I am in the process of restoring my 86 Trans Am and have a question. Would I be better off just replacing the decals and hood bird or try and have them airbrushed on instead? I like the the looks of the decals but not the possibilty of them peeling or cracking. Any help is appreciated an thank you.

 

I'd personally get the decals, airbrushing would be very expensive I would think.

 

I agree with Tmic87TPI. Air brushing that stuff can get very expensive.
If you're restoring the car and getting it painted and you put new decals on,chances are you're going to love it,and take care of it.
So having them dry up crack,and flake off in pieces shouldn't be an issue.

 

they should last 10 years from new right? i mean my 84 hood bird the small one looked good still and i know it was never replaced

 

Ok I think you guys are right about the airbrushing being expensive. Also anyone know who I should contact to find out the original decal colors? The originals were very faaded when i bought the car.

 

Phoenix Graphics. that's where I got the new decals when me and my buddy restored his 80 turbo TA. they looked great.

 

does phoenix have the third gen stuff?I have seen the kits in magazines that Classic Industries has for any third gen from 82-92.
Maybe you could check out the Classified Industries catalog vs. the phoenix and see whats avail.

 

I plan on buying from phoenix once Im ready for decals, they have alot for thirdgens.

 

They have all the decals for 3rd gens. Turbo TA, daytona, 15th anniversary, GTA, indy, you name it.

 

damn,I never knew that!
can one of you possibly post up the link here?

 

It's easier to type in "PHOENIX GRAPHICS" in Google, than to ASK somebody to do it for you....

 

I still need a way of using the VIN to find original color scheme. I'm sorry that I sound like a complete moron, but I've never done a restore that was this indepth. Where can I get this information?

 

Take your VIN to a stealership, and see what they can tell you, or online... Pontiac Historical Services .... Give them your VIN and, for a fee, and they'll tell you more than you ever wanted to know about your car. I think they can't do before '88 though. Contact them to find out.

 

Just remember that the hood decal is a tricky install for a novice, contrary to what some instructions would leave to believe, installed many....3rd gens easier than 2nd but still tricky..Rob