1983 Trans Am
#51
Re: 1983 Trans Am
Update:
I picked up the car from paint yesterday. The shop painted the four GFX pieces as well as the hood. Unfortunately the hood had minor surface rust under the Firebird decal and some paint chipping away at the base of the hood scoop.
Installed
Notice the new sail panel decal.
Hood
Unfortunately the shop decided to buff the front bumper and burned through the original paint. They offered to repaint the front bumper cover which I probably will have to do now.
Hood scoop insert and grill installed. I repainted the grille with trim black since it had faded to silver.
I picked up the car from paint yesterday. The shop painted the four GFX pieces as well as the hood. Unfortunately the hood had minor surface rust under the Firebird decal and some paint chipping away at the base of the hood scoop.
Installed
Notice the new sail panel decal.
Hood
Unfortunately the shop decided to buff the front bumper and burned through the original paint. They offered to repaint the front bumper cover which I probably will have to do now.
Hood scoop insert and grill installed. I repainted the grille with trim black since it had faded to silver.
Last edited by Agent13; 07-17-2017 at 08:42 PM.
#54
Re: 1983 Trans Am
Update:
The interior is mostly back together. It's missing the dash pad, a pillar covers, and under dash panels. I am also waiting on the upholsterer to complete the seats. Unfortunately it may be a couple more weeks before they are complete.
The car has a few more odds and ends that I hope to take care of this weekend. The wheels and center caps will also need some attention.
Here is a shot I took earlier today. It feels good to be finishing up!
The interior is mostly back together. It's missing the dash pad, a pillar covers, and under dash panels. I am also waiting on the upholsterer to complete the seats. Unfortunately it may be a couple more weeks before they are complete.
The car has a few more odds and ends that I hope to take care of this weekend. The wheels and center caps will also need some attention.
Here is a shot I took earlier today. It feels good to be finishing up!
Last edited by Agent13; 07-19-2017 at 10:18 PM.
#56
Re: 1983 Trans Am
Except for the seats I finished assembling the rest of the interior today. Afterwards I took the car out for a two hour drive throughout the LA area. I'll be out of town for work for a few weeks so this will be it for now. Hopefully the seats will be ready to go when I'm back.
Picture from earlier tonight.
Picture from earlier tonight.
Last edited by Agent13; 07-19-2017 at 10:27 PM.
#58
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Car: 88 Camaro Coupe - 99 Corvette
Engine: 305TPI - LS1
Transmission: A4 - A4
Axle/Gears: 3:73 - 3:15
Re: 1983 Trans Am
i cant believe the condition of the floors! 12k or 112k miles? amazing car, good luck
#59
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Car: 82 Trans Am
Engine: 305 ci V8 4-bbl
Transmission: TH200C
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt/3.23 posi
Re: 1983 Trans Am
Great! It's gonna look fantastic when all done. So glad it's very well taken care of. These early third gens are getting more and more tlc and attention the last few years. I think people are realizing that they're kinda special and can be better than the day they left the factory.
Here's mine. Not yet 100% stock looking but it's getting there slowly.
Here's mine. Not yet 100% stock looking but it's getting there slowly.
#62
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Car: 82 Trans Am
Engine: 305 ci V8 4-bbl
Transmission: TH200C
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt/3.23 posi
Re: 1983 Trans Am
Wow! Where did you ordered that new steering wheel? The leather looks kinda dull. Maybe it's only on the picture. I'm curious to see how the seats turned out.
#65
Re: 1983 Trans Am
SEATS! FINALLY!
After a very very long wait the upholsterer finally completed the front seats. I installed them today and took the car for a cruise. The rear seats should be completed soon.
Was debating whether to install the hood bird or not... Went ahead with it today.
Full moon on the cruise.
After a very very long wait the upholsterer finally completed the front seats. I installed them today and took the car for a cruise. The rear seats should be completed soon.
Was debating whether to install the hood bird or not... Went ahead with it today.
Full moon on the cruise.
Last edited by Agent13; 07-17-2017 at 08:54 PM.
#67
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Car: '84 Z
Engine: L69
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: 1983 Trans Am
Great car. Well done. Great seats. Love how functional the torso bolsters are. Didn't know how useful they were for these cars until now. Would have been beneficial in my old IROC.
#69
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Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: 1983 Trans Am
Looking great!
I have a 82-84 NOS headlight bezel for the right side if its needed
I have a 82-84 NOS headlight bezel for the right side if its needed
#70
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Car: '84 Z
Engine: L69
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: 1983 Trans Am
The minimalist hood bird works on the '83. '83 wins (over '84) with the black mirrors and spoiler. IMO '83 was the thirdgen TA pinnacle. And while some would say a manual is preferred over the '83 4 speed auto, the '83 clutch linkage was not ideal. Auto is the way to go. A perfect TA. I don't know the motor, but when viewing this car no one is thinking CFI or carburetor?
#71
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Car: '84 Z
Engine: L69
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: 1983 Trans Am
Just noticed you have an '83 with T5.
I drove an '83 Z with T5 last week and found the clutch sensitivity problematic. Might have been only that car. Interested in your comparison of the T5 vs auto.
Thanks.
I drove an '83 Z with T5 last week and found the clutch sensitivity problematic. Might have been only that car. Interested in your comparison of the T5 vs auto.
Thanks.
#72
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Car: 83 T/A WS-6
Engine: LG4 305
Transmission: T-5 Manual Clutch
Axle/Gears: 3.73 Positraction
Re: 1983 Trans Am
I got a 5-speed in my 83 and I love the way the clutch feels better than the hydraulic. Enjoyed watching this 83 getting refurbished.
#74
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Car: 82 Trans Am
Engine: 305 ci V8 4-bbl
Transmission: TH200C
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt/3.23 posi
Re: 1983 Trans Am
You did a terrific work on that red Trans Am. I mean look at how the car was like when you purchased it and how it is now. My hat's off to you!
#75
Member
Re: 1983 Trans Am
I got the pleasure of seeing this car in person last Friday night. It was at night, but regardless, car is damn clear. Attention to detail everywhere. Car really puts you back in time and how these cars looked factory showroom. Car got plenty of attention at our car meet too. Nice to see people both younger and older appreciating these cars.
#82
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Car: 1989 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: 1983 Trans Am
Looks amazing. I love 82-84 Birds. My first Fbody crush when I was 13-14 haha! Always had a vision cruising in a silver one. Can't wait to see more updates.
#84
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Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
Re: 1983 Trans Am
Your car might have been old and worn but the body was still in very good condition. Nice find! No doubt the car is now in good hands and is going to be enjoyed a while longer.
#88
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 1983 Trans Am
Great effort! Sorry to see that. Hope it finds a great home. I'll spread the word on it.
#89
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Re: 1983 Trans Am
Yes - put her to the side for a bit and let your mood calm down a bit. You might regret getting rid of it. If you still feel the same way a few months from now, then sell it. An engine is not too much money for that car and you can go bigger. It only requires different injectors and a Corvette computer.
#90
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 1983 Trans Am
I agree. If you have room, put it to the side for a while.
#91
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Re: 1983 Trans Am
There is no such thing as "the end" only in movies. You have done too much great work to let it go. I do have a question for you. Earlier in the thread you mentioned that you adapted your radio to have an acc input. How did you do it, does it have to have a tape in it to work.
Louis
Louis
#92
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Car: 1984 Z-28
Engine: 305 H.O.
Transmission: 5 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: 1983 Trans Am
I have to agree with the crowd, you need to keep it. Put it aside and start saving to redo the motor. Even if you pick up a small block just to keep driving it you can save the original motor and get new internals for it later on.
#93
Re: 1983 Trans Am
That's a bummer, but I would agree. Hang on to it, you won't regret it later.
I recently picked up a couple of '84s, one with an LG4 and one with an L69. They both need some TLC, like yours. Your post has inspired me!
A couple of questions:
Where can I find the decals for the defroster and trunk release?
Can you post on how to add the AUX port? I've got the same radio. My daughter is helping in hopes that she might drive it in a couple of years, but would like to keep the radio and have a way to play digital music.
Thanks!
I recently picked up a couple of '84s, one with an LG4 and one with an L69. They both need some TLC, like yours. Your post has inspired me!
A couple of questions:
Where can I find the decals for the defroster and trunk release?
Can you post on how to add the AUX port? I've got the same radio. My daughter is helping in hopes that she might drive it in a couple of years, but would like to keep the radio and have a way to play digital music.
Thanks!
#94
Member
Re: 1983 Trans Am
Years ago I sold my first Formula because it was getting up there in miles (145,000) and had some rust issues. 8 years later I ended up buying another Formula...so from experience, you really might end up regretting getting rid of it.
#95
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Car: 1983 Pontiac Trans Am Pace Car
Engine: 305 CFI
Transmission: 4 speed Auto
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: 1983 Trans Am
Agent13, this has been a glorious transformation you've shown us. I know I enjoyed seeing it all unfold and it even gave me things to consider doing to mine - my switches look like crap and they need a redo like you've done.
Hopefully, you don't let her go, but I'm sure we're all on the edge of our seats here wondering - what's next??
I know it'd be awesome to hear you say "I'm gonna save it - But it won't be easy" lol
Hopefully, you don't let her go, but I'm sure we're all on the edge of our seats here wondering - what's next??
I know it'd be awesome to hear you say "I'm gonna save it - But it won't be easy" lol
#96
Re: 1983 Trans Am
All,
Thank you for following the progress of my '83 TA. I hope that you have enjoyed it. Unfortunately, the new owner picked it up today and is taking it to its new home in Las Vegas. I received full asking price for it.
The point of this car was to clean it up and have fun with it. Unfortunately, my '83 Daytona TA has been waiting 10 years for a full rebuild and I am not up for two major projects at this time...
What's next? Stay tuned...
Off to its new owner as of an hour ago.
Thank you for following the progress of my '83 TA. I hope that you have enjoyed it. Unfortunately, the new owner picked it up today and is taking it to its new home in Las Vegas. I received full asking price for it.
The point of this car was to clean it up and have fun with it. Unfortunately, my '83 Daytona TA has been waiting 10 years for a full rebuild and I am not up for two major projects at this time...
What's next? Stay tuned...
Off to its new owner as of an hour ago.
#98
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: 1983 Trans Am
All,
Thank you for following the progress of my '83 TA. I hope that you have enjoyed it. Unfortunately, the new owner picked it up today and is taking it to its new home in Las Vegas. I received full asking price for it.
The point of this car was to clean it up and have fun with it. Unfortunately, my '83 Daytona TA has been waiting 10 years for a full rebuild and I am not up for two major projects at this time...
What's next? Stay tuned...
Off to its new owner as of an hour ago.
Thank you for following the progress of my '83 TA. I hope that you have enjoyed it. Unfortunately, the new owner picked it up today and is taking it to its new home in Las Vegas. I received full asking price for it.
The point of this car was to clean it up and have fun with it. Unfortunately, my '83 Daytona TA has been waiting 10 years for a full rebuild and I am not up for two major projects at this time...
What's next? Stay tuned...
Off to its new owner as of an hour ago.
#99
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Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
Re: 1983 Trans Am
Must have been hard to watch that dumbass load the dolly?