New Member in the Southwest USA with a 2nd gen Trans Am project car

[Von-Overkill]

Hello Everyone,

Been a lurker on the forum for a while. I have been absorbing what everyone else was doing with their own cars, and decided to jump in and share my project with you...like it or not...LOL!

Based on what I'm seeing, today's budgets are way higher than I anticipated, and I may have bitten off more than I can handle. After doing some number crunching, it may be possible to do a project like this for under six figures, but only if I do much of the work. Times have certainly changed.

So as of last Fall, I began setting aside all of my discretionary surplus income toward this project, and have ballparked a 2026 completion date (based on current costs, and current income levels).
That was a shock, but I'd never get there if I didn't try in spite of the odds (a.k.a. personal economic reality). I'm hoping I'll probably still be young enough to safely drive a car like this by the time it is finished.

So I got this "rust free" 2nd gen t-top Trans Am off eBay last fall. The car has now been disassembled, and is currently on a rotisserie awaiting new steel panels and some metal repair. After media blasting it, we found there was no "rust free" car located under her black paint, but instead we did find plenty of free rust. Probably the seller correctly realized that if he described his beloved car accurately, it would either not sell, or sell at a reduced price. It was too far away for me too look at it, so I relied on carefully staged photos showing only her best attributes. But the die is cast now, and I've moved ahead with the project anyway. Seller claims he was shocked by car's condition in the pictures I sent him (and probably doubted it was the same car).

Now back in my youth, I had a 1975 TA from 1978 to about 1996, then sold it for peanuts. It left such a large hole in me, that my other life choices just couldn't fill... so I had to find another Firebird! My '75 was in pretty nice shape, but time marches on, and these 2nd gens are now much older. So my replacement car has a lot more aging issues and is therefore in need of complete a frame off.

Here are my future plans for this car at this early point in time:

Full DSE hydroformed front subframe; DSE 4-link rear w/minitubs
Moser Ford 9" diff w/Wavetrac
Baer brakes w/14" rotors & Hydroboost
Stainless fuel tank
TigerCage
Butler 535 round port normally aspirated pump-gas engine, but I'd like to keep the shaker if possible
As wide tires as possible front & rear
Buccaneer red paint using BASF Glasurit 55 system (not sure about bird/decals)
Still deciding on wheels, but perhaps the YearOne Snowflakes in 18" or 19" diameter (10" front/12" rear...or wider if possible)
Modern AC replacement and a hi-amp alternator to fuel stereo
Decent sound system w/modestly sized subs
some kind of stainless oval exhaust w/larger, factory-looking splitter-style outlets...or even custom sidepipes?
Stock-looking interior with '81 Recaro edition theme (only leather seats)
Probably leaning towards an auto trans w/paddle shifters and at least 6 speeds


(not sure why the picture shrunk so much when I attached it)

Anyhooo, I would appreciate any pointers, advice, lessons learned, or comments that might be helpful in building the best possible car, and maybe even reducing the timeline with less expensive, or used parts. I do plan to have some track days with her if she turns out capable enough. I used to drag race, but find canyon carving a longer lasting thrill.

Thanks for letting me become part of the dynamic of this forum!

[Munssey]

Welcome!

The 2nd Gen F bodies are sure popular cars to deal with lately so you're off to a good start as far as parts availability.

I can speak from years of experience but will only give one point that may be common sense or something new work considering.

Be realistic with your build and check yourself often and remember this is for fun\ enjoyment. If it's not making your tail wag (other than being frustrated when solving small problems in the build) take a step back and reevaluate.

PLEASE keep us updated on the progress and thank so much for letting us share the build process with ya.

Take care and good luck.

[BMR Sales]

Welcome!

T.C.

[Von-Overkill]

Thanks!
I hope to be able to make some better than anticipated progress.

[NOT A TA]

Welcome! I'm curious about the wheels on the rotisserie. I broke the large castor type wheels on mine moving it in and out of the garage with a car on it. Are those an accessory? Where did they come from?

[Von-Overkill]

John,
I don't know anything about the rotisserie. It is not mine, and the work is being done back East by a pro resto shop, so I can't look at it for you.
Sorry...