Well, I have a really long story about the lilfe of my Trans Am, but I'll try and shorten it up as much as possible. I bought the car cheap, and put in a used TPI 350. Then I got a $3000+ paint job. That was almost three years ago now.

I've put a lot of money into it. New tranny, alternator, radiator, fuel pump, wheels, stereo, etc. Not long after I discontinued comp insurance, it got hailed on hard. Now the rear fenders are starting to rust too. The bastards that painted it closed after the owner didn't pay his taxes for a number of years. The engine smokes bad on start up and burns plenty of oil. I think the tranny is starting to slip already, about a year after its waranty ran out. The interior is getting worse (really bad t-top leaks). There are way too many small things to list.

Now I don't know what to do. There are other newer cars I like, but I still really love driving a 3rd gen. Heck, that's all I've ever driven. The only car I had before this one was an 86 T/A.

If I made it the way I want it I'd have to replace a LOT of things. Interior, engine, paint, suspension, maybe a tranny... Of course then I'd have a REALLY great car.

I wouldn't get crap out of it if I were to sell it. Lots of miles, looks bad, doesn't run good.

Maybe I'd get more if I parted it out.

I figure it'll cost me about as much to fix everything and add mods as it would to buy another much newer car in much better condition. (GTP, 4th gen T/A, Eclipse GSX)

The whole thing makes me wanna cry. I'm only 20 years old. I spent almost every penny I made in high school on that car (and I worked a lot). It used to be a really beautiful car. Now all I have to show for it are some nice senior pictures and empty pockets.

I hope this makes sense. This probably just sounds like I'm crying in my beer (actually i think I'm about to). But I'm just lookin for some advice. If there's anyone else out there that's totally restored a 3rd gen, please chime in. Heck, maybe I shoulda titled this "3rd gens VS newer cars"

Anyways, thanks for reading this. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

I would sell it and buy a 87-88 gta in mint condition
if you're working right now tho i'd get a beater pull the engine/tranny and drop in a 383/400 that would put ls1's to shame

 

Well if I were you I'd restore it.. Nab that rust before it becomes fatal. Even if you gotta put Rustoleum primer on it, do it! Go to the junkyard and grab a vortec from a truck, and go from there. A little TLC goes a long way man. T-Top weatherstripping is expensive but worth it. When you seriously think about it, you're not in that bad of a situation. You say there's a lot of small things, most small things cost nothing to repair if you know how to do it. Maybe you should check out the restoration boards for advice on some of this stuff.. If you've got an air compressor and a spray gun, do the paintjob yourself.. Paint jobs aren't that hard, just takes time and practice. Start out with somethin easy like a quarter panel. If you screw it up, start over.. Start out with the cheapest paint and primer for practice. Go to your local Barnes And Noble or visit their website and look for books on paint jobs, upholstry restoration, etc. etc. Also, there's a lot of very good books on airbrushing. Just takes a steady hand and of course, practice. Just imagine the possibilities. Look at it this way. If someone else can do it, you sure as hell can too! Good luck, I hope you don't sell it. When you completely restore a car and make it look better than ever, you'll feel extremely proud of yourself and you can truly say that car is all yours.

 

I agree with soulrev... Dont give up on your 3rd gen... The more you work on it the more youll love it. Keep us posted on your decision.