Restoration of 88 GTA
#101
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Re: Restoration of 88 GTA
Struts bracket reinforcements everywhere!!! Work like a charm
#103
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Re: Restoration of 88 GTA
I can finally say I have a complete drivers side. Still have to complete the drivers side skirts as I am having issues of the skirt bowing towards the door when I tighten the mounting bolts/nuts.
#106
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Re: Restoration of 88 GTA
Started some work on the Interior as now Exterior, Underneath and Engine bay are all completed. Man the plastic on these cars is awful. Apart from the friggin PU on the GFX and Bumper covers, most of the interior plastic is made out of very brittle ABS prone to cracks and noises.
I serviced all hatch motor components in terms of gear, housing and guides. Now the motor is working as expected and hopefully better than stock. Thanks to Lon's upgrades.
I also fixed the center console which was getting detached from the actual plastic frame. Important here is not to tighten the clamps too much. Just enough to flatten the vinyl. I used Wurth Bond and Seal. The console lid is in bad shape as the bottom plastic is all brittle and cracked. I am planning to fabricate a wooden one and upholster it with leather. Will keep you posted on that.
The digital dash was fully disassembled for cleaning. Display contact to the DIC were not making proper contact so I bent them slightly (all 63 of them) to make firmer contact. Now the display lights up properly. The foam between the plastic bezel and the displays was all gummy and deteriorated so I cut a new one using a surgical knife and 4mm foam. I had to spray it black as I couldn't find black foam but it came really nice (Sorry dont have a picture of the finished product but will soon upload some once the interior is ready)
I then saw that the rear headliner panel was all broken around the screw hole so I made some sheet metal bracket hammered in the middle to make space for the screw. Filled the plastic with JB Weld and painted with 'similar' color. Still have to find something matching but the result came quite good. I even engraved the same plastic weave in the JB Weld
I also managed to find some weatherstrip rubber for the A-Pillars as the stock one was practically non existent. The fit of the A-Pillar molding leaves much to be desired but I guess it was a 'feature' of these cars. I cant get the plastic to cover all the Windscreen pillar so I am going to have to put some foam tape to hide the red paint and hopefully make it look less emphasized. All the clips have been replaced. The A-Pillar molding had some broken clip holders so I had to use ABS Glue to attach the clips to the A-Pillar permanently. I also used some foam tape around the clips to try and reduce vibrations.
I serviced all hatch motor components in terms of gear, housing and guides. Now the motor is working as expected and hopefully better than stock. Thanks to Lon's upgrades.
I also fixed the center console which was getting detached from the actual plastic frame. Important here is not to tighten the clamps too much. Just enough to flatten the vinyl. I used Wurth Bond and Seal. The console lid is in bad shape as the bottom plastic is all brittle and cracked. I am planning to fabricate a wooden one and upholster it with leather. Will keep you posted on that.
The digital dash was fully disassembled for cleaning. Display contact to the DIC were not making proper contact so I bent them slightly (all 63 of them) to make firmer contact. Now the display lights up properly. The foam between the plastic bezel and the displays was all gummy and deteriorated so I cut a new one using a surgical knife and 4mm foam. I had to spray it black as I couldn't find black foam but it came really nice (Sorry dont have a picture of the finished product but will soon upload some once the interior is ready)
I then saw that the rear headliner panel was all broken around the screw hole so I made some sheet metal bracket hammered in the middle to make space for the screw. Filled the plastic with JB Weld and painted with 'similar' color. Still have to find something matching but the result came quite good. I even engraved the same plastic weave in the JB Weld
I also managed to find some weatherstrip rubber for the A-Pillars as the stock one was practically non existent. The fit of the A-Pillar molding leaves much to be desired but I guess it was a 'feature' of these cars. I cant get the plastic to cover all the Windscreen pillar so I am going to have to put some foam tape to hide the red paint and hopefully make it look less emphasized. All the clips have been replaced. The A-Pillar molding had some broken clip holders so I had to use ABS Glue to attach the clips to the A-Pillar permanently. I also used some foam tape around the clips to try and reduce vibrations.
#107
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Thread Starter
Re: Restoration of 88 GTA
My next challenge is properly installing the ABS Headliner that I just bought from hawks. The material of the stock one started to separate and was very difficult to salvage. I will still keep it perhaps I will find some time to fabricate a fiber one however I am afraid that fiberglass will be too rigid to install it properly.
The ABS is super flimsy and I am going to create some support made of plastic pipes to hold it in place until I make the final adjustments to try and fit it as properly as possible. The plastic frame will attach in place of the dome light bolts via a bracket which I already made. I will also aim to attach the middle part behind the rear view mirror with Hi-Strength double sided tape. I bought a very expensive roll from Wurth which looks serious. We'll see. It even has an expiry date on it!!
The ABS is super flimsy and I am going to create some support made of plastic pipes to hold it in place until I make the final adjustments to try and fit it as properly as possible. The plastic frame will attach in place of the dome light bolts via a bracket which I already made. I will also aim to attach the middle part behind the rear view mirror with Hi-Strength double sided tape. I bought a very expensive roll from Wurth which looks serious. We'll see. It even has an expiry date on it!!
#108
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Car: '89 Formula
Engine: LS2
Transmission: 4L65E
Axle/Gears: MW 3.42 12 Bolt
Re: Restoration of 88 GTA
I also fixed the center console which was getting detached from the actual plastic frame. Important here is not to tighten the clamps too much. Just enough to flatten the vinyl. I used Wurth Bond and Seal. The console lid is in bad shape as the bottom plastic is all brittle and cracked. I am planning to fabricate a wooden one and upholster it with leather. Will keep you posted on that.
I screwed the plastic lid to a piece of plywood, then used aircraft foam (greater density), then covered with extra hide I purchased when I purchased the seats.
I use my elbow on the lid quite a lot, so the extra dense aircraft foam is a nice touch.
#109
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Re: Restoration of 88 GTA
Wow looking really good nice job
#110
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Re: Restoration of 88 GTA
Impressive restoration.
I screwed the plastic lid to a piece of plywood, then used aircraft foam (greater density), then covered with extra hide I purchased when I purchased the seats.
I use my elbow on the lid quite a lot, so the extra dense aircraft foam is a nice touch.
I screwed the plastic lid to a piece of plywood, then used aircraft foam (greater density), then covered with extra hide I purchased when I purchased the seats.
I use my elbow on the lid quite a lot, so the extra dense aircraft foam is a nice touch.
#111
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Car: '89 Formula
Engine: LS2
Transmission: 4L65E
Axle/Gears: MW 3.42 12 Bolt
Re: Restoration of 88 GTA
Here you can see the underside (no other pics). I ran an extra USB wire under the console into the box from the back of the aftermarket radio.
#112
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Re: Restoration of 88 GTA
Ahh ok understood what you did. Very good idea. Will keep that in mind however will try to replace mine completely before that as my plastic is more crippled than yours.
#113
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Re: Restoration of 88 GTA
On a separate note I just came up from the garage. The idea of the plastic pipe frame to hold the headliner until i adjust and position it properly work like a charm. See pic.
I had to take a drastic decision though. The abs headliner is not curved properly to embrace the windshield. No way of holding it in place with double sided tape or velcro. If it was even possible it would be a temporary solution.
So i took the drill and screwed in 3x self tapping screws to the roof channel. The location is not visible at all neither from inside nor from outside. All i need to do is get a black screw fir the middle hole .
You can see how straigh the edge is now. Would have liked taking a photo before but I was in a certain mood to get it done.
Next up.... A-Pillar trim install.
I had to take a drastic decision though. The abs headliner is not curved properly to embrace the windshield. No way of holding it in place with double sided tape or velcro. If it was even possible it would be a temporary solution.
So i took the drill and screwed in 3x self tapping screws to the roof channel. The location is not visible at all neither from inside nor from outside. All i need to do is get a black screw fir the middle hole .
You can see how straigh the edge is now. Would have liked taking a photo before but I was in a certain mood to get it done.
Next up.... A-Pillar trim install.
#114
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Thread Starter
Re: Restoration of 88 GTA
I finally have aself supporting headliner !!
Fit is very good once I made those screws on top of the windshield. I also had to insert some foam under the passenger side sunvisor bracket as there was a slight gap near the Apillar trim at the top corner and the headliner had to be lowered a bit.
Also had to enlarge a but the seat belt roller holes to be able to align them to the headliner cutouts and also to make sure the covers cover all the hole.
The A pillar trims are what they are... Those Xmas tree clips are quite sloppy as they dont hold the plastic tight to the body but anyway not too bad either.
The only thing I will try is to find some rubber profile with a double sided tape to try and cover the excess windshield glue that smeared a bit out. Will see what i manage to find.
Fit is very good once I made those screws on top of the windshield. I also had to insert some foam under the passenger side sunvisor bracket as there was a slight gap near the Apillar trim at the top corner and the headliner had to be lowered a bit.
Also had to enlarge a but the seat belt roller holes to be able to align them to the headliner cutouts and also to make sure the covers cover all the hole.
The A pillar trims are what they are... Those Xmas tree clips are quite sloppy as they dont hold the plastic tight to the body but anyway not too bad either.
The only thing I will try is to find some rubber profile with a double sided tape to try and cover the excess windshield glue that smeared a bit out. Will see what i manage to find.
#115
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Re: Restoration of 88 GTA
Took out the car for the second test drive yesterday. Fixed the power steering pump as the plunger valve got stuck probably with some debris from the sand blast I used before power coating the reservoir tank. I decided to soda blast it and give it a nickel plating treatment. I also installed a return line filter and put in a huge hard disk Magnet in the pump to ensure any potential metal debris is collected there.
Anyway wanted to post some pictures almost 2 and a half years after I purchased the car.
Anyway wanted to post some pictures almost 2 and a half years after I purchased the car.
Last edited by aseychell; 09-23-2018 at 02:10 AM.
#116
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Re: Restoration of 88 GTA
Still need to put on the emblems and decide on the side moldings.
Asking again for some good soul to provide me with some kind of templates for placement. Especially the front bumper where I need to still a hole. Would really appreciate it.
Asking again for some good soul to provide me with some kind of templates for placement. Especially the front bumper where I need to still a hole. Would really appreciate it.
#118
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Re: Restoration of 88 GTA
Checked that but it was removed due to 'people putting GTA emblems on non-GTA cars'. Go figure out this reasoning....
#119
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Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
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Re: Restoration of 88 GTA
Someone on here mentioned that Frankie was giving him the measurements. Maybe send him an email and ask, show him a copy of your SPID?
#120
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Re: Restoration of 88 GTA
I wish I had the SPID!! I have the build sheet that I found under the carpet. Who is this Frankie?
#122
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Re: Restoration of 88 GTA
Minor update. 3 years down the line with half a year break due to other commitments....
I THINK I can finally say the car is ready... Mechanically, electrically and aesthetically.
I took a photo while I had the car outside but will soon get some professional photos done.
Am very happy with the result. Was a very nice experience and learnt a lot from it and from everyone on here who contributed in a way or another.
Thanks guys.
I THINK I can finally say the car is ready... Mechanically, electrically and aesthetically.
I took a photo while I had the car outside but will soon get some professional photos done.
Am very happy with the result. Was a very nice experience and learnt a lot from it and from everyone on here who contributed in a way or another.
Thanks guys.
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#125
Junior Member
Re: Restoration of 88 GTA
Minor update. 3 years down the line with half a year break due to other commitments....
I THINK I can finally say the car is ready... Mechanically, electrically and aesthetically.
I took a photo while I had the car outside but will soon get some professional photos done.
Am very happy with the result. Was a very nice experience and learnt a lot from it and from everyone on here who contributed in a way or another.
Thanks guys.
I THINK I can finally say the car is ready... Mechanically, electrically and aesthetically.
I took a photo while I had the car outside but will soon get some professional photos done.
Am very happy with the result. Was a very nice experience and learnt a lot from it and from everyone on here who contributed in a way or another.
Thanks guys.
#126
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Car: 1988 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7 L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Borg Warner 9 bolt 3.27
Re: Restoration of 88 GTA
Second that, that is a thorough restoration with quality work, really enjoyed following along.