svrider76

Searching the local craigslist for 3rd gens, i came across an interesting one.... a 1983 Trans Am DT500 LG4/T5 hard top. It is rougher than i wanted to take on right now but i decided to pull the trigger at 800 bucks. Its going to be a slow restore but right now the bird runs great. The engine and trans are in good shape, probably could use a new clutch soon. The driver side floor was soaked when i got it, i guess from water leaking in from around the worn out door seals, (only thing i can think of), over the weekend i got under the driver side carpet to vacuum out the water and rip out the moldy soaked matting. I decided to replace the carpet and already ordered from Hawks.
Wiring under the hood needs some attention. Mostly the bundle of wires that run from head light to head light, they got chewed on by a mouse it looks like. Needless to say the engine bay needs some cleaning up as does the interior. But the body is fairly straight and everything is original except for a T-handle Hurst. I found the original build sheet under the carpet but unfortunately it has been laying in a puddle of water for probably a few months. It is ruined. I managed to save a few pieces, the bottom left that told me where the car was originally bought, and another piece showing the engine and trans options (LG4, 5spd man.)

So little by little this will be my new weekend project. What do you all think? I figured to start with the wet carpet and get that out of there. Then move on to putting the dash pieces back together and doing some re-wiring. For some reason all the speakers are gone but the original head unit is there and original panels.

Also Im new to the forum and this is my first post. Been lurking for the past month or so and this maybe one of the most comprehensive forums i belong to.

svrider76

Water damaged Build Sheet

*84TA

That's one heck of a deal, or should I say steal, for $800. Where are you located? How many miles? Dash pad looks to be in great shape. Console lid looks like it it has very minor lifting around the latch. Do you know how hard that radio is to find? I have been looking for one for months. Looks to be a great starting point for a project. Please keep us updated on your progress.

hotrodln

That looks like a nice project. were the floors gone under the wet rugs? welcome to the forum!i think you will like it....lots of great advice available here....

svrider76

The dash reads 12,xxx and the last title was listed at 58k so i have decent reason to believe its only turned over once. I am in Maryland. The floors were surprisingly solid underneath. No rust really just one or two spots where the carpet had worn through by the heal. I will take care of that when i have the carpet out. Good thing is its a fairly solid body which is always a plus. Will need paint eventually. I am happy that the radio and dash ect is all original as I like my cars unmolested for the most part. There is only one small crack in the dash in front of the driver grill. Should be a great project to work with.

hotrodln

well if the floors are still good, that's a great start!fresh carpet/paint and it will look great!

cIaRmOaCrZo

thats a pretty nice find! those seats look wicked, probably one of if not the coolest "factory" 3rdgen seats iv seen. and is the build sheet suppose to be under the carpet?? because thats where i found mine in my 86 iroc...under the driver side rear seat section

tajoe

iTrader: (1)

Welcome and nice find. Is the clutch hyd., or mechanical. i've got an 84 T/A, and am swapping to a T5. Was curious, was told only 82 had mechanical. Hope you get your 83 back together soon. good luck with it.

HarbingerTA

iTrader: (1)

Welcome from another new guy and also another pace car owner. I paid $1000.00 for mine and and am having the body redone this winter.

Wish I had the original radio for mine.

svrider76

Awesome. How much is that running you if you don't mind me asking? Im pretty sure the clutch is hydr. As far as the build sheet Ive heard numerous things. Common places seem to be under the seat or under the carpet.

89RS_82Z

iTrader: (2)

Sweet ride!!!!!!!!!!! what part of MD are you in, im up in Waldorf/Laplata 6 weeks a year

HarbingerTA

iTrader: (1)

....................................

HarbingerTA

iTrader: (1)

The body on mine is pretty straight so about 40 hours of labor, in the neighborhood of $2500.00. I am very familiar with the guy doing the work, as he has done two vehicles for me in the past. That does not include any weatherstripping or graphics.

*84TA

82 and 83 had the mechanical linkage. Went to hydro in 84.

svrider76

Thanks for the clarification.

svrider76

6 weeks a year? What are you in the military or you own a business around there. I used to live in SO MD but i moved north DC suburbs.

subroc

iTrader: (2)

For the leak check the windshield gasket. My bet is thats where your water is coming from.

svrider76

Wouldn't that mean the dash would be ruined if it was running down the inside of the windshield? I'll look for signs of windshield leak when I get home. What should I look for? Just signs of a leak or separation? Is the driver side leak common?

89RS_82Z

iTrader: (2)

family i make 3, 2 week trips a year up there

cant wait to see pics of it once you start working on it

89RS_82Z

iTrader: (2)

not to scare him but there was alot of flooding in his part of MD, i hope the car wasnt under water

subroc

iTrader: (2)

Every car is really unique so i cant say if its common or not. If i was to check an area i would check the lower left and right hand corners of the windshield. Best way to find leaks is to have a friend with a hose hit the windshield/side window or anywhere you think water is getting in and just keep poking around until you find it.

Not a third gen but my 83 subaru was leaking BAD from the lower corners of the front windshield. Granted that car had and actual gasket where as third gens windows are glued in. It was also leaking from a rust hole in the cowl area but thats another topic for another time.

maroman88

nice find! love pace cars

KITT1983

iTrader: (3)

sweet score dude