Just bought a 1983 Trans am 305 v8 black Gold pin stripping. Myself and 2 eager boys will be trying to bring her back to life
The body has some rust. A small screw driver hole in the passanger side door and one rear panel. Just wondering what is the best way to handle this problem. Also, what years have interchangable body parts for this car.
The interior is very nice except the headliner is starting to sag and there is acouple of cracks in the top of the dash.
Mechanically in is really nice150,000 miles on the 305 and original tranny.
Any tips to get us going would be appreciated. We have limited knowledge but never back down from a worthwhile challeng
Thanks very nice site

 

'83's rock!

The front and rear bumpers are 82-84

The fenders are 82-90 T/A only

The hatch is 82-92

The hood is 82-84 and 87-92

 

sounds like a great project. you will find all you need here at TGO. Welcome to the boards.

do a search on "project Resurection" was a body thread i posted during the past year or so redoing my body. it has alot of good info and all the help i got from members here. as for the holes best way is to fill with welds or steel and grind em smooth. if it is not to big some metal to metal filler from evercoat my do the trick.

Best advice i can give you is to buy quality products and things will go better for you. don;t get cheap filler or cheap masking tape(tape does matter) anything by 3m is great stuff for working with.

what type of finish product are you going for, nice show factory correct or just daily driver that should look decent.

post some pics if you have em.

good luck
jeff

 

Can you weld? The best way to repair metal is with metal. You could rivet or screw in sheet metal and try bond to cover the seams.

If you can weld, get a hold of a thick piece of brass or copper, stick it behind your door where the damaged area is, and weld the hole closed. The weld won't stick to the copper/brass. Then just grind it smooth.

Mathius

 

Wow thanks for the info guys. Unfortunatly we can't weld. May have to seek some professional help in that area

Took the sanding disk to the car today. Starting to remove the rust and get an assesment on the damage. Went to the library to get some more info.

Cleaned up the engine compartment with a little. Think that a set of headers would be a good way to start. Any recomandations. Does a guy just remove the manifolds and clean everything up and bolt them on? Then the other end joins up with the underneath exhuast I assume The car has dual exhaust I presume, 2 pipes coming out the back and 2 small cat converters. Please excuse my ignorance I have limited vehicle mechanic knowledge but willing to learn some

Thanks again
RoR