I got a 1982 Trans Am a few days ago, it's a bit overwhelming just figuring out where to start. She had a 305 LU5 in her but the heads are gone but all else is there and it has the TH200C trans in it (I'm wanting to eventually put a 350/7oor4 combo in her), the PS fender was off and had been stripped to bare metal before but has since re-rusted so I sanded and sanded until I was satisfied and now it's primered but not on yet. The guy before me was trying to use seats from a 2001 TA but just will not work so I'll be looking for seats from that era, there is light rust and a couple of holes on the driver side behind the fromt seat area, also has rust by the t-tops, and a small leak from either rust or bad weather seal, brakes need checking as they aren't hooked up, steering wheel won't lock (which we found out when we pulled it from the field from the rear end) The front DS bearings are smoking and there is rust on the rotors. So my question is, Where do I start?! Do I get the motor and tranny in first then staret on the body? Get the brakes and rotors sorted out? OR What??? Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks!

 

i'd do the brake first so you can move it without issue... then i'd tackle the rust issues and prep the car up for paint... Then motor and tranny ... this way you can drive it to the paint shop with the motor and tranny you want and pull it out days later ready to start looking good... Last is upholstery..

 

hey man you should def hit me up,I'm out of OKC and deal allot with '82 birds

I have 2 82 t/a crossfires right now

 

Hey a 5.3 from a 99-06 chevy truck, a carbed Victor Jr intake, the MSD 6010 ignition controller, a new or used 750 carb, motor swap plates, a set of 98-02 camaro/forebird manifolds, oil pan. Then get a TH350 or a 700R4 rebuilt and install everything and it will run easily. From there get the rotors swapped with new pads and replace the calipers if needed. The start with the body work, the 98-02 Camaro/Firebird seats WILL work, then you will have a decent project to start body work.

 

Well, I've started with the brakes, haven't had much time so I've just checked the rear drums so far, I'll probably just replace them. Do I need to bleed the system and refill to check if they're functioning? I really would like it to be able to stop before it moves. A buddy of mine has a 350 Vortec block that I may use but I want as little wiring as possible, kinda want to eliminate the need for the computer. I'm a little fortunate I suppose because he didn't cut any wires when he began pulling the heads and components off the 305 but unfortunately nothing is labeled and there are several bolts (probably from the heads and the brackets that hold on the power steering pump, alternator etc.) that I need to match up as I may need the components when I find a decent motor for her. Also on the block, I am not experienced with working with the crank shaft or putting in rods and pistons is there a lot to it or should I find a running motor and swap out for better heads, intake manifold etc? I will have a little more time for her in a few weeks but til then it's slow and steady...Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Hell yeah replace the brake fluid and all the rear hardware and the rear wheel cylinders, get new rear drums. Starting on the brakes is the smart way to go. The money spent now will save your life later.