Finally starting on my 78 Trans Am!!!!!!!!

[78trans]

We bought the car in sept. 08 and finally got it in the shop and working on it last week. While it was just sitting we were slowing gathering parts for it.
We are going to do all the work ourselves. The plans for the car is to paint is blue with the bird still on the hood, 6.0l carbed ls motor, overdrive trans, 12 bolt rear end, 17x8 black snowflakes in front and 17x12 snowflakes in rear, disc brakes all around. I just started college so this car is being built on a budget.

[village idiot]

Looks like a solid foundation! Post pics of progress :D

[astroracer]

Go after it with a steam cleaner. Looks a little grungy but rust free! We need progress pics!

[ryeguy2006a]

Nice, project. When it comes to brakes look into the C5 12.8" Front brakes and LS1 12" Rears w/ internal parking brake. They are a great budget friendly brakes swap. I shopped around for a while to get the best deals that I could and I have Under $600 into my whole brake setup! I have yet to install the LS1 Rears, but it is one of the next things on my list of things to do.

Also, If you need any firebird specific parts or help, try transamcountry.com. They are very helpful there.

[Trans]

Carburated LS? thats what im talking about! Make sure to paint it black here is some inspiration

[78trans]

Nice, project. When it comes to brakes look into the C5 12.8" Front brakes and LS1 12" Rears w/ internal parking brake. They are a great budget friendly brakes swap. I shopped around for a while to get the best deals that I could and I have Under $600 into my whole brake setup! I have yet to install the LS1 Rears, but it is one of the next things on my list of things to do.

Also, If you need any firebird specific parts or help, try transamcountry.com. They are very helpful there.

That is the exact set up we have for the car.

[78trans]

Got some more work done on the car today. I cleaned the firewall to get ready for paint and got all the interior removed. When we removed the interior we found quite a bit of rust on the passenger side in the floor pans. I guess at 18 its good to know how to weld when building a car. Tomorrow I plan on taking out rear end and starting the mini tubbing process. Its all coming along after the long wait to start

[78trans]

Oh and for got to mention we had taken the sub frame and all front end apart about 6 months ago. We had it all powder coated and all the nuts and bolts refinished. i would post pics of the tear down but lost the pictures we took of it.

[cdoggy81]

I was just going to say keep the FI. You can do a TB to look just like a carb setup.
It will be a sweet car regardless

[sixgunsblazing]

I'm really jonesing for an LS swap in my firebird, but can't pull the trigger.

Can't wait to see your progress!

[78trans]

The past few weeks I've gotten some work done on the trans am! I cut out the right side floor pan to fix the rust. I learned to use the welder for the first time while putting the new floor pan in. I also got the dash all taken out to fix some rust in the toe board. I also took apart the ls1 to paint it when we paint the firewall. Its a learning process for me but im trying to do it all by myself with just little help from my dad.

[78trans]

Does anyone have tubular upper a arms an 18 year old could afford?

[cdoggy81]

what is your budget?
SC&C has them for ~ $320
http://scandc.com/old/spcarms.htm

[gold79ta]

If I am not mistaken I think somebody has a set on here for sale?
Not sure if they were sold or not but take a look in the 4 sale section.

[Trans]

whats your mpg gona be with the carb setup

[cdoggy81]

also forgot PTFB has them for $300
http://pro-touringf-body.com/control_arms.html

[78trans]

Got some work done on the trans last week. I got the floors completely welded in and coated in Por-15. Next week I plan on getting the doors off and painting the door jambs and firewall. Well at least that is the plan lol.

[LUV2XLR8]

got a bunch of work done so far... car is looking good !!!

[Chadman27]

For "familiarizing" yourself with your welder on those floor pans, EXCELLENT job... I look forward to seeing the progress! That gloss black paint looks deep and sexy!

[78trans]

Its been awhile since I've updated just get caught up and forget to. I've got a lot done since the last update. We've got the rear end taken out to put in a 12 bolt. We have also started on the mini tubs, doors taken off, were gonna put the sub frame back on it tomorrow to check and see if the headers we have will clear and work for us. Hoping to have the car back on all four wheels by the end of the month. Can't wait to see what kind of goodies i get for Christmas for her. I'm going to post pictures of what we have done tomorrow after we get done working lol.