| 79 Trans Am Restoration |
This is a restoration of a 1979 Trans Am with a 403 olds (6.6 L) engine. The body was in reasonable condition, but as the car had been left outside with poor door and t-top seals, it was suffering from extensive water damage.
Many thanks to Kieran Mullen for his help and encouragement and time in assisting with the restoration.
So far, it is a story of a poorly maintained car that suffered from neglect for the past few years.
When I got the car it barely ran and would not idle. Nearly all the vacuum hoses leaked, as did the exhaust manifolds, exhaust system, exhaust down pipe and EGR valve. After removing the down pipe to replace the “donut” at the manifold to downpipe joint, I discovered that the down pipe was almost blocked. I needed a new down pipe and after much searching I found a company to make one.
The T-top seals were replaced by a previous owner but just glued over the rust, so they were removed and all rust grinded, cut out or treated with Rust Remedy. On areas where the rust had perforated the metal, the metal was cut out and replaced.
Other items replace so far are the front calipers (they were seized), I checked the back ones last week and found new rear pads on one side and completely worn pads (metal) on the other, one caliper is leaking and the bleed nipple is broken on the other. One disc is scored at least 10mm deep so new rear discs, pads and calipers are in order.
The rear deck under the rear window was totally gone, a common problem on the Trans Am. The rotten piece was sectioned out and a replacement welded in from a donor vehicle (thanks Martin!)
The shopping list for parts keeps growing!
Regards
Eamon |
|
