**Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
#301
Supreme Member
iTrader: (18)
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes
on
9 Posts
Car: 84 camaro, 88 trans am, 98 camaro
Engine: Modded , stock, LSX modded
Transmission: 700r4, 700r4, t-56
Axle/Gears: 327, 308, 373
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Looks like it turned out great!
#304
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Northern CT
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
11 Posts
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
Know anyone thats got a car trailer? LOL. I'm pretty sure my freind can do it with his but I need to see when he's available, and I'm sure the painter got a little backed up with the 23" of snow we just got!!
#306
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Northern CT
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
11 Posts
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
Wow, can you ask him for me, if it's not too much trouble? I'm not having good luck trying to convince my freinds to borrow thiers. If he could do it I'd def pay him....to a certain point at least.
#307
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Northern CT
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
11 Posts
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
Just stopped by the shop today and the car is completely wet sanded and buffed now. Just need to pic her up! Heres a few shots from today.
#309
Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: pennsylvania, united states
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
1 Post
Car: 1985 & 1988 trans am
Engine: 350 tpi ; 355
Transmission: 700r4 auto; converting to 6 speed
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3:27 posi; 2.73 open
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
WOW! that looks amazing cant wait to see it finished
#310
Supreme Member
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
I wish I had the money to restore mine like that someday /sigh
And you're lucky on rust, the trunk portion on my car is pretty good except two spots where the spare was, but my driverside floorpan had a bigass hole right in front of the seat, it rusted a near perfect square 3 sides, with one still attached o.O but also the front seat mounting bracket broke...I deff need a new driverside floorpan and will be getting one when I have the money to do it up nicely...hopefully the pass side floorpan is decent, trunk is, firewall is, body panels are, but I have doubts about the floorpans.
And you're lucky on rust, the trunk portion on my car is pretty good except two spots where the spare was, but my driverside floorpan had a bigass hole right in front of the seat, it rusted a near perfect square 3 sides, with one still attached o.O but also the front seat mounting bracket broke...I deff need a new driverside floorpan and will be getting one when I have the money to do it up nicely...hopefully the pass side floorpan is decent, trunk is, firewall is, body panels are, but I have doubts about the floorpans.
#311
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Northern CT
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
11 Posts
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
Got the car back at home base today! I got plenty of looks on the ride home too, haha...makes you feel good inside. Heres a few pics of the set up. I'll start working on it ASAP....and when I recover a little from the paint cost, lol!
#312
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Conway SC
Posts: 744
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 Camaro
Engine: 385
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Looks great! Can't wait to see that one put together.
#314
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Do I dare as how much the paint/body work ran you?
Ultimately, I plan on doing the same with my '91 Z28, but we'll see how money goes... Apparently, my income bracket is "poverty"... Its always good to know where the government classes you...
Ultimately, I plan on doing the same with my '91 Z28, but we'll see how money goes... Apparently, my income bracket is "poverty"... Its always good to know where the government classes you...
#316
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Northern CT
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
11 Posts
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
I'll keep you guessing on the paintjob price, haha.....I feel that I got a smoking deal though personally for the level of work the painter put into it. Hopefully I can get some progress going soon too!
#318
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Northern CT
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
11 Posts
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
Had the car out in the sun today and cleaned up the engine bay a bit. Heres a few shots of some sun on the paint.
#319
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: jackson new jersey
Posts: 733
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1991 camaro vert
Engine: ls1 soon
Transmission: t56 soon
Axle/Gears: moser 12bolt 4.10 soon!
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
WOW THAT IS PURE SEXY... I might have just changed my mind on my paint color I still see a lil gray primer is that ganna be undercoated like u did the rest of the car?
#320
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Northern CT
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
11 Posts
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
Don't be copying my color now! LOL, jk, I actually saw a third gen TA in this color and fell in love. As far as the undercoat, yes, it will come up to that part where the primer is so the paint will meet the undercoat and make a nice line (even though you'll never see it because of the ground effects.....I still like to know it's done nicely!)
#322
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Northern CT
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
11 Posts
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
It cost around $475 to have the chassis done with the quarter panels. The doors were about $70 each, and the other misc things were roughly $100. I'm up to around $730 give or take...but that doesn't include the hood, front bumper, or front fenders...those aren't done yet.
Nope, it's actually a plymouth color off of a 2001 prowler. It's called flame orange metallic I believe. Brighter than SOM.
Nope, it's actually a plymouth color off of a 2001 prowler. It's called flame orange metallic I believe. Brighter than SOM.
#324
Senior Member
#325
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Mineral Wells,Texas
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
....Makes me drool....Very nice project.Keep the pics coming.
#327
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Northern CT
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
11 Posts
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
Been SLOWLY re-assembling the doors since it's nerve-racking working around brand new paint!! I'm also looking at all my 25 year old door hardware like the strikers, door handles, bumpers, etc and not wanting to put those old worn parts on my new paint! LOL, goes to show that things can get expensive quick when restoring a car. Thank god there is a local guy to me that I can pic through his collection of parts for nicer stuff, and will prob end up getting the hawks stainless steel door strikers as well. Been looking at a new set of inner and outer door handles as well. I'll try to get pics up ASAP but so far I really havn't been getting much work done.
#329
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Been SLOWLY re-assembling the doors since it's nerve-racking working around brand new paint!! I'm also looking at all my 25 year old door hardware like the strikers, door handles, bumpers, etc and not wanting to put those old worn parts on my new paint! LOL, goes to show that things can get expensive quick when restoring a car. Thank god there is a local guy to me that I can pic through his collection of parts for nicer stuff, and will prob end up getting the hawks stainless steel door strikers as well. Been looking at a new set of inner and outer door handles as well. I'll try to get pics up ASAP but so far I really havn't been getting much work done.
i love the suspension parts. where did you get the camber things for underhood? i love them.
and when is there going to be updates? cant wait to see it come back together
roughly how much have you put into the overall build so far? [if you dont mind me asking]
#330
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Northern CT
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
11 Posts
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
hey man i found this thread. it has been so fascinating and very motivational. i was sitting there looking at the first pics and i was like i seen that some where. then i remembered its the nightmare ta dude from youtube!!!(sure hope im right otherwise i have just made a complete jacka$$ of myself) im glad to see you have put this much effort into your car.
i love the suspension parts. where did you get the camber things for underhood? i love them.
and when is there going to be updates? cant wait to see it come back together
roughly how much have you put into the overall build so far? [if you dont mind me asking]
i love the suspension parts. where did you get the camber things for underhood? i love them.
and when is there going to be updates? cant wait to see it come back together
roughly how much have you put into the overall build so far? [if you dont mind me asking]
The caster/camber plates I bought from hawksthirdgenparts.com. They are made by J&M. You can get them in either black or red powdercoated.
As far as updates, I update this site all the time. Ussually there will be at least one update a week, most of the time more though. I've been slow lately though because I'm nervous working around the new paint! Haha.
And I don't even want to start adding up the money into the car right now! When it's done I'll do it just for the heck of it. If I had to take a rough guess though I'd say around $13k dollars, not including the purchase price of the car itself. Prob more than that in reality though since that doesn't account for all the added small things.
#331
2011 Norwood Gathering
ThirdGen Firebird Rep
ThirdGen Firebird Rep
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sarasota FL
Posts: 3,435
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: 99 WS6 / 00 SS / 11 CTS-V / 13 300
Engine: LS1 / LS1 / LSA / 5.7 Hemi
Transmission: 4L60E / T-56 / 6L80E / W5A80
Axle/Gears: 3.23 / 3.42 Auburn / 3.23 / 2.62
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
And I don't even want to start adding up the money into the car right now! When it's done I'll do it just for the heck of it. If I had to take a rough guess though I'd say around $13k dollars, not including the purchase price of the car itself. Prob more than that in reality though since that doesn't account for all the added small things.
Wrap it all up, and then of course you want to protect the paint job...so add $500 for a custom clear nose bra. Now, it looks like it needs a nice silver pinstripe and window tint to finish the look, so add another $250 or so for that. So right there is $1,500 extra spent on just making something look "more finished," for lack of a better term.
This, on a car that cost me $1,000 back in 2006 Beautiful project, enjoy it, and if you want to enjoy it more?? Don't add up every penny spent...trust me
#333
2011 Norwood Gathering
ThirdGen Firebird Rep
ThirdGen Firebird Rep
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sarasota FL
Posts: 3,435
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: 99 WS6 / 00 SS / 11 CTS-V / 13 300
Engine: LS1 / LS1 / LSA / 5.7 Hemi
Transmission: 4L60E / T-56 / 6L80E / W5A80
Axle/Gears: 3.23 / 3.42 Auburn / 3.23 / 2.62
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Anyone can buy a new car. For most people, its likely the better way to go. Owning an old car is a hobby...a labor of love. It isn't merely transportation. Its more a way of life. Its also, when you factor in depreciation, the cheaper way to go. This is assuming you can stomach the occassional "click, click," and nothing when you try to start it every now and then With that being said, I have NEVER been stranded with my third gens.
The way I look at it is this. If I had bought a $15,000 "hobby car" 5 years ago, when I bought my RS, it would be worth probably $7,500 today. I did it backwards. I bought a $1,000 car, put $15,000 in it, and now its probably worth $7,500 today
Either way, the math is the same. Granted, I went through a lot of hard work and heartache resurrecting the RS. But, in the end, there is a huge pride of ownership for me with this car, knowing what I started with. I've also learned a lot through the whole process.
Thankfully, I also learned that cosmetic restorations of older, low mileage cars is way, WAY easier! When I'm done with the TA, I'll have around $9,000 in it, and it will be worth close to that!
#334
Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: 5.7Liter HSR
Transmission: 700r4
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
The one thing I've learned about older cars...after owning 5 third gens, 1 fourth gen, and having sold cars for 11 years now...
Anyone can buy a new car. For most people, its likely the better way to go. Owning an old car is a hobby...a labor of love. It isn't merely transportation. Its more a way of life. Its also, when you factor in depreciation, the cheaper way to go. This is assuming you can stomach the occassional "click, click," and nothing when you try to start it every now and then With that being said, I have NEVER been stranded with my third gens.
The way I look at it is this. If I had bought a $15,000 "hobby car" 5 years ago, when I bought my RS, it would be worth probably $7,500 today. I did it backwards. I bought a $1,000 car, put $15,000 in it, and now its probably worth $7,500 today
Either way, the math is the same. Granted, I went through a lot of hard work and heartache resurrecting the RS. But, in the end, there is a huge pride of ownership for me with this car, knowing what I started with. I've also learned a lot through the whole process.
Thankfully, I also learned that cosmetic restorations of older, low mileage cars is way, WAY easier! When I'm done with the TA, I'll have around $9,000 in it, and it will be worth close to that!
Anyone can buy a new car. For most people, its likely the better way to go. Owning an old car is a hobby...a labor of love. It isn't merely transportation. Its more a way of life. Its also, when you factor in depreciation, the cheaper way to go. This is assuming you can stomach the occassional "click, click," and nothing when you try to start it every now and then With that being said, I have NEVER been stranded with my third gens.
The way I look at it is this. If I had bought a $15,000 "hobby car" 5 years ago, when I bought my RS, it would be worth probably $7,500 today. I did it backwards. I bought a $1,000 car, put $15,000 in it, and now its probably worth $7,500 today
Either way, the math is the same. Granted, I went through a lot of hard work and heartache resurrecting the RS. But, in the end, there is a huge pride of ownership for me with this car, knowing what I started with. I've also learned a lot through the whole process.
Thankfully, I also learned that cosmetic restorations of older, low mileage cars is way, WAY easier! When I'm done with the TA, I'll have around $9,000 in it, and it will be worth close to that!
#335
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Northern CT
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
11 Posts
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
Oh believe me, there's a very good reason I don't want to add everything up on this car. I don't really care to know, and don't want to know what I have ino it LOL. Money is not my concern on a project like this as I love the car and it has a lot of sentimental value and good memories to me. I guess it's not bad to have a ballpark idea of about what you put into it but I won't add up every last receipt.
The only thing I care about is that the car is built EXACTLY the way I want it the first time around, and that at car shows and while out driving, I get the occasional "WOW" from somebody. I'll be completely happy at that point!
The only thing I care about is that the car is built EXACTLY the way I want it the first time around, and that at car shows and while out driving, I get the occasional "WOW" from somebody. I'll be completely happy at that point!
#336
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
This is so, so true.
Just yesterday I spent $1200 on all new weatherstripping (all GM) for the cowl, hatch, T-tops, and doors. I'm a driver's side drip rail short of being complete, but I have a lead. Then add that $1200 to the $400 for NOS IROC tail lenses, then add a few hundred more for fresh NOS emblems all around and a new grille, new sidemarkers/parking lenses all around, new side mirror glass, and some detail pieces like new lock cylinder caps, etc, and all of a sudden I'm $2,000 deep into paint and body and I haven't even touched the car. That's $2,000 just in finishing touches.
LOL.
But on the plus side, that's $2,000 less of a blow I'll have to handle when the big bill comes for doing paint and body. Whatever I pay for now, I won't have to pay for later.
Still have a few more parts I want though...
Last edited by puma1552; 01-26-2011 at 06:26 PM.
#337
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Thanks for the compliments, and yes I am NightmareTA from youtube, lol. Thats actually my LS1tech username which I use instead of this one since my car obviously isn't white anymore!
The caster/camber plates I bought from hawksthirdgenparts.com. They are made by J&M. You can get them in either black or red powdercoated.
As far as updates, I update this site all the time. Ussually there will be at least one update a week, most of the time more though. I've been slow lately though because I'm nervous working around the new paint! Haha.
And I don't even want to start adding up the money into the car right now! When it's done I'll do it just for the heck of it. If I had to take a rough guess though I'd say around $13k dollars, not including the purchase price of the car itself. Prob more than that in reality though since that doesn't account for all the added small things.
The caster/camber plates I bought from hawksthirdgenparts.com. They are made by J&M. You can get them in either black or red powdercoated.
As far as updates, I update this site all the time. Ussually there will be at least one update a week, most of the time more though. I've been slow lately though because I'm nervous working around the new paint! Haha.
And I don't even want to start adding up the money into the car right now! When it's done I'll do it just for the heck of it. If I had to take a rough guess though I'd say around $13k dollars, not including the purchase price of the car itself. Prob more than that in reality though since that doesn't account for all the added small things.
i understand about the paint. that color is just awesome. id hate to scratch it up or ding it especially after all the work and waiting.
if you notice i have an 87 gta with a 5.3 ls1. shes far from finished
#338
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Northern CT
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
11 Posts
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
Hey guys. Figured I'd post some progress pics since I actually was pretty productive today. Got the passenger door completely back together minus my new door handles which should be here soon. It really wasn't as hard as I though. Borrowed a rivet gun from the body guy and riveted the door lock actuator and window regulator in just like the factory did. Re-greased everything and here we are!
#339
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Northern CT
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
11 Posts
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
Also put the insulation on the firewall and cleaned up and re-greased the wiper linkage and installed that. Heres a few pics.
It's coming slowly but surely! Need my weatherstripping kit still and the dynamat for the floors. Also need the chassis harness and then the interior can be put completely back in.
It's coming slowly but surely! Need my weatherstripping kit still and the dynamat for the floors. Also need the chassis harness and then the interior can be put completely back in.
#340
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Northern CT
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
11 Posts
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
i still cant get over how nice this project is. what happened to the 355 you had in it? it seemed decently quick.
i understand about the paint. that color is just awesome. id hate to scratch it up or ding it especially after all the work and waiting.
if you notice i have an 87 gta with a 5.3 ls1. shes far from finished
i understand about the paint. that color is just awesome. id hate to scratch it up or ding it especially after all the work and waiting.
if you notice i have an 87 gta with a 5.3 ls1. shes far from finished
#341
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
The 355 is a long story. I basically never got it to run right due to some sort of internal problem so I parted the motor out. I always wanted LSx power anyways so that gave me a good excuse just to pull the trigger on it! And I did notice you had a 5.3 third gen as well. Whats the details on yours? All motor?
yeah all motor. its got a ligenfelter gt2-3 cam in it(which i read it great for turbo apps like yours) it has the ls6 valve springs too. it needs a few things to be finished.
valve springs swapped. wiring completed. accessories attached to the engine. then the trans attached with the adapter i unfortunately havent bought yet. the tv cable attached. some other odds and ends.
#342
2011 Norwood Gathering
ThirdGen Firebird Rep
ThirdGen Firebird Rep
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sarasota FL
Posts: 3,435
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: 99 WS6 / 00 SS / 11 CTS-V / 13 300
Engine: LS1 / LS1 / LSA / 5.7 Hemi
Transmission: 4L60E / T-56 / 6L80E / W5A80
Axle/Gears: 3.23 / 3.42 Auburn / 3.23 / 2.62
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Nice pics! Noticed the "Long Radio" sticker on your window!! That would only mean something to us MA/CT guys...haven't seen one in years! Still using that security system?
#343
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: jackson new jersey
Posts: 733
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1991 camaro vert
Engine: ls1 soon
Transmission: t56 soon
Axle/Gears: moser 12bolt 4.10 soon!
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
u really should consider putting in a 4th gen t/a dash in this car.. it would look sooo amazing sitting in this car.. u updated almost everything else y not give the interior some lovin..
#344
Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Newark, DE USA
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 88 IROC-Z T-Top car with Bose
Engine: L98 5.7
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt with 3.27's
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
I'm not normally a fan of that color, but the car is just stunning! Looking forward to seeing the progress! Nice to see cars get out of hand once in awhile as that's the only way to do it!
#347
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Northern CT
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
11 Posts
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
And again, thanks all for the compliments! Hopefully tomorrow I will have the other door assembled.
Last edited by whitedevilTA; 01-27-2011 at 12:55 AM.
#348
2011 Norwood Gathering
ThirdGen Firebird Rep
ThirdGen Firebird Rep
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sarasota FL
Posts: 3,435
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: 99 WS6 / 00 SS / 11 CTS-V / 13 300
Engine: LS1 / LS1 / LSA / 5.7 Hemi
Transmission: 4L60E / T-56 / 6L80E / W5A80
Axle/Gears: 3.23 / 3.42 Auburn / 3.23 / 2.62
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
I really wanted to at first but 2 things made me decide otherwise.....first off, a lot of people are starting to do it now, and I actually love the classic look of the third gen interior and dash. A lot of times it just looks out of place to mix and match a 4th gen dash with third gen door panels, seats, etc. You really need to go all out for it to look "right" in our cars. The way I think about it is....if I want a new car, I'll go buy one. I've owned a bunch including a 2000 firehawk and an 08 shelby mustang. This is my 86 trans am and I want to "feel" like I'm in an older car when I drive it (but have the power of a newer one, lol). Second, My interior in this car was in such awesome shape still that I couldn't bring myself to sell it or get rid of it!
And again, thanks all for the compliments! Hopefully tomorrow I will have the other door assembled.
And again, thanks all for the compliments! Hopefully tomorrow I will have the other door assembled.
#349
Supreme Member
Re: **Project PITA** 86 TA frame up restoration
Theres something to be said for the feel of driving an old school muscle car.....it just has that feel to it that you don't get from driving any new or mundane car....Sure its not the most well put together car, or the most reliable, cheap interior, and its loud etc...but the feeling of knowing you're in a badass car and the crazy things you can make it do with your right foot, the loping near stall idles when you pull up to lights, and take off tires spinning, its just not something every car has, its that x-factor that some cars have and some don't, honestly I'm not sure I would like a 4th gen f-body because I don't think they would have that x-factor. Newer cars are just.....too refined & quaint, whereas old muscle cars are primal and savage.