D1-4453-9C48-37A84C97384B-790-000000C44E41940F_zpszq6z7x7l.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/7AFB85DE2D4E438B924BE421F73F535A79000000-1.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/qnitro/media/7AFB85DE-2D4E-438B-924B-E421F73F535A-790-000000C4506BA0EA_zpsjqylbm7c.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/B72202EE734740D892B9D2D6642A86BE79000000-1.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/qnitro/media/B72202EE-7347-40D8-92B9-D2D6642A86BE-790-000000C44F53FFF1_zpsislglouz.jpg.html)

[cactuss4]

W0w this post was before my time, but i'm loving that dash, you are lucky to have someone with that talent around to do the paint/body and that dash install, very nice!!

it's been a few years, whatever happened to this project?

Tory

[hessdawg]

Looks awesome I just bought a gto dash cause I liked the way they looked.
The I googled gto dash swap and your post popped up

[Onebad78ta]

Very nice,looking ride

[GM_muscle]

you have bad ass pontiacs. keep them the good work