Greetings, I am a new member here, thinking of buying an 82 Trans AM. Its been sitting for 15 years in a garage, ran once every 2 weeks to keep the juices flowing. I am not a mechanic, I know a little but I don't work on cars, but I can and don't mind working on a car to save money in labor. I am really interested in this 82 TA. The interior and body are in great shape, it truly is a beauty with low miles - under 40k that checks out by carfax and other sites. The carburetor is out of whack or may need to be replaced because it falls on its face when you rev it, I'm not sure. We ran it at idle for about 45 minutes, and all the gauges work, the car did not over heat or smell of burning oil, no smell at all. It also needs new tires and a battery, the AC belt is missing, and a safety check. This wouldn't be a daily driver. Just a one day a week driver for some fun. The Cat is gone but with a classic plate I believe I can get an exempt emission sticker in PA. Asking price is 3500. I just wanted to get some advice or tips since this is my first 3rd Gen TA. Just reading the forums here I have learned some things. Much appreciated.


Thanks,
Lisa

 

Welcome to the club! These 3rd Gens get addictive, just so you know. If your T/A is carburated the rebuild kit is like 20 bucks. They came with Quadrajets which is a good carb if treated right. Post some pics when you get a chance.

 

Thanks for the welcome. I haven't decided, I just don't know if it would be a money pit. or if the tires, battery, carb fix, AC fix, would be enough to get it going.

No rust anywhere. The body is immaculate......

 

 

Looks pretty nice, but you never know what will be required to get it running right until you tear into it. Be prepared to work on it!
I would be willing to bet the AC is toast, so if that's a deal breaker don't expect to have cold air until you have put some money in it.
I don't think it will pass inspection without cat , even with classic plates, generally true for all cars after 74, but some inspection places are less strict than others.
I would probably offer less money. Generally I would t pay more than 2000 for a car that doesn't run right and isn't inspected and isn't a special rare model or something. Can it drive around well enough to find out if the tranny works? If not, take off another $500 at least.

 

About how much does it cost to install a CAT? I think I have right info on inspection if anyone can correct me I'd appreciate it: To get historic plates I need to take pics and send them to the PA Department of Transportation. PA would need to approve the plates, there is a chance they may not approve historic plates. With historic plates no inspection is needed. If PA rejects historic plates the next option is classic plates, classic plates require inspection and emissions just like if it were a daily driver. For classic or historic plates the mileage limit is 5K a year for shows and stuff.


I think it would cost about 1500 to get it road ready, and that's IF it only needs the a/c, cat, tires, battery, carb all fixed.

 

Hey, your in PA cool. You need original wheels to go historic or classic plates it has to be in original condition. A cat installed shouldn't cost more than 200 bucks. AC will be more, about 220 for the parts alone. The car looks good, those wheels are kind of cheap though. Welcome again.

 

are you in Massachusetts?

 

I think she is in PA as she is talking about registering it in PA.

 

I'm in Pennsylvania yes. They don't have the original wheels, but I don't have to go the historic or classic route I suppose. Those bowling ball caps Im not too fond of. Ugh..decisions, decisions.. I just don't know if I should get the car or not.

 

I've got a running, driving 82 firebird that needs nothing for a similar price. V-6 firebird, hardtop, new tires, new exhaust, unmolested survivor car with PHS docs. Dont know what your requirements are, just thought I'd throw it out there.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/fire...rd-23-4xx.html

 

Very nice looking, I just prefer the V8. Also I think Ohio is a bit too far for me.

 

I'm not crazy for the car at that price..... Just my 2 cents.

If it were more original - and ready to go - then I would be more likely to pay that amount.

 

It's a good starting point. But I would NOT pay more than $2k, figure $1,500-2,000.00 to get her rolling SAFELY down the road.
Not to mention that the N.A.D.A or Kelly Blue Book value is next to nothing for a pristine 3rd gen. ... we that love them pay more, simply because.

 

Thanks for your replies. I appreciated it. 3500 is a bit high for something I cant test drive.

 

You can always offer less if you want that one.
If you are planning on buying cars, haggling is an essential skill. Doesn't hurt to practice.

 

So true! The art of haggling has almost been lost. I used to enjoy listening & watching my Dad haggle for a car he wanted.

 

Good choice of year!

Any reason for an 82 in particular?

 

The car is gorgeous, haven't seen a 82 TA with a body in that good of shape in a long time, if it runs then it is worth $3500. It is more than 25 years old so it doesn't need to pass emissions. Just the visual. So get a cat about 80 bucks to put on for the inspection. Get your sticker or whatever. Then put a regular Rochester non smog quadrajet on the car and enjoy. Because it has been sitting I would flush the gas tank put in a new fuel filter, complete fluid and filter change for the Trans not forgetting the converter, and or course oil and filter for the motor.

Might also want to flush the brake fluid and do fresh, and check the gear oil level in the diff and get a chassis lube.
and keep those gold mods if he has the other rear one, you can't find those any more.