1979 Trans Am

[Josh@Ridetech]

What are you using to cut out the fan holes in your shroud? I don't think any of my current tools would keep it from warping.

I used some electric metal shears on the last shroud I made but I couldn't get my hands on them this time. Me being impatient, ended up cutting it out in sections with a cut-off wheel. After I got the big chunks out, I smoothed it all down with a flap wheel on my die grinder. It wasn't as efficient as the previous shroud but it worked well and you'd never know the difference between the two.

[zamora7]

Man that sounds really good, what mufflers are those?

[Josh@Ridetech]

Man that sounds really good, what mufflers are those?

Thanks! They’re the Magnaflow Race series mufflers, I’m using part number 14156. I’ve had them on 3 different cars before this one and loved them so I thought “why do something different now?” Haha.

[Josh@Ridetech]

I’ve had it out and driven it to the gas station a couple times. Other than a few minor tweaks and still needing to put the interior in, I’m loving it! I need to align it and pick up some carpet and a steering wheel (this Grant wheel will be free to a good home if someone wants it...). I put the hood on,gapped the fenders, and made some brackets for my shaker over the weekend. It’s starting to look like a car!

[andrewb70]

Apparently my base tune was pretty damn good :-D

Andrew

[zamora7]

Im in need of a steering wheel. You got a picture of it?

[Josh@Ridetech]

Im in need of a steering wheel. You got a picture of it?

I'll try and grab one tonight! It's an old Grant GT wheel.

[Josh@Ridetech]

I’ve been doing my best to get the car out and put some miles on it while the weather has been nice! Got the new MPI wheel put on, much nicer feel. I also got the front spoiler back from paint as well, it helped out so much having it back on. I can actually take pictures from the front now! Haha. So far, the only thing I need to track down is something in the rear, I’ve got some chirping sounds going on. It’s not brake related so I’m guessing an axle bearing.

I’ve got the car at the shop right now doing some testing some new spindles we’re doing. Once I get it back, I’ll keep throwing more miles at it!

[andrewb70]

Look at that awesome charge voltage!

[Josh@Ridetech]

Look at that awesome charge voltage!

Haha, charge voltage was great until the new battery died after three weeks. Thought it was some wiring or alternator issues as the voltage just continued to drop over time, threw the old battery back in, and it charges at 14.7v. Put this one on a slow, low amp charge, and it's at 3.2v after charging for 3 days.

[andrewb70]

Haha, charge voltage was great until the new battery died after three weeks. Thought it was some wiring or alternator issues as the voltage just continued to drop over time, threw the old battery back in, and it charges at 14.7v. Put this one on a slow, low amp charge, and it's at 3.2v after charging for 3 days.

Hopefully you took it back and got a new one!

Andrew

[Josh@Ridetech]

Hopefully you took it back and got a new one!

Andrew

Going through that warranty process now...wooh, lol.

[timmytimm3]

I keep hearing complaints about those batteries. Some people have great luck with them and others they die quick like you experienced...

[Josh@Ridetech]

I keep hearing complaints about those batteries. Some people have great luck with them and others they die quick like you experienced...

Hopefully that's not the case with the new one. I got the new one yesterday and got the car back out :D.

[jlcustomz]

U-joint can chirp also. Was a light chirp I couldn't track down Had a name brand part turn out to fit too tight at the end caps on rear joint between the replacement clips. Put the vehicle up on 2 sets of wood blocks per side in rear & ran it up past 160 mph. The u-joint issue showed it's a** right quick.

[csouth]

I don't know how I missed this.... Beautiful car Josh! You're making me want an F Body....lol

[Josh@Ridetech]

I don't know how I missed this.... Beautiful car Josh! You're making me want an F Body....lol

Haha, thanks Chris! I appreciate it. It's been the most love/hate relationship I've ever had...but it's becoming a better friend as of lately! lol

[F-Body International]

Haven’t clicked on your thread in a while. Glad to see you’re continuing process.

[syborg tt]

Haven’t clicked on your thread in a while. Glad to see you’re continuing process.

Funny I was checking the status also and car looks great.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Haven’t clicked on your thread in a while. Glad to see you’re continuing process.

Funny I was checking the status also and car looks great.

Thanks guys! I appreciate it. I need to post some more pictures, I've done quite a bit more over the last few months but haven't had a chance to get over here much. I picked up a cam from BTR that I'll be swapping in, hopefully in a few weeks. Had a couple new build leaks to chase down, got those taken care of (hopefully ), rebuilt the trans tunnel, put the center console in, new stereo, wiring up new speakers, etc. It's been getting a little bit of love! Just slow progress.