1976 Trans Am Resto-Mod

[ryeguy2006a]

Ok, guys. I pissed the wife off again this weekend... I worked on my car almost all Saturday and most of Sunday, but made tons of progress towards getting this car to a reliable driving status once again. So, a recap of my work. I started off by installing two axle saver bearings. With the right tools they were simple to install. After struggling a little with the passengers side, the driver's side went in within minutes. Buttoned up the rear end and the axles were all done. Then took the car for its first official test drive, with gas this time. I was much more pleased with the way that the car performed with the new axle bearings. NO more screeching. Still have a slight scrapping sound from a rear backing plate contacting my rotors, but overall not bad. I just drove about 10 miles basically to get gas and back.

Then Sunday morning, I wanted to get the car ready for a longer cruise. Which meant I had to put exhaust gaskets on, reinstall the interior and front bumper, bleed the brakes and other finishing touches. I finally finished it up around 2 pm on Sunday. It was time to clean up and take the car out. Now, up until then I hadn't taken the car past 3k rpms. I was listening for any odd noises, rattles, etc. After about 25 miles or so, I felt good enough to get on it while entering the on ramp. All I can say is WOW. If I could race my car from last year vs. my car today, the car today would blow it out of the water. No contest that the LS1 really woke up my car. Once on the highway, the 6th gear was finally useful. At 70-75 mph the car quietly drove along at 1800 rpms! Absolutely impressed.

Once I got the car back from the test drive, I took a few pictures of my accomplishments.







Still need to adjust the hood to fit better on the driver's side.










Overall, Great experience. There wasn't any significant issues other than the backing plate that is lightly scrapping against the rotor. Should be a simple fix. I also need to finish up some lingering projects such as my wiper motor conversion, paint the top of my cowl, find a better lower radiator hose, wire in my headlights and parking lights, and somehow fix my shaker to the hood.

There is a car show in two weeks that I plan to attend. It's called Cruisin' Palooza in Whitney Point, NY for those in the area if you want to swing by and talk cars.

Thanks,
Ryan

[LUV2XLR8]

what's the part number for the top rad. hose?

[ryeguy2006a]

Upper Radiator hose Gates 22352. I still need to find a good fitting lower hose.

[cdoggy81]

try a Napa 9038 for that lower

[ryeguy2006a]

Thanks, I will look at that one. The other one that was recommended to me didn't even come close to fitting. I need one that will make almost a 90* turn right off the radiator.

[LUV2XLR8]

Awesome... thanks guys!!

[qnitro]

whats the update??

[scott67ss396]

Nice ride, working on my Gold 78 TA..going LS6