'78 T/A SE WS6 Project

[TorqDork]

Here's an update on getting the fuel tank back in shape.

Also, our Stainless Steel Brakes arrived today. Stay Tuned.

UGLY!

Chemically stripped and sealed with Eastwoods Tank Sealer and coated with Eastwoods Tank Tone

[70rs]

Nice job on the tank! I had no idea the old tank could be brought back like that.

[WSSix]

You've made good progress since I last checked the thread. Good job and good luck.

[TorqDork]

Here's the most recent update! FRONT SUSPENSION

What we started with:


Easiest part was installing the Heidts upper control arms:

We installed the Heidts lower control arms and prepared the custom Eaton/Detroit front springs:

I must say it's "No Fun" installing springs in a car with no engine and trans (WEIGHT) on the front end but we got it done:



New Bilstein Shocks are on the way and next up are the Stainless Steel Brakes!

[waynieZ]

Nice job on the tank, its all looking good.

[69z]

[QUOTE=TorqDork;367817]

UGLY!





You might want to re-think those cheap crimp on connectors for the sending unit. Considering the location, and the amount of work to correct a bad connection, a little extra to make a secure connection would be prudent. I wouldn't want to be the one purchasing this car a couple years down the road. I'm curious, why did you cut the original harness anyway, are you replacing it?

Please don't fly off the deep end, I'm only offering some advice.

[TorqDork]

First off, We got the car with the engine, trans, and fuel tank already out of the car (wires cut). A replacement wire for the sending unit on a '78 is not available but using the proper crimping tool and technique, that wire isn't going anywhere!

Back to our regularly scheduled program.

We got our Stainless Steel Brake setup and will start installing it tomorrow. Stay tuned.

[TorqDork]

Did the front Stainless Steel Brakes this morning which was a piece of cake

THIS WAS UGLY!!


We used their 2 piston calipers that mount just like the factory units.


Added Drilled and Slotted Rotors


Much Better!!


NOTE: Stainless Steel Brakes was unsure if the Factory 15 inch Snowflakes would fit over the larger Caliper. We are planning 17 inch Snowflakes but Checked the factory 15 x 8 inch Snowflakes and they seem to fit just fine! BUT, we found out the rear disc brakes Do NOT fit the 15 inch Snowflakes!

[TorqDork]

JUST A NOTE ON THE CAR’S HISTORY:

We found all the info on the original owner of this Gold SE Trans Am. We found out the original owner had passed away but did talk to his wife and told her we were bringing the car back to life and she was happy to hear that. We found out the original owner was a Mechanical Engineer that worked at the Air Force Base up in the high desert. Odd thing is, here’s a car that stickered in 1978 for $9,500 and he NEVER washed it. NEVER. Eventually his son ended up with the car and a friend was going to restore it but they lost interest so it ended up in the junkyard to be “CRUSHED”! Someone saved it from the crusher and we bought it and took it home. Onward and upward with one more car saved!!

[WSSix]

cool story and I'm really glad to know it was saved from the crushers.