Hello all, I have an 89 Trans Am GTA that I [regretably] haven't touched in the better part of a decade other than buying a new cover for it every 2-3 years.

I've decided to sell it because if I was going to do anything with it, I would have by now. Wanting to know if it's worth my while to get it back to a running state or not before selling it. The transmission is shot, that's what got it parked in the first place, so not trying to do anything in regards to transmission, just motor, which is the 350TPI.


I have a new battery and fresh fuel ready to go, and its last oil change was Royal Purple (don't recall weight) if that counts for anything. Also, it only got premium fuel in the few years that I drove it.

 

Post up some pics - we can recommend an asking price

 

Big question is was it stored inside or outside for those 10 years??

 

The fuel in the tank has most likely turned to varnish and if you try to start it, you will create more problems than the car has right now. Leave it alone.

BTW, my car has been parked for over 25+ years, maybe closer to 30. Just think of the fun I'm going to have.

 

Out of curiosity, where are you located? I'd like to see pictures as well. This might even be a good place to sell it, weather you are wanting to try and get as much as you can for it, or even if you're more willing to let it go for a good deal to someone on here that would get it back to being road worthy again and able to be enjoyed. I can speak from experience that there are quite a few rough third gens in my area in particular, I assume people in my area just don't have the same care for them as we do. Anywho...

How much fuel was in the tank when it was parked? Weather it has regular/mid/premium in it doesn't make any difference after sitting this long, even with fuel stabilizer.

I wouldn't put any fuel into it either way, there is a good chance that the fuel pump will be gummed up/dead and by putting more weight in the tank just makes it that much more difficult for the next guy to drop/clean out the tank.

Also after all this time, the oil that's in it is going to be broken down either way.

If you plan on putting the battery in to at least show that the motor cranks and isn't seized up, I'd personally pull the fuel pump fuse before turning the key on.

 

Its been outside but under a cover. I've replaced the cover about every 18-24months when it deteriorated. This most recent cover I've had the longest and strongly recommend for how long it's lasted me (3 years and counting without a single tear). The "never wet" Rustoleum brand, got it at Walmart, by far the most expensive cover I've ever bought, $90 IIRC.

I'm in Tampa btw













She's no crown jewel, but please be gentle! lol

 

Yikes. Around here that's a car YOU pay someone to take away.

 

Don't spend a dime, don't rinse it off, someone will see the potential and probably give you a little for it, but realistically it's a poor parts car. Chances are it'll get junked before someone sinks a rebuild in the trans. The car needs everything, a complete restoration, that would cost more than a similar car in original condition.

 

Ouch, she is definitely a little rough around the edges...

I'd REALLY hate to be insulting, but 100% a sub $1k car in that condition man.. Maybe more like $500 if you have a clear title for it.
Sounds horrid, I know. But it's definitely going to take a lot of love to get back on the road, that is if someone doesn't just go to turn it into a drag car or something.

I'm seeing some palm trees in the background of the pictures, just out of curiosity are you located in Florida? If so what area?

 

Post #6 says the car is in Tampa.

 

Yep , at best it's a $500 parts car ...

 

Woah that's pretty neat, that car was equipped with the super rare green carpet! Awesome option to have because it also meant that factory floors were N/A

 

We are a relentlessly cruel lot some times. Apologies OP, but sincerely don't throw good money after bad unless it's a labor of love and you are going to keep the car and enjoy your investment. A running parts car with a bad trans and bad paint, and rough interior really isn't worth much more than a non-running parts car with a bad trans and bad paint, and rough interior. Right now the dust and dirt gives an over-enthusiastic buyer something easy to fix, it likely helps hide how bad the reality is, in effect it might make the car worth just a little more than if you washed it and got it running.

 

Drew's right. Even if you do get that car started, it's going to need every gasket, every hose, every sensor, every wearable component + whatever else has failed over time, and that's just in the motor alone. You're also hours of work away from even being able to crank that motor. Needing a trans and a full mechanical overhaul, you're thousands away from that car being able to move under it's own power. Judging by that passenger fender too, never mind the rad support, that car needs to be straightened back out. It's unfortunate, especially if it holds sentimental value, but it's time to let that one go to the first offer over $100. White GTA's are everywhere, so spend a few thousand to get a car that just needs general tinkering but is ready to drive, and do exactly that. You could be on the road, sister at your side, blowing clouds of Marlboro out whichever window still goes down years before that car will be able to make it to the end of your street and back.

 

Appreciate the responses, sometimes the truth hurts. I did as advised (which was nothing).

Car sold yesterday to someone a few counties away for $800. He didn't speak much English, but he has another one (condition unknown, I didn't ask) that he intends to make a working car out of the two of them.
Works for me! lol


Again, thank you all!

 

I bought a parts car just like that for $300. Another $75 for towing. It was cheaper than buying a new fender that I needed....

GD