Nocturne Blue 79 TA

[Doug1]

I thought I had already started a thread on this car a long time ago but I can't seem to find where I did. I'll repost some of the stuff from another site that has the work up to this point. My apologies in advance if any of this is already posted.

[Doug1]

Some time in 2010 or thereabouts, I decided to have my 79 Nocturne Blue TA repainted. It had a few rust bubles in it but was otherwise a pretty sweet ride. I was upgrading the roughly 500hp 455 that was in it since I had the motor out anyway. In the end I used another motor I had for another project, which is a Pontiac 535 IA2 motor. The next car gets the LS!

The link below is to a video of it from 2008. You can't see the paint flaws but they were there.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/th_TransAmcomingtolife4-20-08.jpg (http://s213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/?action=view&current=TransAmcomingtolife4-20-08.mp4)


Here it was before paint. The car had some dings, scratches and the paint wasn't as good as I wanted it. Also had a crack behind the T-tops, which is why I primarily wanted it painted.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/DSC01088.jpg

[Doug1]

There is a LONG story to this car but I won't go into it now. Had a few incompentent people work on it along the way and finally had to take it over myself for the most part. It initially was just a repaint but like many projects here it kind of snowballed.

After the 2nd attempted repaint, I got disgusted with decided to redo EVERYTHING from scratch. Good thing since I found a weak floor pan after I pulled the interior out. You'd be surprised at how many people don't know how integral the floor pan is to the frame on a uni-body car. They just slap big patches right on top of the rust and call it a day. So I bought a lift, a rotisserie and the project started. First up was getting it ready for media blasting.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMAG0143.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMAG0127.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMAG0130.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMG_20111120_110933.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMG_20111120_125518.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMG_20111120_125543.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMG_20111120_142708.jpg

[Doug1]

Back from the blaster.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMAG0306.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMAG0305.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMAG0303.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMAG0302.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMAG0308.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMAG0310.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMAG0309.jpg

[Doug1]

Time for a new floor pan. I put in the full 74 and earlier pan.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMG_0129JPG2.jpg

New complete floor pan is in, DSE firewall filler panel is being welded in, new toe kicks are in, subframe connectors are tacked in place and the DSE mini-tubs are going in now.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/photo1_zps3ee219eb.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/photo4_zps36ee0be8.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/photo6_zpsfc5d372a.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/photo7_zps2e82eb08.jpg

[Doug1]

Tubs are in.
Toe kicks are in.
Full floor is in.
Firewall panel is in
DSE sub frame connectors, cut and tacked in place waiting to mate new sub-frame.
Upper and lower tubular control arms and springs are mounted to freshly powder coated sub-frame


http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zps31890fec.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zps85bd0d06.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zpse431eb97.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zpsf1b275ac.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zps859ccc39.jpg

[Doug1]

The DSE sub-frame connectors and tubs are fully welded in and the bottom of the car was sprayed with some Kevlar infused 2K bed liner. The owner of the body shop came by the house to do it while it was still on the rotisserie. Also put in DSE body mounts.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zps6104ad3b.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zpsd6e4e8e8.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zpsfffd1526.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zps5928d94b.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zps8705803c.jpg

[Doug1]

Jambs and firewall are painted. Three trips to the paint store to finally make sure they got the paint right! Both top and bottom of new floor and sub-frame connectors have been sprayed with bed liner.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zps8600250e.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zps2020dbc1.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zpsd55b63cb.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zpsb94977b4.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zpsa844c403.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zps258229e0.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zps9be3d466.jpg

[Doug1]

Year One aftermarket hood
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zpsd44af79b.jpg
Year One fiberglass wheel flares
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zps4ed79105.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zpsef9fd8fc.jpg

[Doug1]

Now, she is starting to look pretty good and she has 725+ hp of Pontiac power waiting to go in her...
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/DSC02535-1.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/DSC02532-1.jpg

[Doug1]

Bird is finished. Still have to get the lettering done and everything cleared.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/null_zps4ee89084.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/E82D1299-4FB9-43F2-844A-D0E2DA583E1A_zpsgnsfaqnc.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/249600DD-012D-4FD0-B8D5-2017034CF9CC_zpsqhp56rck.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/B6244A63-A357-4376-B54F-A6245D666E97_zpsqllicn80.jpg

[Gscherer78ta]

I have followed this build on TAC and liked it there too!

[Doug1]

The airbrush artist finally had some better weather and a break in his work schedule to finish up.

Here's how its done. First he used contact paper on the car and hand drew the sail panel birds and fender lettering.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/50368F76-8B05-4374-AA56-83BBA7784782_zpsedpwzzja.jpg
Then he uses a razor blade to cut out the inside outline before airbrushing.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/6F36C63D-AA24-4E85-B703-79D2F366439F_zpseh3bczqu.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/1D9C8D89-C182-42BA-AEA6-84574E7E6031_zpsw5z371vg.jpg
Before clear
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/0174E7FF-893C-4A2E-8A0C-2D8A96C64949_zpshzgskhwz.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/14D0E7F6-26AF-448A-80B8-EAC17A77B28C_zpsgosybdly.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/A10605A8-89D7-449E-ACC1-8B5F1A475C58_zpszt9ct6ga.jpg
Hood with pre-paint cleaner on it to simulate look with clear
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/374E04BB-8083-487B-87C7-25C24C693628_zpsoiuvk6ye.jpg
In the boot with clear just laid
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2CBE9781-DEEC-4951-8D1B-834664CC2B3B_zpsla1wpi1e.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/A268331E-49C7-4D95-8EC7-AFFC59DDC223_zpscewzyp8q.jpg

[Doug1]

Few more now that the clear is on. Still has to be cut and buffed but it looks pretty darn good already!

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/FE7DA58E-6AC6-46CD-9AC5-81ECF5BF26C0_zpsx9nwj8u4.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/597CF7DD-C9BE-437B-BF4C-21467C96DAF3_zpsge7gf4i8.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/C1743B3D-12F0-4907-B93C-4EBC8AB80B95_zpssbecsrq3.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/756DFD95-52DF-4C2C-A5BE-0C51A6EEA9A9_zpsej23mpvc.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/3ECDFC08-5E16-4A07-AEE5-2566BFB81EF6_zpsbpduaao5.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/A5848A46-4CDE-4E51-BDCD-29ACC9CDC4FD_zpssspstcix.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/33E4DC81-F61F-4068-B721-9B3F9D4CB44D_zpsiprhqeot.jpg

[Doug1]

American Powertrain Tremec Magnum. Here is a picture of the full kit, including the QuickTime Bellhousing cover that will fit a Pontiac. Somewhat of a long story there but the engine and transmission were initially ordred to go in the Triple Threat TA. Like most of the work done on that car, the transmission order was just another mess for me to have to clean up. Two expert shops but no one noticed the bellhousing had the hole for the starter on the wrong side of the motor. I saw it within 2 minutes when I got the car back in disarray. So another $500 and now I can mount the transmission properly

So the flywheel for the dual clutch T-56 is a nice piece of aluminum, though the motor had a brand new SFI approved, high end flywheel from SD Performance. American Powertrain "Science Friction" clutches require the use of their flywheel. Unfortunately, they had to send me several to get one to fit.. But they are Johnny on the spot when something is not right and get the new part on the way quickly.

Decided to go with their pro-fit kit. This kit to install their T-56 Magnum in a 2nd gen is really sweet.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/81825113-C575-4B1E-809C-56E53A0C83B6_zpsi16hhvvm.jpg

It included all of these parts plus the correct bellhousing, which I already mounted on the transmission.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/AD6576FA-D2D7-4559-A7C2-D6719B74477A_zpss9ir7u5c.jpg

[Doug1]

Below are a few pics of the biggest parts such as QuadraLink brackets already mounted on the housing and powder coated by DSE and the custom made fuel tank. I have yet to open the rest of the boxes of brackets, etc. I've got a great fabricator to help if I get in over my head. !

First up is a custom made narrowed stainless steel fuel tank, needed to fit exhaust past the QuadraLink.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/6A9FDFD3-0174-45DF-92C8-EF55CADAF03B_zpswnwxvbye.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/9DA13037-DBCD-42D7-BCB9-2E7C9550DEBF_zpsanyrpcof.jpg

Here is the rear end housing. All the other parts of the QuadraLink are still in a bunch of unopened boxes.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/9A473431-70DA-403D-8CCE-1AC3ECF3A40A_zpsmpvsdrtd.jpg

[Doug1]

Dave at Restore A Muscle Car helped me size the Year One Billet Honeycombs. 18x12 on the rears with 18x9 on the front. He even contacted the sales guy at Detroit Speed who sold me my Quadra Link and Moser Ford 9" to get the specs in order to make sure the wheels were correct. I'm looking forward to getting them on the car once the new suspension work if finished.

The front suspension in now all going to be PTFB. Ride Height Adjustable coil-overs, which required a bit of cutting on the front frame and a prototype bracket, replacing the original unused PTFB tubular control arms with newer ones designed for the coilovers. Also swapped out the still unused PTFB sway bar for a newer adjustable model. New C-6 spindles to mount the Willwood 6P brakes and 14" rotors. I ordered the new PTFB steering box to upgrade the steering performance and ordered the rear Wilwood 4p kit with 14" rotors as well.

Here are a few pics of the wheels which came in last night. I pulled an old 15x7 snowflake out the back for comparison. Just a little bigger. :lol:

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/Year%20One%20Billet%20Wheels/DougsBilletSnowflakeWheels4_zps9eabe665.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/Year%20One%20Billet%20Wheels/DougsBilletSnowflakeWheels10_zps586d000b.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/Year%20One%20Billet%20Wheels/DougsBilletSnowflakeWheels7_zps135eae2c.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/Year%20One%20Billet%20Wheels/DougsBilletSnowflakeWheels11_zpsf3ffa1a6.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/Year%20One%20Billet%20Wheels/DougsBilletSnowflakeWheels6_zps3600f55b.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/Year%20One%20Billet%20Wheels/DougsBilletSnowflakeWheels2_zps66b210bb.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/Year%20One%20Billet%20Wheels/DougsBilletSnowflakeWheels1_zps33e8595e.jpg

[Doug1]

Finally found some tires for these rims!
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMG_5950_zpsw1dcyre6.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMG_5941_zpsjnmodwim.jpg

[Doug1]

Latest update. Got the car back from the fabricator. We put the Quadra Link and Ford 9 inch in, along with a custom roll bar setup and the coil over mods for the front frame welded in.

Here are a couple of quick pics taken on the way back home.


http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/Quadra%20Link%20after%20Installation%204_zpssrhbfy sq.jpg


Custom roll bar
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/Roll%20bar%202_zpsmdrymqjw.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/Roll%20bar%203_zpst3x6kqeo.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/Roll%20bar%201_zpsuem8se7a.jpg

[WSSix]

Awesome Doug! Glad to see the car being built.

Without drudging up too much bad emotions, whatever happened to the other car?

[Doug1]

Awesome Doug! Glad to see the car being built.

Without drudging up too much bad emotions, whatever happened to the other car?

It's in my garage. Has an Art Morrison frame under the front and rear and an nice fuel cell but that's about it. I'll get around to it after this car. Unless someone makes me a good offer on the frame. I'll go LS with that car.

[WSSix]

Glad to hear that, too! Really like the airbrush work done on this car. That bird looks awesome.

[Doug1]

Glad to hear that, too! Really like the airbrush work done on this car. That bird looks awesome.

Thanks. I've been in house remodel purgatory for the last 6 months so I'm ready to work on something fun for a change. The timing of it coming back from the fabricator worked out well. Time to do some hot rodding!

[Doug1]

I had my fabricator add some extra roll over protection for this auto-cross / pro-touring TA and I need to plan an interior around it. I will definitely need to have someone cut the dash to make it fit around the A-Pillars. Probably best to take it to a shop and let them figure out how to make it work. Anyone done this before? Trying to get some ideas.

I'll also need to finish off the rear since I am deleting the rear seats. Trying to get some ideas of how to make it look cool. It will be a street car with a nice stereo and AC. Maybe some storage in the back as boxes. Or make the trunk larger by bringing it into the former rear seat area and boxing it off.

IF you have some pics of examples, post them up please!!!! Here is what I will be working with.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2015-09-05%2017.11.59_zpsewriovdd.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2015-09-05%2017.12.09_zpsx09aethp.jpg

[Doug1]

Put the new shoes on her for the first time. Need to get shorter lugs for the rear but we're getting there.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2015-11-29%2018.51.58_zpswksnlb2a.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2015-11-29%2018.52.21_zpsamgbsnxm.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/0D9204F8-1C78-4878-94F1-F9501CC2BCA0_zpspmn6xloe.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/D31C654D-0D68-4128-9B49-26EFBC19EEE2_zpsvh3v6vpk.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2015-11-30%2017.40.22_zpsfcggbgdp.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/4F709A32-708A-42B1-9D2A-A38BBCB67536_zpsxhg7s7aj.jpg

[Doug1]

Getting the DSE Rear swaybar mounts in the frame.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/5E6B3673-C531-4A48-8ABB-4C42445860D2_zpsmshgxka8.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2CBC05EA-8E9D-43D1-9F6A-ED991FBDFDF2_zpsbrdogzey.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/46D6C456-A07B-4810-BC0B-17DFCBE51C0A_zpsqlyjl4vj.jpg

[Firebirdsteve]

Great car!!!

[Doug1]

Motor is in for the moment anyway...
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/3BA14897-55D9-47C7-A991-CDA46AEB7480_zpstrvx2i96.jpg

Still have some work to do getting the transmission raised in the tunnel so the shaker isn't fitting just yet.

[Doug1]

Transmission and motor are in the car being fitted. The transmission tunnel is going to need some massaging. I've included a few pics and you can see in one of them that the transmission crossmember is bolted to the bottom of brackets it should sit on top of, so that tells me the transmission is roughly 1.5: low in the back and also needs to center up.

It even shows up in the shaker angle. Going to have to do some tunnel cutting to get this up high enough. Anyone have driveline angle info or links to some builds that have done this?

Here are a couple of photos from where I am now...

You can see how low the crossmember is here.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/109E5116-CB01-4D9B-A346-6CA1D9609276_zpsoiddsymj.jpg

and how high the transmission is in the tunnel. The body is setting on Detroit Speed 1/2 height bushings so that makes it a bit tighter.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/998F1F2F-2700-4751-8618-2E5AED0AA521_zpsyz4bypik.jpg

The cross member should mount on top of the brackets that it is now bolted to the bottom side of. So I need to raise the rear of the transmission approximately 1.5".

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/CB3A7131-AD47-4601-8A39-AA302BE43E3A_zps9bvgcmlq.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/9AD31852-3412-4B7F-91B3-B3B21CAA725C_zpslxgabsa2.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/7F9F86C9-5FF7-41C2-8D8F-88D30B9E26A5_zpsxwls5lsy.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/AC97FB97-B8EF-4854-A842-E73C1773843D_zpsjwmwqdvu.jpg

[Panteracer]

Doug,
I made modified my stock crossmember and made my own trans
motor mount from a cut down piece.. my trans is pushed up all the
way to the bottom of the Tunnel.. Pontiac 494 motor with tremic tk500

Picture barely shows the crossmember in the background

Bob

[Panteracer]

Doug,
For the shaker I made my own air cleaner below it
It actually passes right in front of the curve of the carb
I had my Dominator carb changed to base holley with domiator
base plate and dominator metering blocks.. I also shaved the front
of the manifold so the carb would sit more level..

Not sure if this is the right way but it has worked in the car for several
years now

Bob- Dreamin Ta's and Panteracer

[Doug1]

I ended up having to cut the tunnel to get the transmission where it needed to be in relation to the rear end. 2 degrees down and 2 up on the differential.

You can see the crossmember mounts on top of the frame rails now. I massaged the floor pan to get clearance and had to drop the cross member bracket bolts through the floor since I had no room on top of the rail to get them in.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/1FDC3664-3BC4-4C51-B81A-3228F870D96F_zpsde5rxche.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/A8F71C30-7819-407E-8177-C9B641793D57_zpszbujqvnp.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/BBA617AF-CD09-4FDF-9796-4DF309C538A7_zpsjw45mwb9.jpg

[Doug1]

Doug,
I made modified my stock crossmember and made my own trans
motor mount from a cut down piece.. my trans is pushed up all the
way to the bottom of the Tunnel.. Pontiac 494 motor with tremic tk500

Picture barely shows the crossmember in the background

Bob

Sweet looking! Really like the exhaust setup as well. I need to get 3" exhaust over the DSE Quadra-Link. Not sure how that is going to happen but we'll figure it out as we go!

[Panteracer]

Doug,
My exhaust goes under the rearend then turns out and down just at the
fuel tank... all one piece with slip joints onto the headers... easy to
install/remove but the headers are still a little too low.. Dougs for round ports

Bob

[Doug1]

Got the headers installed and the gas tank in for fitment purposes. Pypes offers a 3" header back kit specifically for DSE rear ends and Hooker has also added a similar offering, though you have to notch the truck floor for it's kit. Think I will give the Pypes one a shot first. There appears to be room to get it by the DSE tank.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2DEDCADC-E997-46DC-A81C-24D6C06D95E9_zpsbupsotgl.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/A2EEF461-B0E4-4E38-AF89-D109210D2DAD_zpssliacru8.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/C10F146E-570A-43BC-8632-B3E6239DD0E9_zpsdzir2fw6.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/B2718448-90A2-45C8-B33D-10B97CF57748_zps8fgcvgi6.jpg

[WSSix]

Admittedly, I only used the Pypes system as a base for what I ended up doing with the exhaust, but I was pleased with the quality of the bends and fitment to the car. Had I bought a complete system with mufflers and installed it per their directions, I have no doubt the result would have been the same. I hope it ends up working well for you also.

[Doug1]

I finally got around to finishing the new tunnel. The T-56 Magnum needs a tunnel upgrade in a 2nd Gen to get the driveline angles correct. This may not be the case with stock components but with 1/2 height body bushings and a Quadralink, it is a definite.



Here is the new custom tunnel going in..
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/tunnel%20upgrade%2020_zps0lqlk9h4.jpg

I fitted a flat piece to the edge of the floor pan brace
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/tunnel%20upgrade%2021_zpsablxhrcu.jpg

The finished result
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/tunnel%20upgrade%2022_zpsscqbrrw2.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/tunnel%20upgrade%2023_zpsgknejmkm.jpg

[waynieZ]

Nice job.

[glassman]

Very well done. Mine is tight, have quadralink & t-56, and 5/8 spacers iirc, but the Holley/Hooker kit allowed me to get the angles really close, no shimmy at 130, haven't had it faster than that but.....

[transam]

Looking good!

[WSSix]

Nice work, Doug!

[Doug1]

Here's a quick video of the engine running. Took the engine over to a friends shop, where I keep my engine test stand and we got it fired up. It has sit for several years after the dyno run so I wanted to make sure there were no surprises. Since I had to take it back out to rework the tunnel and since I haven't used my stand in quite a while I figured why not? My buddy get a lot of use out of it since he build race motors. lol.

Music to my ears!!!

It's back in the car as of last night. Now to put the tranny and driveshaft back in and on to wiring...

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/th_C240D0C8-8EC1-4C14-ADA4-E48F9A6BE03D_zps65sikql0.mp4 (http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/C240D0C8-8EC1-4C14-ADA4-E48F9A6BE03D_zps65sikql0.mp4)

[Doug1]

Matt at MCB is setting me up with some Corbeau LG1 wides and a Hydratech Hydroboost solution because this motor has such little vacuum that it requires a mechanical vacuum pump.

No vacuum up top on the motor? No problem! Plus I get to rid the engine bay of another big ugly wart. Getting closer now....

Getting the sound deadening a heat protection figured out now...
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/E47972EF-0E4F-4273-A5E0-5CDF2285D05F_zpspdmk190n.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/09D6B17D-8A10-45F2-8DA6-42CB0B5483C6_zpshlnglqv4.jpg

Need to do the doors and determine the best heat barrier to use on the firewall and floor.

[WSSix]

Sounds awesome, Doug.

[Doug1]

Got the brackets to put the front brakes on. Though I'm missing one caliper from the front kit.... I hate it when that happens. lol

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/E81404E5-E93E-4385-8A71-334EC50705A7_zpspifpingg.jpg

After test mounting the new spindles, hubs, brackets, caliper and rotor it appears I need to shim it to get it centered perfectly.
I'm still waiting on the new LCA's to mount the coil over shocks on so I'll work on this in the meantime.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/49296C5E-BBDB-456F-B724-49D1A49B752D_zpsq5x51umh.jpg

[ZMAN1969]

Nice build Doug! my very first trans am was a 79 T-top Nocturne Blue Too
:goggles:

[fleetus macmullitz]

Congrats on the progress Doug. :thumbsup:

[Doug1]

Sometimes it pays to take the car apart multiple times! American Powertrain didn't send throwout bearing shims with my kit, so I called them up back then and said.."what's up?" They were very accommodating and send a set immediately. The problem then became that the shims didn't fit. I looked at the instructions, scratched my head a bunch and then just realized there was no way they could fit the bearing I had so, I just set them aside and put the transmission in for the test fit. I thought to myself, this bearing has a spring on it so it must be self adjusting...but before I put it all back together for real, I need to check on this...

Now that I'm putting it all back together, I called American Powertrain to make sure I understood why this didn't fit per their detailed instructions. After a long discussion which ended up with me taking a picture of the bearing and emailing it during our conversation, AP realized someone packed a stock type T-56 hydraulic bearing in my kit instead of the Hydramax bearing. That was not going to work with this setup...

Stock type setup in this picture...
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/57BC1DB3-5D5D-4A1A-BCFC-0C292BA25DF6_zpsdxiusxgq.jpg
Hydramax in this picture.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/hydramax%20%20hydraulic-bearings_zps4qwemntx.jpg

As usual, they immediately sent the correct part out and it arrived last night. NOW, I can put the transmission back in the car.

[Doug1]

Making some more progress. Got the brakes worked out up front after shimming the caliper bracket out .280. Those calipers are VERY close to the front wheels as you can see in the pic but they are centered on the rotor.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/095B855B-3071-49C4-B6D6-C5B1F7B5DB8F_zpsyujwuocq.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/57307249-98C7-453C-8114-A93CF8363C90_zps5jhynn5p.jpg
I'll have to take a measurement but I'll bet a credit card wouldn't fit between those spokes and the caliper!

Even after all that I still have a problem. The valve stem now hits the top of the rotor. It's never easy. lol
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2EE93E4F-A723-490D-85EB-AA31D5B4BA99_zpsak9qk4mz.jpg

The exhaust is coming along nicely...
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/CE8B662A-E778-4FD9-B4DA-AE66352FAC9B_zpsnvopefcq.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2554E167-20D6-4BD6-A8AC-3266CC63A992_zpsg9gbhbjp.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/32B5C515-78CD-469E-A14B-886F188D98C9_zpstk7ws1om.jpg

Going to have to shorten the long runs on the x-pipe assembly a total of 9 inches to put the x-pipe behind the cross-member. As you can see above it is going to be in the way otherwise. It would have fit perfectly with the headers had the x-pipe been located a little further back. So I'll need to put a couple of short extensions in right at the header collector (maybe some electric exhaust cutouts are in the future now.... lol)

[WSSix]

I did the same thing with my Pypes kit. I shortened the long runs after the X in order to position the X. I took what I cut off and moved it to the front in order to connect it up the headers. I thought the kit fit very well especially considering I made my own mufflers and put the tail pipes in a custom orientation without having to purchase extra pieces.

[Doug1]

Spoke with their customer support earlier today. They are shipping me the replacement parts now and I'm looking forward to checking this off the list!

[Zoomin]

Hate to hear about all the problems you're having with parts not working out or needing to be replaced. But on the other hand it's nice ce to know I'm not the only one.

I love those Wilwood hubs, it's a shame to cover them up.

And by the way, just ran a not the same issue with valve stem interference just this week....

[Doug1]

Hate to hear about all the problems you're having with parts not working out or needing to be replaced. But on the other hand it's nice ce to know I'm not the only one.

I love those Wilwood hubs, it's a shame to cover them up.

And by the way, just ran a not the same issue with valve stem interference just this week....

All part of building a custom car. I've had pretty good experiences with most stuff. And the vendors are generally very helpful in getting the changes made to help get it done. Sometimes it's my own fault because I will change my mind after I see something on the car. Pypes was very helpful and once they saw how far back the crossmember is with a T-56 Magnum, they agreed I should cut the long runs and they are sending me two short pieces to fit up front. Great folks to work with. I was already considering putting in electric x-pipe cutouts and now by moving this back a foot they would fit perfectly I think. For now, I'll use the 1 foot extensions Pypes is sending.

What are you doing for your valve stems? Just the end is hitting so I'll get something shorter I hope that will work.

[Zoomin]

There's a couple options. One is a half-height stem which measures 3/4" from the outer wheel surface to the end.

Second is a button type valve which is a bump maybe 1/8" high which will definitely solve the problem but it's a pita to use. You have to unscrew the cap (button) and screw in a valve stem to adjust pressure. The screw in valve stems are small and are easy to misplace, but they do work.

Both are available at Jegs/Summit

[Doug1]

Looks like I need to take some measurements tonight on the valve stem. It Just clips the top of the caliper at the front and in the bar across the middle and again at the back, so slowly roating the tire I can hear three distinct clicks as it hit.

Working with Wilwood now and may go to a different caliper up front if I can work it out financially with them.

[NOT A TA]

Ihad a similar problem with valve stem in Rushforths hitting calipers on 14" Baers. Luckily I checked before having tires mounted. I used the 3/4" metal valve stems. Think I got them from Speedway.

[Doug1]

Ihad a similar problem with valve stem in Rushforths hitting calipers on 14" Baers. Luckily I checked before having tires mounted. I used the 3/4" metal valve stems. Think I got them from Speedway.
I'll give them a shot when I get it close. Going to work on installing your braces this weekend. Still haven't been able to get Dave on the phone to get the lower control arms ETA. I was trying to do all of that at the same time I replaced them but who knows when that will be....

[Josh@Ridetech]

Those wheels... Yes! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Doug1]

I'm out of town for the week but I got the exhaust in, with the exception of one small pipe that was missing. It really turned out nice. Took a few of the motor as well just for fun...
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/FD05C635-1A99-41CD-8BD7-EBB408BB6FC4_zpsnj8t0pxz.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/29377666-13A9-4D07-88B3-7A89D4DA66C1_zpsbv7t9sfg.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/DD49E10C-6C89-460A-AD1E-4F71821ADB04_zpsyshmlavw.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/65A6D3FD-B4E5-4677-9384-2213B669AB52_zpsumfzrats.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/9BE671C0-748B-4A4D-95A8-61E3FF54E187_zpseckwodeu.jpg

[Centerforce]

We are big fans of those wheels. How big is the dish on the 12s?

[waynieZ]

It looks nice!

[Doug1]

We are big fans of those wheels. How big is the dish on the 12s?

18x12s on the back and 18x9.5 on the front.

[Terryd]

Great job Doug! Going to be an awesome bird!

[Doug1]

Thanks for the compliments. Here are a few pics of the latest updates. Just getting to the back brakes. 4P Wilwoods on the rear to compliment the 6P Wilwoods on the front. Now if only the hydroboost would show up. Ordered that on July 8th. I have the master and proportioning valve in hand but I can't plumb the car until Hydratech sends their piece. I guess I'll just move on to the fuel lines while I wait.

Installed the passenger side caliper bracket and caliper in only 2 tries. First to get the measurements to center the caliper on the rotor and the 2nd to tryout my math. .042 to the caliper on both sides after the install. Sometimes its better to be lucky than good. :-)



http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/DFCBD5D4-786B-4BA7-855C-061F5BD90EF9_zpsqhzqfo87.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/4D05B1C9-8F40-4CC6-9D91-98007C2D8DAE_zpsvitrddff.jpg

My first attempt at safety wiring rotors.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/3CBDD7B4-5327-4EDE-8758-79A3A947FF1E_zpskydzyu8h.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/49ED3654-10F5-4BD5-85CC-4740FA22597E_zpsmipfvts8.jpg


http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/EADD3472-7188-4BC8-9BB8-D332A2D99C88_zpssol1ktx5.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2F9129E7-9C09-4DA9-818B-C2F4F6A3E538_zpskn3qdmn3.jpg

[WSSix]

Nice work, Doug!

[Doug1]

The Hydratech "show finish" kit finally arrived so now I can get to finishing the brakes.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2075D3D0-8723-4CD3-A1C0-34E27B7C5E76_zpsb056as6w.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/3419AB48-DBB9-4A39-8A9F-15071C0A5CA8_zpsdkjf0kdp.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/F38EB21F-0789-4A83-9524-ACB6024ACDC8_zpspv4cd0um.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/0683FFB2-47A5-4D84-80F3-95ABBBD344BD_zpsxusnvbvl.jpg

[patriot68]

Anyone have contact info for LAB 4?

[Panteracer]

To find lab 14 go to page 3 of the builds
he is performance 14 etc. he is also Not a Ta
you can send him a private email and he will
give you his phone number. Good guy and some
great products

Bob. Dreamin Ta's

[NOT A TA]

Anyone have contact info for LAB 4?

Email is [email protected] or PM me here. Online store I've been working on the past couple weeks is almost finished and I hope to get it finished today. Since the shop & everything else here is packed and locked for hurricane arrival I have time to spend on computer until we loose services if the storms bad.

I'm in Southeast FL in the center of the cone of doom right where landfall is expected. So if I don't reply I may have lost services. Even if I get the store finished today I won't put it up on the web till after the storm because I don't want people to try to contact me or order on the store website and not get answered or shipments sent. Lost services for 3-4 days when hit dead center by Wilma (cat 3) in '05 and Matthew's supposed to be cat 4 when it hits here.

Below is a pic of the 75-81 F body lower control arm mount reinforcement kit Doug is using. Welding is the normal method of securing the pieces. As mentioned he used a very high quality automotive structural adhesive to install some of the pieces while welding others. The adhesive he used is better than the "panel bond" many are familiar with for a project like this. We talked before he used it and I don't see any problem using it the way he did in his application which I confirmed with a heavy collision repair technician prior to Doug's use. Thanks for being the adhesive "guinea pig" Doug!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff292/NOTATA/Lab%2014%20products/20160922_155847_zpstxlfor44.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/NOTATA/media/Lab%2014%20products/20160922_155847_zpstxlfor44.jpg.html)

[Panteracer]

John
Take care in the storm.. hope all goes well

Bob in earthquake country

[Doug1]

John
Take care in the storm.. hope all goes well

Bob in earthquake country

I had to pack up and evacuate due to Hurricane Matthew. John's in South Florida and I'm in Charleston, SC. Actually, I'm in Greenville, SC for now. Lol Looks like we're both going to get hit by this damn storm.

[WSSix]

x2 hope you, John, and everyone else that's in the path of this storm take care.

[NOT A TA]

Storm was about 85 miles out when it went by here so a rainy windy day yesterday/night but nothing even tropical storm force really. Folks north of here not going to be so lucky by the looks of the radar images.

[Panteracer]

John,
good to hear you are ok.. I had a pantera buddy that also
did not have much

Hopefully Doug does well

Bob

[NOT A TA]

John,
good to hear you are ok.. I had a pantera buddy that also
did not have much

Hopefully Doug does well

Bob

Thanks! Your Pantera buddy by any chance in Pompano and also had a 2nd gen TA?

Good luck with everything Doug!

[Panteracer]

Sorry
Somewhere in west palm I believe
Just moved there last year. No Ta's
But a bunch of other cool cars

Bob

[Doug1]

Made a little more progress, including getting the wiring ready to install. I ended up going with a Ron Francis harness that is being delivered today. I am going to mount it so that it drops down for service using a bracket they sell for that purpose.

I'll post more on that soon. In the meantime here are a few more photos to show progress...

Two things I'm trying to work out now... First is finding some billet hinges to work with the G-Braces installed here. if anyone has already done this, please let me know so I can get a set that will fit!
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMG_2834_zpssewpi6h1.jpg

This shows how close the factory hinges and G-Braces come. It's not the best pic for that purpose but the only one I could find.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMG_2832_zps9mbztqw0.jpg

Should have a serpentine system that fill fit this motor soon. None of the aftermarket systems are set up to run with this type of timing cover and water pump but Luhn Performance is making a setup to do just that.

[Doug1]

The Ron Francis harness came in. Nice stuff from what I can see. Looks like some wiring this weekend!



http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-11/5EA170E0-F739-4253-8EB1-7F2AED98CFF5_zpsqkhqtcde.jpg

[blownbluebird]

looking good glad you made it through the storm and i am glad it is over being a city of charleston worker it was alot of clean up and over time for me.

[Doug1]

looking good glad you made it through the storm and i am glad it is over being a city of charleston worker it was alot of clean up and over time for me.

I can imagine. I'm in the city of Charleston so I know there was a lot to do. We just got our storm debris picked up this week but everyone was patient and understanding because there was so much of it.

[DKz Garage]

Love this build..... the Wheels are SICK!

[blownbluebird]

any more updates on the car doug?

[Doug1]

any more updates on the car doug?

This weekend has been wiring and interior layout. The best place for the fuse panel worked out to be near the former passenger rear seat. So I'm going through and running all the wires now. I also tackled the dash installation, which required I cut the dash into 3 pieces to get it behind the front hoop.

Now I need to find a good interior shop that can recover the 3 pieces and do the rest of interior customizing I need.

[PonchoJohn]

Doug,
How much Fusor did you use to attach the reinforcements?
I'm thinking of doing the same thing...
Thanks!

[Doug1]

Doug,
How much Fusor did you use to attach the reinforcements?
I'm thinking of doing the same thing...
Thanks!

I coated them pretty good. The first time, I clamped them very tight and squeezed out most of the fusor and was able to get them loose pretty easily. Next time, I left it a little thicker and didn't clamp so tight and that seemed to work out better. We'll have to see how it holds up.

[Doug1]

Been gathering the remaining parts needed and have quite the list of things to finish. All that's left to order are the gauges and fuel pump and filters.

So now that most of the parts are in house and the holidays approaching, I'm going to use some of my free time to try to make a dent in the list...

1. Mount battery in trunk
2. Install Ron Francis fuse block and wire car
3. Install Corbeau seats and tracks
4. Remove front part of roll cage if it is too close to driver or passenger.
5. Install Vintage Air kit
6. Install dash
7. Install clutch master cylinder and plumbing
8. Plumb brake lines.
9. Plumb fuel lines.
10. Install Hydratech hydra-boost system
11. Order and install fuel pump and filters
12 Install glass
13 Modify rear side panels to fit DSE tubs
14. Finish rear seat delete interior treatment
15. Order and install gauges
16. re-install doghouse
17. Install radiator and fans
18. Install Oil recovery vacuum canister
19. Install over flow tank for radiator
20. Install Luhn Performance built pulley system and power steering pump

[Doug1]

Some recently received parts needed to finish off the build.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2016-12-06%2011.34.10_zpsrohmkebb.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2016-12-06%2011.33.37_zpsitf0dgj1.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2016-12-06%2010.58.01_zpscidtpfco.jpg


http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2016-12-06%2010.54.42_zpstqxslpuy.jpg

Upgraded Brake line tools. Since my motto is "there is no job worth doing that doesn't require a new tool!" :excited:
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2016-12-05%2023.42.55_zps8ejit7xc.jpg

[Mikael A]

nice kitchen:lol: if i did that i be dead...

[Doug1]

nice kitchen:lol: if i did that i be dead...

She wasn't home :-) :headspin:

[gofastwclass]

She wasn't home :-) :headspin:

Awesome! Reminds me of the scene in Pulp Fiction trying to finish stuff before the wife gets home.

[Doug1]

Started working on the Vintage Air installation today, welded in a stud to accept the rear evaporator bracket without having to drill through the firewall. I quickly test fitted the dash after the evaporator case was installed. Now it is on to prepping the ductwork on the back of the dash and test fitting the seat brackets..

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/54F9F86E-3101-4AD8-BA3F-59F500461D4A_zps3w1lw2x1.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2016-12-06%2019.42.55_zpsc240dikv.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/D1D873A0-00EE-4572-B8D1-48EAB60B7506_zpsdoodohgq.jpg

[Josh@Ridetech]

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2015-09-05%2017.11.59_zpsewriovdd.jpg


I really like the added bracing. Good looking fabwork!

[cpd004]

Whose seat brackets did you go with?

[Doug1]

I really like the added bracing. Good looking fabwork!

Unfortunately, I had to take some of it back out last week. I retained only the rear hoop. It turns out that the center bars running under the t-top center section were too close to the driver's and passengers head for driving on the street. So I'll have to come up with a different plan... Once the seats are in, I'll know if I can fit tubing up there closer and have enough clearance.

Whose seat brackets did you go with?

Corbeau had their own brackets for an early 70s floor pan. The only full floor pan available for the 2nd gens was for a 70-74, so I used it back when I was doing the early fabrication.

[Doug1]

As I got ready to run the brake and fuel lines, I couldn't find a route I liked because we had the floor pretty low on the DSE sub-frame connectors as you can see in the picture below...
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/b08ad27f-6252-49eb-aef8-1e677c0fa4a1_zpsh7mgpobu.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMG_4088_zpsnpu9cs5g.jpg

So a little 18 Gauge bent to form a 1" channel and a little cutting were in order.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMG_4079_zpsgumejl7q.jpg

A pretty snug fit.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMG_4075_zpstfrtdylz.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMG_4080_zps1tqlrmnr.jpg

Both sides have been cut and fit. I'll get them welded in tomorrow and the brake and fuel lines can be run the full length of the rail.

[Doug1]

The setup on the 535 requires a custom pulley system since I'm using the Ram Air Restoration timing cover, a Type II PS pump, Vintage Air AC, 170 Amp Alt and a Star Vacuum pump. Here is a pic of the mock up being built by Mark Luhn at Luhn Performance. All parts will be polished aluminum

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/E4DC9A98-94D5-4BE5-8A50-CA7402619103_zpscu0yeonq.jpg

The alternator is in this setup
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/IMG_4062_zpso1jxtkcz.jpg

Pics of the full setup as soon as Mark finishes it.

[Doug1]

Now that the channels are in, I can run the brake and fuel lines. Brakes up first.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/Mobile%20Uploads/2017-02/10C3C5A1-7570-4FE3-B9BA-E0588EF5A1D9_zps3lqvsjnk.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/Mobile%20Uploads/2017-02/CFD675C5-9793-44D7-819A-FF3A04449037_zpstynsbg6c.jpg
Using nutserts and stainless screws to secure clamps.

[WSSix]

Nice work, Doug. The channel was a good idea.

[BanditDave]

Where did you source your brake lines? About to embark on a similar journey with a different car.

Love the project, best of luck!
Dave

[Doug1]

I bought the brake line from Summit. I needed it on a short turn around and get their stuff next day in most cases.

[Doug1]

Finally finished the brake lines, though I need some nice billet spacers to keep the 3 lines equidistant. It was my first attempt at making my own lines and it turned out pretty well all things considered.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/6A5617BE-3C4D-4956-9F0A-9BE176304F60_zpscofrkndd.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2774873F-3EEC-4E5B-921B-C8A895D57448_zpsxi4mwajm.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/0605AD20-6FF3-489B-AD28-AC22AC07D4C1_zpsyhtskyoy.jpg

[Doug1]

I'm setting up power buss bars and ground bars at 4 locations; At the radiator support, dash, back seat area and trunk. I'll use the wiring from the new wiring harness to trigger relays on the electric motors rather than having them power the motors with longer runs.

I'm mounting the battery in the trunk and running a Ford solenoid to the starter so that the rest of car can run off circuit breakers and the starter cable will only have power during cranking. So the red 1/0 gauge wire you see is the starter wire and the two 4/0 gauge red wires feed the front and back buss bars through two 300 Amp circuit breakers.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/31A87D2E-B7A6-413C-8CBE-100498658A4E_zpsgwraqjv2.jpg

[Doug1]

It's been a while since I have updates so I'll throw a bunch of stuff out there to get it back up to speed.


The custom pulley system turned out great. Many thanks to Luhn Performance for their hard work and expertise.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/55F093A5-81DF-4C72-9B39-1CE464CD2014_zpswe3r20lw.jpg


http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/E96C70E0-66F1-4055-AED7-45B3E8A9CF6C_zpskdwcdtfs.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/68BD0FEB-7837-426E-95F5-E0A7A80280A7_zpsvc0hjigu.jpg

[Doug1]

Just got started on the rear seat delete design. I'm building a metal frame to have a platform where the rear seats used to be and will have an upholstered panel that mounted on a piano hinge to provide access to the rear mounted fuse box and storage.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/808DB935-74A4-4669-97A3-1C32401CD84C_zpsr01whsbe.jpg

[Doug1]

Finishing up the hard fuel lines by mounting with stainless clips mounted to rivnuts under the car and at each end using bulkhead connectors. I made a couple of aluminum bulkhead mounts for the under car lines. The lines shown are aluminum but they are just mockup versions that will be used as templates.. The actual lines going under the car will be made from 1/2 Stainless

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/948DD0A8-DB04-4778-B7EF-D8A37763E639_zpsx1ommqq5.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/F99E4959-FE71-4976-9D7E-6F71A82FFBE5_zpsemjxp6ww.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/C66E01BC-E1ED-4FA5-8826-F23605BA138A_zps6valejkt.jpg

[Doug1]

I had a couple of 1/8" aluminum panels made to hide electrical wires and AC hoses.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/C691E56A-BB5B-4F35-8784-544043C4DC7A_zpsl2rjpfck.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/606DBDD3-8FE2-4AD9-B9C4-96D81E416D85_zps5qylkjy6.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/166EC766-4486-4985-874A-4658C2DE48E8_zpsactwvvel.jpg

[Zoomin]

I'm lovin what you're doing there. Everything is art!

[spinedoc]

That is some great work there!

[Doug1]

Thanks for the compliments. I'm definitely not a professional so it's nice to hear.

[NOT A TA]

Thanks for the compliments. I'm definitely not a professional so it's nice to hear.

You're becoming a fabricator Doug! Looks good!

[WSSix]

Good job, Doug!

[YAMATHUMP]

Looking good and making progress.....Nice

[Zoomin]

I really need to label my wires before I forget what everything goes to, plus it's a huge help to anyway that may have to deal with it in the future.

What do you use to make the labels?

Very tidy installation.

[sls1025]

Great work, nice car.

I had a 79 TA in Nocturne Blue with all gold trim and decals. Mine however had the "monster" 4.9l (301) engine but at least it had a 4-speed manual. The only other option mine had was t-tops. I do miss it...

Edit; I managed to find an old picture of mine:

[Doug1]

I really need to label my wires before I forget what everything goes to, plus it's a huge help to anyway that may have to deal with it in the future.

What do you use to make the labels?

Very tidy installation.

Brother label maker. Pretty standard machine.

[Doug1]

i decided to go with an Aeromotive Phantom Flex retrofit kit for my tank. That thing is sweet. I was a little nervous about putting a 3 1/4" hole in a stainless tank but it worked out okay. There was a siphon tube at the bottom that was used to feed the old system, so I had to work carefully to cut that out with a cutoff wheel on a die grinder being fed by an air hose through the filler neck. I barely had room to get my arm in there and could not see anything. Not my favorite way of handling a cutoff wheel but its now finished.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/F98DBC55-CAE8-45F2-B85D-56E59F8F7BCE_zpsi3qhwd14.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/F9E9C191-1CB5-405A-8756-A22EC6C4560E_zps2kgm3vwf.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/6C0D031F-1C1F-47FC-8A38-F0A0EBC24F97_zpsg8adypcr.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/A468C902-B04F-4BFA-8742-B7A44CC4601A_zps9iq4up9b.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/0542B511-402C-4146-B675-D1A4E2C24CAB_zpscse14pyb.jpg

[blownbluebird]

looking good as always doug.

[Doug1]

looking good as always doug.

Hopefully it will be on the road soon. You're welcome to see it in person if you get West Ashley.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Good work man. Everything you're doing is very clean!

[blownbluebird]

great work as always doug. do you by any chance have a set of tubular upper control arms for 2nd gen f bodys?

[Doug1]

great work as always doug. do you by any chance have a set of tubular upper control arms for 2nd gen f bodys?

I definitely have an extra set of tubular lowers. I'll look through the stash and see if I have a set up uppers as well.

[blownbluebird]

thank you doug. just let me know.

[Doug1]

I checked but had no uppers. Only a set of PTFB lowers I bought but couldn't use because I went the coilover route and another set of PTFB lowers setup for coilovers but with a manufacturing defect so Dave recalled them. I have to send those back once Dave gets me the updated set. Been a couple of months so I need to give him a call. Probably forgot about it in his move.

[blownbluebird]

what you looking to get for the 1 set of lowers?

[Doug1]

what you looking to get for the 1 set of lowers?

Think they were $550 or thereabouts. I'd do 400 since I installed them on this build to begin with. They have zero miles on them.

[Doug1]

It's been a little while since I have updated this so I'll throw a few photos of the latest progress. It' starting to look like a drivable car. LOL

Bought some Ring Brother's hinges to finish off the under hood look.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/3F61C2A1-D960-47F9-B674-D587F80B7BF2_zpsb0ihoye0.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2D05FE1F-A59C-4FC1-90C5-2EEB9154BF23_zpsba5fjmse.jpg

Finally got around to mounting the battery in the trunk after much consideration.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/A227279C-047C-4375-BDC0-1D8AC8E5B23A_zpsyepnygcl.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/4E5D1D79-14E8-492C-AD38-2B8AC63E0633_zpsj7ofdgzs.jpg

[Doug1]

Mounted one of the AC line charge ports in a location where it is mostly hidden.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/2836DB65-8364-4240-B297-E180C548E6E9_zpsxm8adomt.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/92EE52FB-2531-48DC-8708-571AD8BA893B_zpszm9xn6vy.jpg

[Doug1]

The gas tank with sump and pump have been buttoned up are are back on the car.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/5554C2F3-B333-4570-BD17-838B547E4D0F_zpsl2jmx87s.jpg

[Doug1]

I decided to run a 0 gauge ground wire the length of the car and then have it hit 4 busses like the one in the picture below. At each of the junctions, one wire would ground the system to the frame and another would run over to the smaller buss to ground anything installed on it.

I did this at the front of the car, the firewall, the back seat wall and the trunk area. There should not be a lack of a good ground!
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/A9D0ED66-9478-4833-91EF-5B4F04040F1A_zpsrkdwuqy7.jpg

[Doug1]

The Custom Bezel is now wired up with new gauges.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/A8D2C033-C3A2-43CB-B5ED-C764A0269D81_zpsg9xjpdjo.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/72A65924-91B4-4B33-97A3-2E19D0889BD9_zpsj6rn3fwi.jpg

[dhutton]

These do a really nice job of crimping for not a lot of money:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/16-Ton-Hydraulic-Wire-Terminal-Crimper-Battery-Cable-Lug-Crimping-Tool-w-Dies-/271428289917?epid=1679827079&hash=item3f3263057d:g:gEcAAOSwstJZQMbX

Don

[WSSix]

Nice work, Doug.

[fleetus macmullitz]

Nice work, Doug.

X2. :thumbsup:

[Panteracer]

Doug,
great work and thanks for the tip on the crimping tool
I was trying to figure out how to do mine as I borrowed
one of my electricians tools a long time ago

Bob

[Doug1]

Doug,
great work and thanks for the tip on the crimping tool
I was trying to figure out how to do mine as I borrowed
one of my electricians tools a long time ago

Bob

That wasn't my tip! I used a standard crimping tool, a mini torch for soldering and this tool with a 3 lb hammer to make all the bigger cables. It did a great job and was quick and easy. I started to invest in one of those hydraulic crimping tools but found the small manual tool below very effective. So I just kept going with what was working. I rarely pass up the opportunity to purchase a new tool though. LOL
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/tempco%20battery%20cable%20crimping%20tool_zpsbqm7 ayf0.jpg


http://www.ebay.com/itm/TEMCo-Battery-Cable-Hammer-Crimper-Wire-Terminal-Welding-Lug-Crimping-Tool/281912922165?_trksid=p2385738.c100677.m4598&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%2 6asc%3D20160908110712%26meid%3D62b77e1bde8c4e29816 1196dc802c242%26pid%3D100677%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D50%2 6sd%3D281746224039

[Doug1]

Now it's starting to look like a car!
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/D13EB724-CC64-45A6-9C10-6B60B17C5DB6_zpsdqqc5e8r.jpg (http://s213.photobucket.com/user/dcamburn/media/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/D13EB724-CC64-45A6-9C10-6B60B17C5DB6_zpsdqqc5e8r.jpg.html)
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/F739ABCD-CBC6-4699-AF5B-7CACCD5F139E_zpsrmtpdngk.jpg (http://s213.photobucket.com/user/dcamburn/media/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/F739ABCD-CBC6-4699-AF5B-7CACCD5F139E_zpsrmtpdngk.jpg.html)

[NOT A TA]

Moving right along, looks good!

[Doug1]

John,

Need your expertise here. I'm trying to pick out the proper belts and the only thing I see that are DOT approved are the Schroth belts. The rep pointed me two these...

https://www.hmsmotorsport.com/products/schroth-profi-ii

Also am looking to buy new front and rear glass instead of using the glass with the defroster wiring. Do you recommend any particular glass companies to do these or is one pretty much the same cost as another?

Thanks,

Doug

[blownbluebird]

looking good doug. always a good feeling when carpet gos in.

[Doug1]

looking good doug. always a good feeling when carpet gos in.

You know it. Though this may be temporary since the carpet won't cover the expanded tunnel. Going to have to get someone to do custom carpet I think. Depends on if I can get a 2nd gen or 4th gen console to fit or not. I have one of each for a manual so if those won't work, then i'm going to need to build one or run with just carpet for now.

[blownbluebird]

looks great I cant wait to see this car in person.

[NOT A TA]

John,

Need your expertise here. I'm trying to pick out the proper belts and the only thing I see that are DOT approved are the Schroth belts. The rep pointed me two these...

https://www.hmsmotorsport.com/products/schroth-profi-ii

Also am looking to buy new front and rear glass instead of using the glass with the defroster wiring. Do you recommend any particular glass companies to do these or is one pretty much the same cost as another?

Thanks,

Doug


Before I had a full cage, I had an earlier version of the Profi II FE 4 point ASM FE harnesses from Schroth and was very happy with them. If you need to have the car DOT inspected I'm pretty sure it's the only harness set that's fully street legal DOT approved from any company (only with the push button release). They were comfortable and easy to use. Sold them to Albert Melchoir when I removed them and he used them in the white car till he sold it.

The questions are
Need to be DOT street legal for inspection?
Fixed or hinged seats?
Will you be on drag strip, road track, auto-X?
Will you use a head and neck device?


I switched up to the Schroth Profi II Enduro Enduro 6 points when I got the full cage and fixed back seats. I've had harnesses from several different companies in various cars and like the Schroths a lot. The quality, ease of use, etc is very good. Cam lock is very smooth and easy to attach & detach which is noticeable when using the car around town getting in and out frequently. Here in FL we have no inspections, emissions testing, or anything like that.

I haven't bought glass for a 2nd gen in many years. Last time I did I got PPG and was perfect but I don't think they still make glass for our cars.

Here's a thread showing all the safety equipment install on my car. Photobucket hasn't shut me off yet so all the pics are still working. http://www.pro-touring.com/threads/48151-The-14-Car-safety-thread-Roll-Cage-Kirkey-seats-Fire-systems?highlight=fire+system

[NOT A TA]

You know it. Though this may be temporary since the carpet won't cover the expanded tunnel. Going to have to get someone to do custom carpet I think. Depends on if I can get a 2nd gen or 4th gen console to fit or not. I have one of each for a manual so if those won't work, then i'm going to need to build one or run with just carpet for now.

I had to cut my carpet up quite a bit to get it around all the cage points, seat mounts, etc. and use double stick tape to hold it in place.

[Doug1]

I had to cut my carpet up quite a bit to get it around all the cage points, seat mounts, etc. and use double stick tape to hold it in place.

Thanks for the advice. I am going with the Schroths. Need to get that order placed ASAP since it is one of the last things on the list!

Definitely going to have to cut the carpet but only a small amount. The piece that goes between the middle of the back seats will suffice since that area will be closed in anyway.

[Doug1]

Schroths is is...
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/B2A758A3-B18B-4B12-89BE-6098CEC814FD_zpsbdaxgcg6.jpg


Hood is back on after all this time!
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/92EB5788-233F-4394-A185-F4BFEAEE2310_zpsi12dfjoq.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/7457F084-98E4-4A09-86C9-3A3CEF3BE15B_zpssbe8lnqm.jpg

[waynieZ]

Wow looking good!

[garyb]

It's been a little while since I have updated this so I'll throw a few photos of the latest progress. It' starting to look like a drivable car. LOL

Finally got around to mounting the battery in the trunk after much consideration.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/A227279C-047C-4375-BDC0-1D8AC8E5B23A_zpsyepnygcl.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Blue/4E5D1D79-14E8-492C-AD38-2B8AC63E0633_zpsj7ofdgzs.jpg

If you don't mind me asking, did you make or buy the 'L-shaped' brackets where you mounted the circuit breaker, starter solenoid and cut-off switch? If bought, where? I assume they are aluminum.

[blownbluebird]

this car is amazing. I seen it today on my lunch break and on my way back to work I had to stop and see it in person. wow is the best works I can say about this build. it was nice to meet you doug.

[Doug1]

Thanks! Nice meeting you today as well. As soon as I get it finished I'll be taking it to some local shows and you can take it for a spin.

[blownbluebird]

http://www.lowcountrymusclecar.com/sdm2017/day-of-show/ this one is oct 7 on a Saturday.

[Doug1]

this one is oct 7 on a Saturday.

The car is still at Custom Car Stereo while they work on the rear seat upholstery. I'm hoping for it to be done late this week in time for a local car show on Sat where I could show it off for the first time. I'll post some pics of the progress once I choose another photo site and move some of them over.

[Doug1]

Alright. Here is the mostly finished interior complete with an Alpine stereo system with a 5 channel 700 watt Amp, sub in the trunk, Apple Car Play, Nav, backup camera, alarm and "other" security features, remote door and trunk locks, Nav, Backup Camera, Apple Car Play, etc.

The rear seat delete really exceeded my expectations. I still need to get a roll bar cover and have the headliner installed but the rest is done. The Year One door panels, sail panels, and interior quarter panels were all covered (The rear panels had to be widened to fit the DSE tubs. I'll let the pictures do the talking....

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4469/37892718201_1384561bea_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZJs5XB)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/ZJs5XB) by Doug Camburn (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4498/37844721966_bd685d00b7_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZEd6mj)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/ZEd6mj) by Doug Camburn (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4488/37861927722_9aee7af110_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZFJh2h)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/ZFJh2h) by Doug Camburn (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4512/37892726931_32597c8e61_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZJs8y8)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/ZJs8y8) by Doug Camburn (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4489/37183145814_92844bc253_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YDKkNW)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/YDKkNW) by Doug Camburn (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4461/37635813350_0cba81a8b9_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZkKo6C)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/ZkKo6C) by Doug Camburn (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4498/37635813450_9bcee8aeb4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZkKo8m)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/ZkKo8m) by Doug Camburn (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4444/37635813580_7a4fb72cb9_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZkKoaA)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/ZkKoaA) by Doug Camburn (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/), on Flickr
Access speakers with custom grill covers and badging
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4474/37183163354_c04153a442_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YDKr2m)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/YDKr2m) by https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4485/37183160474_33edfa4966_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/]Doug Camburn[/url], on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4458/37892746901_5ef981e4e5_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZJseur)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/ZJseur) by Doug Camburn (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4446/24040841298_1f8301a7af_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CCpAxL)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/CCpAxL) by Doug Camburn (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/), on Flickr

[OLDFLM]

VERY very nice Doug!

[WSSix]

Looks great, Doug! How sturdy do the Year One door panels feel? Think they will hold up long term?

[Doug1]

Looks great, Doug! How sturdy do the Year One door panels feel? Think they will hold up long term?

Very sturdy. They will hold up longer than any factory panel. They are a very heavy gauge plastic. That said, I had mine recovered because I didn't like the hard plastic feel and wanted it to match the rest of the car. They also added an arm rest on mine to match the seats.

They are really one of the best solutions if you cover them. For $450 they appear cheap if you don't. That's just my opinion. I would buy them again and cover them.

[fleetus macmullitz]

Great look Doug. :thumbsup:

[Gscherer78ta]

That interior looks great! Very nice job and it's giving me some ideas on getting some weight off my TA.

I don't recall seeing what gages you selected, which gages are those and did you have to do anything to the bezel to get them to work?

[Doug1]

Great look Doug. :thumbsup:

That interior looks great! Very nice job and it's giving me some ideas on getting some weight off my TA.

I don't recall seeing what gages you selected, which gages are those and did you have to do anything to the bezel to get them to work?

Thanks guys. Autometer Phantom II. Go back to page 14 to see them up close. The Bezel is not factory. It was made by Year One when they were doing their BRE cars.

[WSSix]

Thanks Doug. I appreciate the information.

[Doug1]

Finally took her out for a few spins in the last week or two. Working all the kinks out. She's looking pretty good though I think!

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4721/25087528597_4739ea5620_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EdU9dv)[/url] (https://flic.kr/p/EdU9dv)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/795/25979459887_49c357ce2d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FzHwjc) [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/] (https://flic.kr/p/FzHwjc)

[Panteracer]

Stunning
Good to see you are starting to enjoy it

Bob

[Doug1]

Stunning
Good to see you are starting to enjoy it

Bob

Thanks Bob. I'm glad to finally get a chance to drive it. Next up is an EFI conversion in the next two weeks.

[fleetus macmullitz]

Wow!

Congrats Doug. :thumbsup:

Btw-you made a number of structural improvements.

How would you describe the before and after feel when driving it?

[Doug1]

Wow!

Congrats Doug. :thumbsup:

Btw-you made a number of structural improvements.

How would you describe the before and after feel when driving it?

I haven't pushed it hard just yet but the street testing I've done has shown me the car turns like it's on rails. It's a little harder to physically turn the wheel and the ride is definitely stiffer. It's not a cushy ride over bumps. To do hard cornering I'm going to need to finish the EFI up and install an Accusump to protect the motor.

[Doug1]

I haven't pushed it hard just yet but the street testing I've done has shown me the car turns like it's on rails. It's a little harder to physically turn the wheel and the ride is definitely stiffer. It's not a cushy ride over bumps. To do hard cornering I'm going to need to finish the EFI up and install an Accusump to protect the motor.


To explain this a little further....

There are two important items I need to check off my list. the first is EFI, which will solve all sorts of problems for this car. Right now I can't get a filter to fit inside the shaker drop base due to the amount I had to drop it. The engine, on 3 occasions, has suddenly run out of gas or air under hard revving of the motor. Whether it's air or fuel really doesn't matter at this point since I'm improving both with the EFI system.

I believe a significant contributor to the problem the shaker not supplying enough air for such a big motor. I can't even get a filter in the drop base at this point due to the amount of drop I had to use to get the shaker under the hood. I'll have considerably more room using using the 1/2 height throttle body from Holley, so I'll be able to fit a 4" filter in the new drop base and then I will be feeding that same dropbase from inlets installed in it's side and ducted through two 3 1/2 pipes from under the radiator support. That should supply plenty of air. I'll probably close off the back of the shaker at that point to keep the "ram air" contained.

Even though I have installed a Canton Road race pan, I can still see the oil pressure drop on a hard right turn. So I'm going to install a 3 quart Accusump to make sure there is plenty of oil on cornering..

After that the to-do list will have all the performance items checked off and only smaller more cosmetic items to complete.

[Goosesdad]

Awesome

[Doug1]

Awesome

Getting her ready for a few more upgrades. Fuel injection is underway. The manifold is being modified by Mark Luhn at Luhn Performance and a new drop base and air supply system will be fitted by Nth Degree. I also have to finalize a windshield wiper system and an Accusump system before I'm ready to take her on a lengthy road trip.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4785/40944522561_9eac518e12_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25o8o5a)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/25o8o5a)[/url]

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/794/40236241194_5e73375ab5_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/24ixfGs)[url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/]

[Gscherer78ta]

Looking really good Doug! Thank you for the answer on the gages, another question for you though - is that 3" exhaust you are running up and over the rear axle? Also, it looks like a DSE rear sway bar, is the rest of the rear DSE as well?

Thanks!

[WSSix]

It's a full DSE rear suspension, Greg.

Very nice Doug. Glad you've gotten it back on the road. Obviously, I love the color.

[Doug1]

Looking really good Doug! Thank you for the answer on the gages, another question for you though - is that 3" exhaust you are running up and over the rear axle? Also, it looks like a DSE rear sway bar, is the rest of the rear DSE as well?

Thanks!

The rear suspension is all DSE. The exhaust if a 3" Pypes system for a DSE Quadralink. Worked very well for me.
http://pypesexhaust.com/i-23437219-70-81-f-body-for-dse-quadra-lnk-sgf15.html

I finally settled on the RainGear hidden wiper system. I can use the non-Firebird / modern switch version since my dash bezel is non factory and I don't have a superstructure behind the gauges anymore.
http://www.raingearwipers.com/product/1970-1981-camaro-hidden-wiper-system/

[Gscherer78ta]

The rear suspension is all DSE. The exhaust if a 3" Pypes system for a DSE Quadralink. Worked very well for me.
http://pypesexhaust.com/i-23437219-70-81-f-body-for-dse-quadra-lnk-sgf15.html


Good to know as that's most likely the next upgrade, DSE Quadralink, the Y88-R will get!

[Alponcho]

Any updates on your project?

Particularly interested in your engine and your thoughts about how it works in your application.

I have an aluminum IAII block for my '70 Formula and I'm at the point in my project where I need to make final decisions regarding the combo (e.g., displacement, cam, etc). Was planning on 535 and shooting for 700/700 type deal, but in the back of my mind wonder whether I might be happier with something a little smaller (505 or even 440) and a little more tame. These days I value reliability and simplicity over max effort--hoping to avoid having to use a vacuum pump, for example. Ideally, would like to demonstrate that although it may cost a bit more, Pontiac is a good alternative to LS in our firebirds and gtos.

[Josh@Ridetech]

As always, the car is looking fantastic Doug! You've given me several ideas for mine!

[Doug1]

Any updates on your project?

Particularly interested in your engine and your thoughts about how it works in your application.

I have an aluminum IAII block for my '70 Formula and I'm at the point in my project where I need to make final decisions regarding the combo (e.g., displacement, cam, etc). Was planning on 535 and shooting for 700/700 type deal, but in the back of my mind wonder whether I might be happier with something a little smaller (505 or even 440) and a little more tame. These days I value reliability and simplicity over max effort--hoping to avoid having to use a vacuum pump, for example. Ideally, would like to demonstrate that although it may cost a bit more, Pontiac is a good alternative to LS in our firebirds and gtos.

I don't think the 700 hp number is anything magical. It is pretty simple to get there these days. I'd focus more on driveability, which to me equated to multi-port fuel injection. I've been working on that project for six months and am installing it now. It takes a while to get a custom intake done, though Mark Luhn at Luhn Performance is the man! I was lucky enough to have him supply me an extra manifold like mine, while he did the work so I could still drive the car.

By the time you send one to be modified and get it all finished you're looking at a 4-6 month deal. You can get some already designed for EFI but if you are using high flow heads most won't fit. A standard Pontiac intake manifold flange doesn't even cover the porting on my e-heads. I think a Victor might have worked but I would have lost my shaker in the process.

That's where our LS friends have a tremendous advantage on us. By the time you take a IA2 motor, put the necessary goodies in it and fuel inject it properly, you're looking a more than you could buy a dual turbo LS for with far more reliability and a better design. I put the IA2 in this car but the other one I'm building, which is lower to the ground with a full AME chassis, gets the LS motor with a dry sump.

[Doug1]

I've done a few more things to the car so I should throw them in here...
One of the major things I have been working on is adding multi port fuel injection to the car. This 535 Pontiac is pretty stout motor for an old design. Essentially there's nothing on this motor actually made by Pontiac but the basic motor was their design.

The manifold was taken off and sent to my friend Mark Luhn at Luhn Performance. He did the CNC magic on the manifold and you can see some of his work here in these photos.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/832/40345844170_eaa0093c5f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24tdZQW)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/24tdZQW) by [/url]

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/968/42105538122_fc791e81e0_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/279HTxQ) by

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/975/42126153782_6ede40e925_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/27bxxSf) by , on

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/950/27300990547_6828160b24_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/HAuHkz) by

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/982/42126153942_ca4683461f_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/27bxxV1) by

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1756/28896040468_b852f9bfc3_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/L2rL7h) by


https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1760/40950486020_6c6586fbaf_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/25oDWNq) by

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1756/42767780612_b6c266c95f_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/28af4aN) by

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/887/41006323270_11f90509e0_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/25tA8gC) by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/]

[Panteracer]

Doug,
Just wondering if you are going to change out your cam
when you put on the EFI?

I have a 494 Mr2 cv-1 headed Pontiac and we softened
the solid roller to 750 lift from 775...also eased the ramps
slightly but still carbed... it is very stout but at the same time
fairly smooth and easy to drive


Bob

[Doug1]

Doug,
Just wondering if you are going to change out your cam
when you put on the EFI?

I have a 494 Mr2 cv-1 headed Pontiac and we softened
the solid roller to 750 lift from 775...also eased the ramps
slightly but still carbed... it is very stout but at the same time
fairly smooth and easy to drive

Bob

Bob,

At this time, I don't have any plans to change the cam. This is a similar motor to yours, though it is an IA2 block 535. It ran pretty well on the street as it was but I wanted more reliability and the ability to see what was going on via computer. The carb was okay but sometimes hard to start and I really didn't like the smell of raw gas at idle. Both of these should go away with this setup as well as some hard cornering stumble issues I had with the carb. I've been advised that it will be a much smoother acceleration and to be careful at first because it will accelerate very quickly without the telltale 4 barrel opening sound. We'll see soon! I'm within 2-3 hours of firing it up now.

Doug

[Doug1]

The fuel injection required quite a bit of additional wiring to my custom built harness. I couldn't just leave it as is, since many wires were too long, so I cut, soldered and labeled every wire, installed techflex and labeled most of the groups as well. Here's the ECU mounted with a custom bracket made by Mark Luhn, though I added the rivnuts.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1834/44016644351_26176c74b9_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2a4ANRe)[/url] by (https://flic.kr/p/2a4ANRe)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/939/44005996641_3118e54ee3_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2a3EeE2) (https://flic.kr/p/2a3EeE2)

I set up two paths for power. One distribution unit is fed by a 100Amp Solid State Relay and the other a 50Amp Solid State Relay with Power Surge proetction. I put all the computer stuff on the surge protected PDU and all the noisy stuff on the other.

Moved a few fuses for the windows, though most fuses are under the back seat. You can barely see the ECU back behind all the relays now. LOL
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1863/42516249960_15e673d836_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27M1TSq) (https://flic.kr/p/27M1TSq)
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1859/43417985025_c9b8ddcf87_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/) [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/159188510@N03/] (https://flic.kr/p/299GwhH)

[Doug1]

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1929/44007520505_87800fe235_c.jpg[/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/2a3N3Dx]

Throttle body installed

Custom cold air intake now complete with proper fit for the lower TB. This allows a full height air filter to fit properly.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1978/45142788462_f57343216c_c.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1908/31318061648_4117564ce1_c.jpg
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1914/45142788512_d591e9c0ea_c.jpg

[Tinker]

That's a whole lotta stuff under that hood. Looks great!