1974 Trans Am Clone Build

[Ccd]

I started this build over the last few months, just recently introduced it in the new member section, and would like to keep a running commentary on the progress. My hope is that my experiences might be of help to someone else doing a similar project, and also perhaps get some suggestions, tips or assistance too.



So, if you are interested enough feel free to go check out my introduction in the new members section, but here's the long and short of it... 1974 Firebird Esprit, all original, no accidents, 2 previous owners, 46000 miles. Super straight car, almost zero rust, and she is getting worked over to eventually become my version of a Pro Tour Trans Am clone.

I have a 2011 ZR1 Corvette, a 2015 Audi S8, and a 2016 FJR1300 along with several other vehicles of varying interest, but there is nothing quite so cool as ripping around in something old school cool, that's built with your own 2 hands and thoughts and plans! I spent years pulling wrenches professionally, both as an employee and then as a business owner, and let me tell you how little you feel like working on your own stuff when you do it for a living! I started my own heavy truck and trailer repair shop 10 years ago, and as it's grown over the last few years I have distanced myself from working as a technician, and now finally am able to take pleasure in doing this kind of work once again.

Here she is in all her vinyl top, spoilerless glory. Posted closer up pics so you guys can see how straight this car is! As I work through the disassembly process. Have yet to find any surprises or even have any fasteners or what have you give me any trouble at all.

[1965gp]

Damn that car looks clean!

[kamaro]

I don't want to be the rain on your parade, but that car looks too clean to be hacked up!

[compos mentis]

I had a '74 455 T/A...they certainly need to be PT'd.

'Jim Rockford' was always having to try and keep his 'Birds in one piece...

(Racer) Jim Garner would say 'cut it up!' -;)

how to do a screenshot on a pccertificity.com

[qnitro]

I did the same thing... LS2/T56

[Ccd]

Couldn't get this pic to load before...
I'm finding out that IPads don't lend themselves to this site very well!

[compos mentis]

I use www.postimg.org with my ipad.

Super easy imo.

[Ccd]

And so it begins!! Here's some of the teardown, I set up this garage space with a hoist, a stereo and a beer fridge and I don't know of a better way to relax and decompress then come and spend some time on the F-Bird!

[Later-A-body]

That's exactly what my Grand Am looked like when I bought it 25 years ago. White paint, white vinyl roof, whitewalls and Rally II wheels. Go for the look and performance that will make you happy. Staying with the Pontiac or going LS? Automatic or manual? Great car to start with.

[Ccd]

Thanks LA-Body! Powertrain is a cammed LS3 with 4L65e, TCI street fighter torque converter, and Moser spec built diff with 3.73 gears. I'll be heading over to your threads to check out your GA!

[Ccd]

So, the disassembly process is nearing completion! Out comes the old 10 bolt... it put up a bit of a struggle, there was definitely some cursing before it was out!



The subframe is out and has taken a little trip to get media blasted and powder coated. Word to the wise... the balance of the car shifts drastically once the subframe comes out. I could see what was happening before it became an issue and strapped the car down.




Interior is all out, I think I will probably tackle the mini tub kit next. I watched the DSE video it appears to be a very involved process!
Does anybody know if there is a reason they don't use a plasma cutter, especially for the rough cuts?

[Ccd]

Finally everything I ordered is showing up! So hard to watch our currency deteriorate when I know there is so much more I need to get from my compadres down south!! 73 cents on the dollar and falling. Seems like all Trump has to do is THINK bad thoughts about Canada and our currency dives! First world problems...

Anyhow, here's some cool pics of the toys arriving daily!







It starts to get pretty exciting when your vision starts to become reality! Did anyone notice the rack and pinion set up that Flaming River offers now? I went manual but they offer power systems as well. It would seem that the design of the bracket will serve to stiffen the subframe too.

[Ccd]

Hello all, it's been months since I've updated. Primarily because summer fun at the cabin, motorcycle trips etc put projects like this on hold! Now that the weather is starting to go downhill, the boat and the dock are out of the water, and its time to get rolling again! Started with a dust off and clean up today, and I will get started over the next few weeks again.

Last thing I did was get started on the mini tubs. This is a messy, complicated procedure that I find myself wishing I paid someone else to do. Kind of.









I found out it's next to impossible to find good T/A fenders, and the fenders off this car are in exceptional condition so I had my father in law graft some factory heat extractors that were cut out. He's still got the touch apparently haha!





My subframe came back looking sharp, media blasted and powder coated. I am second guessing my decision to go factory subframe, but the DSE subframe or Schwartz chassis are just such a major hassle to get across the border and and then then all the way across the country, and they aren't cheap especially when the exchange rate is factored in. Plus I already have the suspension and manual rack here so sticking to the original plan!
Once my tubs are done I'll fire off a few more pics.

[LUV2XLR8]

Looking good!, where did you source your radiator from?

[Ccd]

Thanks! The radiator came from Southern Performance as part of their LS conversion kit

[69Goat]

subscribed

[keepat]

Wow! great car to start with! and your Father in-law did a awesome job! I love 2nd gen Pontiac, good luck with your build!
Pat

[cdoggy81]

Great build & lots of good parts going on there!
Subscribed :]

[Ccd]

Hey everyone, hoping for some input. I would really like to have this thing ready for this spring, and I'm starting to think I might be smarter to go to a full chassis, such as a Schwartz Performance G Machine or a Art Morrison unit. Has anyone had any personal experience or otherwise that would help? I'm thinking that having everything sorted out in one package would really make things easier and faster, the Schwartz chassis in particular comes quite complete, brakes, rear axles and suspension all sorted... let me know what you guys think!

[76TA]

Why isn't Detroit Speed being mentioned? It is largely considered to be top tier. I don't believe their front sub frame nor rear comes with brakes included; however you can order them directly from their website.