https://corvallis.craigslist.org/cto...850349387.html

No T-Tops, crank windows....

I own two 86 Trans Am's and just wondering if they came this.... base. I don't recall having seen a hard top Trans Am before.

GD

 

It's got all the proper ear marks. It's a non-WS6 car and light on options... Probably was an LG4 or something equally lackluster. I like it, just needs some wheels, paint, interior...

 

Hi there,
Without the VIN or SPID it is hard to tell, but it looks like an original TA. In 1986 you could still order a lot of options separately, so you could get a stripped-down TA. The kicker is in '88 they stripped the base Trans Am down to really base - L03 TBI engine, option package 1 included little, 2.73 rear end, 15" base wheels, etc. A TA in name only.

 

Looks pretty nice. There certainly no shortage of hard top Trans Ams. Cranks windows are a little surprising, but I guess 1986 was a long time ago.

 

That's been on Clist for a while....

 

I like it.

 

There was one for sale near me not to long ago. No AC, Crank windows, 5 speed. Same color combo. One owner. Wish I had bought it.

 

Huh.

Had another 86 come into my neighbor's shop a while back - carbed 305 model. I guess I just didn't realize you could order them this way. Both my 86's are virtually identical except for color and one has a power driver's seat. Which I figured was probably an option.

I'm not interested in this one - if anyone else is feel free. I'm looking for a reasonably priced 91/92 Formula for a project.

GD

 

My ex had that same year and color combo TA, with hard top. T-tops were an option, not rolled into a package like they were on the 4th gen cars.

 

Yes they do have stripped down one's in 86 I have a hardtop, no power anything, 2 speed wipers, and no tilt wheel, no cruise, but mine is at least a ws6 lb9 j65 car.

 

It's more than a T/A in name only.

1980 is when the Trans Am made the jump to 301, 301T, or 305 power. Bigger engines were gone.

A base V8 (LG4) was available in the Trans Am from the start of 3rd gens. IIRC. The introduction of the L03 in 1988 (loathed though it may be by some) did not represent any sort of step backwards in horsepower Vs. previous base V8 engines. And of course, that V8 is an upgrade over the standard V6 in the Firebird.

Yes, the '88 Trans Am came with 15" wheels, as it had in prior years, all the way back into the 70s. But that's glossing over a lot of other content Vs. a Firebird. Things such as the full Aero package, Fog Lamps, Fender Air Extractors, Hood Air Extractors, Hood Air Louvers, the Aerowing, "Neutral Density" tail lamps, Full Instrumentation instead of warning lamps, Aluminum Turbo Cast Wheels, and Y99 Rally Tuned suspension. Some of this was available as an option on the base Firebird, but was Standard on the Trans Am.

And of course, once you had a Trans Am, you now had access to performance options not available on the Firebird, like WS6 suspension with bigger anti-roll bars, gas charged shocks/struts and faster steering ratio, 16" wheels and tires, and 4 wheel discs (when available). Also, more powerful engines.