Just another slow 2nd gen

[76TA]

Hi guys,

My name is Andrew and I'm in the process of picking up an on-going build.

The car is question is a '76 Trans Am (400 / 4-Speed car) that my father ordered new in September of '75; after the Army my father sold it to me for $0.76 (plus state tax and filing fees).

Before I started the build it had 38,040 original numbers matching miles on it. It is rust free and straight as an arrow.

Prior to this phase of the build I had already done quite a bit so here is a quick run down of what had been done earlier, what is being done now, and what will be done in the distant future:

Already done:
- 8 point cage
- Strange F body Dana 60 set up for a torque arm
- Ladder Bars
- Mini Tubs

Currently on the chopping block this winter (and what my first few posts will be about):
- Detroit Speed Sub Frame (powder-coated with single adjustable shocks) - Delivered
- Solid body mounts via Pro-Touring F-Body - Delivered
- Detroit Speed Sub Frame Connectors - Delivered
- Holley T56 Hump panel/transmission tunnel - Installed
- Detroit Speed Firewall fill/smooth panel - Installed
- Media blasting undercarriage, interior pans, trunk - Done
- Putting everything in PPG - Waiting on paint shop for pick up
- Tanks Inc. 800+ hp EFI tank kit - Delivered

Eventually:
- Mast 427 Black Series SS (Dry Sump) with their front assembly kit
- Tranzilla T56
- Stop Tech drilled and slotted 6 pistons all around (manual set up)
- Staggered 315 Front / 335 stance
- Stretching the rear fenders out 1 or 2 inches
- Custom Arrow (new front spoiler)
- Reduce front bumper weight
- 17 inch wheels: Something polished with a deep dish
- Shaker scoop still attached to motor



Thanks for following,
Andrew

[DKz Garage]

Looks like a cool project!

[76TA]

I originally began the tear down process in September '16. What pushed me over the edge was a rather unfortunate sequence of events.

I rarely ever drove the car but on a rather warm September morning I decided to drive it to work. On the drive home from work later that evening a cat ran out in front of a group of cars ahead of me and in order to avoid rear-ending the car in front of me...I had no other option but to high side the car on to the center median.

Obviously there was some damage. The passenger header was ruined, the starter had taken a beating and other portions of the exhaust had been compromised.

The following weekend I had decided to repair the car. One thing led to another and by the time winter came it was too cold to make any real progress in my Buffalo NY 1.5 car garage so I hung it up until the following spring.

In late February '17 the weather cleared and I continued the project with the intention of simply repairing what I had damaged.

As these things sometimes go I ended up down a rabbit hole. After a week I had the car down to a rolling chassis, a new front sub frame on back-order from Detroit Speed, the numbers matching motor and trans sold, with other goodies ordered up.

I took the time documenting and properly storing every single bolt, nut and part in baggies, storage bins, or in some cases - opted to store them in a spare bedroom.

I have many photos of the tear down process but I probably won't post many of those.

[76TA]

1/5: Photos post initial media blast

I wasn't completely happy with the way it came back from media so I sent it back following these photos to have some areas re-worked.

[76TA]

1/10: Detroit Speed firewall panel and Holley T56 panel

After media round number 2, started on some sheet metal work. I still have to massage the trunk a bit prior to putting everything in PPG.

[DOOM]

Keep the updates coming!! My favorite year Firebird.

[ScotI]

Cool history & build outline. I think I would have kept the original drivetrain though. I would have cleaned, painted, & detailed it to the n'th degree then put it on display as some cool shop art or conversation piece.

[fleetus macmullitz]

Slow no mo’...

[syborg tt]

Great project looking forward to seeing more pictures

[WSSix]

How do you like that Holley tunnel piece? Thinking that might be easier and cleaner than me making my own.

Thanks