1976 Trans Am Resto-Mod

[70Uglybird]

Thank you for the pictures of the console. I've been thinking about doing this myself, although with an 00-02 Ebony console to match my 02 Trans Am seats. AWESOME. Really nice!!

[reedld]

Ryan,
Coming along nicely! Keep put the great work!

I considered using the 4th gen AUTO console....didn't fit as nicely as the manual one.


Leon

[ryeguy2006a]

Small visual update, but I got lots accomplished. I finished welding up the notches that I made on the sub-frame. Then ground it all down and sprayed on some duplicolor black paint so it won't rust. Lots of time welding, shaping and grinding that isn't seen.









Then I made brackets to finalize the mounting of my new center console.



And here is the final position of the center console. When I am finished it will either get a black vinyl wrap, or painted black to match the interior. I am leaning towards the wrap, but I will decide at a later date.





Smaller update this weekend, but a lot of time was spent planning and thinking about how best to accomplish what I want to do. Now that I have the brackets finalized, I need to patch up the hole that I made for the 6 speed shifter. Then I will be done welding and can focus back on wiring and the final installation of my engine!! Lots more to do, but having a bunch of fun doing it.

Cheers,
Ryan

[srh3trinity]

How does your arm sit on the console? I like how well that fits. I wonder how well an auto would work.

[70Uglybird]

Just for reference the console base for an auto is the exact same the difference is the insert. You could take that manual insert/boot and replace with auto insert. Hopefully that give you an idea on placement for an auto console.

[ryeguy2006a]

How does your arm sit on the console? I like how well that fits. I wonder how well an auto would work.

Your arm actually sits perfectly on the console. It is at the same level as the shifter, and it is a short grab to get the next gear and still keep your arm on the console. I like it a lot. Uglybird is right, the consoles are all the same, it is the upper console piece that is actually what is different and they easily swap out.

[ryeguy2006a]

I ordered my gauges last Friday from Speedhut. They had a 25% off sale that I couldn't pass up. I ordered all gauges for my car; Speedo, Tach, water temp, oil press, volt, fuel and a clock. I decided to order them all in the Tangerine color, and I think they will look killer with the carbon fiber panel in the background. I bought a beat up bezel a few weeks ago that I will use as a template and put a new piece of metal in and custom cut my gauges in. I am going to delete things like the HVAC and turning signals, then wrap the whole bezel in a 3M REAL 3D carbon fiber vinyl. The wrap looks just like the real thing. Once I get the gauges I will post up a picture of what they really look like, but for now here is a poor representation of my vision.

[qnitro]

the gauges will make a huge difference..

[72BBSwinger]

I have speedhuts in mine and they are real nice. Was a little sketchy about the GPS speedo but it has worked flawless for 1000 miles.

[ryeguy2006a]

Yeah, I opted for the standard speedo that runs off my VSS. I talked with the guys there and they said it was all about preference. They said though that what you do for the standard speedo, is calculate out a 2 mile stretch and then program the speedo for that 2 miles. Then you are done. Not that I didn't trust the GPS speedo, just like that I will have a hard wired speedo. I went with the Revolution speedo and tach, and the other gauges are speedhut standard series. Helped to keep the cost down, plus the only real difference is that the revolution gauges have warning lights. I can't wait to get them!

[72BBSwinger]

Heres mine, they are Revolutions as well

[carbuff]

I've been playing with gauge ideas for a long time for my project. I was originally going to use the Autometers as I did on my second gen Camaro, but the 5" tach and speedo are kinda large. Here is a layout I did with them:



I then discovered the Speedhuts, and I like them. Also like the price. I don't have the same picture, but I've been drawing it up in Visio, so here is a snapshot of a couple of my ideas:



Enjoy your new setup!

[70Uglybird]

72BBSwinger how do you like the turn signals in the gauge...I'm considering those as well. I'm going graphite 3m Nic over trans am panel with silver face, black lettering, blue glow, white with white glow needle. Just ordered the tach with the 25% off today. Holding off on the GPS speedo to see if I need turn signals built in or not...

[72BBSwinger]

They do the job. I went that route mainly so I didnt need to put them in the dash panel anyway. Hi-beam indicator in the center is cool too. They make for a cleaner gauge panel IMO.

[ryeguy2006a]

Double post...

[ryeguy2006a]

I really like that setup. Just so you know, the high beam and turn signals can have put in the speedo to clean up the bezel.

[carbuff]

Agreed, that is an option. I'm not sure that I really like them located in the speedo though. I'm still up in the air on that decision.

Oh, and it's hard to tell in the pictures, but the upper layout with the 200 MPH speedo is the 4.5" tach and speedo combination while the lower set with the 160 MPH speedo is the 4" set. And if it's not obvious, the 2 round black circles are the light and wiper switches.

[ryeguy2006a]

I didn't even notice that they were different sizes. I should have the gauges soon, and will be installing them within the next few months. Check back and I will have them installed for you to see what they look like.

[ryeguy2006a]

Well, I found a great deal and couldn't pass it up. DynaTech Muscle Maxx 2nd gen swap headers.

[linzbach]

I really like that setup. Just so you know, the high beam and turn signals can have put in the speedo to clean up the bezel.

Oh man, and I thought I was the only guy who has spent hours configuring and reconfiguring my gauge layout I went with Speedhut too and love them. Good stuff.