transaero

iTrader: (6)

Hey Guys, I'm kind of new here, i've been "stalking" around a little, and I recently bought a white 1987 Trans Am GTA from 91greenbird. I'm A Senior in highschool, so my budget is somewhat low, and I don't have much experience working on cars, so I'll be asking alot of questions. My dream after HS is to get an auto-tech degree and start a business restoring muscle-cars.

My GTA doesn't need alot of engine work, but it needs alot of cosmetics, mainly an interior restoration and paint. My plan is to start w/the interior. It needs a lot of work (fuse/lower dash-panels, carpet cleaning, door repair/cleaning, console repair, and weatherstripping). Although it needs a lot of int. work, the seats are in pretty mice condition. Oh, I forgot, it has a digital dashboard.

So, to start off, my dad picked up the car for me today while I was in school, and unfortunately, the rear driver's side wheel cap somehow fell off and got crushed by a van on the highway.
But after he brought it home, I went to start it up, but nothing happened, except for a beeping noise, but after letting the car/engine cool down, it started right up. Is there a sensor that is messed or needs to be replaced?

Sorry for the long message, and thanks for reading. I'll try to post pictures tomorrow or Friday after school. thanks again.

rawley2

You may want to post this in another section. Its more of an engine problem. The mod may move it.

I also have a digital dash 87 GTA but mine is sexy black. LOL

Did it click or anything? Was it the beep from the drivers info center or something else?

Has it done it again?

Javier87z28

iTrader: (1)

Welcome and congrats on your thirdgen, and a little more info would help on resolving your issue

Caveman305

iTrader: (8)

welcome,

91greenbird and I are actually really good friends, any questions you need answered about the car itself he can probably give you, as for repairs you are doing the right thing,

the best place for this thread would have been "members firebirds" like where 91greenbird put his when he first bought this car

as for the no start, its was determined to be a heatsoak issue with the starter

transaero

iTrader: (6)

Mods, please move this to the 'member's Firebirds' section. Thanks, I wasn't sure where to post it initially.



The car starts up fine now, but it didn't want to start after it was driven in the heat(80+ degrees) for an hour.

Turning the key for just electrical power would work fine, and the dash lit up, everything worked. But when i went to start it, the power cut and everything turned off. I'm not sure where the beep came from, somewhere around the driver's dashboard.

As for the interior, I'm not sure which shade of tan it is, but I was considering redoing it in black, or at least part of it. How do you guys think a black carpet woud look with tan seats? I've heard on here that tan carpet are a pain to keep clean, and that black looks nicer anyways.

rawley2

Not sure if you have it or not but I have one of the 65 tan leather interior made in 1987. 62E. If yours is leather you may want to think about that.

That is the only reason I have not blacked out my interior.

I still may black it out just hate doing it.I know it would look better black on black with dark tinted windows. Gold wheels and emblems!! It would be hot.

Anyway you can get new seat covers all over the place. Leather is like $1,000 down to $400 for cloth. That is for all 4 seats.

Cheek out this site. It's a GTA only site with lots of info: http://www.gtasourcepage.com/

RockShowTrader

iTrader: (1)

I have the Beachwood Tan interior on my 88 GTA and the black carpet is currently on order from RockAuto. See the attached picture from an eBay car, it is what confirmed for me that it does look cool with the tan & black combo

Restoring the interior is fun. I got my parts from eBay, HawksthirdGen, and RockAuto. I'd keep the tan, IMO. I am SURE you will find that the car will require money spent in other areas first.

Caveman305

iTrader: (8)

i forget what the shade is called, i have beachwood in my 89' Iroc which i believe is slightly darker than what was offered in 87(maybe it was called saddle or something?)

but yeah, unless your wanting to stay 100% original black carpet looks pretty good

85_z28

Its Cool that the owner of that car gets on here I was surprised to see this

akanitro

iTrader: (2)

I do like the contrast of the Black on Beachwood. It reminds me of how Acura does it on the 2013 and up vehicles that have light color interior. Only thing I would change is to use black contrast stitching on the leather seats.

Jcgta

Just replaced my pull down motor on my 87 Gta I have power to the relay and the switch but the motor will not run any help would be great

Caveman305

iTrader: (8)

Welcome,

You may be better off starting your own thread for your car and the issues you need fixed,

That way the focus can be on your car instead of the original poster of this thread.

To give you any help we would need more info on what type of replacement you used(new, used, whole unit or just motor)

Please start a thread and I'm sure members will be more than willing to help

transaero

iTrader: (6)

Hey guys first update, it was nice outside and not too hot, so I worked on the interior a little.

Sadly, almost all of the speakers are blown out, the only one that works completely is the one behind the drivers seat. What do you guys think about these as replacements:

dash: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500SPS4...e-SPS-406.html
rear: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_206KS69/Kicker-KS69.html

also, should I get this to replace the stock radio console?
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KDR330/JVC-KD-R330.html
I want a CD player, but also an iPod dock/some way to connect my iPod. This one has an AUX port, which i guess would work.
Is there anything I should do with wiring? I don't really have a clue how to do that. (amplifier, etc). I also plan on putting in a sub woofer in that my sister gave me.

Moving on, the problem with the car not starting is (according to greenbird) is it needs a new starter because the current one heat soaks. Will one of these be a good replacement? I'd like to find something that's cheaper, but it may be necessary or better to upgrade.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/su...model/firebird
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/su...model/firebird
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pw...model/firebird

Thanks fro the help guys, I'm having a crapload of fun, even though I haven't really done much. haha

Caveman305

iTrader: (8)

the best replacement you will find for that starter, is a stock replacement, better yet, ive been told the 5 speed starters are smaller(dont quote me on that) which would make them easier to wedge up between the Y pipe and tranny,

those aftermarket ones need shims and all sorts of adjustments to fit right, my stock replacement bolted right up to the RS no headache

MrPackstin

iTrader: (9)

I had covergirl on here make new covers for me and they look perfect Just got the rears done today.

transaero

iTrader: (6)

how do i know if i have a 153 or 168 flywheel?

Caveman305

iTrader: (8)

unless someone has been in there to change it, its probably a 153

transaero

iTrader: (6)

cool thanks, just trying to figure it out for the starter.

Caveman305

iTrader: (8)

any updates?

transaero

iTrader: (6)

Not really anything major. Just taking apart the interior console. I'm waiting on someone to send me black interior pieces. And a starter.

Although when I drove it last week the whole dashboard was messed up. The speedo wouldnt stay on a steady speed, my radio doesn't work, and my rear hatch won't open by pushing the release. I have to unlock it manually w/a key. Also, the turn signals don't work, nor the hazard lights.

And the worst part is that my weakest mechanical point is electrical/wiring.

transaero

iTrader: (6)

Hey guys, quick update. I worked on the interior last weekend and I pulled out the rear seats, and most of the plastics. I don't know how to remove the panels with the hatch struts/shocks(?) and rear seat locks. Do i have to remove the hatch to get those off or something? Kinda stumped here.

Also have been looking into an audio system. I found out there is somekinda speaker wiring setup in my car, but I honestly have no clue about it. I think I'm going to go with pioneer speakers and radio unit. My sister already gave me an amp and subwoofer, but they're too large too fit, so some cutting may be required.

I'll try to get some pics of my slow progress tomorrow after school, although it's supposed to rain...lol

Caveman305

iTrader: (8)

as for the interior plastic, are you talking about the large back quarter pieces? i know i removed them from my RS but cant remember exactly how, i can check sometime in the next few days

if i remember correctly that speaker wiring you found had the ends poking out in the hatch area correct? if so those would be your amp and sub hook ups, the PO before 91greenbird installed/had that installed, it was never hooked up to verify anything working when 91 had the car

Sad?Old Hippie

Hey! Really enjoyed reading this thread. I myself have just bought an 87 GTA in white and am busy 'renovating' it. Nothing as major as the job you have with yours, just a lot of cosmetic work and some minor mechanical faults. BUSTING to get it out and use but wont till it's up o the spec I insist on. Hope your bird comes together just as you want it to. Like me, you probably have a picture in your head of how it will look. A labour of love for us both my friend!

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

I have a 1988 Pontiac Trans Am GTA Notchback, digital dash ..... . First off do you have the radio with steering wheel controls? Second, you want to connect an ipod to the radio, my advice don't replace the radio. Best to stick with the stock radio.
It adds to the originality of the car. What you can do is to look at Classic industries. They have an adapter which you can plug into any radio, hide it nicely and it provides an ipod/iphone docking cable. You can dock your ipod with the original radio.

http://www.classicindustries.com/fir...=ipod&p=1&sb=0

transaero

iTrader: (6)

Yeah, the two that have the hatch rods connected to them. And I'm going to eventually remove the whole interior (except the dash) so I'll be able to check it eventually.

Sad?Old Hippie- Thanks, I can't wait to finish my car, even if it is a long way out lol. Good luck with your resto!

Alex- i do not have steering controls, but I like it better without the controls and I'm changing the wheel anyways.. Anyway, that adapter costs nearly twice as much as a new radio pod, and the originals don't sound that great.

transaero

iTrader: (6)

Sorry for the double post and this long one haha.

I made a lot of progress today (or at least I think I did). I have the rear interior compartment taken out, and part of the front done. Those front seats are a real bugger to get out. I'm going to try to gut the rest of it by the end of the weekend and I'll post some pictures of my progress (finally).

Sorry for the slow progress, but I'm trying to finish up my senior year (in highschool). Lots of papers and crap to get out of the way. Graduation is just around the corner. Working on my Eagle scout for buy scouts. trying to finish up with college apps.

But with summer almost here, a lot more progress will be made, as i'll have more time to do stuff.

I'm also waiting to meet up with beths91camero to buy some black interior parts and black ws6 rims from her. Can't wait.

transaero

iTrader: (6)

Well, I am nearly done with stripping out the interior. I have only the dashboard and the front carpet. Pics finally! lol

I am now realizing just how many electrical problems I am having (or going to have). The digital dash won't let me change settings, and won't display mileage, it won't stay at a steady speed when driving, and turn signals don't work. There is no horn. the hazard lights don't work, ac/heat doesn't work, hatch button doesn't work(keyed entry works fine), car can be put into gear/out of park with car off, car can be started without a key if the key start is not in the "lock" position, and I need to set up a sound system (which I really don't know much about).

But the good news is I'm having fun! And the car is almost stripped out. I have a set of seat belts coming in from covergirl, and I'm waiting to meet up with beths91camaro to get most of the black interior pieces I need, although I'm considering using my old plastic panels and just dying them.

Well, I graduate from highschool tomorrow, so I'll have a lot more time to work on my car. Can't wait.

transaero

iTrader: (6)

More pics

transaero

iTrader: (6)

more pics

Caveman305

iTrader: (8)

looking good,

as long as your learning and having fun its all worth it

i liked that car as soon as i saw it in person

Javier87z28

iTrader: (1)

Congrats on graduating man, and your gta looks nice

Sad?Old Hippie

Jeeeeeez and I thought I had it hard! You certainly have a job on there! Good for you for having the dedication to undertake such a large project. Makes my 'retoration' look feeble by comparison! My interior work is to fix rear passenger side seat belt, install stereo with converter kit I purchased, clean up and fix centr console and give the interior a total clean, 26 years of grime on those seats I think. Don't envy you man but think you will reap the rewards, a lovely looking car you've got there!

transaero

iTrader: (6)

Thanks, I really appreciate it!

You should start a thread so we can see your progress on your GTA.

Caveman305

iTrader: (8)

its interesting to see the underside of the roof on a C&C t-top car

transaero

iTrader: (6)

So a regular ttop headliner won't fit on a cnc top car?

I didn't think they were that much different from a regular ttop car. How much different are they?

Sad?Old Hippie

Started a thread a few weeks back called My 87 GTA. Only a couple of pics so far as I'm not much up on tech stuff like adding photos and have to get my kids to do it for me!

Thanks for the friends request, really appreciate that!

Caveman305

iTrader: (8)

unfortunately not, you have to use a Hard top headliner(abs) and cut it to fit, its kind of a strange layout, so when you decide to put a headliner in read up on C&C t-tops, you have to wrap the headliner fabric up over the openings lip, and then there's a trim piece that makes it look "finished"

transaero

iTrader: (6)

bump.

I haven't posted on this thread in nearly 9 months, but rest assured I have worked hard on my car. I just was getting used to college and was too lazy to post up here.

Anyways, I have gotten a lot done, don't remember exactly everything I had finished when I posted, but I will make a list of the stuff I've worked on and completed:

In progress:

- Almost done with the interior, just need black seats, door panels, headliner, sun visors, and one plastic piece; waiting on sail panel covers.
- fix water leak on t-tops (know where it is, just need to figure out how to fix it)
- clean and (possibly) paint engine bay
- get a horn working
- organize wiring in engine bay
- get hazard blinkers and overhead interior light
- polish TPI Plenum and try to pop out dents in runners if possible
- polish/paint wheels
- hook up amp and subwoofer in back
- get ac/heat working- think it's just a bad blower
- get engine running smooth and with as high mpg's as possible
- chrome dual 3.5in exhaust tips

Finished:
- Speakers/stereo system: one of my $150 speakers rattles (guessing it's blown out) so I'll eventually have to replace it
- Dash lighting, turn signals, radio, etc all work (save for 2 things)
- black carpet installed, most of the paneling is installed, new steering wheel,
- replaced lots of little odds'n ends like new gas cap, lug nut covers,
- started cleaning up the engine bay
- installed new hood shocks and mounted all bolts (was missing some)
- all black seat belts + new buckle set( so shiny)
- replaced starter
- polished TPI plenum plate (not much but makes a big difference)
- new battery (other one boiled acid)
- cleaned up a lot of the wiring under the old carpet and dash, someone really didn't want it clean under there.

It may not look like a lot, but please keep in mind I did all of this during my first semester of college and on a college budget, and all of the work was done by myself.

Anyways, I do plan on posting here more often, and I have a little more time at the moment.

Duane's 91 Z/28

iTrader: (1)

Looking forward to more pics from you. You're doing an awesome job on your car. Keep it up!

Zane M

iTrader: (1)

Keep up the good work. Looking forward to future progress updates.

transaero

iTrader: (6)

Thanks guys!

Update:
I have done a ton of stuff the last month, a lot of it to get the car legal for inspection.
- both horns work now (but need to figure out how to hook it up to my grant gt wheel)
- power locks work properly
- turn signal and hazards work properly (finally)
- digital dash displays everything correctly according to original car (odometer reading)
- console + door are in place (although console is black, door and radio pod are gray)

A couple of questions:
- since fog lights are accessories, do I still need them to pass a safety inspection? I have the fog lights, but they are not hooked up, and are completely out of the car
- my brake light is on. I did a search and found out what to check. when I disconnect the wire (forgot what it was called) under the brake master cylinder, the light goes off in the dash. Is the connector bad? or the cylinder?


I keep promising you guys pics, but every time I work on my car, it gets to be dark for pictures. (I work on it until midnight sometimes). I made an order from 1a atuo and will be getting a bunch of parts for the exterior. I will have pics when they come and and are put on her.

Caveman305

iTrader: (8)

Fogs shouldn't be mandatory

Keep up the good work!

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

If you disconect the wire at the pro portioning valve and the light goes out it could be any number of things. For me it was air in the system. It could be a bad prop valve or master cylinder too. I wouldn't drive it let alone take it to inspection yet. If you are distrustful of the switch step on the brake pedal and see if it feels spongy. If it does then there's a problem.

transaero

iTrader: (6)

Well, I finally had a chance to take some pictures. As of now, I am pretty much done with her. I need some black seats, but they're expensive, so the tan ones will have to do for now.

Next, I am going to pull the wheels off and try to polish the lips and paint the centers if need be.

In the summer when I have more time (and money) I am going to go and paint her myself.

I also added some exhaust tips I got from autozone (cheap yes I know), but they are still tucked under the bumper and look somewhat stock.

Now I am playing the waiting game for a few parts in the mail. (door panels, arm rests, sail panels)

Behold, lots of pictures! lol



















Enjoy!

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

If you pop the map pocket off and spray it with a cleaner, you can bring it to shine again. I did that with my car. They way they are held in is by 5 or 6 embedded plastic clips, or screws whatever you call them, in the map pocket. The "treads" stick out and pop in to the pocket. What you can do is after you pull the passenger hush panels off, unscrew the mountings for anything in the way and pull them down. ECM is one of them, you don't, from the looks of it, have the factory amp optioned, so you don't have to mess with that. You might have to pull down the vss buffer (yellow box). Take it easy with those clips, go slow and be careful so none break. This may seem like a lot but it is not and the effect is well worth it. Mine used to look like yours and now it looks like the brand new ones that cost an arm and a leg on ebay.

transaero

iTrader: (6)

Huh, never really thought about it. It doesn't look too bad to me though. What kind of cleaner did you use?

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

I used grease lightning. The effect is in the picture. Prior it looked exactly like yours, after the wash (I also scrubbed the Velcro) I clipped it together so the Velcro could really grip.

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

Nice 87 GTA !

Caveman305

iTrader: (8)

coming along pretty good!

transaero

iTrader: (6)

thanks guys!

I got my door panels in yesterday. They were not as good as I thought. The brackets for the plastic clips are missing on the passenger side panel, and one was missing on the drivers side. I had to rob my old door panels' brackets to put on these. I used gorilla glue and clamps and they are drying right now. I'll get some pictures up when they're finished.