Hey Guys!

I'm starting this thread to fully document my experience of doing a frame up restoration of a 1986 Trans Am that I have owned since 2001 but haven't driven since 2005. It has never really been in "great" shape as it was given a shoddy paint job before being sold by a used car dealer, however the interior is in very good shape and the body (other than the driver side door) only has a few rust areas.

I live in Winnipeg and can only do repairs on the weekend at the moment but I should have a dedicated work area for my TA within a year so progress should speed up at that point.

So many people I have talked to tell me that trying to restore a 3rd gen is a waste of time but I have never loved a car as much as my 3rd gen TA and I have been dreaming about fixing it up to its original glory ever since buying it, so sentiment plays a big part here...

Follow along with me in my quest to restore this fine bird!

Here is the plan:

- Remove all exterior and interior components so that the frame is all that remains. Sandblast and repair metal as required. Fix all rust on doors and cracks in ground effects by combination of welding and fiberglassing.

- Undecided if I will rebuild the 305 LG4 carb engine, do an LT1 conversion or get a crate engine. I'm leaning towards the 305 rebuild to save on costs.

- Complete suspension system replacement. I already have Eibach Sportsline coil springs for it that have been in storage for 8 years.

- Ram air hood and fiberglass spoiler install

- Full weatherstripping replacement.

- Rear hatch 3rd light removal.

- Complete Wiring harness removal and replacement.

- full brake/gas line system replacement.

- total underbody cleanup and protection.

- restoring GM t-top bag.

- replacement of door hinge pins or potentially entire hinge.

- Lots more!

 

Good luck fellow winnipegger.

Some advise though, how much do you think it will cost for this project?
How much rust is on the car?

You might be better to get a roller or full car from the states without rust.

Restorations can cost alot!

I am lucky as I have owned my car since 97 and bought it with 40,000kms and never winter drove it.

 

If your going to end up replacing all the engine wiring and fuel lines anyways, maybe you should invest into a LS truck engine. More power and good fuel milage, would make the car fun to ride for sure.