**Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
*sigh*
09-12-2012 | 08:57 AM
#1502
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 14
From: Northern CT
Car: 1986 Trans am
Engine: 5.3 LM7
Transmission: T56 6 speed
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 w/ 3.55's
09-12-2012 | 09:04 AM
#1503
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 4
From: Clinton Township, Michigan
Car: 91 GTA, 73 Z28
Engine: 355, 6.0L
Transmission: TH350, 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.73
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
and then the worst part s when you have to get it shortened
09-16-2012 | 09:51 PM
#1504
Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 188
Likes: 1
From: Clawson, MI
Car: 1992 Firebird
Engine: TBI 305
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 2.73
09-16-2012 | 10:57 PM
#1505
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 14
From: Northern CT
Car: 1986 Trans am
Engine: 5.3 LM7
Transmission: T56 6 speed
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 w/ 3.55's
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Well, basically buttoned up the car and finished fabbing the exhaust.....
AND I DROVE IT TODAY!!!
And I don't mean just down the street...I put about 30-40 miles on it cruising first to a gas station just over the MA border, and then up to a park in Westfield, MA and then back home. Car drove absolutely flawlessly. 50 psi oil press while cruising, temps didn't budge over 190 degrees, and I had 13.5 volts even with the headlights, fog lights, and heat on full blast on my way home from the park. I am SO happy that after 4 years of this project, it's first real drive went perfect. Car is such a head turner, and at the park I had about 10 cars drive about 1 mph past where I was parked, and everyone's heads were just turning as they went by lol. Makes me feel pretty good.
Heres a few park shots...
Still have to finish up some of the interior and do a few odds and ends, but mechanically, the car is sound. Transmission shifted awesome, and I have reverse!! I'll try to get some pics up soon once I get the interior completely back together.
And to all the followers and everyone that has been a part of this thread, thanks for the support and encouragement. You guys all kept me motivated, even at times when I felt like giving up. TGO is one of the best forums I have ever been a member on, and the community is awesome.
This day was a landmark for project PITA, and while the hard part is done, I will always be tinkering with the car and trying to make things better. It's with me for the long haul at this point!
AND I DROVE IT TODAY!!!
And I don't mean just down the street...I put about 30-40 miles on it cruising first to a gas station just over the MA border, and then up to a park in Westfield, MA and then back home. Car drove absolutely flawlessly. 50 psi oil press while cruising, temps didn't budge over 190 degrees, and I had 13.5 volts even with the headlights, fog lights, and heat on full blast on my way home from the park. I am SO happy that after 4 years of this project, it's first real drive went perfect. Car is such a head turner, and at the park I had about 10 cars drive about 1 mph past where I was parked, and everyone's heads were just turning as they went by lol. Makes me feel pretty good.
Heres a few park shots...
Still have to finish up some of the interior and do a few odds and ends, but mechanically, the car is sound. Transmission shifted awesome, and I have reverse!! I'll try to get some pics up soon once I get the interior completely back together.
And to all the followers and everyone that has been a part of this thread, thanks for the support and encouragement. You guys all kept me motivated, even at times when I felt like giving up. TGO is one of the best forums I have ever been a member on, and the community is awesome.
This day was a landmark for project PITA, and while the hard part is done, I will always be tinkering with the car and trying to make things better. It's with me for the long haul at this point!
09-16-2012 | 11:03 PM
#1506
Member
iTrader: (6)
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Appleton, WI & Platteville, WI
Car: 92 Camaro
Engine: 404 SBC
Transmission: The strongest stock T5 ever made
Axle/Gears: 3.73 w/Detriot Tru Trac Locker
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Congrats! I've been watching from the beginning and it looks amazing. It's some serious motivation for us all to do our car to the level you took yours.
TGO CAR OF THE MONTH!
TGO CAR OF THE MONTH!
09-17-2012 | 01:01 AM
#1507
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 4
From: Clinton Township, Michigan
Car: 91 GTA, 73 Z28
Engine: 355, 6.0L
Transmission: TH350, 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.73
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
May i has a napkin......i made a mess =/
JUST KIDDING. car looks great bud. i know i came into this thread late at the beginning but wathcing this thing transform into what it is shows me theres still hope for the human race to built a nice thirdgen that isnt hacked together. and also that u my friend have some dedication, ive been jealous throughout this whole build, and seeing this thing transform from white stockish car to this LS powered Beaut of a car just makes my day.
JUST KIDDING. car looks great bud. i know i came into this thread late at the beginning but wathcing this thing transform into what it is shows me theres still hope for the human race to built a nice thirdgen that isnt hacked together. and also that u my friend have some dedication, ive been jealous throughout this whole build, and seeing this thing transform from white stockish car to this LS powered Beaut of a car just makes my day.
09-17-2012 | 03:57 AM
#1508
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Leavenworth, Ks
Car: 87 camaro z28
Engine: 305
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.73
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
dude?! I've followed this thing from day freaking one and I have to say this is the badest car I've ever seen. Great job man and drive the sh*t out of it
09-17-2012 | 05:26 AM
#1509
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 674
Likes: 3
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Congratulations on building a great-looking car! Plus a big THANK YOU for taking the time to share your project in such detail and with great pics. That in itself takes a lot of time and dedication. You've given many of us good ideas and tips, as well as inspiration.
Hope you keep this thread going, from time to time.
Enjoy your car, man!
Hope you keep this thread going, from time to time.
Enjoy your car, man!
09-17-2012 | 06:21 AM
#1510
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,708
Likes: 15
From: NYC
Car: 1982 Recaro TA, 1989 TTA#948
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Nice - that's what makes it all worth while! It's motivation for those of us who are still trying to finish our projects. You did a great job. Now this is the pay off.
09-17-2012 | 08:14 AM
#1511
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: IL
Car: 87 Iroc
Engine: 355 sbc 12:1 compression
Transmission: Swapped t5, thanks Denny!
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.42
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Sweet man. Been watching the thread forever glad to get another one back on the road!
09-17-2012 | 08:27 AM
#1512
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 0
From: Central Connecticut
Car: 91 Trans Am 'vert
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 bolt
09-17-2012 | 10:14 AM
#1514
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 527
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
Car: 89 GTA
Engine: 5.7 TPI L98
Transmission: 700R4 w/ Stage 2 shift kit & stall
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Car looks absolutely fantastic! Can't believe it's basically done! Everything about it looks so perfect. The stance. The wheels. The color. The interior. Words can't even describe...
09-17-2012 | 10:36 AM
#1515
Supreme Member
iTrader: (7)
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,176
Likes: 4
From: Moneta, VA
Car: 88 GTA
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: BW 9-bolt 3.27 posi
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
What can I say that hasn't already been said? Yours is hands-down the best DIY resto that I have ever followed. WOW. You have set the bar pretty high for the rest of us... but maybe this will motivate me to do right by my GTA.
Congrats, man!
Congrats, man!
09-17-2012 | 03:06 PM
#1517
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 4
From: Clinton Township, Michigan
Car: 91 GTA, 73 Z28
Engine: 355, 6.0L
Transmission: TH350, 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.73
09-17-2012 | 03:32 PM
#1518
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 460
Likes: 3
Car: '89 Camaro
Engine: LS1
Transmission: 4L65/70E
Axle/Gears: 9 Inch, 3.70 gears
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Congrats man, I've been following your build for about two years now. Enjoy it, and perhaps take it on Power Tour or Drag Week next year.
09-17-2012 | 04:25 PM
#1519
Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Bay City,Michigan
Car: 87 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: Lapouttre Racing 350
Transmission: Rebuilt 700r4 Mild shift kit
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.23 posi w/disc brakes
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Have nothing else to add, everyone said it all. .Beautiful car. And awsome build. This thread alone keeps me going in my own build.
09-17-2012 | 11:47 PM
#1520
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 743
Likes: 0
From: California
Car: '91 Firebird
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
09-17-2012 | 11:57 PM
#1521
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,826
Likes: 0
From: Katy TEXAS (West Houston)
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: 5.0 TBI L03 V8
Transmission: Rebuilt 700R4 W/ Corvette shift kit
Axle/Gears: 2:73 open
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
HOLLY SCHNIKIES BATMAN!!!
Dude that car is amazing. Super glad for you man.
Dude that car is amazing. Super glad for you man.
09-18-2012 | 12:00 AM
#1522
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,826
Likes: 0
From: Katy TEXAS (West Houston)
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: 5.0 TBI L03 V8
Transmission: Rebuilt 700R4 W/ Corvette shift kit
Axle/Gears: 2:73 open
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
That is seriously the nicest bird I have ever seen.
09-18-2012 | 08:39 AM
#1523
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 685
Likes: 0
From: CT
Car: 1988 Iroc
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: '96 T56, Hurst Shifter, Mech VSS
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Saw this car at a local car show yesterday. That borla sounds SOOOO amazing. Not too loud, but has a nice deep tone! Rob, now that your done, when can I drop mine off so you can do the same to mine?
09-18-2012 | 09:05 AM
#1524
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: kennesaw ga
Car: 84 ta 87 gta 89 ta 89 Camaro 99 z28
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Amazing build I've been following this for a while now and I have to say that this is just an amazing build!!! Now I have to go and start working on my GTA and get her on the road so I can enjoy my third gen!!!
09-19-2012 | 02:43 PM
#1525
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 73
From: Plant City, FL
Car: 1991 Firebird
Engine: 3.1L V6
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Looks great! Must be nice after 4 years it runs flawlessly. Get that steering taken care of and it will be a blast.
09-19-2012 | 09:36 PM
#1526
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 727
Likes: 1
From: Riverside (Wood Crest) , CA
Car: 1988 Pontiac trans am
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Well, took another step backwards guys but it's for the better. I looked into the wiring a little and did a lot of resarch, and all the butt connectors I used just weren't sitting well with me. I just kept fearing that a few years down the road I would be chasing an electrical gremlin and the whole point of using a new harness was to prevent any chance of that. After looking at a bunch of online forums, this is what I decided to do...
Went out and bought a cheap but good heat gun, and these special connectors called solder sleeves. They have a band of solder in the middle and a glue ring on each end. You put it on the wire where you want to make a connection and put the heat gun on it. This melts the solder while also shrink wrapping and sealing the wire with glue making a water tight, soldered connection. I recommend these things to EVERYONE after using them! They are awesome, hands down, and from someone who hates soldering, these things are stupid easy to use...even more so than a butt connector! Plus they use these in the air force and military so they are proven to hold up.
Anyways, heres the heat gun and solder sleeves.
Heres the section of headlight wires all done.
And the horn wire.
So far I have the entire headlight harness done, and have a few more engine bay connections to replace. My biggest concern is getting all the external connections replaced with these since they will be the most prone to moisture and wire failure. Then I'll work on the interior ones, but mostly concentrate on the floor wires for the most part. That way I will eliminate 75% of the butt connectors, and if for any reason something fails, it'll be contained to behind the dash area only. As much of a pain as it is, I'm glad I found out about these and decided to fix it now while it's still easy!
Went out and bought a cheap but good heat gun, and these special connectors called solder sleeves. They have a band of solder in the middle and a glue ring on each end. You put it on the wire where you want to make a connection and put the heat gun on it. This melts the solder while also shrink wrapping and sealing the wire with glue making a water tight, soldered connection. I recommend these things to EVERYONE after using them! They are awesome, hands down, and from someone who hates soldering, these things are stupid easy to use...even more so than a butt connector! Plus they use these in the air force and military so they are proven to hold up.
Anyways, heres the heat gun and solder sleeves.
Heres the section of headlight wires all done.
And the horn wire.
So far I have the entire headlight harness done, and have a few more engine bay connections to replace. My biggest concern is getting all the external connections replaced with these since they will be the most prone to moisture and wire failure. Then I'll work on the interior ones, but mostly concentrate on the floor wires for the most part. That way I will eliminate 75% of the butt connectors, and if for any reason something fails, it'll be contained to behind the dash area only. As much of a pain as it is, I'm glad I found out about these and decided to fix it now while it's still easy!
09-19-2012 | 09:42 PM
#1527
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,854
Likes: 74
From: Mantua NJ
Car: 1 Owner 1986 TA with a WS6 package
Engine: 5.0 EFI
Transmission: THM700R4
Axle/Gears: 277 Posi Speedo
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
09-19-2012 | 09:50 PM
#1528
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 14
From: Northern CT
Car: 1986 Trans am
Engine: 5.3 LM7
Transmission: T56 6 speed
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 w/ 3.55's
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Thanks everyone! Got to say, it was one heck of a project, but just driving it now and hearing that beautiful sounding turbo V8 makes it all worth it. Been doing a few small things here and there. Painted the air dam since it was bare metal and had some surface rust starting. Also got my center console in and detailed the interior. Still need door panels but I ended up buying some smaller 60 lbs injectors since my tuner said the 80's I have are way too big for the motor. I'll finish the cosmetic stuff like the interior once the car is running perfect. Tough to find time to work on it in between all this driving though 
Thanks Matt! I think part of the reason it's so deep sounding is because of the piping being 3.5" too. And hey, if you pick up an LS motor, I'm down for some install help!
Thanks Matt! I think part of the reason it's so deep sounding is because of the piping being 3.5" too. And hey, if you pick up an LS motor, I'm down for some install help!
09-19-2012 | 10:01 PM
#1529
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 674
Likes: 3
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
09-19-2012 | 10:14 PM
#1530
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 727
Likes: 1
From: Riverside (Wood Crest) , CA
Car: 1988 Pontiac trans am
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
is ray chem wholesale only . i thought home depot or lowes would carry them think grainger carries them ?
on another not CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! , KUDOS MAN KUDOS ON ALL OF YOUR WORK IDGAF ABOUT USING ALL CAPS , CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN !!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND AGAIN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOP WOOP WOOOP WOOP WOOP *spins on floor *
on another not CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! , KUDOS MAN KUDOS ON ALL OF YOUR WORK IDGAF ABOUT USING ALL CAPS , CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN !!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND AGAIN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOP WOOP WOOOP WOOP WOOP *spins on floor *
Last edited by Birdstheword; 09-19-2012 at 10:18 PM.
09-20-2012 | 06:13 AM
#1531
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 685
Likes: 0
From: CT
Car: 1988 Iroc
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: '96 T56, Hurst Shifter, Mech VSS
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
I got mine from home depot. They worked very well when I did my stereo install.
09-20-2012 | 02:44 PM
#1533
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 727
Likes: 1
From: Riverside (Wood Crest) , CA
Car: 1988 Pontiac trans am
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
never mind , found it
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/TE-...488?Pid=search
Last edited by Birdstheword; 09-20-2012 at 03:03 PM.
09-21-2012 | 08:18 AM
#1535
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 870
Likes: 0
From: Brick, NJ
Car: 91 Trans Am
Engine: 355 TPI
Transmission: Built T-5
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Wow the car looks great man. To follow this thing from the start and see what you started with and what the finished product is I have to say that this is one of the nicest 3rd gen T/A's I have ever seen. And its got power to boot Great work
Great work
09-21-2012 | 01:37 PM
#1536
Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Bay City,Michigan
Car: 87 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: Lapouttre Racing 350
Transmission: Rebuilt 700r4 Mild shift kit
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.23 posi w/disc brakes
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Your about to go over 100k views on this thread.
09-21-2012 | 08:15 PM
#1537
Supreme Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 2
From: So Cal
Car: 89 IROC Z28
Engine: 357 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Posi
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Great car it's just awesome. So what kind RWHP and RWTQ does it make?
How many MPG does get about 10 I'm guessing?
Good Job, love it.
How many MPG does get about 10 I'm guessing?
Good Job, love it.
09-21-2012 | 08:30 PM
#1538
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 14
From: Northern CT
Car: 1986 Trans am
Engine: 5.3 LM7
Transmission: T56 6 speed
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 w/ 3.55's
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
LOL well for a 4 year long build, I guess thats about right.
All said and done I'm hoping for 600 RWHP....not sure on the torque, but probably somewhere in the low 500's at the wheels. Will be getting it tuned and dyno'd soon so I will let you know for sure. As far as mpg, once it's tuned right, I should get about 16-17 around town if I don't step on it. It's basically a stock 5.3 in a light trans am so out of boost it'll get what a stock motor does for the most part.
All said and done I'm hoping for 600 RWHP....not sure on the torque, but probably somewhere in the low 500's at the wheels. Will be getting it tuned and dyno'd soon so I will let you know for sure. As far as mpg, once it's tuned right, I should get about 16-17 around town if I don't step on it. It's basically a stock 5.3 in a light trans am so out of boost it'll get what a stock motor does for the most part.
09-23-2012 | 01:54 PM
#1539
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 553
Likes: 0
From: Tampa,FL
Car: 89 Irocz
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 342
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Man that sure is sharp, looks better than new 
even though it pretty much is
great to see your almost completely done. Now here's your next problem,what are you going to do with all your free time now!!
even though it pretty much is great to see your almost completely done. Now here's your next problem,what are you going to do with all your free time now!! 
09-23-2012 | 09:37 PM
#1541
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 14
From: Northern CT
Car: 1986 Trans am
Engine: 5.3 LM7
Transmission: T56 6 speed
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 w/ 3.55's
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Thanks!
09-23-2012 | 10:33 PM
#1542
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 4
From: Clinton Township, Michigan
Car: 91 GTA, 73 Z28
Engine: 355, 6.0L
Transmission: TH350, 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.73
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
when do i get to go for a ride?
09-24-2012 | 10:55 AM
#1544
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Everywhere, U.S.A.
Car: 1989 GTA WS6
Engine: 5.7L TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: Borg 3.27
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Dude , I gotta tell you that you have the most, best , bada$$, b17chin thirdgen I have ever seen congrats. Now when can you start on mine?
09-27-2012 | 10:12 PM
#1545
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 14
From: Northern CT
Car: 1986 Trans am
Engine: 5.3 LM7
Transmission: T56 6 speed
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 w/ 3.55's
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
The car is done for the most part and I've been driving it, but that doesn't mean the work is over yet! Borrowed a set of race ramps from a buddy of mine for the front wheels and have the axle up on jack stands in preparation for the BMR subframe connectors I just ordered. In the mean time, I started scraping the old undercoat off the floorboards and will have them herculined this weekend. Gonna be nice to finally have the entire underside done!!
I also decided that I am most likely having the entire exhaust system ceramic coated in black, since I am so happy with how it came out and the ground clearance I have with it. Since I made it out of mild steel, eventually it would rust, but ceramic coating should make it last a LONG time. Anyways, heres pics of the undercoating progress...
Entire drivers side floorboard ready. Scraped the old crap off, cleaned it with jet fuel (yes I have real jet fuel), and now it looks brand new again. Just have to scuff it up with sandpaper and lay on the herculiner.
Heres how the car is set up for the subframe connector install. The race ramps work AWESOME and are designed for lowered sports cars. I drove up on them perfectly even with 1 3/4 drop springs. My buddy who let me borrow them has a lowered 96 dodge viper and his car goes onto them perfect as well, so I figured I wouldn't have an issue. I measured exactly 10" off the ground at all 4 tires and the doors open and close perfect. Should be exactly as the car would sit on the ground. Can't wait to feel the difference with them on!
Thats quite the compliment...thanks man!
I also decided that I am most likely having the entire exhaust system ceramic coated in black, since I am so happy with how it came out and the ground clearance I have with it. Since I made it out of mild steel, eventually it would rust, but ceramic coating should make it last a LONG time. Anyways, heres pics of the undercoating progress...
Entire drivers side floorboard ready. Scraped the old crap off, cleaned it with jet fuel (yes I have real jet fuel), and now it looks brand new again. Just have to scuff it up with sandpaper and lay on the herculiner.
Heres how the car is set up for the subframe connector install. The race ramps work AWESOME and are designed for lowered sports cars. I drove up on them perfectly even with 1 3/4 drop springs. My buddy who let me borrow them has a lowered 96 dodge viper and his car goes onto them perfect as well, so I figured I wouldn't have an issue. I measured exactly 10" off the ground at all 4 tires and the doors open and close perfect. Should be exactly as the car would sit on the ground. Can't wait to feel the difference with them on!
Thats quite the compliment...thanks man!
09-28-2012 | 06:52 AM
#1546
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 685
Likes: 0
From: CT
Car: 1988 Iroc
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: '96 T56, Hurst Shifter, Mech VSS
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
are those race ramps higher than the ramps i had mine on? Id love to get a set myself.
09-28-2012 | 09:04 AM
#1547
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 14
From: Northern CT
Car: 1986 Trans am
Engine: 5.3 LM7
Transmission: T56 6 speed
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 w/ 3.55's
09-28-2012 | 09:35 AM
#1548
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,708
Likes: 15
From: NYC
Car: 1982 Recaro TA, 1989 TTA#948
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
How did you get the undercoating off? Did you soak it in the fuel first and then scrape it? I am curious because I still need to do the same thing on my car. If I am not mistaken, jet fuel is very close to kerosene. So something on that order should accomplish the same thing.
09-28-2012 | 06:46 PM
#1549
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 14
From: Northern CT
Car: 1986 Trans am
Engine: 5.3 LM7
Transmission: T56 6 speed
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 w/ 3.55's
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
How did you get the undercoating off? Did you soak it in the fuel first and then scrape it? I am curious because I still need to do the same thing on my car. If I am not mistaken, jet fuel is very close to kerosene. So something on that order should accomplish the same thing.