1978 Trans Am mild custom

[takid455]

Since teh car is in the reader's rides section, I figured I post its build here. One thing about this , is that it is not a chevy or ford. get some variety in here. :)
I purchased the car in September 2005 from the original owner. Prior to my acquisition, many modifications had been done to the car. It even had contact with a wall which is why it had not front end sheet metal. Some of the modifications include Herb Adams front and rear sway bars, brake cooling ducts and other body and suspension mods listed in his handbook, weld in subframe connectors essentially making it a unibody car, support )H-beam) for added strength, .45caliber bullet hole in left ¼, switches to individually turn on/ off tail, side and head lights for ‘stealth’ driving ( not sure why anybody would think of doing such thing ), 474 engine with Holley projection 4, accusump oil reserve, nitrous just for giggles. Here is what it looked like when I first picked it up.

Original back in 1992 before accident
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/old.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/interior.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/drvrear.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/rear1.jpg

[takid455]

Some damage
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/DVC01405.jpg

Pulling the body straight
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Onframemachine2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Onframemachine4.jpg


In addition to what has been done, I have/ will add the following:
GW upper and lower control arms with Aldan Eagle coil-overs, Koni’s in the rear
Aluminum radiator w/ dual elec. fans
4 wheel disc brakes by Kore3 to fit C5/C6 rotors and calipers
Modern lighting
Lizard skin heat and sound insulation coatings
T-56 (currently being built) w/ hydr. T/O bearing
Engine beefed up w/ KRE heads and roller cam
17 or 18” 3 piece wheels, still trying to decide although I am close. Wheels are way more expensive than I ever thought
All undercarriage and suspension parts are powder coated.

Some more pics
May plan of “just put it back together” didn’t hold for too long

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/barebody.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/3e71940c.jpg

[takid455]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/84d779a5.jpg

At paint shop (10/06) for body work and primer, they will also do the final wet sanding on the high build sealer (HOK) and paint after I dry sand the initial high build primer(Claussen Z-chrome).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT1189.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT1191.jpg

Few months later 12/06 its back. Looks like a leopard

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Highbuildprimer2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Highbuildprimer6.jpg

[takid455]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Highbuildprimer26.jpg

Had to take the hood, trunk lid, and fenders down again because the original body guy I had lined up did something wrong and they were rusting under the freshly applied primer. Better to find out now than later.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0091.jpg

Sanding the primer and under side. That hippie needs a hair cut. (1/06) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT1058.jpg

Looks like a car for the first time since 1993 (2/06)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0095.jpg

Hoping this
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0171.jpg

[takid455]

Will fit into here
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0164.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0165.jpg

As of this writing 2/18/07, all plastic body bolts on are sanded and ready for sealer. I am waiting for G-Force trans to finish modifying the Lakewood bell housing to mate up to the t-56. I have found a builder for the T-56 which will be comprised of a 06 Z06 unit (don’t know how he got it, but it was reasonable and I’m not asking questions), the Z06 unit also has an built in pump so I can run a cooler for the trans should it be necessary, viper output shaft and tail and the usual keyway and fork upgrades. This should be good for 750 HP. Not sure why all trans are rated for HP when torque is what kills them. Once the bell is received, I will bolt the trans up to the engine and see exactly how much I have to open up the trans tunnel. A t-56 will fit in the tunnel w/o mods, but that is if you were to drop the body on to a frame per se, it will not be able to be removed or install with a clutch bolted to the fly wheel. I will have more updates on this as I make them. Oh, a custom cross member is also needed,


UPDATE 3/2/07

Since the last post, I stopped by the trans shop and looked at exactly what was inside this 6 speed mechanical device. Lots of parts, but nothing that looked difficult to build. Then again, nothing is hard if you know what you are doing. I supposed after about 3 shots, I might get it right. Gforce had sent the modified bellhousing and custom mainshaft to work with triple cone viper tail housings. Very interesting and nicely machine piece. Top notch work by Gforce. Here are some pics

Stuff, look at that bad boy. Rated to 750HP . Gears are the weakest link in this. Better gears are rated to 1200HP and cost 2200. I supposed if you can afford that power , you can afford the gears.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0186.jpg

Gears
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0180.jpg

Carbon fiber syncros, not what I envisioned, but I guess they work well
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0181.jpg

I had thought that I would be in for a long night of cutting and welding to fit this trans in the tunnel. With the engine tilted at 4* which is the angle of the carb mounting surface relative to the centerline of the engine, the trans fit in and bolted up in about 1 minute. Not lying here. This is with clutch and all bolted up as well. I instantly doubled checked all heights, angles, ect and all were good to go.

[takid455]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0197.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0194.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0195.jpg


So I moved on to the shifter using a stock viper unit. Sawzall and a carbide cutter made a nice opening in the tunnel. I have to move the shifter shaft in about 1” so it doesn’t hit the console. I will be installing a short throw, which will be normal throw with the add height/ length of the shifter. Mcleod makes a nice short throw that can be tailored to your specs.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0206.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0209.jpg


This is all for now. Tomorrow is finish sanding spoilers and bumpers, fit hydrobooster and hyd. Master cyl in firewall.






Update 4/2
Since the last update lost of little items have been attended. Trans tunnel/console mount is attached to car, provisions for hydraulic master clutch cylinder has been made, weld on interior ‘H-beams’ and sub frame connectors have been smoothed and filled. Lizard skin coating has been applied to the interior of the car instead of dynamat. We’ll see out this stuff works out in the future. I held off on applying the sound control as my other t/a’s don’t sound all too load on the inside. Much loader when standing outside of the car. I assume this is due to the location of the tail pipe being a long distance relatively to the driver. I can always apply this with a brush later if the sound is deemed too load. But as the old saying goes, if its too load, your too old. Seam sealer has been applied to all seams and undercoating to the lower inner ¼’s as 1) they love rust and I am trying to break that bond and 2) rubber is easily removed from undercoating. All items that bolt on to the car have been sanded and initial bodywork done (spoilers, bumper covers, ect.) A new fender was add to the car as the original pass side fender that I had intended to use did not want to cooperate and would take more time trying to make it work than just starting over. I have also made provision for the battery cable to run through the frame into the truck where the battery will be located. Car as of today has left to the body shop for final sealing, fixing things that they missed the first time (not a big deal since were are still w/in the original contract as far as agreement, work to be done and money is concerned), wet sanding, subframe installation and paint. So the next time the car comes home, it will look all pretty. YIPEEEE. Gosh I hate bodywork. OK, so here are some pics:

[takid455]

No rusting here
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0234.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0233.jpg

No more messy welds by previous owner and Lizard Skin

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0231.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0227.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0229.jpg

[takid455]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0226.jpg

A final round of powder coat was sent out as well. Just a few things to detail and polish and its assembly time.



6/12

Playing with color scheme ideas. after several test panels, I decided to do fender (junk one I had laying around) to get a better idea. here is where we are at the moment. also, the T56 is done and looks great. both the powder coater and trans builder are goingt to use it on their websites.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0535.jpg
due to lack of sun and camera, teh color is off slightly. this seems to be a problem with golds and pearls.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0534.jpg

the area around the extractor better represents the actual gold color

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT0536.jpg

close up of scheme.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/6g4bbtj.jpg

image courtesy of fellow board member

paint colors are HOK goldmine pearl, candy apple over soar gold followed by mercedes/ european black. the front and rear will tapper down a little. this is just for an idea to see how it would look around the body line.

[takid455]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/6g4bbtj.jpg

A photoshop from a fellow board member at p-t.. wheels are a little big. they will also have a gun metal color on the center.

7/07
am definatly working with the side body line if I stay with the 2 tone. lettering would go on the bottome where teh panels concave in just about the rocker panels. I have decised to go with the house of kolors goldmone pearl which has noce effects in the sun and still looks good without direct lighting. many pearls dont look good or have no effect without sunlight light.

Parts update
I have decided to pruchase a watts link from Fays 2 http://www.fays2.net if I decide to run a 9". I have beening working with some fabrication and suspension people to arrive at an acceptable Watts link set up for the 2nd gens with a 9" but without making looked rigged or cause some outher aspect of the suspension to 'fight' itself, this setup looks good. and for the june special price, it is not too bad. If I wind up not using a 9" ( saving 1500 all said and done including cost of redoing the 10 bolt) and say with my current 10 bolt, I can use this on other t/a's for R & D puposes.

i scored a set of C5 calipers and brakets off erpae for slightly over 200 shipped. c5, c6 and c5 zo6 all use the same caliper with the exception of the zo6 being red. I will do mine in silver or black to keep the stealth look. the remainder of the brake system will come from tobin at kore3

http://www.kore3.com/

in the meantime, its rebuilding the rear and engine in my 79.

thanks again for the kind comments and thoughts.

8/07
Been a bit since I last updated this. Since the last post here is a tid bit on what all has happened and been accomplished.
All body work is completed on the car and was shot in a sealer. House of Kolors does not make the slime green sealer any more do to regulations ( damn environmentalist) so we had to use what they now make and use a gray sealer on top of this in order to use less paint. the gray sealer will be applied after the red sealer is wet sanded at 400. The underside will be shot in gold, subframe fitted and weld prior to the body being painted. I have to decide whether or not I want to put a roll bar in it to comply with certain racing regulations. most like not to comply w/ SCCA as that requires and entire cage. Mainly looking at 4 point like the Year One bandit car. have to check measurements I took for compliance. Hopefully I will be able to do that and compy with SCCA club or vintage racing and open road races such as silver state.
I have picked up some items such as KRE heads, cam, and a nice Aluminum radiator to keep this sukka cool. Engine is being line bored for new 4 bolt caps. A set of C5 calipers to halt this heavy mass as well. without further ado here are some pics of my red car.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT1153.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT1152.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT1155.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/PICT1157.jpg

While this is being done, I have installed a new 400 in my 79 so I have a car to cruise around town and have fun. thought about taking it to the nats but 3.23 for 600miles one way would be a lot of gas at 12 MPG

12/07

Wanted to update this for a while, the stars in the universe just haven’t lined up for me. As of this point, assembly is taking place starting with the suspension and then the engine and mechanical components and plumbing. The bottom of the car is painted and looks nice. All that time rubbing and scraping the underside has paid off. Too bad this area will only be seen when on a lift. While this all looks nice, some odd issue have come up, the LCA by Global West did not fit, they were off by ¼”. We resolved this by having, instead of ¼” thick thrust washers on the sides of the bushings, 1/8” washers on the outsides and 3/8” washers on the inside. This keeps the geometry in the intended locations. Global West was great working this problem out and shipped the required thrust washers to me within a few days. While there prices maybe slightly higher compared to other similar parts, their customer service is top notch. Another issue I had was the top of the coil over shocks hit on the subframe. Aldan Eagle is correcting this situation by providing me with different shock top and corresponding shorter spring. They picked up the shocks and I am waiting for the news ones. Better they fix it as compressing 650# springs wouldn’t be the easiest of tasks. Again, another stand up company and American made to boot. Other issues include finding bushings to fit vse leaf springs and sway bars which are long out of production. Prothane has a set that will work and are on their way.

I received front and rear brake setup from Kore3. This stuff is car part porn if it ever existed. Even my local machinist was in awe at the quality of the parts. Fit is dead on and all parts are cadmium or zinc coated to prevent rust. Every nut, bolt, washer, ect is included in the kit and will work with any of the corvette brakes from C5 and C6, C6 Z51 and Z06 as long as the caliper assy. matches that of the rotor. Excellent work from Tobin (owner of Kore3)

C5/6 brake interchange
All C5 and base C6 brakes are the same period just caliper color changes for Z06
C6 Z51 brake option will use above calipers , but reuires different caliper brackets
C6 Z06 is all together different. Rotors, pads, calipers and brackets are all different than above.

While suspension issue are being resolved, I cleaned up the chambers in the KRE heads and port match the intake to the heads. A lot of material must be removed from a RPM intake to match the ports of these heads. Air flow shouldn’t be a problem. I have been working on adapting a hydrobooster from an astro van to the car. I basically have to cut down the bracket on the stock booster and lengthen the rod on the hydroboost unit. I will probably have 1 or 2 iterations of the bracket before I am happy with it. I figure if all else fails; I can always call Paul at Hydrotech and get on of his units. Engine build will start this week.

w/o further ado, some pics.

[takid455]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/after%20frame%20pull/PICT1590.jpg

looking towards the rear
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/after%20frame%20pull/PICT1591.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/after%20frame%20pull/PICT1619.jpg

looking towards the front
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/after%20frame%20pull/PICT1592.jpg

Cadmium plated hardware to prevent rust. I hate rust and 2nd gens love it.
Before
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/after%20frame%20pull/PICT1548.jpg

[takid455]

After
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/after%20frame%20pull/PICT1569.jpg

some parts
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/after%20frame%20pull/PICT1564.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/after%20frame%20pull/PICT1501.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/after%20frame%20pull/PICT1502.jpg

Kore3 porn
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/after%20frame%20pull/PICT1549.jpg

[takid455]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/after%20frame%20pull/PICT1550.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/after%20frame%20pull/PICT1551.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/after%20frame%20pull/PICT1618.jpg

I had to modify the spindles to work with this setup. A cut-off wheel, sawzall, sander and file got the job done.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/after%20frame%20pull/PICT1507.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/after%20frame%20pull/PICT1504.jpg

[takid455]

1/16/2007
Finally bugged the powder coating guy to finish my parts and they magically appeared. I had to custom order some bushings for the VSE/Rancho components even though they (prothane) listed them. I don’t get it, but whatever. I had to send the shocks back to Aldan to be remade as they shipped me the wrong ones 1.5 years ago. They send me ones that fit no questions asked. A stand up company. I’ll get to finish the suspension this weekend hopefully. In the mean time, after looking through books of color chips, I picked a color for my engine. I is a 1971 AMC blue. Looks nice and I feel it will set the chrome items off well and stand out in the gold/black engine bay. I left the heads aluminum and took some recommendations from other members to use Alumiprep33 and Alodine 1001 to prevent corrosion. We’ll see how this works. I friend of mine mentioned that he had a lathe so I made new Watt’s Link bars. They came out decent after some buffing. I also scored so Recaro seats from a nearby fellow for 250. . I may redye them to match the rears or vise versa. These will sever well in the meantime before I redo the interior if I ever decide to do so. Even if I don’t use them, I always wanted a set of Recaro classic N seats. Some pics:

Seats
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/after%20frame%20pull/PICT1723.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/after%20frame%20pull/PICT1722.jpg

Rear suspension
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/after%20frame%20pull/PICT1721.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/after%20frame%20pull/PICT1720.jpg

Engine
Block
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/engine/PICT1676.jpg

[takid455]

Bottom
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/engine/PICT1678.jpg

Top
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/engine/PICT1679.jpg


High build primer for a semi smooth look. I could make it look like glass if I felt like sanding for hours which I don’t.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/engine/PICT1704.jpg

Color, no head
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/engine/PICT1707.jpg

w/ heads

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/engine/PICT1716.jpg

[takid455]

w/ stock not so nice chrome valve covers
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/engine/PICT1718.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/engine/PICT1719.jpg

Next on the list is
1) making the tranny x-member,
2) Measuring for the required driveshaft length and farming that out
3) Running the brake and fuel plumbing
4) Measuring for location of ‘X’ pipe and ordering the RARE oval system
5) Install in tank fuel pump setup from 99-up t/a or camaro
6) Finalize hydroboost setup
7) Decide on either Mcleoad twin disk clutch or a centerforce unit
8) Decide on rims. 17’s or 18’s. 17’s look nice, but 18’s allow room for bigger brakes....hummm those Forgeline WCP3 wheels look nice w/ a gun metal center.
A photo edit to see have the 18" forgeline WC3 wheels would look. Look pretty good to me.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/after%20frame%20pull/real18s.jpg

[brownz]

how much was it to get all the bolts coated? as for the wheel have the same set coming for my 79z can wait to get them. car look great. :thumbsup:

[takid455]

what size wheels did you go with?, back spacing?

the bolts were $60 for about 25 -30 lbs of bolts, hardware and parts. they delivered and picked up. turn around was about 2 days. i felt it was a good way to prevent rust. they can be done in white cad as well which looks like stainless. If I were to do it again , I'd go that route as teh gold scratches easily. the colors white or gold are just astetic, the rust preventative is under the color and takes a lot to remove.

[Speedster]

Nice job. Thanks for the running pictorial and documentary. Should be a fun ride when complete. :)

[Bowtieracing]

Awsome documentation and great project :thumbsup: Thank you for posting!!!!

[brownz]

what size wheels did you go with?, back spacing?

the bolts were $60 for about 25 -30 lbs of bolts, hardware and parts. they delivered and picked up. turn around was about 2 days. i felt it was a good way to prevent rust. they can be done in white cad as well which looks like stainless. If I were to do it again , I'd go that route as teh gold scratches easily. the colors white or gold are just astetic, the rust preventative is under the color and takes a lot to remove.

went with 18*8 4.5 bs on the front and 18*9.5 5.5 bs on the rear and for the tire size 255/40 front and 285/40 on the rear BFG KDW2 should look o.k with the c6 zo6 brakes. :unibrow:

[andrewmp6]

Looks damn good i been wanting to do the same body style trans am just can't find one thats not a rust bucket.

[COYBILT]

Its nice to see more Pontiac powered cars coming into the playing feild. Keep up the good work and I look forward to see the car completed.

[takid455]

I would like to point out that there have been some bumps along the way. Some of the aftermarket items, have requires 'massaging' in order to fit/ function properly. I also have the feeling that someone took a handful of misc hardware from my stash at the platers and simply threw it out as i am missing random pieces. I will contact them this week to see what happened. I did take a picture of what was sent so that will help me identify any know missing items. I know of a couple at the moment that are more than just ordinary hardware.

anyhow, as promised, here are some pics. its really starting to look like something. I noticed that the one header hangs lower than the other, I guess i'll have to even them out in the pipes as having ron (maker of the headers) fix then is non existent as he owes people headers for 3+ years ago.

engine outside
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/engine/PICT1724.jpg

ready to be installed. yes, I attempted to do it in one shot. to my surprise, it went quite smoothly. we had a small blemish occur, but it can be touched up and it is in a hard place to see which is good. wonder if my little viper head will show once installed.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/engine/PICT1731.jpg

success :-D :-D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/engine/PICT1732.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/engine/PICT1734.jpg

[takid455]

one more
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/engine/PICT1739.jpg



Looks damn good i been wanting to do the same body style trans am just can't find one thats not a rust bucket.

I have one that has some rust, but defiantly not a rust bucket. I also have a 79 t top shell that is solid

[andrewmp6]

Im broke right now but thanks for the offer btw its looking a lot better with every picture.

[takid455]

5/08
Been quite busy working on some designs for the car as well as sucking it up and ordering a bunch of AN fittings and hoses for the power steering, fuel and oil systems. What a PITA choosing what ends and fitting you need. And then once you start, you realize you need more. I went with all endura or nickel finish as the color is very similar amongst all the manufactures and it doesn’t show scratches as much as the red and blue fittings. I picked up some C4 corvette wheels for rollers so I don’t ruin the good wheels. C4 wheels don’t fit a second gen w/o some serious spacers. I rigged up a set of old axles I had laying around to use with these wheels. The car will never be driven on these so as long as they don’t fall off or rub on the car, that is all that matters. I had been contemplating applying the Lizard Skin sound deadener over the LS heat coating. Instead of letting it sit, I opted to spray it on. We’ll see how well it works later. Now for the BIG news…..New Forgeline WC3 wheels that actually fit. YEA. J . there was an issue with the first set I ordered which were sent back ( GM has 2 hub diameters, 70.3mm and 70.5mm. late second gen t/a’s as far as I am aware have the larger hubs) and I order these though local BMW race shop and worked w/ forgeline to make sure everything is up to snuff. The wheels are 18 x 9 up front w/ 5.4” BS and 18x9.5 rear w/ 5.5” BS. The tires are toyo T1R 255/40 front and 285/35 rear to have all the tires at 26” tall. 295 in the rear would work, but be tight and could probably do 275 up front. I have to work something out for the front center caps. I may be able t o remove enough material from the spindle and crush the grease cap to allow the forgeline caps to fit. I'll get to that after I finish the plumbing and send the car off to the painter as I can use a old stock unit for measure. Here are some pictures of the car so far:

Cheap labor (sushi dinner) installing sound deadener
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2008/PICT1791.jpg

Newly painted cowl to match interior
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2008/PICT3317.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2008/PICT3318.jpg

Use some rustoleum semi gloss on the A/C boxes to give them a better look. The plain fiberglass didn’t blend well with the rest of the engine bay. You can still see the fibers through the paint which I feel adds a nice touch. If you use a ‘high solids’ paint, it will not be translucent and you wont see the fibers.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2008/PICT3319.jpg

AND NOW……WHEELS…
These look awesome
Nice dish/ lip to them as well compared to the first set.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2008/ForgelineWC3pt21.jpg

[takid455]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2008/ForgelineWC3pt27.jpg

rear
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2008/ForgelineWC3pt210.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2008/ForgelineWC3pt212.jpg

front
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2008/ForgelineWC3pt24.jpg

[TonyG]

Great looking car! I think it would only be right to paint the center of the wheels to match the car.

[montessaj]

Love this build, that blue engine looks sick against the paint on the firewall.

[ALLFAITH]

Looks great. Hope to see you and the car soon.

Brad

[bmxmon]

Nice man, I love 2nd gens! Glad to see your also doing the work! Keep it up!

[ScotI]

5/08
Use some rustoleum semi gloss on the A/C boxes to give them a better look. The plain fiberglass didn’t blend well with the rest of the engine bay. You can still see the fibers through the paint which I feel adds a nice touch. If you use a ‘high solids’ paint, it will not be translucent and you wont see the fibers.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2008/PICT3319.jpg
I've taken those heater & a/c boxes a different direction that's cheap & looks pretty decent. I block them down w/some 320/400, apply one or two coats of primer & then shoot them w/a 'textured finish' art-deco type paint. Once that dries, I spray some Krylon satin-black & low-luster clear as the top coat. Adding some stainless hardware doesn't hurt while you're at it.

It gives it a consistent textured appearance & is still easy to touch-up is needed.

[asaenz]

Nice build!

The dark center rims look great :thumbsup:

[takid455]

I appriciate the cmplements. its those simple words that make the researching, time and effort worth it.
the wheels were a big part b/c if you get them wrong, the n your car will look odd. After have light colored wheels in that past, I decided that teh 'brake dust' colored centers would be nice for a change as tey could hide some of the brake dust.

Brad - your 73 rocks. Everytime I see it, it make s me want to get mine done. then you , your borther and myself could terrorize some tracks. there is a nice show (500+ cars) 5/25 that I help run if you would lik eto attend. it is a far run for you ( about 2.5 hrs from bear mountain) so I understand if you cant make it.
show info
http://www.hackettstownrotary.org/

when is the next decent show by you?


Scot - do you have any pictures of the a/c box you painted. interested to see what it looks like.

[72blackbird]

Awesome job on the buildup- and best of all you kept it Pontiac powered! I'm really happy to see the second-gen Firebird is well represented here, since T/As and Firebirds been the factory sleeper road race car for almost 40 years.

I like your attention to detail, especially with the chassis reinforcements. BTW, what brand of sway bars are those, are they Herb Adams units? Did you consider mini tubbing the rear to go wider rubber? Please keep the updates coming.

Geno

[ALLFAITH]

The 25th going to Muclepalooza that day, otherwise would have been up for a ride in the TA.

We plan on gpoing to XV motorpsorts Open House on June 14th again, maybe you can make it-this time no rain hopefully on the return trip.

Brad

[takid455]

blackbird - thank you for teh complements. I tried to build this car using as many stock GM pieces I could as well as keep it a pontiac powered car. I like doijng things that present a challenge. tjose sway bars are either herb adams or rancho. I am leaning more towards rancho, but there is very little difference between the two. almost like rancho made them for herb and sold them as well. originally I had not planned on taking the car to this level so I did not think about mini tubbing. I could sqeeze a 295 in the rear w/ no issues w/ simple massaging. the limiting factor is the leaf spring. a super wide tire hits that before it makes contact with the wheel well. It is a thought in the back of my mind, but I am keeping seeing what can be done to a second gen with minimal body mods . again, the challange.

brad - seems our schedules conflict this year. the XV open house is the same time I will be in LA. last year's rain was not fun at all , expecially on the bike.:mad: If I recall, the entire front of my body was tingely when I got home. my back was dry though:) . maybe we can meet at bear mt sometime. not sure if it suits your fancy, but labor day weekend there is a huge 4 day street/hot rod show in whippany, NJ called Lead East.

[72blackbird]

takid,
My 'Bird has alot of factory T/A parts on it too- those worked great back in the '90s, but my car feels a bit 'long in the tooth'- time for some upgrades.

I've always loved the SCCA road racer look with the wide, low profile meats stuffed in the wheelwells- I guess mini-tubbing for me is just another step to making it happen. Brett Evans got a 275/35 R18 on a 18 x 9.5 CCW to fit perfect on a GM subframe (his project Splitter '70 'Bird)- that's plenty for me in front. You would think a 295/35R18 would be good enough in back for me, but the 335/30R18 on a 18 x 12 is just too sexy to pass up for my car. :D

What does the Kore3 setup cost about? How does it compare to the Baer Brake 14" monoblock setup?

Geno

[takid455]

I agree the 12" wide rims and wide tire look awesome. A benefit to you is the early birds can fit some rather wide rims in the stock wheel wells. I a pretty sure you can squeeze a 315 in there ask NOTATA (#14 car) as he has done so I believe. I am not ruling out taht I wont make future mod to the car, just right now I needed to start somewhere and get a good base line for the current mods vs stock and then the future will have those mods vs current if that makes sense at all.

just to avoid confusion, by 'stock parts' , a better definition would be a part that is readily available with a wide selection of aftermarket support. ie Z06 mono block calipers light years ahead of 1978 parts, yet are for the most part readily available should you need one in a crunch or need replacement parts. I was not nesseccerally referring or stating that I would like to use and keep all the parts from 1978 if you catch my drift.

the Kore3 kit (front and rear w/o rotors , calipers or pads) was around 1200 shipped. it is a superb kit and Tobin is extremely knowledgeable in brakes. I don't know how they compare to the baers as I am looking to use Porsche turbo or GT3 calipers and rotors. these are made by brembo. another company that I would consider is StopTech. You can alway go to Alcon if you really want top notch brakes and empty your wallet:thumbsup: . In any event, to change calipers all you have to do is obtain or make brackets for the calipers to the spindle or rear backing plate. the good thing about the above mentioned companies is, as far as I am aware, you don't hate to by their pads as they are common items and you have a wide selection of manufactures and compounds.

[skatinjay27]

hey man its looking great!!!! ive been watching the thread from the begining...love the color,wheels,car!! cant go wrong with a gold 2nd gen:D
heres mine got some 18s im working on in the garage(cheap bmw replicas) polishing lips and painting center gray... look like we have the same taste... :unibrow:
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c334/skatinjay27/DSCN1107.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c334/skatinjay27/DSCN1108.jpg

[72blackbird]

Nice rims- what size are they? Who makes them?

Geno

[takid455]

After a few design changes, I have come up with a cross member for 75-81 f-bodys to support the T56 transmission. This is how the prototype looks installed. Working with friends of the trade, I was able to construct one for quite a bit les than machine shops which is understandable. Each prototype would be about $850 if I had production shop do one off pieces. This price goes down dramatically as quantity increases. The engine retains its 3 degree rearward pitch as well as the factory ¾” offset centerline to the passenger’s side of the car. Other advances in construction include the 3.5” aluminum driveshaft and working with RARE to find a solutions to the muffler-Watts links interference issue. Paul and I have settled on a solution and are waiting to here back from Spintech. Since I will going away during the middle of June to Southern California and TJ (to see a donkey show), I figured it would be wise to have the car painted during that time to keep a forward momentum. I have begun wet sanding the body with 320, 400 then 600. I enjoy mechanical and fabrication work a lot more than body work. Hopefully I can finish the body before I leave, we’ll see what happens.

Parts w/ guide coat waiting to be wet sanded
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2008/PICT3382.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2008/wetsanding2.jpg

wet sanding
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2008/wetsanding1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2008/wetsanding.jpg

[takid455]

cross member and portions of d-shaft
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2008/t56x-member12.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2008/t56x-member7.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2008/t56x-member5.jpg

[takid455]

After 17 years of combustionless life, fuel, air & heat have once again been successfully mixed in the cylinders as approx 5 PM this evening. All seems strong and very healthy. Running just headers, the exhaust note is felt in the stomach. Didn't run it too long as the cooling system is dry.

After some waiting for parts, deciding and ordering parts, defeating some walls & hurdles build by life, and other what nots, I have jumped on this fellow once again. Fuel system is complete with 4th gen F-body fuel pump & sender integrated into stock 2nd gen tank. the bulk of the electrical system is completed or at least laid out. I still need to setup the elec fan units and make the relay box for current components and future expansion. Battery is located in the trunk and I was able to feed the 1/0 cable through the frame for a clean look. I found an asphalt sheathing used on antique autos that slid over the cable to prevent wear and corrosion even though the cable has a fairly thick rubber insulation already. Once all the electrical components are inplace and wiring laid, I will tidy up the wiring for a clean look. pics are coming.

[Doug1]

Sweet! I am doing a 2nd Gen TA myself. That is a beautiful car!

Who made the transmission crossmember? Also the oval exhaust?

[G-Body]

Sweet ASSSS build ! good luck!

[NOT A TA]

Awesome that you've gotten to the point of firing it up! I'd been watching the thread a long time ago thinking "Wow that looks so nice under there, I'm never posting pics showing the underside of my car! " LOL Glad to see you're back on it.

[WSSix]

Sweet! I am doing a 2nd Gen TA myself. That is a beautiful car!

Who made the transmission crossmember? Also the oval exhaust?

That's his design for the xmember.

[takid455]

thanks for the welcome back. been a long while.

John - one day we may meet at an open road event...one day perhaps. Your ride rocks, the Porsche too.


correct, the x-member is one that I have designed specifically for the 75-81 f body cars. the exhaust is from RARE.

[takid455]

Got another 78 T/A I was resurrecting on its feet and out the door. Time for this fellow to get some lovin'. While the original electrical system functioned, it wasn't pretty. It didn't flow well either. I also wanted to add some circuits & simplify some circuits as well. Also wanted to have relays. Something present in 1978, but not widely used like todays cars.

Some Circuits I added/ altered:
-In-tank fuel pump from 4th gen and 14 GA wire from pump to relay
-integrate O2 ECU into Projection 4 ECU
-Add triple stage lighting system. not sure if I will like it, we'll see.
[outer lamps have high and low, stage 1 & 2. inner lamps are super high (100 W H1) , stage 3)] each high has its own relay and switch. Used a 79-81 column activated switch for one and the stock floor mounted switch for the other.
-Spal dual electric fans w/ module
-Mallory Unilight dist and E-coil
- relocate all A/C relays and electrics to pass side of evaporator box.

A big issue I had was where to affix the relay box, coil and modules so they would not look cluttered, yet be accessible. For now, I decided not use the stock cruse vacuum unit. may relocated or find a better solution in the future. Stock electronics and controls are still on car and not in the way. the driver's firewall under the fender provided a nice place for the 93-97 f body relay box and fan controls.

I liked this box as it is simple, compact and has room to grow w/o have excess. thanks to forum member TnBlkC230WZ, I was able to locate the proper terminals for the box as well as other components in my system. Mouser.com has what you need, you just need to know what it is you need. I modified the stock late model f-body relay box bracket to suit my needs and locate the box some the fuses and relays would be accessible w/ the fender on the car. I can even affix a mini Mag light behind the box and the firewall if needed. or a place to 'stash' stuff'.:idea: the fan modules can be accessed from the top w/ the fender installed. its tight , but will work.

Backing up a little, I had gotten the car to run and a roughly laid out wiring harness and jumper cables to test the circuits. I took that down and cleaned the rats nest up and tried to hide it as much as possible. Ordered some wire braid from painless and order more from their supplier which is 12 minutes from my house. buy direct and $ave. :). wirecare.com is the retail outlet. good stuff.

with the newly critiqued wiring and component installation, it was time to see if all systems still functioned. Sure enough, all is well. Took the stock HEI out and put in the unilight and hooded up the coil and receive no spark...booo:doh:

I noticed the E-coil getting warm so I unplugged it w/ the batter to let it cool and tried again. no spark. after some test, I am looking at what could be a faulty module. this unit I bought used from a friend for 40 so I am am still ahead of the game if it is bad. It has the E-spark in it . may replace w/ basic unilight if it test bad.

need to beatify teh T56 harness and wire the Cable X to complete the electrical system for now.

I have to add the braid to the wires yet

Some pictures of the relay box area.

93-97 F body box
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Electrical/Relayboxareawiring5.jpg

starting some wiring
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Electrical/Relayboxareawiring6.jpg

test fitting on bracket
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Electrical/Relayboxareawiring2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Electrical/Relayboxareawiring1.jpg

some wiring
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Electrical/Relayboxareawiring7.jpg

connecting box to body wiring
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Electrical/Relayboxareawiring10.jpg

El fin
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Electrical/Relayboxareawiring13-Copy.jpg

not sure what to do w/ the extra fan wires. they are not used or optional. I'll prob cut them and cap them. the positive terminal will get a protective cap to prevent shorts.

I am also drafting a new wiring diagram from the car as a bunch has changed. using Autocad and scanned original diagrams. I will have a completely digital wiring diagram for this car when I am done. will keep it w/ the car for future reference. I tried to keep the wire colors meaning full such as: red - batter direct, yellow - battery hot after fuse, orange - ign hot..ect...

[takid455]

After much crimping, splicing and cutting;, I can say I am happy with the wiring and can scratch it off the list. Tried hiding the wires that best I could while keeping it functional. The whole engine harness can be easily removed from the car if needed. T56 and Cable X wiring harness is done san obtaining a 12 to 5 V voltage reducer to run the Viper VSS. Looking at the left-overs, I have good amount of spares. Being terminals and connectors are relatively inexpensive, I would rather order extra than need 1 or 2 at the end of the project. I left the wiper and cruise control wiring in stock state as I am not sure if I will use the cruise and/ or install a newer wiper motor.

Next on the list is finish wet sanding at 400 and 600 grit and off to the body shop for paint. Have a few other little tid bits I’ll complete as well.

Pictures of Finished Wiring before and after looming (is that a word??)
Note: Hoses and alt are mock ups.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Electrical/EngineWiring4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Electrical/EngineWiring3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Electrical/EngineWiring21.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Electrical/EngineWiring11.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Electrical/EngineWiring12.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Electrical/EngineWiring9.jpg

[takid455]

7/1/2010

Finished wet sanding the entire body and all the flexible parts. Did 3 sandings at 320, 400 and 600 (body only) checking for lows and highs in each step. The parts really look very smooth. I did the body up to 600 when we were planning on using one brand of sealer (next step), but we found a different brand that flows so nice, you only need to go to 400 grit. the sealer will be applied next and that is wet sanded to 600. The body shop is applying the sealer and taking it home from here. They will apply the color along with the clear and perform all necessary sanding and buffing task.

Been a long time coming, but I am excited to get this in color. I need to install the interior as the box that hold the interior parts is falling apart. While the bolt on parts are at the shop now, the car or body will go over next week as I have a couple of quick things wrap up. The parts will be shot tomorrow and allowed to bake and dry over the holiday weekend.

Waiting to be sanded w/ 320
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/PICT0372.jpg

Blocked w/ 320 and guided coated for 400 grit
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/wetsanded320grit6-20101.jpg

Finished 400 grit sanding. Seeing all the minute highs and lows always amazes me when doing the fine sandings

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/wetsanded400grit6-20101.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/wetsanded400grit6-20104.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/wetsanded400grit6-20105.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/wetsanded400grit6-20101.jpg

Even factory fiberglass/ ABS parts have their issues.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/wetsanded400grit6-20108.jpg

Parts in sealer waiting to be wet sanded with 600 at body shop. They look pretty straight, but I’m sure there are some minor highs and lows hiding. In most cases, it is hard to tell just by rubbing your hand over the area. The high and lows can be seen by wetting the surface w/ prep solvent and watching the reflection of a florescent light at see if it bends or distorts.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/wetsandedandsealed6-20101.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/wetsandedandsealed6-20102.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/wetsandedandsealed6-20106.jpg

[70TWO NOVA]

lookin sweet, cant wait to see the paint

[ja.stoner63]

Great pictures. The color of the engine is hot.

[takid455]

Thanks guys. I'm stoked to see it ion color finally. Been a long time coming. Then its just clean work and installing all the parts that were built, restored or new and have it come together.

Took me much time looking through pages of color chips to find that color. Believe it or not it is a 1971 AMC color.


I did funny and forgot the most important parts of the body...the shaker. Have a few in storage, but never took one out and prepped it. that will be done ASAP.
Wet sanded bolt ons. factory parts are crap as far as evenness is concerned. Then again, it was the 70's.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/wetsanded400grit1.jpg

Some more pictures of parts in sealer. Freshly baked.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/sealed7-6-101.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/sealed7-6-1010.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/sealed7-6-109.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/sealed7-6-106.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/sealed7-6-105.jpg

Junk wheels are back on the car and I will be going over t eh body once more quickly to freshen up the surfaces. Been 1.5yrs since I sanded it to 600 grit. All interior wiring and A/C boxes have been removed.

[takid455]

Time has come for this fella to do some time in the paint jail. The painter and I went over the car and discussed the following steps and some little things to address. Like the parts, the car will be scuffed with 400 grit then sprayed with Dupont 7740S sealer. The sealer will be wet sanded with 400 grit to smooth any imperfections if any and then its color time. When I started this project, we were going to sand with 600 grit, consequently with chemical engineering improvements, this sealer has a ‘healing’ property that actually fills in sanding marks as it cures. Thus saving lots of time and money. So far, all the parts that I sanded and they sealed have needed only a quick blocking. I guess I am getting better at this body work art. I still prefer to fabricate or mechanically build something than wet sand. Paint should be on the car within the next 2 weeks and I should have it back mid august. No rush on my end as it wont be done for any shows or events this year. Allows time for sorting all the bugs out. I have a list of things that I can do while the car is in paint jail.

After power washing the body to clean off sanding residue
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/washedandwaitingtolvforpaint1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/washedandwaitingtolvforpaint3.jpg

Surrounded 1970 german things (Bug and 911).
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/washedandwaitingtolvforpaint7.jpg

Leaving for Paint Jail
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/leavingforpaintjail7-16-103.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/leavingforpaintjail7-16-104.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/leavingforpaintjail7-16-105.jpg

At Paint Jail (literally around the block from the shop)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/leavingforpaintjail7-16-105.jpg

Sealed parts wet sanded w/ 400 grit and awaiting color. They look very straight and feel smoother than a baby’s derriere. Hard to tell in the pictures. I am pleased so far.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/sealerbeingwetsandedw400.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/sealedandwetsandedw400gritdupont-4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/sealedandwetsandedw400gritdupont774.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/sealedandwetsandedw400gritdupont-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/sealedandwetsandedw400gritdupont-2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/sealedandwetsandedw400gritdupont-3.jpg

[awr68]

Looking good!! Did you pick a final paint color?

[takid455]

I am going with HOK goldmine pearl with airbrushed bird and lettering.

[takid455]

With the body in sealer and a few small things resolved, its time for a quick blocking and off to paint. I am not sure how I like the bedliner in the trunk yet. I doesn’t look to bad and will dampen the amount of sound that coming into the car. I have a full carpet for the trunk anyhow, so this will be covered. No need to worry about spills or anything damaging the trunk floor with this stuff.

I have designed a fan shroud to hold the radiator and the twin fans. Once I am done with the drafting, it will be sent to get CNC cut and bent to shape.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/bedlinerintrunk7-22-101.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/bedlinerintrunk7-22-10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/bodyinsealer7-22-105.jpg

Smooth and straight
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/bodyinsealer7-22-109.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/bodyinsealer7-22-108.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/bodyinsealer7-22-107.jpg

[takid455]

All parts , and 2nd gens have alot of them, have been sealed and wet sanded to 400 grit. This sealer is said to be self healing, meaning it flows as you sand it. Interesting stuff. Def a time saver. Paint booth has fresh filters for this guy. Last few jobs had been heavy primer so it was time for a change anyway. After a few hours of masking, I is time for paint. This color is more of an outside color as it benefits from the reflection of the sun. Metal Halide and Sodium bulbs don’t do much for it. Gold laid down very flat. Needed 4 coats to obtain sufficient coverage. 3 coats of clear followed. Reflects and shines nice now. Next step will be to assemble the car and wet sand the clear with 1000, 1500 and then buff. May do a 2000 grit sanding if needed. Will let it sit for a few weeks before I begin sanding. I will have the air brush artist come and do the bird and lettering. In the mean time. The art work will then be covered with clear.

Car should look nice with the satin black trim installed and gun metal rims.

My old camera doesn’t care to take good photos anymore. Colors don’t come out too well. These will have to do for now.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/PICT0384.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/PICT0383.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/PICT0394.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/PICT0405.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/PICT0406.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/PICT0391.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/PICT0398.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/PICT0397.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/PICT0387.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/PICT0386.jpg

[70TWO NOVA]

WOW that is some good progress, the paint looks amazing! :thumbsup:
this definitely gives me motivation to work on my late 2nd gen project!

[Josh69]

Nice work! Love the color, I hope your airbrush guy knows what he's doing. Are you still going with two-tone? :cool:

[takid455]

2 tone has been shelved. couldn't get it to look right. Going with solid at the moment. The 2 tone kept making the car appear tall and not low to the ground.

[takid455]

It is rather amazing how ‘rough’ clear lays. While it look nice, there is room for improvement. It is just a matter of what one is willing to accept as a finished product. Been enjoying the fun of wet sanding the clear for around 30 hours so far. I have the body, trunk lid, hinge cover, and doors done. I start with 1000 grit and see how ‘rough’ it is afterwards. If it is rough, I go to 800 then back to 1000, go over that with 1500 and then finish with 2000. It is better to go to a courser grit than to press hard with a finer grit. 1500 will buff out, but with some effort. The 2000 allows for easier buffing. You can actually see the color increase in depth the finer you go. The doors have been buffed as well an they look very nice and deep. Tough to do on a metallic color.

Body and parts done up to 2000 grit.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/wetsandingclearto2000grit8.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/wetsandingclearto2000grit5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/sandedto2000grit10-268.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/sandedto2000grit10-261.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/sandedto2000grit10-264.jpg

Buffed door
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/Buffeddoor10-252.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/Buffeddoor10-254.jpg

[70TWO NOVA]

Wow, that is looking really great! :hail:

[takid455]

Body, bumpers and some small parts are buffed. Some of the smalls had to be resprayed, but all good now. Waiting for the air brush artist to get his design together so I can finish the hood & fenders. Paint has an incredible shine and depth to it considering the color. cleaning will start next week. That ought to be fun. Hopefully I may begin assembly.

Interior is in the works, I will have to redye the interior again to match. The original Camel Tan does not jive well with this color. May even wrap that plastics in leather. I’d use distressed pieces I have laying around than cover nice originals.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/Buffed1-13-1110.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/Buffed1-13-111.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/Buffed1-13-112.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/Buffed1-13-114.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/Buffed1-13-115.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/Buffed1-13-113.jpg

I see a 1st gen
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/Buffed1-13-116.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/Buffed1-13-119.jpg

[tones2SS]

Very nice. Paint looks killer.:cheers:

[takid455]

Moving along on assembly. Trunk lid and doors are installed and aligned. Spending extra time during the earlier body work stages paid off as both doors were aligned and installed in less than 1 hour. Use the guide holes I drilled to assist and confirm. Dissembled, cleaned, painted and polished the tail lights. Most of the electrical is installed sans the main interior harness which attaches to the dash. Not sure if I’ll run speakers in the doors, so I ran wiring to the doors just incase. Began installation of the window mechanisms. All tracks and motors were cleaned and lubed. New door lock actuators will be installed along with new glass. Leaning towards the smoke tint glass vs the green tint. Just need to see if I can get the rear window tinted to match. Picked up key fob door and trunk remote popper. That will get wired once the mechanicals are done as I have some minor electrical work to finish anyway.

Debating on which T top weather stripping to use. The original GM are in decent condition and fit well, but show their age in some areas. I know there from the late 80’s vintage. Tried a set of Metro seals and while the look nice, fit is so-so. Being that is not critical at the moment, I’ll work with them before gluing them.

Working on adapting a 3rd gen steering column and a modern wiper motor. The wiper motor will fit w/ an adaptor plate, however, getting the variable speeds to work with the stock switch is an issue w/ adding a resistor block. I am hoping the 3rd gen switch resistances are favorable to the new motor. Working with an old model kit to design the interior color scheme. Seats will be ordered soon. I want to retain a tan interior, but will most likely have some black accents to mesh with the exterior color. The stock Camel tan looks like puke against the Goldmine Pearl.

Next on the list:
1) finish installing window mechanisms, power locks and door moldings
2) Install new leaf springs. Original ones arched too much during sitting uninstalled and powdercoating. New ones have a stiffer spring rate to match the front springs and overall suspension design.
3) Remove ‘roller’ wheels and install good wheels along with brakes.
Plan to have this done this week.
4) Get airbrush artist to finish up design and paint bird and lettering. Cant hang fenders, hood or rear spoiler until that is done. I like his work and hate to change artist. Luckily no money has been spent. He gets paid once it is finished.

Lights
Before and after blasting
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/taillightresto1.jpg

Painted & polished
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/taillightresto4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/taillightresto8.jpg

Staring to look like a car
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/trunkinstalled1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/doorsinstalled4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/doorsinstalled6.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/doorsinstalled1.jpg

Hinges do not actually reveal any grey sealer, but the camera picks it up. Most likely, while there is color there, it is thin and the characteristics of HOK paints. It will be touched up if needed before the fenders are installed.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/doorsinstalled2.jpg

[waynieZ]

The paint looks beautiful. Don't you love it when your hard work pays you back ten fold. Nice work.

[moparnate]

looking good!!

[takid455]

The paint looks beautiful. Don't you love it when your hard work pays you back ten fold. Nice work.

What a feeling that is. Nice to step back and take in your accomplished efforts. Dont look too long at one spot though as you may decide to change it or modify it creating more work.


Assembled the door internals sans glass as that is coming. Going with a nice smoke tint as opposed to the stock green tint. Accomplished a bunch of little odds and ends and man do they take up time. Even more so when new parts are ‘direct fit’. Old leafs (Rancho Challenger GT III) were replaces w/ Comp leafs from Pro Touring Fbody. Not only had the old leaf’s arch increased due to the exposed heat from powder coating, they are a little ‘soft’ for the front spring rate and car’s power. The new leafs were not much more than rearching the Ranchos and have an increased spring rate. Left the shackles loose for now to allow for settling and prevent binding. Car sits a little high in the rear at the moment, but it did settle about 0.5” since they were installed. Not concerned yet. Will wait till after more items are installed and some miles are put on the new suspension.

Finished up the brakes and installed the good wheels. This car is taking shape and looking good. Have a list of odds and ends to do in the next few days. Mainly waiting to finalize interior fabric colors and finalize art work(hood bird and lettering). At that point, I can redye the interior and installed the rest of the sheet metal.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/newleafsandrims7.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/newleafsandrims6.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/newleafsandrims4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/newleafsandrims2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/newleafsandrims9.jpg

[takid455]

Completed a bunch of little things. Reworked the inner wheel wells to provide tire clearance. while cutting is the easy way, I decided to do some metal working w/ hammer and dolly. About 3hrs/ side, but they cam out nice and I dont have to worry about road debris in the engine bay. Also modified the front of the wheel wells and radiator support for the brake cooling hose. I didn't like the brake lines from the m/c so new ones were bent. I'll be ordering some new glass and start searching for GM T top weatherstripping. The ones I have are better for a driver and the Metro seal has issues. Once I get the rad support and wheel wells back from powdercoating, I 'll spend some more time on the car. I need to catch up on other jobs in the meantime.

Coming close to finalizing a design w/ the airbrush artist as well as interior color arrangement. I'll be glad to have these 2 major things done out of the way as they are holding things up. If I want to drive the car any distance this season, I need to plenty of time to work out the bugs.

[takid455]

After clearing over the lettering, sanding and buffing, the front end was ready to be assembled. Had some help aligning the fenders. Even though they were test fit, they did not fit perfectly into place at first. While the radiator support is a different one then used for fitting, that didn’t seem to be the issue. After some time and carefully caressing the fender into place, success was achieved. I do have a clearance issue w/ the inner wheel well that can be massaged rather easily. Happens with design changes in the later stages of the build. At the end of the day, it looks like a car again. Just need to align the hood. The hood will then be removed and sent to the artist for the bird.

Interior is stated to be completed this week or so. Glass will probably go in shortly.

Spoiler
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/IMG_0976.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/frontendinstallation5-20-1119.jpg

Honeycomb fender vents
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/frontendinstallation5-20-1120.jpg

Straight & gapped
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/frontendinstallation5-20-1111.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/frontendinstallation5-20-1110.jpg

Beak
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/frontendinstallation5-20-1113.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/frontendinstallation5-20-119.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/frontendinstallation5-20-112.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/frontendinstallation5-20-114.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/body%20and%20paint/frontendinstallation5-20-1112.jpg

[takid455]

Been a while since an update. Car is back at my place. Picked it up early August.

First order was to finish the electrical system which included relays in the window circuit, key fob for door locks and trunk popper, stereo and some misc items. I will need to add relays to the door lock from the auto key fob system as it does not have the power to energize the electromechanical motors. I just got the stereo system and need to lay the wires for that next. I went with CDT for speakers and JL for the amp. That amp cost as much as the speakers and head unit combined. Geez!!!

Made some misc brackets and found some clever solutions for fastening the bumper covers aside from the stock rivets.

Air brusher has the bird about 1/2 done. There is an area that caught my eye, but will wait unit till it is finished to decide if it needs to be addressed.

Currently redying the interior to black from tan and finishing the stereo layout. One day it will run...at least that it what I keep telling myself.


10/17/11
Got some problem things out of the way finally. Been having trouble w/ dying the interior w/ the humidity along with material issues (paint) and the steering column. Some dry days after months of endless rain yielded good dying results and I tried different products w/ the column and it came out decent. Probably have close to 22 hrs in that bastard. It still may find its way into the river if it continues to piss me off.

On a happier note, the dash is in place w/ the wiring attached as per factory. Speaker wire is installed awaiting final trimming once speakers are installed. To complete this section of the build I need to accomplish the following:
make holder for dash speakers
run amplifier signal wires
permanently attach dash
Install steering column should it not find its way into the river.
Wire radio (3 wires)
check auto/ remote lock to see if relays are needed. I was informed the Bulldog unit does not have the power to operate the stock locks actuators.

Install interior & stereo components
At that point, I should be pretty much done electrically and most of the interior. Car should fire once again and I can attack the 'little's' to make it drivable.

Time is one of my biggest enemies thus when simple items (rebuild and paint steering column) take way longer than expected for BS reasons, it really irks me. Its all part of the fun of the hobby.

10/31/11
We are up an running again!!!!!

all interior is redyed, steering column resolved, made speaker holder for the front 3" & 1" tweeters. looks like an Owl mask...kinda funny.

Dash is installed along w/ A/C controls. need to finish a few look wiring odds and ends and that will be done. that will be next along with testing all the electrical systems before I button everything up. I am very happy to hear the engine again since I redid a lot of the electrical systems for the ECU and added a bunch of circuit protectors (relays & fuses ). I guess I did a good job.

I'll try to get some pics up. most of my free time is occupied by working on the car.


Much of the items really aren’t going to show well in pictures. Here are some that do.

The F’n column…succeed we did.
Took it apart 10 yrs ago so I started with this…

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/tiltcolumnrebuild1.jpg

Everything inside a tilt column
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/tiltcolumnrebuild5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/tiltcolumnrebuild4.jpg

Assembly
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/tiltcolumnrebuild22.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/tiltcolumnrebuild23.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/tiltcolumnrebuild26.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/tiltcolumnrebuild27.jpg

Done. Well we’ll just say this is what it looks like done. Had some paint issues which resulted in a tear down and reassembly in brief.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/tiltcolumnrebuild30.jpg


Had some nice tan interior panels, but since the stock tan clashes w/ the exterior color, I switched to black. Redyed black parts

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/dyedblackinterior1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/dyedblackinterior2.jpg

Since the stock speaker bracket is good for a 10 x 4, it was not adequate for the new 3” & 1” component setup. So we start with these things…
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/frontspeakers10.jpg

Add some welding, grinding and paint to make this… Looks like and Owl face.. hooo hooo
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/frontspeakers14.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/frontspkrsdone1.jpg


The middle air duct and Right speaker were to tight so we take these…

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/frontspeakers2.jpg

Add some of this
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/frontspeakers6.jpg

[takid455]

To make a mess like this
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/frontspeakers7.jpg

No more interference. I could have taken more time to make it look pretty, but since there is no way to see it once installed, this will be fine and function.

Wired backside of dash
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/dashwiring2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/dashwiring1.jpg

All the above installed

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/dashinstalled10-30-113.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/dashinstalled10-30-111.jpg

Need to tidy up a few minor things, finished stereo system and test electrical circuits then the interior goes in.

Teaser of interior
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/rearseatteaser.jpg

[WSSix]

Very nice! I'm not sure how I missed your May update but I did. The car looks fantastic. Good luck finishing it up.

[rlpj68]

TAKID, you said you had a solid 79 t-top shell, was wondering if you still had it, price, and location, and if you still wanted to sell it. I have a 78 and there is plenty of rust work that i am having to do since it has been sitting for a long time and starting with a good shell would be a time saver, Thanks

[onelapduster]

Another gold T/A, love these cars when they are not black. Have the rest of the interior been put in?

[Bakaruda]

The only 2 years of T/A I like 77/78...Love the car man, I am a Mopar guy thru and thru but I could own one of those.

[takid455]

Took a break from the car as another project took priority. Gathers some need items during that period. Cracked the valve and lit the burner just before the holidays and turned the flame up. The bulk of work has been with the electrical and stereo systems. Painted and designed some other items along with picking up the interior and will be picking up the hood from the artist tomorrow (1/23/12).

Electrical:
Mainly testing and trouble shooting all the systems on the car prior to concealing them. Most have been good, others such as the automatic locks (Bulldog) have been a PITA. All is good except for the lock function which does not seem to be getting able power. I even have the system relayed. Moved on as I can access it later. While testing , the pass window motor it not quite up to par, and will be replaced. Wired up the console switches for various functions and well as the voltage reducer for the Cable X. That’s about it there.

Stereo
Installed all components and now have some bumpin in my trunk. WOOT!! CDT speakers have very crisp , clear sound. Making a tray/ mount for the amp and x-overs in the truck and having a sub box made to fit the floor.

Glass
Custom Smoke tinted glass installed. Looks sweet

Interior
Picked up interior which is ready to be installed

Body
Air brusher has finally finished the bird . cant wait to see it finished.
Grilles installed, moldings painted, stuff

Suspension
I have been rather torn whether to allow the hubs to stick through the wheels or make custom hub caps. I know of a solution, but wasn’t 100% tested until recently. At least on 2nd gens w/o being ‘rigged’. While not cheap, I picked up a set of ATS spindles for a 2nd gen and will order t eh steering arms and now I have resolved the ugly hub issue. Costly, but its something that bothered me.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/engine/ATSspindles1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/engine/ATSspindles4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/engine/ATSspindles2.jpg


Test panel for feathers
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/engine/IMG_1951.jpg

Big progress to follow in the next few weeks.

[WSSix]

Cool! I'll do my best to wait patiently.:D

[takid455]

The tunnel is becoming shorter and the light is brighter. All of the above issues have been resolved.

I slightly modified the seat frames to sit as low as possible. I am informed that the seats will ‘sink’ over time. I do have ample head room currently. Ordered new seat belts from Morris Classic and they look very nice. Installation was w/o issues. Need to clean some covers as they are not supplied. Cleaned up the wiring and installed the remaining interior sans door panel fixings as I need to adjust the windows.

Clutch issue was resolved by installing the QT bellhousing. After debating several options, this one , while not the cheapest, seemed to have better long term benefits over the other options. It is a good bit shorter than the stock Lakewood and after a good bleeding, the clutch works great. What a difference over t he old mechanical setup. I run this clutch (DF612909) in a 74 t/a and it requires some effort.

Forgeline sent some nice hub caps that hide the unsightly bearing cap.

Hood is on and …..IT DRIVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On the afternoon of 2-25-12, the car moved under it’s own power for the first time since 1992!!!!!!

Only went down the driveway and back a few times. Depending an weather, perhaps this weekend will see some blacktop although it does call for rain. Need to finesse some trim pieces and wrap up loose ends. Finding out I need to order some minor items that the old stuff is not up to par. Nothing that will hold back progress. Been a good month so far.


Bleeding hyd t/o setup. Funky, but it worked.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/bleedingclutch2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/bleedingclutch1.jpg

Bell housing differences

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/stockvsQTbell3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/stockvsQTbell1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/stockvsQTbell4.jpg

Installation thereof
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/InstallingQTbell1.jpg

Interior thusfar

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/2-16-12interiorplaced2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/2-16-12interiorplaced1.jpg

Bird
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/hoodinstalled6.jpg

Rebirth and drive!!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/IMG_2069.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/IMG_2068.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/IMG_2067.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/IMG_2066.jpg

[KPC67]

Wow first time it ran since 92, you have patience buddy! the car looks amazing.

[WSSix]

Very awesome! Congrats on getting it move under its own power.

[waynieZ]

Very Nice work it looks awesome!

[takid455]

Thanks for the positive encouragement. been a long road with ups and downs.

Started making an exact fit subwoofer enclosure as well as molding trunk carpet. Using a junker shell for these tasks and then install into the gold *car once finished.

Weather was nice and it was time. Took the fellow out for its inaugural drive. On my B-day too so it was a good day. A great feeling to enjoy something build with your own hands. bought car as disassembled 9/05 and 6.5 yrs later its on the road. It felt good. While I did not go too far, car fells tight and confident. totally diffident personality than a stock or slightly modified 2nd gen. Will need to get used to this car. More seat time will sort out suspension and tune engine.

Straight headers is always fun to enjoy. At the exhaust shop now for finessing a section and alignment. Will go back to paint shop shortly to take care of some issues. Hopefully it will *be in and get out.

last 2 cuts are after I made some adjustments. Felt much better afterwards.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/?action=view&current=3-11-11firstdrive4.mp4


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/th_3-11-11firstdrive4.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/?action=view&current=3-11-11firstdrive4.mp4)

[takid455]

5/29/12

After 7.5 years, we drove to our first outing. Not 100% done, but very close. Waiting on a few misc items and need to tiddy up some minor odds and ends. Most important is the adjusting and fine tuning the EFI and suspension. Running OK, haven’t pushed it as everything thing is new and I have a few systems on the car that I am not too familiar with on how they operate. All systems are/ appear to be working w/o any major issues.

Some shots from the show and interior

Interior
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/IMG_2280.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/IMG_2278.jpg

Custom gauges w/ a stock look
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/IMG_2227.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/IMG_2228.jpg

First showing. First real public outing since ’92. After 7.5 years of effort and more coin than I could imaging ….

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/IMG_2270.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/IMG_2268.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/IMG_2267.jpg

[waynieZ]

Sweet !

[Bucketlist2012]

Very Nice..:thumbsup:

[Firebirdsteve]

2GoCvuu0dlQ

[takid455]

10/15/12
After 7 years of on & off building this car, I am call it done for now. All systems are working and have not had any notable issues in the last 1800 miles or so. Drove the car to OH totaling 1400 miles for that trip. No issues and it ran great. Observed Hwy mileage was 17-19 MPG. Used the car for some local trills since that trip and I have to say I need to get used to this machine. Much different than your average 2nd gen T/A. Def demands respect. Perhaps I can find a road course where I can test some limits and tune the suspension. Overall, I enjoy the car and like the final product. T56 is awesome. Those in debate should just pucker up and do it. 2800 rpm in 6th = 100mph. Car is stable at 140 too :0 . Handling is compared to a modified modern sports car. Where the average 2nd gen nears limits in turns this thing feels effortless. EFI is the cat’s a$$. Let it sit for a month, turn the key and it fires right up.
Think the only thing I would change would not paint the underside. It is nice, but rarely to people look at it being the low stance of the car and it’s a PITA to keep clean. Would also consider using an aftermarket A/C system rather than utilize the bulky stock system to clean up the engine bay.
As planned, this year and part of next are beauty queen years attending shows. However, the emphasis on shows is dwindling and focus on having fun is picking up. I have observed these typs of builds for most local shows are over the top for the average show gower who judges cars by either chalk mark correctness or big giant blower from engine/ bling. While those that know are ‘wowed’, most don’t understand the engineering and planning to modify a car and integrate those systems so it ‘appears’ stock.
Making a list of things for next season which will include higher rate front springs (700-750#), various hose / tube clamps to secure engine bay plumbing neater, brake duct cooling intakes, & dial-in suspension. Also send tack back to autometer so it doesn’t stick at 3k rpm and decide to work normally at random. Did a search and it seems to be common.
Did a photo shoot this weekend, will attempt some more in the next couple weeks when the fall foliage peaks. Called some local photo people but they expressed little interest thus I I said screw it took some myself. Basic point & shoot Cannon.
Chillin’ on nice back road (one my testing roads). Too bad dude in front was asleep at the wheel.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3279.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_1453.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_1452.jpg
Loc 1
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3189.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3187.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3184.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3177.jpg
Loc 2
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3220.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3217.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3212.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3195.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3201.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3261.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3197.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3221.jpg

[takid455]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3229.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3273.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3272.jpg
Pre-requisite wheel shots
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3271.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3269.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3243.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3228.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3208.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3254.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_3232.jpg
Future stable mate shot form a while back.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_2523.jpg

[fleetus macmullitz]

Congrats on a successful build completion, looks great. :thumbsup:

Really like the big Poncho motor, plus how you did the interior.

Never get tired of seeing those dashes too. :cool:

[dug]

I'm jealous you get to drive yours. hows it do against the Porsche????

[Firebirdsteve]

Very nice!!!
Seems there is some suspicious looking rubber marks in that parking lot...:unibrow:

[geberhard]

very sweet bird! Congrats!!

[takid455]

Firebirdsteve - happens :)

Dug - Built the car to have fun with the big boys. Perhaps I will meet some on the track in the future. I am curious myself. Both cars would need good drivers however from speaking with the GT3 owner, the Porsche is very easy to drive fast. Love to own a GT3 some day.

Its a big weight off the shoulders being drivable and completed. now its time for fun and of course the next project which are a 72 T/A and a 56 olds. Not going to be as in depth as this car but will be fun builds.

[tazzz2_ca]

Congrats on a job well done the car looks great,,, now enjoy it big time bud ;-)

[WSSix]

Love it! Congrats on finishing the car. :thumbsup: I hope to be there with you some day.

[dug]

well keep driving it and you'll be the one driving next to the porsche then. :thumbsup:

[takid455]

Some more final build shots.
Engine
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/engine/IMG_3257.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/engine/IMG_3255.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/engine/IMG_3256.jpg

Some underside shoots during the build. Looks about the same today with more parts added.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/3-28-0910.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Assembly/3-17-09shoot.jpg

Dash gauges
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/IMG_2228.jpg

Trunk
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/trunk10-127.jpg

Sub yet to be installed and wiring finished.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/trunk10-125.jpg

With 17” spare to clear brakes. 04-06 GTO/ Manaro
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Interior/trunk10-126.jpg

[89 RS]

Great looking Trans Am, really like the motor. :thumbsup:

[takid455]

Projects are never done and this one is no exception...well, its still being built according to the overall plans created 10yrs ago. Wow..10 years!! About 7,000 miles on the build to date and loving it. For inquiring minds MPG city/ fun time is 12, Highway 18-19. Hopefully this will improve as a new EFI system will be installed over the winter in place of the old Holley Projection 4i. It’s been good but cant feed the motor which was anticipated. At the time , I didn’t care for the aftermarket systems and had this so on it went.

Currently the build is somewhere in the phase 3 & 4 of the overall plan. This year’s updates included:
16”/12” dual brushless fan system by Delta PAG
Adjustable coilover system with ride height adjustability by PTFB
C6 Z06 brakes w/ DBA slotted rotors
Baffled fuel tank w/ in-tank pump. My original tank w/ 4th gen Fbody unit worked well, but starved for fuel around long turns w/ ¼ tank. This is one of those things that happens as aftermarket steps up.
Embroidered floor mats

Show / outing shots
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/IMG_3996_zps372ce58f.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Takid455/media/IMG_3996_zps372ce58f.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_2089_zps52a3777d.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Takid455/media/1978%20TA%20%20gold/Outings/IMG_2089_zps52a3777d.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_0402_zpsd42f7d9d.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Takid455/media/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_0402_zpsd42f7d9d.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_0416_zpse0752df3.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Takid455/media/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_0416_zpse0752df3.jpg.html)

With up and coming Bid Bad Olds.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/9-28-141_zps63c264b9.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Takid455/media/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/9-28-141_zps63c264b9.jpg.html)

Back to the fun
Fan set up. 2800 CFM vs 4100 CFM. Better shroud design and overall flow of air through radiator. Engine doesn’t get warm as it once did.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_4508_zpsf4cb8719.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Takid455/media/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_4508_zpsf4cb8719.jpg.html)


Big boy brakes.
Had the base vette brakes prior and they are a good improvement over stock. These are way better than stock. Makes driving stock brake cars feel as if something is wrong. Def require 18” rims. Had to clearance the front calipers a touch for the 3pc bolts. Direct bolt on otherwise.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_3381_zps3c2eb473.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Takid455/media/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_3381_zps3c2eb473.jpg.html)

New front suspension setup. This allows one to PROPERLY set the coil over so the shock piston is approx half way compressed in the body at ride height. Ride height is then adjusted via jack screw accessible in engine bay. Shocks are double adjustable. Different are were required as the GW arms interfered with the upper shock mount. Difference is dramatic. Car rides much smoother and feels confidently panted to the road. Old coilover setup was OK but could never get it adjusted.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_3811_zps23631262.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Takid455/media/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_3811_zps23631262.jpg.html)

OE mount
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_3812_zpsce0b9de6.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Takid455/media/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_3812_zpsce0b9de6.jpg.html)

After Plasma, sawzall & grinder
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_3819_zps69465405.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Takid455/media/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_3819_zps69465405.jpg.html)

Mocked up
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_3825_zpsba3ae2fc.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Takid455/media/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_3825_zpsba3ae2fc.jpg.html)

Getting there. Stuff gets dirty after use. As much as I clean this car, I was surprised how much and where dirt found its self during disassembly.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_3868_zps29280844.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Takid455/media/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_3868_zps29280844.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_3881_zps2058cecb.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Takid455/media/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_3881_zps2058cecb.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_3875_zps181c3f9a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Takid455/media/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_3875_zps181c3f9a.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_4513_zpseac1b976.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Takid455/media/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_4513_zpseac1b976.jpg.html)

[takid455]

All installed and ready to roll
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_3904_zps13f1a594.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Takid455/media/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_3904_zps13f1a594.jpg.html)

Rears
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Takid455/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_3902_zps85431a5a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Takid455/media/1978%20TA%20%20gold/2014%20upgrades%20brake%20-%20cooling%20and%20susp/IMG_3902_zps85431a5a.jpg.html)


Winter project is an EFI system I am making myself. Will be tunable by anyone that can tune any late model GM product. System should work on any engine platform with a few platform specific parts. All parts will be avail over the counter if needing replacement.

[Rick D]

Nice job, love the up grades. So who makes that front setup? I like it! Also cant wait to see your EFI.

[takid455]

Dave @ Pro Touring F body makes it. This is one of his prototypes...I was ginnea pig. Production unit is a little easier to install as it uses the UCA bolts for alignment. Cutting and grinding remains the same effort.

Anxious on the EFI system myself. Works like a charm on paper and theory!

[WSSix]

Really glad to hear you're out enjoying the car. Still one of my favorite builds.

[instro84]

nice T/A, make me wish i still had my 75.

[takid455]

Doing some more updates/ upgrades and got some print in the meantime! Woot!


http://www.timelessmuscle.com/features/feature-cars/pontiac/car-feature-golden-bird/

[WSSix]

Congrats! What changes have you made?

[takid455]

Larger custom made radiator and true serpentine system. Replumbed some fluid transport lines and moving along on my own EFI system. changed some other minor things that escape my mind at the moment as well.

[Centerforce]

Props to you for committing to this build no matter how long it took! It came out spectacular! How are you liking the Dual-Friction clutch so far?

[takid455]

I have used the DF series clutches in several applications with no issues. The 12" was sorta new to the market when I inquired about it per what I recall when I spoke with one of your reps years ago. Haven't had any issues to speak of. The hydraulic setup makes it a lot easier to disengage vs the mechanical setup I run in another car.

Have pondered going to a dual disc when this one wears out just to see the difference.

[WSSix]

Sounds good. EFI will be nice to see on a Pontiac motor.

[Centerforce]

I have used the DF series clutches in several applications with no issues. The 12" was sorta new to the market when I inquired about it per what I recall when I spoke with one of your reps years ago. Haven't had any issues to speak of. The hydraulic setup makes it a lot easier to disengage vs the mechanical setup I run in another car.

Have pondered going to a dual disc when this one wears out just to see the difference.

We're glad to hear that. The DF is a great clutch and is perfect for 95% of modified street cars. The DYAD dual disk will give an even lighter pedal pressure, and can hold upwards of 1300 crank ft/lbs! Since it uses organic friction material, it is very mellow to drive on the street as far as engagement, too.

[Terryd]

Inspiring build to say the least! Starting on my '72 now. So nice to see that Poncho engine in there! Great job.

[takid455]

Been about a year since I got my Pontiac 24x EFI , Coil near plug system running & on the road. Aside from some expect tuning bits initially, it has performed flawless. My old TBI setup doesn't hold a candle to this. I made extra sets for my other cars & for others. I use an 0411 GM ECU but others can also be utilized. Its wonderful being able to datalog all the parameters of the old Poncho engine & fine tune. Overall the car/ engine feels more livelier & more responsive even compared to well tuned carb & TBI setups.

Here's a short video of it running on the car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhTHRymPSlM

One might say, why this over say a Holley system.
1) Holley ticked me off years ago in this area , not the worker's fault, corporate.
2) You can obtain any of the sensors at a locale parts store if needed.
3) Anyone that can tune GM (or ECU of choice) can hook up to this via ODB2 port
4) "Why not LS/LT swap?" - Pure personal preference. Its the best of both worlds. Old school looks & feel with modern tech & reliability.

[WSSix]

Sounds great and still looks great! Glad you got it working well for you.

[T_Raven]

Been about a year since I got my Pontiac 24x EFI , Coil near plug system running & on the road. Aside from some expect tuning bits initially, it has performed flawless. My old TBI setup doesn't hold a candle to this. I made extra sets for my other cars & for others. I use an 0411 GM ECU but others can also be utilized. Its wonderful being able to datalog all the parameters of the old Poncho engine & fine tune. Overall the car/ engine feels more livelier & more responsive even compared to well tuned carb & TBI setups.

Here's a short video of it running on the car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhTHRymPSlM

One might say, why this over say a Holley system.
1) Holley ticked me off years ago in this area , not the worker's fault, corporate.
2) You can obtain any of the sensors at a locale parts store if needed.
3) Anyone that can tune GM (or ECU of choice) can hook up to this via ODB2 port
4) "Why not LS/LT swap?" - Pure personal preference. Its the best of both worlds. Old school looks & feel with modern tech & reliability.


I've been wanting to try this for a long time on either one of my Pontiac or Olds engines. It's cool to see someone do it.

[takid455]

Its a very rewarding adventure. More than pleased with the outcome. Now I need to market the setup. Might do Olds next.

Sent from my LG-G710 using Tapatalk

[Tinker]

I have had my Poncho mill port injected for 17 years now, but am about to change over to cnp as well. I went the Holley route. So would you be divulging too much information if I asked what you did for a cam sensor?

[takid455]

I have had my Poncho mill port injected for 17 years now, but am about to change over to cnp as well. I went the Holley route. So would you be divulging too much information if I asked what you did for a cam sensor?

I designed my own housing & reluctor to work with an over the counter 3 wire sensor. It drives the oil pump as the same time. Don't see why it wouldn't work with a Holley ecu. I made this setup pretty universal. That's the beauty of it.

[Tinker]

That's my plan also. I actually bought an old accel billet distributor just for the shaft and housing and planned on making the top portion for the hall sensor.

[takid455]

Shameless plug here, I could sell you one of mine if I have an extra not part of a set. I had 12-15 of each component made due to manufacturing cost.

[mrgto]

The new serpentine belt system. Can you tell us more about that? Thanks.

[takid455]

Billet Specialties. Straight from their catalog. Will say be careful on their torque specs. Some are high & cause threads to stretch. Otherwise its been a nice setup aside form a leaky Edelbrock water pump. Did have to clearance the steering box a hair to give the belt some room.