Restoring/Upgrading TA
#1
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Location: East Central Indiana
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Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 383
Transmission: 700r4
Restoring/Upgrading TA
First off I'd like to say wow! What a Forum. I have been lurking for quite some time. This spring I finally pulled the trigger and got a Trans Am to restore/upgrade. Been wanting to do a build for quite some time. Researched on here for the last year, read some great threads, and finally decided I needed in on the fun. I bought a 1986 TA. I have pulled most of the interior out, minus dash. I have pulled the engine, transmission, driveline. I am prepping her for paint, currently doing body work.
Now to my first of what will probably be many questions over the coarse of this project. I have lucked out. It didn't have much rust at all, but it did in the two most common spots. The spare tire well where it meets the fender, and the top of the drivers side wheel well. I have seen there doesn't seem to be anyone making reproductions of those. I have went to junk yards around me, but have mostly struck out. It looks like I'm down to either fabricating something as close as I can, or buying rear quarters online. Is there any online stores you guys would recommend for exterior parts like this, and any for good interior parts. Grey interior btw. Also, if any members within driving distance or east central Indiana have any components that they are wanting to get rid of, I would be interested.
Now to my first of what will probably be many questions over the coarse of this project. I have lucked out. It didn't have much rust at all, but it did in the two most common spots. The spare tire well where it meets the fender, and the top of the drivers side wheel well. I have seen there doesn't seem to be anyone making reproductions of those. I have went to junk yards around me, but have mostly struck out. It looks like I'm down to either fabricating something as close as I can, or buying rear quarters online. Is there any online stores you guys would recommend for exterior parts like this, and any for good interior parts. Grey interior btw. Also, if any members within driving distance or east central Indiana have any components that they are wanting to get rid of, I would be interested.
#2
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Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: Restoring/Upgrading TA
Welcome aboard J86TA!
Looks like a pretty solid car, and a fun project. I look forward to following your progess.
Looks like a pretty solid car, and a fun project. I look forward to following your progess.
#3
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Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: East Central Indiana
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Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 383
Transmission: 700r4
Re: Restoring/Upgrading TA
Thanks! I'm sure it won't be quick, but should be fun. This is the furthest I have torn one down, so hope all goes well! Nothing I haven't done, just not all at once! You don't realize how much is there until you gut a car.
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Car: 90 Formula -- tot resto in progress
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700R4 w/ 2500 stall, by Owen @ ARD
Axle/Gears: 3.23 posi disc
Re: Restoring/Upgrading TA
Ditto Welcome!!
That is some serious rust on the driver side. Couldn't get a clear
pic on pass. side. I wouldn't think its worth entire 1/4 panel replacement,
unless your really **** about a Concours restoration. Were it me, & I just
was really skilled, with good welding equipment, and since the panels
are not normally visible, I would consider small patch repair.
To wit: cut/grind away to good metal, prep underside w/ a good
rubberized coating, like truck bed liner. Prep the repair panel the
same way, rivet into place with a good sealer. Inside can be painted
normally.
Good luck, & keep us posted.
That is some serious rust on the driver side. Couldn't get a clear
pic on pass. side. I wouldn't think its worth entire 1/4 panel replacement,
unless your really **** about a Concours restoration. Were it me, & I just
was really skilled, with good welding equipment, and since the panels
are not normally visible, I would consider small patch repair.
To wit: cut/grind away to good metal, prep underside w/ a good
rubberized coating, like truck bed liner. Prep the repair panel the
same way, rivet into place with a good sealer. Inside can be painted
normally.
Good luck, & keep us posted.
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