Sad?Old Hippie

Hey! Really nice car dude! Why do people key cars? Lack of brain cells or what? Your enthusiasm is refreshing, fires me up to keep slogging away at my GTA!

Seanphelps321

iTrader: (1)

I'm just curious, about how much have you spent on all the lighting? It looks awesome and now you have me wanting to do the same.

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

I'm gonna do the same if I come across another nice oem one. Pics are below!

Thanks man! And oh, it was a jealous ex-boyfriend of a girl I was seeing. lol

Thanks man, yeah I love it. I'm not exactly sure, but I'd say around 250 around there. Maybe more maybe less.

Here are just some new photos of the interior and a few different things.

Gauge rings:



Old and new lower dash filler:



New power lock buttons for each side:



After installation on the passenger side I pushed lock and unlock and each one a piece of the white lettering came off after touching it only one time. The driver side appears to be holding up, but the passenger one came off right away. I emailed Denny at Third Gen Ranch and told him and haven't heard back from him...so I need to email him again.

New window switches and power mirror switch:


New brakes:



Gonna get a photo of the rear end soon. I love how the back tires stick out...guess I'm the minority! More to come soon.

Seanphelps321

iTrader: (1)

Sweet! I'll have to see what I can do.

BTW, those gauge rings were an excellent idea. Really makes it stand out.

Was the second picture a new button too? Part of the lettering is rubbed off.

LHernandezJr

...

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

Thanks! I was able to snag the last set from member motobooks (Luis)
And yes, if you read what I posted under the photo, the lettering came off after only pushing the button one time.

Thanks Luis! They were a pita to install. Definitely a big thing with the newer bezel is to make sure (because they do not sit flush) to make the top of the ring the part that is flush because of the angle you look at it when you sit in the car. If the bottom sticks out a little bit, you can't notice so when you apply the pressure on it after applying adhesive definitely focus the pressure on the top and the two sides, kinda like a triangle with your fingers.

And yeah...I was pretty upset. I emailed him again today so hopefully I get a response...and the window switches I got (also from Third Gen Ranch) do stick a bit, but I can live with it. They might just need to break in or something. The fresh lettering and paint on them is worth it.

Seanphelps321

iTrader: (1)

WOOPS. Missed that section somehow. lol. That's crazy though. I literally replaced mine about 4 days ago. Hopefully mine don't do the same. Shouldn't be too hard to fix the problem since these are more abundant than other parts on our cars. I honestly got mine on Ebay new. Good luck with resolving that issue!

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

Got an email from Denny at Third Gen Ranch and he said that they missed my email, but he said that he had never heard of my issue before, but he will send out a replacement for me.

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

Unfortunately had to leave negative feedback to the guy with my gauge cluster in the feedback board.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/clas...05-has-my.html

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

My car got broken into the other night...stole my radio and a few other things. Just what I needed...and oh the Josh guy who has my gauge cluster hasn't messaged me in a month...he's as much of a thief as the punk *** kids who broke into my car.

bowtietilidie

iTrader: (1)

awesome car!
sucks about the keying, break in, and jerk with your cluster.

what would be the part no. for that shifter, and the boot?

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

Thanks man...yeah it sucks. I got it off eBay, I just tried finding a direct link to it, but I can't find it at all. It was a Hurst Short Throw Shifter...and you have to be careful you get one for a GM third gen T5...not a mustang one or a 4th gen T5. It was around a $180 bucks shipped which isn't bad. It's the most solid feeling and badass shifter I've ever used.

And the boot actually came with the Hawks Third Gen Firebird 5-speed reproduction plate.

Seanphelps321

iTrader: (1)

Sorry to hear about the break in man. Sucks about the cluster too.

If you can get ahold of another cluster there's definitely a way to do the lighting yourself and we can all help. I just did blue LEDs in my cluster and blue interior lighting. It looks awesome. Perfectly even and really bright. Right now I'm repainting the needles white as well. Probably cost me about $20 for lighting and was super easy.

If you get another one worth it let us know.

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

I've taken my cluster apart before and replaced the bulbs, I just didn't want to do a simple 194 superbrightleds.com job like everyone else ya know

Seanphelps321

iTrader: (1)

Gotcha. If you get the right bulbs it turns out good. But I get what you're saying.

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

Not much to report. I bought a new radio for the car to replace the one that was stolen. Still an aftermarket...am still always on the lookout for a nice oem one that I like the look of.

I just posted a bunch of random good parts that I have collected that I don't need here:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...ml#post5593628

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

Fuel pump went out on the car. It sat around for a few days at my work, until I finally had time to get a trailer set up to take it to the shop. I tried to start it one last time to see if I could drive it on, so I beat on the back in the trunk and it started. Went to drive on the trailer and had two people leading me on, told me I was fine and good to go. Well...I wasn't. Car was too low and the bumper and gfx slammed into the trailer. Now, every single gfx is broken on the car. Couldn't be more pissed. When I finally did get it to the shop I lifted the carpet out and found it had an access hole...

On the bright side, I put the new fuel pump in, new fuel filter, and a new sock. She's hurt, but I'm just glad to have her back. Anyone have any 91-92 gfx laying around?

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

Just a little bit of news to report...still no gfx found...AND the my master cylinder went out.

So I ordered a new slave and master cylinder and installed them over the weekend. I now have an aluminum slave cylinder instead of the shitty plastic one that I got when I bought my T5 swap. Now she shifts are so smooth...its amazing. My reverse used to grind occasionally and it hasn't grinded a single time since!

Also bought new rear sway bar links and put my sway bar back on!

The gauge cluster guy Josh messaged me about a week ago claiming he would return it back to me...haven't heard back since I replied.

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

Just a few notes...I finally bought some 2" spacers for the front wheels since the car has a 4th gen rear end on it. The car is so slammed in the front there was barely enough clearance when the wheels were pushed out, but man what a stance!















Also got some wires from a junkyard car that is gonna allow me to wire in the bulbs for the carpet area in the front of the car.

maks10

love the stance!!! just know the trade off of bottoming out so cant bring myself to do it lol...atleast living in WV and would imagine OH roads are somewhat similar

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

Hey man sorry I never saw this, thanks for the words!

I apologize for the lack of updates...it's mainly because there really haven't been any. Ohio has had a TERRIBLE winter this year, the car is my DD so I'm just trying to keep her safe while I am driving. I only have one update...the temperature outside right now is -9 degrees. Overnight it will drop to I think around -15 or -20...and that's not with the wind chill. It was so cold that it cracked my mint dash pad right down the center while it was sitting outside.

86T/A_Ram_Air

Aww man that sucks. The temp has been brutal here too but not that brutal

Edwardgp

That has got to be a hard thing to discover first thing in the morning.

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

I was pretty upset to say the least...

On a good note...I will be purchasing XXR 521 wheels and tires pretty soon!

Specs: +12 Offset...18x10 all around, and with a 3.5" deep dish lip! Flat back with chrome rivets...very sexy wheels.

Firechicken86

iTrader: (1)

Really enjoyed following this thread, car looks beautiful.

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

Thanks man!

Just a small note...finally did a full brake job on the 4th gen rear end I bought. Brakes weren't terrible when I bought it, but knew they would need changed soon. Didn't think to take any pics...it's absolutely freezing outside lol

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

Time is a big issue here so sorry for lack of pictures, but tonight will be round 2 of head gaskets. It was about that time.

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

Got both heads on and the intake on tonight, ended up not being able to work on it last night. Only thing left is the TB, distributor, exhaust and all the little loose ends. EGR and emissions were totally deleted while doing this. (Already had chip in car with them deleted)

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

Some updates!

Motor has been put back together and is running OK right now. Dealing with some idling issues when cold, but valve lash and everything else seems to be fine.

Had my welder remove my cat since I removed all EGR, the car definitely sounds a lot better now. I can actually hear my Flowmaster muffler a lot more.

And then of course, these:



XXR 521 18X10 all around. They are +12 offset with a 3.5" lip and with a flat black finish.

Ed1LE

iTrader: (39)

Those will look nice, what tire size(s)?


After(sanded and 2 coats of clear) :


[/QUOTE]

Wow, that turned out great! Mine is really dull, will have to do this as well!

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

Thanks man your car is looking great btw. I'm gonna mount the wheels before I buy tires and measure for most flushed look possible. Tracking info said they will be here on the 18th! and yeah the center tail light turned out very good....easy too, took all of 5 minutes!

I also just bought an 89 Firebird wheel, finally gonna get rid of the hideously massive 92 wheel.

Pic:

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

My new early model Firebird steering wheel came in today and so did my new wheels. Enjoy:

DiabolicalRS

damn good price for em!

Linson

I really like what you're doing with your car. great move on the LS Posi, 3.42 rear end. and those wheels look amazing. I only hope that the tires you use wont be as low profile as they appeared in the photo shop mock up. 245ish fronts and 305ish rears will be sick.

once you get the suspension etc. worked out, your car will be a perfect candidate for some sort of LS conversion.

beautiful car.

aero-wing plus power buldge (Formula) or TA/GTA hood would make a lot of sense when the time comes.

CharcoalBird

iTrader: (4)

Good work, Foof! Get those wheels on and post up pictures ASAP!

Zach/90\irocZ

iTrader: (6)

looking good , get those wheels on lol
I may be going back to the 521s but in black and paint lip gloss black
if I cant get my 531s to fit lol going to test fit them today

Would like to know the clerance with front hubwith the +12 offset as mines where +25

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

Tires and spacers were ordered today. Will most like be here early next week and I should have them mounted within a few days of getting them.

This being said I am EXTREMELY worried about the look of the 4th gen rear end and these 10" wheels. I plan on pulling the fenders out as much as I can. I had them mounted on real quick today and did some measurements, it started raining so I didn't take any pics, but the rears do stick out, a lot....

Myfirstconvert

I MUST HAVE THIS CAR!!!!!

It would look Great next to mine!!!!


Very Nice!!!

Zach/90\irocZ

iTrader: (6)

Yea need pics so I can see , how far out the wheel stick out from fender?
+25 offset might help but need to see pics and measurments to get the right amount of backspacing and tuckage

rolling the lip rear lip can gain about like over 1/2" of clearance on tge tire

depending on tire choice with 275 or 285 and brand of tire as each brand width varies and can have more or less of a tire stretch which helps with clearance fender wise

CharcoalBird

iTrader: (4)

Pictures would help. In order to keep them from sticking out so far you may need to go back to a 3rd gen rear.

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

Once they are mounted with pictures I will post them, and yes I have already been looking at 3rd gen rear ends on CL.

I know that the 4th gen ones are a tad stronger, but the biggest reason I did the swap was for the brakes which will be the biggest letdown swapping back. Well at least if I go back to a 3rd gen rear end I'll have an ebrake again...never could figure that out lol

maks10

Some nice work!!! Keep going man

Zach/90\irocZ

iTrader: (6)

10 bolt is a 10 bolt not much difference in strength, not worth my time IMO ..unless using camaro or corvette offset wheels so you dont need rear adapter you can swap brakes over also unless you find a one with discs
try the junk yards there easy find

karl's-92'-z28

iTrader: (5)

Take the disc brake setup off the 4th & put it on the 3rd gen rear.

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

I found 2 that I am debating purchasing, but am not sure which one. I am leaning towards the 9 bolt because of the posi. Which do you guys think I should choose and why?

9 bolt Borg Warner posi w/ 3.27 gears with disc brakes (no brakes) - $200
http://dayton.craigslist.org/pts/4330957168.html

10 bolt? 1984 Z28 rear end w/ 3.73 non-posi with disc brakes (new brakes included) - $250
http://dayton.craigslist.org/pts/4340581946.html

Which is the better rear end to go with? And could I swap my 4th gen rear brakes over to either of these?

Also thanks to all the compliments from everyone! Will get pics of wheels up as soon as possible!

DiabolicalRS

wouldn't the 9 bolt be the better choice because it already has a disc brake setup?

Zach/90\irocZ

iTrader: (6)

9 bolt is stronger would be my best choice and it already has disc setup can use 4th gen brakes might have to get new bracket http://www.flynbye.com/catalog/i31.html

10 bolt its ok but its a 84 you can swap you brakes an posi IIRC but you need to get 28 spline axles as they didnt start to show up till 89 soo that 84 has 26 spline axles

parts are harder to find for 9 bolt buuttt
http://www.9bolt.com/

FooFighters92

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the advice guys, will most likely end up getting the 9 bolt if I end up not liking the stance with the 4th gen rear end.

ETA for tires is the 27th! I'm off work too, so pics will be up then.

Slash

I wouldn't suggest the 9bolt.. yes they're a smidge stronger.. but their parts are very hard to get your hands on and when you do they're expensive.. You dont know the legit condition of all the internals of the rearend for sale.. and whats the reason its for sale in general? I stand clear away from them.

Eric-86sc

iTrader: (18)

Yes 9 bolt parts are a little harder to come by but rock auto sells all the seals for them relatively cheap. If you end up needing internal parts due to breakage you need to put that money towards a stronger rear anyway. To the op, One other option is to take your fourth gen posi and brakes and install them in your original thirdgen housing provided you still have it otherwise nine bolt all the way.