New to Site: Fix up First Car?
 

Hello Guys. I've been reading threads on this site for about eight years, but I finally got around to joining. I'm 24, from North Alabama. I started out with this 1985 2.8l MPFI Firebird when I was 16. Then I moved up to a '92 TBI 305. Later, I bought a 2001 Z28, and now I finally got my ultimate goal, a 2002 WS6. All the others I sold, except for the 85. Sadly, today she sits in a chickenhouse. But she holds a special place in my heart, and I would like to get some opinions from you fine folks as to how much you think it would cost to get her back in running condition.

As of 2008, my grandmother was driving it everyday. I had just done a tune up on it, and we had put on a new MAF. Every now and again, the thing would short out somewhere, and it wouldn't turn on. Finally, one beautiful spring morning, a deer ran into the side of the car as granny was driving it. Damaged the front fender, and the driver door. We parked it in the yard for a few days, and one day we cranked her up and drove her to our abandoned chickenhouse, and she has been dormant there ever since. At that time, I was a poor college student, with only part time work. Now happily employed (for now, knock on wood) and saving for a house.

Now that I have a little bit of money to play with, I would love to get her back on the road. I've attached some pics so y'all can tell me what you think. It never was fast, but it handled so well. In some ways, I enjoyed it more than my WS6.

-Zack

Re: New to Site: Fix up First Car?
 

Some more pics.

The transmission shifted fine, and the motor ran fine. Had an oil leak somewhere, but I don't know where the electrical problem is, or how long the rear end or fuel pump will last.

Aside from the arm wrest and the trim that runs along the center console, the interior used to be super nice. I think it would clean up.

the seats under thos covers are still really nice, and the dash only has a small crack under that pad

Re: New to Site: Fix up First Car?
 

the first think i would do is clean it the hell out and get a new corner panel

Re: New to Site: Fix up First Car?
 

..

Re: New to Site: Fix up First Car?
 

No idea how much would it cost but i would fix that special place in my heart if i were you.. so... good luck!! :welcome:

Actually, that's what i'll start doing in a couple of weeks.. I got a nice $500 deal for this bird 2 weeks ago, 166k miles.
It sat for about 5 or 7 years unused. (The guy didn't have time to drive it, can u believe that?) Only problem is the gas pump,
we had to tow it to my friend's garage.. Found small rust spots here and there, nothing serious
except for the battery tray and the front bumper top reinforcement bar.
Will also replace the brake pads/shoes and drums... everything else looks ok for now...

pics of it from the day i saw it for the 1st time.
http://www.duke01.net/pics/thumb.php?id=9EBE_510F0A63 http://www.duke01.net/pics/thumb.php?id=0CCF_510F0A63 http://www.duke01.net/pics/thumb.php?id=C384_510F0A63 http://www.duke01.net/pics/thumb.php?id=901A_510F0A63

Re: New to Site: Fix up First Car?
 

I highly suggest fixing it, I miss my first car and always hope I'll run into it again... was notthing special just a 98 Z28 but it was my car, and I got suckerd into trading it..

Since you have managed too hold onto yours over the years, I would fix the damage and do a motor swap and really enjoy it.

Just my two pennys

Re: New to Site: Fix up First Car?
 

it shouldent be to bad to fix it, just dont get rid of it :O

Re: New to Site: Fix up First Car?
 

It's going to need a fuel pump and a tank drain for sure after sitting that long, A battery, fresh oil. The body does not look too bad, but the fender is done. The door might be able to be saved. I would keep it and fix it up if you can. You don't alway have a chance to have your first car.

Re: New to Site: Fix up First Car?
 

You know we are all going to tell you to restore it.

Easy for us to spend your money and time.

You gotta be able to afford it, and you gotta love doing it.

Re: New to Site: Fix up First Car?
 

Welcome to TGO Whiskeyseirra6!
Well that's quite the story and life that car has had to this point, would be a shame to see her finish off the days in the chicken house (: Hopefully Granny didn't suffer any injury, but I say absolutely get that car back on the road. I can see a beauty under all that dust. Get it cleaned up first, from there I'd get it to a service station and have then do an oil change and check all fluids etc. Is that mold on the shifter and steering wheel? Would love to see this car all cleaned up.

Re: New to Site: Fix up First Car?
 

Getting decent parts shouldn't be too hard in Alabama. My 87 V6 came from there, with aftermarket bumper covers from some company that at least USED to be there...

First thing to do would be to check the underbody for rust. I know, I know, the car sat indoors. But it's still on dirt and hay.

Second, clean up the interior parts before taking everything out and checking the interior of the floor pan. And then throw the carpet over a fence and spray the crud out of it with a hose. Let it dry in the sun before putting it back in. Probably in the spring. If the interior floor is okay, with no major rust, get whatever rust there is taken care of and then lay down some bedliner to protect it from further damage.

The rear axle will be just fine. Change the gear oil in it. Change the fuel pump, though. This will give you a chance to examine the fuel lines and tank for any damage. If it's all original, keep it that way, but you will need to examine the wiring harness for whatever damage is causing the short. If you describe it in more detail, it may be easier to tell where to look.

Re: New to Site: Fix up First Car?
 

Thanks for the opinions everyone. No, Granny wasn't harmed, thanks for asking lol. She sure did hate that it happened on her dime. I know this is in the body section, I wasn't sure where to post this. But since we're on the subject, do yall think the engine and transmission could be locked up just for sitting for about four years?

And yes sir, that is mold on the steering wheel. I hate it, I used to keep that interior so clean. I really liked this one, it felt a lot lighter than my 92 305

UPDATE 2015
 

UPDATE FEB 11 2015:

I've began the project. I've got a new fender, and I've got a 82-84 functional Side bulge hood to go with it.

I have put in a new fuel pump. It was running fair, but not knocking.

We rebuilt the top end. New COMP 260H cam, Heads locally ported lightly. New Pacesetter headers. Got it all back together, and the engine was knocking.

So I've ordered a 3.4 shortblock stroker kit from Dave Anderson at A.R.I. (The same guy and shop who built the 1983 "Dominator" Mustangs). It should ship today or tomorrow. He's painting the block Pontiac Blue for me.

Re: New to Site: Fix up First Car?
 

can someone please move this to the V6 section?

Re: New to Site: Fix up First Car?
 

well, i will be following this one ... good luck

Re: New to Site: Fix up First Car?
 

I dont know whats with these cars but compared to other cars they look good when they are dirty :lol:

Re: New to Site: Fix up First Car?
 

This was her the day I got her. 15 years ago.

And the engine shot is all back together before we know it was knocking.

Re: New to Site: Fix up First Car?
 

Good luck with the rebuild!

Where you located in N. Alabama?

Re: New to Site: Fix up First Car?
 

I live in Owens cross roads, work in Hunstville! What about you, buddy? Where do you park that TTA at night? ;)