'78 T/A SE WS6 Project

[TorqDork]

Hi,

We just picked up a fully loaded '78 Trans Am Gold Special Edition WS6 car that's been sitting in the desert since 1992. Plans are to do a mild Pro/Touring car lowering it about 1 inch, tweaking the chassis and maybe some 17 x 9 inch Snowflakes. This project will be covered in an upcoming book from CarTech on 2nd Gen Firebird and Camaro Performance covering various levels of Pro/Touring mods from mild to wild.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Roy/fun1.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Roy/fun8.jpg

[TorqDork]

We just finished wrapping up a '66 Chevelle SS so started tearing down the '78 T/A Gold SE

Been sitting in the high desert for years so every piece we removed was full of sand!!!

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta1.jpg
Int
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta2.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta5.jpg
Nose
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta4.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta4a.jpg
Fender
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta4b.jpg
Nose OFF
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta4c.jpg
Stripping
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta6.jpg
Priming
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta7.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta8.jpg
The Chevelle just finished
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Chevelle/fin1.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Chevelle/fin2.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Chevelle/fin4.jpg

[coolwelder62]

Awesome project's Mike.The javelin is cool.:thumbsup: Scott M.

[mexMan]

I've never felt sure about seeing snowflakes in total custom TA's but for the plans you have I bet is going to look killer.

[waynieZ]

Beautiful work on the Chevelle it came out awesome. you have another nice project with the T/A.

[TorqDork]

Beautiful work on the Chevelle it came out awesome. you have another nice project with the T/A.

Making progress on tearing the car apart and stripping it.

Dash
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta9.jpg
Stripped
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta8b.jpg

[waynieZ]

Wow that looks in excelent shape.

[WSSix]

Yeah really. I'm a little jealous at how nice the sheet metal is on this car. So have you thought of a final plan for the car and the direction you're going to take? My only suggestion is to keep the solar gold color. It looks great on these cars. Just take a look at Telly V's I believe his is solar or at least a similar shade anyway.

[TorqDork]

Yeah really. I'm a little jealous at how nice the sheet metal is on this car. So have you thought of a final plan for the car and the direction you're going to take? My only suggestion is to keep the solar gold color. It looks great on these cars. Just take a look at Telly V's I believe his is solar or at least a similar shade anyway.

The plan is to do a Level One Pro/Touring style car where it can be easily put back to stock since it's a rare loaded Gold SE. It's part of a build for a book for P/T 2nd Gen cars and will feature upgraded chassis components, quietly lowered about 1 inch and 17 x 9 inch Snowflakes.

I found this photo on a Firebird Forum and "Like the look" of the 17's! I tweaked it a lowered the car slightly.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/17a3.jpg

[WSSix]

Sounds like a good plan to me. Will you be going Pontiac powered or...?

[TorqDork]

Sounds like a good plan to me. Will you be going Pontiac powered or...?

Unfortunately, since the car's in California and still requires emissions testing, we are probably stuck with the Olds 403 with minor tweaks unless someone knows a better way without dropping an LS engine in.

[TorqDork]

Yeah really. I'm a little jealous at how nice the sheet metal is on this car. So have you thought of a final plan for the car and the direction you're going to take? My only suggestion is to keep the solar gold color. It looks great on these cars. Just take a look at Telly V's I believe his is solar or at least a similar shade anyway.

No Rust on the car but is now in early primer and all the little dings showed up where you didn't see them with the faded Gold.

It will stay Solar Gold. I believe there were only about 800 of these made and less as loaded as this car so not going to chew it up too much but will upgraded it as much as possible.

[TorqDork]

Yeah really. I'm a little jealous at how nice the sheet metal is on this car. So have you thought of a final plan for the car and the direction you're going to take? My only suggestion is to keep the solar gold color. It looks great on these cars. Just take a look at Telly V's I believe his is solar or at least a similar shade anyway.

We really wanted to get the paint off the car to see what secrets lay underneath. You just never know! There were some dings here and there but did get much of it stripped and quickly in early primer with blocking and more primer to come. Here are a few updated photos.

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/prime.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/prime2.jpg

Painting the Core Support after sandblasting
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/core.jpg

[TorqDork]

QUESTION:

Has anybody here sprayed PPG Waterborne paint and what are your thoughts?

[TorqDork]

Just a couple of update photos. The dash and steering column are out, front suspension dismantled, and the subframe is actually off and at the sandblaster. Still a long way to go.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta9b.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta9c.jpg

[TorqDork]

Just an update:

I edited my first post also.

This project is for an upcoming book on 2nd Gen Firebirds and Camaros that will feature several Pro/Touring style builds from mild to wild.

We have a number of sponsors on board for the project and would like to thank them. Stay tuned!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/SIG2E.jpg

[TorqDork]

Just an additional Update:

Subframe returned from the Sandblaster and has been painted.

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/4.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/5.jpg

We also prepped the firewall and removed a lot of the factory undercoating and sealer.

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/6.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/7.jpg

[TorqDork]

Just a quick update.

We received our new Heidts narrowed tubular control arms and will install them once the subframe goes back in with the Heidts subframe mount kit.

The "Old" is Ugly!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/1.jpg

Much Better
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/heidts1.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/SIG2E.jpg

[TorqDork]

A bit of an update.

After getting our Heidt's control arms and subframe mounting kit and putting the firewall back in pristine condtion, we slid the subframe back in place.

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/sub2.jpg

We also pulled the rear axle and sent it off to the blaster while we wait for our Stainless Steel Brake Kits.

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/sub6.jpg

[TorqDork]

Still making progress after the rear axle came back from the blaster:

Blastedhttp://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/rr2.jpg
Paintedhttp://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/rr3a.jpg
Custom Eaton/Detroit Springs with a 1 inch drophttp://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/rr4.jpg
Axle heading Homehttp://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/rr5.jpg
Rear WS6 Sway Bar with Energy Suspension Bushing Kits. Rear Disc Conversion Next.http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/rr6.jpg

[TorqDork]

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

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

UGLY!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/tank1.jpg
Chemically stripped and sealed with Eastwoods Tank Sealer and coated with Eastwoods Tank Tone
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/tank2.jpg

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/tank3.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/tank4.jpg

[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:
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/susp1.jpg

Easiest part was installing the Heidts upper control arms:
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/susp2.jpg
We installed the Heidts lower control arms and prepared the custom Eaton/Detroit front springs:
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/susp3.jpg
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:
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/susp4.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/susp5.jpg

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!


http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/tank3.jpg


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.

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/brk1.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/brk2.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/brk3.jpg

[TorqDork]

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

THIS WAS UGLY!!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/brk4.jpg

We used their 2 piston calipers that mount just like the factory units.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/brk5.jpg

Added Drilled and Slotted Rotors
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/brk6.jpg

Much Better!!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/brk7.jpg

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!!

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta1.jpg

[WSSix]

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

[TorqDork]

We got around to installing the rear Stainless Steel Disc Brakes this weekend.

THE OLD DRUMS
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/rbrk1.jpg
PULLING THE AXLE
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/rbrk2.jpg
OUR NEW BILSTIEN SHOCK ARRIVED JUST IN TIME!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/rbrk3.jpg
INSTALLING THE CALIPER MOUNTING BRACKET
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/rbrk4.jpg
READY TO GO BUT THE REAR BRAKES DO NOT FIT THE 15 X 8 SNOWFLAKE WHEELS!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/rbrk5.jpg
We also want to welcome on board Phoenix Graphixs, Legendary Auto Interiors and Classic Tube.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/SIG3a.jpg

[TorqDork]

Here's an engine update

Sadly due to budget and California emissions testing, we are sort of stuck with the 403 but will do the best we can with it. Didn't think it could be saved but once over at Valley Head Service, 0.030 over took care of it. The limit on these engines is 0.040".

EARLY
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng1.jpg
YUK
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng2.jpg
CAN IT BE SAVED??
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng3.jpg
CLEANUP
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng4.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng5.jpg
CRANK
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng6.jpg
AT VALLEY HEAD SERVICE (BORED 0.030 OVER)
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng7.jpg
HONED
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng8.jpg
BALANCING
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng9.jpg
THE EDELBROCK INTAKE WILL STILL FIT THE SHAKER HOOD!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/intake.jpg

[TorqDork]

Haven't made a lot of progress on the engine due to a bit of uncertainty.

We were miffed that as late as 1978, the Olds 403 engine was still using a "Rope" style rear main seal.

We started assembling the engine by laying the crank in and pounding the rope seal in as far as we could. The crank turned freely before the rear main was in place but that rope seal makes the crank far tighter than we are comfortable with.

After a search, we called Olds Performance Products realizing they made a Rubber rear main seal for the 403. After talking to them for a bit, we also ordered a stud girdle, Hi Po oil pump, improved oil pan and a a better gasket set.

A few photos so far:

PAINTING
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng10.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng11.jpg
CRANK
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng12.jpg

[TorqDork]

New Update:

We're on hold regarding the engine waiting for a better rear main seal than the old style rope seal and also a stud girdle for the weak 403.

So we went about trying to get some paint on the car:

PRIMERED READY FOR SANDING PREP
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/p1.jpg
PAINTING
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/p3.jpg
READY FOR WET SANDING
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/p4.jpg
FENDERS DONE
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/p5.jpg
PREPPING THE HOOD
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/p6.jpg
NOSE SANDED AND BUFFED!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/p7.jpg

[GrabberGT]

Looks nice. You give me hope that I could accomplish paint and body myself in my own garage. My wife is NOT going to be happy about this. :_paranoid

[TorqDork]

Looks nice. You give me hope that I could accomplish paint and body myself in my own garage. My wife is NOT going to be happy about this. :_paranoid

Well the bodywork is easier than doing a home paint job especially with the sensitivity of todays paints and the restrictions in certain areas. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY! I can't say that enough and try not to mix products from different manufacturers!

Today we got the base coat on the body and finally got the power windows working!!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/p4a.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Your brave - looks like your paint booth is the outdoors! :thumbsup:

[TorqDork]

Your brave - looks like your paint booth is the outdoors! :thumbsup:

Yeah generally they are done in the garage but:

1. we would have had to move 6 cars out which was impossible with parts, fenders and a hood in front of one door.

2. The weather was absolutely perfect, 80 degrees and almost no breeze.

3. We were using PPG Waterborne paint which requires good airflow to dry quickly.

Looks like it all turned out really well and free of specs. I'm in the process of buffing and will post photos.

[TorqDork]

Your brave - looks like your paint booth is the outdoors! :thumbsup:

Got some buffing done today.

Not bad for an outdoor paint job!

BUFFING HOOD
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/P8.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/P8A.jpg
HOOD FINISHED
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/P8B.jpg
HOOD TAPE, to keep from sand through the peaks!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/P8C.jpg
BODY BUFFING
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/P9.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/P9A.jpg

[TorqDork]

Well our other engine pieces showed up so may go back to engine assembly because I need a break from Buffing!:yes:

The Olds 403 still used a rope rear main seal and we didn't like it for the crank was just too tight once torqued. So we contacted Olds Performance Products and ordered a rubber style rear main seal along with a few other goodies including a stud girdle for the somewhat weak 403 block.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/main.jpg
Stud Girdle
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/girdle.jpg

[White.Lightning]

Nice build! Loving the 'backyard' build.

[TorqDork]

Nice build! Loving the 'backyard' build.

Takes a lot of work!

All the Hot Rods you see behind the T/A were built in the Back Yard!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/P9.jpg

[98ssnova]

I love the red fans amazing reminds me of when i painted my car

[TorqDork]

Another update:

We got the door jambs painted and most all of the small parts painted. Used single stage on the jambs and basecoat/clearcoat on the small pieces.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/pnt1.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/pnt2.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/pnt3.jpg

[WSSix]

Looks great! How did you like the water paint?

Neoprene rear main seals exist for the 403 as well. I believe it's listed as a Ford 390 seal. I can't remember as it's been years but I used one on my 403 then.

[69x22]

Looking good! I would love to build a 76 to 78 T/A someday.

[TorqDork]

Finally starting to get rid of some of the pieces laying around!!!

Adding Flares and rear spoiler
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/pnt4.jpg

Adding the black in back
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/pnt5.jpg
Fender flares
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/pnt6.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/pnt7.jpg
Adding the Tail Lights
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/pnt8.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/pnt9.jpg

[PonchoJohn]

That's really gorgeous!!:thumbsup:

[TorqDork]

While waiting for some new parts for the engine, we got the car painted so today we got the short block assembled.

NEW Rubber Rear Main Seal From Olds Performance Products replacing the crappy Rope Seal
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng20.jpg

Crank In
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng12.jpg

Pistons In
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng22.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng23.jpg
Stud Girdle: Also from Olds Performance Products
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng24.jpg

Edelbrock Cam
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng25b.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng25c.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng27.jpg

[TorqDork]

Just received this photo from Legendary Auto Interiors that our interior pieces are on their way!

Legendary has recently expanded their product line to cover '67 to '81 Camaros and Firebirds. They have a full line of interiors for GM, Mopar, and AMC

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/trim3a.jpg

[TorqDork]

Slowly but surely coming together.

OIL PUMP AND PAN FROM OLDS PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng29.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng30.jpg
HEADS
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng31.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng32.jpg
INTAKE
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng36.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng37.jpg
ENGINE
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng38.jpg

[TorqDork]

Sorry but looks like yesterday I ran out of bandwidth on Photobucket so had to fix that.

Looks like the photos are back up.

[TorqDork]

BEFORE
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng1.jpg
AFTER
FINISHED ENGINE (Pretty much)! Won't be an LS type Monster but hopefully will pass Emissions!!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng40.jpg

[TorqDork]

A Great BIG Box showed up today!! Oh Boy!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/bm1.jpg

[TorqDork]

We want to welcome Pertronix and Patriot Exhaust on board!

We received their non HEI Billet Distributor with their Ignitor III module which has a built in Rev Limiter.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/pert1.jpg

We also received Patriot Exhaust Headers for the engine!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/patexh.jpg

[TorqDork]

Well we finally got around to getting the engine in the car.

Bolting up the B & M transmission
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng42.jpg
Engine in
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng41.jpg

[coolwelder62]

Very cool.:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Jay Hilliard]

great job. Looks very nice!

[TorqDork]

Thought some might find this interesting.

Started looking at what we need interior wise and found a unique and strange fix on the brittle plastic door panel reinforcements for the 2nd Gen Camaros and Firebirds. Pretty funny! Somebody ate a few Popsicles!!!!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Chassis/panel2a.jpg

[TorqDork]

It pretty much bites putting emission controls on this thing!!! Probably won't see much of the engine eventually.

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng43.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20ENGINE/eng44.jpg

[onelapduster]

Any updates on this build? This car is coming together really clean. Even if the motor cant be seen with all the emission stuff atleast it will be done right!

[64skylarkls1]

We just finished wrapping up a '66 Chevelle SS so started tearing down the '78 T/A Gold SE

Been sitting in the high desert for years so every piece we removed was full of sand!!!

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta1.jpg
Int
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta2.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta5.jpg
Nose
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta4.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta4a.jpg
Fender
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta4b.jpg
Nose OFF
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta4c.jpg
Stripping
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta6.jpg
Priming
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta7.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78%20Trans%20Am/ta8.jpg
The Chevelle just finished
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Chevelle/fin1.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Chevelle/fin2.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Chevelle/fin4.jpg

Nice Chevelle!!! Can I ask what red that is? Who makes it, color name... The TA is looking great. My brother has the identical TA w/o the WS6 package. He's owned it for 24 years and it has less than 50,000 miles on it.

[TorqDork]

Any updates on this build? This car is coming together really clean. Even if the motor cant be seen with all the emission stuff atleast it will be done right!

Update,

Kinda took a bit of a break from the T/A over the holidays but did hang one fender and get the new dash painted.

Still have to go back and loosen the suspension with more weight on the nose, then drop it like a rock!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/fender1.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/dash.jpg

[TorqDork]

Nice Chevelle!!! Can I ask what red that is? Who makes it, color name... The TA is looking great. My brother has the identical TA w/o the WS6 package. He's owned it for 24 years and it has less than 50,000 miles on it.

The color on the '66 Chevelle is from PPG and is "Boyd" Red based on a Boyd Coddington color.

[waynieZ]

Both cars look great.

[jr2226]

great job on the ta. love the chevelle mags and redlines great look :thumbsup:

[TorqDork]

Got the other fender on today along with the Nose!

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/ta4c1.jpg

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/ta6.jpg

[TorqDork]

Mounted the Hood yesterday
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/ta4.jpg

[PonchoJohn]

That looks REALLY good!
Oh yeah, that Chevelle's purty too ;)

[TorqDork]

Quick update. Have been doing a few other things but did get the grilles on the car and forgot to show the nice Mark 7 aluminum radiator we're using.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/1.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/rad1.jpg

[TorqDork]

Not much in updates at the moment.

Been building a SBC AND maybe another Firebird may show up this weekend to do. '67 Firebird 400 with 34,000 miles!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/SBC/cool.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Harbor/67fire3.jpg

[TorqDork]

Update:

Been in the process of restoring the glass T Tops and the rear glass. They turned out nice.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/ta12.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/car4.jpg

And the '67 Firebird finally showed up.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/HFTFirebird/fire1.jpg

[TorqDork]

Well our restored Trans Am Dash Bezel is on it's way back.

Thanks to Randy Combs who came highly recommended. contact: [email protected]

Here is a video link to what he does.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYwharsd3j8

Before:
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/bezel1a.jpg
After
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/bezel1b.jpg

[waynieZ]

He definetely does a nice job it came out great.

[TorqDork]

As mentioned earlier, we received Legendary Auto Interiors "New" line of upholstery for 2nd Gen Camaros and Firebirds so we finally are starting to prepare the interior for the Trans Am. Rears are done.

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/seats1.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/seats2.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/seats3.jpg

[TorqDork]

Well our glass guy came back out to reinstall our glass.

We had him remove the windshield for replacement and the rear glass for restoration.

We buffed the heated rear glass with Cerium Oxide to save it and it turned out great.

Shown below is the before, the buffing process and the after.

Before
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78Paint/pnt4.jpg
Cerium Oxide
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/car4.jpg
After
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/glass.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Do you run that oxide stuff on the inside with the heating element?

[jy211]

huge differance in the back glass! :thumbsup:

[TorqDork]

Do you run that oxide stuff on the inside with the heating element?

No we did NOT! Would advise against that.

Most of the problems with the glass was on the outside due to getting sandblasted in desert winds.

[waynieZ]

It came out great, you did an awesome job. Do you keep it wet with the Cerium Oxide or do you buff until its almost all gone?

[TorqDork]

Took a break from the Trans Am project but figured it was time to start putting the dash back in. The repro dash fit better than I thought.

New going in
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/tadash1a.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/tadash2.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/tadash3.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/tadash4.jpg

[TorqDork]

It came out great, you did an awesome job. Do you keep it wet with the Cerium Oxide or do you buff until its almost all gone?

We dip the pad in the water, then the Cerium Oxide and buff. If it starts drying out. we re dip the pad in the water to keep it wet.

[waynieZ]

Thanks!

[TorqDork]

Got the restored dash bezel in yesterday
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/int3.jpg

[TorqDork]

Our upholsterer finally got around to working on the front seats and the door panels which were supplied by "Legendary Auto Interiors". Our guy told us it's the "Best" trim he's ever seen for these cars and was very impressed with the product!

Here's the front seat.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/int6.jpg

With regard to the door panels, we were able to do fiberglass repairs on the upper plastic reinforcement and the well priced door panels came out great!!!
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/int7.jpg

[onelapduster]

Any updates? Just picked up a really nice Gold 1980 Firebird myself.

[TorqDork]

The Trans Am has been sort of in Limbo lately due to a '67 Firebird 400 project.

We did get the Custom Auto Sound Radio in
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/HF%20Show/ta.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/HF%20Show/78radio2.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/HF%20Show/78radio1.jpg

Changes in the '67 Firebird.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/HFTFirebird/fire1.jpg

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/HF%20Show/6.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/HF%20Show/44d.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/HF%20Show/44a.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/HF%20Show/44c.jpg

[waynieZ]

Wow Nice!

[fleetus macmullitz]

huge differance in the back glass! :thumbsup:

X2...very nice.

[TorqDork]

Update.

We have TWO Birds in the nest so to speak.

Starting to get the interior together on the Trans Am and got color on the '67 Firebird.

BEFORE:
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/int1-1.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/78New/int1a.jpg

'67 Firebird 400
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/Harbor/67fire1.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/HF%20Show/54.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/HF%20Show/54b.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/HF%20Show/54c.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/HF%20Show/54d.jpg

[89 RS]

Trans Am is looking awesome. :thumbsup: Did you restore the gauges? If so, can I ask how you did it? Those gauges look brand new.

[onelapduster]

Is this car done?

[rlpj68]

what happened to the tread and why are the pictures deleted. can't follow the progress with out visuals.

[TorqDork]

what happened to the tread and why are the pictures deleted. can't follow the progress with out visuals.

Sorry about that. Had to make room on my Photobucket account.

The car is running now and took a few photos today.

Also, here's a Youtube video of the build

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3PfbOpwriE&fmt=18

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/done3_zpsedd30c0c.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/done7_zps8814006b.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff476/torquedork/done8_zps23bc3c18.jpg

[TorqDork]

Sorry,

Here's the link for the Trans Am Build

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko8ziLY43JI&fmt=18

[WSSix]

So what's the plan for the car now? I think it turned out great. The solar gold paint looks fantastic.

[onelapduster]

Beautiful car!!