When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Finally got my car back from the Body Shop(13 months)about a month ago.Had some time to take a few new pics this weekend.
This is what the car looked like when I decided to put the tired paint to rest.This is a one owner TA,I bought this car new in 86.I was going to get rid of it a few years ago then I discovered this TGO web site and seen the pride that some of the members had for their 3rd gen Firebirds and Camaros,so I decided this car doesn't owe me a dime and so I restored it back to what it was in 1986.I used all Stock or NOS parts for this car,if it didn't belong in this car it wasn't going into the restoration project(exception,Tires,exhaust pipes, Weatherstripping and Wraparound Spoiler etc.)
The tear down begins
It took so long because of inferior aftermarket Fenders and Front Bumper Cover.
I myself purchased 3 Front Bumper Covers,1 new aftermarket and 2 used,1 aftermarket Front Fender and 2 used.The new ones the body shop prepped and painted and couldn't make them fit,they just didn't lineup(they were retured paint and all,no problems).So in the meantime I had to buy some used ones and the ones that I bought online were JUNK and they were also aftermarket(Fenders)I purchased a used Front Cover from a member on here and that was left in the sun so long it cracked from shrinking(couldn't be repaired)(trashed)so I bought another used one from one of the sponsors on TGO same thing but had a dozen coats of paints(they took it back)So the Body shop had enough and they took it on their own to find a good used GM Fender and Front Cover.In the meantime I'm being put on the back burner because they have other cars to do.I really didn't mind,the car was kept inside the whole time.Here's the final product after more than a year of patience.
I stopped using it as DD about 10 years ago,then it sat in the driveway for about five years (covered) then I found this site(TGO) and started to do a little at a time with it,then I retired and got bored and found a new hobby.
Thank You, Irocjiraffe,Javier87,Thomas1976,Carlos,82tarecaro,lonestar7,
Carlos,the interior is all new,(Cloth), Upolstery is From Classic,it's the original Pallax upholstery for the seats and upper door panels and the Carpet is from 1A.
Vince,I'm having the Fad Dot lower stripe put on by a truck lettering co.I bought the whole decal kit from Phoenix Graphics,just didn't make an appointment yet.
Thanks again Guys.
Had my Fad Dot Lower Stripes put on today.
They have a yellowish tint,should be clear.I'm waiting for P.G. to get back to me,I sent them a couple pics.
Last edited by mantaguy; Sep 26, 2013 at 05:13 PM.
I had the same interior in my 86, like it because it is different.
Not sure about the 'red dots.' Since you were after a restoration it looks cool though.
Nicely done, this site has been an inspiration to a lot of us, I wouldn't have a third gen anymore if it weren't for some of the excellent cars on here keeping me motivated!
I had the same interior in my 86, like it because it is different.
Not sure about the 'red dots.' Since you were after a restoration it looks cool though.
Nicely done, this site has been an inspiration to a lot of us, I wouldn't have a third gen anymore if it weren't for some of the excellent cars on here keeping me motivated!
Thank You 86TA,not sure what you mean about 'red dots'??
Got a response from Phoenix and they are going to replace the lower fad dot decal but it was a very unusual response.
this was the 1st
"This is the nature of the clear vinyl decal over white paint...not seeing a problem here. There is an ever-so slight discoloration but this is totally normal. I think the car looks great!"
But that wasn't going to fly,so I asked them to send me a new fresh roll of the decal material and this was their 2nd reply.
"Peel off the stripes and return them, I'll exchange them for you."
I thought that was a mistake and I responded"are you serious,you want me to send back a ball of trash in the mail".I mean they already seen the pics I emailed them,they said they appeared Yellow.So this was their 3rd response,
"Yes, that's what I'm asking. I feel its a fair request in exchange for a new stripe kit. Please send them to:
Phoenix Graphix
RA #129153
400 S. 79th Street
Chandler, AZ 85226
Thank you, your car looks great!"
So now I have to peel off the Fad Dot,(hopefully not the new paint)mail them the trash, to get a new strip kit.I guess they just think I am trying to get one over on them,just a very odd request.
Franny - do you think the replacement set will be any different? It would suck to peel all the decals off, send them back, and the replacement looks the same when you put them on. How bad is the discoloration? I see it in the pics. Just wondering if it shows more in person.
[QUOTE=82tarecaro;5648022]Franny - do you think the replacement set will be any different? It would suck to peel all the decals off, send them back, and the replacement looks the same when you put them on. How bad is the discoloration? I see it in the pics. Just wondering if it shows more in person.[/QUOTE
I was thinking that too,I hope not.Their really not any worse(I guess their growing on me)in person,but they shouldn't Yellowish and the shop that installed them said they were old.This shop is a reputable place,they wrap cars and do tractor trailers,so they know what they had.
I'm removing them this week and sending what's left of them back.They must get some kind of credit for them,otherwise why would they want trash back??
Possibly, maybe they'll send back to their supply for a credit. Still seems like a pain for you as the end user. Hope it goes well and look forward to updated pics once replaced!
How in the world did I manage to miss this thread?
Congrats Mantaguy on a job well done!
From looking at the lower stripes I can see a bit of the yellowing, and if a photo can show that, I can only imagine what they look like in person.
Hope the paint job will all you to remove those stickers safely. You may have to use a heat gun to soften up the adhesive just to be safe.
From my own dealings with Phoenix Graphix I can tell you that they have pretty decent products, but they can be a real PITA to deal with. It seems that every time I have to call them either to ask something or place an order, the dude that answers their phone is having a bad day or sounds like he's annoyed that someone called. They're lucky, IMO, to have that side of the marketplace to themselves, otherwise, I'd take my biz elsewhere.
Anyway, hope they send you a good set this time around.
Congrats again, and keep the updates coming.
BTW, love how the interior turned out.
P.S. Love that badass Plymouth hot rod, too
Thank you Luis,got the stripes off today without any problems,did use the heat gun in a couple spots.Your right about talking to these people,they seem like your bothering them,even when your spending money with them.
Thanks again.
Just to break *****. I dealt with them a few times and I wasn't impressed either. I guess when you are the only game in town...
Not really Vince,Classic has them and if the next set comes back yellowish,I'm going with them.Now I don't know where they get them,I'm guessing PG,I don't know.Hey maybe I'll just leave the lower stripe off all together but I really don't want to do that,well see.
Got my replacement Fad Dot Lower Strip Kit this morning and I was very surprised. Phoenix Graphix replaced the roll with the Pre-Cut sheet.
I didn't know these were available for the TA's,I knew you could get them for the Chevy's.I'm thinking of installing these myself instead of taking it back to the Lettering shop.
Way to go Phoenix Graphix
Somehow i missed this thread too....great job man i dont recall ur car needing to much tlc...and off topic but always like your red interior/white ext combo...not sure if i commented on that before lol...good luck with the resto ...subscribed
Hey, thank's maks,I see your from Morgantown WV,spent quit a few drunken weekends there back in the days,(WVU Football games)son went to Collage there,Great Town.
checkout the hatch window,that decal has been on there for over 20yrs.
Last edited by mantaguy; Nov 18, 2013 at 04:39 PM.
^lol nice!!!...originally from FL but getting used to the mountains ...football is definitely huge here...my wife is attending wvu now...miss the nice weather but cant argue the peacefulness here
Now I don't know where they get them,I'm guessing PG,I don't know.Hey maybe I'll just leave the lower stripe off all together but I really don't want to do that,well see. 
