dano 1

In the shop being detailed / Factory Original Digital Dash

Local Car Show

Local Car Show

In my front yard so it is dusty

Local Car Show

In the shop being Detailed
I am looking to sell my 1986 T/A. It is a rare bird with T-Tops / 305 TPI / and the FACTORY DIGITAL DASH. I think the only option it did not come with was the factory sub. The car is all original and unaltered. The only addition I made was a stereo. When it was installed I made sure nothing was cut out. All the factory wiring is still in place and I have all the original radio ready to plug in. The radio works but not so much for the cassette. The car only has 70,000 miles and is in great shape.

I'm not sure what to ask and that is where I am hoping to get some help. I have done a lot of research but can not seem to find out how many of this package was made. I think there were about 800 over all made but not sure.

Any help on what I should ask would help.

Thanks

dagwood

iTrader: (5)

Great looking car!

As for what to ask for it.....I'd say start at $11,500 and see how much interest you get.

Good luck with the sale

JT

iTrader: (1)

According to Robert Casey's book, there was 796 1986 Trans Ams with the digital cluster (U52). You won't be able to break-down the figures further down to how many of those had T-Tops, TPI, bright red, etc., as that information is not public. It's generally only one option level. The vehicle is too old and the records aren't available. 1990 and newer is more available.

I don't think the digital dash is going to be the selling point. The condition and performance options are generally what buyers look for. It's nicely equipped with the TPI and T-Tops in the common color theme. Unfortunately, 1986 is a year where some enthusiasts are less interested due to the more restricted 305 TPI after 1985 and the one year only high-mount 3rd brake light is a dividing thing for some.

The digital cluster was to be released in 1985 and is featured in the 1985 Pontiac books. However, it doesn't appear it came until 1986. Interesting fact is the digital cluster was not exactly "rare" in some cases. For example, despite the digital cluster was an option the majority of the 1988 GTAs came with the digital cluster than the standard analog cluster.

You've got the car priced at $17,500 in the classifieds. At that price, consider fixing a few of the small things such as the driver's side seat buckle and missing rear wheel center cap. Stuff like that, in the price range, will distract potential buyers.

dagwood

iTrader: (5)

I didn't know it was in the classified section for $17,500.......that is in the stratosphere for a 1986, 70k mile car....

I damn near bought a 38k mile, 1989 5 speed, tpi trans am for $9,500 a few weeks ago. There's not a trans am dash option in the world worth $8 grand.

I'm not trying to sound like a jerk, but just trying to give you an honest, realistic starting point. I think $11,500 is a good starting point......but I still think it would be a tough sell at that number at this time. If it was a 15k mile car, then its be a different story. Right now the f bodies that are bringing the big money are the IROC's. The trans Am market is significantly softer.

I was also interested in a 1989 Turbo Trans Am with 73k miles for $15,500.

dano 1

All four hubs have been replaced. I can't seem to find the right seat belt latch. If you know of where I could find one please let me know. The digital cluster was sent out and has been completely detailed and all works properly. As for the rare part I am referring to the style of dash with the S-shape tach not the semi circle. This was only a 1986 version. In 1987 GTA it went to the semi circle.
I do need to fix an exhaust leak from the manifold, but that is no big issue. I also think I will be doing new brakes. It all works great but I believe it is still all the original pads and all. I know the hoses are all original. They still have a date stamped on them of 1986.
What else do you think I should concentrate on to clean it up for sale, I've never done this before.
What kind of price do you think I should be asking for it. Like I said before, I don't want to give it away but I want to be realistic.

Thanks,

RKeats

Definitely give that interior, especially the carpet, a good cleaning. Order a set of GM floor mats, colour match the spoiler and IMO the side trim pieces, and then take a swing around 11,500. As it sits right now, I doubt anyone will pick up the phone with that price being above 10k. Mind you, you're in a totally different market than me. In my area, an automatic 86' with 112xxxkm will only pull around 7500CAD, but our market is extremely soft on the Firebird side of things. Even low miles GTA's don't move.

dagwood

iTrader: (5)

Yeah the dash being "rare" doesn't really make it any more desirable or worth any more money. For example, my dad has a 1991 Trans Am convertible. 305 tpi, auto, dark green with tan top and tan leather. 1 of around 49 that color combo. They only built 451 automatic trans ams in 1991 TOTAL. Does it make the car more valuable or desirable? Nope. It's a $7-$12 k car, TOPS.

Rare PERFORMANCE options will bring more money, always. 1LE, etc.

JT

iTrader: (1)

Note the 1986 had a black aero spoiler so what this car has is correct. It's one of those 1986 things. If the car is going to be priced and marketed for its condition, I'd not change the color but keep it original as part of what the car is.

Yes, I knew and understood the early style digital cluster because I have one myself (not in a car, but a complete unit for parts). There possibly could be a person who sees it as extra for being the first version but it being worth several thousands more? Since you've asked, I don't think the first version adds value or atleast not thousands of dollars worth more than one with the second version.

Please understand the comments here are not to degrade the car. The car is nicely equipped and appears in good condition. Personally, I don't think marketing and pricing the car based on the first digital cluster version is going to sell the car and for the asking price.